Spring Training

Read from May 27 to 28, 2013

Hawt! Rookie Major League Ballplayer, team owner's daughter who has been told to keep away from his players = a great start to a lighthearted steamy romance.

Description:

For baseball superstar Garrett Donovan, his contract with the New York Empire baseball team meant he’d finally have the means to secure a future for his family. He should focus on that…not on the sassy, beautiful Jessa Montgomery — or what she looks like naked. Getting involved with the daughter of the Empire’s owner would be career suicide. Jessa is a distraction he can’t afford.

Her father had warned her never to get involved with his athletes, so his request that she keep an eye on his new star player came straight out of left field. The last thing Jessa needs is another spoiled, egotistical ball player to deal with. But Garrett is none of those things. His no-nonsense attitude and smooth Southern charm make her blood burn and her knees weak. Giving into temptation, she is consumed by the pleasure she finds in Garrett’s arms.

Jessa wants to protect his career. Garrett won’t let anything get in the way of their passion.

A passion that could cost him everything


**Book given to me by the author for an honest review**
My Thoughts:

This is the second book that Parker Kincade has written that I absolutely loved. She has the talent to create interesting characters and make them fully believable. She also has a way of taking a "same ole, same ole" theme and turning it into something fresh and endearing.

The hero of this novel is Garrett (my new bookboyfriend btw) is a down home Mississippi boy who works hard and holds his family responsibility as the most important thing in his life. Baseball for him was a means to an end and anything he was going to try he was going to be successful because he puts his heart and soul into everything he does. I really loved that Parker stepped out of the box and male Garrett a good natured, well raised, down home boy with no pretensions and not a skirt chaser. It was refreshing to meet a character who actually could be someone who lived nexted door. He was sympathetic and well rounded. I dare a reader not to fall in love with him. Jessa our heroine is a bit of a different story and most of the angst came from her, for Jessa this is almost a coming of age story. She lived a pretty sheltered life being raised by her single Dad who was consumed by baseball and his team. Raised around baseball her whole life she was not comfortable actually socializing with them but preferred to stay in the background. Put into a situation that she had not encountered before she behaved much like a duck out of water. Again a very sympathetic and down to earth character.

As much as the story is character driven the plot was all about the developing relationship between our two main characters. This was in no way a technical sports book and had next to no baseball actually in it. This as someone who doesn't really follow sports unless it is to check out a hot guy in uniform was refreshing in a sports oriented story.

If you are looking for a lovely light hearted read to take to the beach this summer tuck this one in your bag it is perfect for a sunny day on the beach or a rainy day sipping Bellini.

A 4 happy bear read for me and a solid recomendation. Can't wait to read more stories in this series. Parker needs to write faster *grin*

Tangled

t'irla ~The BookSlayer~'s review May 27, 13


                                                     
Please no stoning, beer bottle throwing or rotten fruit tossing at the reviewer, she might cry.

Description:

Drew Evans is a winner. Handsome and arrogant, he makes multimillion dollar business deals and seduces New York’s most beautiful women with just a smile. He has loyal friends and an indulgent family. So why has he been shuttered in his apartment for seven days, miserable and depressed?

He’ll tell you he has the flu.

But we all know that’s not really true.

Katherine Brooks is brilliant, beautiful and ambitious. She refuses to let anything - or anyone - derail her path to success. When Kate is hired as the new associate at Drew’s father’s investment banking firm, every aspect of the dashing playboy’s life is thrown into a tailspin. The professional competition she brings is unnerving, his attraction to her is distracting, his failure to entice her into his bed is exasperating.

Then, just when Drew is on the cusp of having everything he wants, his overblown confidence threatens to ruin it all. Will he be able untangle his feelings of lust and tenderness, frustration and fulfillment? Will he rise to the most important challenge of his life?

Can Drew Evans win at love?

Tangled is not your mother’s romance novel. It is an outrageous, passionate, witty narrative about a man who knows a lot about women…just not as much as he thinks he knows. As he tells his story, Drew learns the one thing he never wanted in life, is the only thing he can’t live without

My Thoughts:

I need to start out my non-review by saying that I am not a fan of 'in your face humor'. I enjoy situational humor and snark. I also hate the type of character which Drew represents. Not all men are man whores. So coming to the review from reading this book I am certainly not going to rave as some of my fellow reviewers have but this is a matter of personal taste and doesn't really reflect on the writer of this book or the quality of writing. This being said I am not going to review the book but I would like to refer you to one of the people's opinions I respect and trust my good friend Bookie's review as her humor is more open to this type of writing. >>>>>>>   Bookchick with a kick   <<<<<<<<<<

Losing Me, Finding You

Read from May 19 to 21, 2013

LOOK AT THAT COVER!!! it is hawt!!!!!!! best cover of 2013!

Description:


Twenty-one year old Amy Cross's idea of a hot Saturday night is curling up with her favorite book boyfriend and secretly sneaking a bottle of her mother's wine. That is, until she meets Austin Sparks, the biker boy with a past that burns like fire and a gaze she can't look away from. Without knowing what she's doing or why she's doing it, Amy ends up on the road with Austin traveling from one city to another while learning things she's only ever read about in romance novels.

