Today I have author Rosa Sophia here. Let's get to know her a little better!

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a mechanic disguised as a librarian. What that means is, I work in a library, but my dream is to work in a garage—preferably one that specializes in classics and antiques. Currently, I live in south Florida, and I love to travel, run, and hike. When I’m not working, I’m working. I edit for Ruby Lioness Press and Oaklight Publishing. Life is good—but it sure is exhausting!

What genre do you write?
For the most part, I write Mystery, but I also enjoy crossing genres. Lately, I’ve been working on a book series that is a mix of several genres—Science Fiction, Mystery, and Romance.

Please tell us about your latest release, Check Out Time, and how you came up with the idea?
I thought of the idea behind Check Out Time when I was working night shift in a grocery store. I decided to make up a character, give her my job stocking shelves, and let the story go from there. No, the character isn’t really based on me, but the situations and the setting are certainly drawn from my own experiences.

Is it part of a series?
Yes—the second book is called At the Turn of a Wrench, and I am already fifty pages in. It will concentrate more on Naomi and her relationship with her father. I’d like to make the second novel more character-oriented than plot driven.

A must have snack while you write.
Actually, I have to force myself to eat when I write! I have been known to spend entire days writing, without eating a single thing. I get so into the story that I completely forget food exists.

If you had to choose a favorite book that you’ve written, which would it be?
A Siren for the Dead—it is currently unpublished, but I hope to publish it soon. 

It is part of a series, and one of my cross-genre projects. It’s a mix between Science Fiction and Mystery. The third book in the series also has some Romance. I just love mixing genres, and I love this series because the main character is a man. So I get to write from a completely different perspective.

Advice to writers who have yet to be published.
I know you hear this all the time, but . . . Don’t give up. Don’t let rejections or negative reviews dissuade you. Even after you get published, there will always be someone who won’t like your writing. It can’t be helped. Just do the best you can, and don’t be afraid to share it with the world.

Is there a genre you haven’t written yet that you want to?
I would like to write Chick Lit. I would like to write something from every genre, actually, but Chick Lit would be quite a challenge for me. I love a good challenge!

Any quirky habits?
Yes—I carry good luck charms everywhere I go. I always have to have something with me that I find comforting, so the “charm” can be anything. In my car, I have a “lucky gasket” hanging from my rear-view mirror. It’s actually the gasket from an exhaust pipe that I replaced several years back; for whatever reason, it became a good luck charm. I also cannot leave the house without a set of tools, or I become antsy and somewhat paranoid. I rented a car to drive to North Carolina two years ago. It was a brand new car, but I grabbed my tool box and put it in the trunk anyway. I knew I wouldn’t need it, but for some reason, I just can’t travel without it!

Have you written a character that most resembles you?
In my opinion, no, I have not. But friends and family swear that they “see” me when they read my books.

What type of hero do you enjoy writing about?
I like to write about a hero who is working to overcome his or her flaws. I have a lot that I’m trying to work through right now, so I guess it’s my way of writing what I feel through the eyes of a fictional character.



Thank you for having me, Lacey! I am currently looking for reviewers. If anyone would like to review Check Out Time, I will gladly provide a free digital copy. Readers can email me at: author.rosa.sophia@gmail.com

It's Monday and I'm thrilled! Yippee!!! Can I shout from the roof tops?

We close on our new home tomorrow. I'm so excited to to be moving in. Since May 18, the four of us have been bunking in with my parents. Which has been fine. For over a month now, I haven't had to cook or clean house. lol. Then again, that could be why I've put 5 pounds on.

In other news, I finished Bare Necessities. I really can't wait until October to share this story with you. Its a sweet story. And I had so much fun writing it. I'm almost done with the sequel  to Sarah's Chase, and I've decided its title is Sarah's Caught. Its only going to be about 5k also. But its meant to be quick and steamy.

Then, its full swing into the last Hot Bods book, Opposites Attract. In case you did know, the third book released last week! Accidental Love. Check out the excerpt, blurb, and buy links HERE.

