Friday, September 25, 2015

VICE Interview with Canadian Author Rosanna Leo #Contemporary #Erotic #NewRelease #MustRead #Billionaire @LeoRosanna



I'm very thrilled to have the wonderfully talented, Rosanna Leo with us today on the blog. I've read many of her stories and enjoy the journey she takes her readers on. 

Welcome Rosanna!!

Tell us a bit about yourself.  Who is Rosanna?
I was born in Toronto, and lived near the amazing San Remo Bakery for most of my life, giving me an appreciation for cannoli. I’m a little flakey myself and I laugh a little too loudly sometimes. Bad manners drive me nuts but I appreciate toilet humour. I can’t believe I’m the mother of two growing teen boys, one of whom has outgrown me by leaps and bounds. And I look forward to the day my husband and I can spend most of our time traveling. Romance turns me on, even more than cannoli.

Can you tell us something quirky about yourself that readers might not know already?
Hearing singers with bad diction drives me crazy! I used to sing professionally and although I’m not part of that world any longer, I still feel passionately about hearing it done well. So when singers drop consonants, or sing as if they have marbles in their mouths, I want to go on a rampage. Don’t even get me started on Corey Hart. I don’t know what that man said in any of his songs.

How do you develop your plots and your characters? Do you use any set outline?
I do outline, but I only outline major events. I know my beginning and I know my ending and a few key turning points in between. However, I like to leave room to develop in various directions.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I have startling evidence of my fickle nature as a child. My mom may still have a childhood album in which I recorded all the things I wanted to be. I think I changed career aspirations daily. My vocations ranged from actress, nurse (this was the ‘70’s – I never thought of being a doctor), flight attendant, fashion designer, florist, secretary, veterinarian. The list goes on and on and none of these careers were remotely suitable to my character.

What do you like to do for fun and relax?
Reading is certainly a big hobby for me, and I enjoy hiking as well. However, I recently discovered a new addiction, ahem, hobby. Colouring books for adults!! They are the best. I colour while I watch TV and love it. I have two colouring books at present, The Enchanted Forest and Fairyland.



Now, about your story, VICE. What can you tell us about it?
Vice is the most personal romance I’ve written. Set in the Las Vegas gambling world, it is the story of a casino owner heroine and a woman who runs support groups for families of compulsive gamblers. These two are natural enemies…who can’t seem to stay away from each other. Conflict brings them together and although they fight it, their connection is undeniable. Oh, and the sex is off the charts.

Did you second-guess yourself at all when coming up with the title?
Not at all in this case. Vice is the name of hero Liam’s casino, and it reflects the way the heroine Kate feels about their relationship. Accepting Liam is very difficult for her, especially with her history. Her father is a compulsive gambler and she sees people like Liam as enablers.

What influenced the idea for this story?
My father who is a compulsive gambler. His addiction tore my family apart. It took many years to heal and he is no longer part of our family. I knew this personal history would one day inspire a book and after visiting Las Vegas with my husband, I found some added inspiration. Vice is the result.

What makes this couple perfect for one another?
I think that’s the beauty of a story like this one. Liam and Kate are NOT perfect for each other. They each have flaws, serious ones. Talk about damaged goods. But where you find perfection is the way they deal with their feelings. At first, they both make mistakes but they learn and suffer and begin to appreciate. I don’t really like perfection in a relationship. I want a spark and energy and passion.

What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read this story?
A sense of forgiveness and hope and a belief in true love. Although this romance traveled along a very rocky path, I’m a believer in HEA and I really wanted Kate and Liam to have their happy ending.


Okay, let’s have some good fun…
Boxers or briefs? Boxers.
Silk or satin? Silk.
Thor or Captain America? Thor.
Wolf or cat shifters? Cats.
The Walking Dead or Game of Thrones? Aaah!! I need both. Who says I can’t have both?? Is there a law I’m breaking by insisting on both? ;)
Wine or beer? Beer
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Favorite Food? Lasagna, like Garfield.
Heels or running shoes? Neither. I wear a lot of ballerina flats.
Comfy sweats or jeans? Jeans.
Coffee or Tea? Puh-lease! Coffee.
Camping or Hotel? Hotel.
What place to travel is on your Bucket List? English countryside.
When traveling do you prefer hotels or Bed & Breakfasts? Hotels.
Was it love at first sight for you when you met your spouse? Not first sight, but definitely attraction at first sight.
What did you notice first when you met your spouse? He has startling blue eyes…and a cute bum.

