Portia Da Costa

I've been tinkering with Photoshop Elements

2012-01-27T17:35:00.000Z

Because I can't resist fiddling with graphics software, I decided to give POWER OF THREE, my menage novella, a fresh new look. Instead of trying to wrangle three people onto the cover, and not really doing any of them justice, I decided to just show the lushly muscular chest of one of the delicious men... ;)

Read the blurb and a naughty excerpt of POWER OF THREE here.

Best laid plans and all that...

2012-01-26T13:07:00.000Z

Well, so much for my post about goals. So far, this week, I'm failing magnificently at achieving anything! Have half written one blog post, but for the rest of it, am not getting very far...

Sadly it doesn't look as if I'll be publishing IN SEBASTIAN'S HANDS this week, due to a technical hitch. Basically, I forgot, when I got my all new all singing all dancing Win7 64 bit laptopamabob, that some older programs might not work on it. Most things are fine, but dear old Mobipocket Creator just won't play. It worked well on my old system, but because it's a fairly elderly program, it's just not compatible with 64 bit technology. So I've been faffing for hours on end, wrangling various workarounds using online converters and whatnot, but not finding anything completely satisfactory. However...

Just yesterday, I downloaded a program called Jutoh, which I think shows a good deal of promise. I'm still in the early stages with it and cocking things up a lot, but I can see that once I've learned it, it could be a much better way of creating Kindle ebooks and epubs, and lead to me producing a slicker, more aesthetically pleasing job. I'm pretty proud of the books I did with Mobipocket and various online converters, but I think I can do even better with Jutoh. But, I need to put in the hours learning how to get the best from it.

Hence the delay with SEBASTIAN.

So, looks like I need to get my finger out and get on with my goal tasks. The freebie I mentioned will probably be next week now too, but hopefully worth the wait, for those who didn't pick it up before...

Goals for the week - sort of...

2012-01-23T06:30:00.000Z

Inspired by a chum from Twitter, Maria Smith, I'm going to try and make a goal list for the new week ahead.

First up is to assemble, format and publish a new mini novella. It's called IN SEBASTIAN'S HANDS, and it's what I call a BDSM love story in three acts. In the first story Megan and Sebastian meet at a party and discover that they share a deep seated need to play games of pain and pleasure. In the second story, the two have been together some time, and their relationship is growing richer and more fulfilling... and kinkier than ever with each day that passes. In the third story, Sebastian and Megan are a committed couple, happily looking forward to a long and happy life together, with lots of love, laughs... and spanking.

I'm also planning to set up a super freebie giveaway at Amazon for three days, another story of spanking and BDSM games, for those who enjoy a slice of romantic super perviness. Watch for that mid week. :)

I have three guest blog posts to write by the end of the week. I've done a rough draft of one, and have ideas for two more. So that's a start. Sort of...

Months ago, before I got caught up in work on my second Victorian opus, I stared writing a fun menage a trois romance about a girl who takes a holiday in a sleepy country village, and gets involved with not one gorgeous hunk but two! It's called TEMPTED BY TWO, I'd like to return to that, and write lots more of it. I'm at 20K so far, but it would be nice to make it to 30K at least, although probably not all next week.

I need to plan a bit of promo for my next Spice Brief. A GENTLEWOMAN'S PLEASURE is out on 1st February, the same day as GABRIEL'S NAUGHTY GAME, from one of my writing pals, Madelynne Ellis.

Speaking of Spice Briefs, I'd like to start making some notes for two more of them. THE RED CHAIR and THE WHITE ROOM are #2 and #3 in my Three Colors Sexy trio. The first of these THE BLUE BOOK, comes out in October 2012.

Yikes, I'm going to need to get busy and not mess about too much!

Where is the time going?

