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Friday, May 31, 2013

Dakota Trace's Essential Master Book Tour



Blog Post for Rebecca Royce - 5/31
Happy Friday!  I can’t believe it’s finally come. *winks* I hope everyone’s week has flown by fast as mine and all of you are looking forward to the weekend. But before I go any further, please allow me to introduce myself and thank my host for having me here today.  My name is Dakota Trace and I have the pleasure of having a new book release today.  As Rebecca has so generously allowed me to hijack her blog for the for the first stop of my Essential Master blog tour, I wanted to bring you something a bit different than the standard fare of blurb, excerpt and buy links. You see I did this once before and let my muse run the blog tour and the readers seemed to enjoy it, so I’ve decided to let the irrepressible Livvy loose once more, but with me along to contain some of her zanier moments.  
With that being said, let’s introduce Ms. Livvy to you….
“I’m Dakota’s whip-wielding, corset-wearing, rule-breaking, kicking-her-in-the-butt muse.”  Livvy saunters into the room dressed as usual in leather leggings, high-heeled boots, a fire-engine red corset with her long dark hair spilling over her shoulders.  Dressed as she is, I’m surprised she doesn’t have a submissive trailing after her.  But wait she does. It looks like she decided to bring along Zebadiah – the male submissive from Essential Master.  
“Well, at least you followed directions for once. You brought Zeb with you.”
Livvy sticks out her tongue.  Did I mention how childish my muse is at times?  Choosing to ignore her, I turn my attention to Zebadiah. As usual he’s dressed in jeans and polo, every ounce of his clothing accenting his slender build.  Not overtly tall like most of my heroes, he’s not much taller than myself, but I can see his strength in his blue eyes. He’s been through hell and come out better for it.  However, I did feel a bit of guilt, since as his author I was the one who sent him there. Frankly I’m surprised he’d want to be in the same room with me. 
“Of course, I did.”  Livvy eyed the basket Zeb was carrying. “He has the goodies.” 
“Which you’re lucky I have, Miss Livvy. If Master knew his favorite petit-a-fours were in this…” he lifted the basket up. “…I wouldn’t have made it out the door unmolested. That man has a sweet tooth like no one’s business.”
Livvy smirked. “Of course he does. Why do you think Steph has to hide them from him every time she picks them up from the store?”
Zeb’s face lit up with a smile at the mention of his Mistress.  “She hasn’t since I moved in with them. I make them from scratch every Sunday.”
Here I probably should tell you that Zebadiah, my sexy submissive male is also is a chef – a pastry chef. What? Did you think that all he did everyday was run around serving Steph and Nicky? No, not my characters. They all have real jobs and Zeb runs his own bakery out of his grandfather’s former home. They serve the best pastries, breads and sweets in Napa Valley – or so Nicky assures me.
“Lucky…” 
Whoa, time for an intervention. Livvy can have a mouth like a truck driver at times.  “Language, Livvy.” 
She turns towards me and pouts. “I was gonna say lady. Speaking of the lady, has she been giving it to you hard enough Zeb? Or do I need to take her aside and give her pointers?” She fingers the coiled whip at her hip. 
Dear Lord! Zebadiah’s lightly tanned skin flushed.
“Livvy!” 
“What?”  She eyes me innocently. “I just want to make sure our Zeb is happy.” 
“No sex talk. We’re supposed to be talking about…” I check my clipboard. “…Zeb’s fondness for cooking.” 
Instead of taking me seriously, she just laughs. “I hear he’s really good at heating things up…in the bedroom, especially if he and Steph put their heads together…” 
Biting my lip to keep from strangling her, I strive for patience, even as my cheeks flush. I knew exactly what she was talking about. Even if I’m the one who wrote the scene, to hear her brag about it was a bit embarrassing. “Oh for heaven’s sake, Livvy, get your mind out of the gutter.”
“Why? If I do yours won’t have any company.”   She sassed, her hand on her hip.
Choosing to ignore her, I focused on the job at hand. Namely the give-away. “Okay, just ignore the kinky muse in the room.  As I promised, every stop has a giveaway of one of the two books in the Doms of Napa Valley series. Today’s prize is the first book, Reluctant Master. So what do you have to do for a chance to win it?  Easy, answer the question below in the comments section. The answer will be in the short excerpt which Rebecca will be posting with the blurb and cover art.” I look to Livvy. “Did you remember to bring the picture of the grand prize at least?”  After my last tour, I learned my lesson. Never give the muse the actual prize. She’ll abscond with parts of it. 
“Yep.”  She reaches into her corset to tug out the picture I gave her. “Here it is.”
“That’s it. A wonderful basket full of goodies for your favorite night in. So after you give your answer in the comment be sure to click on the button on the rafflecopter entry form. It’ll enter you into the grand prize contest.”  
Okay, I do believe that’s everything but the question and blurb information. I nod to Zebadiah, who sets the basket down. “The goodies in the basket are for you Ms. Rebecca to horde or share with your family. Your choice. And thanks again for having me and I will see you all tomorrow at Ellie Potts’s blog.”

