Monday we released the Four Burning Questions for Author Rachel De Lune and announced the "More" R4R Event. Now that we've torn through the book, we have some "More" related questions for Rachel which she graciously replied to! Check it out:

1. You seemed to have been able to reach into the minds of unsatisfied married women everywhere. What was your inspiration for Izzy, Seb and “More”?

I love reading, especially books in the erotic romance genre. I often get swept up in the fantasy of what these romances portray and I love the escapism that they provide me. However, I wanted to feel like these fantasies, these stories, could happen.

Unfortunately, adultery, divorce or un-happy relationships are a common aspect of life. If you haven’t been effected directly by it, the likelihood is, you know someone who has. While I don’t condone Izzy’s actions in the book (I’d like to say I am happily married!), I think there are elements that are very relatable to women everywhere.

We’ve all fantasied over the tall, dark and handsome (please add your own physical traits to suit) stranger, whisking us off our feet and showering us with love and affection. That remains in my story. It’s just a little more real.  

I was also sure that I wanted Izzy and Seb to have to fight. That it wouldn’t be an easy relationship and that simple and often small things could unsettle them, again, much like real life.

2. Will there be a sequel?

Oh yes! I’m finishing it off at the moment. Izzy and Seb’s journey isn’t over yet.

3. What are you writing after that?

Well, there are a few projects underway but I will be continuing with The Evermore Series. Jess will be getting her story soon. In fact, I’m really excited to get to her. I had only originally planned to write Izzy and Seb. Then one evening, stuck in traffic, Jess’ whole romance story came to me. I had to dictate it into a voice memo on my phone so I didn’t forget it.

4. What kind of Dom is Seb?

Seb has a line in More, where he tells Izzy that he considers himself a considerate Dom. For me, I wanted him to have authority but also have a likeable side. Not too intimidating. He’s also got his own flaws. One thing about this story that I wanted to come through was that the characters aren’t perfect. I wanted it to feel grounded in real life. A Dom who has struggled to find his perfect match, in and out of the bedroom. That's how i've pictured Seb. Confident and successful, but with something missing in his life. 

It's all part of the fantasy of it. That there is this amazing man out there ready to swoop in and rescue you and offer you everything you’ve ever dreamed of!   

5. What traits do you think are needed for a relationship to work?

Love, understanding and communication. Oh and laughter! We see Izzy struggle in her relationship and a lot of that can be put down to her issues with communication. Sometimes it can be hard. Relationships aren’t easy but those four things will certainly help.

6. What would you say to all those on Ashley-Madison?

I find it quite amusing that there’s even a dating sight for married people. ‘Life is short. Have an affair.’ Really?? If you’re that un-happy in your marriage, then talk to your partner and try to sort it out. An affair isn’t going to be your answer.

And if your name was leaked, serves you right!

Rachel De Lune writes emotionally driven erotic romance. She began scribbling her stories in the pages of a notebook several years ago and never considered it would be the start to the adventure she’s currently on. Today, she’s still scribbling stories of dominance and submission and is looking forward to releasing her debut ‘The Evermore series’ to the world.

Rachel lives in the South West of England and daydreams about shoes – you know the ones with the red soles! lingerie and chocolate. She is a wife and has a beautiful daughter. She finds it particularly funny when she’s scribbling her steamy scenes to the sound track of My Little Pony on the TV. She would love to give up her day job to devote more time to her scribbles.  For every woman who’s ever desired more. www.racheldelune.com

Troll River Publications Author Interview with Rachel De Lune

A while ago I sat with Rachel De Lune and asked her a few questions about her goals as a writer when she signed with TRP. Here are my burning questions for her. At the end of the interview, check out her R4R opportunity! I think her first novel "More" is a timely release after the Ashley-Madison email unleashing. 

1. How would publishing this book change your life? (What are your goals as an author?)
My goals seem to keep changing! Number one was to write the book. Then it was to share it, quickly followed by publishing it.

Today, I want to publish my first novel, finish the edits of book two and start the draft of book three. I can remember a time when I thought that writing was just something I did to escape. I told a friend that I could never see myself as a full time writer. Now, I’d like to be a part time writer! I reserve the right to change my goals when the next book is released!

2. Have you been published before?
Nope! This is my first dance and I’m very pleased that TRP is my partner.

3. What about Troll River Publishing made you want to sign a contract?
When I first started scribbling down my story, I never intended to share it, yet alone have it published! A few words of encouragement and a very lucky meeting over social media led my manuscript to Stephy and my horizon changed.