At first it seems like Austin is Amy's fantasy come true, but as their journey progresses, she starts to sense that Austin is running away from something. Amy knows that she'll do whatever it takes to help him find himself. What she doesn't expect is that she'll lose herself in the process and how good it will feel to be free.

My Thoughts:

Ok, I love love love this cover! It is sexy, and everything I would want in a bookboyfriend:)

On to the review. This is one of those books that is really hard to rate and review. There is a lot I liked about the book but there is a lot that just did not work for me. Issues with continuity, lack of information, the pacing of the story...and character behaviours. So lets break it down.

Austin: I love Austin. He is everything a biker gang member truly is...he joined the gang at 18 looking for somewhere to belong and the gang was it for him..became his family. For over 10 years this is the lifestyle he lead. I admire CMS for not cleaning up the biker lifestyle but showing us the gritty, nasty side to life on the road. Austin is who he is supposed to be a womanizing, drinking, partying, badass dude with some tendencies that are probably not legal. That world was depicted well in the book. I liked too that Austin's southern boy upbringing also escaped once in a while.

MMM: Motorcycles Money Madness ...is a biker gang that has been around a while The head of the gang or Prez runs the club with a steel hand. Petty crime and constant travel and a wild life. Several of our secondary characters are bikers and they were all shown to form. Beck, Gaines etc

POV: Each chapter changed the POV of the story. It jumped from Amy to Austin and back again...This made the story at times confusing ...I did understand the reasoning behind it. Austin and Amy were often not together and this is how she showed what was going on with both characters. However, it did make the story awkward, jumpy and not comfortable to read.

Amy: Here is where some of my issues really appear. I'm not a fan of the innocent sheltered maiden. Ok I get she was raised in a strict fundamentalist household. I question how she got her smutty books past her parents..this hits the continuity factor for me. She is supposed to be innocent but lets a man she met twice bend her over a pool table and do her? Where others in the gang can obviously see what is going on? That just doesn't make sense with the character that was shown to use in the first few Amy's POV ....I did like how CMS did have her grow through out the book..but umm..where did she get her fighting skills. It isn't as though she would have had opportunity to learn. To me Amy and some the action surrounding her is what has damaged this book the most.

Story/Plot: I really liked where CMS was trying to go with this ..I like the authentic feel of the MMM and Austin. I liked the feel of the bikers in the gang and of Amy's parents...they all made sense in the context of the story. I liked how background characters like Kent, Gaines were used as a vehicle to move the plot forward and point it in the right direction. I won't go into too much detail but it is exciting and intense.

Melissa: Wife of the Prez of the MMM ..shown as a bitch and a horn-dog coming on to gang members behind her hubby's back. She was shown to us as a stone cold bitch. However in the last scene with her it was a complete turn around and so out of character it just didn't make sense.

So as you can see I am really conflicted. I *wanted* this is be a 5 star read because so many of the elements in the book were things adore in my CR ...but unfortunately it fell short of the mark.

After giving the book 1 Bear for the cover alone and 2.5 for plot and Austin ...I ended up with 3.5 bear read..but in this case I rounded it down to 3 because of the disappointment in the other areas of the book.

Is it worth reading?? I think so...I'm glad I read it ...but I wouldn't reread it nor would I tell my friends they *have* to read it...kinda meh.


 READ RATE REVIEW the author thanks you.

Predator's Kiss

Read from May 05 to 06, 2013

You take two bear brothers who well...act like real brothers mix them with a human author of Erotic romance set it in a Shifter retreat in Northern Ontario and you have one fun ride of a book!


Description:

Bear shifter Ryland Snow just wants peace. The peace and quiet afforded him at his woodsy retreat, the Ursa Fishing Lodge. As owner of the lodge, Ryland enjoys the tranquil life he’s created among his fellow shifters. He lives to maintain a safe haven for them, away from meddlesome human eyes.

When his rock star brother arrives, bringing trouble in the form of a possible hit-man, Ryland is incensed. He’s been cleaning up Soren’s messes as long as he can remember, and is tired of his brother’s lecherous exploits.

Things go from bad to worse when Lia Goodblood stumbles upon Ryland and his lodge. Yes, the reclusive erotica author is easy on the eyes, but the human woman is more trouble than she’s worth. To say nothing of her bizarre fear of furry creatures.

Ryland determines to rid himself of her presence. But when he learns she’s on the run from a crazed fan, Ryland’s protective bear instincts flare. And the bear won’t be denied.

*Author provided me with this book and I offer a honest review*

My Thoughts:

Ok, everyone knows I'm gaga for Bear Shifters....and this book has two alpha Bears..a grizzly and a polar...what more could a girl like me want?? *sigh* nothing ..oh ..mm sorry got lost in a fantasy there for a minute *cough* ...yes review.. ok

In this first book of a wonderful new series Rosanna Leo has a hit on her hands. The book is a great easy read but offered the reader depth of characters with enough detail to make you understand the sibling relationship between the two brothers but also feel the love underneath the natural rivalry of two different personalities. I really liked that RL didn't introduce Lia in the first moments of the book but let us have a look into the workings of Ryland's mind. He is pretty gruff and is a real homebody but he does have his reasons. Then we are drawn into the conflict between the two bear brothers which is hilarious. Soren is definitely the lighter of the two bears with snark, and humor. Enter Lia, lost, pursued and having an innocence that you wouldn't expect to find in the writer of erotic romance. I won't give away too much of the meeting of the three but trust me...it is sooo funny.

