Book Tour & Gìveaway: Swank holiday party with Rosalie Lario & the boys from the Demons of Infernum series

Please help me welcome Rosalie Lario, author of Touch of the Angel, and characters from the entire Demons of Infernum series!

Rosalie was able to hook me up with an invite to the brothers’ holiday party at Keegan & Brynn’s swank skyline apartment in NYC, and a limo ride to and from!  I got a chance to chat with all the main characters from the books so this party recap is not a quick affair.  Grab a glass of champagne and get cozy by the fireside as we relive our amazing evening…

Don’t miss the special give-away at the bottom of the interview!  You won’t believe what Rosalie is giving away!!

❦

The limo stops at my hotel and the driver opens the door so I can step inside, where Rosalie is already waiting. She’s wearing a fasionable, wine-colored sheath dress but her hair is slightly mussed and her eyes are bleary. She takes a healthy gulp from her champagne glass and waves me in.

Driver: Would you care for some champagne before we’re off?
DaVinciKittie: Oh yes, please!
Rosalie: Hope you don’t mind, I’ve had a few glasses already. Being around demons always makes me a little nervous. *Hiccups*

Driver: *as he fills my glass with bubbly goodness* There are some chocolates on the sideboard as well. Help yourself, and enjoy the ride.
DaVinciKittie: Oooo yum! *snags a Ferrero Rocher and a Lindt truffle*

*Turning toward Rosalie as the car starts moving*
DaVinciKittie: Hi Rosalie! It’s so great to finally meet you! I love your work. I didn’t fully realize just how much effort and skill it must take to pull off a seamlessly enjoyable story with characters the readers want to spend more time with until I started doing a lot of reviews and realized how many books fall short, but you do it with panache! I’m completely enamored with the brothers and their ladies!
Rosalie: Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoy spending time with the brothers. I have to admit, they’re a ton of fun to be around. They always keep me guessing, that’s for sure!

DaVinciKittie: I have to be (embarrassingly) honest. I have a little crush on Taeg. *sigh* Something about a sarcastic, clever, hunky man… I will TOTALLY try to control myself, him being mated and all. And Maya could kick my butt. Just sayin. *wink*
Rosalie: *Leans closer* Don’t tell, but I totally have a crush on him too. How could I not?

DaVinciKittie: So this will be a small party? Just close friends and family?
Rosalie: Yes, the brothers have a lot of stuff going on right now, a lot of tension with the Council, so they’re keeping things pretty subdued this holiday season.

DaVinciKittie: How does your family celebrate the holidays?
Rosalie: My sisters and I have five children under the age of six between us, so we usually celebrate Christmas half-buried under a mountain of torn wrapping paper. It’s pretty awesome, I must say. *smiles*

DaVinciKittie: You’re almost out of brothers to write about for the Demons of Infernum series and I know you’re a couple novellas into the Fallen Warriors series. Do you have inklings or plans for any new upcoming series?
Rosalie: : I’ve got so many ideas, it’s a matter of finding the best one. *mutters under breath* If only Taeg would shut up; he keeps insisting he needs a sequel.
Editor’s note: I agree with Taeg – he definitely needs a sequel! *grin*

DaVinciKittie: If you don’t mind my asking, how long did it take you to get your first novel published? I hear it can take quite a long time for some people.
Rosalie: I wrote for a little over two years before I contracted the Demons of Infernum series. However, I’m a lifelong obsessive reader, so I got a lot of my education in writing through the books I’ve read over the years.

DaVinciKittie: I just finished reading Blood of the Demon (I know, I read them a little out of order!) and especially enjoyed the parts set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Have you been there? The energy in the Quarter is intense! Did you take any of the ghost tours? What did you enjoy most about the city?
Rosalie: I love New Orleans! Went several times in college, though alas, it was always during Mardis Gras. Great experiences, but I didn’t get to do any of the really touristy things, like take the ghost tours. *Scratches head* At least, I don’t think I did. Kind of hard to remember. I’m going to the Authors After Dark Conference in New Orleans in 2012, though, and I cannot wait to do some of the things I never got to do!

The car slows down and pulls into the entrance of the high-rise condo where the brothers live. The driver opens the door and we are ushered into a trendy, well-appointed lobby. Rosalie waves at the doorman and he nods, motioning her toward the elevator. She pushes the number for the Penthouse.
Rosalie: I have to tell you, sometimes I wish I worked for the Council. Keegan and Brynn got a sweet deal on their living situation.

