Indie Romance Convention Spotlight with Author Leia Shaw

Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer.
The first romance book I ever read was Kresley Cole's A Hunger Like No Other.  Shortly after that, I devoured her Immortals After Dark series.  I fell in love with paranormal romance - the sexy alpha males, the magic, the darkness.  I had a very vivid dream about a sorceress who didn't know she was a sorceress and when I woke up, I thought, that would make a great book.

I've always been a writer, even before I did it as a career so it wasn't a big stretch for me to believe I could write a book.  About six  months after that dream, I had completed Destiny Divided.  What started as one book has since turned into a seven book series.  One thru four are completed and available now.  Book five is coming this summer.

I live in New England with my husband and two feisty kids who inspire me to keep my sense of humor every day.

What type of romance do you write and why?
My Shadows of Destiny series is paranormal romance.  I'm a little bit like a child in that magic and superpowers and mystical creatures make me jump up and down clapping.  But I love writing kick-ass heroines and alpha heroes who challenge each other and ultimately grow to love each other.

I like my characters to struggle with the same issues we do as people - trust, hope, fear, intimacy.  I hope my books send a powerful message to readers all while keeping you entertained with a hefty dose of humor and, of course, hot sex scenes!

What are you working on right now?
Right now I'm finishing up the third book in my BDSM erotic menage romance series, Badass Brats.  The Dom with the Perfect Brats releases May 10th and I'm so excited about this growing series.  It's definitely different than my PNR - not only because it's co-authored by Cari Silverwood and Sorcha Black - but the tone is different, the setting, the focus, everything.  But what you can expect is a lot of humor, genuine authentic emotions, and definitely lots of hot sex! Lol.

Who would you pick if you could have "Breakfast With the Author"?
Hmmm.  That's a hard one!  Well, since Kresley Cole started me on this journey, I'd pick her.  And ask her why she hasn't written Lanthe and Thronos' book yet!  Lol.

Just for fun - which do you prefer:
Cats or dogs?
Definitely dogs.
Wake up early or stay up late?
I'm fresher in the morning though I do like sleeping in.
Blonds or brunettes?
I've been both and like being brunette better.  For men, brunette because that's what my husband is ;)
Hot weather or cold?
Uhh, can't I pick medium.  Fall is my favorite time of year.

Blurb: The Dom with the Perfect Brats

Godfrey Cross is a big, tattooed Dom with no tolerance for brats.  But when he meets two mouthy vanilla girls, he begins to see their charm.

Gemmz and Izzy seem more into each other than into him and he wonders if he's wasting he time.  Yet despite the clash between his strict version of BDSM and their rebellious natures, he finds himself growing to love them.

When his need for control tears their relationship apart, they must learn to compromise or they will lose each other.  People may not be perfect, but could these two be perfect for him?

Excerpt from The Domm with the Perfect Brats

"You're lucky I went easy on you for punishment tonight.  You're in training.  I shouldn't have let you come after strapping you."  He moved he had to her ass and she winced.  "Next time I'll go harder.  You enjoyed that too much."

"Did not."

He arched a brow in the Domly look she was getting to know.  "Don't lie to me, girl."

"Okay.  Fine.  I liked it.  But is that so bad?  We're having fun, aren't we?"  His lips were so tempting, she reached up and ran her thumb along the bottom one.  "Isn't that good enough for you?"

He took her wrist in his hand and held it firmly, as if it added to his point.  "No.  Having fun is not enough  When I own a sub, I want everything."

If you want to see more about Leia or follow what she's up to, then check her out on the web:

Leia's website:  http://www.leiashaw.com/

Bitten’s She-Wolf Pack Thursday Review for August

Title: Destiny Bewitched (Shadows of Destiny, #4)

Author: Leia Shaw

Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel (ebook 197pgs)

Deemed “trailer trash” by humans and the daughter of the most disgraceful family of witches and warlocks since the Puritan age, Samantha is used to fighting her own battles. When her younger sister is taken to the Underworld, Sam doesn't hesitate to rescue her.

To survive the harsh land, she makes a deal with a demon — the most dangerous of creatures in the realm. Even with those lustrous horns, Geo is as hot as the hell she's stuck in. Fighting nasty beasts in a supernatural version of the gladiator games is easy compared to falling in love with a man who has no future to offer.

