on Feb 5th, 2012 First of all, many thanks to the Lady Smutketeers for inviting me here to guest on their lovely steampunk blog. It’s a great honor!
For anyone that doesn’t know me, I’m Portia Da Costa, and I think of myself as a sort of Old Grey Mare of erotic romance and erotica for women. I’ve been published as Portia since 1994 when my first Black Lace novel came out, but I’d been writing even before then, under various nefarious pseudonyms. Amazingly, I’m still writing, and February 2012 is pretty busy publication month for me, with some even busier months to follow.
Feb 6th sees my first novella for Carina Press published. This is a risqué BDSM jaunt called INTIMATE EXPOSURE, and it’s about Vicki Renard, a middle management exec with an insurance firm, whose life gets turned upside down by the arrival on the scene of Red Webster, a wickedly flirtatious and thrillingly dominant photographer. Red “exposes” Vicki to the sumptuous and playful world of her submission and his mastery, and though they start out agreeing to no strings fun and pleasure, they both pretty soon realize they want more than just a fling. Here’s the blurb:
From the moment Red Webster arrives at executive Vicki Renard’s firm, sparks fly between them. The photographer is supposed to create a company profile for its new owner, but he spends most of his time flirting with her. His sexy teasing infuriates Vicki…and piques a desire to submit to him. His hypnotic eyes promise what she’s been secretly craving: a sexually dominant master, like the ones in her favorite erotic novels.
Investigating his new business incognito, billionaire F.W. Shanley—aka Red—is turned on by Vicki’s fiery personality and undeniable beauty. When he discovers her reading a BDSM novel on her eReader, he knows he’s found a woman who shares his desires and promises to be a challenging submissive.
When Red arranges a weekend at a secluded and very exclusive luxury hotel, Vicki agrees to indulge in no-strings-attached erotic fun. But can she commit to this kind of life with Red when he realizes they can have so much more?
Intimate Exposure is available from Carina Press Store , Kindle US, Kindle UK, All Romance eBooks and Barnes and Noble Nook
A Gentlewoman’s Pleasure, also out in February is my latest historical mini novella from Spice Briefs. A GENTLEWOMAN’S PLEASURE is part of my “Ladies’ Sewing Circle” series, all about a group of unconventional Victorian gals who pretend to get together in order to do needlework and drink tea, but who really love nothing better than to tell each other tall tales about their love lives, real or imaginary. “Pleasure” features Lucy Dawson, a shy, bespectacled, bicycle riding spinster, who, like Vicki Renard, gets her life turned upside down by a hunky man. In this case, it’s a mysterious, but gorgeously capable woodsman, Ethan Oakley, who rescues her when she tumbles off her bike and knocks herself out. In his cozy, out of the way cottage, he administers a kind of sensual healing that Lucy has only ever dreamed of, and a wealth of carnal pleasure she quickly realizes she doesn’t ever want to give up. Here’s the blurb for this one:
London, 1890
Miss Lucy Dawson always thought she was dull compared to the other women in the Ladies’ Sewing Circle, who never hesitate to share stories of their naughty exploits and fantasies. As a plain, eccentric spinster with spectacles and a bicycle, Lucy hasn’t enjoyed a man’s touch for years—though she yearns to experience the full pleasure of lovemaking.
Then Lucy encounters Ethan Oakley, a tantalizing stranger who reawakens her desires. And the Ladies’ Sewing Circle will never believe what happens next….
A Gentlewoman’s Pleasure is available at Barnes and Noble Nook, eHarlequin, Amazon US [1st March], All Romance eBooks and Amazon.co.uk [1st March].
Had enough of me yet?
I’ve also got a new self-published title out this month, called IN SEBASTIAN’S HANDS. This is a trio of linked short stories, all about the same naughty couple, and showing the progression of their BDSM relationship. In the first story, “Life, the Universe and Sebastian”, Megan meets the gorgeous Sebastian at a fancy dress party, and immediately falls beneath his dominant and swooningly seductive spell. In “It’s Time” we discover that the party wasn’t just a one night stand, and the two are now a couple, and daringly exploring a world of kinky spanking pleasure. “The Roses in Your Cheeks” returns to Megan and Sebastian together on holiday. They’re happily married now, but still up to their wicked games and enjoying spicy BDSM high-jinks while out on a country walk.
In Sebastian’s Hands is available from Amazon Kindle UK, Amazon Kindle US
Well, that’s all for February! I’ve got more titles to come in March and April, including A GENTLEWOMAN’S DALLIANCE, another “Ladies’ Sewing Circle” tale, and IN THE FLESH, the first full length Sewing Circle novel, published by HQN.
