At the Sports Bar with Leesa Bow's Aussie Rules 'Ballers
Today I welcome an author who is bringing the heat in the form of Australian Rules Football in her books!
Welcome to my sports bar Leesa what can I pour for you to start?
Leesa: Thanks Liz. I’ll start with a Pinot Gris. I live in Adelaide, South Australia and surrounded by beautiful vineyards so I love wine.
Tell us how "Australian rules football" is different from American football.
Gosh they are very different. One similarity is the shape of the ball. Aussie rules is continuous, play only stops momentarily and they pass differently, kick frequently and the goal posts differ. Oh and we don’t wear any protective clothing. Better eye candy ;-)
Here’s link to explain it betterhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqymJpIhpPY
I have included a picture of what we call a mark.
What inspired you to write a novel with Australian rules football as a central setting? Tell us a bit about Winning the Player ...
Leesa: My husband played the game so writing the story came naturally. Although my inspiration to write came when my second daughter was diagnosed with bone cancer. All four of my daughters are athletes and play basketball. When my daughter was diagnosed with cancer, all her dreams of playing college basketball in the US were ripped away. With her permission, I integrated some of her experiences into my character Aubree.
Winning the Player is about second chances, not only in love but for Aubree to find herself again. As an elite athlete, a knee injury ended her future as a professional basketball player. She took off overseas and returned two years later, only to bump into Hunter Stone, the guy she ran out on the night before her flight. Hunter is a star footballer, arrogant, and a player on and off the field, but Aubree also knows his other side.
Aubree is tough and doesn’t need a man to make her feel loved or needed. But in time she lowers her guard to Hunter, and hopes he doesn’t crush her heart and devastate her world all over again.
Do you like sports? if so which are your favorites?Leesa: YESFootball (all types)BasketballNetball
whoops! am empty glass...what can I pour for you next?Leesa: Oh thank you. This time I’ll try a Sauv Blanc. But I’m easily pleased. I also like red wine like Shiraz. I’m not a beer drinker (yes hard to believe an Aussie who doesn’t drink beer haha) and I like some liqueurs like Midori, Vodka, Baileys, Ouzo. Oh and I love cocktails, so bring on Happy Hour ;-)
I was sorry to see the Socceroos out of the World Cup so early. Are you a soccer fan?
Leesa: I’m not a huge soccer fan although I enjoy watching it. The World Cup is sensational and I love how it connects the world. The posts on Facebook and Twitter show such true passion of the fans.I wrote a fun post for my publisher Destiny Romance Australia. Here’s the link.
http://www.destinyromance.com/news/19284986/leesa-bow-author-winning-player-tells-why-world-cup-has-so-much-offer
Who is your pick to win the soccer World Cup?
Leesa: I’ve always been bias to Brazil and since they are the host country I think it goes in their favor.
Do you have plans for more sports themed books?
Leesa: Yes. My next book Charming the Outback will be released on August 19 this year. It’s a follow on from Winning the Player and is Maddy’s story. Sport is not the main focus in this book, and much of the story takes place in rural Australia.Here is the cover for it:
Although my current WIP is a sport themed book about a ruckman football player. In Aussie Rules Football the ruckman is the tallest player in the team. Here’s another pic for you.
Nightcap time! What's your poison?
I’ll take a Baileys on the rocks. Thanks Liz, I’m going to sleep well.
