What happens in Vegas sometimes get spun into a work of fiction by talented authors like Rosanna Leo, and readers are then treated to a story, featuring a well-written frenemies to lovers theme. Through their personal struggles, Kate and Liam’s story is passionate, at times tense, with the right amount of humor, and the steamy scenes which Rosanna is well known for in her books.
VICE is a story about addiction which will have you addicted to Rosanna’s writing.
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.
Please join me in welcoming, Rosanna Leo to the blog as she gives us the background behind her motivation to write VICE, and shares an excerpt.
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“If you go to Vegas—bring a notebook”
by Rosanna Leo
I’d like to offer Selena a hearty “thank you” for hosting me today, as I celebrate the release of my new contemporary romance, VICE. It released at Samhain Publishing on Sept. 22 and I’m very excited to share it with you.
VICE is a personal story, dealing with compulsive gambling, addiction as well as loss and abandonment. My own family has suffered from compulsive gambling so this book is probably the one that means the most to me of all my books. The seeds for this romance have always been in the back of my head, waiting to sprout. However, it was a trip to Las Vegas that allowed them to blossom.
When my husband and I found a good flight deal for Las Vegas a couple of years ago, we laughed about it. After all, neither of us gamble so we’d never planned on visiting the city. Notwithstanding, we packed our bags and flew to Sin City, and had a lovely long weekend together.
I may not have gambled, but there is one thing I did a lot. I took notes. You see, Vegas has some colorful characters. Between walking the strip, riding the buses and dining out, I found all sorts of inspiration. Suddenly, my book idea began to take shape. My concept for a romance set in the gambling world now had vision and clarity and direction. To say nothing of some sinful setting ideas.
My advice to writers? If you travel, bring a notebook. Record your observations, no matter how strange they seem. In fact, the stranger, the better.
You might just get a book out of it.
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.
To Buy
About Rosanna Leo
Rosanna Leo is a multi-published, erotic romance author. Several of her books about Greek gods, selkies and shape shifters have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Romance and The Romance Reviews.
From Toronto, Canada, Rosanna occupies a house in the suburbs with her long-suffering husband, their two hungry sons and a tabby cat named Sweetie. When not writing, she can be found haunting dusty library stacks or planning her next star-crossed love affair.
A library employee by day, she is honored to be a member of the league of naughty librarians who also happen to write romance.
Connect with Rosanna:
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