Converting Real Life into Fiction with Vivi Dumas & Giveaway!

We have an extra special guest today, Vivi Dumas, who's here to discuss her paranormal romance, Soul Catcher. When I read Vivi's novel, I was struck by her bravery of taking "real"-life characters and writing about their experiences. She's a brave and talented soul. Here's what she has to say on the matter. 

Hello Everyone! I want to thank Louisa for inviting me here today. For your warm welcome, I would like to offer an e-copy of Soul Catcher to a lucky commenter.

Soul Catcher is my debut novel with Decadent Publishing. Soul Catcher is about a disfigured supermodel who barters a deal with the Devil for her beauty back. The novel is filled with many concepts we deal with in our real lives, like the ideal of religion or at least some of the religious icons many of us grew up with. The Devil is an integral part of this novel. I’ve also included some arch angels and “The Big Guy” aka God. There is an Egyptian goddess and a Voodoo priestess.

When writing fiction, it can be difficult to incorporate people and places that exist (or thought to exist) in the real world. Although the Devil is someone most of us understand, I believe each person has a different perspective of who this person/demon is. Everyone one can have a different interpretation of the individuals we find in the Bible/Koran/or other religious material.

Many believe the Devil to be a monster, the source of all evil. The Devil in Soul Catcher is far from this hideous monster. In my mind, Lucifer is temptation. He is the voice leading us down a path of destruction using deception and our weakness against us. My version of the Devil comes to us with visions of loveliness, surrounding himself in beauty. Why? Because we fear monsters and we run from what we fear. Lucifer’s goal is to attract his victims to the dark side, entice us to do the wrong thing. That kind of lure only comes with tempting us with the things we most desire.

I also include many places in the setting of the novel that are real. All of my main scenes occur in places, which exist throughout New Orleans. The names may change to protect the innocentJ, but if you look at the descriptions and the directions, those buildings are real. I love the fact that someone can go to St. Charles Avenue and find Etienne’s house or know where the Le Pavillion hotel is located.

I spend time researching locations and houses, which match the pictures in my mind. My realtor hat has helped me with finding places that match. I investigate many of the “real” people in my novel (i.e. Marie Laveau or Isis). I want to portray as much of their true characteristics I can find while still adding my own twists to them.

For all those who write about “real” people and places, please do your research. We should get the facts straight, while still adding our own creativity, straddling the best of both worlds.

Where to find me:

Blog – www.vividumas.wordpress.com

Website – www.vividumas.com/worpress

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001071377027

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/vivi_dumas

Thanks for having me! Below is a small sampling of Soul Catcher.

Excerpt:


This must be what it felt like to be hit by truck. Truck or bullet, it didn’t really matter. They both hurt like a motherfucker. She sat next to Etienne wearing Jacque’s shirt, which covered more than her dress. Her chest pulsed with pain and her head throbbed as the bright lights of Bourbon Street entered the car.
Etienne’s driver parked in front of her house and Etienne ushered them inside, using as much of his long lanky body to shield them as possible. Nat snapped out of her comatose state halfway to the house. Jasmine went numb, not saying or doing much of anything. She aimlessly followed Etienne’s orders.
Marie and Faith rushed into the living room when Angel and the others entered the house. Horror distorted their faces as they stared at the group.


“What the hell happened tonight?” Marie inquired.


“Long story, Grand-mère. We have to get our things and get outta here. I’ll explain later.” Angel ran to the kitchen and grabbed two bottles of Vamp Juice. She tossed one to Nat when she returned back in the room.


“What the hell is this?” Nat scrunched her nose as she cracked open the bottle and took a whiff.


“You don’t want to know. Drink it. It’ll make you feel better. I know you used a lot of energy saving me. And yeah, you’ll be explaining how you did it later.”


“Okay ladies. I need you to gather all essential items as quickly as possible. We need to get out of here.” Etienne began packing the items in the dining room, all the potions, ritual items, and spell books. Marie and Faith went to pack Marie’s bags. Angel grabbed Nat and flew up the stairs.
She threw open the closet doors, debating what to take.


