Commitment

First off, I hope everyone had a lovely Mother’s Day.

I had a lazy weekend for the most part. I did housework, but I also worked on world-building for a series I’m trying to kick off the ground. It’s going to be cool and I can hardly wait to hear what others think about it because oh the hopes I have! It’s amazing what a little excitement means to my overall feelings of optimism. I’m not the optimistic type, in case you didn’t know. I prefer grim, stark reality to wishing and hoping for the best. Reality is me thinking this thing is going to tank hard and I’ll be wearing the imprint of hitting the ground on my face forever.

We’ll see. Right now I’m too caffeine deprived to muster up much enthusiasm for anything but sleep.

But that isn’t even the purpose of today’s post. Nope, today is about commitment. Something I think I might have a little trouble with. You see, I realized today marks seven years I’ve been at my present Evil Day Job. It’s the seventh anniversary of the day I walked through the doors and sat at a desk, not my official date because I started as a temp. Sure, things have changed since that day. I’ve been promoted to a position that has convinced several coworkers that I’m a spy. Which I’m totally not. I don’t have time for that sneaky bullshit. I’m a busy person, y’all.

Yet the more I sit here thinking about my job and the fact that this is the only company I’ve worked at for longer than six years…yeah, I’m feeling the urge to move on. Is it the seven-year itch? Or just a misplaced belief that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence? However, just because there’s an urge doesn’t mean I’m going to follow it. That’s where being a “responsible adult” comes into play.

I can’t just pick up and quit my job. I have responsibilities. I want to buy a house, become debt free, put money away for an early retirement. By the way, is 40 too young to retire? I don’t have a chance in hell of retiring that soon, but it’s a dream of mine. Retired at 45! How awesome would that be? I could write full-time, go to conferences…*sigh* Okay, so sometimes I find myself hoping and dreaming of things that’ll never happen. I’m a writer. Go figure.

Anyway, seven years. SEVEN YEARS. Working for one company. I shudder and I try to forget about it. It’s a job, not a lifetime commitment, right? I can leave anytime I want. Right? *whimper* Okay, so it’s probably a good thing I’m not married. I like my freedom a little too much to be tied up that way. Unless Gerard Butler finally decides he’s going to stop being stubborn and see Cajun is the way to go. Then we’ll see.

Meh, that’s enough rambling. I need more coffee.

Happy Monday y’all

Hair of the Dog

I feel like such a bad blogger because I forgot to play a song last week for What’s Playing Wednesday. It doesn’t matter that I was at a convention. I need to plan ahead for these things!

Today is day 2 of life back in the “real” world. You know, the one where people don’t know me as Danica, where they wouldn’t understand if I suddenly lost track of conversations because the muse hits me upside the head with an idea and they have no idea what I mean when I say “I’ll electrocute your nipples”. Yeah, the real world. It sucks.

I really just wanted to go back to bed this morning. It doesn’t seem right to be jealous of pets, but I was. Both of those punks woke me up, made me feed them, let them do their thing and then they went back to sleep. What did I have to do? Get up and get ready for work because someone has to bring home the Kibbles n’ Bits. And that would be me. Of course, harkening back to the Ellora’s Cave party on Wednesday night, I have said on more than one occasion that “I will sell ass on the side of the road if I have to. Not my ass of course, but I have no problem selling yours. Or the cat’s or dog’s asses.” (I do, I just talk a good game.)

Anyway, today seemed like a perfect day to play Nazareth’s Hair of the Dog. I could use a little hair of the dog to get through the day, but that would require going back to Kansas City and I don’t think I want to do the security thing again. By the way, Jose from Da Hood (Cave Chaos radio) apparently has a thing about his nipples. Hence the “I’ll electrocute your nipples” thing.

Okay, I’m finished with my pointless ramblings. I need more coffee. Enjoy this while I start up a coffee drip straight to my veins.

Oh! And because I’m feeling cranky, let me tell you about Robert Friggin’ Quill. What? You’ve never heard of him? Well he’s an artist. Kind of like the Dread Pirate Roberts, except he doesn’t have a ship. I think. I didn’t see a ship and he didn’t mention it. No, instead he charmed me into spending money on a drawing that’s going to be awesome when it’s complete. And then he got Lea Barrymire. And Cassandra Carr (I think). And Regina Cole. And I have no idea who else, but if you get a chance, you should really check out his work because he’s quite talented. And charming. Friggin’ Robert Quill. And because of his charming, talented bull-shitting self, I can’t get the character I commissioned him to do a sketch of out of my head. She’s stuck right there *points to head* and she won’t stop telling me to write and to do her justice because she’s totally going to kick my ass if I don’t write her in the style he’s going to sketch her. Gee, thanks Friggin’ Robert Quill. You’re the best.