Blurb:
When injury destroyed her dream of playing college basketball, Aubree Taylor fled overseas. Now she's finally home again and ready to move on with her life. Until she runs into Hunter Stone on her first night out, the only guy who's ever meant anything to her – and the last person she wants to see.Since she ran out on him two years ago, Hunter hasn't been able to get Aubree off his mind. The sexy football star has had girls all over him for years, but Aubree is the only one to have ever seen behind the cocky persona he puts on for the crowd. Despite her attempts to keep her distance, Aubree is unable to resist the strong attraction between them and it isn't long before they fall into a passionate relationship. She has never been afraid of a challenge, but Hunter's arrogance and inability to trust are testing her to her limits. Aubree must decide whether to follow her heart and lower her guard…or risk losing the best thing that's ever happened to her.EXCERPT:
Chapter One'ID.' A beady-eyed security guard held out his hand. I handed over my driver's licence, stepped back and waited.'Name?''Aubree Taylor.'He stared longer than necessary and I wished I'd taken the time to apply makeup. For God's sake, I'm almost twenty-one. Do I really look underage? If he declines my entry based on the fact I don't look as though I'm trying to pick up —'Date of birth?' He scratched the side of his jaw.'Come on,' my best friend interrupted. 'Give her a break. She's been away travelling for two years and we want a drink to celebrate her homecoming. Her hair is longer, and it's darker than the photo because —''Maddy, it's fine.' A shiver ran down my spine and it wasn't just from the icy wind. It was this place. I inhaled the cold night air heavy with salt, and waited.'Go ahead.' He shoved the card in to my hand and unlatched the rope. Heels echoed off the wooden floor as we weaved around the room towards the entrance of the Shores nightclub. My gaze followed the white walls and despite the dim light recognised the same outback artwork from the last time I was here.'Nothing's changed in —''A bloody long time,' Maddy finished.My stomach tightened at remembering the last time. I looked to the stairs to the iron-balustrade balcony where I'd made my big mistake. My guard shot up, blocking the memory. I focused instead on faces in the crowd and burrowed between girls modelling tacky long lashes.'Come on, it's my shout. Let's head to the upstairs bar.' Maddy grabbed my hand and yanked me in line behind her.I had never liked the upstairs bar where football players, who thought they were someone, congregated. This bar was famous for 'picking up'. Guys got what they wanted—no strings attached—and girls bragged to their friends the following day. I failed to understand why females thought sleeping with a sports star for one night presented bragging rights. Two years ago I vowed not to become a notch on a football player's belt, promising myself I deserved better because I'd almost slipped up.Maddy pulled me through the crowd towards the bar. She managed to lean one arm on the bench and wave a fifty-dollar note at the barman. She caught his eye and yelled, 'Two red Vodka Cruisers.'Conscious of my short dress just covering my butt, I tugged at the hem and saw guys on my left checking me out. Wearing a dress—short enough to pass as a top—in a nightclub with sleazy guys, with the additional stench of stale alcohol, somehow didn't add up to my hope of meeting a guy who would respect me.'Well, I don't believe it. Aubree Taylor has returned to Adelaide.'Oh, God. My stomach dropped. I knew who that voice belonged to. I looked over my shoulder and forced a smile.'Emily, what a surprise,' I said in a high tone, feigning delight. My luck of not running into Emily since high school had just dried up. I had never got over her snide remarks about my body being too muscular and how if I had short hair I'd be mistaken for a boy.She waved her hand at me. 'I thought you were in America playing basketball or something. Oh, that's right, you injured your leg and can't play anymore. I remember. You ran off to America to hide.'Air froze in my lungs. 'I wasn't hiding. I travelled for two years,' I lied.Maddy turned and pushed herself between me and Emily, handing over a Cruiser. 'Hi, Emily. I see you've caught up with Aubree.' Maddy winked. I relaxed a smidgen knowing she had my back. 'How good is it to have her home? She looks terrific, doesn't she?'Before looking back at Emily, I placed the bottle to my lips and skolled half its contents. She studied me for a moment and raised a brow. Seriously, Maddy's comment didn't require an immediate assessment.'Your hair has grown.''I couldn't afford to get it cut.'Her critical gaze flicked away from my face, wandered down my body. 'Well, not bad for someone who's been slumming it overseas.' She twisted her blonde bob-styled hair behind her ear and her expression softened, as though she'd seen something she liked. Guess I finally passed as female.'So how's your leg?' she continued. 'Can you play basketball again?' I tensed, realising her tone was sans sympathy.My chest tightened and a lump grew under my diaphragm, making every breath difficult, just like every other time when someone questioned me about basketball.Don't let her get to you. Don't let her get to you. This isn't school.I sucked in a deep breath and composed myself before answering. 