DaVinciKittie: *fidgets hands nervously* Looks like we’re almost there. A few more quick questions? Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind! Boxers or briefs?
Rosalie: Uh…commando?
DaVinciKittie: Last song played on your ipod?
Rosalie: Down with the Sickness by Disturbed. It’s a particular fave of Dagan’s, I hear. *winks*
DaVinciKittie: Most annoying pet peeve?
Rosalie: Socks with sandals. Hey, I live in Florida. *grin*
DaVinciKittie: Weirdest fact about yourself most people wouldn’t know?
Rosalie: I have strange people speaking in my head. Oh wait, I guess that’s most authors. Huh…okay, here’s this: I have an obsession with ferrets. They are awesome pets! Don’t have any now, but I’ve had 13 over the years.
DaVinciKittie: Sneakers or stilettos?
Rosalie: Stilettos…but I’ll be shifting my weight and wishing it was sneakers the entire time.
DaVinciKittie: If you could have one superpower, it would be…
Rosalie: I would love to fly! I so envy Keegan and Ronin. They’ve got it good!

❦

The elevator chimes as we arrive at our destination. Rosalie leads me to an ornate door and she knocks. It opens up to reveal Dagan, whose face immediately lights up at seeing Rosalie. Dagan looks over at me and Rosalie introduces us before he leads us through the foyer and into a huge living room with an incredible wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. Electric sconces light the room and a tall Christmas tree with multicolored lights stands in one corner. Dagan gestures across the room to Taeg and Maya and leads us over. Lovely, instrumental Christmas music is playing softly in background. A quick glance around shows Bram, Reiver, Amara’s mom, Solara, and a few others I’m not familiar with chatting amiably on the sectional.

Dagan: What the hell are we celebrating anyway? *Rosalie stares, dumbfounded, and Dagan smirks at her* Just kidding, I know all about good ole St. Mick.
Rosalie: Actually, it’s St. Nick.
Dagan: *furrows brow* What?
Rosalie: Uh…never mind.

DaVinciKittie: What a magnificent view! I mean, I’d expected it to be impressive, but this is breathtaking! Is it just as beautiful during the day?
Dagan: *glances quickly toward window.* You wouldn’t believe it. But then, the view inside the apartment is pretty nice right now, too. *winks devilishly at DVK*

Dagan introduces me to Taeg and Maya, as I make a monumental effort not to blush beet red, and Rosalie greets them warmly. If I’m not mistaken, she flushes a little too when Taeg presses a quick kiss to her cheek.
DaVinciKittie: *addressing all four of them* Before I get too distracted, I just wanted to say thanks so much to all of you for allowing me to join you tonight. I know you’re fairly private, and very protective of Aegin, and I’m honored to be here.
Maya: *smiles warmly* Anytime.
Dagan: Any friend of Rosalie is a friend of ours.
Taeg: *wraps arm around Maya* Yeah, who else but she would be crazy enough to tell our story?
Maya: *elbows Taeg* You’re not supposed to say that in front of her, jackass.

DaVinciKittie: Will Cresso be joining us this evening?
Taeg: He wanted to, but he’s got some stuff going on back in London. He send his regards, though.
Rosalie says she’s going to mingle and heads toward Bram and Reiver on the couch.

DaVinciKittie: Maya, I have to tell you how much I love your spunk. Brave in the face of serious danger, a fighter even when the odds are against you, and the backbone to push back on this guy *thumbs toward Taeg*… girl power, sister!
Maya: *shrugs* Truth is Taeg would be bored as hell without me.
Taeg: *Squeezes Maya to him with a smile* You ain’t lying, sweetheart.
Maya: Great dress, by the way!
DaVinciKittie: *as I spin a quick circle, flaring out the flouncy skirt of my gold & pearl-colored halter dress, which is slit from knee to thigh, causing all the crystal accents to shimmer across the walls* Thanks! Sparkles are serious business. And every woman should celebrate her inner diva at least once per year!

DaVinciKittie: Sooooo Taeg, I was hoping to see one of your trademark shirts tonight. Not that I’m complaining about you being all decked out… *blushes*
Taeg: *flashes a wicked grin* I wanted to wear my holiday T-shirt, but Maya was dead set against it.
Maya: *scowls and shakes her head* Nobody wants to see Santa doing that to the poor reindeer.