And I mean that. He is awesome. Except when he stirs my muse to become Diva Bitch. *sigh*

The Pre-RT Panic

I’m sure I’m not the only person going through their checklists of what they need to pack. I’m also sure I’m not the only person attending RT who couldn’t sleep because they were trying to make sure they didn’t forget anything. Or hop out of bed at midnight to make sure they packed a necklace they probably won’t wear the entire convention. Right?

I barely slept last night and I don’t think it was because of Vikings’ season finale. It was a nail-biter for sure, but I’m honest enough to know I’m anal when it comes to packing. I also doubt my sleepless night was due to me taking a four-hour nap yesterday morning. I didn’t mean to do it. I woke up early, had a cup of coffee and then it started raining. Oh, it was so lovely to huddle in my bed with the drapes drawn, the rain pattering the roof, my dog snoring at my feet and…voila, I slept four hours.

When I woke up, I was so not motivated to do anything. I didn’t want to pack. I didn’t want to read. I didn’t want to write. I just wanted to veg out, but later in the afternoon I knew I had to make an attempt to get last-minute items. Like a few extra shirts or something. Just in case I decide to change clothes twelve times in one day. What? You don’t do that? Anyway, I’m in the dressing room at the store trying on a new top when I look at my legs in the mirror.

Holy crap! Y’all, I swear it looked like I had elephantiasis of the thighs. Like I was smuggling two piglets in  my pants legs. I forgot that I’d been using a stepper to work out. At least I hope that’s the reason it suddenly looked like my quads were going to burst out of my jeans, but holy hell…I’m never wearing those jeans again. And if you see me at RT, don’t stare at my thighs. *shudder*

Anyway, the panic is starting to set in. I just know I’m going to forget something I really wanted to take with me. All because I had to have a stupid necklace I probably won’t remember to wear. Meh. But it’s okay. I’m going to have fun anyway.

If you’re going to be at the convention and you want to stop to chat, just look for the woman with fire-red hair with blonde and pink streaks. That’ll probably be me.

I’ll also try to keep y’all up on what’s going on. Be sure to follow me on Twitter: @danicaavet and Facebook so you can see pictures of the convention first hand! Sort of. LOL

Men In Review

Yup, it’s about that time again.

First off, it’s Friday. Woot, woot. But not only that, it’s the Friday before RT. *runs around screaming* I need to pack, I need to get my hair done, my nails done, buy things for the trip, print out my itenerary, make sure I have deodorant…Eeeee!

What? I’m not allowed to be excited? Let me just say now that if I don’t return from Kansas City, it’s quite possible I’m in jail and am too afraid of my mom to call home. I wonder if they’d let me blog from behind bars. Nah, it won’t be that bad. I’ll be with Lea and Cassandra. They won’t let me get in too much trouble. Right? I’m sure one of them will keep me leashed.

Anyway, because I’m too distracted by upcoming plans to pack and getting ready for hair appointments and stuff, I’m going to do a review today and a review next week. What am I reviewing? The men who’ve visited this blog since the beginning of the year. I think. I might have enough Friday’s for that. *starts counting* I might have to turn this into a three-week review. Hm, we’ll see. But, I’m hoping once I’m at RT, I’ll be able to schmooze the cover models at the party for interviews. Trust me, I’ll bring my mojo to RT.

So without further ado…

Caveman David:

Oh David…I can’t even begin to count how many conversations have revolved around you. And do you blame anyone? Not only is David beautiful physically, he’s a great guy.

This was perhaps my favorite part of the interview with him:

Danica: Have you ever read one of the books you’ve modeled for?
David: I’ve only read one romance novel when I was 13 and it taught me a lot about sex and woman, haha. But not yet a romance novel that I have modeled for. I’m sure it would make me blush.
Danica: It would only be fair since he made me blush too.

Awww. If he weren’t so impossibly handsome, I’d be tempted to pinch his cheeks for being so cute. Um, I’m not talking about the lower cheeks, y’all. Honest!