I don't think much writing will be done this week with moving. But perhaps the next week when I need a break from unpacking. I'll see you next Monday!

Stop by and see Carrie Ann Ryan and Lia Davis as well for their Manic Monday Updates.

The third installment in my Hot Bods series has released! This one is about an older man and younger woman.  Be sure to check it out. 

Has Jane accidentally fallen for the decoy?

Sometimes there is only one thing to do when you get dumped—make the ex jealous with someone new. Which is exactly what Jane plans to do with Ben, an older, handsome man who has agreed to act as her new love interest.

When Ben meets Toby, Jane's unruly dog, he offers to help her train him. But as Ben helps Jane gain control of her dog, he realizes he's lost control of his feelings, and he's beginning to fall for the much younger woman.

Suddenly, Jane can't seem to remember what she ever saw in her ex. All she can focus on is the way Ben makes her feel each time he kisses her. But now the ex has decided he wants her back, and he's willing to play dirty to make it happen.

Content Warning: Explicit sex 

Matt cleared his throat behind her. Jane's eyes widened in shock and she slowly slid her hands from Ben's neck, down his firm chest. She turned to face her ex-lover, and Ben's arm tightened around her waist, holding her close.

"Hi, I'm Ben." He extended his hand toward Matt.

Matt kept his arms crossed. He looked pissed, which was good, she hoped.

"Well, I'm off on my lunch break," she said.

"Don't be late, Jane. We have a staff meeting, so you'll need to be back to handle any gym members." Matt walked away, heavy footed.

Ben took her hand and led her outside to his car. As they reached the vehicle she expected him to drop the act, but instead he opened her door for her and then closed it once she was seated.

He climbed in and asked, "How long do you have?"

"An hour. Fast food is fine if you want to drop me off and then pick me up."

He chuckled. "I know a place where we can share a meal in under an hour."

"You don't have to eat with me."

"Jane, I want to."

The hour went much faster than Jane would have liked. Ben was a lot of fun and took his boyfriend duties seriously. He had opened her car door and held her hand. This was something she could easily get used to. She was going to tell him he didn't have to pretend when they were away from the gym but each time he touched her she was at peace. Was it wrong to have a crush on the decoy? Perhaps it was the George Clooney look he had going on. It was every girl's fantasy.

Ben parked in front of Hot Bods and quickly came around the side of the car and helped her out. Taking her hand in his again, he walked her back. She started to object and it was like he sensed it. Releasing her hand, he tugged her closer and wrapped his arm around her waist, cradling her to him.

They stopped in front of the door.

"I had a lovely lunch," he said.

"Thank you. Me too."

He stepped closer. She sensed what was coming next, and she was more than ready. He rubbed her cheek with the back of his fingers then tilted her face toward his. Leaning down, he gently brushed his lips across hers. She moaned and was almost embarrassed to be reacting this way. He kissed a small line to her neck and her mouth opened, still whimpering. She was lost in the sensation of his light kisses and forgot they were out in the open. She was so turned on that if they had been alone she would have let this man explore her entire body.

Ben released her face, and she was slightly disappointed it was over.

"Have a good day." He kissed her once more on the lips.

He'd kissed her speechless. She didn't say a word. Instead, she simply watched as the most amazing man she'd ever met headed across the parking lot toward his car.

He was good. Very good. Maybe that was why Francesca was always after older men. They really knew what they were doing.

Amazon / Nook / Beachwalk Press / AllRomance / Bookstrand / 1PlaceForRomance

Running through a strange forest with a bloodthirsty demon hot on her heels wasn’t Taylor’s idea of a rockin’ evening. Then again, neither rwas soaring backward through time and space. Time travel chafed and left a rank, nasty aftertaste. So, when she finds herself floundering amidst a sea of Commandment-loving holy rollers who fling accusations of witchcraft and bedevilment like hotcakes in a diner, finding her way home jumps to the top of her to do list. Too bad she can’t remember who she is or where she came from. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Taylor realizes she’s fallen for Gabriel, the mysterious Latin warlock who came to her rescue.

