A Dame to Die For

A Dame to Die For

By

Donovan J Brooks

Author Bio:

Inspired by characters such as Captain Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter, black and white films, and vintage burlesque, Donovan seeks to capture the forbidden and erotic side of a decade rich with vibrant hues.

He has an affinity for the 1940s, parboiled detectives, murder mysteries, and sexy, sultry dames. Erotic moments can be triggered by a brush of the fingers, a heated glance, or a daring confession. Donovan seeks to capture these scenes and paint them with words. Romance varies but should never be limited, especially when the characters speak in authoritative tones.

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Blurb:

1946, New York City

I missed her. Five years in the army and I wanted her more than I had before I left. When she sent for me, I should have said no. Maybe I’m still a dumb kid with a soft spot for dames in a jam.

Lily knew it. When her dancer sister went missing from the Burlesque joint on 52nd, she banked on me coming to her rescue. But the past caught up and pulled us both under. I keep asking myself—is she worth dying for?

Buy Links:

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Excerpt:

A glance over my shoulder allowed me to catch her movement as she slipped on the shimmering blue silk evening gown. It hugged every inch of her body, accentuating every asset she possessed. Goddamn it. Smart and sexy. I'd never met a woman who drew me in as she did.

I looked away before she caught me watching, pinched my eyes closed and took a few breaths to calm my pulse and my raging erection.

"How do I look?" she asked.

I turned around. She pulled the pin from her hair and let the mahogany curls drape across her shoulders.

My perusal began at her feet and slowly traveled upward. By the time I met her eyes, I was aflame. I wanted to touch every single inch of her, exploring with my fingers and mouth. She tilted her chin up and smiled like she could read my mind.

"Blue's always been a good color on you." I brushed invisible lint off my sleeves in an attempt to redirect the fire burning hot between us. "When do we go on stage?"

She winced at my brusque tone but quickly masked what looked like disappointment. Without hesitating, she crossed to the vanity and sat down to fix her lipstick.

A knock at the door, then a shout through the wood. "Five minutes."

"Thank you, five," she replied absently before glancing at me in the mirror. "That answer your question."

"Yeah." I picked up the mask.

"Put it on." She dabbed the red onto her lips.

"Why?"

"It's better if they don't know who you are." She set the lipstick down and turned to face me.

"I'm beginning to wonder if you're playing games with me here, Lily."

She stood and took the mask from my hand. Stepping close, Lily reached up to fasten it around my head. "If they know I brought you here, I'll be out on my ass faster than you can say strip."

I caught her by the wrists. "Why me then?"

She met my stare and held it, her lips quirking. "Because, you're the only I can trust to can find Ginger."

"I don't think that's the only reason." I leaned closer, my lips hovering over hers.

"I need you, Jack."

"Never thought I'd hear you say those words." The double meaning didn't escape my notice. My gaze dropped to her mouth. "You're lucky you're wearing that shit on your lips right now and that we have to be on stage in a few minutes."

"Why's that?" she asked, her eyes glinting in challenge and amusement.

"You and I have unfinished business." I released her wrists and backed away. "Remember that."

Lily would break me, one way or another.

She snatched the hat from the couch and set it atop my head.

"Just try to keep up."

She led us out the door, and I hoped she wasn't leading us both to slaughter.

The sway of her silk-clad hips drove me to distraction. I was supposed to be finding a missing girl, not falling into the same goddamn pit I'd dug my way out of five years ago. Taking a deep breath, I followed Lily.

1. How did you start writing erotic romance?

A request from a good friend of mine. I'm fully aware of her obsession with Chris Evans, and she asked me to use him as inspiration for a story set in the 1940s. I'm a sucker for anything noir...especially film. I'm also a fan of Captain America and the lovely Agent Carter. So it wasn't difficult to use them as the inspiration for my characters in A Dame to Die For.

2. Plotter or pantster?

Pantser. I never know where my character will take me. I write predominantly in the first person and only dive into one point of view (at least in my first two stories.) They talk. I write. So far, they haven't steered me wrong.

3. What are three things you have on your writing desk?

A pen and scrap paper...for notes as I write. A drink. Sometimes coffee...sometimes something a helluva lot stronger.

4. Favorite food?

New York Style Pizza.

5. Tell us a little about your new release. What character in the book really spoke to you?

A Dame to Die For is an erotic historical novella. It's set in 1946. The war's over. Jack has returned to his old stomping grounds and taken on the role of detective. When an old flame calls him up and asks for help finding one of her friends...well, he's a sucker for a dame with a sad story and deep, soulful eyes.

I relate to Jack on a lot of levels. Mostly because he's just a man trying to find his way in the world and seems to have the shittiest luck, not to mention the worst timing.

6. I write because ____...

It's an escape. I like picturing myself in a black and white picture, taking on the role of detective, having a gorgeous burlesque dancer throw herself at me. But in all honesty, I like exploring the possibilities of the adventure as it unfolds in my mind. Telling the story is just an added bonus.

7. What is your favorite type of character to write about?

Complicated men and sassy, sexy women. No one's perfect. We've all got secrets. I like uncovering those secrets as I write and get to know the characters as one does in reality. Slowly, with a lot of unexpected surprises.

8. What is the sexiest scene you ever wrote?

The dance scene in A Dame to Die For. When Jack and Lily stepped onto the stage in her burlesque show...all bets were off. It was sexy as sin.

9. What advice would you give new authors in the erotica/romance field?

I really don't have any advice. I'm a rookie myself. Let's learn together, shall we?

10. What is next on your writerly horizon?

I'll probably go back to Kelley and Hunter, my main characters from my first story, 'Til the End of the Line. Just so you know, they're both men. Soldiers who served together in WW2. Their story was interesting, to say the least. They've been asking me to go back and explore the possibilities of their relationship...and then they told me they're adding a third to the mix. A lovely woman who loves them both, equally. A love triangle? Or something more? We'll see.