Where can readers contact you?


Thank you very much for being here. We all wish you the best of luck!!

Thanks so much for having me. 





VICE BY ROSANNA LEO

 


Release day- Sept. 22 at https://www.samhainpublishing.com/

Blurb:
He’s much more than a bad habit.
As a Vegas singer and volunteer counselor, Kate Callender has experienced life on both sides of Sin City’s bright lights. The thrill of performing, and gambling’s devastating effect on the addicts’ families.
Liam Doyle is just the kind of man she despises—a handsome, enigmatic businessman with a knack for seducing customers into his casino hotels. Determined to put a lid on his growing influence, she prepares to picket the opening of his newest casino, Vice.
When Liam spots the lone protestor hassling his customers, annoyance wars with instant attraction. And he quickly discovers the leggy redhead not only can’t be bought, she tempts him the way the sound of a roulette wheel lures a gambler.
They are natural enemies, but when a vile attack sparks Liam’s protective instincts, they begin a sexual odyssey that dances on the edge of addiction. Dangerously close to losing control...and losing themselves.
Warning: Contains a sexy, damaged hero who’d really rather just be having sex, and a no-nonsense redhead who makes him want to roll the dice on love just one more time.

Excerpt:
He meandered toward her and forced a smile. “You seem to have had a busy day.”
She whipped around and her eyes widened. He saw her give him a quick once-over. Did she like what she saw? Interesting. There was some perverse satisfaction in that.
“It has been busy.” She narrowed her hazel eyes at him. “Do you work here?”
So, she didn’t recognize him. Good. “Yes, ma’am, I do.” He crossed his arms over his chest and nodded, noting how her gaze dropped to his exposed forearms. Her lips parted. Clearly, working out had its merits. “And word inside is you’ve upset the big boss.”
Her nostrils flared as she dragged her gaze away from his arms. “About time.” She put her sign down and picked up her purse. “Do you know Liam Doyle?”
“I’ve heard one or two things about him.”
She stepped closer and her lips did the most amazing thing, curling into a flirtatious semi-smile. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to share them with me? The other guy kept on sucking up about him as if he was wearing a wire.” She paused. “You’re not wearing a wire, are you?”
He laughed out loud. He couldn’t help it. This was way too much fun. He sidled close to her, leaned in conspiratorially, and put a hand on her elbow. Her very soft elbow. “I’m not wearing a wire. But are you sure you want to know the truth about Doyle? I don’t know if you can handle it.”
She gawked at him and then at his lips. Her voice came out in a whisper. “Try me.”
He murmured in her ear, taking note of her lilac scent. “Well, I hear at midnight he sprouts black wings and horns. And he’s always searching for innocent maidens to add to his coven.” He bit on his bottom lip, suddenly wishing he was gnawing on hers.
At first, her eyelids did this fluttery thing that made his imported pants spring to life. But then she blinked and began to laugh. “And here I thought I was dealing with a mere businessman. I didn’t realize Doyle was cousins with Lucifer.”
“What’s your name?”
She regarded him from out of the side of her eye, her mouth still bearing the same flirty grin. “What’s yours?”
“Consider me a friend who wants to give you some advice.”
The smile disappeared from her face. “And what would that be?”
“Don’t mess with Liam Doyle. He doesn’t take to it kindly.”
The coquettish shine in her eyes hardened. “Is that a threat?”
“No, sugar. That’s not my style.”
“What exactly do you do here? Are you in security?”
“Never mind that.” He waved his hand. “Look, you’ve had your fun. Why don’t you run along home now?”
She reached for her sign and tucked it under her arm. “I will go where I damn well please. And you can tell your friend Mr. Doyle to expect me tomorrow. Maybe next time he’ll be brave enough to confront me himself.” She turned on her heel and walked down the manicured pathway leading to the taxi bay.
Liam stared at her ass as she walked away. Brave?
Game on, sugar. He’d show her brave.



