Author Spotlight: Rosemary Kubli

You know how there are those things you always intend to get around to doing but for various reasons keep putting off? Well, that is the story of my writing career. I wish I had kept track over the years of the number of days I said I was going to start writing my novel and never got beyond the first page. Somehow, marriage and the kids and family and work and life in general always got in the way. So, I guess I can answer that question by saying that I’ve been writing bits and pieces my entire life, but it’s only been in the last few years that I’ve devoted my time and attention to writing seriously. And maybe it’s a good thing that I put off writing until I was more mature. Now I have all those years of work experience and family life and traveling and meeting the most interesting people from all over the world to incorporate into the stories I’m now finally creating.

I have always possessed an innate love of storytelling, but it was never enough for me to read the stories other people wrote. Deep down inside, I wanted to create my own characters and my own plots. For many years, I collected stories in my head, imagining that one day I’d actually put them down on paper but never quite getting around to doing so. Then, one day, a former work colleague stopped by for a visit and to thank me for encouraging him to follow his dream of becoming a recording artist by presenting me with a copy of his recently released Christian music CD. While I was genuinely touched by his recognition and thrilled for him and his success, I asked myself why I wasn’t following my own advice. That evening, I sat down at my computer and began writing my first novel. What genre do I write, and why? Well, my theory is that an author should write what they enjoy reading. I have always been drawn to suspenseful storylines and unexpected plot twists, so the genre I write in is Romantic Suspense.

   Jonathan proves to be an easy mark, but he’s also enticingly irresistible. As their relationship heats up, her plot to steal his multi-million-dollar antique trinkets begins to unravel. Noticing a subtle change in Jonathan’s demeanor, Marie questions whether she’s still in control of the con or if she’s blindly become the gullible victim of her own scheme.

   Marie entered the crowded restaurant at half past six. She spotted Gus sitting at the isolated table against the back wall, their usual spot.

   “Welcome to Maestro. Do you have a reservation?” The young hostess was new and didn’t recognize Marie as a frequent patron of the establishment.

   “Actually, I’m meeting someone,” Marie explained as she brushed past the girl. More than a few heads turned when Marie entered the dining area, and the chatter dropped a decibel of two as she wound her way across the room. Her lips curled into a sly grin. Nice to know she hadn’t yet lost her touch.

   Gus stood as Marie approached the table. “Hey, doll,” he said, his endearment accompanied by a light kiss on her cheek.

   “Sorry I’m late,” she said. “The auction ran longer than expected.”

   “Not a problem.” Gus spoke with an accent that had been cultivated in the Bronx and a voice that was damaged by too many cigarettes. “I ordered you an Old Fashioned.” He slid the whiskey glass in her direction.

   “Thanks. Why am I not surprised to find a drink waiting for me?” Marie smiled affectionately at Gus as she swirled the liquor around the ice cube to blend the flavors.

   “I enjoy spoiling you. Always have.”

   They clinked their glasses together. “Salute!“

   Gus and Marie’s father, Dominic Ricci, grew up in the same neighborhood and were often mistaken for brothers. When Marie and her sister were born, Gus was the only person Dominic considered to fulfill the role of godfather to his daughters. Marie adored Gus and relied on him for counsel and guidance. Their inherent bond had also proved to be a good foundation for their mutual business dealings.

   The waiter set a plate of piping hot calamari with a side of marinara sauce on their table.

   “Thanks, Manny.” Gus winked at the waiter, a gesture Marie recognized as his customary way of conveying his gratitude.

   “That was quick,” Marie commented.

   “I told Manny to serve the appetizer as soon as you arrived.” Gus placed a few calamari on Marie’s plate before serving himself.

   Marie dipped a piece into the marinara. “I’m starving,” she said, taking her first bite. “I skipped lunch today. Too busy.”

   “My guess is you probably skipped breakfast, too.” Gus swallowed his food before continuing. “You can’t survive on coffee alone, doll. You’re thin enough as it is.”

   “You know my motto. A woman can never be too thin, too beautiful, or too wealthy.”

   “Well, you’ve got the first two covered,” Gus declared as he took a sip of his scotch. “And, I may have a plan to help you with the third.”

Gullible, which was released in June 2023, is the first novel in my Femme Fatale Trilogy. The second novel, Vengeful, is set to be released this fall (date TBD). I am currently working on the third book, Reckless, to round out the trilogy. Gullible, as well as all the upcoming novels, are available in paperback and in a digital versions for your Kindle or Nook and can be purchased through most online retailers.

     A marriage proposal. A move to the posh New England suburbs. An unexpected chance for a fresh start. Reformed con artist Siena Ricci has stepped into a world that previously existed only in her dreams.  What’s more, she’s safely distanced herself from Manhattan and the dozens of men who’d been the unwitting victims of her schemes.

     But Siena should have known better. Six years earlier, while running a con on Matthew Kramer, she’d allowed her vengeful streak to careen out of control. When a chance encounter brings them face-to-face once again, Matthew launches his own plot for revenge. Intent on beating Matthew at his own game, Siena delves into her sordid past and resurrects the cunning side of her personality that she vowed to bury forever. After all, aren’t promises meant to be broken?