Author Interview with Calisa Rhose + GIVEAWAY!

RISK FACTORS

Love, like life, is not without risk.

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Veterinarian Vivian Dane has purchased her uncle’s practice in the tiny town of Wales, Missouri, where most residents still doubt her ability to treat their pets. But Viv is used to being considered less-worthy than her predecessors. After all, her parents are world-renowned wildlife vets, and most everyone is unimpressed she’s chosen to not follow directly in their footsteps. Now Connor, a patient’s owner, and is hot for Viv, but clearly doesn’t think she’s dating material because he has a daughter…who he believes no woman is good enough for.

Being a perfect dad is EMT paramedic Connor’s life focus. He can’t seem to stay away from sexy Doctor Viv, but attraction is as far as he’ll ever let it go. His mother abandoned him, leaving him to be raised in the foster system, and then his wife abandoned both him and their daughter. He absolutely will not risk bringing another woman into his little girl’s life and having her feel the hurt of being left…again.

Forfeiting is easier than attempting and failing. So why does Viv feel compelled to prove she’s a sure bet for Connor and his daughter? Can Connor trust Viv–and himself–enough to play the possibilities?

CONTENT WARNING: Happy-ever-after mixed with four-legged friends.

I hope you’ll all join me in welcoming author, Calisa Rhose, to my blog. Her latest book Risk Factors released March 4th with Lyrical Press. And wow, isn’t that a fabulous cover. Love it.

Calisa also has a giveaway, and those details are at the end of the post. She has some cool prizes up for grabs, so check them out.

Hey Calisa, so I’m going to start with a fun rapid fire question round.

– Nicknames? Lisa.

– Where do you live? Oklahoma, USA.

– Have you ever traveled abroad? Only in books. 🙁

– Tea or coffee? Coffeeeeee!

– Favorite dessert? Fruit with cottage cheese.

– Dog or cat? Dog (but I love my cat).

– Beach or skiing? Definitely beach.

– Chocolate, or vanilla, or rocky road ice-cream? Black Walnut.

– Lemons or lemonade? Lemons.

– What’s your favorite time of the day to write? Late morning.

– Do you write on holiday? Absolutely!

– Last book you read? Currently reading “The Drake House” by Kelly Moran.

– Plotter or pantser? Pantser all the way.

– What three things would you take to a desert island? My laptop, stereo, a comfy blanket.

I would so take my laptop too, and then hope for some form of power to run it. 🙂

– So, tell us what started you on your journey to being a writer? My love of music, actually. I began writing surreal stories around rock bands when I was fifteen. Also, my earliest writing was poetry.

– If you decided not to be a writer, what would your other dream job be? Why? Anything with horses. I love horses and want to open a sanctuary for the beautiful creatures.

– Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world? Somewhere in Ireland or somewhere warm.

– If you don’t mind, state a random fact about yourself that would surprise others? I can’t sleep in a bed that isn’t made right before I get in it. Last night I woke up and had to make the bed so I could sleep. I guess it’s OCD, but bed wrinkles bug me to distraction…literally. 🙂

– Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? Don’t listen to everything you hear. Rules are meant to be broken and trends to be ignored.

– What are you working on now? Haha! Which one? I have a fireman story I want to finish, a series, and other paranormal WIPs are in perpetual progress. Right this moment though, I’m working on something totally new for me. A ghost story with a twist.

EXCERPT:

“I guess I’ll get home.”

Viv barely nodded an acknowledgement.

Annoyance turned to anger. Without looking back, he went to his car, and pulled the door open with more force than was necessary.

It wasn’t as though he’d given Viv a reason to want to include him in her personal life. He didn’t want anything personal from her. Hell, he’d gone out of his way to prevent any closeness between them. Except when she was in his arms, and at those times they both seemed to forget who they really were. In fact, he didn’t know who the real Vivian was. Clumsy but cute veterinarian, stiff upper-class woman, or the sexy woman out to steal his heart?

“Connor?”

He looked over his shoulder. Viv was alone, no parents in sight that he could see. “They went to my place.”

“Then, you should go.”

One shoulder flinched in a light shrug. She smiled up at him, and damned if it wasn’t the most beautiful thing he’d ever witnessed. She indicated the cemetery. “I told them this is about your family pet and that I’ll be along in a while.”

Her presence soothed away any lingering anger. Then the guilt hit. She’d already done such a selfless thing for him, and he repaid her with disregard. “What happened? Where did you go back there?”

Viv shook her head, her soft hair brushing over her coat collar, and he wanted to slide his hand under its silkiness, pull her to him, and kiss her. Then she was talking and he focused on her lips.