The plot of gives our characters even more depth since RL has woven two suspenseful subplots into the book full of intrigue and peril. The main plot which is the love story of Ryland and Lia but also the underlying plot of the happenings at the Lodge and the many shifters we meet there. This book definitely ticks all the boxes for a blockbuster read. I have only one concern and that is that we were not given a lot of background on what happens at the Lodge, but seeing the name of the series I have a feeling we will find out a lot more about Gemini Island and what goes on there.

Rosanna Leo is a very talented writer with several books now available from her. Each book having it's own unique feel and flare. No copy cat writing for this talented lady. The steam factor in the book is high and well worth reading for those scenes alone but hey..I'm totally in love with Ryland so I might be a bit biased when it comes to him and steam *grin* If you enjoy reading about shifters and looking for something *different* in this genre you MUST give Predator's Kiss a read. I assure you ..this is a book you will put on your favorite's shelf so you can reread it again when you need a good book with a lightness that gives you that warm feeling all over *wink*

This perfect summer read has received 4.5 Warm Fuzzy Bears!  I so can't wait for Soren's story which will be the next in the series. I can't wait for this womanizing musician to meet his romantic nemesis. This book needs to be on everyone's list of summer reads. It is perfect for that beach getaway!


 READ RATE REVIEW the author thanks you

Belong To You

Book One in the Cole Series

Heartbreak, sadness, a honeymoon saved by a best friend and a one night stand...it all comes down to ...what happens after the holiday?

Description:

My honeymoon was almost everything I dreamed it would be, a tropical paradise, turquoise water, romantic walks on the beach, and loads and loads of mind shattering sex. The only thing missing was the groom. 

After seven years of coasting through a relationship with Michael, my senses were numb. A week of passion with a stranger was just what I needed to clear my head and take back control of my life. But how do you move on when the man that was only supposed to be a fling somehow seeps into your soul and steals your heart?

*This book was given to me by the author for a honest review*.

My Thoughts. 

In Belong to You we have a plot very similar to what other authors have given us. Billionaire meets lonely girl yadda yadda...except in this book we have some wonderfully written characters and a strong chemistry that jumps right off the pages. As the story goes along we learn more about why the marriage didn't happen...we find the tension and electricity between the characters a driving force and the vehicle that moves the romance along. Cole can be very controlling and high handed but he does give off a bit of vulnerability  that makes him even more endearing. The plot takes a twist after the holiday is over and Cole comes back to reality. Then out of nowhere his dreaded father appears and confuses both people for a moment.

I invite you to be reborn with this 4 bear read. Step back into the time of simpler romances but with the heat of an male alpha and a girl who won't be pushed. I definitely recommend this book and will be watching for other novels by Vi Keeland!

 READ RATE REVIEW the author thanks you!

Sergio: Interview with a former Romance Cover Model

One afternoon sitting around on Goodreads chatting with my girls we discovered that one of them had been holding out...yes that's right!  Rosanna Leo had not, until that afternoon revealed that her brother was a model for Romance Covers!  Well, after much scolding and hair pulling...ok ok I was the only one hair pulling.  I came up with this fabulous idea that I needed to interview him.  Rosanna being as afraid er gracious as she is offered to approach him for me.  Luckily, he accepted my invitation to chat.  Oh and Sergio is his RL name I didn't make it up.  Oh, and yes ladies he is single  *evil grin* 

My Chat with Sergio....but I can call him Serge..cause we are now like this

<<<

Thanks so much for coming today Sergio, I really appreciate your time.   For Most  some of us the cover is one of the first things that makes us reach out for a book then flip it over and read the back cover. For a romance reader  it is *the*  most important job…er umm   after the writer of course.  *looks over her shoulder to make sure your sister the writer is not around*   Please have a seat on the bear rug in front of the fireplace and get comfy. I hope you don’t mind the floor *grin* 

t’irla: So how did you end up modeling for these Harlequin Romance covers?  Were you “discovered” or did you fall into it?  Maybe when you were a little boy wanted to grow up and be a romance novel cover model? *grin* 

Sergio: As a child I was always intrigued by the models who graced the covers of Romance novels.  I stared modeling at a young age and when I became a man, my agent would send me on romance novel auditions.  Shortly after I landed my first cover.

t’irla:  What was a shooting day like?  Can you describe the good things and the bad things?  

Sergio: Shooting the covers for romance novels were always fun.  Having a great staff definitely helps as they are truly the ones who get you in your comfort zone.  As long as the experience is fun and playful, there are usually never any bad experiences.

I asked some of my followers  on the blog, FB and of course my Goodreads friends what they would ask if given the opportunity to chat with you…now…I need to warn you Sergio some of my friends tend to ask “adult” questions. 

