Last September, I interviewed contemporary romance author Leslie Scott, whose stories center around the dangerous world of drag racing. Tomorrow she’s releasing the second book in her Arcadia Fast series: Hot Lap. (Gotta love that racy title!) Let’s take a peek.

Starting a new life isn’t easy when the skeletons locked in her closet are the notorious town drunk for a father and a haunted past. But Hadley Morgan isn’t one to shy away from second chances or giving them either.

When a young, single father wrapped up in an octane fueled package takes particular interest in her, she begins to dream. But well-known drag racer Aiden Casey is also her boss, making her hesitate to grab at her chance at happiness.

Will her secrets shatter their chance at love or will his past come back to destroy both of them?

Excerpt:

“Wow.” The word tumbled from my lips before my body had time to register how damn good he looked.

Aiden wore his dark hair tied at the base of his neck. His sharp cheekbones were model perfect. The dimple in his cheek when wide, sculpted lips curved in a smile, sent me into a spiral of va-va-voom.

I stood there, dumbstruck.

“I thought since I’d asked you to wear a dress, I should return the favor.” He wore a crisp white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar with the sleeves rolled up on his forearms, and clean, faded jeans with a pair of black Vans. So handsome, he took my breath away.

“I never pegged you for a skater.” I stepped out of the door, my strappy sandals clicking with each footfall.

His laugh came as easy as the fingers that wrapped around my hand. “A guy can’t give away all his secrets.”

“Really? You can skateboard?” I’d never seen him do anything other than drive.

“Yeah. Vic, too.” Pleasant surprise was becoming an old friend where Aiden was concerned. He fell with ease into the rhythm of conversation. With Aiden, things that should have been awkward—weren’t.

“We didn’t always drive. Except for maybe Jordan. Old Man always let him drive around in that old truck.”

They all referred to Jordan’s grandfather as “Old Man,” even Aiden’s sisters. Jordan had restored the old Chevy truck and made it like new again.

“You loved him.” The affection for Jordan’s grandfather written plainly on Aiden’s face.

“Jordan or his grandfather?” He lifted a shoulder. “Both, I guess. Jordan is my brother, from different parents. The Old Man was just…awesome.”

“I think it’s nice.” If I searched the recesses of my mind, I could almost grasp the familial bond. Then poof, another light in my life snuffed out far too soon. Each time I was with Aiden, I trudged up things long since buried.

Yet, being with him made me happier than I could ever remember.

“Now, close your eyes.” The rumbling timbre of his voice lulled me into doing just that.

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2T2rxB9

ibooks: https://apple.co/2DZOfos

Nook:http://bit.ly/2GTYNYl

Let’s meet the author. Tell us about your inspiration for this story, Leslie.

Hot Lap is the sequel to my debut novel, The Finish Line. I always knew that I wanted Raelynn’s brother to have his own happily ever after and by the time I’d gotten to know Hadley (by the end of the first book) I wanted it to be here.

What do you love about the genre you write in?

I love how messy New Adult can be. At that stage of your life, just figuring out all the things you’re supposed to do as an adult means making a lot of mistakes. That adds up to make a ton of believable conflict.

Do you write in other genres?

I do. I have a Western Contemporary novella (who doesn’t love a good cowboy story?) and am currently writing a romantic suspense series that I hope to release later this year.

What does your writing space look like?

Right now it’s a complete disaster. I’ve got post it notes and notebooks everywhere. As well as assorted gel pens and planners. Between the two sales I just had and this release, I’ve been busy busy.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Don’t stop. Don’t let the naysayers and rejection kill your desire to put words to the page.

I love all sorts of fiction and nonfiction, but I can’t abide a protagonist who keeps making dumb, self-destructive decisions. What makes you put down a book without finishing?

The dreaded “telling” or poor writing in general. Once my internal editor kicks on, I can’t cut it back off which means I won’t be finishing that novel. Funny, because it was never an issue until I went through the published process. In a weird way, writing killed reading for me. lol

Which authors have inspired you?

On a personal basis? Linda Winstead Jones, Vonnie Davis, and Beverly Jenkins. All three of these women have made a huge impact on my life and on my career. Each one has taken time out of their own lives to herald me advice on writing and career. I don’t know what I’d do without any of them.

But as a reader and a writer? Patricia Briggs. I can’t get enough of her. Lol

You can find Leslie Scott here:

Website:  http://lesliescottromance.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/df0G45

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/leslie-scott

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliescottwrites/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/leslieSwrites

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lesliescottwrites/

Youtube Playlists: http://bit.ly/2O6IDea