'My leg's better, but no, I can't play ball.' My stomach twisted at the memory of the devastating knee injury three years ago and how my dream of playing basketball for Australia had been shattered.'Too bad.' She shrugged. 'Anyway, Maddy, where's that gorgeous cousin of yours?''Hunter? How would I know,' Maddy sneered. She turned her head so fast her long, black ponytail almost whipped Emily's face.The tension in my shoulders had eased when Emily's attention was diverted to someone else, but on hearing Hunter's name my entire body stiffened. An uncomfortable bubble grew inside me. I needed space. 'Well, it's been nice catching up, but I have other people to see.' I grabbed Maddy's arm and dragged her to the back of the room before she insulted Emily.'Biatch,' Maddy said, walking away. She wasn't blind to girls using her to suss out her cousin. In fact, it plain pissed her off.I found a corner table near the wall and stood on the far side as though it offered protection. It had been Maddy's idea to come to the club – our old stomping ground – to de-stress and relive the good old times. After talking to Emily, it had the opposite effect.Maddy clinked her Cruiser against mine and winked. 'To you. I'm glad you came home.''Me, too.' I'd missed my mum and Maddy the most, and two years away qualified as a reasonable amount of time to forget. Well, that's what I told myself as I downed the drink. Maddy followed my lead and banged her empty bottle on the table. 'Come on, let's dance.' Without waiting for an answer, she pulled me in the direction of the dance floor.I wasn't sure how much time had lapsed while grinding moves on the dance floor, but judging by my achy feet and internal Cinderella clock, it was time to go home. My mind drifted to tomorrow and starting work at eight at the community nursing home. It wasn't my dream job, but I couldn't afford to be choosy after ignoring tertiary studies to travel. Mum had helped secure the administrative role since she worked there as a chef and had put in a good word to HR.'I think I'll call it a night. I'm already dreading the morning.' I pulled a face, hoping for understanding.'Bullshit to that. I'm buying you another drink. The real fun hasn't started yet.' Maddy latched onto my arm and tugged me through the suddenly swelling crowd. It could only mean one thing—more football players had arrived. We headed to the same table at the uncrowded corner of the upstairs room. Everyone else strived to be near the players, surrounding the heroes in large oval-shaped groups near the bar. I reached for a stool and almost fell on it, rubbing my knee more out of habit than from pain caused by dancing in heels.'I'll get us drinks.' Maddy flashed her money before I could object.I glanced towards the crowded bar and cringed. Being alone made me uncomfortable, although worrying about bumping into Emily again seemed pointless. The football players, as I remembered, captured her attention. I scanned the room, and despite my time away managed to identify players from both teams that played in the Australian football competition.At almost seven feet tall, Darcy Rayne, ruckman for the Thunder, stood head and shoulders above the crowd. Known for his womanising ways and a regular at the Shores nightclub, I guessed many women came here just to see him.The hum of conversation faded when three tall guys entered from the stairs. The crowd parted, offering a clear path to the bar. 'Who do they think they are?' I muttered under my breath. 'Bloody gods?' It hardly mattered that I couldn't identify them with their backs turned because I felt the air of arrogance waft across the room. Two were blond; the third guy had longer dark hair falling around the nape of his neck. I watched out of curiosity rather than interest as they stopped to talk to someone at the bar. Their presence consumed every person in the room and I cursed, acknowledging that I, too, was drawn to them.The dark-haired guy leaning on the bar straightened. At around six-foot-five, and not as tall as the ruckman, he also stood out in the crowd. He turned slowly, surveying the room, but not in the casual checking-out-the-opposite-sex kind of way.Something was wrong. I strained my neck to see what troubled him. My heart jumped as I recognised his side profile—the long straight nose, generous lips and chiselled jawbone. A long fringe swept his face, reminding me of a boy-band look; that's why I hadn't recognised him when he'd first walked in. His gaze wandered across the sea of heads until blue eyes met directly with mine. I froze in my seat. My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt like a kangaroo held prisoner in the dark by a blinding spotlight.Hunter Stone.Heads turned to see who Hunter was eyeballing in a not-so-friendly manner. Despite my hammering heart, I stared back with a straight face—my competitive nature from years of basketball taking control—refusing to succumb and smile at him. Moments later he turned to resume his conversation at the bar. Girls standing between us glared and I wanted to laugh, no cackle, at the notion of being their competition. I'd be the last person Hunter would choose.My chest tightened at recalling the last time, and what almost had eventuated. Panic clawed its way up my throat. I needed fresh air. I grabbed my handbag and looked up as Maddy came bounding through the crowd smiling ear to ear, before handing me another red bottle.'Guess who I just ran into?' She pulled down her green miniskirt a little before edging herself up onto the stool.'No idea.''Hunter,' she said in a higher-than-necessary voice. 