From Magda:  What steps did you take to prepare for shoots?  What awkward/memorable poses do you remember most? Did you ever get “excited” and have to ask for a break?  

Sergio:  One cover that was very memorable was when I was working with a female model and they placed us in a pool of rose pedals wearing nothing but swim trunk bottoms.  She was very attractive and there was great chemistry so needless to say we were both excited.

Chelle and Mel  are curious to know  if you had ever read any of the books where you appeared on the cover?  

Sergio: I have actually never read any of the books I appeared in, but I have saved them all.

Krystle from Facebook asks "What got you started, did you always want to model did your mom read romance with models on them , did you make fun of them?  

Sergio:  My family never read romance novels, but I always remember seeing them in book stores or super markets as a young child.  I found this very interesting and always had an attraction to the design and style of these books.  Later on in life when I became a model my agent thought I would be perfect for them.

<Sergio's First Cover

BookChick  from   BookChick with Kick Blog wants to know: "Do you do anything particular to get in the role for the character you are portrayed." 

Sergio: I don’t do anything in particular to get in the role of any of my characters except keep an open mind.  You never know what the publisher/director will ask you to do.

Sky  from Facebook asks: "Do you  know ahead of time about the character you are going to portray? How do you feel that your face will always and forever be associated with the characters good or bad ?"

Sergio:  Usually when you go on auditions you get an idea of what the character will be.  Being associated with bad or evil characters on the novels doesn’t bother me as it is all fiction.  In fact those roles are usually more fun.

Michelle ☕Ndayeni☕ has a similar question: Did you generally know what book you were posing for or did you just do a variety of different shoots and publishers bought/used what they wanted from your stock?  

Sergio: In almost every case you know the character portrayal ahead of time.

t’irla:  how much input did you have regarding poses/sets/costume/etc.? Was all that totally dictated by the photographer/publisher or did you have input? 

Sergio: Some publishers like getting the models input, but usually they have a script put together on what they want you to do.  As far as costumes and clothing, the publisher will ask the model to bring in a few outfit selections and then we work from there.

ETA is curious: (1) Did it seem as if your "look" worked better for one particular genre over another?  (2) And related to #1 would be: Did you ever have to do any advance prep work to fit desired cover (e.g., grow or shave facial and/or chest hair, grow out or cut his hair, etc)? (This is somewhat similar to one of Magda's Q above.) (3) Has you ever dated any of your cover partners? (4) Have people recognized and/or approached you because of one of your covers? 

Sergio:  I usually always get an heroic role or a dark misunderstood role.  Sometimes the publisher will ask you to grow a five o clock shadow.  Usually they never want you to be clean shaven.  My hair was at medium length when I modeled romance novels and they told me to never cut it.  This helped land more roles.  The only time I get recognized is when I am in the super market.  I have never dated any of my cover partners, but I have had a few offers lol.
The ladies were trying to be good I think

t’irla: Have you ever declined to do a cover?  If so why? 

Sergio: I have never declined to do a cover.

t’irla: Was all your work studio work?  Or did you ever have to go on location?  

Sergio: I have done plenty of studio work as well as location shoots.

t’irla: Sergio have you read any of your sister’s books??  Oh you may w
anna take a couple minutes to  about your sister’s success She is a good friend to t’irla’s talk. ?  You can whisper in my ear if you don’t wanna answer out loud cause you may get into trouble *grin* 

Sergio:  I have read all of my sister’s novels.  I must say I am very proud of her!

t’irla: Do you keep blow ups of your covers in your den?  LOL J/k   Just wondering if your Mom and Dad have any of your covers framed? 

Sergio:  Lol, no blow ups, but my family does have multiple novels saved.  Always a great coffee table conversation piece 

t’irla: What does a Romance cover model do after he retires from the job?

Sergio: A romance novel never retires if he takes good care of himself.

t’irla:  Can you share with us a bit more about your company?

Sergio: I own and operate a company called Kleen Media located in the city of Toronto.  We specialize in event planning, marketing and cutting edge nightlife.  Feel free to attend one of my events.

t’irla:  Did you miss the modeling at all or was it just a period in your life you went through to get to where you are today? 

Sergio: Modeling was always a fun experience, but I do not miss it at all.   

For this one Sergio had to pose in a Hot Tub for Quite a while...uncomfortable?? You betcha

t’irla:  What do you think when you see the covers after all this time?

Sergio:  When I see my novels now I always have a good chuckle.  My grand kids will be proud one day J 

Sergio thanks so much for visiting with me today.  I appreciate you taking a trip back in time with us and sharing some of your experiences.  Heck, you may even be a book boyfriend of some of my followers I know you are my newest BBFJ 

Sergio:  My pleasure!  

Part 2 of An Conversation with Rosanna Leo......and Friends

Hold on to your hats...while Bookie acts out in this part of our conversation *grin*   It gets a bit out of hand.  Enjoy


BC: *Raises eyes heavenward as I watch t’irla jump and jiggle around Soren and Ryland*. T, seriously…you’re acting like a shameless hussy. Throttle it back sister and settle in so we can finish this interview.