The fact that Stephy wanted me to self-publish was a shock when we first started talking. She told me that I could absolutely do it on my own and that I should. Her abundance of support and positivity towards me was fantastic and a huge boost for little old me, sat in the UK wondering what I should do next with this story. When we started getting down to details I realized that she would do all the ‘stuff’ I was hugely daunted by and didn’t have a clue about. If I was going to ‘do this’ and publish my words, I wanted it to be the best I could make it. After talking with Stephy, I knew that I’d be able to do a 100 times better with her as my publisher than on my own. That’s why I signed.

4. What has been the greatest challenge in the journey of writing and publishing?
Challenges… oh there have been a few! I still remember the first time I sent my book baby out to a fellow TRP author (and now great friend) to give it a read. I’d read her short story and wrote a review and she asked me to read and review her first novel.  I spent the whole morning working up the courage to ask her to read my manuscript. Of course, as wonderful as she is, she did. That was a huge step for me.

After the initial panic of sharing, having the words edited and learning just how much work goes into turning your first draft manuscript into a book worthy of publishing has been a big and wonderful challenge. I used to think writing a book was a solitary thing. It was my escapism. But turning those words into a beautiful story takes effort from a lot of other people, and I thank everyone who has helped me on my journey. It’s been the most exciting, demanding and daunting time of my life, but I am super proud that I’ve come out the other side (just!).

Rachel De Lune writes emotionally driven erotic romance. She began scribbling her stories in the pages of a notebook several years ago. Today, she’s still scribbling stories of dominance and submission and is looking forward to releasing her debut ‘The Evermore series’ to the world.

Rachel lives in the South West of England and daydreams about shoes, lingerie and chocolate, in-between being a mum and a wife. She would love to give up her day job to devote more time to her scribbles.  For every woman who’s ever desired more. www.racheldelune.com

Miserable and dejected in her marriage, Isabel Fields encounters a stranger in a bar promising an opportunity to change her life. Nonetheless, she must make a decision she thought was reserved for other women. 

Sexual dominant, Sebastian York, specializes in igniting passion in his lovers, but women always come and go, and he’s never had a woman to call his own.

Leading Izzy, a natural submissive, on a journey of sexual awakening, their casual arrangement soon grows too confining. Seb satisfies everything Izzy has craved and she instinctively bows to his dominant personality, fulfilling his every desire.

Their casual arrangement ignites Isabel’s long-buried passion and touches her heart, but Izzy struggles with the emotional turmoil that plagues her soul.

Sacrifices will have to be made by both, putting their love to the test. Izzy stands to lose the marriage she dedicated years of her life to, but has a chance to gain a relationship she's always longed for. All depends on whether Sebastian proves to be the love of Izzy’s life, or leaves her wanting more…

Hello everyone! This is Rachel and I'm excited to announce that my debut novel, "More" will be released on 25th September 2015.

I would love for you to participate in its launch. You will get a complimentary review copy and a chance to win an Amazon gift card or signed paperback when they are released!

Join here: http://eepurl.com/by3TmL

See you on the other side!
Hugs,
Rachel

Johnathan Brond is an intriguing politician in "Lovely: Elite Doms of Washington" so much so that I wrote down questions that HAD to be asked of Elizabeth SaFleur.

She in turn was gracious enough to answer my nosy poking into the world of Elite Doms where Washington gets the discipline it deserves! Here's a very short blurb:

College student Christiana Snow finds dominance and submission with Congressman Jonathan Brond adventurous—and ripe for scandal.


TRP Interview Questions for “Lovely”

1.      What exactly is Jonathan Brond’s title/role in congress? I know he’s a congressman, but for who?

In Lovely, Jonathan Brond is a freshman congressman, representing Rhode Island. I purposefully kept his party and district vague because, well, a real person would hold that specific job. Plus, a bit of mystery is good, don’t you think? Okay, okay, it’s the first district, which includes his hometown of Newport, RI. He’s an independent but with strong Republican leanings.

2.      What would be Christiana’s favorite drink, now that’s she had a variety with Brond?

Christiana is not fond of alcohol. Having an alcoholic father will do that to you. But at parties and events, she sips champagne or red wine because they both remind her of Jonathan. She only drank with Jonathan before because she wanted him to see her as more grown-up than she felt. She would have done anything to have him view her as a grown woman when she was nineteen.

3.      Brond talked about working for the private sector, and that he was a lawyer at heart, what type of lawyer would Brond be or would he do something else?

