Interview with contemporary romance author Tina Leonard

Today’s interview is with contemporary romance author Tina Leonard. She’s touring her fun romance novel Hotter than Texas

During her tour, Tina will be awarding a $50 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter. To be entered for a chance to win, leave a comment below (and a way for Tina to get in touch with you). To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and leave comments there too.

Bio:

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Tina Leonard has sold nearly 3 million copies of her books. She has made the USA Today Bestseller, Waldenbooks, Bookscan, and Ingrambook lists, and has written and contracted seventy-one books and special projects. Her work has been published by Harlequin, Samhain Publishing, London Bridge, and most recently Random House Loveswept. Leonard is known for her fun sense of humor, endearing communities, snappy dialogue, and memorable characters.

Welcome, Tina. Please tell us about your current release.

Hotter than Texas tells the story of three women on a journey to reconnect as a family—and find a small Texas town where sex is a hot topic.

What inspired you to write this book?

The Cassavechia women began to tell me their stories several years ago, and then Jake showed up, and he and Sugar clearly were attracted to each other but weren’t exactly sure how to begin. Pecan Creek is full of mischievous matchmakers who were happy to meddle!

Excerpt:

“Sugar,” Jake said, “I’ve wanted you since the first time you sassed me.”

“I wanted to punch you in the nose.”

He laughed and kissed her forehead. “My advertising skills left something to be desired.”

“You rooked three unsuspecting women.”

“I know.” He kissed her lips, taking his time. “I’m offering you a chance for payback.”

“And that payback is sex?” He smelled awesome, like a hot, sexy man who’d been in a kitchen trying to please her. Or maybe please himself. With Jake, you never knew.

He pulled her tighter against him, kissing her slowly, thoroughly. “I’d do my damnedest to make you a happy woman the second time I sold you something.”

Sugar looked into Jake’s eyes. He was too hot, too sexy, almost taking her breath away. “I think your gravy’s burning.”

“Nice try. I turned it off.” He tugged her hips against him, kissing her as if he’d never tasted anything as good as her mouth. Sugar moaned and let Jake hike her up on his waist. “If I’m moving too fast, say so. I’ll back off and feed you the best shrimp and steak dinner you’ve ever had. Just good friends breaking bread together.”

Sugar gasped as Jake sank his teeth gently into her lower lip. Heat and warmth filled her, stealing her desire to tell him no about anything. “I’m not really that hungry.”

His smile turned dangerous. “I am.”

  

What exciting story are you working on next?

Last of the Red-Hot Cowboys, the first in the Hell’s Outlaws series, will be published by Random House Loveswept in June 2014! Hot cowboys who don’t necessarily want women messing up their routine get to rethink their positions when the Hell Belles blow into Hell, Texas, all with the purpose of changing everything about Hell!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I first considered myself a writer when I told my husband I wanted to write a book, and he ran out in the rain at the gas station we were at and bought me a .99 spiral so I could write in the car. This was in the dinosaur days before laptops and internet!

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I am a full-time writer. I write whenever and however I can. I try to stick to a schedule, but if the schedule goes the way of the dodo, I make sure I make my writing happen somehow that day! Writing comes before anything else!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I have to have really short nails to type. I learned that when I was in Vocational Education in High school, and we were taking typing tests. I was fast, but a wonderful cheerleader classmate cut off all her beautiful nails to be able to take the test faster, so I did the same. To this day, I love having short nails! I’d never have made it as a glamorous actress in the 1950’s!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A fashion designer or buyer. I actually worked in Virginia and Tennessee doing that for a few years. There was a time when I thought I might want to be a teacher—but I’m a better writer than I would be a teacher, I’m sure!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Thank you very much for having me here to talk about Hotter than Texas!

Join me at any of these social media outlets to stay in touch:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Thanks, Tina!