October's Paranormal romance characterfest with Leia Shaw and giveaway !

Welcome to Characterfest

Characterfest is a month long event where you’ll find a different character interviews written by the author each day. Each interview has a giveaway(s) make sure the giveaway is open to you and if so add a comment or question along with your email. I will close all giveaways at the end of the week and add the winners to the winners post on that Tuesday. Odds are if you won you’ll be hearing from me.

One thing I will ask is if you could please twitter or hit the facebook likes button on the post so that others can see the interview. I want to get these authors out to as much as I can and you’re my go between in this event.

I hope you enjoy each interview and please try to make it here each day to find out whom or what’s next. If this goes as planned I will be hosting this next year. 

List of attending authors here 

Interview with Sage for Witch by Leia Shaw



1. Are you a real witch?That’s your opener? Seriously? Okay. Pinch me. Do I feel real? Do I look real? 


Yes, I’m a real witch. But a real witch from my world isn’t the same as one in your world. Witchcraft isn’t a religion for me. It’s a bone-deep brand. It’s who I am. But don’t let that influence how you feel about me. I’m so much more.

2. What are you called? Any nicknames?

Oh, let's see. Your Majesty. Sage the Exalted One. The Formidable Queen of the Underworld. To James, I'm just cariad. It means love in Welsh.

3. What do you do?

Manage unruly supernaturals. Wage war with the assholes from the Sorcery Counsel. General ass-kicking. James would say my job is to please him in bed. He assumes much.

4. What are your hobbies?

Martial arts. Sleeping in. Blowing shit up. Bird watching.

5. How did you meet the man of your dreams?

I haven't yet. But James will do until I find my prince - Ow! He just kicked me under the table. All right, all right. To be honest, James is the man I didn't know I dreamed of. And frankly, I don't deserve him. When we met, I was squatting in the basement of the college he worked at. He threatened me and I tried to kill him. With some convincing, (cough) blackmail (cough), I agreed to live with him and train as a sorceress. And, well, here we are nine months later, in love. Alright, now you can all say, awww... Only once or I'll throw up on you.

6. What turns you on?

Welsh red-heads bearing gifts of diamonds.

7. You don't seem like the type to wear diamonds.

Oh, I'm not. I sell them for things like McDonald's french fries when I go Topside. But James doesn't believe fast food is an acceptable gift for a Queen, or a mate. Stubborn man.

7. What is your least favorite word?

Rules.

8. What is your favorite sound?

James makes this great noise in the back of his throat when he - No? Not appropriate? Fine. My second favorite sound is a sorcerer's spine breaking under my - Still not appropriate? Oh, fine then! Babies giggling. Is that better?

6. What is the one thing you don't want anyone to know about you?

If I didn't want anyone to know, why would I tell you? Ow! Stop kicking me! Fine, I'll play nice. I still have my My Little Pony collection.

7. What do you want more than anything?

World peace? No, seriously. Umm...for the people I care about to live long and happy lives. Damn it. Now I sound all sweet and vulnerable, don't I? Scratch that last question. No, really, scratch it.



Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Divided-Shadows-ebook/dp/B004SBOYQS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1314237637&sr=8-2
Barnes&Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/destiny-divided-leia-shaw/1102151242?ean=2940011266171&itm=1&usri=destiny%2bdivided
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/48454
Facebook: http://www.facebook/leiashaw
Twitter: @LeiaShaw

Blurb for Destiny Divided:

A paranormal romance novel about a smart-ass sorceress longing for a normal life and an overbearing sorcerer with a haunted past. The two start off as enemies bound to a single purpose. But when they find themselves hunted by creatures of the Underworld, they are forced to rely on one another. Can they learn to trust each other with their hearts and their souls? 

Giveaway time

Leia is giving away both or her books in this series, so please leave a comment or question for Leia's Sage witch.This is open to international. You'll be getting a code from Smaswords for the books.


Another giveaway from Leia is her Novella For the Love of Harmony go here  http://bit.ly/r8mlAc and do the simple steps in getting the free novella.