'I told him you were back and he seemed eager to say hello.'Bullshit. 'Really.''Yeah, he paid for our drinks and said he'd buy you one later to welcome you home.''Kind of him.'Maddy tilted her head at me. 'What is it?''Nothing, I'm tired and need some rest before work tomorrow.''Fine, but promise me we'll do this again soon. I'm not about to let you turn into a hermit.' She narrowed her sapphire eyes at me, reminding me of the same scowl her cousin had aimed at me minutes before.I crossed my fingers behind my back. 'Sure.'The excerpt and purchase links can be found on my publisher Destiny Romance websitehttp://www.destinyromance.com/products/9781743485699/winning-player-destiny-romance/19282638/extract
Leesa Bow grew up in Broken Hill. Sport played a major role in her life growing up in a small country town, and Leesa had a passion for basketball. Although she loved to read books with happy endings, she never believed she would end up a novelist.Leesa started her professional life nursing at the local hospital before moving to Adelaide in her early twenties. She married a football player, and inevitably her four daughters were also sporty. Leesa began writing seriously when her second daughter became sick with cancer. Initially writing was therapeutic, but when her daughter got the all clear, she decided to continue writing seriously. Stories about sport, romance, and characters aged eighteen plus seemed logical since her daughters were of a similar age, and often surrounded by athletes.In her spare time Leesa writes New Adult romance. On weekends she enjoys watching basketball and football, having beach days with the family, catching up with girlfriends, and daydreaming about strong heroines.
Here’s my social media links.
Website: www.leesabow.com
Tumblr: http://leesabow.tumblr.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Leesabowromance,
Twitter: @leesabow
Good Reads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/8106454.Leesa_Bow
You can also purchase this title at:· Amazon Australia· Apple· Google Play· Kobo· Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Winning-Player-Destiny-Leesa-Bow-ebook/dp/B00JEUKI5E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404001147&sr=8-1&keywords=leesa+bow
Well, I don't know about YOU guys but I may have a new sport to "research!"Thanks for stopping by the Liz Sports Bar Leesa!Check out my info on her blog here:
Welcome to my sports bar Leesa what can I pour for you to start?
Leesa: Thanks Liz. I’ll start with a Pinot Gris. I live in Adelaide, South Australia and surrounded by beautiful vineyards so I love wine.
Tell us how "Australian rules football" is different from American football.
Gosh they are very different. One similarity is the shape of the ball. Aussie rules is continuous, play only stops momentarily and they pass differently, kick frequently and the goal posts differ. Oh and we don’t wear any protective clothing. Better eye candy ;-)
Here’s link to explain it betterhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqymJpIhpPY
I have included a picture of what we call a mark.
What inspired you to write a novel with Australian rules football as a central setting? Tell us a bit about Winning the Player ...
Leesa: My husband played the game so writing the story came naturally. Although my inspiration to write came when my second daughter was diagnosed with bone cancer. All four of my daughters are athletes and play basketball. When my daughter was diagnosed with cancer, all her dreams of playing college basketball in the US were ripped away. With her permission, I integrated some of her experiences into my character Aubree.
Winning the Player is about second chances, not only in love but for Aubree to find herself again. As an elite athlete, a knee injury ended her future as a professional basketball player. She took off overseas and returned two years later, only to bump into Hunter Stone, the guy she ran out on the night before her flight. Hunter is a star footballer, arrogant, and a player on and off the field, but Aubree also knows his other side.
Aubree is tough and doesn’t need a man to make her feel loved or needed. But in time she lowers her guard to Hunter, and hopes he doesn’t crush her heart and devastate her world all over again.
Do you like sports? if so which are your favorites?Leesa: YESFootball (all types)BasketballNetball
whoops! am empty glass...what can I pour for you next?Leesa: Oh thank you. This time I’ll try a Sauv Blanc. But I’m easily pleased. I also like red wine like Shiraz. I’m not a beer drinker (yes hard to believe an Aussie who doesn’t drink beer haha) and I like some liqueurs like Midori, Vodka, Baileys, Ouzo. Oh and I love cocktails, so bring on Happy Hour ;-)
I was sorry to see the Socceroos out of the World Cup so early. Are you a soccer fan?