“Nat grab the biggest suitcase you can find and make sure to get every designer shoe you can manage to carry. If nothing else, everything over $500 must come with.” Angel snatched her Louis Vuitton off the floor and shoved clothes into it. “I’ll take care of clothes.” Four suitcases later, she and Nat struggled down the stairs. Angel said a sad goodbye to those items she left behind.


Etienne shook his head in frustration. “Ladies, I said ‘essential.’”


Angel clutched her bags to her. “I don’t know how you roll, but all this is ‘essential,’ unless you plan to replace five years of collecting designer shoes.”


“Okay, the driver will put everything in the car. Come on, we have to leave.”
Everyone shuffled into the limo. Exhaustion tackled Angel like a linebacker. She rested her head on Marie’s shoulder as Faith patted her leg. “What happened?” Marie questioned again.


“I’m not sure of everything. We were at the club dancing. Then someone started shooting. Jacque and I got hit. I woke up in the back of this limo.” “Who would be shooting at you?”


Angel yawned and stretched her arms behind her head onto the back of the seat. “Jacque and Laurent went back into the club to find out more information. Hopefully, they’ll have something when they meet us at Etienne’s.”


“Let’s hope they are safe and will return soon.” Marie forced a grin.


“The rougarous were there helping, too. I hope they’re fine. I have no more bargaining chips up my sleeve. Jacque better be fine!”


“Now, Nat, please explain what the hell you did to me. I’m not complaining, just what the fuck?” Angel kicked her friend’s feet, drawing a smile from her.

You can purchase Soul Catcher at:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Decadent Publishing

All Romance Ebooks

______________________________

Review of Soul Catcher

Vivi Dumas is a writer after my own heart. After I read the description of her latest paranormal romance, Soul Catcher, I knew that I would be hooked. And, she did nothing to disappoint.

A former top model, Angel Dias gets into a car accident that leaves her face hideously disfigured. She loses her livelihood, the respect of her family and her self-confidence. After visiting doctor after doctor without any hope, Angel does the one thing left to help herself: She sells her soul to the devil.

A soul for beauty? Angel soon realizes that her exchange wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but is it too late for redemption? Lucifer brings Angel into his dark world for training. Her instructor, Jacque Toussant, is a demon with a prejudice against human women. In fact, after his last love Isabella, who happens to be Lilith's daughter, left him, he’s bitter against all women – supernatural or not. Yet, there’s something about Angel that draws him, and he’s willing to risk just about everything in order to save her.

Add in a pitch-perfect setting of New Orleans, and some Voodoo undercurrents, and Dumas has created a dynamic romance with more than a touch of the erotic. 

-- Louisa Bacio

Thanks so much for visiting today, Vivi. Remember, one lucky commenter will win an electronic copy of Soul Catcher.  

Beach Bunnies: Explore SoCal Beach Spots!

I'm guest blogging over on Lisa Sanchez's site as part of her Sizzling Summer Author Extravaganza. As a SoCal native, I've lived near the ocean for most of my life, and I'm dishing on some of my favorite beach spots. Some you may have heard of, but there's probably at least one hidden gem ... come dive into the water, and enter to win a copy of my latest release, Sex University: All-Girls Academy. The contest runs through the end of the month:

Lisa Sanchez Blog!

Savvy Authors SUMMER SYMPOSIUM

sym·po·si·um (sĭm-pō'zē-əm)

1. A meeting or conference for discussion of a topic, especially one in which the participants form an audience and make presentations.

2. A collection of writings on a particular topic, as in a magazine.

3. A convivial meeting for drinking, music, and intellectual discussion among the ancient Greeks.

Join Savvy Authors for five days as we talk craft - from plot and character, to dialogue, suspense, theme and story question (with a bunch of stuff in between) in chats, Q&A forums and mini-workshops.

Our presenters will be sharing what works - whether it's worldbuilding or setting or layering in back story; or even if it’s technical detail and the fruits of research, they'll be exposing the craft that underlies a good story.