2012-01-21T12:51:00.000Z

Good grief, where is January going? One minute it's Christmas and the next, we're two thirds of the way through January and not a lot to show for it. I can't believe how time flies so fast, as I get older. Just when I need it to slow down a bit. LOL

A lot of the time so far this month has been spent acclimatising myself to my new laptop, and to Windows 7 and various new programs. This is no hardship. I love new tech and I love fiddling with software and learning its foibles. I'm happy with my choice of laptop - a Lenovo Thinkpad - and I've even grown to love widescreen now, after holding out for a long time with 4:3 aspect. The extra acreage is great for things like graphics, especially.

So what's happening in my writing life. Well, I just delivered my second Victorian erotic romance for HQN. This one's called DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH, and it's a wacky conundrum of inspirations, including hints of Downton Abbey and an awful lot of Sherlock Holmes. The hero, Wilson Ruffington is an eccentric genius who can be a bit brusque and capricious, even if his heart is basically in the right place. He's not a detective, but he does have something of Holmes' analytical method about him. He's a scientist and a consulting technologist, a polymath who's brilliant in all areas of learning. The heroine is Adela Ruffington, and she's a second cousin, twice removed of Wilson, a woman who's as unusual in her own way as he is in his. Not exactly a beauty, with a crooked nose due to an accident [Wilson's fault!] and a few faint scars from chicken pox, she's been overlooked on the marriage mart, and being sensual in nature, she's taken control of her own erotic life in a way that's quite radical for a Victorian woman. But she's a New Woman, and member of the Ladies' Sewing Circle, so she's far from an uptight prudish miss.

In other writing news, I've just had word that a couple of my stories are going to appear in the fabulous Alison Tyler's next anthology for Harlequin. More about this as the details firm up, but my two stories are linked, about the same couple, and called COME AT SIX and COME AT NINE.

I've also been very active on the self publishing front, and have two recent titles that you might like to check out.

AN APPOINTMENT WITH HER MASTER - BDSM short story

DARING INTERLUDES - mini anthology of couples go wild stories

If you're in the mood for something wintry there's also FIRE AND ICE, a boss and P.A. story with a cold and very hot erotic twist!

I'm also very excited about my next new release, this time from Carina Press, my first with them. This one is a very risque BDSM erotic romance novella, called INTIMATE EXPOSURE. I hope you'll like its wayward and sexy hero, Red Webster, a roguish photographer with more than one naughty secret. Publication date is 6th February.

A blog post about blogging

2012-01-19T12:44:00.000Z

As people visiting my blog will know... I'm the world's worst blogger. I used to post quite frequently, and muse on various topics with a semblance of mild intelligence, but nowadays the ideas don't come as easily. I think it must be my advancing age and querulousness. My creativity mostly goes into my fiction writing now, and only springs to life when I switch on my 'dark side' ie. the part of my brain that allows me to tell stories and have mad ideas for characters and bits of plot.

Outside of the dark side, my brain is a very sparsely populated region indeed, an echoing void consisting mainly of health worries, publishing worries, self publishing worries, and questions of what to have for dinner. It's a drifting soup of half formed notions, with odd thoughts about Poirot, Miss Marple and Sherlock Holmes floating around in it too, because I watch and read so much stuff about these three fabulous sleuths that they've become more or less permanent residents in the wasteland inside my head, a place where seagulls flap and soar in the near emptiness.

I only blog this particular snippet because I find myself in the position of having not one, not two, but three guest blog posts to write in the next week or so, and I'm desperately trying to coax my 'little grey cells', as Poirot would call them, into some semblance of blogging activity, as opposed to a state of running around the room, and waving their arms about in panic.

It's going to be a reach though... So if anybody has any general tips or ideas for me, do please put them in comments, and I'd be eternally and wholeheartedly grateful. :)

DARING INTERLUDES - 'official' release

2012-01-17T11:58:00.000Z

It's official release day today for my latest Walk on the Wild Side Books self published title, DARING INTERLUDES.

This is a mini anthology of stories themed around established couples who like to play naughty erotic games with each other, to keep their relationships fresh and exciting. As the title suggests, they're all daring, although some are more daring than others. ;)

In The Concubine, Merry spices up Rick's convalescence by telling him one of her super sexy stories and transporting him to a fantasy kindom where a beautiful and sensually accomplished courtesan lives.