LaBare’s Kelii:

Kelii was recommended to me by Caveman and author, Justin and I’m pretty sure I owe him a drink or a hug of appreciation. Kelii was a great interview, very fun and okay, he made me blush a few times.

Danica: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done as a model/dancer?
Kelii: I did an office party and it never happened to me in the 6 years I was dancing. It was an office birthday party. The lady I was dancing for had her own office. I was dancing for about five minutes with the door open and there wer e a couple of people inside. Next thing I know the door was closed and my pant were down. And my penis was in her mouth
Danica: I was blushing the entire time, y’all, but I had to ask what he did next.
Kelii: After about a good 15 minutes I was finished and we are continuing our adventures as we speak.
Danica: Y’all can’t take this plotbunny away from me. Don’t be surprised if there’s a book based off of this…just sayin’.

I’m pretty sure this one question was enough to send a lot of people into spasms of delight. Er…not those kinds!! Perverts. I mean that it was so blunt, it shocked them. Tickled them pink. You know what I mean! *shuts up*

LaBare’s Garren Luce:

Garren came to me through Justin and Lea Barrymire. Lea had interviewed him for her Tattoo Tuesdays (which you should check out if you don’t already) and he said he wouldn’t mind being shared by us. Okay, just as a little background, Lea and I frequently share men. But it really isn’t as naughty as it sounds. I wish it was…really.

Danica: Are you a breast or a butt man?
Garren: Definitely an ass man! Big booty is a must, LOL
Danica: Which probably makes doggy style more comfortable.
Garren: Lol there is nothing like watching a big booty bounce back and forth against my lower stomach.
Danica: <silence>

Yeah. I think I put my phone down after this question. We conducted it via text messages and I was like ‘Holy cow.’ I’m still thinking that. Really.

LaBare’s Antonio:

Antonio was another recommendation from Justin. I swear, he was pimping Unearthly Musings hard at the beginning of the year. I wonder if I could fund a trip for him to continue pimping me out at other dance clubs…I need more men like these. Between Garren, Antonio and Jose (Ellora’s Cave DJ), I’m learning all kinds of new terms for sex and stuff. They make me feel like a dirty old lady, but I’ll take it because they leave me speechless.

Danica: Favorite position?
Antonio: My favorite position would have to be taking a girl to Poundsberg from behind.
Danica: This is where I did a choking snort kind of thing that caused my dog to stare at me. I’ve never heard it called Poundsberg before…

Poundsberg. POUNDSBERG y’all. ‘Nuff said.

And that’s all for this week! Be sure to stay tuned as I’ll try to report from RT…do my “You should’ve been there” thing and rub it in your faces. Just kidding! Bwahahaha. What about today’s review guys? What was your favorite part of their interviews? (Besides the pictures of course!!)

Happy Friday, peeps!

Pork and Beans

Welcome to the blog for another What’s Playing Wednesday!

RT is right around the corner and I’m starting to get the pre-trip panic. You know, making lists so I pack everything I need and a million things I don’t need. Like, do I really need to bring a cute stuffed squirrel with me? Of course I do! It’s not a real squirrel by the way. It’s a plush stuffed animal and oh so adorable. I think I posted pictures of it somewhere.

But because RT is creeping up on me and the frantic need to start packing has started to keep me awake at nights (I’m not packing until this weekend), I’m diverting myself with work. Work, work, work, work. I’ve been clearing off my desk and performing work audits this week and I still have a stack of work left to do. It isn’t that I put it off. I just postpone paperwork in favor of more pressing things. So far the more pressing things have been completed so I can finally concentrate on the annoying things. *mutter*

And yet, I don’t mind. Because come Tuesday, I’ll be on my way to Kansas City leaving behind the serious-minded employee. Somewhere between New Orleans and Kansas City, I’ll finally break free of the prison I force myself into when I’m not at conferences. For nearly a full week, I can be Danica. Wild, fun, carefree and a little crazy. Which is sad because I’d love to do it all the time. One day I’ll be able to let Danica out all the time, to be the person I want instead of the one I have to show the world.

In the meantime, I can watch this video and sing, “I’m-a do the things that I wanna do, I ain’t got a thing to prove to you…” Yup, it’s Weezer’s “Pork and Beans”. I love the message behind this song. And then there’s the video. This is quite possibly one of the best videos ever. They cover everything and yet make it look cool instead of the embarrassment it was at the time it came out.