We'll also be talking about publishing and promoting, offering pitch opportunities to the attendees and raffling off books on craft from folks like James Scott Bell, novels, gift certificates, workshops, 3-chapter critiques from published authors and more.

WHEN: August 24th - August 28th

COST: The conference is FREE to Premium Members! Basic and Non-members may register for the conference for $30. (But really, why do that when annual Premium Membership costs the same?)

REGISTRATION: http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/showevent.php?eventid=1143

Note: I took part in the Summer Symposium last year, and it's an intense creative experience. Participants can sign up for as many workshops as they want, and let the knowledge seep in. Plus, Savvy Authors puts together some awesome prize packages. For those who can get to conferences, but especially for those who cannot! Highly recommended.

Hi My Name is Sharita Lira and I Write Gay Erotica Romance

By Sharita Lira aka Michael Mandrake

Greetings people. I’d like to thank Louisa for having me at her place today. I’d like to talk about the phenomenon I suppose I’m part of. Maybe we should call it a movement. It has become more of a story in the last few years but in reality, it has always existed.

What am I saying? Females who write gay romance.

Now, let me first say, I’m a newbie to the world of published writing. I’d been putting my stories on paper for years for my friends to read and they said, oh man you need to try selling some of these. So, I joined the ERWA over 9 years and started sending my stories over the list. I got some great comments and finally last year, around this time, I decided to submit.

However, when I wrote the tales to the list, they were hetero. I was kinda good at it as I look back but I figured, this wouldn’t be more than something I did in addition to my regular job and I’d never turn it into a career even though I loved writing erotic stories.

Let’s back track to 2009.

I discovered something I really enjoyed reading called slash fanfiction. For those of you not familiar, slash is same gender pairings, mostly m/m. I read these on Livejournal as well as a site for my favorite band Duran Duran called Lovely Planet of There. Now, I’ve always loved watching manlove in erm, adult movies, but I’d never really read them till I started reading slash. And it went beyond DD, it went to Depeche Mode, Placebo, some slash of TV shows, Lord of the Rings, etc. I was HOOKED and finally I said, oh I think I’d enjoy this a lot more. That was when, Sharita Lira, the m/m writer was born.

Much to the chagrin of some of my friends who read my m/f, I began writing more slash and almost completely abandoned hetero because I loved writing about men in love. It was just something so much more exciting, arousing, and taboo telling the tales of two men who find one another attractive and move to the bedroom. WHEW.

This led me back to last year where I finally subbed my twisted stories to several publishers and well, about 19 stories later, here I am! A lot of people ask, including those in my immediate family, what’s the reason? Well, I just stated some of them but the most important one is, I believe that love sees no color or gender. In reality, if you truly have emotions for someone, regardless of how others feel, you will pursue them. The other reason? I love being the rebel and even though the manlove genre has exploded, it’s still considered a niche subgenre, placed under erotica. (Don’t get me started there)

So in closing, I write manlove, gay romance, gay erotica and I don’t hide from it. Yes, sometimes, and I do mean sparingly, I write m/f. If I’m feeling female, I’ll add a gal to my male pairing to make it saucy but at the moment, all my muses love the m/m and until that changes, which I don’t think it will, I’ll continue to be part of the movement.

I’d like to thank Louisa for hosting me today. Here are some places you can find me.

The Literary Triad - http://www.thelitriad.com/#!
Michael Mandrake - http://tabooindeed.blogspot.com

Rawiya - http://rawiyaserotica.blogspot.com

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/rawiyamikembl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSharitaLira
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3542690

It's Raining Men Blog - 

http://rainingmenamen.blogspot.com

Lastly, here is my latest book. If you know Michael and Rawiya, you’re aware how much we love anthologies. My favorites are the 3 from Sizzler Intoxications here I’ve been selected to be part of some amazing collections under my editor and mentor, Sascha Illyvich.

The one just released is “Binding Justice” from Michael Mandrake. Here’s a blurb and excerpt.

