Guest Blog: for readers who enjoy "that sort of thing"

Erotic Romance Author Delphine Dryden

Visiting with us today on the Passion Sense Blog is erotic romance author Delphine Dryden. She's talking about her book Roses and Chains, one of the books from the Ellora's Cave author series 1-800-DOM-help, a BDSM line.

-Tell us a little about the book and where did you get the idea to write this story.

Roses and Chains is about a married couple who are just starting to move towards a D/s lifestyle, and the additional partner they pick up along the way. I got the idea after reading a rather snide article somewhere online about "Unicorn Hunters" (established m/f couples with one or more bisexual partners who are on the lookout for that mythical, magical, perfect bisexual third to share their bed and/or life). I've also been reading a lot of my friend Geonn Cannon's work lately, and his specialty is stories featuring lesbian characters who aren't all about being lesbian. They just ARE, they don't really think about it, it's just inherent in the worldbuilding. So I wanted to explore the same sort of dynamic with bisexuality, a story where that was a given and the people involved really weren't concerned about analyzing that part of their sexuality.

- What is your writing schedule like?

All over the place! I'm supposed to write while the kids are at school. Unfortunately, the last two years of writing full time have done nothing to change the fact that I'm essentially a night owl and I'm really just getting warmed up to write by about the time they get home. So just as when I had a day job, I end up doing most of my writing late at night or on the weekends. I will probably never make up my sleep debt as long as I live.

- How did you get started writing novels?

 I started by writing fan fiction. One day, when I was working on my third or fourth novel-length fan fic, I had a thought that I should really work on something original that was novel-length. Then I remembered there's a term for that already: "writing novels." So I did!

- What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

This sounds obvious, but I would advise them to write. Write, write, write. Write bad drafts of novels, write short stories, write little character sketches about weird people you met that day. Actually I often suggest that people find a fandom and write some fan fic. It gives you a chance to write something long and receive a whole lot of feedback, while working within an established universe with known characters. You can build an awful lot of skills that way fairly painlessly.

I also push people (forcefully, passionately, push them) to participate in things like National Novel Writing Month. Or writing groups with a challenge aspect or word count requirement. Anything that puts the emphasis on getting words down on paper, instead of getting bogged down in thinking about planning to maybe write something, someday, when you know what you're going to write. You really can't know until you write it. Get it down on paper first, then worry about what you've written.

- If you could write another genre other than romance what would you write?

There's another genre? I think now that I've started writing romance, I'll probably always think of things in those terms when I'm writing. I suspect just about anything I wrote would end up with enough romance elements to be categorized that way. It's all about relationships, anyway.

- Are you seat of the pants writer or plotter?

A little of both. I have a structure in mind when I start, and I go back and fill in ideas about plot as I go. But I don't do a lot of outlining in advance, and once I start writing the story itself I'm pretty much just pantsing. I don't always wind up where I thought I would.

- Have any of your titles ever been changed from your original choice?

Yes indeedy! My very first title for EC, "Snow Job", was originally "Frostbite." My editor said (and I will never forget), "That's not even close to sexy." So I changed it, and have certainly gotten many a comment about the new title. But I still like the original one!

- If you could turn any of your books into a movie which book or series would it be?

Probably When in Rio. Especially if I got to go to Rio during on-location filming!

- What's next?

I'm waiting to hear back from my editor about the next "Truth & Lies" book, tentatively called "Tangled Truth". It's Drew and Eva's book, and it is shibari-tastic! I suspect she's going to want some revisions, however, so I'm sort of biting my nails until I hear from her. I've also got two short stories coming out in print anthologies later this year. One's a lesbian vampire story called "Al Dente" in the Cleis "Girls Who Bite" antho, and the other one is "Safeword" in the Berkley Heat Agony/Ecstasy anthology. So flattered to be in that collection, with Jane Litte as the editor and with stories by some authors I'm a rabid fangirl for! Plus I have a few other submissions out and about that I'm still waiting to hear from, one at a publisher that is new to me (my fingernails may never be the same).