Do you remember watching any of these clips on youtube? As my Tudor England professor used to conclude every lecture…”Thoughts? Questions? Clarifications?”

A Hero

I think I’ve mentioned about a million times now that I finished Primal Flavor last week. Can I get a “Woot-woot!”? Because yeah, it’s that bloody exciting. I just have to wait now to see if my lovely editor accepts it. I hope she does! *Fingers crossed*

I have books planned to write now. I sat down and counted all the works I have with more than 5k words and as of right now, I have six books I could hop on and start writing, possibly even finish. But I have a problem. I have characters slapping me senseless with their personalities and the back and forth between them. Yup, I have characters demanding their story is told now. Not later. Now, dammit.

*sigh* To quote my stepdad, if this is the only problem I have, I’m doing well.

But that’s a problem I’ve decided I have to solve. Now. The story I was going to write for my buddies in the cabal is going to have to wait because Coltrane and Kanda are demanding they get their story. NOW. And to be honest, I can’t wait. OMG. Yes, I just said OMG because y’all…Coltrane is my kind of hero. *swoon* My heart is pounding just thinking of his story because it’s going to be that bad ass.

And thinking of bad ass heroes, the song that immediately pops into mind when I think of Coltrane is this song by Pop Evil called Hero. So that’s today’s song. I really like Pop Evil’s music. They have kick ass guitar riffs, compelling lyrics and Leigh Kakaty has the rough, rugged voice I adore in my rock music. I hope you enjoy the song. I’ll be over here writing my poor little fingers to the bones.

Hysteria

Le sigh, why must it be Monday already? It feels as though the weekend just flew by and left my head spinning.

Probably because if I wasn’t napping, I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Lovely imagery, but there ya go. Saturday should have been spent writing, but there was so much to do before our trivia night. I had headlight bulbs to get changed, groceries and food for my babies to buy and fingernail polish to conquer. Now before you say “Lord, she bought more fingernail polish?” I haven’t bought polish in at least two months. I think.

And I picked up some awesome colors! *skips* Yay!

Trivia night. Okay, in case you haven’t read about them before, teams of 6 get together to battle it out against other teams for first place. It’s sort of like Trivial Pursuit except a lot more fun. We always come out in the middle somewhere. I should probably start hanging out with people who listen to Country music because while we dominate the music category, I can only do so much *ducks* Oh. And I should probably also take my best friend’s advice when she says the most popular ice cream flavor is vanilla, not chocolate. Sorry Angie.

But we had fun. We weren’t drinking, yet we were still cutting up more than the other tables. Apparently I’m hysterical when I’m trying to get my mother to understand a question about silver being added to the penny. My sister nearly fell out of her chair laughing at me with my brother and best friend not far behind. Mais, I didn’t see what was so funny, but someone said something about me looking like a lion pouncing on a wounded gazelle. Poor Mom.

We came out in 8th place out of 17 teams. Not too good, not too bad, but we had a blast and plan to do it again next year. My cousin even suggested we have a family trivia night. Not just for fun, but also for practice because she wants to kick ass next time around.

Sunday was spent recovering from my misplaced belief that I was 20 again and could stay up until 4 am without a problem. *snort* I slept late, got up, saw my friend off for home then went back to bed. Oh, the sleep! Fat cat and doggie were happy to have Mommy in bed and not moving for several hours. They were so tired, you know. What does this mean? It means I didn’t write a single word all weekend long.

I tell myself that’s okay because while I didn’t write, I brainstormed. Yes, that’s what I told myself as I saw on the sofa and watched X-Men: The Last Stand, Pineapple Express, The Green Hornet, and Vikings. I was brainstorming! And I slept like absolute hell last night because my characters wouldn’t leave me alone.

So what did you do this weekend?

Interview with Caveman De Angelo

Happy, happy Friday y’all! Before I get to the good stuff, bwahaha, I’m over at the ARe Cafe today talking about writing for Ellora’s Cave. Stop by!

Do y’all even read the intro to these interviews or just jump to the good stuff? I’m kind of curious about that so let me know in the comments if you read this or if I should just dive straight into the good-looking men. M’kay?