DaVinciKittie: You seem to be coping well with the loss of your ability to flash. Are you acclimating to getting around like the rest of us? *wink* Have your driving skills improved? *grin*
Taeg: What do you mean? *absently smoothes down the front of his dark-blue dress shirt* I’ve always been a great driver.
Maya: *chokes on the drink she’s sipping*

DaVinciKittie: Do you guys go after the Council’s marks together or is that mostly just the brothers? I ask because, while human, I know Maya is pretty capable and kicks some serious butt.
Taeg: Me and my brothers are smart enough to know realize that a woman with her abilities comes in handy on the job.
Maya: Meaning he knows I’d kick his ass if he tried to leave me behind.

A gust of wind flows through the room and I look over to see the balcony door being pulled shut behind someone
Taeg: Have you had the tour yet? *I shake my head “no”* Oh, well then you’ve gotta check out the balcony. I think Ronin and Amara are out there too.

❦

I follow Taeg over to the windowed wall that looks out onto the balcony. He raps on the glass to get their attention, and Ronin and Amara guiltily break out of their passionate embrace. Taeg opens the door and guides me onto the balcony.
Taeg: Keep the clothes on, kids. We’ve got company.
Amara: *looks embarrassed* Sorry.

The view from out here is even more spectacular, all of NYC sparkling around our feet. It’s a little chilly for me though and I shiver. Taeg introduces me to Ronin, decked out in tailored black slacks and a red dress shirt and Amara, who’s wearing a black silk pantsuit.

DaVinciKittie: Oh it’s so great to meet you both. I’m so glad Cresso was able to work out a way for you be together. Ronin, is the serum still working well? No unpleasant side effects? How often do you need to take it?
Ronin: *Gives Amara a tender glance* Cresso’s been hard at work on refining the formula. I can get by taking it as little as once a month now. That man is amazing. *Amara nods her head in agreement*

DaVinciKittie: *slyly glances at Ronin* I have a soft spot for angel’s wings. I’d be bold and ask to see them but it’s cold out here and, well, *winking at Amara* I don’t think I’m up for taking on an angry succubus.
Amara: *laughs, then grows serious* Good.

DaVinciKittie: You know, if I had wings, I’d be constantly tempted to soar out across this breathtaking, glittering vista. Do you chance it often and go out flying?
Ronin: More often than I should, considering how packed this city is. You wouldn’t believe how amazing the view is from up in the sky.

DaVinciKittie: Amara, how is your mother doing? Is she still mercilessly teasing Ronin?
Amara: Why? Was she grabbing his ass again? *mutters under breath and cranes her head, searching out Solara inside the apartment* How many asses does she think she can get away with grabbing tonight, anyway?

DaVinciKittie: Now that there’s a little one afoot, have you had any thoughts about a baby of your own?
Amara: *blushes* I’d love that. I guess we’ll see where life takes us.
Ronin: Brynn should be just about finished feeding Aegin. Would you like to meet them and Keegan?
DaVinciKittie: Oh, I wouldn’t miss it! Lead on! *grin*

❦

Ronin leads me down a long hallway and into one of the bedrooms, then makes the introductions before quietly slipping out.
Brynn: Would you like to hold him?
DaVinciKittie: *looks alarmed* Ah, I’m not all that used to holding children. I’d hate to accidentally hurt him…
Keegan: *laughs and hands me the bundle* I’d be more worried about him accidentally hurting you.

DaVinciKittie: *surprised at how light he is, looking up at me with his crimson eyes* His eyes are lovely. I know that might sound strange since they’re bright crimson, but… When will he be able to glamour them? Will they remain visibly red until then?
Keegan: He should be able to form simple glamours around the age of one. Until then he’ll have to stay mostly inside. *shrugs* It’s a big house.

DaVinciKittie: Have you noticed any of his abilities manifesting yet? I’m very curious what he’ll be able to do.
Brynn: *rolls eyes* Believe me, you’re not the only one. The other day he burped and I swear a little ring of smoke came out of his mouth.
Keegan: *laughs* I think you were totally imagining that.
Brynn: I wasn’t, I tell you. *looks over at DVK* I live in fear that he’ll accidentally singe off my eyebrows or something.

DaVinciKittie: *laughs* How about you two? How’s parenthood? Are you getting any sleep?
Keegan & Brynn: *simultaneously* No.