TT: *Bounces over to Ryland and settles into his lap*.

BC: *Mouth gapes open* Get. Out. Of. His. Lap.

TT: *Fingers Ryland’s hair at the nape of his neck and replies innocently*. What? You said settle in! And I’m quite comfy, thank you very much.

BC: *Stomps over to T and drags her out of Ryland’s lap*. Lia! Hellooooooooo. He’s already spoken for.

TT: *Thinks thoughtfully for a minute* You’re right! I’m not sure what I was thinking. *Bounces over to Soren and drapes herself over his lap*. Hi gorgeous!

Soren: *Grabs T around the waist* Well hello, beauty. Now, this is the kind of interview I like.

BC: *Offers and irritated reply* Can we puhleaze get on with the interview here. Soren you’re distracting T from focusing.

Soren: *Snuggles T’s neck*.

TT: *Issues a girly giggle*.

BC: *Rolls eyes and growls*

Soren: *Swivels head at BC and hums in his throat*. Hmm, BookChick, you’re making my kind of sounds over there. *Quickly stands up and dumps T off of his lap and scoots his chair closer to BC*.

TT: *Issues an unladylike squeak and glares at Soren*.

BC: *Snickers and scoots chair away from Soren and then addresses Rosanna*. I’m so sorry about this Rosanna. You know how distracted T is by shifters and especially BEAR shifter.

TT: *Still on the floor sighs* Beeeeears. *Scoots closer to Soren from her position on the floor.

BC: Ready to continue Rosanna?

RL: *Looks hesitant*. I’m sorry Bookie. I thought the guys would add interesting character perspective as I talk about Predator’s Kiss.

BC: No…no…no. It’s totally ok Rosanna. T just threw me off with her beargasm over there. *Looks down at T and rolls eyes*.

BC: *Continues with the interview*.  What makes a good story for you?

RL: Tension, whether it be a life-or-death situation, or just even romantic tension. Without it, there is no story, just a sequence of events. Oh, and a hot hero never hurts. ;)

TT: *Looks up adoring at Soren* Tension is so sexy!

Soren: Ummm…t’irla…Do you mind moving your hand from………there, please?

TT: *Feigns innocence*. Whoopsie

BC: *Glares at T* Don’t make me hose you down!  Rosanna, what was the hardest thing you ever had to write?

RL: The hardest thing I ever did was adapt Predator's Kiss from a short story into a full-length novel. I'd originally envisioned it as a short, and it went a certain way. Liquid Silver gave me some feedback, and I decided to lengthen it and take it in a different direction. It was so hard incorporating old ideas and new thoughts and making it click, but I think it worked in the end!

BC: So now that you’ve mentioned Predator’s Kiss, let’s chat about it for a bit.  Tell us a bit about how you came up with the concept for the story.

RL: LOL Predator's Kiss began life as a much different animal. Liquid Silver had put out a submission call some time ago, requesting short stories based on fairy tales. I came up with what I thought was an intriguing spin on Snow White and Rose Red. In the original tale, two sisters encounter an injured bear in the forest. They care for him, and learn he is a prince under a spell. After somehow reversing the spell, he becomes human again. One girl marries him, and the other his brother. In my short story, I came up with two bear shifter brothers who find a mysterious woman in the woods and care for her. It was my first try at ménage...and it was horrible! I played with the idea some more, removed the ménage and everything flowed!

TT: *Pouts and looks between Soren and Ryland*. I really could use a ménage.

BC: *Glares* Seriously you are about 2 seconds away from being hosed down like a 5 alarm fire.

TT: *Licks her lips* These boys can quench my fire any day.

BC: *Gags and heaves* You are out of control you walking ovary. Calm down!

TT: *Sighs dejectedly* Fine.

BC: Rosanna, what’s the quick tagline for Predator’s Kiss?

RL: *Thinks quietly and then replies* “She's on the run from a stalker, hounded by paparazzi. And now she's awoken the bear.”

BC: *Whispers to Rosanna* Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

RL: *Responds in a return whisper*  It would have to be Ryland. He's my main dude in this one, and I sympathize so much for him. He just wants to be left in peace, and all hell breaks loose on the fishing resort he calls home. He has to deal with an annoying brother, an erotica writer on the run, and all manner of intruders. And when the whole mating issue begins to plague him, he becomes ready to burst a gasket. He was lots of fun to write...writing stress is surprisingly enjoyable! But once he makes up his mind that Lia is the one, nothing will keep him away.

Ryland: *Grins widely* Thanks Rosanna. I always knew I was your favorite.


RL: *Blushes* Oh shoot! I forgot about that dang shifter hearing.

Soren: *Pouts* Heeeeeey! What about me?!?!  Why aren’t I your favorite?

TT: *Jumps up and holds Soren’s head to her chest* Don’t worry about her honey! You’re my  favorite and that’s all that matters.

BC: *Mumbles under breath* Poor guy. It’s the cowboy all over again.  T, I’m almost afraid to ask this but do you have any questions for the guys?

T:T *Still holding Soren tightly* Why yes I do!