Battling an identity crisis and lost in a time that’s not her own, Taylor is determined to find her way back to twenty-first century Hanaford Park. But first, she and Gabriel must work together to uncover the dark scourge lurking in the shadows of Salem Village, and in doing so, save their lives, and the lives of countless innocents from a lethal date with the hangman’s noose.

Lisa Sanchez is a California cheer mom taxiing her way through life, one car ride at a time.  Along with chauffer, she sports several job titles, including, but not limited to:  author, chef, seamstress, videographer, nurse, enforcer, and general slave to her three daughters.

The first two books in her Hanaford Park series (Eve Of Samhain, Pleasures Untold) are published with Omnific Publishing. The third book, Faythe Reclaimed, is currently on submission. Her erotic suspense, Obsessed was published March 29th 2011 with Loose Id.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Excerpt:

Dark, viscous liquid pooled onto the rotting floorboards below her body, the blackened puddle oddly reminiscent of a Rorschach inkblot.

Suppressed memories and emotions I’d believed long dead amassed from deep within, slamming me with a powerful crescendo of…Madre de Dios…feeling. Something I hadn’t experienced since the moment I’d lost my other half.

Nausea and desperation mimicked acid, burning a hole through my gut and my chest as I allowed my gaze to wander north. I knew what I’d find, and, fuck it all to hell, it scared me to death.

Taylor. The exotic beauty who’d breezed into my life just days before. The angel who’d awoken me from the state of numbness I’d resided in for three centuries. The woman who was an exact matchin every way to my long deceased Faythe, hanged upside down and unconscious in front of me.

Thud…

Thud…

Thud…

My heartbeat… It echoed in my ears like a muted drumbeat. The rapid tympani so synonymous with anger and rage oddly diminished and muffled as though I were listening to it from deep within the bowels of the ocean.

How? How had I allowed my enemy to capture the beautiful creature who’d breathed life into my pathetic existence?

I thrashed against the magical bonds holding me captive, every fiber of my being filled with panic, desperation—and rage. Supernatural throw downs were a normal part of my everyday life. A warlock, an exiled member of one of Europe’s most powerful covens, I’d been bred to do battle, to fight the dregs of the underworld—with magic.

Magic. It had been my saving grace, time and again. It was also the bane of my fucking existence. Much like time. I hated my magic, almost as much as I hated myself. Witchcraft, limitless power… Both proved worthless when they didn’t allow you to save the one you loved. My magic hadn’t kept Faythe’s neck out of the hangman’s noose.

Please welcome the talented authors, L.J. Garland and Debbie Gould as I chat with them about their new book, Sins of the Mind. And I must warn you, this is a seriously fun interview. These ladies will have you laughing. :)

DEBBIE GOULD : Thanks for inviting us, I’m excited.
LJ GARLAND : Yes, thanks so much for having us today!

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
  LJ GARLAND : Though born and raised in the south, I’ve lived on both the east and west coasts. I love traveling, and  the latest adventures I’ve added to my Bucket List: Machu Pichu and Australia’s Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. Someday, I hope to get to those places! I’ve been married to my best friend for over twenty years, spend my time home schooling three rambunctious boys, editing in the epub industry, and writing stories that I hopes catches readers’ imaginations as much as the characters and plotlines captivate me. In my spare time (what there is of it LOL), I have tons of hobbies, including building archery equipment from scratch and creating stained glass. I have a passion for anything that goes Boom! …from fireworks to high-powered combat rifles…it’s all good. My hubby and I are both rated helicopter pilots and spent our 10th anniversary flying cross-country from east to west coast…an adventure I highly recommend.