Silver Screen is a walk on the wild side for the heroine when she's compelled to take breathtaking erotic risks at the behest of her wickedly imaginative lover.

Vickie and Terrence both have sexual secrets, and neither quite knows what's going on in the other's head when they're in bed, making love. But one day, Vickie reveals her Naughty Thoughts... and discovers a brand new, thrilling Terrence. A powerful man who likes to play spanking games.

Approximately 10,000 words/22 pages.

NB. these stories have all appeared separately as contributions in the printed anthologies, Obsession, Sweet Confessions and Women in Lust.

You can read a saucy excerpt at my web site and also find links to buy from various ebook retailers.

*** *** ***

And while you're in the mood for some sexy reading, why not check out MINDING AMY, by my writing buddy Saskia Walker? This hot contemporary romance is free to download at Amazon for the next couple of days, so grab it while you can!

Sassy London journalist, Amy Norton, is on the trail of a missing TV celebrity. When her over-protective father hires a bodyguard to accompany her during her investigative work, she’s furious. Things only get worse when she realizes the bodyguard is the guy she mistakenly approached on a blind date the night before. She was all over the man and embarrassed herself, big time. The last thing she wants is to have him obstructing her investigation, gorgeous though he is.

Undercover Investigator, Sebastian Armitage, is amused and fascinated by the situation and sets out to charm the pants off the hot-headed Ms Norton. She is one sexy lady, and he wants her. Before long they embark on a red-hot affair, but how is Sebastian going to point out that she’s going about investigate work the wrong way, while keeping her sweet?

Now available to download for free from:Amazon and Amazon UK

New Year, new laptop

2012-01-09T14:35:00.001Z

Well, it's a new year, so I thought I would treat myself to a new toy. Well, not exactly a toy, it's a bit of kit essential to my work, as my trusty HP Compaq is now showing its age quite seriously and I don't want it to conk out and leave me stranded. I've been fancying a new Lenovo for quite some time, so I finally took the plunge. This is my first widescreen laptop, and at first I was not sure I liked that, after being with 4:3 screens for so long... but now, I'm beginning to really enjoy the additional acreage and also get used to the new touchpad which seemed a bit odd to start with.

What am I doing with this nice bit of kit? Currently reviewing some rather old stories of mine, with a view to publishing them myself. Naturally, this involves a lot of revamping and polishing. They're not bad, but they were written at a time when I knew far less about my craft than I do now. I thought they were the bee's knees then, but now, I see faults and ways that I can make them shine and live anew for a new decade... well, new millennium in some cases.

So, look out for some new self published releases in the next month or so, when I've brought these stories right up to super shiny 2012 code!

ps. notice how Sherlock and John are keeping an eye on me while I work?

Two from Saskia!

2012-01-04T07:19:00.001Z

My writing pal Saskia Walker has two great releases out at the moment that you really need to grab!

The first is a brand new Spice Brief, GOING DOWN

"He was a confident man, subtly commanding, too. Would he be like that as a lover? Yes, I just knew he'd be masterful."

Jennifer hoped she'd meet someone during her six-month stay in Paris, but she didn't expect to find a captivating man like her neighbor Armand Lazare on her very first day. From their initial encounter in their building's antique elevator, he makes her feel wanton, excited and unexpectedly aroused by the way he takes control. But as much as this new desire unnerves Jennifer, she's even more eager to explore it—with Armand as her master....

More information here

The second is a hot free read, FORBIDDEN, exclusively available at Amazon.

Emmanuelle Forsythe is the daughter of a lord, but she's embarking on a secret, forbidden affair with her father's estate manager, Jacob Finch. Jacob is as much a slave to their mutual desire as she is, even though he has been warned off.