- For fun. What is your favorite kind of chocolate or chocolate dessert? (I love chocolate covered cherries)

I adore 70% or darker chocolate with a nice smooth mouth feel, like Green & Black or Dagoba. And anything from Moonstruck Chocolates, also. But then I tend to think the most delicious piece of chocolate is whatever piece I'm eating when you ask me :-D

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BLURB: Take one adorable suburban couple just starting to realize their D/s relationship isn’t quite enough to satisfy. Add one cute and quirky sub who can’t seem to find a Dom to suit her tastes. Place them in a room full of sex toys and candlelight, roses and chains…

And after a few smoking-hot nights of pleasure and exploration, all three just might find what they’re looking for.

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I'm looking forward to meeting Del at Romanticon in Akron, Ohio in September. She and Christine d'Abo will be participating in the 1-800-DOM-help workshop titled: BDSM From Top to Bottom. Del and Christine are also presenting their own workshop on steampunk. Can't wait for that! I hear she has a very cool costume planned.

Want to know more about Delphine and her books? Check out her website and blog: http://www.delphinedryden.com

http://www.delphinedryden.com/blog

The Wild World of Paranormal Romance - by Caridad Pineiro

An Interview With Author Kathy Kulig by Caridad Pineiro

Caridad Pineiro is an amazing writer and person. NYT bestseller author is well known for her THE CALLING vampire Nocturne series, her Latina CHICAS series, and her new paranormal romantic suspense series with Grand Central Publishing. The first novel of that series is SINS OF THE FLESH. Loved, loved that book! She has over two dozen books published, works a day job, is always eager to help out fellow writers and is very involved with the Liberty States Fiction Writers. (I'm a member) So it seems odd that she's interviewing ME!! I think it should be the other way around.

That's Caridad for you. This is a reprint of an article she did for a number of online ezines. (In her spare time):

Although motion pictures like PARANORMAL ACTIVITY and the BLAIR WITCH PROJECT have stirred up interest in otherworldly experiences in recent years, the paranormal romance genre has been rock solid in the publishing industry for long before the emergence of these popular movies.
According to the Romance Writers of America, in 2009 the paranormal romance genre accounted for nearly 18% of the 1.36 billion dollars in sales generated by the romance novel industry. The genre continues to grow and is expanding with the proliferation of cross-genre works in areas such as paranormal suspense, urban fantasy and paranormal erotica.

2011 Epic Finalist Kathy Kulig is one of the authors helping to expand the genre with her works and I recently had a chance to speak with her about her latest release, DRAGON WITCH from Ellora's Cave, a leading publisher of erotica.


(Dragon Witch from Ellora's Cave. 2011 PRISM Finalist)
Please tell us a little something about the DRAGON WITCH novella.

Jaida Chel is guardian to Kai, the last shapeshifting dragon on the planet of Somerled. But when Captain Brayden Stokes reenters her life, not only is Kai's life at stake, but so is Jaida's secure position in the colony. Unrestrained passion drive Jaida and Brayden into erotic encounters beyond their imagination, and Kai is the key. When secrets and betrayals are revealed, Brayden must risk everything for one last chance at love.

The characters sound fascinating! Can you give us some more detail about them?

Jaida is a biologist and a witch, combining her herbal science with magic and trying to find her place in the colony after a disaster on a previous world nearly got her and the colony killed-her fault. She's independent, strong-willed and determined to save Kai's life, the shapeshifting dragon.
Brayden is being blackmailed by his commander, many lives are at stake and Brayden has to betray the woman he loves to save them.

Where is your story set and does that influence the plotlines and characters in your stories?

DRAGON WITCH is set on Somerled. It's a harsh, tropical world on the "outer rim" of planets. Only a few scattered colonies settle in this area. The characters are tough and independent but must depend on each other for survival. Jaida has developed an herbal concoction that she has convinced the colonists must ingest regularly to protect them from poisons in the air. She fears if they knew the truth (the concoction is only a vitamin supplement and there are no airborne poisons) she would find herself without a home.

It seems as if you would have to do a substantial amount of research for your stories. Are there are any tricks you do to keep all that information readily available?

Even in paranormal stories I do a fair amount of research. I did some research in Wicca and herbal medicine for this book even though the story takes place on a fictional world with fictional plants and herbs. For other books, like my Demons in Exile series, I read up on quantum physics to help me create the alternative universe of Anartia for my demons.

