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?
Amazon Author
Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rosanna-Leo/e/B007X5P4I8
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rosannaleo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rleoauthor1
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LeoRosanna
Email: rleoauthor@gmail.com
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:
Samhain Publishing: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5577/vice
Author bio:
Rosanna Leo is a
multi-published, erotic romance author. Several of her books about Greek
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:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rosanna-Leo/e/B007X5P4I8
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rosannaleo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rleoauthor1
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LeoRosanna
