Welcome Jannine Corti-Petska

Jannine Corti-Petska stopped by today to answer a few questions. 

Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. What do you do for fun?

Well, I reached the big 6-0 this year. That just blows my mind. I'm a senior citizen!!! But, I don't act my age, lol. I love going to McDonalds and getting a senior coffee for $.64 (tax included <g>). And my husband and I get 20% off our bill at Denny's, our favorite restaurant. So far, I'm liking being one of the "old folks." :-)

For fun? I wish I could say I read for fun. Unfortunately, I don't have the time. Skimming through a magazine is all the reading I do, and that lasts all of 5-10 minutes. I do garden, which is therapy for me when I'm down or when I've hit a bump in my story and can't get past it. I write linear, so writing on ahead and coming back to it is hard for me to do.

I relax with my 3 Rat Terriers. We watch Italian soccer games together on the weekends (when league is in play). Wow, that's sad. When putting it in writing, it looks like I have a boring life. That's not the case, though. My dogs and grandkids keep me going.

Q: What do you like most about the genre you write in?

Because I write historical romance, I'd say living in the past. Obviously, I can't experience first hand what that was like (not sure I'd really want to), so researching, writing and getting lost in the time and place is most enjoyable. And since I was a horrible history student, I'm learning so much...and kicking myself for not paying attention in school!

Q: Where is your favorite place to write?

When I write long-handed, I favor the kitchen table. I have an office, but it's jam-packed with desks, bookcases, 2000 plus research books, and other office equipment. I don't think I've seen the top of my roll-top desk in years! When I'm writing directly into the computer, then I have to be in my office where my pc is. I have a netbook, but the smaller keyboard and screen isn't right for me.

Q: What’s your next project?

Actually, I've been working on TEMPT NOT MY HEART, book 4 of my Italian medieval series. Recently, I decided to sit back and not worry about finishing it. I've been under a lot of stress lately, and trying to be creative is difficult. Since that decision, I've actually worked on the story but without the pressure. Amazingly, the ideas are coming back.

Q: How do you feel about Dr. Pepper?

LOL. Sorry, Lisa, not a fan. When I drink soda, it's usually diet caffeine-free Coke, diet Sunkist or diet Ginger Ale. A can lasts me two days.

MINE TO KEEP by Jannine Corti Petska

Lady Elizabella Aldrich receives notice of an inheritance in Padua, Italy. Arriving from England, she discovers another heir lays claim to the castle. An unreasonably handsome Italian rogue stands between her and the castle she’s inherited.
Leonardo Da Mitri never met the noble who included him in his will. But after one look at Lady Eliza he relishes the challenge of defeating the beauty to make the castle his own.
Astonished to learn they must wed and remain married for a year, it soon becomes apparent someone does not want the nuptials to take place. As Eliza fights her growing desire for Leo, he fights for his life. Will he walk away from his inheritance—and Eliza? Or is he willing to risk everything to stay married to the woman who has claimed his heart as hers... to keep?

Buy links:

The Wild Rose Press

Amazon

 * Excerpt *

Elizabella and Leonardo haven’t been married long. Neither have they consummated their

marriage. In this scene, they both slipped on wet stone in the castle’s great room, and Leo traps her to the floor.

“Think you my brother will stand idle when I tell him how horrible you

have treated me? You are rude and ill-mannered.”

“So I am.” Leo feigned boredom. Her observation of his character didn’t

offend him. She was unapprised about Italian society…and Italian men.

“From the moment we met, you acted as if I am not fit to be in your

company. So be it. I am not a noble, so I need not behave like the rigid men

in your society. And since I am not compatible in your eyes, then I shall do

what I should have done last night.”

“You would not dare!”

He lifted his mouth into a non-committal smile.

“Oh! Let me up at once!”

“It appears milady must be taught manners as well.” Leo crushed her lips

beneath his. He ran his hand down her waist and hip caring not that his

caresses were rough, groping. Her protests died in an instant. When he pushed

her tunic up to her shoulders, he was surprised to find her naked beneath the

expensive garment. He tore away to lave his tongue across her breast, taunting

her nipple. Her deep, unfettered moan seeped into his heart. Last night had been

merely a prelude to the ecstasy awaiting him with his feisty wife. Leo recaptured

her mouth and shed any misgivings about consummating their marriage. Even

though theirs was more illusory than real, he should have sunk into her and

bedamned his righteous conscience. He desired Eliza like no other.

He broke off the kiss and gazed at her, from the red, irritated skin around her parted

lips to her eyelashes shadowed high upon her cheeks. Resisting her was impossible,

from the way her body moved, like a sultry feline, to her soft sounds of pleasure.

“Eliza.” Her name echoed in his head. “Do you want me? Truthfully, do you

desire me?”

When her lashes fluttered upward, her eyes beheld a desirous sheen. Leo’s heart

skipped a beat while his manhood surged upward in anticipation. Pray she didn’t

reject him, for he’d not walk away a second time. Hope kindled the jagged

pounding of his heart, even when her features lost their passionate glow.

“If I said no, would you leave me be?”

Thanks for stopping by today, Jannine. I actually won this book and had the chance to review it. 

Check out my review here!