DEBBIE GOULD : Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, at the age of two my mother and I moved to New Jersey, spending many happy years on my grandparents' horse farm. You'll sometimes find this setting as a backdrop in my stories. As a teenager, my mother and I found a new home in Vermont, which is where I currently reside. With a daughter in the Air Force (along with my six-year-old grandson), and two sons working for the family Well Drilling business, I now shuffle my time between a full time job as a nurse and my writing career. About seven years ago, while looking at over three hundred treasured books lining the shelves, I realized there was a multitude of stories of my own clamoring for release. Since then, I’ve seriously persevered in keeping the keyboard in constant motion.

2. What genre do you write?
LJ GARLAND : I write paranormal, sci-fi, suspense, and time travel romance.
DEBBIE GOULD : Romantic Suspense and paranormal.
LJ GARLAND : Together, Debbie and I started out with romantic suspense. But lately, we’ve really branched out! I think we’ve hit 4-5 other romance genres. The story we just finished is paranormal romance.

3. Please tell us about your latest release Sins of the Mind and how you came up with the idea?

Our latest release is the first book from the Red River series. It’s a romantic suspense from Decadent Publishing called Sins of the Mind.
BLURB:

Seven years ago, Abby Montgomery survived a brutal attack. Now she is ready to put her pain in the past and move on with her life. The problem is, one by one the men in her life are being viciously murdered.

The detective assigned to the case, Ethan Parker, has demons of his own to hide. As the danger gets closer to Abby, so does Ethan. But can they get past his secrets before the killer gets to them? Sometimes the sins of the mind are more depraved than the sins of the heart. 

LJ GARLAND : Well, as I recall, we were both on the same Internet forum. We’d known each other for…what? Two years, Deb?
DEBBIE GOULD : Yup, about that. We had been brainstorming a plot in one of the books I was writing (still unfinished, lol) and I showed her the first chapter of another story that had been screaming in my brain at me. She liked it, and I asked her if she wanted to co-write it.
LJ GARLAND : That’s right! And I was excited because the story was interesting. Romance and murder, what’s not to like? So, we started brainstorming ideas and things got pretty intense and…what’s the word I’m looking for?
DEBBIE GOULD : Twisted?
LJ GARLAND : Yes. That’s a great descriptor. But we both loved it and voilà, Sins of the Mind!

4. Is it part of a series?
DEBBIE GOULD : Yes it is.
LJ GARLAND : The Red River Series
DEBBIE GOULD : Red River is a small town located in Vermont.
LJ GARLAND : And there’s a river, too.
DEBBIE GOULD : Yeah…the town’s namesake.
LJ GARLAND : Yep. The Red River river.
DEBBIE GOULD : Anyway…the series revolves around the town and surrounding areas.
LJ GARLAND : And people get murdered. People always die.
DEBBIE GOULD : Um, not sure we could call it a romantic suspense if they didn’t.
LJ GARLAND : True.

5. A must have snack while you write.
LJ GARLAND : Coffee and a spoon of peanut butter. Mmm. Coffee and mixed nuts. Coffee and cheesecake. Um, coffee…
DEBBIE GOULD : You see the theme with her, right?
LJ GARLAND : Yep, junk food and caffeine. Aren’t those most authors’ staples?

DEBBIE GOULD : I just have to have some ice-cold water and something to crunch on. Carrots, chips, nuts, grapes, it really doesn’t matter.

6. A fact that someone might not know about you.
LJ GARLAND : I wanted to be President of the United States…but that dream went its merry way when I hit twelve and discovered boys.
DEBBIE GOULD : I’m a closet Words with Friends addict.

7. If you had to choose a favorite book that you’ve written, which would it be?
DEBBIE GOULD : Good gosh, I love them all. But if I had to narrow it down, it would be Infidelity. There was so much raw, dark emotion in that one.
LJ GARLAND : I’ll be honest…whichever book I’m currently working on is my favorite. I love each and every one of them. Sooo, since the last one we just finished is a paranormal romance, that’s my fav. lol

8. Advice to writers who have yet to be published.
LJ GARLAND : Learn the craft. Write the best story…and most important…Never quit.
DEBBIE GOULD : Ditto! Oh, and research what you’re not sure of.
LJ GARLAND : Yeah, research is good, too. And the Internet makes that part so much easier…though, I’d still cross-reference stuff. People put some weird stuff out there and call it the truth! lol