But in case you do read this…Hey! It’s Friday! Woot-woot! I’m sending off my latest manuscript to my editor today. *crosses her fingers* Hopefully I’ll have good news to share with y’all soon. Mais, I hope I do because it feels like I’ve given birth to this story. Yeah, it took that long. It’s a full term novel. If I get an acceptance, I might even buy myself some flowers saying “Here It Is!” *snickers*

And oh, if I can get today’s hunk on the cover of my book? That would just be…awesomesauce. Today I have another new Ellora’s Cave cover model, Caveman De Angelo. Oh yes, I’m shocked myself! But De Angelo is an amazing guy with a sexy Italian accent and a great personality. He’s also hubba, hubba hot. *fans herself* Um, so yeah, here’s the interview…’scuse me while I wipe up the drool from my keyboard.

Danica: What made you want to be a model?
De Angelo: I started modeling when I was younger. When I was about sixteen or seventeen I signed with an agency in my country. I had to stop fashion modeling because I started growing and my body didn’t fit in the clothing anymore. I like doing sports and my body was naturally muscular, I would have had to starve myself to get down to 160 pounds and fit into the clothes I would’ve had to model.
Danica: I’m definitely liking the physique he’s sporting now. Ladies?

Danica: What’s the one place in the world you’d love to visit and why?
De Angelo: Probably more than one place. I like to travel. I don’t think about vacations a lot since I work all the time.

Danica: What do you have going on right now? Do you have any upcoming appearances? If so, when, where and will there be video? Just joking about that last one. Sort of. Ahem.
De Angelo: I’ll be at RomantiCon in Ohio. I used to compete in body building competitions, but I didn’t want to keep getting bigger. Now I do personal training, I’m the dance manager at my club helping choreography with the other dancers and take acting classes with modeling on the side.
Danica:  A man of many talents. *cough* And oh yeah, we’ll be seeing you at RomantiCon! Right, Cabal? I know y’all are out there reading this…Danica: How was the photoshoot with EC?
De Angelo: It was a lot of fun. The photographer was great. People thought the face I gave Bill Giste the look.
Danica: I think that look solidified De Angelo as one of our favorite Cavemen. That look. Priceless! If you missed it, Ellora’s Cave was featured on CBS Sunday Morning and De Angelo was one of the models during the photoshoot.

Danica: What do you think is your best feature?
De Angelo: Personality, smile and eyes.

Danica: What’s it like being the focus of so much female attention?
De Angelo: I think it’s good, you meet a lot of people, get to know them, talk with them. I like it.
Danica: I’m glad because I know he’s going to cause a stir at RomantiCon!

Danica: What kind of woman are you most drawn to sexually?
De Angelo: Personality is very important, what’s inside a person counts.
Danica: And there was a collective sigh as millions (okay hundreds) of women fell in love with De Angelo. And now imagine him saying that in his Italian accent.

Danica: What’s your favorite kink? Yes, sexually.
De Angelo: I just go with the flow. I like it when it’s spontaneous, nothing planned.
Danica: My mind just blanked out. trying to imagine what going with the flow means exactly.

Danica: Are you a breast or a butt man?
De Angelo: It’s not really important to me, the only thing that really matters is the personality.

Danica: What’s your favorite position?
De Angelo: I like a little bit of everything.
Danica: Again, I have no words.

Danica: What’s your theme song?
De Angelo: I’m in the club a lot, so I like to chill in my free time.

Danica: How have you been in the U.S.? And is there any particular place you’d like to live?
De Angelo: Five years, and moved directly to Miami. The place I’d love to live would be Los Angeles. I don’t to go to NYC because of the weather.

Danica: What’s your favorite color?
De Angelo: Blue, I suppose, but I don’t really have a favorite color.

Danica: Favorite food?
De Angelo: Italian food, I know how to cook, so I make it for myself. Home cooking is best.
Danica: Authentic Italian food cooked by a sexy Italian man. That’s book fodder right there.

Danica: Do you prefer winter or summer?
De Angelo: Summer, hot weather

Danica: Do you prefer mountains or beaches?
De Angelo: Beaches

Danica: Pets? What kind?
De Angelo: Yes, I had two dogs. They’re called dogo argentinos which are like a mastiffs, big dogs. I had to leave them in Italy when I moved here.
Danica: Awww!

Danica: Boxers, briefs, commando?
De Angelo: Boxer-briefs, feel more relaxed.
Danica: Ahem…

Danica: Is there anything about yourself you feel enough people don’t know?
De Angelo: When people get to know me, they learn I’m a simple, easy-going guy and I like to help people.