“It’s nothing. I didn’t have anything to say and…I was surprised by their unexpected arrival was all.”

She was lying, or at least unwilling to share that part of herself with him. Not that he blamed her. It wasn’t like he’d gone out of his comfort zone to share his family with her…and they lived ten minutes from him.

“You were saying something when they got here.” Her soft voice gently drew him back to the present.

Looking at her made him forget too many things, too easily. What had he been about to say? It was easier to recall their kisses of two nights ago; the softness of her lips on his. He searched through his mind and dragged the earlier conversation back out. Right, he’d been about to ask her to dinner. Well, she had company waiting for her, so that wouldn’t be polite now. But, in light of that, he had another idea. “Why don’t you let me take those chairs off your hands?”

Viv narrowed her eyes, then frowned. “That’s not what you were going to say.” She was smart as a judge, if not as steady as one, at times.

He grinned. “No. But it doesn’t matter. Go visit your folks. I’ll be here when they leave.”

“Will you?”

“I do live here, remember?”

She stared out into the growing dusk and nodded, then met his gaze. “It’s not like…sh–”

Her stammering told Connor more than any words could. She didn’t trust his intentions. Why should she? He hadn’t given her any reason to. He leaned against his car and pulled her between his legs, into his arms. The uncertainty in her face was new. He felt it, too. Somehow last night had changed things between them. He slid a hand under the pale veil as he’d craved, resting on her shoulders to massage her neck. Gently, slowly he dragged her close. He wanted to give her the opportunity to refuse, but he would kiss her.

BUY THE BOOK: Lyrical Press/ Amazon / Barnes&Noble

GIVEAWAY: Calisa will be picking at the end of her tour one winner to gift either a signature rose rock for a USA winner or a $10 GC of choice (Kindle or Nook) for one overseas or in Canada. Either winner will also get a PDF copy of Risk Factors. All you have to do is leave a comment at the end of this post, and you’ll be in the draw. Calisa will announce the winner on April 10th, and get in contact with that person.

calisa profile picBIO:

Small-town country girl Calisa Rhose has been writing since she was a teen in Oklahoma.

It wasn’t until 2005, while living in California, that she realized if “they” can do it there’s no reason why she couldn’t write and get published, too. That realization began her journey into the world of publishing. With a fun attraction to those rugged heroes in cowboy hats, she began writing contemporary cowboys first. Then Calisa discovered how romantic firemen and first responders are, and how truly dedicated they are to saving lives, helping people. She was ‘bought and paid for’ as she dug into research on Risk Factors. She’d love to hear from her readers at calisa.rhose@gmail.com and you can visit Calisa’s website at http://calisarhose.wordpress.com Find out about her books on the Bookshelf page. Twitter @Calisa_Rhose, Goodreads and Facebook

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Author Interview With Renita Pizzitola + GIVEAWAY!

DREAM ON

Her quest begins when she closes her eyes.

dreamon (2)Emory Bennett owns a lucrative dreamwalking business. Trained in weaponry and Muay Thai, she spends her nights entering the dream realm resolving her clients’ nightmares, whatever they might be: bad guys, scary beasts, or the classic forgot-to-wear-my-pants nightmare. Her jobs get complicated when a gorgeous man keeps appearing requesting her help.

Grayson, a fellow dreamwalker, is stuck in the dream realm while a stranger inhabits his body. He needs Emory’s assistance in the waking realm, which he can’t visit if he can’t get back into his body.

Once Emory is convinced Grayson’s not a figment of her imagination, they concoct a plan to lure the body snatcher out. But as Emory begins to fall for Grayson, the line blurs between him and the stranger who inhabits his body. She must keep it together to get close enough to discover his secrets, or divide her very soul if she can’t bring the man she loves back.

CONTENT WARNING: Strong language

A Lyrical Press Urban Fantasy Romance

I hope you’ll all join me in welcoming author, Renita Pizzitola, to my blog. Her latest book Dream On released March 4th with Lyrical Press. And wow, isn’t that a fabulous cover. Love it. Also, don’t miss out on her Rafflecopter giveaway listed below. An ebook copy of Dream On and a $10 Amazon or B&N gift card is up for grabs.

Hey Renita, so I’m going to start with a fun rapid fire question round.

– Nicknames? Reni

– Where do you live? Texas

– Have you ever traveled abroad? Unfortunately, no.

– Tea or coffee? Coffee…lots of coffee.

– Favorite dessert? Ice Cream

– Dog or cat? Dog

– Beach or skiing? Hmm, actually I’m a lake person.