Buy links:



Author bio:
Rosanna Leo is a multi-published, erotic romance author. Several of her books about Greek
gods, selkies and shape shifters have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Romance and The Romance Reviews.
From Toronto, Canada, Rosanna occupies a house in the suburbs with her long-suffering husband, their two hungry sons and a tabby cat named Sweetie. When not writing, she can be found haunting dusty library stacks or planning her next star-crossed love affair.
A library employee by day, she is honored to be a member of the league of naughty librarians who also happen to write romance. Rosanna blogs at www.rosannaleoauthor.wordpress.com

Author Links:














Wednesday, September 23, 2015

New Projects in the Works!

There's something about autumn that makes me feel more productive. It's either that snap in the air or the routine of making fresh starts at school in September. I always find myself digging into new writing projects.

This year is particularly exciting as I'm beginning to write and plan a number of new series. There's nothing so exciting as venturing into a new world and meeting new characters. Plus, it means I can buy new office supplies, which I love. I have new binders on my desk and am rapidly filling them with notes and scribbles that make sense only to me.

So, what's coming? Well, let's look back first to see the foundations.

The first job on my plate when I went all-indie three years ago was to put my older works in new editions, both in digital and print. For my alter ego Claire Delacroix, there were a lot of medieval romances to repackage, including the Rogues of Ravensmuir and the Jewels of Kinfairlie trilogies. These Scottish medieval romances feature the family at Ravensmuir and Kinfairlie—the Jewels of Kinfairlie trilogy tells the stories of three of the eight siblings at Kinfairlie. One of the first things I did when I went indie was continue that story - my True Love Brides series tells the stories of the next four siblings in that family and all four books in that series are now available.

FREE this week!
The Beauty Bride, book #1 of the Jewels of Kinfairlie, is free this week at most portals, if you'd like to begin reading the stories of those sisters and brothers.

If you're counting, you'll realize there are only seven siblings who have had their stories told. So, one of my upcoming projects is a new series of medieval Scottish romances, which includes the story of Ross, the last of the family to find his HEA. The Brides of Inverfyre will take us back to the Highlands, where Ross has been training for his spurs, and follow the stories of his cousins, too. These are the kids of Aileen and the Hawk, whose story is told in The Warrior.

Pre-order for October!
I took a break from Kinfairlie to write a medieval romance series that's been haunting me for a few years. I wanted to follow a company of knights on their return from Jerusalem to their respective homes in France, England and Scotland, and write a series of four tightly linked books. I made them Templar knights - or former Templars - and entrusted them with a secret treasure to deliver to safety. Since the Latin Kingdoms are fighting for their survival, they ride out with a party of pilgrims in need of their defense. Along the way, I knew they'd find danger and adventure, as well as true love. The Champions of Saint Euphemia is that series: book #1, The Crusader's Bride, is available and the other three books are listed for pre-order. Book #2, The Crusader's Heart, will be published in October, followed by The Crusader's Kiss in January and The Crusader's Vow in April.

FREE at iBooks!
Now for my Deborah Cooke books. :-) A few years ago, I republished the Coxwell Series of contemporary romances - which was originally published under the pseudonym Claire Cross - as Deborah Cooke books.

If you'd like to try out my contemporary romances, Double Trouble is free at iBooks right now, and at Amazon in some territories.

Reviewing these particular books reminded me how much I liked writing contemporary romance - these are romantic comedies as well as stories of family and relationships. I wanted to write more books like this, so one of the series I'm working on is a new four-book contemporary romance series, which will launch in June with Simply Irresistible.

