Betsy Osborne
Personal Information
Description
Barbara Schroeder was born on 28 October 1946 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, USA. She worked as nurse, before she married William P. Boswell, a attorney, and they had three daughters. She has been a longtime romance novel fan, becoming hooked on the romances by Harlequin back in the mid-‘70s when she was home with her three small daughters. When the youngest reached school age in 1983, she wanted something to do with her extra time. She thought about going back to nursing, but didn't care to deal with hospital shifts. She'd often made up stories in her head and/or continued the stories that she'd read, so it seemed like a fun idea to try to write a story of her own. It took a lot more effort and organization than the loosely strung-together scenes she'd run through her mind, but she was right about the fun part! She enjoyed the whole process and wrote a story that she knew she would enjoy reading. She sent it off and was thrilled when it was accepted! It was even more exciting to see her name on the book cover. Some 50-plus books later, it's still a thrill to see her name on the book and it's still fun to make up stories — at least most of the time! Barbara gets her ideas from everywhere but especially from reading, which she loves to do. Sometimes, just a sentence in a newspaper or a magazine will spark an idea to develop into a romance. Other times, she'll be inspired by another romance novel and she will try to put her own spin on a favorite old plot. Barbara believes that we all have our preferences — she's always been partial to the "secret baby" story line. That, plus the "marriage of convenience" and class or family conflicts are some of her particular favorites. Her three daughters are all grown up now, and she and her husband are the proud grandparents of a beautiful little grandson. They also have three cats who seem to think that they are the rulers of their house. They are terribly spoiled, and they just might be right.
Books
Almost Like Being in Love
Nicola Travanti believes WASPs like Clinton Masters IV are incapable of uninhibited sexuality. Clint never considered dating a volatile Italian with melting brown eyes. They each think they're completely unsuited. But when Nicola takes her grandmother's advice and comes on strong anyway, she learns that blue bloods can be hot-blooded indeed! Within days, Nicola's unabashedly interfering family is eagerly planning the wedding. Nicola's sighing over babies. And Clint's acting completely out of character -- arguing scandalously in public, necking in cars, and ranting with unreasonable jealousy! What started as a crazy culture clash is beginning to feel like ... love?
The Phoenix Heart
Wednesday is the pits for Alyssa Courtney. She's accused cartoonist Rade Stone of contributing to violence on children's television, yet can't produce the evidence. Her car's been stolen. And now her Bostonian reserve is melting fast as Rade's slightest touch transforms her into a shameless wanton! — Is this proper behavior for a mother of two boys, whose nonstop squabbling in front of Rade's model youngsters mortifies her? Hardly! But then, nothing's quite proper once laid-back Rade showers her family with lavish gifts ... and cajoles her into the bedroom. They're completely unsuited, opposite in every way, yet something unites them with explosive force!
Impassioned Pretender
Attorney Kira Lacey has heard plenty--all of it bad--about the ruthless venture capitalist whose daring new building projects are casting elderly Pennsylvanians from their homes. So she's delighted to help unemployed steelworker Michael Vranesevich spare his aunt a similar fate--especially when he makes mincemeat of an unsavory character wilds attacking Kira! Michael is Kira's kind of man--boldly forthright, relentlessly honest, uncompromisingly, virile-- and she finds herself melting fast. But no sooner does she tumble headlong into his arms than she discovers he isn't all that he seems! And though Michael, thoroughly unrepentant, swears to win her back, she's equally determined to frustrate his impassioned pursuit
The Steele Trap
When modest kindergarten teacher Kerry O'Kaye wins a night on the town with bestselling adventure novelist Steele Gras she's lured into a "Steele trap." One rakish, infectious smile from the renowned Manhattan playboy, one unforgettable evening of pink champagne and expert kisses, robs Kerry of her good sense ...and her heart. Appalled to awaken in Steele's waterbed the next day -- to hear Steele and a journalist discussing her! -- Kerry flees home. Clearly, the creator of hard-boiled fictional characters is cynical about love and opposed to commitment. Clearly, though he pursues her intensely, he expects to lure her with passion but escape the clutches of marriage!