On the night of her twenty-first birthday party, while the banker who her parents want her to marry is ensconced with her father, Emmanuelle defies her family's expectations by escaping to make love with Jacob in the gardens. Her behavior is decadent and passionate, a brief taste of something magical that she believes she can never truly own. But Jacob wants more than one night and asks her to keep seeing him, whatever the consequences.

More information here

Why not treat yourself to these two and shake off the post Christmas blues?

FAR FROM PERFECT - print edition out today!

2012-01-03T12:21:00.000Z

My contemporary romance FAR FROM PERFECT is released as a print book today! I've received my author copies and they are lovely and shiny and beautifully produced, so if you prefer the feel of a traditional paper book in your hands, now's the time to indulge yourself. :)

Here's the blurb:

Enduring passion, turbulent emotions, and an engagement of convenience…

Four years ago, Anna Felgate seduced Nick Lisitano, a family friend she’d known all her life and always had a crush on. It was only supposed to be a one night thing, and the chance to lose her virginity with an experienced older man and legendary lover… but one taste of passion with Nick branded her soul for all time.

Four years ago, Nick Lisitano had a single night of peerless lovemaking with the one beautiful young woman he’d told himself he could never, ever have. Scarred by his parents’ nightmare relationship, he’d sworn off commitment forever in favour of temporary liaisons, but he knew Anna deserved deep, enduring love.

A far from perfect match, the two agree to forget their ecstatic night and manage to maintain a cordial distance for four long years. Until a family crisis brings the two of them together again and Nick makes a daring proposition… that they enter into a temporary façade of an engagement, to lift the spirits of his dangerously ill father. Against her better judgement, Anna goes along with him, even in spite of the perilous emotional turmoil that she knows being close to Nick again will bring.

But with genuine feelings for each other, and a volcanic mutual attraction that’s just bursting to reignite, can Nick and Anna keep to the terms their pragmatic agreement? Or will the passion of past become a present affair… and maybe more?

Click here to read an excerpt of FAR FROM PERFECT and check out buying links at various outlets.

Of course, if you like a digital version better, there are also links to buy the ebook in various formats from various vendors.

A freebie for the New Year!

2011-12-31T19:27:00.000Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Back to "to be paid for" status now, alas...

To celebrate the New Year, I'm offering AN APPOINTMENT WITH HER MASTER, a brand new to digital short story, FREE for two days via Amazon.

So follow the links below between 12:00 am Pacific Standard Time, 1st January and 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time, 2nd January to snag this edgy story of a young woman's initiation into the darkly delicious world of erotic domination and punishment.

Here's the blurb:

Shy, but secretly sexy and imaginative, Mary-Anne Green fantasizes about having her bottom spanked by a stern and powerful master, the beautiful, cultured hero of her wildest dreams. She longs to feel the hand of a dominant man upon her, punishing her flesh, then caressing it to the heights of exquisite pleasure.

It seems that these wild scenarios are destined to remain solely in her imagination, until one day Mary-Anne meets her dream master online. Their chemistry is electric from the very first moment, and their fantasies and desires a perfect, sizzling match. In email after email they share everything. Dark urges, wicked wishes... painted pictures of fiery, passionate punishment.

But what happens when Mary-Anne and her Master decide to meet each other? Will the delicious, painful magic survive the transition to reality? Will their intimate bond be all they hope for, and perhaps more?

Approximately 5,000 words/11 pages.

A much shorter version of this story has originally appeared in print under the title "It Had to Happen".

Download from Amazon.com

Download from Amazon.co.uk

An Appointment with her Master is also free to borrow from Amazon.com for the next 90 days, if you're a US Amazon Prime member.

As part of the scheme for authors that allows us to make our titles free for a number of days, and allows free borrowing by Prime members, Amazon does ask that we sell those titles only via their web sites for 90 days. If you don't have a Kindle reader, you can still read them via the Kindle Desktop application here, and please be assured that after 90 days, An Appointment with her Master will be available at other ebook outlets and in formats suitable for all other readers.

All the very best for 2012!

A new release from my writing buddy Saskia!