You know that moment when your brain goes completely offline? I’m having that right now. Uh. Heh. Heh. Wow. De Angelo is a man of many faces, right? It’s amazing and hot and I’m going to shut up now.

I hope y’all have a great weekend…um, yeah. Talk to y’all later.

I Want That For You

As y’all know I love my music. I have to have it. Which means when I can’t get data through my phone and can’t listen to my satellite radio, I get pissy. The way it’s been doing all week.

Music feeds my soul, fires my imagination and relaxes me. Even when it’s stuff that’s fast-paced and hectic sounding, sometimes it calms me. Which is why I need it at the Evil Day Job, dammit! *seethes* Of course, even though I don’t have my satellite radio, I still have music. I carry an MP3 player with me everywhere I go and have music on my phone that isn’t connected to the internet. But I like having variety, like being able to say “I’m kind of tired of Slipknot. How about some Niel Diamond?” What? How can you not like Neil Diamond?

Mostly though, I like my satellite radio because it allows me to discover new bands that aren’t on the local radio stations yet and probably never will be.  Like today’s group. 3 Pill Morning. There are a lot of bands with the number Three (3) in the name, but these guys have a great song I’m sharing with y’all today. I Want That For You is a song I crank up whenever it comes on because it has catchy vocals and sounds passionate. I’ve been listening to it a lot while writing Primal Flavor.

What do y’all think?

Guest Post With Afton Locke

Rose, Exposed – Sex in the South

 

Thank you for hosting me today. I’m excited to discuss sex in the south and my recent release, Rose, Exposed, a multicultural historical erotic romance set in the 1930s.

The grand prize for the tour is vintage-style rose earrings for pierced ears (U.S. shipping address only).

To be eligible, COMMENT on this post. Comment should include the historical time period and geographical setting (when and where) you’d most like to see in a romance.

The tour winner will be announced at http://www.aftonlocke.com/RoseExposedTour.html on April 11th.

 

Sex in the South

I chose southern Maryland as the setting for my latest release, Rose, Exposed, because I wanted a romantic, sexy backdrop with small-town values to showcase my story. Sex in the south is nothing like Sex in the City. For starters, it’s a lot more romantic. As any romance novelist knows, getting in the mood involves the senses, and the south provides a smorgasbord for all five of them:

There’s plenty to see. The warmer it gets, the more nature comes out of hibernation and shows off her splendor. Lush greenery, flowers, and butterflies provide plenty of color. People dress in more colorful clothes too. The hotter it gets the less people wear, so plenty of tempting skin is on display, especially at the beach.

Look closely and you’ll see these people smiling more because they’re not freezing to death. (OK, I probably sound a little biased here. As I write this, it’s the end of March and they’re calling for 6 inches of snow tomorrow. What?) There’s nothing more romantic than the first warm day of spring. Just ask everyone who travels south for Spring Break.

The other touchy-feely southern element is humidity. A soft, sultry night is a caress all its own. Too much can be a turn-off, of course, but good sex is supposed to be a little hot and sticky. It’s like working out at the gym. If you’re not working up a sweat, you’re not doing it right.

Nature also creates a lot of sound, from cicadas to melodic birdsong to the splash of water. If you go far enough, you might even hear the snap of an alligator’s jaws. Even the smells are intriguing. They’re sweet and floral or earthy and lush, making lovers part of the landscape in a primal way. For taste, how about some Maryland crab or a mint julep? And you know what they say about oysters.

I’ve also noticed emotional expression and friendliness increase from north to south. The more people emote and connect, the more likely they’ll end up in bed. There are a couple of drawbacks, though. In the southern small town, everyone will know what kind of sex you have, with whom, when, and how often.

Southern waterfront is also a magnet for mosquitoes. Nothing can ruin the mood quicker than several itchy welts appearing all over your body, especially realizing how many diseases they can carry. I had a long driveway in my teens and used to park halfway down on my dates with the engine off so no one would know we were there. Because of the mosquitoes, we had to make out with the windows up. One guy’s clothes became so drenched, his mother took one look at him when he got home and asked, “What the heck happened to you? Did you fall in the creek?” Mosquitoes even came up in the FLEs (final line edits) of my new release.

I plan to write more books set in the south, mosquitoes and all.