What writers have influenced your novel or writing style?

Besides romance, I've been a longtime fan of science fiction. Ray Bradbury and Arthur C. Clarke are a couple favorites who probably have influenced my writing. I also like thrillers: David Morrell and Barry Eisler. And tons of romance. A few favorites: JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Janet Evanovich.

Just for fun: Chocolate or wine?

Oh, both please! Milk chocolate and white wine. Better yet, chocolate covered cherries, my fav.
For those interested in finding out more about Kathy, you can visit her website at kathykulig.com or blog at kathykulig.blogspot.com. You can also keep track of Kathy at her Facebook page, via Twitter @ kathykulig. Kathy's latest releases, EMERALD DUNGEON, SECRET SOIREE, and DRAGON WITCH may be purchased at various online locations. Also look for DAMNED AND DESIRED, part of Kathy's Demons in Exiled series. DAMNED AND DESIRED was a finalist in the 2011 EPIC Awards.

ABOUT THE INTERVIEWER
Caridad Pineiro is the USA TODAY and NY Times bestselling author of over twenty novels. THE LOST, her July 26th release, is the next book in the exciting paranormal suspense SIN HUNTER series from Grand Central Publishing. For more information on Caridad, please visit http://www.caridad.com.

HOT NEWS FOR EMERALD DUNGEON

Latest HOT news about EMERALD DUNGEON:

"Emerald Dungeon is a book you will absolutely love....for anyone who wishes to visit Ireland in their fantasies, and who likes some spice with their erotica." 5 Stars. ~Marissa D, Sizzling Hot Books

"EMERALD DUNGEON is a gem of a romance." ~Romance Junkies

"Emerald Dungeon is a great book. It is part of the 1-800-DOM collection, but is totally stand-alone. Go buy it now. The characters are empathetic, smart, capable, and sexy. I liked this couple from the beginning. The background is sensuous and the plot fascinating. The dialogue is well done, with enough of an Irish accent to remind you of the island. The sex is so hot it could start a peat fire. The paranormal aspect is well integrated into the story and adds to the basic plotline in a glorious manner. Congratulations to Ms Kullig for such a keeper." 5 Cups Anya, Coffee Time Romance

EMERALD DUNGEON

Also available on Amazon

**If you're checking it out, please "tag" it! If you've read it and liked it, please post a quick review, Tweet, etc. Thanks sooo much!

From the hot new 1-800-DOM-help series

Dana’s summer job as a musician in an Irish castle takes an adventurous turn after she witnesses a BDSM scene in the dungeon, and her submissive side awakens. Jack is a sexy Dominant who recognizes the sub smoldering beneath her demure exterior. His skillful commands take Dana beyond her darkest erotic fantasies.
Whips, restraints and increasing levels of pain heighten her passion, but complete surrender and ecstasy are out of her reach. Secrets and strange events around the castle only add to the couple’s troubles. Will a summer affair be enough to find what they both need? The appearance of a mysterious business card may help guide them. If Dana can accept Jack with complete trust and surrender, then ultimate pleasure and true love are possible.

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9227-emerald-dungeon.aspx

EXCERPT:

“Teach me. I want to understand what this is all about.”

He closed his eyes and took in a breath, then looked at her for a long moment. “It’s not for everyone.”

“That’s what I’d like to find out.”

Abruptly, he pushed away from her, stood and walked into the kitchen area. She stared at the fire for a moment, deciding whether or not to press him. Finally, she got to her feet and went into the kitchen. “I struck a nerve. Can you tell me why?”

He nodded. “A woman I was involved with was curious about the D/s lifestyle. It wasn’t for her and she left. It was hard on both of us.”

“Well, you know ahead of time this would be a brief arrangement. I’m only here until the end of summer. Haven’t you had a casual affair before?”

“A few at the clubs.”

“Then we both know what to expect.”

“Perhaps.” But he didn’t sound convinced. What was wrong with a summer romance and sexual exploration between two adults? She’d leave Ireland with fond memories of her hunky liaison, and he might remember her as his sexy American fling. They would remain friends after. Wouldn’t they?