2011-12-30T15:20:00.000Z

My wonderful writing pal, Saskia Walker has a naughty new release today, entitled WINNER TAKES ALL!

Check out all the details here at Saskia's blog. There's a sizzling excerpt there too, so rush on over to sample this delicious slice of superb erotic writing.

ps. you simply can't go wrong with WINNER TAKES ALL, because it's published at a super value price too. :)

A Gentlewoman's Dalliance - the cover

2011-12-15T08:11:00.000Z

Here's my latest Spice Briefs cover. It's for the fourth - and sadly last - of my Ladies' Sewing Circle Briefs, A GENTLEWOMAN'S DALLIANCE.

Here's the blurb:

London, 1890

Mary Brigstock and her husbandhave no difficulty maintaining the passion in their marriage, but even the mostardent lovers crave new experiences. When Mary tells the Ladies’ SewingCircle that she wants her husband to spank her, their worldly hostess arrangesexactly what she desires: the services of an expert disciplinarian who canteach the Brigstocks how to make their wicked fantasy a reality….

Part of Portia DaCosta’s Ladies’ Sewing Circle series.

It's out in March 2012 and you can read a naughty excerpt here!

FIRE AND ICE - officially out today

2011-12-05T14:12:00.001Z

A couple of years ago, himself installed a new central heating system in our home. He did a mighty good job, and since then, in winter, we've been toasty and warm, with a boiler and radiators that perform efficiently, economically and are much 'greener' than the old system. But, for the period he was doing the installation, it was very, very cold in here, because it was also the dead of winter when he did it!

I was frozen, bundled up in layers and layers, wearing a woolly hat in the house, even. But somehow, this chilly condition was inspirational, and I got the idea for a story where the hero and heroine too had to contend with no central heating in the dead of winter. In fact, it was actually Christmas, and naturally, it being an erotic story, they found other ways of keeping warm, even though the hero had a bout of 24 hour flu for the first part of the proceedings. LOL

The result of these endeavor was FIRE AND ICE, my winter/Christmas extravaganza that originally appeared in the Mammoth Book of Hot Romance. You could say the very anthology title *really* seeded the story line, as I just knew I had to play with the concept of heat - and its opposite - in the tale.

And now, I'm self publishing FIRE AND ICE as an individual long story, with a few tweaks and polishes along the line, because we writers can't bear not to keep tinkering. As well as a seasonal story, it's also a boss and secretary, or in this case, boss and P.A. story, because heroine Cally also works for the deliciously hunky hero, Innes, in between completely adoring him.

Here's the blurb:

Surrender to sexual healing...

Super efficient P.A. Cally Hobbes is head over heels in love with her handsome boss, the urbane and delicious Innes McKenzie. Day after day, beneath her cool, businesslike exterior, she's simmering hot for him, and she knows he's not entirely immune to her either, despite their perfect, above board working relationship.

Icy weather, a broken central heating system, and a dose of 24 hour flu suddenly change everything. With Innes alone and laid low in his frozen flat, Cally's golden chance to get close finally arrives. Innes is freezing, and she's burning for his touch, so what else can a girl do but climb into her boss's bed to warm up his chilly limbs with a dose of body heat?

An overnight recovery quickly leads to a very different kind of therapy... making all Cally's dreams of passion flame into life. Sex with her beloved Innes is everything she's fantasized about, and more. Much, much more.

But will their mutual desire and tender feelings survive a return to office propriety? Working together as P.A. and boss again, can Cally and Innes share the lasting glow of love?

FIRE AND ICE is self published via the Walk on the Wild Side Books authors' collective and if you'd like to read an excerpt, you'll find one here, along with links to buy it at various online outlets.

And this is a picture of me in that woolly hat! :)

Ooh look, covers!

2011-11-29T08:12:00.001Z

Isn't this gorgeous? It's my next Spice Brief, A GENTLEWOMAN'S PLEASURE, due out in February 2012, and the story of Lucy Dawson, bespectacled spinster, who has a delicious adventure when she falls off her bicycle. And almost straight into the arms of a hunky and mysterious woodsman called Ethan...