9. Is there a genre you haven’t written yet that you want to?
LJ GARLAND : I would love to write steampunk, but not sure I could pull that off. Right now, I’m leaning toward urban or maybe cyberpunk.
DEBBIE GOULD : Nope, lol. LJ and I are running the gambit with a paranormal series at the moment and I think the only thing not in there is steampunk, which I have no desire to write.
LJ GARLAND : Aw, c’mon. Live on the edge. LOL
DEBBIE GOULD : Nope. Of course, I said that to sci-fi, too.
LJ GARLAND : I know! And we’re already laying the groundwork for one. LOL I’ll wear ya down…eventually.

10. Any quirky habits?
DEBBIE GOULD : Nope, don’t think so. I’m pretty basic.
LJ GARLAND : Maybe not unusual but I do like to listen to music and drink coffee. LOL Usually there’s a cat in my lap, too. They swear they’re helping with my creativity…I swear they’re bringing on carpal tunnel syndrome. But they’re sweet and furry, so how can I say no?

11. Have you written a character that most resembles you?

DEBBIE GOULD : Honestly, the characters I write are mostly a combination of people I know. I think Laura must have met an Elliot along the way though.

LJ GARLAND : LOL Well, I think a lot of women have met an Elliot type somewhere. Those self-absorbed types seem to pop up like mushrooms…and they thrive on their own sh--

DEBBIE GOULD : Laura! PG-13 please, woman!

LJ GARLAND : I was going to say, shining dispositions.

DEBBIE GOULD : Yeah, right. Sure you were.

LJ GARLAND : No. Really, I was.

DEBBIE GOULD : (sigh) Next question, please!

12. What type of hero do you enjoy writing about?
LJ GARLAND : Strong, hot, sexy. Will do whatever’s needed to save the heroine and make things right in the world. But at the same time, he has to have some feelings, sensitive to the heroines needs, and he needs to romance her.
DEBBIE GOULD : Ditto! Strong yet vulnerable to his woman. Can get through anything, live without, but NEEDS the woman he loves. Hmm…that doesn’t sound right. I mean he’s done just fine without her all these years, but man, once he finds her, she’s a craving he can’t ignore. Not like he’s a stalker or anything, he just loves hard…um…never mind. Ditto what Laura said.
LJ GARLAND : Hmm. Yeah, I’m seeing some things between the lines here. Care to elaborate?
DEBBIE GOULD : Nope. Just never mind! LOL

13. What are you currently reading?
DEBBIE GOULD : Christine Feehan’s Spirit Bound
LJ GARLAND : Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins on my Android Pad.

14. What are you currently working on?
DEBBIE GOULD : We are working on the next book in the Red River Series, yup more murder, mayhem, and romance, lol.
LJ GARLAND : Yep, we’ll be torturing the next characters even more than the first. Though, I think Sins of the Mind had several unexpected twists…and the characters got banged up pretty good.

15. Anything that you’d like to share.
- We can be tracked down at http://www.garland-and-gould.blogspot.com/ where we blog, chat about stuff, and interview other authors.
- L.J. can be caught at www.lj-garland.com and emailed at mail@lj-garland.com You can also tweet her at @LJ_Garland1
- Debbie can be found at http://www.authordebbiegould.com/ and emailed at mountecho2006@yahoo.com.
- We love hearing from people who have enjoyed our stories!

And you can find Sins of the Mind here!

LJ GARLAND : Thank you so much for having us here today!
DEBBIE GOULD : Yes, thanks! We had an awesome time!

I just glanced at my calendar and it's almost release day! I can't wait for Ben and Jane's story to be live. And in this book, if you like older men ... this is for you. Ben is in his mid-forties while Jane is in her late twenties. 

In honor of my release on Monday, I'm having a giveaway! Today (6/15) - Sunday (6/17), you can leave a comment here for your change to win Accidental Love before it releases this Monday. 