Then a jolt of excitement and part fear struck her. Would he tie her up like Shannon? Part of her wanted to try that and part of her was terrified of the thought. “Are you going to take me to the dungeon?”

“No.”

Her insides wanted to scream at him in disappointment even though she didn’t know if she was ready for that. “Why not?”

He let out a long breath. “Because there are things we should discuss first. Limits for one. I wouldn’t want to do anything to make you feel uncomfortable working here.”

“Then we can take it step by step. I promise to let you know if something makes me feel uncomfortable.” To Dana that seemed reasonable.

Jack nodded and stepped closer. Cupping her chin with his hand, he gazed deeply into her eyes. Dana held her breath. “In the middle of a scene, you may not know what you can and can’t handle. I need to know you well enough to recognize a situation that’s become too intense for you, and anticipate your needs. I don’t want to hurt you.”

If ripping off her clothes would prove her desire for him, she’d do it. But throwing herself at him wasn’t going to convince him of her hunger for exploring the kinky side of herself. “I don’t know, Jack. I may not like a D/s lifestyle. I won’t know unless I get a chance to try it out. I’m not afraid to find out if this kink is my kink. If you were an asshole, you’d be dragging me to the dungeon and hanging me upside down right now.”

He smiled.

feel uncomfortable.” To Dana that seemed reasonable.

Jack nodded and stepped closer. Cupping her chin with his hand, he gazed deeply into her eyes. Dana held her breath. “In the middle of a scene, you may not know what you can and can’t handle. I need to know you well enough to recognize a situation that’s become too intense for you, and anticipate your needs. I don’t want to hurt you.”

If ripping off her clothes would prove her desire for him, she’d do it. But throwing herself at him wasn’t going to convince him of her hunger for exploring the kinky side of herself. “I don’t know, Jack. I may not like a D/s lifestyle. I won’t know unless I get a chance to try it out. I’m not afraid to find out if this kink is my kink. If you were an asshole, you’d be dragging me to the dungeon and hanging me upside down right now.”

He smiled. “Don’t tempt me.”

“I’m serious. You’re concerned about your partner’s needs. That’s good. How would we start?”

“Another term in the lifestyle is sub or slave. There is a difference, but I won’t go into that now,” he added. “We’ll begin by you calling me Master.”

Begging For It?...You Don't Have to

 

Delilah Devlin's has a hot, new release with Ellora's Cave BEGGING FOR IT and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Not only do I love, love Delilah's books but this is another in the 1-800-DOM-help author series. When a couple in the BDSM lifestyle is struggling with some issue, a mysterious business card appears with   1-800-DOM-help. The Operator will assist the caller and may refer them to a secret BDSM club called Unfettered. Here the stories get even hotter and spicier. I love this series and have enjoyed all the stories. Once I finish my current WIP, I'll be working on another.

BEGGING FOR IT by Delilah Devlin

Released Date 5/13/11

Here's what Delilah says about her new book. "It's got plenty of raunchy sex with multiple partners, a heroine searching for release, a hero ready to deliver. What more could you want? Oh yeah, it has a story too! If you do buy, be sure to star it, write a review about it, tell a friend too! Any help at all getting the word out is greatly appreciated!"

BLURB:  

She needs punishment…before she deserves pleasure.

Tragedy scarred TJ Lipton. Now the only way she can find pleasure is when it’s delivered with a heavy-handed dose of S&M. But finding a lover who can give her what she needs proves an elusive quest—until she finds the sex club Unfettered and a Dom named Cross McNally.

Cross understands all too well what drives TJ. He takes command of her body to give her everything she needs—restraint, the stinging kiss of a flogger, the thrill of a three-way—a sexual adventure that pulls her beyond her painful past and has her begging for more of his tender brand of domination.

EXCERPT:

Chapter One

She awoke, gasping, inhaling smoke, and then began to choke. Which forced her to close her mouth and breath through her nose—a mistake because the smell of burned rubber, gasoline and something mustier and more frightening turned her stomach. She feared she’d vomit, but her seat belt gouged her waist as she hung upside down in the harness.

Something was in her eyes. She blinked but couldn’t clear the viscous fluid. Panic swelled, and then she heard a sound beside her, an odd rhythmic gurgling, and she remembered.