Read an excerpt here.

This one's my own creation, the cover for my soon to be released Christmas/Winter story, FIRE AND ICE. It's a self published version of a story that was previously in an anthology, and it's all about super efficient P.A. Cally, who's head over heels in love with her gorgeous boss, Innes. Christmas, a dose of 48 hour flu, and a broken central heating system all conspire to bring the two of them together... and their working relationship will never be the same again!

Read an excerpt here.

Neither of these two choice items are available quite yet, but check back here for the latest news, or follow me on Twitter for updates.

My Dear Holmes: A Study in Sherlock - Gavin Brend

2011-11-22T14:06:00.001Z

My Dear Holmes: A Study in Sherlock by Gavin Brend

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic little book. Written decades and decades ago, it's a fascinating example of the author's love for Sherlock Holmes and his adventures; extreme and intense scholarly study of the canon; and a tour de force of brain thrashing and text/date/fact wrangling in pursuit of 'The Great Game' ie. treating Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson as real historical figures, and presenting a coherent timeline of their cases.

That people play this game is a tribute the compelling and beloved characters that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created. They're so much larger than life, and fiction, that they seem real. But it does make me smile at, and at the same time deeply admire, the lengths to which Holmes scholars will go to 'make things fit'. Gavin Brend has done an outstanding and very readable job of assigning cases to years and filling in gaps between cases. It's a triumph of detective work in itself, picking through textual clues and cross referencing them. His own writing style is humorous and a little quaint in places, but this book is 60 years old, so his voice is bound to be different to that of someone approaching the topic now.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this small volume. But I'm left thinking how much easier life would have been - although far, far less challenging - for Holmes' students if Sir Arthur had worked with a rigorous content and continuity editor throughout the years he was writing about the Great Detective.

But maybe it's better this way, better that Sir Arthur often completely forgot what he'd written in an earlier story, and frequently perpetrated gaffes with dates, times, places... because playing The Great Game must have brought almost as much pleasure to people as reading the stories themselves does. :)

My Dearest Holmes - Rohase Piercy

2011-11-14T16:55:00.001Z

My Dearest Holmes by Rohase Piercy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was intrigued by this item, a gay interpretation of the great friendship between Holmes and Watson, and I wasn't quite sure what I was going to make of it when I first started reading. I've always thought there was a deep and powerful bond between the two men, but I wasn't sure I liked the idea of it being more than that.

However, when I got into the story, I was very pleasantly surprised. The writing is excellent, and despite the obvious differences from the canonical, the voice is believable and very much in the Watson style. The period detail, and the nods to the original stories are also very well done, and with a light hand rather than ladled on.

It's very much a romance between the two men, dealing with Watson's unrequited feelings for his brilliant friend as much as his desire for him. It's not a work of erotica, and love scenes are 'off camera', with the focus on the angst and yearning of Watson, and the heartache of being in love with a man who doesn't show emotion and has difficulty even feeling it. The author does a really good job of conveying Watson's anguish, and the result makes for a sincere and moving read.

The House of Silk

2011-11-12T10:47:00.000Z

The House of Silk: The New Sherlock Holmes Novel by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyed this very much. I've only read the Sherlock Holmes canon once, and I must admit that most of my perception of Holmes and Watson comes from watching the wonderful television series starring Jeremy Brett, but based on that, The House of Silk felt 'right' to me as a Holmes story. The voice of Watson rang true for me, and the style, characterisation and construction of the story seemed similar to the original stories. The plot rattled along nicely, and even though I sussed out some of what was going on fairly early in the proceedings, there were still things that surprised me about the final denouement[s].

I've seen some reviews where the author is taken to task for some inconsistencies between House of Silk and the original Sherlock Holmes stories and timeline, but Sir Arthur himself sometimes mixed things up a bit, and was inconsistent, so I do wonder if the 'slip ups' in this new story are perhaps an affectionate nod to the occasional oddities in the original canon.