Has Jane accidentally fallen for the decoy?

Sometimes there is only one thing to do when you get dumped—make the ex jealous with someone new. Which is exactly what Jane plans to do with Ben, an older, handsome man who has agreed to act as her new love interest.

When Ben meets Toby, Jane's unruly dog, he offers to help her train him. But as Ben helps Jane gain control of her dog, he realizes he's lost control of his feelings, and he's beginning to fall for the much younger woman.

Suddenly, Jane can't seem to remember what she ever saw in her ex. All she can focus on is the way Ben makes her feel each time he kisses her. But now the ex has decided he wants her back, and he's willing to play dirty to make it happen.

Content Warning: Explicit sex

Matt cleared his throat behind her. Jane's eyes widened in shock and she slowly slid her hands from Ben's neck, down his firm chest. She turned to face her ex-lover, and Ben's arm tightened around her waist, holding her close.

"Hi, I'm Ben." He extended his hand toward Matt.

Matt kept his arms crossed. He looked pissed, which was good, she hoped.

"Well, I'm off on my lunch break," she said.

"Don't be late, Jane. We have a staff meeting, so you'll need to be back to handle any gym members." Matt walked away, heavy footed.

Ben took her hand and led her outside to his car. As they reached the vehicle she expected him to drop the act, but instead he opened her door for her and then closed it once she was seated.

He climbed in and asked, "How long do you have?"

"An hour. Fast food is fine if you want to drop me off and then pick me up."

He chuckled. "I know a place where we can share a meal in under an hour."

"You don't have to eat with me."

"Jane, I want to."

The hour went much faster than Jane would have liked. Ben was a lot of fun and took his boyfriend duties seriously. He had opened her car door and held her hand. This was something she could easily get used to. She was going to tell him he didn't have to pretend when they were away from the gym but each time he touched her she was at peace. Was it wrong to have a crush on the decoy? Perhaps it was the George Clooney look he had going on. It was every girl's fantasy.

Ben parked in front of Hot Bods and quickly came around the side of the car and helped her out. Taking her hand in his again, he walked her back. She started to object and it was like he sensed it. Releasing her hand, he tugged her closer and wrapped his arm around her waist, cradling her to him.

They stopped in front of the door.

"I had a lovely lunch," he said.

"Thank you. Me too."

He stepped closer. She sensed what was coming next, and she was more than ready. He rubbed her cheek with the back of his fingers then tilted her face toward his. Leaning down, he gently brushed his lips across hers. She moaned and was almost embarrassed to be reacting this way. He kissed a small line to her neck and her mouth opened, still whimpering. She was lost in the sensation of his light kisses and forgot they were out in the open. She was so turned on that if they had been alone she would have let this man explore her entire body.

Ben released her face, and she was slightly disappointed it was over.

"Have a good day." He kissed her once more on the lips.

He'd kissed her speechless. She didn't say a word. Instead, she simply watched as the most amazing man she'd ever met headed across the parking lot toward his car.

He was good. Very good. Maybe that was why Francesca was always after older men. They really knew what they were doing.

This past weekend, I packed the kids up and we headed to visit my mother in law. And I decided to take advatage of it and use it as a writing vacation! I got a good bit done and I really thought I'd finally get Bare Necessities done, but its taken on a new life and going to be longer then I expected. But, that's okay. The way I see it, it means my writing is improving. And its always good to improve.

So what's on the agenda this week? Well, I'm taking another day for my vacation and writing today. Then, I have another round of edits on Bound By Pleasure, my BDSM novella that releases in August. And I also have to get guest posts and interviews done for two tours! Finding Home and Accidental Love. 

Oh, and checking out the date. Accidental Love will release in 1 week! That's right, Jane's story is about to be available on your ereader. Which means once Bare Necessities is done, I must complete Opposites Attract, the very last book in the Hot Bods series.

Have a wonderful week!

Hope by and see Carrie Ann Ryan and Lia Davis.