Binding Justice, the only gay fiction romance story in the anthology is a tale of an older man seeking the assistance after losing his wife to cancer. Throughout his life, he has had the desire to be with another man but due to his strict upbringing as well as his time in the armed forces, Sire Jacobs has suppressed those feelings. At the insistence of his gay friend Gabe, he decides to attend a party to find someone of home he can bring this side out. Enter in Jarvis Densley, a twenty three year old gay male, shunned by his parents and looking for someone to mentor and love him. Apparently, both have similar interests but will Sire's darker desire be what keeps them apart?

Excerpt PG

Sire felt like an old man amongst so many young people. It had been years since he’d been in a place like this.

I’m only here in support of Gabriel.

He reminded himself of that several times. Sire was pretty sure no one coming through that door would catch his eye. By the looks of things he was spot on since the clientele looked to be exactly what he wasn’t looking for.

Did he even know what kind of man he wanted? A young, strong, and pretty one. Not a drag queen or flamer.  

It amazed him he was going over this in his mind as he downed the last of his scotch while still taking in the sights. He never thought he’d get the chance to experience another man.

Still gazing, he noticed Gabe pulling someone’s hand through a crowd. When Sire locked eyes with Gabe, his friend nodded with a smile as the young man with him was turned to the right. After a couple of seconds, Sire got a glimpse of the guy. He was dressed in leather, looking very appealing even from a distance.

Whoa

Sire sat up on his stool, angling his neck trying to get a good look as the twosome threaded through small throngs of people. Before he knew it, Gabe made his way over with a tall, lanky, gentleman with burgundy hair, brown eyes, chiseled features, and a wry smile. He looked a lot like one of the men on the flyer Gabe had earlier; almost the same outfit, his makeup perfect.

His look was just what Sire wanted.

Gabe grinned, “Sire, this is Jarvis Densley. I been talking with him a few minutes about his choice of clothing. He looks a lot like you asked about, right?”

Sire drew up his lips, stroking his beard.

Jarvis Densley, ugly name for a beautiful man.

Wow! Who wants to read more? <*Me, raising my hand!*>. Thank you so much Sharita, for stopping by and sharing with us today. If you'd like to be entered in to win a copy of "Blinding Justice" in the anthology, please leave a comment along with an email address where you can be reached!

Upcoming Anthology -- Seducing the Myth

Seducing the Myth

Seducing the Myth: Myths and Legends with an Erotic Twist is a collection of 24 tantalising tales that lead you on a decadent journey through mythologies the world over. As well as stories from the popular Greek and Roman periods, this anthology will also delight you with Arabian, Arthurian, Hindu, Jewish, Norse, Slavic, Sumerian and Welsh myths and legends. Add in a delicious sprinkling of fairies, mermaids and ancient fertility rituals and you have a recipe for a wickedly erotic read!

The anthology includes:

Djinn and Tonic – Lexie Bay

Andi in Chains – Fulani

The Weary Traveller – Indigo Skye

In the Springtime – Elizabeth Thorne

Logan’s Treasure – Lisa Fox

Beltane Fire – Hawthorn

Down By The Pool – Lucy Felthouse

Stones – K D Grace

Golden Apples – Rachel Randall

The True Folly of Icarus – Saskia Walker

Blooming April’s Flower – Jillian Murphy

Apsara – Burton Lawrence

Saving Orpheus – Indigo Skye

Q is for… – Caz Jones

Lilith: In Her Garden - Louisa Bacio

Iseult on her Wedding Day - Justine Elyot

The Dark Night Rusalka – Rebecca Bond

The Lady of the Flowers – Shan Ellis

In A Dry and Dusty Land – Lydia Nyx

A Temple for Hera – Maxine Marsh

Maiden’s Grail – Bronwyn Green

God of Pleasure – J. C. Martin

Mushroom Hunting with Eros – Kay Dee Royal

Valkyrie’s Queen – Toni Sands

Edited by the lovely and talented Lucy Felthouse, stay tuned for release information on Seducing the Myth: Myths and Legends with an Erotic Twist.