WOMEN IN LUST - out now

2011-11-10T19:00:00.001Z

WOMEN IN LUST - EDITED BY RACHEL KRAMER BUSSEL

At its best, lust is intense, all-consuming, leaving you breathless, able only to focus on slaking that urgent need. The characters in Women in Lust give in to that pure, overpowering impulse for sex. Whether watching a lover playing guitar, using a webcam, going out for a smoke or simply embracing a chance encounter, these women seize the opportunities presented to them, and savor the lovers who teach them about themselves and help them open up to new sensual possibilities. These women embrace lust even when it makes them do things they might consider reckless. Sometimes the object of their lust is not the "right" person—a woman falls for her best friend's boyfriend, the ultimate taboo. Or desire itself may be maddening when it teases and taunts. Rachel Kramer Bussel has brought together top erotica authors who know exactly what to do with those burning desires.

With contributed stories by Portia Da Costa, Charlotte Stein, Aimee Pearl, Clancy Nacht, Elizabeth Coldwell, Lucy Hughes, Del Carmen, Jen Cross, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Brandy Fox, Amelia Thornton, Kin Fallon, Aimee Herman, Jacqueline Applebee, Kayar Silkenvoice, Olivia Archer, Justine Elyot, K.D. Grace, Shanna Germain, and Donna George Storey.

This saucy anthology is out now for your delectation, and includes my story NAUGHTY THOUGHTS, which seems to be gaining some favourable comments in some of the book's Amazon reviews.

You can read an excerpt from Naughty Thoughts here and check out the collection via Amazon links.

New from Sasha White

2011-11-06T08:26:00.000Z

Here's a hot new release from my Walk on the Wild Side Books buddy, Sasha White. Super sexy science fiction... check it out!

Mavericks of Space Anthology

This is the re-release of the erotic science fiction short story ABDUCTION and it’s sequel TRANSPLANT.

ABDUCTION

When Max Cooper, a “damaged” ex-Coast Guard officer, wakes up naked in a strange bed with no memory of how he got there, “alien abduction” is not what pops into his head.

It’s Captain Tyla Natori’s job to bring males from other worlds back to her own female-dominated planet to be put “on the market.” When she finds a perfect male speciman in the form of Max Cooper, however, she decides he’s the one for her…and he has no choice in the matter…

Or does he?

TRANSPLANT

Max made his choice to stick with Tyla and become a Transplant on Triton. Only things aren’t going too smoothly, right from the start. Max wants to be Tyla’s only lover, and for a Triton woman, monogamy is unheard of. Then there’s the fact that the queen’s ordered Tyla to marry a Durian prince in order to prevent a war.

Nothing brings two people closer together than facing a common foe, but can Max and Tyla stop the marriage and still prevent a war?

Abduction: 6,700 words Transplant: 6,591 words

Please note: These stories have been previously published, separately, and with a different cover. They contains explicit language, frequent graphic sex scenes.

Amazon.com * Smashwords * All Romance eBooks.

For more information and a hot excerpt visit Walk on the Wild Side Books

Constance by Franny Moyle

2011-11-04T17:37:00.001Z

Constance: The Tragic and Scandalous Life of Mrs Oscar Wilde by Franny Moyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not sure what to think about this one. It's difficult to judge the quality of the writing etc because appreciation of the book is so intimately wound up in one's impression of the subject of the book, Constance Wilde and by association, Oscar.

I found it a compelling read, but it just made me realise how alien the life of these middle/upper class Victorians is to me. I feel sorry for Constance, for a lot of the things that happened to her, and the disaster Oscar inflicted on her... but she's also an infuriating character herself some of the time. She has good qualities, and some not so good ones, like anybody, and of course she's very much a product of her times and her class.

Leaves me wondering how her later life would have turned out if Bosie Douglas had been run over by a horse and cart, and Oscar had been, well, just a little bit less Oscar.

But we'll never know...