Leesa: I’m not a huge soccer fan although I enjoy watching it. The World Cup is sensational and I love how it connects the world. The posts on Facebook and Twitter show such true passion of the fans.I wrote a fun post for my publisher Destiny Romance Australia. Here’s the link.
http://www.destinyromance.com/news/19284986/leesa-bow-author-winning-player-tells-why-world-cup-has-so-much-offer
Who is your pick to win the soccer World Cup?
Leesa: I’ve always been bias to Brazil and since they are the host country I think it goes in their favor.
Do you have plans for more sports themed books?
Leesa: Yes. My next book Charming the Outback will be released on August 19 this year. It’s a follow on from Winning the Player and is Maddy’s story. Sport is not the main focus in this book, and much of the story takes place in rural Australia.Here is the cover for it:
Although my current WIP is a sport themed book about a ruckman football player. In Aussie Rules Football the ruckman is the tallest player in the team. Here’s another pic for you.
Nightcap time! What's your poison?
I’ll take a Baileys on the rocks. Thanks Liz, I’m going to sleep well.
Blurb:
When injury destroyed her dream of playing college basketball, Aubree Taylor fled overseas. Now she's finally home again and ready to move on with her life. Until she runs into Hunter Stone on her first night out, the only guy who's ever meant anything to her – and the last person she wants to see.Since she ran out on him two years ago, Hunter hasn't been able to get Aubree off his mind. The sexy football star has had girls all over him for years, but Aubree is the only one to have ever seen behind the cocky persona he puts on for the crowd. Despite her attempts to keep her distance, Aubree is unable to resist the strong attraction between them and it isn't long before they fall into a passionate relationship. She has never been afraid of a challenge, but Hunter's arrogance and inability to trust are testing her to her limits. Aubree must decide whether to follow her heart and lower her guard…or risk losing the best thing that's ever happened to her.EXCERPT:
Chapter One'ID.' A beady-eyed security guard held out his hand. I handed over my driver's licence, stepped back and waited.'Name?''Aubree Taylor.'He stared longer than necessary and I wished I'd taken the time to apply makeup. For God's sake, I'm almost twenty-one. Do I really look underage? If he declines my entry based on the fact I don't look as though I'm trying to pick up —'Date of birth?' He scratched the side of his jaw.'Come on,' my best friend interrupted. 'Give her a break. She's been away travelling for two years and we want a drink to celebrate her homecoming. Her hair is longer, and it's darker than the photo because —''Maddy, it's fine.' A shiver ran down my spine and it wasn't just from the icy wind. It was this place. I inhaled the cold night air heavy with salt, and waited.'Go ahead.' He shoved the card in to my hand and unlatched the rope. Heels echoed off the wooden floor as we weaved around the room towards the entrance of the Shores nightclub. My gaze followed the white walls and despite the dim light recognised the same outback artwork from the last time I was here.'Nothing's changed in —''A bloody long time,' Maddy finished.My stomach tightened at remembering the last time. I looked to the stairs to the iron-balustrade balcony where I'd made my big mistake. My guard shot up, blocking the memory. I focused instead on faces in the crowd and burrowed between girls modelling tacky long lashes.'Come on, it's my shout. Let's head to the upstairs bar.' Maddy grabbed my hand and yanked me in line behind her.I had never liked the upstairs bar where football players, who thought they were someone, congregated. This bar was famous for 'picking up'. Guys got what they wanted—no strings attached—and girls bragged to their friends the following day. I failed to understand why females thought sleeping with a sports star for one night presented bragging rights. Two years ago I vowed not to become a notch on a football player's belt, promising myself I deserved better because I'd almost slipped up.Maddy pulled me through the crowd towards the bar. She managed to lean one arm on the bench and wave a fifty-dollar note at the barman. She caught his eye and yelled, 'Two red Vodka Cruisers.'Conscious of my short dress just covering my butt, I tugged at the hem and saw guys on my left checking me out. Wearing a dress—short enough to pass as a top—in a nightclub with sleazy guys, with the additional stench of stale alcohol, somehow didn't add up to my hope of meeting a guy who would respect me.'Well, I don't believe it. Aubree Taylor has returned to Adelaide.'Oh, God. My stomach dropped. I knew who that voice belonged to. I looked over my shoulder and forced a smile.'Emily, what a surprise,' I said in a high tone, feigning delight. My luck of not running into Emily since high school had just dried up. I had never got over her snide remarks about my body being too muscular and how if I had short hair I'd be mistaken for a boy.She waved her hand at me. 