Dr. Charley Ferrer explains BDSM for Writers

We’ve got an extra special guest today with Dr. Charley Ferrer, a Clinical Sexologist. In a detailed interview, Dr. Charley explains her expansive and impressive education and training, and how she became a premier expert in the BDSM Lifestyle. Her upcoming novel BDSM for Writers provides an in-depth look into all aspects, but we’ll get just a taste to whet our voracious appetites.  

BDSM for Writers

Have questions? Dr. Charley will drop by and answer a few, and one commenter will win an electronic copy of her book. Also, she’s running her own contest, which she’ll explain below.

1) How did you get into your field of work, and become first a sex therapist and second, an expert in BDSM?

I “officially” discovered the BDSM Lifestyle while I was working on my Masters in Counseling Psychology. I took a course in Sex Therapy and had to treat a couple who was suffering from some form of sexual dysfunction. The man in my couple had been suffering from impotency problems for the past six months which stemmed from his desire to spank his girlfriend and the feelings of guilt associated with his desire. When I asked the girlfriend if she had a problem receiving a spanking, she immediately said, “I’d love it!” So I gave them permission to explore! He called me the follow day to share that his impotency problem was over and they were taking a week off to enjoy themselves. I was so proud of myself. My first patients cured in one-session. Yahoo! When I returned to class to share my amazing accomplishment, my follow classmates were appalled that I would “sanction” such behavior. It was at that point the philosophy for my Private Practice was born since I believe that as therapist it’s not my place to “Judge” my patients but to help them learn and explore the endless possibilities available for their sexuality and let them decide for themselves. 

I subsequently went on to learn more about sex and obtained a Doctorate in Human Sexuality, a Clinical Sexologist Certification, an Erotologist Certification, and Sex Educator degree. I’m now the only Latina Doctor of Human Sexuality in the United States and at the top of my field. In 2005, I created the Dominance and Submission Therapeutic Mentoring Model and presented it before the World Congress of Sexology and the International Congress of Sexologist & Medical Physicians in Latin America. For the past 15-years, I’ve created and taught various workshops incorporating aspects of BDSM, Hypnosis, self-empowerment, and sensual/ sexual enhancement for men and women, physicians, law enforcement and the mental health community—and now, writers!

2) Is there a dark side to the characterization of someone who gets into the BDSM scene? Are there character traits that a writer would want to include to make the character and the situations they are in more believable?

First we have to clarify whether you’re talking about a “dark side” to the character/person from a “villain” perspective or from someone who will use their power respectfully.  This becomes crucial because the intent behind what the person (your character) does will define whether he/her interacts with another from an honorable and respectful perspective or from an abusive one. 

Unfortunately, in real life many villains use aspects of BDSM to torture their victims, their partners, even their loved ones. These individuals I consider abusers and fall under the domestic violence heading.  Some of these abuses find their way into the BDSM lifestyle and hide behind the more Edgy aspects of the scene; however they are quickly identified by the community because of their lack of respect toward their submissives or lack of respect for their Dominant.  Keep in mind that the abuse can be either physical and/or emotional/psychological in nature. 

With that said, let’s look at the other side of the coin—as you put it, the “dark side” of the individual (character).  We all have a dark side to us. ALL OF US! However, we taper it when we’re angry and control our tempers. Some Dominants refuse to interact with their submissive when they’re angry.  Others will punish their slave and deny them the usual Aftercare the slave/submissive is used to receiving; thus reinforcing the fact that the slave’s behavior would not be tolerated nor condoned in the future.  At times we may push the envelope a bit too far and embrace that “dark side” what Freud called Thanatos and Jung called “the Shadow” persona.  And yes, at times we all are guilty of doing a little bit of damage to ourselves or those we love whether physically or emotionally when we don’t control our dark side.

However, it’s essential to understand that the “dark side” is also something to embrace and share with a lover; even something to be cherished for what it’ll bring to our lives.  The dark side is not always a bad thing! It merely needs to be unleashed in varying degrees and with an accepting partner. 

We can spend hours discussing this question alone and I do realize my response may bring up many other questions even opposing views.  In the end, the underlying truth and beauty of the “dark side” is its blessed duality.  That alone will move your characters and plot along for pages especially if you throw in the fact that the Dominant might actually be struggling with their desire to push further into the darkness and fear where it’ll take him or her and what type of person they will be when they reach the middle—never mind the other side!