Bitten’s She-Wolf Pack Thursday Review for August - DESTINY UNITED by Leia Shaw

DESTINY UNITED (Shadows of Destiny #2)
Author: Leia Shaw
Date Published: July 4, 2011

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: ebook, 224 pages
Author Requested Review            
                                               

Erin Bolton knows her former foster sister is a sorceress and a witch, but she wants nothing to do with that world. Fear dictates her life, panic attacks disable her, and only alcohol gives her the freedom she craves. The day before her twenty first birthday, a tall, dark, and terrifying vampire, Marcelo, turns Erin's world upside down. He convinces her that he was sent to escort her to the safety of the Underworld, where her sister is waiting. But she wonders, who will keep her safe from him?

Marcelo postponed his eight hundred year search for his wife to perform a small favor for the Queen of the Underworld. When the errand turns into a week long journey across the country toting a fragile female, his life takes a turn for the unexpected. Especially when, on Erin's twenty first birthday, he discovers there is more to this girl than meets the eye. And now instinct claims she's his. His mate. Meant for him, and him alone. Forever.

Can Marcelo give up his dream of reuniting with his long lost wife to be with the woman his body yearns for? Can Erin conquer her deep-rooted fears and confront the destiny only she can fulfill?



Review Ratings

            



Kris’s Ratings

Review: 5 – An Alpha Howl
Sexual: 2 – Steamy

I really enjoyed this very suspenseful and romantic story. I should have read the first book first though. I will definitely go back and read it. I'm dying to know more about Sage. I loved Marcelo. He was a total alpha, but also extremely sweet after he realized Erin/Aila was his mate. Erin was a stitch. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her at the same time I was rooting for her to kick some butt. I loved the action in the story and enjoyed the world that she has created. Although there was a lot of action, there was also plenty of dialogue, romance, and time spent getting to know and care about the characters. I also really enjoyed the author's style of writing. I just wish that I didn't have to wait until 2012 for the next one!

Cynthia’s Ratings

Review: 2 – A Small Howl
Sexual: 2 – Steamy

I’m not quite sure where to begin with this because quite honestly there were more than a few things that didn’t sit well with me. So, just the highlights.

The tone of the story is too flippant. Marcelo and Erin/Aila seem to be constantly bantering with each other. Marcelo ‘chuckles’ and Erin/Aila calls him Ballsy. Erin has social anxiety and suffers panic attacks because she was raped; therefore, “no grocery stores, no restaurants, and no shopping malls.” I don’t understand why she would have a revolving door of boyfriends to do her bidding. When copulation finally occurs between Aila and Marcelo, this is their post-coital pillow talk:

“Holy fuck,” Aila said, breaking the powerful silence.
Marcel chuckled. “I’ll say.” He pulled her into his arms. “But there was nothing holy about it.” He kissed the top of her head and ran his fingers up and down her bare arm. Goose bumps covered her body. Would she ever be immune to this man?
“So, my god-kissed mate, what do we do now?” he asked.

Last but not the least, the central theme of the story, DESTINY UNITED, never came to fruition. While another, concerning Marcelo, was brought to the forefront and just stopped…right there…nothing more.

What I did enjoy was the undertone of a D/s relationship between Erin/Aila and Marcelo. Marcelo being the very dominating Vamp that he is and Erin the Timid; it was a natural that he would control and protect Erin/Aila as necessary. The dressing room scene was especially entertaining. Watching Erin sprout from the frightened human to the powerful fae was a delight.

Ollie’s Ratings

Review: 3 – One Good Howl
Sexual:  4 – Four Alarm Fire #@!%$

Destiny United follows Erin, a young college student desperately trying to make it in the world dealing with panic attacks and social phobia gets her world turned upside down by a vampire sent by her sister to bring back to the Underworld.

Marcelo didn't like that fact that his original mission had to be sidetrack by this little favor for the Queen of the Underworld but before he knows it, it turns out to be the best thing that has ever happened to his undead life.

As Marcelo tries to escort Erin safely to the Underworld he not only has to fight of forces bent on destroying Erin before reaching the Underworld he at the same time tries to control his growing possessiveness and attraction to this timid young girl.