The driver.

Blind, she reached for him, but her fingers sank into warm, sticky blood. She began to scream…

“TJ— Yo! Wake up!”

Tansy Jo Lipton jerked, banging her head against her monitor. Sitting back, she rubbed her head and glared at her partner Marnie Croft.

“You were asleep and moaning.” Marnie’s dark curls shivered around her face as she shook her head. “Did you call that VA shrink? Honey, you can’t keep this up much longer. You need to talk to someone.”

TJ frowned. She didn’t like discussing her problems with anyone. Her demons were ones she preferred to wrestle on her own. In her own way. “We talk.”

“But do you tell him anything he needs to hear? Does he know you’re still havin’ the dream?”

Giving a shrug, TJ’s glance slid away. Then she lied through her teeth to her best friend. “I don’t get it so much anymore.”

Marnie snorted and turned away, closing TJ’s office door without saying another word.

Not that TJ blamed her friend for her anger and frustration. Marnie had held the business together when TJ was called up. She’d hoped to have her burden lightened when TJ returned from Iraq.

The problem was TJ had never really come back. Not fully. She’d left part of herself behind in the bloody hell and had returned a wizened shell of her former self.

The dream was a nightmare. One she couldn’t outrun. She’d slept so little the night before, she’d planned on only taking a catnap at her desk. However, if the puddle of drool on her desktop was any indication, she’d been out for a while. And the dream had found her again, leaving her cold.

She still shook with the horror of it.

TJ checked her watch. It was nearly time to call it quits for the day anyway. She turned off her computer, shuffled unfinished proposals into a neat stack and figured that was all she was going to accomplish. Nothing mattered anyway.

Who cared whether they raked in another fifty-grand contract for renovating office space in downtown San Antonio? Was anyone going to die if they failed?

She closed her office door and slinked down the corridor, whipping quickly past Marnie’s door. Letting Marnie down did make her itch with guilt, but not enough to spark a fire for her to do her job.

She headed toward the underground parking lot, but music blared from the door of The Shamrock, just across the street. Would Brent be there again? Would he be up for a little sex? She was bored with him. He didn’t really hit her buttons, but he was a good-looking guy with a willing dick. What more could she ask for when she needed a quick fix?

Standing at the curb, she waited for the traffic to pass. A car slowed, a darkly tinted window rolled down. A man peered up from his steering wheel.

“Not even in your dreams,” she called out, and darted into the street behind his vehicle, strangely gratified by the sound of squealing brakes.

The bar was packed with happy-hour customers. She combed her hair with her fingers and made a beeline for the tables in the back.

Brent was parked in a booth and gave her a crooked smile as she approached. “Wondered if you’d show.”

She slung her purse onto the seat opposite him then scooted in beside him, her hand going straight between his legs to cup his sex.

He jerked but eased his thighs open for her to give him a deeper caress. “I take it you’re back for more,” he murmured, and turned to nuzzle her ear.

She leaned away from the kiss he pressed against her skin. She wasn’t here to cuddle. “Let’s slip out back.”

“Now, why do I suddenly feel cheap?” he muttered.

“Because you know I only want your body.”

He grunted but let her tug his hand behind her as she slid from the seat and walked to the corridor at the back of the bar. She passed the restrooms, the bar owner’s office, and pushed open the rear exit.

There, in the middle of the alley, she reached under her skirt and pulled off her panties.

“It’s not even dark yet. Anyone could see,” he said, his voice tightening with annoyance. “And it stinks out here.”

TJ leaned into him, grabbing his hand and tucking it between her legs. No way could he miss the fact she was wet. Maybe he’d think she was hot for him. “Then go inside,” she said, raising her chin. “I’ll find someone else.”

His gaze narrowed. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a bitch?”

She smirked. “You. Last night. Tell me you weren’t waiting with a hard-on just thinking about what we did. I’ll call you a liar to your face.”

He shook his head, his eyebrows drawing into a frown. “Girl, you’ve got issues.”

“Not anything I don’t already know. But right now all I want is you inside me—and give it to me rough.”