'I thought you were in America playing basketball or something. Oh, that's right, you injured your leg and can't play anymore. I remember. You ran off to America to hide.'Air froze in my lungs. 'I wasn't hiding. I travelled for two years,' I lied.Maddy turned and pushed herself between me and Emily, handing over a Cruiser. 'Hi, Emily. I see you've caught up with Aubree.' Maddy winked. I relaxed a smidgen knowing she had my back. 'How good is it to have her home? She looks terrific, doesn't she?'Before looking back at Emily, I placed the bottle to my lips and skolled half its contents. She studied me for a moment and raised a brow. Seriously, Maddy's comment didn't require an immediate assessment.'Your hair has grown.''I couldn't afford to get it cut.'Her critical gaze flicked away from my face, wandered down my body. 'Well, not bad for someone who's been slumming it overseas.' She twisted her blonde bob-styled hair behind her ear and her expression softened, as though she'd seen something she liked. Guess I finally passed as female.'So how's your leg?' she continued. 'Can you play basketball again?' I tensed, realising her tone was sans sympathy.My chest tightened and a lump grew under my diaphragm, making every breath difficult, just like every other time when someone questioned me about basketball.Don't let her get to you. Don't let her get to you. This isn't school.I sucked in a deep breath and composed myself before answering. 'My leg's better, but no, I can't play ball.' My stomach twisted at the memory of the devastating knee injury three years ago and how my dream of playing basketball for Australia had been shattered.'Too bad.' She shrugged. 'Anyway, Maddy, where's that gorgeous cousin of yours?''Hunter? How would I know,' Maddy sneered. She turned her head so fast her long, black ponytail almost whipped Emily's face.The tension in my shoulders had eased when Emily's attention was diverted to someone else, but on hearing Hunter's name my entire body stiffened. An uncomfortable bubble grew inside me. I needed space. 'Well, it's been nice catching up, but I have other people to see.' I grabbed Maddy's arm and dragged her to the back of the room before she insulted Emily.'Biatch,' Maddy said, walking away. She wasn't blind to girls using her to suss out her cousin. In fact, it plain pissed her off.I found a corner table near the wall and stood on the far side as though it offered protection. It had been Maddy's idea to come to the club – our old stomping ground – to de-stress and relive the good old times. After talking to Emily, it had the opposite effect.Maddy clinked her Cruiser against mine and winked. 'To you. I'm glad you came home.''Me, too.' I'd missed my mum and Maddy the most, and two years away qualified as a reasonable amount of time to forget. Well, that's what I told myself as I downed the drink. Maddy followed my lead and banged her empty bottle on the table. 'Come on, let's dance.' Without waiting for an answer, she pulled me in the direction of the dance floor.I wasn't sure how much time had lapsed while grinding moves on the dance floor, but judging by my achy feet and internal Cinderella clock, it was time to go home. My mind drifted to tomorrow and starting work at eight at the community nursing home. It wasn't my dream job, but I couldn't afford to be choosy after ignoring tertiary studies to travel. Mum had helped secure the administrative role since she worked there as a chef and had put in a good word to HR.'I think I'll call it a night. I'm already dreading the morning.' I pulled a face, hoping for understanding.'Bullshit to that. I'm buying you another drink. The real fun hasn't started yet.' Maddy latched onto my arm and tugged me through the suddenly swelling crowd. It could only mean one thing—more football players had arrived. We headed to the same table at the uncrowded corner of the upstairs room. Everyone else strived to be near the players, surrounding the heroes in large oval-shaped groups near the bar. I reached for a stool and almost fell on it, rubbing my knee more out of habit than from pain caused by dancing in heels.'I'll get us drinks.' Maddy flashed her money before I could object.I glanced towards the crowded bar and cringed. Being alone made me uncomfortable, although worrying about bumping into Emily again seemed pointless. The football players, as I remembered, captured her attention. I scanned the room, and despite my time away managed to identify players from both teams that played in the Australian football competition.At almost seven feet tall, Darcy Rayne, ruckman for the Thunder, stood head and shoulders above the crowd. Known for his womanising ways and a regular at the Shores nightclub, I guessed many women came here just to see him.The hum of conversation faded when three tall guys entered from the stairs. The crowd parted, offering a clear path to the bar. 