Blurb:
Submissive Zebadiah Pellegrino maybe down, but he's not out yet. He knows there is a Dom or Domme for him - it's just a matter of finding him or her.  But after an attack by a brutal Mistress, the owners of New Beginnings have been hovering like a pair of over protective hens. It's been over a year and he's ready to move on, but now he just has to convince them or leave New Beginnings.
New members, Dom Nicholaus Tarquinio and switch Stephanie McKeown have a unique D/s relationship and have been searching for some time for a third member, a submissive to complete their triad. But the trick is to find a man who not only appeals to Nicholaus's domination but isn't above allowing Stephanie to have her fun too.  
When Zebadiah catches Stephanie's eye, she and Nicholaus approach the wounded sub, wondering if he's truly ready take what they have to offer him, or is Ethan right about Zebadiah not being ready? Only time will tell.
EXCERPT:
Steph was washing her hands at the sink when she noticed Zeb's tiny Honda pull up between her and Nicky's SUVs. Her heart leapt with happiness. While they hadn't been expecting him, she was sure Nicky would be happy to see him once he surfaced from his office. Glancing at the clock on the wall, she sighed. Which gives me two hours to keep Sexy busy. Her womb quivered at the possibilities of having their sub at her tender mercy for such a time. But first, I have to get him to agree to it.
Moving with purpose, she met him on the porch before he had a chance to ring the bell or knock. A plan was brewing in her head, a pleasant surprise for Nicky when he took his late afternoon break.
"Hey, Sexy, I wasn't expecting to see you today. Is everything okay?" She couldn't resist the urge to touch him, and brushed her fingers over his shoulder.
 He nodded. "Yep. I was missing you and Sir, so I thought I might bring a basket of goodies over." He lifted a tin-foil covered plate she hadn't noticed. "I was in a baking mood this morning, and wanted to get your opinion on some tweaks I made to one of my Gram’s recipes. I've been playing with a vegetarian line for my bakery. I thought you and Nicky might be willing to be my guinea pigs?"
Steph's heart melted. The fact that he'd brought his goodies all the way over for her and Nicky to test them when he had a house full of taste-testers, touched her. "Well, it depends. What's in it for me?"
"Ummm..." He seemed flabbergasted. "My undying thanks?"
"Relax, Sexy. I was thinking of a trade. Nicky and I will test your new creations if you help me set up a surprise for our Master."
His lips parted as her meaning seemed to sink in. "A sexual one, Ma'am?"
"Of course. Unless you don't feel comfortable with the idea of putting yourself in my hands until Master surfaces from his man-cave."



QUESTION:  What does Zeb agree to in exchange for Nicky and Steph’s services as his taste-testers?
 
Rafflecopter code:
BUY LINK:
NEXT STOP LINK:
http://authorelliepotts.blogspot.com/


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Monday, May 27, 2013

Happy Memorial Day

I'd like to take the time to thank the members of our military and their families who have kept us safe for so long!

Sunday, May 26, 2013

When everyone feels very far away

I think it must be because its a holiday weekend here in the United States. Specifically, its Memorial Day tomorrow, which means my husband will stay home from work and the kids will be home from school.  We will do our best to try to remember our fallen soldiers who gave their lives keeping us safe while also enjoying a day together as a family.

But, days like tomorrow remind me that my family (not my husband and the children but the remainder of my family) and a large portion of my friends live very far away from us.  Now we have been so blessed to have moved to Texas and to have made such good friends here. Truly I could not have anticipated just how much we would love it and how many people here would welcome us with open arms. We aren't entirely family-less here either.  My mother in law lives near by and my brother in law, sister in law, and two adorable nieces are close too.  My sister in law's family has welcomed us and treated us like family too.  I am really, really lucky and really, really happy to be here.

Sometimes I still miss New Jersey, New York City, and the family and friends there. To be fair, if we were in NJ this weekend, my family wouldn't even be there. They've travelled all over the place and are busy with their own lives.  But an extra day on a hot weekend always reminds me of hamburgers, hot dogs, and dessert at my mother's house.

And even though this year I couldn't have eaten all of my favorite long weekend dishes, I think about them and the people who go with them.  I'm missing them just a little bit.

How about you?  Anyone you wish was with you right now?

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Snuggles in the early morning

My youngest son came into our room this morning before six am.  I find this sort of funny because its earlier than they get up during the week when we have to drag them out of bed.  I'll admit it, sometimes I roll over when they crawl into bed and groan but this morning I lifted up my blanket and he crawled underneath.

I hoped he would go back to sleep but that was a-no-go. Instead, he snuggled against me and quietly hummed and sang to himself while my husband slept on the other side of the bed.  It was still completely dark in the room.

Kissing his head, and petting him while he cuddled I felt so completely right in the world.  So what that I'm bound to be a little bit tired tonight?  So what that I've been taking antibiotic all week and could really use the rest?  If my chapter doesn't get written today because I woke up early to be embraced by my three year old, I am fine with that.

You see, he is growing up so fast.  They all are. When I look at my seven year old I see him not just as his beautiful, wonderful, seven year old self but also as the little boy who once sat in the center of the room so proud to be able to hold himself upright at six months old.

