Friday, February 21, 2020

What's in a Title? Orion's Foot is up for review at the Winter Challenge


My latest release, Orion’s Foot is available for review at the Winter Games Reader Challenge. Find it here:



Orion’s Foot: Myth, Romance & Murder in the Amazon, is a murder mystery romance, with a bit of paranormal thrown in just for fun. Petra Steele has just been left at the altar when her brother invites her to the Peruvian Amazon. Before she even sets her suitcase down, she's confronted with a dead man. In a research station peopled with a quirky assortment of scientists, she is drawn to Emory Andrews, a man with a secret past. Murders, secrets, and mysteries ensue, all in the deeply romantic, sizzling jungle.



You ask about the title? 

Orion—along with Ursa Major and Ursa Minor—is one of the most recognizable constellations in the sky. Most people zero in on the three stars that make up his belt, but the brightest star in the constellation is Rigel—his left knee or foot. 

Oddly enough, I came up with the title for Orion’s Foot: Myth, Mystery, & Romance in the Amazon, separately from the actual inspiration for the book. I was sitting outside on a beautiful night and saw Orion—I’m sorry to say one of the few constellations I can identify. I thought, what a neat title for a book. There you have it.



Orion was the son of Poseidon, who gave him the power to walk on water. He was a great hunter. In the excerpt below, Petra tells Emory why she wishes on Orion’s foot, and he in turn warns her to be careful of him.

Excerpt: Orion’s Foot

After supper, she sought the hammock room,  hoping to see the capybaras again, but the lawn was  empty. For once, the sky was clear, and she wandered  out and down to the dock to enjoy the stars. Ah, there’s  Orion. Usually people chose Venus or Polaris, but Petra  always wished on Orion’s left foot. Nick had once asked her why. “Because it’s his foot that takes the first  stride across space.”
 “So what does that have to do with your wishes?”
 “Whenever I’m faced with a scary decision, Orion  gives me the courage to take the first step.”
 Nick had laughed at her. 
 As she closed her eyes and pondered her request, a  rustle sounded behind her. “Don’t fall in."
Petra sprang forward and nearly did fall in, but a strong hand caught her around her waist and pulled her back. She felt warm breath in her ear. “Emory!”
He let go. “What are you doing anyway? You had one leg hovering over the water.”
“I guess the stars distracted me.” She glanced at him shyly. “I was wishing on Orion. Or rather, on his foot.” She pointed at the star twinkling below the famous belt.
“Why Orion?”
No need to let on how weird I am just yet. “It’s…uh…the only constellation I recognize?”
“It’s probably the only constellation most people recognize.” He looked down at her. “Okay, do you have a foot fetish, or what? Why wish on the foot?”
Just because Nick made fun of me doesn’t mean Emory will. “It brings me luck.”
“Like a rabbit’s foot, only better?”
She didn’t answer. The thing that had been simmering in the back of her mind for the last two days, obscured by the chaos of events, had made itself known. She knew what she wanted to wish for.
“Petra? Did you hear my question?”
Petra lowered her eyes to Emory. “I don’t know about better—but it serves the same function. See, everyone zeroes in on Orion’s belt, or his dog, or his manly physique, but his left foot—Rigel—is actually the brightest star in the constellation.”
He inspected the night sky. “True. And?”
“Well, it reminds me that when you have to take that first step into the unknown you…um…put your best foot forward. I look at Orion striding across the cosmos, and he helps me believe I can meet any challenge.”
Emory was silent for a minute. Petra was about to take her leave when he said, “Did you know that Orion claimed he was the greatest hunter of all time? Gaia sent a scorpion to kill him.”
“Huh. Who is Gaia?”
“Gaia means Earth—she’s the goddess the Greeks called the mother of all life—the primordial deity. The cool New Age kids all worship her. Don’t tell me you aren’t into crystals and yoga?”
“No. So why did Gaia want to kill Orion?”
“Because, to prove his prowess, he announced he was going to hunt down and kill all the animals in the world. Since Gaia is the guardian of every living thing, you might say his threat kinda ruffled her feathers.”
“I’ll bet. So she decided to kill him before he massacred her subjects. Did she succeed?”
“No. Another god—I forget his name—gave Orion the antidote. That’s why you never see both Orion and Scorpio in the sky at the same time.”
Hmm.”
“So,” he said softly, “Orion is hardly the hero you want to set your heart on. All the stories of him involve power, lust, and murder.”


Buy Links:




Thursday, February 20, 2020

Australia Burns Anthology Now Available--See the Video!


Our wonderful publisher Rhonda Pender, was interviewed about our anthology while watching the books roll off the printer. Here's a chance to meet Stephen King--our author who started it all.