Jonathan specialized in “Commercial Law” (business and corporate law) at UVA Law, the short title for the University of Virginia Law School. He wanted to focus more on the Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy programs, and was able to take some courses related to that specialty. But he got sidetracked and focused more on business law due to his father’s hopes of him becoming President one day. He believes in the power of the law, and that justice truly should be “blind.” What he finds on Capitol Hill, however, is that power and justice aren’t meted out evenly. This fact is one of the most frustrating parts of his jobs as Congressman.

4.      How did Brond meet Carson Drake?

They met in law school. Carson was a third year law student when Jonathan was a first year. Carson’s girlfriend/almost fiancé, Diana, was a notorious flirt and (hidden) gold-digger. At a party, she made a pass at Jonathan, who was a famous Senator’s son at the time. Carson punched Jonathan. Jonathan punched him back. Diana ended up going home alone. Carson and Jonathan finished a bottle of Scotch at the tennis courts and agreed not to bring charges against one another. Carson broke off his engagement with Diana, who is rumored to have married a movie producer in Los Angeles.

5.      What were Brond’s plans to help mental health reform and personal privacy as Congressman?

Jonathan wants people struggling with mental illness to have greater access to help and better privacy protection when doing so. First, he wants insurance to cover mental illnesses, therefore allowing more people to have access to mental health help. He also wants people to feel less ostracized when seeking help. His intense interest in ensuring people get help when needed comes from personal experience. When his mother was ill, HIPPA did not exist. If his mother hadn’t felt she’d have been shunned by society due to her mental health challenges, she might have gotten help and not died. Of course, Jonathan is concerned that mental health issues and the line between privacy and disclosure aren’t being handled well on Capitol Hill. His plans included introducing stronger legislation to bolster privacy around mental health challenges.

6.      Can you tell us what happened between Carson and Yvette?

Carson and Yvette have something in common. They are both discreet and would never tell. But, as the proverbial “fly on the wall,” I’ll tell you. <wink> During the timeframe that Lovely unfolded, Yvette was going through an experimental masochistic phase. Experiencing pain seemed to lift the numbness she experienced during her divorce. Carson isn’t a sadist, but he is known as a “hard-ass” dominant in the D/s scene. Yvette had hoped he’d help erase the anguish she felt when her final divorce papers arrived. That day, Carson and Yvette’s last scene, was held in her suite at The Oak, and it didn’t go well. Yvette wanted Carson to cane her beyond her endurance, and he refused. A good Dom always looks for clues when working with a submissive, making sure she doesn’t act against her own best interest. Yvette grew very angry at Carson for not continuing. He put her to bed and she fell asleep. Of course, we now know that she wasn’t really okay. To this day, Carson feels guilty about leaving her that day. To his credit, he didn’t know she’d received divorce papers. Yvette is not always honest—especially with herself.

7.      What is “adequate” in terms of a Dominant for Yvette?

Yvette needs to be shown her Dom won’t give up on her, even when she’s given up on herself. Despite her beauty and stature in the community, she’s rather insecure. Her Dom will have to reassure her with his actions—not let her get away with being bratty and “correct” her when she tries to defy him. She then knows he’s paying attention. Yvette’s tension level is a dead give-away for what she needs. When she adopts that gritted teeth, socialite, fake smile, she’s not okay. Her Dom is going to have to show her again and again that he’s not leaving her, and that he’s watching and cares enough to react to her. Yvette is rather needy in that way.

8.      How did Brond and Mark meet?

Carson introduced Mark to Jonathan. Carson’s brother was killed in Afghanistan. He never talks about his loss. But he stayed in touch with his brother’s buddies. When Mark returned, he looked up Carson. Mark is also a Dominant so when he found out Jonathan was seeking a personal assistant, the situation was a win-win for both of them. Mark understands Jonathan and his proclivities. We learn about Mark in book four of the Elite Doms of Washington series.

9.      Does Brond have a military background?

No, he doesn’t. He’s had a rather cushy life.

10.   How did Brond get Mark to work for him?

Mark has a significant protection streak inside him. The job of personal assistant and bodyguard to a powerful man suits him perfectly. Mark is smart. Just standing around as a sentinel, waiting to throw your body in front of a bullet, wouldn’t have been enough for him. He needs a dual role—one that allowed him to use his brains as well as brawn. Also, being a Dom himself, he understands Jonathan in a way that someone else might not. Of course this means Mark is understood, equally. This appreciation provides comfort for them both.

I wanted to thank Elizabeth for answering my questions! This was a great story and more than just a BDSM Romance. It has so much more going for it than just how many positions we can restrain a girl in...I highly recommend this book for the adventurous reader who doesn't mind kinky sex with the story!