It went really really fast. For the most part, unless he is sick or something is wrong, my seven year old no longer crawls into bed with us. It's much less common for my five year old to do so either.  (Although he still gives that a try on occasion.) It all happened so fast.

How did my five year old become a reader? How did my seven year learn to do fractions? Over night. I blinked and they were so grown up. If my three year old wants to cuddle in the early morning then that is just fine with me.

I get to be mommy to him with no other thoughts, schedules, or requirements on me to distract from that.  Of course, now I'd like a nap.  Have a wonderful day. I hope it is filled with kisses and hugs!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Demon Within Released!


Well, this is a huge day for me. It's my first release with Ellora's Cave and also my first delve into erotic horror.  I hope you guys will check it out.  I'm really, really excited about this.


DESCRIPTION

Dakota Daniels is an exorcist. Or at least she used to be, until a demon destroyed her life, killing her mother and sending her into hiding. She never knows what’s around the next corner or whether she’ll live through the night.
Brady Knox, billionaire tech guru and media darling, is a man used to getting what he wants. Except when it comes to his sister Sydney. She is the secret he never tells a soul. After all, how do you tell the world your sister has been possessed since she was ten years old without seeming like a lunatic?
When Brady seeks out Dakota’s assistance, he expects to get it. When she doesn’t comply, he’s willing to use every resource at his disposal—even if that means seducing her into doing his bidding.
Dakota’s body yearns for Brady but she isn’t easily fooled, and if she decides to help him it will be on her own terms—assuming they can both make it through the night with their souls intact.
A Romantica® erotic horror romance from Ellora’s Cave

Find it here: http://www.ellorascave.com/demon-within.html

Friday, May 17, 2013

Westervelt Wolves Video

Okay, I'll admit I'm obsessed.  Love this video! Couldn't wait to show it to you. Lone Wolf releases June 10! 


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Say Hi to Gabriel

The last book in the Westervelt Wolves...

Coming June 10


None Of Us Really Know

Last night, I was watching How I Met Your Mother and it looks like we finally got to see Ted's future wife buying a ticket at a train station. I think.  I mean, the show has teased us so many times with this, and Ted is still hung up on Robin even though she is marrying Barney (and we'll see if that actually happens.), so who knows if this is actually the mother? This was supposed to be the show's last season but they all agreed on one more so I think the timing of this plot is now officially off.

But, I digress.

I read about the actress playing her last night and although she is not overly famous (for TV and movies) she has actually starred on Broadway in the musical Once, for which she was Tony nominated and I thought she looked 'right' for the role of Ted's wife.  Like they could fit together should she actually turn out to be 'the mother.'

I got a little teary about it. Not because the show is ending. I am actually really ready to see some resolution happening on HIMYM.  Its been a long haul and frankly if he were actually telling this story to his real kids it would be a screwed up parental lesson indeed.  I mean, how could they possibly look at Aunt Robin again? But, I digress.

I started to think about all the stories I hear from people about how they met their significant other.  It's really random, isn't it? Some people met in elementary school and always knew they should be together while other's were married to someone else in a relationship that just didn't work before the right person stepped onto the horizon.

None of us really know when life is going to decide to present us with greatness.  We could be planning for one entirely different life and the right person can completely alter everything we thought we'd be doing.  Kids? Who wants kids? Then all of a sudden, with your other half, you do.  Living overseas? Who would want to do that? Well, your spouses job takes you over there and then it is the best decision ever.

I met and married a man who has taken us on a grand adventure. I mean, I'm a little girl from New Jersey. Did I ever think I'd be living in Texas?  No.  Do I love it? Yes.  Would I be doing this even if I didn't love it? Yes. Because I love him.  And it isn't just one sided.  I was thinking the other night of just how many times Ralph has had to listen to me talk to someone about my writing.  He must be seriously bored with it and yet he sits, with a smile on his face, and listens to me tell the story of how I got published and what I'm doing now. Over and over again like it's the first time he's heard it.

For me, I can actually remember the day we met.  In graduate school. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining through my closet window in New Orleans, Louisiana.  I was getting ready to walk to school and I remember feeling like the whole universe had just opened up to me.

I didn't know it actually had.

I hope it works out for you, Ted. I'll be watching next season.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

AHH

I just wrote the words My Name Is Rachel Clancy to begin the last book in my YA series The Warrior. Having a little bit of a freak out.  Have you ever read a line in a final book that through you off or have you written such a line?

I'd love to hear from you.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Romantic Times 2013

So, not all of Romantic Times 2013 involved shirtless men but I thought perhaps you might like to look at it just the same. This is Austin, from the Ellora's Cave Cavemen.  Thank you Cassandra Carr for the picture.

I have never gone to RT before and so I jumped on a plane, albeit very nervously, and went to Kansas City. I'm so glad I did.  I learned a ton, met some really amazing people, connected with people I've only known online, and got to fangirl over some incredible authors.

If you're a reader, an author, or a bookseller I highly recommend you take a turn at RT.  I'm so glad i did.