  

3) In books, one common theme is having the submissive partner “take over” the dominant. Would this happen in real life? Or, do people normally stick within their roles?

Chuckles…that’s just not normal.  Ooops, I mean typical. Having the Dominant suddenly become the submissive is a big red flag and shows the author’s lack of understanding about the BDSM and D/s dynamics.  The easiest way for me to put it in vanilla terms is:  Having the dominant allow the submissive to take over is like telling your child they can spank you if you’re bad.  Not happening! It’s imperative to understand that there’s a hierarchy in BDSM and the interactions which occur between the individuals.  Changing those dynamics at the drop of a hat in a story or in a relationship destroys that hierarchy.  As a reader, it really frustrates me when this happens; even more annoying is the fact that it’s typically done with the Dominant female character as if allowing her submissive to dominant her will make the heroine more acceptable to the reader.  It makes me wonder why the author wouldn’t allow her heroine to remain the powerful matriarchy in the relationship. Were you punishing her for being so strong? Taking her down a peg or two? Making her more socially acceptable?

Yes, there are instances where the Dominant will allow the submissive to “do things” to them. For instances, some Dominants are sadomasochistic meaning they enjoy receiving pain as well.  These Dominants enjoy when their submissive pushes against them and the couple’s interactions are rougher and more primal. However, the Dominant always remains in control and will call a halt to the interactions when he or she wishes—never once relinquishing their power or control merely playing with it in a different manner. 

Keep in mind that there is a major difference between allowing your slave to tie you up and letting them explore your body, even Flog you, and actually “surrendering” to them.  It’s like the General who allows his soldier to argue his point yet in the end the General dictates what will be done and how.

Dr. Charley Ferrer

I discuss this power dynamic in greater detail in my book, BDSM FOR WRITERS, and will address it during the BDSM lecture series hosted by Savvy Authors starting August 15.  Unfortunately, this is one of those topics that really needs to be defined as it has many avenues to explore and can become very confusing.

I want to take a moment to thank you all for being with me today and sharing your comments and posing you’re questions. I also want to thank Louisa for allowing me to share some of my knowledge with you all. Please feel free to visit my website(s) for further information about BDSM whether from the perspective of a writer or reader. And if you reserve a copy of either BDSM FOR WRITERS or BDSM THE NAKED TRUTH you will not only receive a $500 Digital Erotic Art collection from Captured Erotica one of the photographers featured on my writers’ book cover, but you’ll be entered to win over 31 kinky toys and even a Kindle. But hurry since the offer is good for the first 300 people only to reserve/purchase their copy. Plus if you reserve a paperback copy today, I’ll throw in a free eBook copy so you can always have it with you.

Live with passion,

Dr. Charley Ferrer  

You can visit Dr. Charley at BDSM for Writers. Thanks so much for your generosity and insight. It’s been a pleasure to have you here.

Dr. Charley returns on Friday, August 5 to discuss her book BDSM The Naked Truth. Stay tuned for more!

Playing with "The Hand He Dealt? with Tanith Davenport

First of all I'd like to thank Louisa for having me on her blog and congratulate her on her new release - with "Sex University: All-Girls Academy" it's clear she's a woman after my own heart!

While I was reluctant to admit it at the time, the fact that there's something intrinsically erotic about a house full of girls living together was a major part of my decision to set The Hand He Dealt in a sorority house. I've seen many adult movies depicting nubile young women floating around in babydoll nighties, playing strip poker or sex-truth-or-dare during sleepovers in each other's rooms and having co-ed parties that turn into orgies with the fraternity next door. And while I didn't want to fall too heavily into that fantasy, it was certainly in the back of my mind when I drew up the story plan for the novel.

The Hand He Dealt, you see, involves a threesome that takes place in a sorority house.

Sorority girl Astra, who has a troubled relationship with her boyfriend (who thinks he might be gay,) decides to experiment with a strap-on sex toy in the hope of bringing them together. Instead, it leads to a ménage scenario with her cute best friend Sasha and arrogant boyfriend Ash, whose excessively masculine front conceals a secret desire to be dominated - among other things.