– Chocolate, or vanilla, or rocky road ice-cream? Rocky Road

– Lemons or lemonade? Lemonade

– What’s your favorite time of the day to write? Night

– Do you write on holiday? Absolutely

– Last book you read? The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden (and LOVED it!)

– Plotter or pantser? Both, mostly pantser

– What three things would you take to a desert island?  Kindle, iPhone and lots of adult beverages

I would so take my Kindle too, and then hope for an internet connection to download some more books. :)

– So, tell us what started you on your journey to being a writer? A request from my dad and a love of writing.

– And if you decided not to be a writer, what would your other dream job be? Being a writer is my dream job!

– Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world? I kind of love Texas but I’d definitely love to travel all over the world.

– What’s a random fact about yourself that would surprise others? I talk really fast, like crazy fast.

– Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? Read often, learn everything you can about writing and don’t be timid. Seek out other writers for support and advice. They are wonderful people and always willing to help.

– Tell us what are you working on now? I just finished a New Adult Contemporary Romance and will be starting on the final book in the Gossamer series.

Contact Links: website/twitter/facebook/blog/goodreads

Purchase Links: Amazon/Barnes and Noble/Lyrical Press/iBooks

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY: Renita is running a giveaway, so to enter for a chance to win an ebook copy of Dream On and a $10 Amazon or B&N gift card, simply click on the link here– a Rafflecopter giveaway
She’ll announce the winner on 31st March, and get in contact.

Book Trailer: 

AuthorPhotoPizzitolaBIO:

Renita Pizzitola writes Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. An avid reader herself, she has always enjoyed stories with witty humor, romance, and fascinating characters. Renita lives in Texas with her husband and two children. When not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and playing referee to her two typically adorable children.

Visit www.renitapizzitola.com for more information

Renita Pizzitola's Cover Reveal — Her New Book

Hey everyone,

I was thrilled when Renita Pizzitola asked me to reveal her new cover for “Dream On.” When I received the image yesterday, I was blown away by how gorgeous it is. Renita’s new book is contracted by Lyrical Press, NY, and the cover art is by publisher, Renee Rocco. Huge congrats to you, Renita. Here’s the cover, and I’m going to make it especially big, because well, you’ll see–it totally deserves it. 🙂

dreamon (2).

–~o~–

.

Title: Dream On

Author: Renita Pizzitola

Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Release Date: March 4th 2013

.

–~o~–

.

Dream On Blurb:

Her quest begins when she closes her eyes.

Emory Bennett owns a lucrative dreamwalking business. Trained in weaponry and Muay Thai, she spends her nights entering the dream realm resolving her clients’ nightmares, whatever they might be: bad guys, scary beasts, or the classic forgot-to-wear-my-pants nightmare. Her jobs get complicated when a gorgeous man keeps appearing requesting her help.

Grayson, a fellow dreamwalker, is stuck in the dream realm while a stranger inhabits his body. He needs Emory’s assistance in the waking realm, which he can’t visit if he can’t get back into his body.

Once Emory is convinced Grayson’s not a figment of her imagination, they concoct a plan to lure the body snatcher out. But as Emory begins to fall for Grayson, the line blurs between him and the stranger who inhabits his body. She must keep it together to get close enough to discover his secrets, or divide her very soul if she can’t bring the man she loves back.

CONTENT WARNING: Strong language

A Lyrical Press Urban Fantasy Romance

AuthorPhotoPizzitolaAuthor Bio:

Renita Pizzitola writes Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. An avid reader herself, she has always enjoyed stories with witty humor, romance, and fascinating characters. Renita lives in Texas with her husband and two children. When not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and playing referee to her two typically adorable children.

Visit www.renitapizzitola.com for more information

Contact Links: website/twitter/facebook/blog/goodreads

Author Guest Post with Renita Pizzitola.

I hope you’ll all join me in welcoming new Lyrical Press author, Renita Pizzitola, to my blog. She’s the author of Gossamer, a young adult paranormal romance which released on October 8th. I’m reading her debut novel and totally loving her fresh writer’s voice. I asked Renita if she would share the following post on my blog. It’s all about writing YA for an adult audience, because the one thing authors of the YA genre are learning is that YA is read by those of all ages.

By Renita Pizzitola.

Writing YA for an Adult Audience.

With the ever growing population of adult YA readers, how do writers appeal to both the young adult and adult readers? For the most part, I’d say don’t change a thing. Isn’t that the appeal behind YA?