Want to learn more about Delilah and her books? Check out her website and blog:

http://www.delilahdevlin.com/

http://www.delilahdevlin.com/blog/

 

If you're a fan of Delilah. What's one of your favorite books??

The Sleazy World of a Romance Writer—Or Not

Why is it when you’re a romance writer, especially an erotic romance writer, many people think you’re a sexual deviant? Barry Eisler writes about spies and assassins, I don’t hear anyone asking him, “So, Barry how many spies have you murdered lately?” Stephen King writes about serial killers and ax-wielding, murdering writers. No one has asked him, “So, Mr. King, how many people have you chopped up during your career?” And if Tom Clancy was teaching high school students English, I doubt the parents or students would be concerned that Mr. Clancy might also consider teaching his students how to build a pipe bomb.

I’ve had people ask me if I personally research all my sex scenes to make sure they’re accurate. Hmmm. Of course, every sleazy scene. The most exciting research I ever did was for scenes on planet Somerled in my book DRAGONWITCH. I really enjoyed the interstellar travel to another planet, and oh my, a threesome with a shapeshifting dragon. Well, don’t knock it until you try it.

Really?

Next time you meet Stephen King, I dare you to ask him what’s it like to be a serial killer?

Anaїs Nin (1903-1977)

In reality, I read a ton of books, both fiction and non-fiction, spend hours searching the Internet and sometimes talking to people. I have quite a collection of books to help me with research.

By one of the first women to celebrate sexuality with complete and open abandonment—Delta of Venus, Erotica by Anaїs Nin; Tropic of Cancer, by Henry Miller which was banned as obscene in this country for twenty-seven years after its first publication in Paris in 1934; the Mammoth Books of Best New Erotica, Edited by Maxim Jakubowski; and various erotica anthologies, edited by Cecilia Tan, Marilyn Jaye Lewis, Maria Isabelle Pita, and others. These books contain stories by many talented erotica and erotic romance authors. Of course, my own publisher, Ellora’s Cave has many talented authors and produces full length novels, novellas, short stories and anthologies (The Cavemen Series, Forbidden Fantasies, are just a few of the anthologies); The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice writing as A.N. Roquelaure and the series. There are so many wonderful erotic romance and erotica books out there. This is just a small sampling I pulled from my book shelf.

In non-fiction, I couldn’t list all the books I have but a few that have helped me with writing the stories: How to Write a Dirty Story by Susie Bright; Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns by Philip Miller & Molly Devon; The Loving Dominant by John & Libby Warren; The Mistress Manual by Mistress Lorelei; The Joy of Writing Sex by Elizabeth Benedict, and many others.

Besides sexy romance and erotica stories, I enjoy reading science fiction, thrillers, comedy, ghost stories, and more. Writing erotic stories and researching them takes work, just like researching a techno-thriller novel or historical novel.

If you’re an erotic romance or erotica writer, what are your favorite research books? Please share.
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LATEST NEWS:

My latest novella, EMERALD DUNGEON is up for Sizzling Read of the Month at Sizzling Hot Books but I need a generous votes. If you have a chance the pole ends on May 1st at 8 pm. Thanks so much!
EMERALD DUNGEON by Kathy Kulig is up for Sizzling Read of the Month w/ a generous vote. http://bit.ly/auPqyo

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EMERALD DUNGEON available now on Amazon Kindle. New release from EC, erotic romance Irish themed. http://t.co/al26s5H

Celebrate Desiree Holt's 100th Release-Win a Netbook

I'm thrilled to be part of Desiree Holt's celebration of her 100th release DOWNSTROKE. What a milestone! And what a lovely lady. Desiree is a talented author and I've enjoyed several of her books. I'm sure you'll enjoy DOWNSTROKE too.

As part of the celebration, Desiree is giving away a prize every day of one copy of one of Desiree's novels of the reader's choice from her backlist. Names will be drawn from those who post comments. At the end of the month, one lucky person will win a grand prize of a refurbished Netbook with digital DVD drive. After you (the reader) post here, go to Desiree's web site at http://www.desireeholt.com/ and enter to win the grand prize of the netbook at the end of the month.