Marcelo was a delicious treat to read because he eluded such raw power and passion for Erin. When I say raw passion I mean this vampire offered more to Erin then she could handle in more ways than one. However, I found myself getting frustrated with Erin at several points in the books mostly because of her inability to trust Marcelo and going against him. She either didn't tell him everything, shot him to ran away from him and/or walk into danger when Marcelo knew she would be in danger.

The other aspect that bothered me was the whole destiny aspect surrounding Erin near the end of the book that never explained why she was chosen. The explanation lacked depth which could have been more thoroughly explored and could have provided more insight into her past and how it would lead to her future responsibilities.

WildAboutBones’ Ratings

Review: 3 – One Good Howl
Sexual: 2 – Steamy

I loved the story line! After all, what's not to love about the Underworld, sexy vampires, sorcerers, werewolves, the fae, a dragon shifter and a fae war with a romance in the middle of all of it?

Marcelo, an 843 year old vampire, is sent to find Erin by her sister Sage, the Queen of the Underworld. When he sees her the first time, he thinks date rape bait who has sexy down to a science.

Erin, human with a little extra, thinks of Marcelo, "he was sexy as hell", as soon as she gets over her panic attack. She has a debilitating social phobia that is only overcome by alcohol ... lots of alcohol.

When she hits her 21st birthday her life is turned upside down, well more than it already had been for the past couple of days. Is Marcelo her destined mate or is the fae, Unseelie prince Kieran?

"Let’s do the time warp again" a reference to The Rocky Horror Picture Show? Gotta love it. Even though this is the second in the series, you'll have no problem with reading it out of order. I think the characters were a little bit flat and the story could have used more "meat" but again the story line was very good.

I think paranormal romance and urban fantasy fans may like this one.

Destiny Divided by Leia Shaw

Title: Destiny Divided
Series: Shadows of Destiny Book One
Author: Leia Shaw
Authors Website: http://www.goodreads.com/leiashaw
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: PDF
Length: Novel

"Pure power flooded her body flowing freely through her veins. She had just found an emotion stronger than anger and fear combined. Lust. And there was no containing her now".

After fleeing her native city - and nightmares of a traumatic childhood - Sage Peterson meets the overbearing, pretentious, yet haunted Professor Elias. He's the only one who knows about her mysterious powers, which seem to be spiraling out of control. When he convinces her to train with him, she finds herself thrust into a five hundred year war and on the run from vampires, werewolves, and even worse - her budding feelings for James Elias.

James had been living a dull and empty existence for the past century and a half. When a fiery half-sorceress, half-witch with a stubborn streak and sharp wit enters his life, he sees her only as a potential weapon to use against his greatest enemy. But when he discovers the vulnerable woman beneath the angry mask, instinct screams to keep her safe. To protect and provide. And to claim her as his.

But will it be too late? As passion and lust ignite between them, vengeance is slipping away. And when Sage is confronted with fulfilling an unexpected destiny, will she choose to trust James with her heart?

RATING:

SEXUAL RATING:

Dee's Thoughts:

Honestly, I had to put this one down. I just wasn’t immediately drawn into the characters. When I came back I could kick myself for ever stopping. I am such a schmuck!

Sage is an extremely strong character. I enjoyed the personal, internal journey the author lead us on. The author does an exceptional job in expressing the emotions Sage has and is going through making a connection form easily with the character. She is also completely kick-ass and you have to love that.

James is an arrogant, know-it-all, but sexy as hell professor. His initial intentions for Sage were not so honorable, but James soon realizes love is more important than vengeance. When this happens the alpha male comes out, and the “MINE” phrases begin. You know I love that!!! Yes I do!!!

There is quite a few surprises in this novel, and that I enjoyed. The sarcastic humor was exceptional. Shaw pulled a snort or two from me, I will admit. However, what lacked for me was the sexual relationship of the characters. The first encounters (plural) were referred to but not addressed. This left a big void for me in the novel. I sat back and thought “What the heck! When did that happen?” and flipped back pages to see if I missed something. Then I read the page numbers to see if I was missing pages. Next I realized the information I was looking for just wasn’t there! There is a scene eventually where the leads have a private meeting, but at that point I was a wee bit frustrated.

Would I read the next addition? YES, for the great sarcastic humor, and the potential of a great series.