Keep checking out my blog, my twitters and my web site for the latest news. And in the meantime, I’ll do a giveaway. I have copies available of many of my Black Lace novels in paperback format, so I’ll offer one of my titles to not one but two commenters on this guest blog. Just let me know if you like the sound of my February offerings, or simply say ‘Hi!’ and I’ll put your name into the cyber hat.
Portia Da Costa is the best-selling author of over thirty novels and novellas of erotica, erotic romance and romantic fiction, as well as 100+ erotic short stories in magazines and anthologies. She’s most widely known for her sizzling titles for Virgin Black Lace and her frisky short erotica for Harlequin Spice Briefs, but she now also writes for HQN and Carina Press. She’s also written for many other publishers over the years, and under a variety of pen names. Her home is in the heart of West Yorkshire in the UK, where she lives with her husband and her adorable cat Alice. When she’s not writing or reading, Portia loves to watch the telly, and her favourites are Sherlock Holmes, Poirot and Marple.
Discover her blog and her web site, and follow her on Twitter and Facebook. And don’t forget to check out her saucy selection of self published work.
EXCERPT FROM “INTIMATE EXPOSURE”
In which Red gives Vicki her very first spanking…
“Very well,” he said, stepping away from her, “I’d like you to take off your shorts and your panties. They’ll only get in the way from now on.”
For a moment, Vicki’s nerve faltered. For a moment it was as if she was shifting to and fro between the special fantasy world and the real world. Red’s hand returned to her shoulder, gave it a quick squeeze, and she was strong again.
Schooling herself not to fumble or get her ankles caught in them, she stepped out of her flimsy shorts and her even flimsier panties and kicked them both aside. As no instructions had been given about her socks and running shoes, she left them on.
This is crazy. What am I doing?
Again her nerve faltered and she tipped between the two worlds. Again, Red steadied her, a gentle hand against her cheek.
“Hold fast, Vicki.” His low voice imbued her with all the courage she needed.
A moment later he was touching her again, hands returning to her bottom. Her naked bottom. He wasn’t looking at her, neither her pussy nor the flesh he was handling. No, his perceptive eyes were locked all the time with hers, monitoring her reactions as his fingers gauged the firmness and resilience of her buttocks.
“You’re perfect,” he said again. “I knew you would be the moment I set eyes on you.” Inclining forward, he pressed his mouth to hers in the softest of kisses. With his lips against hers, she could feel his breath and the words when he spoke again. “I guess you know what a safe word is? You should have one, especially if this is your first time.”
Safe word? Yes, that was right. She should have one, but her mind wouldn’t seem to supply anything. “I can’t think of one.”
She expected him to laugh, but he didn’t. “That’s okay. Don’t worry. If you just say stop, I will. Or even if you just reach around and stay my hand.”
“Thank you.” She did feel safe. Despite everything, she did.
Red nodded. The boundaries were set. “Let’s begin, then, my sweet. I can’t wait any longer.”
Before she could take another breath, he had her by the hand as he sat down on the sturdy weight bench. For just a fraction of a second, he glanced at her exposed bush, his sensual mouth quirking ever so slightly. Then he was drawing her down, with a gentle but inexorable pressure, across his lap.
Vicki had long imagined what this would feel like. To be face down across a man’s knees, her bottom displayed for a spanking. She’d imagined fear, but somehow she didn’t feel it. She’d imagined embarrassment, and she did feel a little of that, but not in a bad way. Somehow there was a grace and a thrill to being presented and exposed like this.
“I can’t say it won’t hurt,” he said, his voice solemn yet weirdly benevolent, “because it will. Quite a bit. But you have to be brave and quiet and true, Vicki. Be a good girl and make both of us proud.”
He rested a palm on her left buttock for a moment, then lifted his hand and patted it down against her naked skin.
Pat. Pat. Pat.
I’m okay. I can cope. It can’t be much worse than this.
But as the moments and heartbeats ticked by, the pats increased in intensity, in purpose and in weight. Increased and increased until suddenly they weren’t pats anymore, and Vicki yelped in shock when the first real slap fell.
Oh God, it hurts! He’s right. It really, really hurts.
As if from a great distance she heard Red make a soothing, calming sound much like he would have made to a fretful child or a restive pet. But even as he gentled her, his hand fell again and again… and was not gentle.