Rose, Exposed

 

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Release Date:  27 March 2013
eBook ISBN #:  978-14199-45205
Buy eBook:  http://www.ellorascave.com/rose-exposed.html
Stay tuned for reviews and more: http://www.aftonlocke.com/Rose.html

Video/trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bT9x9-Hlhw&feature=youtu.be

(I love creating trailers for all my books!)

Blurb

When Leroy Johnson gets promoted at the new oyster plant on Pearl Point, all he cares about is working hard. When he meets the flirtatious artist Rose Wainwright, however, nothing matters except getting her to the altar and into bed. Healing from a recent loss, he’s not about to let her go too.

Because Rose’s strict, social-climbing father doesn’t approve of dark-skinned Leroy, they court in secret anyplace they can find. Although Leroy’s raw passion can convince her to do almost anything, why can’t he understand she needs freedom, not marriage?

Her father wants her to be white, but Leroy wants her to be black. Playing both sides of the fence leaves this young biracial beauty exposed in more ways than one.

Excerpt (modified)

Rose, Exposed – Copyright © AFTON LOCKE, 2013 – All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

“You’re so…dark,” she exclaimed. Instead of the disdain he expected, he heard fascination.

Come on, lady. Don’t tell me you’ve never seen a colored man before.

“Yes, I’m dark,” he agreed as he politely removed her hand, “which is why it’s not a good idea for us to sit alone together in this car. Someone might come along and jump to the wrong conclusion.”

A conclusion that could get him beat up or worse with the Klan close by on Oyster Island.

But before he could stop her, she clasped both sides of his face and pressed her sweet mouth to his. Aw, hell. A man only had so much self-control, and she’d just shattered his. Unable to stop himself, he plundered her delicate mouth. Her lips reminded him of rose petals, and he sucked the sweetness out of them as if he were a bee. The more he tasted, the more he wanted.

She opened, giving him access to her even sweeter tongue. Taking a big breath, he pulled away from her.

“We can’t do this. You’re white.”

She looked down at her upturned palms. “Then I really do look white?”

Leroy frowned. “Aren’t you?”

For the first time, her smile disappeared, making him shiver in his wet clothes. “The truth is, I don’t know what I am. I suppose that’s why I took this foolish drive.”

She must be biracial then, he realized, and not forbidden after all. The thought made him want to dance on the hood of the car. She still looked white, though. If he didn’t have the time to court a girl his own color, he sure didn’t have any for a complicated one like this.

“Kiss me again,” she demanded.

Without waiting for him to answer, she locked her hot, damp mouth on his again and tugged hard on his shoulders. Before he knew it, he was on top of her on the front seat. He wished her dress weren’t so thin when long, slender legs shifted restlessly under his. Dizzy with the scent of rain and her, he froze.

At that moment, nothing mattered except having her. He didn’t care if the entire Klan showed up, knocked on the window and caught him making love to her. It had been too damn long since he’d had a woman. He needed to stop this while he still could.

“Do you know what you’re asking for?” Lust had turned his voice into a husky croak.

She laughed and touched his face again. “I don’t know. What am I asking for?”

This girl was crazier than he’d first thought. What if someone less honorable than himself had stopped instead? She could’ve been raped.

“A whole lot of trouble.” He sat up. “Look, this is not the time or the place. Now let’s get you home.”

The sooner he could be rid of her—before she derailed him from his job, family, and everything else that mattered—the better.

WIPs Coming Soon

Rose, Exposed is the sequel to Plucking the Pearl, an interracial historical erotic romance.
http://www.aftonlocke.com/pearl.html

I have two more books planned for the Oyster Harbor series. Next up for romance are Sadie and Henry.

In addition to interracial/multicultural historicals, I also plan to keep writing erotic contemporaries.

Can an older woman find love with a hot male stripper? My current WIP, Two Hours to Entice, will answer that question.

Where readers can find me

I will be attending EC’s RomantiCon Oct 10-13, 2013 in Canton, Ohio – http://ecromanticon.com/:

Don’t miss the book signing on Oct 13^th.

I’m also hosting a Fabulous Fusion workshop with Koko Brown and Eve Vaughn to celebrate interracial erotic romance for EC’s Fusion line.

Web site: http://www.aftonlocke.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afton.locke

Twitter: http://twitter.com/aftonlocke

Newsletter – The Love Chronicle: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thelovechronicle/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3159922.Afton_Locke

Café au Lait Book Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cafeaulaitbookclub/