This is a three-volume book of stories by more than forty authors at the Wild Rose Press. Romance, thrillers, mystery—whatever you like, in one easy package. The best part is this: we are donating all proceeds to the Australia Red Cross, to be distributed as needed to help rebuild, rehabilitate, and help the thousands of people and animals affected by the horrible fires sweeping across Australia.

‘Proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.’

Here’s the Wild Rose Press link showing all three books: 

My contribution is in Volume Two: Che Gelida Manina: a Story of Second Chances. 




Wild Rose Press Store (print only):

Amazon ebooks:

Amazon print:


Monday, February 10, 2020

Wild Rose Authors Anthology Fundraiser for Australia Fires Available Now




The greatest anthology ever! From the authors of The Wild Rose Press.
February 14 is not just for Valentines—it’s also the release date for Australia Burns: Show Australia Some Love.

This is a three-volume book of stories by more than forty authors at the Wild Rose Press. Romance, thrillers, mystery—whatever you like, in one easy package. The best part is this: we are donating all proceeds to the Australia Red Cross, to be distributed as needed to help rebuild, rehabilitate, and help the thousands of people and animals affected by the horrible fires sweeping across Australia.
‘Proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.’


My contribution is in Volume Two: Che Gelida Manina: a Story of Second Chances. Here’s the blurb:



Since Jack died, Grace has lost all desire for romance, but she’s lonely and joins a dating site, stipulating companionship only. Edward answers her post, agreeing to the terms. He is true to his word, but Grace soon finds herself wanting more. Can she convince him she’s changed her mind? Will he feel the same?



Australia Burns: Show Australia Some Love will be available at all online stores. Please help us raise funds to help in this tragedy.

NOTE: If you buy the print from the Wild Rose Press it will bring in more money to send. https://www.thewildrosepress.com/product-category/writers-shop-cat/special-release-paperbacks

Think of it this way: instead of a T shirt or commemorative mug, you get forty wonderful stories to enjoy and you’re supporting relief efforts in devastated Australia.

Buy Links:
Wild Rose Press Store (print only):

Amazon ebooks:

Amazon print:

Saturday, February 1, 2020

Winter Games Reader Challenge All Month Long-with Orion's Foot & Prizes Galore



“As he started to climb down, a twig snapped below them. They froze.
Something’s being dragged through the underbrush.” 

Monsters, murder, and mysteries lurk deep in the Amazon in M. S. Spencer’s Orion’s Foot.


Orion’s Foot is featured at Winter Games Reader Challenge.This is a month-long reader challenge, featuring up to 60 bestselling & award-winning authors, with an amazon review average of 4.0 or higher!

$200 GRAND PRIZE gift card will be awarded to the one who reads and posts Amazon Reviews for the most books. Additional prizes which may include swag, print books, and gift cards. will be awarded to other reader participants, including ones with the most reviews on BookBub and/or Goodreads, and the reader who attends and participates in the most Host Parties during the event.

There will be Raves—times to interact with a few authors at a time—on Mondays and Wednesdays during February. I’ll be on Rave 2, so get your questions ready! This is the Facebook link to the Rave Cave:

A grand finale scheduled after the reading portion of the event ends will be where readers will receive their prizes.




She wishes on Orion’s Foot—and gets mystery, murder, myth, and romance.

Searching for a legendary monster deep in the Amazon, scientists confront murder, living fossils, fanatics, and romance.





If you didn’t get to sign up to be a reader, you can still catch the reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub!

Here's a list of all the wonderful authors:


Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Great stories; Great Cause: Wild Rose Authors Anthology Fundraiser for Australia Fires



The greatest anthology ever! From the authors of The Wild Rose Press.
February 14 is not just for Valentines—it’s also the release date for Australia Burns: Show Australia Some Love.

This is a three-volume book of stories by more than forty authors at the Wild Rose Press. Romance, thrillers, mystery—whatever you like, in one easy package. The best part is this: we are donating all proceeds to the Australia Red Cross, to be distributed as needed to help rebuild, rehabilitate, and help the thousands of people and animals affected by the horrible fires sweeping across Australia.



My contribution is Che Gelida Manina: a Story of Second Chances. It will be in the second volume.

Here’s the blurb:
Since Jack died, Grace has lost all desire for romance, but she’s lonely and joins a dating site, stipulating companionship only. Edward answers her post, agreeing to the terms. He is true to his word, but Grace soon finds herself wanting more. Can she convince him she’s changed her mind? Will he feel the same?

Australia Burns: Show Australia Some Love will be available at all online stores. Please help us raise funds to help in this tragedy. It is now available on Amazon and The Wild Rose Press.

NOTE: If you buy the print from the Wild Rose Press it will bring in more money to send. https://www.thewildrosepress.com/product/australia-burns-volume-one

Think of it this way: instead of a T shirt or commemorative mug, you get forty wonderful stories to enjoy and you’re supporting relief efforts in devastated Australia.