Teen’s view their world from a unique perspective and, often, I think it’s this sense of nostalgia that hooks adult readers. After all, we (adults) will always have one thing in common with YA books…surviving the teen years. And though at the time, life may have seemed doomed by the smallest inconvenience, as adults, we can now look back on those memories fondly.  Not to mention, reliving youth vicariously through a fictional hero or heroine (that’s probably a whole lot cooler than you were at that age…or any teen is for that matter) is the kind of escape from reality readers look for.

But, while these aspects can be fun, sweet, even comical at times, I think some readers want more from YA. Specifically, more romance…and not just hand holding. And it’s not only the adult readers looking for this change. Older teens and twenty-somethings crave their own niche of books. They may feel too old for some YA but not ready to move into the adult romance genre and stories about issues that aren’t really relevant to them yet such as marriage, kids or jobs. They need transitional books about life after high school but before the responsibilities of true adulthood. A good middle ground is upper YA (sometimes referred to as Mature YA or New Adult). This genre combines the elements readers love—carefree lives, first love, self-discovery—with more adult content.  Eighteen-and-up characters are, typically, considered old enough to make their own decisions. Thus allowing writers more freedom to push the limits on relationships, life events, actions and consequences. And for me, I feel writing upper YA combines the perfect amount of adult appeal with the sweet side of youth and first love. It’s a story I love to tell and hopefully something both teens and adults alike will love to read.

I couldn’t agree more, Renita. I love reading YA for all the things you’ve mentioned and the fast pace of the books. Hey everyone, following is Renita’s new release for you to take a look at. Gosh, I love Gossamer’s cover.

Shouldn’t all faerytales end with happily-ever-after?

Kyla Ashbury is nearing her eighteenth birthday when a mysterious boy appears at school. Her instant attraction to him inexplicably awakens something inside her and she discovers her true identity.

Now, armed with the knowledge of her past, she is forced to leave behind the life she has always known for a new one filled with temptation, faery charm and magic, and a future she wasn’t prepared for.

Kyla is left with a difficult decision…but no matter which path she chooses, someone will get hurt.

A Lyrical Press Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Joanne– Where can readers find you, and your book, Renita?

Renita– You can find me here: website/twitter/facebook/blog/goodreads

You can purchase Gossamer here: Amazon/Barnes and Noble/iBooks/Lyrical Press

Excerpt:

I took several careful steps forward even as my body was reluctant to move. Every instinct told me to turn around, but I had to know what summoned me. I felt a bit unsettled but couldn’t resist.

I approached a large tree, but instead of my usual oak it was an ash. I felt pretty confident this was where the call came from, so I placed my hand on the tree and slowly peeked around it.

I found a small clearing. The air was still thick, and even though I knew it was daytime, the sun did not shine through the canopy overhead. Next to my large oak tree on the other side of the clearing stood a woman with her back toward me. Had she been on the other side of the oak tree in my last dream?

She had extremely long, blond hair, almost silvery. The pale strands lay like silken threads down her back in stark contrast to her black attire. She wore a dress with sleeves that puffed at the shoulder then ran tight down to her wrists. The gown tucked in at the waist and billowed out into a full skirt which touched the forest floor. The thick, heavy fabric seemed as if it would weigh down her slender silhouette. Her petite frame looked delicate, and I could tell she was young. She moved her head a little to the side, her hair forming a shimmering veil obscuring any real view of her face. She sensed my arrival and spoke. Her soft, delicate voice drew me in. I took another step forward to hear her better.

Her sweet voice spoke again, “They have found you. They have found you, Kyla.”

How did she know my name? And what did she mean they found me? Did she mean Grant and Conor? They had been looking for me, or maybe she meant Matt. He had found me for The Rite. Either way this wasn’t new information. Yet, I suspected I needed to know something more. Her soothing voice beckoned, and I stepped closer and closer.

Somewhere behind me, I heard a shout. It was a woman’s voice but this one was firm. “Kyla, stop!” I froze at the command. “Turn around!” The voice demanded.

The lady by the tree yanked her head up at a speed no human could match. With her neck craned, she turned her head side to side with quick, sharp, birdlike movements as if trying to place where the other voice had come from.

An uneasy feeling grew within me. Something wasn’t right. I took a careful step backward and a twig snapped beneath my weight. She whipped her head around at the sound. Her white, blonde hair fanned out around her with the rapid motion, finally settling down and exposing her face.

I screamed.

Author Bio:

Renita Pizzitola writes Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. An avid reader herself, she has always enjoyed stories with witty humor, romance, and fascinating characters. Renita lives in Texas with her husband and two children. When not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and playing referee to her two typically adorable children.

 

 

Joanne– Thanks for stopping by, Renita. It’s been fabulous.

Renita– Thank you so much for having me, Joanne!