DaVinciKittie: Are you going to start any special holiday traditions with Aegin?
Brynn: I’d like for him to understand the holiday. I know he’s only half human, but…
Keegan: *shrugs* Christmas is a pretty decent holiday. No one has to die or anything. Back in Infernum, our only holiday requires the sacrifice of a large group of animals.
Brynn: *blinks at Keegan* Really?
Keegan: I’ll tell you more about it later.

Aegin gets a little fussy so I start to hand him back to Brynn
DaVinciKittie: Oh, um, I think he wants you…

Dagan appears in the doorway.
Dagan: Hey, the party’s out here. What are you doing holed up in here?
wink at Keegan and Brynn and mouth “thank you” then let myself be dragged out to the great room.

❦

Dagan hands me a glass of champagne and we sit at one end of the long sectional to chat
DaVinciKittie: At the risk of appearing completely obsessed, where DO you guys get your sarcastic tshirts? I LOVE them!
Dagan: *laughs* You can find just about anything in this town. And believe me, I mean anything.

DaVinciKittie: Being the only bachelor left in the family, do your brothers give you a hard time? Do you enjoy your freedom or are you looking to settle down too?
Dagan: Nah. *leans back casually* Some people are meant for love and marriage and all that bullshit. Me, *grins* I was meant to be the fun uncle.

DaVinciKittie: Among your… other… abilities, you can breathe underwater, right? That’s pretty cool but I imagine it’s fairly situational (especially in NYC). Tell me, what is the most creative way you’ve used your water-breathing ability?
Dagan: I would but *winks* I wouldn’t want to make you blush so soon after arrivin—
Dagan trails off and looks toward the door. Ronin has just answered it and Iolina is stepping in. Dagan stares, completely distracted. I follow his eyeline and see Lina staring back, which makes Ronin glare at Dagan.

DaVinciKittie: So, that’s Ronin’s angel half-sister?
Dagan: Um…yeah. *squirms uncomfortably* Excuse me. *rises and heads resolutely toward the bar*

Rosalie ambles over to the couches and and sits next to me.
DaVinciKittie: Rosalie, thanks so much for talking the boys into letting me join the party tonight. I’m having SUCH a great time.
Rosalie: Thanks for agreeing to come with me. I’m glad you’re having a good time!

DaVinciKittie: *leans in and whispers* I’m looking forward to reading more about Cresso and Dagan – can’t wait for their books!
Rosalie: Oh man, there are a lot of crazy times in store for the two of them!

DaVinciKittie: *looks at watch then finishes champagne* We have a little while before the limo picks us up again. Want to mingle?
Rosalie: Hell ya! *leans in to whisper* Look, Solara’s standing next to Taeg. Maybe if I sneak in real quick, I can grab his ass and blame it on her. *laughs and bounces off in Taeg’s direction*

❦

Win one of the first four books in the Demons of Infernum series!

Are you already a fan of the series but don’t have all the books yet?  Maybe you’re new to the Demons of Infernum series and would love to get to know these sexy,  half-demon brothers a little better?  Well here is your chance!  Four commenters on today’s post will win one of the following:

[heartlist]

• Blood of the Demon (Demons of Infernum #1) by Rosalie Lario
• Mark of the Sylph (Demons of Infernum #2) by Rosalie Lario
• Touch of the Angel (Demons of Infernum #3) by Rosalie Lario
• Heart of the Incubus (Demons of Infernum #3.5) by Rosalie Lario (novella)

[/heartlist]

Heart of the Incubus hasn’t even been released yet (scheduled for early January) so whoever wins it will be getting an Advanced Reader Copy!  To enter, all you need to do is make a comment in the Comments area at the bottom of this post, then fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  I’ll leave the giveaway open for a few days to give more people time to read, comment, and enter!

And don’t worry that you might win one of the later books in the series without having the first one – they can all  be read independently.  I figure it’s better to spread the love and let everyone get a taste of these vastly entertaining brothers than to give it all to one person.  =)  AND, if you didn’t already know, Mark of the Sylph and Touch of the Angel were GraveTells Books of the Month for September and November, respectively, and are currently up for our 2011 Readers Choice voting!  Click the links to read our reviews!  Okay, okay, here’s where you enter…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Rosalie Lario for being such a great sport with this interview and to Roxanne Rhoads for upping the giveaway from one book to the whole (currently published) set!  Hope you guys enjoyed the interview as much as I did!  Best of luck!