Soren: *Holds himself stiff and looks mildly uncomfortable*

Ryland: *Snickers loudly*

TT: *Let’s go of Soren and plops down on the sofa next to Ryland, squeezing his leg seductively*

Ryland: *Removes T’s roving hand and places it gently on the sofa and chides her* Now…now t’irla. Don’t forget that I am a happily mated man.

TT: *Pouts and sighs* Fine! Does it hurt when you shift?

Ryland: *Chuckles deeply* Well, it’s not so much that it hurts. It’s more like a snapping deep in your body, shooting into all your limbs. I won’t say it’s pleasant, but I try to keep my eye on the prize. There’s a freedom in shifting to my bear form. Plus I get to take my clothes off. That’s always a silver lining *smiles at t’irla*.

TT: *Sighs dreamily*  Honey ...Pasteurized or unpasteurized?

Ryland: *Reddens, and then nibbles his full lower lip* You heard about that, huh? I’m fine either way, but let’s just say I like my honey the way I like my women…all natural. The way God intended them to be.

TT: *Hums seductively* Now THAT’s what I’m talking about.

Soren: *Cuts in and interrupts* Excuse this verbal love fest and all but when do I get asked some questions?

TT: I’m sorry Soren, love. I’d never forget about you. How do you like being told you are better than Tommy Lee on drums?

Soren: Depends on who’s telling me darling! I’ll take a compliment from you any day, you and your friend BookChick *nods over at Book Chick* I see you over there, looking shy. Need some help coming out of your shell, beautiful?

BC: *Blushes* Umm…umm…just pretend I’m not here. I’m wallpaper right now.

Soren: *Chuckles* Come a little closer to me beauty
.
BC: *Gulps* No…no…no…I’m fine right over here. Carry on. I’m sure T can hold your attention.

TT: *Mumbles* I’d like to hold onto SOMETHING else a bit more.

BC and Rosanna: *Exclaim in unison* t’irla!!!!

TT: *Blank stare* What? *Shrugs* I would! Anyway…back to my men *smiles saucily at Ryland and Soren.

Soren: *Grins broadly*

Ryland: *Whispers to Soren* I’m kind of afraid of this one, bro? *thumbs a finger in t’irla’s direction*

Soren: *Chuckles* Nah! Not me. I love sassy women. *Looking at BookChick* I like em shy too.

Ryland: *Shakes head*.

TT: *Claps hands together* Eyes back on me, guys.

RL: *Giggles* t’irla you are so crazy.

TT: *Grins* You know me! Now Soren,  why Classical music?

Soren: *Winks* Classical music is the bomb! I think every rock musician should study the classics. Where do you think rock music came from? It has its origins in the classics. Listen to Led Zeppelin, and you’ll totally hear Beethoven in those lines. Beethoven is my god.

TT: Ok Ryland, here’s another one for you. Why plaid? *hrms* Are your sheets plaid too...I would love to see them?

Ryland:  *Deep laugh* I think the real question, t’irla, is why not plaid? I like the rugged look. I don’t shop in boutiques like my brother Soren does. I wouldn’t know Hugo Boss if he came up and bit me on the ass. And anyway, my Lia likes my plaid shirts. I like ‘em even better on her. (sexy smile) And I do happen to have plaid sheets, thank you very much. I’d show them to you, t’irla, but Lia would kill me.

TT: *Pouts* Lia…Lia…Lia! It’s always about Lia. *Grins at Soren* You’re free though.

Soren: I most certainly am! *Winks at BookChick*

BC: *Blushes* Soren behave! Ok guys, we really need to bring this interview to a close and I have a few questions of my own. Soren, can you give our readers your Fan club site?

Soren: *Turns to Book Chick, eyeing her crossed legs* How about I just give you my private number?

BC: *Clears throat* Um…moving on. *Looks  at the sheet of paper with questions and asks* What’s your favorite part of the female body, Soren?

Soren: *Responds right away* The vagina. Definitely the vagina.

Collective responses

BookChick and RL: *Gasp*

Ryland: *Growls angrily* Soren! You insensitive SOB.

TT: *Waves hand in the air* Ooh, ooh, I have one. Wanna see?!?!

Soren: *Looks at Ryland smugly* What? I don’t have one!

Ryland: Couldn’t you say something nice, like eyes or hair, you dipshit?

Soren: I happen to like vaginas. Don’t hate me because I’m a red-blooded male.

Ryland: *Drags hand down face in exasperation* Ladies, can we finish the interview so I can take my insensitive asshole of a baby brother out of your hair.

Soren: You’re just mad because the ladies like me better *winks at BookChick*.

BC: Oh dear! Well…umm…*clears throat* Rosanna, what’s happening now and on the horizon for you?

RL: I'm hoping to continue with all my series books, the Greek gods, the selkies and my bear shifters. Selkie's Revenge, my second selkie book is upcoming, and the second book in the Gemini Island Shifters series is also on its way- this one will be about Soren.

Soren: *Interrupts* Now that’s going to be one sexy book. Be sure to put the ménage back in that one…preferably with a certain shy BookChick and another hot chick.

Ryland: *Stands abruptly* That’s it. *Grabs Soren by the arm* We’re out of here. Ladies, it’s been a pleasure. *Proceeds to drag Soren out of the lounge*.