Now Available!
Finally, there are dragons! I completed my Dragonfire series of paranormal romances featuring the dragon shape shifter heroes called the Pyr earlier this year with the publication of Firestorm Forever. It was great to wrap up all the loose threads of the story and finish the battle of the Pyr against the evil Slayers, and it took a big book to get it done - Firestorm Forever is about 200,000 words long, the biggest book I've ever written, and includes three romances. (Phew.)

Now Available!
Of course, that can't be the last of my dragon shifters. The other new series I'm working on is DragonFate, more paranormal romances featuring hot dragon shifter heroes. You can read an excerpt from the first book in that series, Hot Blooded, on my website. Theo is fascinated by the continuing character Mel Scott, and by the ghost that follows her - she's actually Melusine, the half-Fae woman cursed to shift shape once a week until she finds true love. Since Melusin is a French medieval fairy tale, not everyone knows it, so I've made my retelling of it available in a digital edition - although it's a romantic story, it doesn't end happily, which is why Theo and I need to give Mel her HEA.

Lots of new projects and adventures for me this fall! How about you? Do you like to start new projects in the autumn? Do you find the change of seasons invigorating? Or would you rather just curl up and read?


Saturday, September 19, 2015

Just The Honeymoon Capital, or Is There More?

                                                             Canadian Romance, Eh?
Blog Post by: Kali Willows

Just the honeymoon capital or is there more?


It’s been a busy summer. I can’t believe it’s September already! I’m so far behind in blogs, promotions, edits and writing, but I’ve enjoyed time with my family, and isn’t that what it’s all about?

We have done lots of things, but the one I wanted to post about today, was our trip to Niagara Falls. I’d been there several times over the years to visit family, but in all honesty much to my dismay, short of stopping for a quick view of the water phenomena I had never taken in any of the sights.

Being highly noted as the honeymoon capital, we took a different route. I brought my beautiful children, and left the romance at home, to tend to the domestic responsibilities. (Although, I do have to admit, I got the better end of the bargain.

We did the Hornblower (The Canadian version of Maid of the Mist), the Aerocar over the whirlpool of breathtaking water, the Skyline Tower, one day for the tour, the next night for dinner in the revolving restaurant and so much more. Our feet hurt from three days of walking, but it was an incredible vacation I got to experience for the first time, with my children.

The only attraction I personally found a letdown, was the Canadian tour behind the falls. For a price, a short elevator ride and a walk down an old tunnel, it was a different vantage point of seeing the falls, but it’s not one I will repeat.

Clifton Hill, proved adventurous. Arcades, watching fudge get made, we visited the Hersey factory, the fun houses and the Skywheel gave even more spectacular views to indulge in. Of course, the main reason we went, was for the kids to go to Marineland. I was impressed the costs were not nearly as outrageous as I had expected and the fun was endless.  We played it smart, and went at the end of August, in the middle of the week, while to Toronto CNE was in it’s prime. We had less crowds to contend with and more enjoyment to be had by all.

Although we didn’t do the haunted houses or wax museums, (too much for the little ones at this stage), the very low budget hotel we booked provided a Bates Motel atmosphere with a single electrical socket for three of us to share, and fluctuating water temperatures, that both invigorated and scorched us interchangeably.









What does this post have to do with Canadian Romance you ask? Well, now that I’ve done the ground work, when my sweet husband and I return for an adult only vacation, I know exactly what I want to do…get your mind out of the gutter, I meant what attractions to visit!

Next time, when it’s just us two, I want to book a nice hotel suite on Falls Avenue, preferably one with a cozy hot tub right in the room and within walking distance to everything. Take in a romantic Falls Illumination Evening Cruise, complete with a bar, snacks, night show and fireworks. Then, a stroll along Clifton Hill, and venture into the haunted houses and wax museums, where, if I get a little spooked, my sweetheart can hold me close as we laugh and enjoy the festivities. Perhaps sample the fudge being made in the store front window, and a night time ride on the Skywheel, with maybe a few stolen kisses.




The romance potential is definitely all over Niagara Falls, but so is the family fun. You can’t go wrong no matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for. This Canadian gal is quite satisfied with her trip and plans to return, soon!



Happy Reading!



Canadian living, at its best.