Beverly and Tamara: Welcome to SSLY. Thanks so much for joining us today Layna. So first why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?

Well, I’m married to an amazing chef, I have two daughters, and I’m a self-professed geek.

Tamara: What do you HAVE to have when you are writing?

Classical music. I’m a feeling/sensing sort of person, and music is the best way I can connect to a feeling, string of emotions, and setting.

Beverly: When did you start to write?

That’s a long story, but the condensed version is this: When my oldest was a teeny thing, I dabbled in gothic poetry. I endeavored to begin my own underground goth newsletter, but the demands of an infant and juggling college at the same time, I had to cut something loose. Unfortunately it meant my creative interests had to be set aside. Who knew that fourteen years later I’d be a published author of romance?

Tamara: What do you think are the qualities that make up a “hero”?

What a great question. In my heart, a hero is one who isn’t afraid to profess their feelings. He/She isn’t afraid to stand up for what is right, and protect the weak, despite the jeopardy it puts his/her needs in.

Beverly: Can you describe your favorite character? And which of your books is he/she in? How do you come up with your characters?

I really don’t have one specific favorite. I love them all.

Tamara: What are the hardest scenes for you to write? Suspense? Sex? Dialogue? And why?

The sex scenes for sure. Trying to make sure the scene flows, and making it realistic as possible can be challenging.

Beverly: What writer, if any, influenced how you write?

That’s a hard question, as I write in a few sub-genres. Sherrilyn Kenyon and Kelley Armstrong have inspired my paranormal and fantasy works, whereas I’m utterly enthralled by Julie Garwood’s historicals, Lisa Kleypas, Elizabeth Boyle, and Gaelen Foley’s writing. There really are too many authors to list, but those are the few that I give credit to.

Beverly: Oh, you’ve named some of my favorites!

Tamara: Who would you choose as your “book boyfriend/girlfriend”? From what book? Author?

My husband isn’t in any book yet, otherwise I’d choose him. I suppose I should write one then, eh? *wink*

Beverly: What is the kinkiest thing you’ve ever done? Or would like to? What? We are all about the love!

Umm… For the sake of keeping this PG 13, let’s just say that FSoG hasn’t inspired anything insane that resulted in him using Sponge Bob ™ bandages.

Tamara: What are your favorite types of heroines? Do you like the damsel in distress who needs saving or the kick-ass variety? Why?

I love a heroine who’s a total girly-girl, but isn’t afraid to try something different, or pull up her big girl panties and get ballsy.

Beverly: What was your worst date ever?

I don’t think I’ve ever had one.

Tamara: If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? (you have food, water, shelter, all the necessities, so nothing mundane)

A book—any will do, something that would remind me of home, and something that remind me of my family (a picture or trinket that I carry around).

Beverly: What is your “guilty pleasure”?

Belgium Truffles, especially white chocolate ones. 😀

Tamara: What dream or goals have you yet to realize?

I’d like to get my next series signed with one of the big 6.

Beverly: What was your most embarrassing moment? It can’t be worse than mine….

I beg to differ, I’ve had more wardrobe malfunctions than Janet Jackson. That is all.

Tamara: LOL! If you were a color what would you be and why?

Red, and I’ve no idea why I love it. I’m just drawn to its warmth.

Beverly: Who has influenced how you perceive love? Why?

Everyone has their own definition of love. I certainly grew up with a different concept of it, and now I’ve developed to what I think is stronger and safer.

Tamara and Beverly: Okay. We are SSLY so we have to ask. Who loves you?

My husband, and my girls of course, though that depends if they’re grounded or not. I have a pre-teen and a teen, so anything pretty much goes around here.

Now for some quick fun questions:

Boxers or briefs?
Commando
Coffee or Tea?
Tea
Tall, dark and handsome or Blond and buff?
Tall, dark and handsome.
Hairy chest or smooth?
Umm…Some hair is nice. I’m completely turned off by a bare chest, or if it’s too hairy.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
If we’re talking chocolate or ice cream, vanilla. 😉
Kinky or Sweet?
Both.
Fast or slow?
Fast street light changes, slow cooking. You can’t rush a great piece of meat. hehe
Public or private?
Very private
Top or bottom?
You’ll never know. LOL

A Gift From Fate

BLURB
After colliding with a stunning vision in white, retired Staff Sergeant Brent Daniels offers to drive the beautiful stranger to a hotel for the night, but instead discovers he’s with one very lost creature. He’s bewitched by her sinful curves, her dark and mesmerizing eyes, and the pull at his soul with each minute passing. Nevertheless, he can’t shake the feeling she’s hiding something.

Melpomene, daughter of Zeus, finds her handsome rescuer resembles the man who has continuously haunted her dreams. Before long, she’s in his arms, wanting more. Knowing their days are numbered, desperation leads her to reach out for help by an unlikely ally.

Just how far will these two lovers go, and what will they sacrifice to be together?

EXCERPT
“My name is Melp—Mel Pomene.” She’d nearly given herself away. Zeus, her father, would have heard had she whispered her name. Her father. Heavens, he’d turn the mortal realm upside down if he suspected she was here. And right now, she desired nothing more than to stay a little longer. With any lucky, I’ll return before he notices.
“Well, Mel, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your last name is rather unusual. I assume you’re not from these parts?”
His question silenced any thoughts drifting through her mind at that moment. A new kind of tension rose within her. She couldn’t disclose her origins or who she was. Guilt settled in her stomach for leaving her sisters behind, but she wasn’t given a choice. The Fates dropped her here, only mentioning an experience for three days…provided Zeus didn’t find out. Only the Gods knew what he’d do if he found her cavorting around without a proper escort.
“Earth to Mel? Are you all right?”
“Yes, I am. I’m just thinking of home, which is Greece. I’ve come to the United States for an adventure, it would seem.”
He chuckled before she’d finished speaking.
“What is so amusing?”
“The mere mention of seeking adventure after getting lost is rather comical, nothing else, sweetheart.” He removed his right hand from the wheel and petted her knee. The warmth of his hand stirred an unfamiliar emotion within. This was the man from her dream. Those hands had touched parts of her body no mortal would have dared, and here she sat, wishing he’d do more than pat her.

WHERE TO BUY
http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.allromanceebooks.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.bookstrand.com

________________________________________
BIOGRAPHY-Layna Pimentel

Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.
Layna is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and is a monthly contributor at 69 Shades of Smut. For updates on her upcoming releases, or to leave her a comment, you can find at:

Blog: laynap.wordpress.com & hawtreads.wordpress.com
Website: http://www.laynapimentel.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LaynaPimentel
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLaynaPimentel

Erotic, Fantasy, & Historical Romance Author
Coming Soon: Pleasure Garden Follies Trilogy ~ Secret Cravings Publishing
http://www.laynapimentel.com ~ layna.pimentel@gmail.com