Copyright © Portia Da Costa & Carina Press 2012
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Can’t believe Im the first commenter this morning! I guess everyone else is sleeping in! Lol! Hi Portia I think the books sound great, especially In Sebatians hands. I love when I get to follow the progression of characters thru different stories! Have a good day!
by Tami February 5th, 2012 at 6:57 amOooooo I am all in for Intimate Exposure!!
by Angela February 5th, 2012 at 7:05 amHi, you guys! Thanks for commenting. I guess you both enjoy BDSM titles, then?
by Portia Da Costa February 5th, 2012 at 7:41 amIntimate Exposure sounds like something I would really enjoy. I haven’t read any of your work yet, but you are def on my TBB list. :)
KittyKelly
by KittyKelly February 5th, 2012 at 8:35 amI loved writing Intimate Exposure. It originally had another title, Eyes of the Devil. Not because it’s paranormal, because it isn’t. But Red has very unusual, very fiery eyes.
by Portia Da Costa February 5th, 2012 at 10:17 amThat’s why I love this blog, so many new authors for me to sink my teeth into! Portia, I love the sound of Intimate Exposure and the tidbit left me wanting more! Best wishes on your future success, I’m on my way to Amazon and your website to check you out!
by Liz February 5th, 2012 at 10:38 amHello Portia! All of your upcoming stories sound lovely. I am most intrigued by In Sebastian’s Hands. I like the idea of three stories that show the couple’s evolution together. Congratulations on the upcoming releases!
by StacieD February 5th, 2012 at 11:21 amAll of these books sound amazing but I am most interested in In Sebastian’s Hands! I love when authors go on to tell what happened with a couple and if they stayed together!
by Brandi S. February 5th, 2012 at 11:27 amMany thanks, Liz, Stacie and Brandi
You sound like ladies after my own heart. I love writing wild and kinky stories… but… I adore happily ever after endings. No matter how crazy my couples get, I always believe in the fact that they can fall in love and go on being crazy and kinky together in an ongoing committed relationship.
by Portia Da Costa February 5th, 2012 at 11:35 amPortia, the cover for In the Flesh fills me with enormous envy – I ADORE IT.
So glad you could join us today!
by Karen Erickson February 5th, 2012 at 12:02 pmyour books sound really good and In Sebastians Hands and Intimate Exposure appeal to me I love BDSM books and you are definately on my TBR list
by gillian February 5th, 2012 at 12:14 pmHi Portia,
Wow, you’re a busy lady this month! I can’t wait to read “In Sebastian’s Hands”. I love stories that follow the same couple.
by Minx Malone February 5th, 2012 at 12:18 pmWow, thanks, I’m so glad you’re all liking the sound of my BDSM stories, esp. “Sebastian”.
Question? Does it bother you to see a piccie of who the author has in mind when she’s writing the hero… or do you like to create your own mind pictures of the heroes?
by Portia Da Costa February 5th, 2012 at 12:28 pmThere’s no BDSM in A Gentlewoman’s Pleasure, but I like to think that Lucy and Ethan are going to experiment a bit when they’re married.
In IN THE FLESH, Beatrice and her Mr. Ritchie definitely *do* experiment!
by Portia Da Costa February 5th, 2012 at 12:31 pmWhy yes, yes I do love a good BDSM book.
I love to see a Picture of what the Author had in mind when writing a book. I just dislike when the discription in the book looks nothing like the picture on the Cover. I don’t need it to be exact but, when the description is of a dark haired guy and they have a blonde on the cover it completely throws me off.<~~did I just go off?! ~snickers
by Angela February 5th, 2012 at 1:46 pmYou must write like a speed demon, Portia. I’m envious (and wickedly interested in some of these stories!)
by Stephanie Draven February 5th, 2012 at 1:50 pmI like your premise for the Ladies’ Sewing Circle, sounds like a great way to link the stories. Thanks for all of the excerpts and good luck with the new releases.
by ELF February 5th, 2012 at 1:57 pmAngela, have you seen the new BBC “Sherlock”, the contemp set one? Well, that’s Sebastian…
by Portia Da Costa February 5th, 2012 at 2:07 pmOh no no no, Stephanie! I’m the slowest writer on the face of the Earth, alas. These titles have been a long, long time in the pipeline.
I would love to write fast and well, but it seems to take me ages get things right.
by Portia Da Costa February 5th, 2012 at 2:09 pmThe Sewing Circle has been enormous fun to write, ELF. I love those gals!