Downstroke is the story of lovers reunited after twenty years trying to bridge a gulf of bitterness while outwitting a killer. To help out Desiree's celebration, I’m giving you a preview of one of her books from the 1-800-DOM-help series. Leave a comment here for Desiree. I will pick a name from the commenters for a winner of a choice from Desiree's backlist. Then, after you comment, go to http://www.desireeholt.com/ and enter the contest for the refurbished Acer netbook. You will also find a list there of all the other blogs participating in this celebration. Be sure to visit them and comment for more chances to win.

BLURB for DOWNSTROKE:
It’s been twenty years since security specialist Charley Roper and country star Dallas Creed had their bitter parting. Now a killer has brought them together again, but neither is ready for a reunion—despite signs that their explosive chemistry hasn’t waned with time. She can’t forget the feel of his hands on her body. He can’t forget the hot touch of her mouth. When they finally tumble into bed, the sex is just as good as they remember, hot enough to singe the sheets. But is it enough?


Thrown together during an exhausting, frenzied concert tour, with a killer nipping at their heels, Dallas and Charley find themselves on a hot, suspenseful, erotic roller coaster ride. Can he convince her to trust her heart to him one more time, to reach out for a richer, deeper, more mature love?

More importantly—can Charley keep Dallas alive long enough for either of them to enjoy a second chance?

I met Desiree years ago at a writer's conference and at the last Romanticon talked to her about doing a project for the 1-800-DOM-help author series. She's such a pleasure to work with and very enthusiastic about everything she does. The series has been such a success. Her book DELIGHT ME is one of the books in that series. I'll share an excerpt from that book. EMERALD DUNGEON was my book that just came out last month. There are eight titles out now in the 1-800-DOM-help series keep checking for more. And try them out. It's a fun and sexy series.

Here's and EXCERPT from DELIGHT ME: By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age.

Chapter One


The room was redolent with the scent of the cinnamon candles. Dani Maguire ducked her head, trying to find a breath of clean air. Alan loved the scent of cinnamon. Even insisted she drop cinnamon-scented crystals in the water when she bathed. But she’d reached a point where the aroma of cinnamon nearly made her gag.

Or maybe it was Alan Powell who made her gag. Two years in this relationship and try as she might, lately she couldn’t seem to find the key to make it work. He was a loving Dom, demanding but considerate, yet something deep inside her kept rebelling.

Still kneeling on the floor, hands manacled behind her, lips aching from stretching around the girth of Alan’s cock, she wondered where they could go from here. She didn’t love him. The sex was still great but she no longer found it…fulfilling. And that presented a problem.

Alan bent to unlock the handcuffs and used his hands beneath her elbows to help her rise. His tall, lean body dwarfed her small one, surrounding her with his masculinity, a sensation she usually enjoyed. But lately everything seemed to be just a little off.

“I worked you hard tonight,” he murmured, long fingers brushing her hair back from her face. “I’m going to draw a hot bath for you, with those salts that you like, and bathe you just the way you always enjoy it.”

But did she enjoy it? Did it please her? Or had it become an irritant? What she really wanted was to bathe him.

Get over it, Dani. You’re just going through a phase.

But was she?

She stayed in the same position until Alan lifted her and carried her to the bathroom, lowering her gently into the fragrant bath. The heated water stung the skin of her ass where Alan had disciplined her earlier. She’d been less than enthusiastic about using her mouth on him, and although she’d done her best to hide it, he’d been all too aware of it. Bending her over the bed, he’d used the thin quirt on her, striping her buttocks with ten well-placed strikes.

When he finished, he’d lowered her to the floor, held her mouth open with his fingers and worked his cock back and forth across her tongue. Somehow she’d dredged up a semblance of desire and given him the release he needed. She knew he wasn’t happy but when he finished he hadn’t said a word. Simply bent down to kiss her and went to draw the bath.

“Just relax,” Alan murmured, squeezing the bath sponge. “You know I’ll take care of you. Don’t I always?”

Yes, he did. But somehow over the past few months she found herself enjoying it less and less.

“Dani?” His voice sharpened. “I asked you a question.”

She blinked her eyes. “Yes, Master. You do.”

That wasn’t the question she needed to answer though. She needed to understand why that care had suddenly become so suffocating. Why she had begun to resent it in little ways.