Ryland and Soren: *Argue and tussle on their way out of the reading lounge*

BC: *Clears throat again* Well *Pause* That was certainly………….interesting. I really need that drink now. Where are those Kick girls?!?! One more question Rosanna, tell our readers how they can connect with you after the interview.

RL: Well, I’m on all the major social networking sites:  Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and my blog.




 

A Sneak Peek into Soren’s World

 Predator's Serenade  (Working Title)

“Bro, I need to get off the phone. I’m expecting an underwear model any minute now.”
As Soren Snow listened to his brother natter on about fishing lures or some such crap, he sighed and stared out the window of his New York penthouse. It was piss pouring rain. Models were usually so concerned about their looks. He wondered if Irina Ivanov would venture out to have dinner with him after all. Or would she be too worried she might melt in the precipitation, Margaret Hamilton style?
“Soren, are you listening?” Ryland muttered into the phone.
“Yeah, yeah. But did you not hear the part about me expecting Irina Ivanov? I gotta go.”
“Who’s Irina Ivanov?”
Soren stared at his cell. “Seriously? You’ve never heard of her? She’s the biggest model out there. Well, not really big. I doubt she weighs more than fifty pounds but you know what I mean. She’s on the latest commercial for Hush underwear.”
Ryland paused. “The waif with the … lip issue?”
Soren rolled his eyes. His brother could be such a hick sometimes. Ryland needed to get away from the backwater they called home in Northern Ontario and see more of the world. Of course, now that he’d found his mate Lia, he doubted Ryland was going anywhere. Those two were like rabbits, rather than the bear shifters they were. Always at it. And they loved their quiet home on Gemini Island where Ryland ran his fishing resort, the Ursa Lodge. Soren preferred the big city. His last visit to Gemini Island at the start of the summer had been enough country to keep him going for a while.
 “Irina doesn’t have a lip issue,” Soren replied. “She just has very succulent lips.”
“Right,” Ryland retorted. “All natural too, I bet.”
“I live in New York, Ry. Natural isn’t a priority here.” He checked the time. “Anyway, gotta go. Give Lia a kiss for me.”

Predator's Kiss 

Available for sale May 20th




Preorders available at LS Book Store

A Conversation With Rosanna Leo!!

Sitting in the plush, comfy sofa in my reading lounge, Rosanna, my partner in mayhem, Bookie the bookchick, and I sit down for a fun conversation about her upcoming book, Predator’s Kiss.

BC: *Offers Rosanna a hug* How are you, my friend?

RL: *Grins* I’m good Bookie, how are you?

BC: I’m doing outstanding. I am so ready to ta….

TT: *Interrupts conversation* Heeeeellllloooo! I’m here too!

BC: We know you’re here T. We weren’t ignoring you.

TT: *Pouts angrily* Well, it felt like it. You weren’t including me. Everybody always forgets about me *ends in a whine*.

BC: *Rolls eyes* Oh brother! Here we go!

RL: *Smiles pleasantly and engages t’irla*. Hi t’irla how are you doing? How are things going over in t'irla's talk land?

TT: *Grins like a Cheshire cat and begins dramatically speaking with her hands*. Welp, as you know, I have a lot of exciting stuff coming up on the horizon. I even have an interview with a book cover model *winks at Rosanna*…who just happens to be related to you *smiles saucily, flops against the sofa cushion, and fans her face*.

RL: *Smiles again* I did hear him say something about that. *Quickly sobers* Please don’t break my brother.

TT: *Sits up quickly* What? It’s not like I go around breaking beautiful men...*mumbles*...all the time.

BC: *Laughs loudly and holds stomach*. You what? *snorts* Remember that cowboy that you interviewed last month? *giggle*… His people are still looking for him!

TT: *Huffs indignantly* I can’t help it if all the men want to stay with me!

BC: *Rolls eyes* Anyway…let’s get on with our interview here. We’re supposed to be meeting some of the other Kick Chicks for drinks later on and we don’t want to be late.

Ok, Rosanna, are you ready? *hands Rosanna a glass of Perrier*.

RL: I’m ready.

BC:  Tell us a little bit about your background and what inspired you to write in the romance/romantica genre? 

RL: My background includes several jobs that had nothing to do with writing at all. I've been a recruiter, a classical singer, a tourism specialist, and currently also work as a librarian part-time. However, writing was always in me. When I began writing, I knew romance had to be a focus for me. I was bred on books like Jane Eyre, so romance has always been a huge influence. I didn't begin quite as sexy as I write now, but am pleased with the direction my writing has taken. Sexy is super fun!

BC: Oh yeah, sexy is fun *sighs* Calan.

TT: *Hits BC in the arm* Get serious here. We’re doing an interview.

BC: *Blinks innocently* What, I love Calan from The Selkie, I never knew seal men could be THAT sexy *Fans face*.

TT: *Glares at BC and sweetly looks at Rosanna* SOME people just can’t be serious!  Let me ask the next question since SOMEBODY *offers BC a blank stare* is having a private Selkie moment.