I’d love to go on writing about them, as there are about fifteen or so in the group, but Spice Briefs is winding up now, so there’ll be no more shorties about them after “Dalliance”.
by Portia Da Costa February 5th, 2012 at 2:12 pmWow, you’re one busy lady! I’ve been reading nothing but BDSM books lately, which is not my normal thing but I can’t seem to get enough of them. Thanks!
by Taryn Lisa February 5th, 2012 at 2:30 pmOh, I’ve written quite a lot of BDSM stories, both shorties and novels, back in the day.
“Forbidden Treasures” is one of my recent ones, if you’re in the mood?
by Portia Da Costa February 5th, 2012 at 2:38 pmWordPress seems to have eaten a comment of mine, Karen.
The In the Flesh cover has been adapted for HQN, actually. Reframed a bit so there’s no hint of bottom cheek…
by Portia Da Costa February 5th, 2012 at 2:40 pmFudge! This is why I don’t usually read excerpts. Now I want to know what happens next. Does she enjoy the spanking? Does she hate it? Ugh!
by Jen B. February 5th, 2012 at 3:02 pmjepebATverizonDOTnet
I think it’s safe to say, without being too spoilery, that she enjoys it!
by Portia Da Costa February 5th, 2012 at 3:09 pmAh hah! I don’t think that WordPress will let me make a link… but I’ve just discovered that the INTIMATE EXPOSURE page has gone live at Carina Press.
by Portia Da Costa February 5th, 2012 at 3:12 pmOoooo so that slightly Stern Dark hair and mysterious look. I love it! TY!!
by Angela February 5th, 2012 at 3:13 pmOooh, I’d love to win a copy! And wowza, great excerpt.
jessicamariesutton(at)msn(dot)com
by JessS February 5th, 2012 at 3:37 pmI love the sounds of Intimate Exposure and In Sebastian’s Hands (I really like BDSM, lol). You are a new to me author but I will definitely be checking out your books.
by June M. February 5th, 2012 at 7:05 pmJune
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
Wow! Thanks for the giveaway! Your stories sound great!
by Carla C February 5th, 2012 at 7:58 pmOh, I’m so glad everybody likes the BDSM stories… I shall have to write more of them!
I always call it turning to my dark side…
by Portia Da Costa February 6th, 2012 at 12:28 amWhy yes Portia I do appreciate BDSM stories. I have no problem if an author gives us a visual of the characters. On a different page if we are good “Harmless addicts” we get lots of visual eye candies!! ;) Thanks for chatting with us!
by Tami February 6th, 2012 at 6:55 amQuick rule of thumb re. current heroes in my stories and books…
If he’s blond, he’s Simon Baker as Patrick Jane. If he’s dark haired, he’s Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock.
In Intimate Exposure, it’s neither of those two. I originally wrote a version of the story years ago, but never published it. My crush at the time was Vincent D’Onofrio, and he was a lot slimmer and younger then… so he was the inspiration for Red.
by Portia Da Costa February 6th, 2012 at 7:21 amOoo, they both seem like good reads.
by Annie February 6th, 2012 at 7:11 pmPortia – Intimate Exposure sounds great. I have read and enjoyed most/all of your Har Spice Briefs.So good, so hot. I am thrilled to hear you have a bunch more books coming out soon!
by Katherine February 6th, 2012 at 7:37 pmThanks, guys!
And Katherine, so glad you enjoy the Briefs. I have a few more in the pipeline before the line closes. Another Sewing Circle, a standalone contemporary, and a BDSM trilogy.
by Portia Da Costa February 6th, 2012 at 11:42 pmHello Miss Portia Da Costa
by Dawn February 7th, 2012 at 12:19 pmYou are a ” new to me” author and from the looks of your covers and blurbs I’m not sure why I haven’t read you yet you sound great! Oh and I love your inspirations for your men, huge Simon Baker and Vincent D’Onofrio fan.
We share an excellent taste in men, eh, Dawn?
by Portia Da Costa February 7th, 2012 at 12:30 pmPUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRING PORTIA!!
by LINDA B February 12th, 2012 at 12:44 pmAs there were lots of comments, and I wish I could give a prize to everybody… I’ve decided to award THREE prizes.
The winners are:
June M
Tami
Linda B
Please contact me at:
portiadacosta(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m planning to do more giveaways via my mailing list in future and will post news of them at my blog, as and when, with details of how to join the list.
Thanks to all for your comments!
Love
Portia
by Portia Da Costa February 14th, 2012 at 1:41 pmCongrats.
by z February 15th, 2012 at 8:34 amz
AWESOME AND CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS!!
by LINDA B February 15th, 2012 at 9:59 am