It also includes an erotic dance scene at a sorority party. :) Not quite an orgy, but there's something about two hot girls dancing together for the benefit of desperately horny frat boys that I couldn't resist.

We don't have sororities here in the UK - I wish we did. Although enough went on in my student hall to fill a few more books... and if this one works out well, I may have to start a series!

Wow. Sounds totally sexy to me: frat boys, and slinky sorority girls? I definitely want to hear more. Let's take a little bit more of an in-depth look at Tanith's release:

Book Description:

Astra Scott likes to live life to the full. A sorority girl and Gaming Management student, she spends her days studying and practicing guitar, and her nights partying or working at the Fountain Casino, where she has an internship as part of her final semester. The only blot on her landscape is Ash Drake, her best friend Sasha’s boyfriend. Arrogant, physical and blond, Ash has never forgiven Astra for her rejection months earlier and enjoys annoying her at every turn.

But when Astra’s boyfriend Harry reveals a shocking secret, Astra responds in the only way she can think of: by finding a way to take on a more attractive, masculine role in the relationship. Her experimentation with sex toys finds a surprising outlet in Sasha, but when Ash discovers their secret and wants to get involved, Astra finds herself torn between dislike and desire… and as their undercover relationship grows, Astra finds herself falling in love, a path she feels can only end in heartbreak.

For Ash may be the only man whose own fantasies are a match for hers, but can she knowingly steal his affections from her best friend?

EXCERPT:

Two hours later, and Astra stood in front of her bedroom mirror, holding in one hand the toy she had bought from Amy’s Delights.

Rubber underwear was laced through her fingers, a small plastic remote control dangling below on the end of a long cord. And attached to the front—

Well.

It was a strap-on.

It was a strap-on dildo.

And it was purple.

A purple length of shiny plastic. A perfect simulacrum of a veined, circumcised penis, five inches long and of a thickness Astra considered average, just the right width to wrap a hand around.

She stared at her reflection for a long time, contemplating the dildo, before slowly drawing it back towards her body, holding it against her stomach.

No.

One foot through the straps, two feet…rubber caught against denim-clad legs, but after a moment’s struggle the strap-on dildo was in place, and Astra’s image stood in front of her, the purple dick jutting out in front like the hilt of a sword.

Slowly she rotated her hips, watching the dildo glide from side to side, before stopping abruptly with a giggle.

Shit. It looks like a fucking light sabre.

Watching herself in the mirror, she closed one hand around its length, giving it a tentative stroke.

Nothing. Unsurprisingly.

She tried it again, this time holding the remote control and flicking the switch. A sudden buzzing, accompanied by a muted vibration through her jeans, made her jolt sharply.

Interesting.

Flipping the switch again, she rocked her hips slowly, her eyes glazing. In her mind formed a picture of Harry’s smooth back and bare buttocks, thighs parting to receive her, Harry’s voice gasping, begging for more, more, please, more…

Oh.

The switch snapped off.

Astra eyed herself coolly, squaring her shoulders, her legs automatically widening into a masculine stance.

Funny enough, can I mention that my new release All-Girls Academy also features purple toys ...

About Tanith Davenport: 

Tanith Davenport began writing at the age of sixteen as a way of utilizing her ability to drift into daydreams at any hour of the day or night. Her interests range between rock music and modern cinema to medieval literature and classical singing. She loves to travel and dreams of one day taking a driving tour of the United States, preferably in a classic 1950s pink Cadillac Eldorado.

“The Hand He Dealt” is Tanith’s debut novel and was released by Total-e-Bound Publishing on 13 June 2011. 

www.tanithdavenport.blogspot.com

Pick up your copy of “The Hand He Dealt” at Total-e-Bound Publishing 

___________

Thank you very much to Tanith for sharing details of her new release. Can't wait to read more! And while I'm sharing my blog with Tanity today, come visit me on Erotica Can be Reality or Fantasy, and see what word is haunting me.