BC: *Snorts* Whatever! *waves hands in a go-ahead gesture*. Go on and ask Rosanna your question.

TT: How many books have you written? And which one is your favorite?

RL: 8 books of mine have either been published or are on the way to being published, plus a group of shorts that were done with my blogging group Love, Lust and Laptops. Of all of mine, if I had to pick an absolute fave, it might have to be For the Love of a God, because that was the first one published and that was a huge milestone for me, of course. However, I love them all.

BC: *Squees* Oh. My. Gawd. I loved For the Love of a God. Eryx was haaaaaawt!

TT: *Rolls eyes in BC direction*. Can you puhleaze act more professional than this?!?! You’re too old to be doing this fangirl stuff!

BC: *Glares* Oh just hush it. I happen to love Rosanna’s books and her characters. She really brings them to life and I can typically breeze through one of her books in one setting. *Mumbles under breath*…..Hater!

TT: *Glares back at BC* You did not just call me a hater?

BC: Yes I did too! *Fold arms angrily*

TT: You know what! I have had it…

RL: *Interrupts before things get out of control* Now girls…don’t fight. You guys are best friends. Can’t we all just chat and enjoy our interview time together?

BC and TT: *Speak in unison* Ok Rosanna. We’ll be good.

BC: *Mumbles under breath again*…I was being good though. All I SAID was how much I enjoyed Rosanna’s books and SOMEBODY got jealous because SHE hasn’t read them all.

TT: *Swivels head in BC’s direction and glares* Quit it! Let’s finish the interview.

BC: *Recomposes self* Fine…fine…fine. Next question Rosanna. What is your philosophy about writing? (Note: Creative outlet, money maker, etc).

RL: I write to make me happy, and that seems to make a few other folks happy too. That's all I can ask for. I never went into this for the money. If money comes, that's icing on the cake.

BC: *Smiles* You should make boat loads of money. Your books are awesome

RL: *Grins broadly* Why, thank you Bookie! I appreciate your vote of confidence.

BC: I truly mean it. Your books are engaging and unique and I just love the depth that you infuse in your characters.

BC:  How important are reader reviews to you? Do you even read them?

RL: *Nods* I do read them and I respond to as many as I can, just to say thank you. They're important in the sense that I believe in continuous learning; I want to grow as a writer and readers often have insightful comments. However, and this is a big however, I try not to stress out too much about reader reactions because you know as an author you'll never please everyone. I try to live by the mantra that feedback is a gift.

BC: *Smiles* That’s an awesome way to handle things Rosanna. As a reader, I know I appreciate knowing that authors care when they respond to a review.

RL: *Nods again* I feel the same way as a reader.

BC: But Rosanna, I gotta ask you. How do you do it all? I see you on Facebook and on Goodreads all the time. You are even an active Tweeter. How in the world do you manage the time to do all the social media stuff while being a wife and mother who is the heart of the family. I’m getting tired just talking about it *grins*.

RL:  *Returns BC’s grin* I'm on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, and all the biggies. It's helped me create a lot of wonderful relationships in the business, and I love getting to know my readers and fellow industry professionals.  

And as far as being a wife and mother? It's not always easy, but so worthwhile. I used to work at a 9-5 job that I absolutely detested, and it made my relationships suffer. When I decided to pursue writing on a serious basis, my husband and I knew we might be making some sacrifices. However, I think our collective happiness has gone through the roof, and that means a lot. An unhappy mom is not a good mom. Now, my kids respect what I do, and my career frees me up to spend more time with them as well. As far as managing, you do your best, and don't beat yourself up when you can't get to everything.

TT: *Interrupts rudely…again* Ok…ok…ok!…let’s talk bears!

BC: *Mouth drops open* Are you kidding me?!?! I am in the middle of asking questions and you interrupt me to talk about bears? *throws hands in the air indignantly* UNBELIEVABLE *said screaming*.

TT: *Stares blankly* What? Where here to talk about her newest book and THAT BOOK IS ABOUT BEARS! *screams back*.

BC: *Stands up* You are out of control. You are going to have to leave. I can’t do this interview with you.

TT: *Looks incredulously* You’re kicking me out?!?!

BC: Yes beca………

All: *Stops at the sound of a deep booming voices coming from outside the lounge*.

Ryland: *Growls angrily* Soren, I swear to god that if you don’t quit touching Lia. I’m going to…

Soren: *Interrupts by chuckling* What? She’s soft and I looooooooove soft.

Ryland: *Growls again and angrily knocks on the lounge door*.

BC: *Opens the door a crack and stutters* Ry-Ry-Ryland?

Ryland: *grins* Hi BookChick. Rosanna told us to meet us here.

Soren: *Pushes his way in past Ryland and stands in front of BookChick* Well heeeeeellllooo, beauty.

BC: *Blushes and replies in a whisper* Hi Soren.

All: *Covers ears after an ear piercing scream*.

TT: *Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee* It’s Soren and Ryland. *Bounces between the two brothers and swoons*. I’ve died and gone to heaven.

BC: *Rolls eyes heavenward* Oh boy. It’s about to get really interesting now *sighs*.

Stay tuned tomorrow for part two of this exciting interview.