One of his large hands cupped the back of her head, bracing her body as he skimmed the sponge over her breasts. She closed her eyes and tried to relax at the light-as-a-feather touch. A pinch on one nipple startled her and her eyes flew open. Alan’s eyes were staring directly into hers, a strange look playing over his face.

“Tell me to pinch your nipples again,” he commanded.

She swallowed. “Pinch my nipples again, Master. Please.”

He took each one in turn between thumb and forefinger and squeezed them hard enough that lust shot straight to her core, making the inner muscles of her cunt flutter.

“Well, that hasn’t changed.” His voice had an oddly hard edge to it.

The Golden Rule for Increased Book Sales



This week (3/15) Kristen Lamb had a great blog post http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/  asking, “Does Likeability Matter?” I think it does. When it comes to buying books do you tend to buy books from authors you like—personally? It doesn’t mean you have to really know them, or have met them in person. But in the world of social networking, authors have a presence and readers do feel they “know” them. They hear about authors who go ballistic and get nasty with a reviewer for giving them a bad review. They get rude with a reader or another author on Facebook or on a Forum, or behave less than stellar at a conference. Or maybe a reader has met the author at an event and was snubbed.

Would you buy a book from that author again? Even if you’ve loved previous books by that same author??? We all have bad days, and sometimes people not only pushed that damn button at the wrong time, for the eighth time this week but they twisted it too. And maybe your boss yelled at you, you got a flat tire, you burned your favorite blouse with the iron, and your son failed the math exam, whatever. The readers don’t know that, so when you snub, snap at someone, they remember. And maybe you lost a reader or two. If you did it online, maybe you lost several readers.


I think it does pay to follow the Golden Rule—Do unto other and all… When at conferences and on social media sites, I believe NICE DOES MATTER.

I was at a conference years ago and the lovely Sherrilyn Kenyon was the keynote. I was standing next to her in the lunch line and thought she didn’t look well, so I asked. She said she had a migraine. I asked why she didn’t go lie down, someone could bring her lunch. But she was doing the keynote during lunch and the book signing right after. She did an awesome job. At the signing, she greeted each reader with enthusiasm as if they were long, lost friends. And stood for photos too. Poor dear. Another author sitting nearby barely acknowledged the readers who held out books to sign. This author just signed them without looking up to smile and pushed the book aside. She didn’t talk to the readers and pose for photos either. These readers were her fans, spending $7 or $8 on a book. Who do you think will get repeat sales? Or word of mouth sales?

It doesn’t take much effort to be nice. When I was in high school, I was sent to a twirling camp. Don’t laugh. I was the captain of my baton twirling team and this was a week-long camp in the Poconos.

The cabin where I stayed was full of bunk beds, and high school aged girls from a number of states were there for the week of training. Many of these girls were hardcore competitors going to state and national competitions and the rest of us were from high school squads. I noticed one girl who looked a few years younger than most of us seemed pretty shy and wasn’t hanging around with anyone. The snobby “competitors” ignored her. They ignored me too because I was one of the high school lowlifes. So the first morning I asked the young girl if she wanted to go to breakfast with me. She did. I told her I’d never been to a camp like this before and was hoping to learn new things to teach my squad. I also said when I first arrived, I noticed someone twirling a fire baton! And I hoped I’d get a chance to try that.

After breakfast, there was a demonstration by some of the staff. It turned out the young girl was one of the instructors and a two-time NJ State Champion. Not only that, she was teaching the fire baton class. Not everyone was allowed to try it. Guess who was asked? I didn’t set anything (including me) on fire. Singed a few hairs on my arms. It was awesome fun!



It does pay to be nice on blogs, forums, social networks, at conferences and book signings. And it’s a bad idea to get on a nasty rant or in a pissing contest with someone. What goes around does come around, especially in cyberspace. It goes around and around forever.

Check out Kristin Lamb’s Blog http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/

And I have to recommend her book: We Are Not Alone For someone who isn’t all that computer savvy (me), this book helped me a lot with social networking. It’s very easy to follow. And it’s such a good feeling when you can figure things out on your own. If I have easy instructions, I can do it. This is easy instructions.