'Who do they think they are?' I muttered under my breath. 'Bloody gods?' It hardly mattered that I couldn't identify them with their backs turned because I felt the air of arrogance waft across the room. Two were blond; the third guy had longer dark hair falling around the nape of his neck. I watched out of curiosity rather than interest as they stopped to talk to someone at the bar. Their presence consumed every person in the room and I cursed, acknowledging that I, too, was drawn to them.The dark-haired guy leaning on the bar straightened. At around six-foot-five, and not as tall as the ruckman, he also stood out in the crowd. He turned slowly, surveying the room, but not in the casual checking-out-the-opposite-sex kind of way.Something was wrong. I strained my neck to see what troubled him. My heart jumped as I recognised his side profile—the long straight nose, generous lips and chiselled jawbone. A long fringe swept his face, reminding me of a boy-band look; that's why I hadn't recognised him when he'd first walked in. His gaze wandered across the sea of heads until blue eyes met directly with mine. I froze in my seat. My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt like a kangaroo held prisoner in the dark by a blinding spotlight.Hunter Stone.Heads turned to see who Hunter was eyeballing in a not-so-friendly manner. Despite my hammering heart, I stared back with a straight face—my competitive nature from years of basketball taking control—refusing to succumb and smile at him. Moments later he turned to resume his conversation at the bar. Girls standing between us glared and I wanted to laugh, no cackle, at the notion of being their competition. I'd be the last person Hunter would choose.My chest tightened at recalling the last time, and what almost had eventuated. Panic clawed its way up my throat. I needed fresh air. I grabbed my handbag and looked up as Maddy came bounding through the crowd smiling ear to ear, before handing me another red bottle.'Guess who I just ran into?' She pulled down her green miniskirt a little before edging herself up onto the stool.'No idea.''Hunter,' she said in a higher-than-necessary voice. 'I told him you were back and he seemed eager to say hello.'Bullshit. 'Really.''Yeah, he paid for our drinks and said he'd buy you one later to welcome you home.''Kind of him.'Maddy tilted her head at me. 'What is it?''Nothing, I'm tired and need some rest before work tomorrow.''Fine, but promise me we'll do this again soon. I'm not about to let you turn into a hermit.' She narrowed her sapphire eyes at me, reminding me of the same scowl her cousin had aimed at me minutes before.I crossed my fingers behind my back. 'Sure.'The excerpt and purchase links can be found on my publisher Destiny Romance websitehttp://www.destinyromance.com/products/9781743485699/winning-player-destiny-romance/19282638/extract
Leesa Bow grew up in Broken Hill. Sport played a major role in her life growing up in a small country town, and Leesa had a passion for basketball. Although she loved to read books with happy endings, she never believed she would end up a novelist.Leesa started her professional life nursing at the local hospital before moving to Adelaide in her early twenties. She married a football player, and inevitably her four daughters were also sporty. Leesa began writing seriously when her second daughter became sick with cancer. Initially writing was therapeutic, but when her daughter got the all clear, she decided to continue writing seriously. Stories about sport, romance, and characters aged eighteen plus seemed logical since her daughters were of a similar age, and often surrounded by athletes.In her spare time Leesa writes New Adult romance. On weekends she enjoys watching basketball and football, having beach days with the family, catching up with girlfriends, and daydreaming about strong heroines.
Here’s my social media links.
Website: www.leesabow.com
Tumblr: http://leesabow.tumblr.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Leesabowromance,
Twitter: @leesabow
Good Reads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/8106454.Leesa_Bow
You can also purchase this title at:· Amazon Australia· Apple· Google Play· Kobo· Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Winning-Player-Destiny-Leesa-Bow-ebook/dp/B00JEUKI5E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404001147&sr=8-1&keywords=leesa+bow
Well, I don't know about YOU guys but I may have a new sport to "research!"Thanks for stopping by the Liz Sports Bar Leesa!Check out my info on her blog here:
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