View all my reviews

The Science of Sherlock Holmes

2011-10-27T10:37:00.001+01:00

The Science of Sherlock Holmes: From Baskerville Hall to the Valley of Fear, the Real Forensics Behind the Great Detective's Greatest Cases by E.J. Wagner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fascinating and informative read. Shines a light on the forensic background to the Sherlock Holmes stories, with examples from real cases that may have influenced Conan Doyle, and the insights and misapprehensions of investigators at the time. I some ways, the police and scientists of the late Victorian/Edwardian era naturally drew the same correct conclusions that their contemporary counterparts would... but in other cases they were blundering in the dark without benefit of modern technology and discoveries.

Very enjoyable and readable, frequently enhanced by the author's dry wit.

View all my reviews

Ooh la la it's... INTIMATE EXPOSURE

2011-10-26T18:05:00.000+01:00

Wahey, here's the sexy cover for INTIMATE EXPOSURE, my first release with Carina Press! Super hawt, eh?

INTIMATE EXPOSURE is a BDSM novella about a Vicki, an executive gal with a hidden desire to explore naughty spanking games, and Red, a roguish freelance photographer, who drives her crazy with his wicked teasing ways... and at the same time promises to bring to life all her luscious forbidden dreams.

You can read more about INTIMATE EXPOSURE here and also read a chunky excerpt, in which Vicki and Red have one of their many little contretemps, and he first discovers her kinky secret interests.

An excellent read

2011-10-14T18:52:00.001+01:00

Close to Holmes: A look at the connections between historical London, Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle by Alistair Duncan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful book. A fascinating look at the London haunts of both Sherlock Holmes and his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The wealth of information makes me want to read the Holmes canon all over again, now I know more about the locales referenced.

Essential for Holmes fans and also extremely useful for authors writing about London in late Victorian/Edwardian era.

ANOTHER CHANCE - available at Amazon Kindle

2011-10-09T18:06:00.000+01:00

Wahey, my latest Spice Brief is now available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk so you can now enjoy this naughty BDSM tale on your Kindle... maybe perhaps your new Kindle Fire when you get it? ;)

ANOTHER CHANCE is the sequel to my first ever Brief, CHANCE OF A LIFETIME, and Rose and the Marquis appear again as supporting characters -- although now lucky Rose has won her man and become his Marchioness. The titled twosome are still as daring as ever though, and inadvertently put on a sexy show for Maud and William, the protagonists in ANOTHER CHANCE.

Here's the blurb:

The Chance of a Lifetime… Again.

It’s been a long time since Maud Piper has had a lover, particularly one who can give her what she really wants: the masterful hand of a strong, powerful man. The sting of pain that turns into pleasure.

Only Maud’s late fiancé had been able to satisfy her. Not even watching her employers at Blaystock Manor, the Marquis and Marchioness, in their own rough love play brings her the release she longs for—until she is caught in the act by William Graves, the estate’s ruggedly handsome steward. Can he give Maud another chance to experience the pleasure she craves?

Here's a sexy excerpt

And here are the Amazon links:

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

A wonderful review!

2011-09-26T17:50:00.000+01:00

I'm absolutely thrilled today by a wonderful review I've received for IN TOO DEEP. The reviewer is Vanessa Wu, whose blog is Intense Sensations. Strangely for someone who writes for a living, I'm almost at a loss for words to say how happy I am to read Vanessa's opinion on the book and on my writing. It's times like these that make all the fretting and struggling and hair-tearing involved in 'getting it right' worthwhile. :)

In Too Deep review at Intense Sensations

Vanessa was also kind enough to award me a Versatile Blogger award recently too. I must admit that my blogging has been a bit sparse lately, but I intend to do much better in future. When I've fulfilled some important writing commitments in the next few months, I'm going to try much harder to be a better blogger.

As I'm pressed for time at the moment, I won't be able to make a list of 15 blogs I recommend as Versatile Blogs, but there's a small selection of blogs and sites I visit and read in the right hand side navigation bar. I hope to add more soon.

More good stuff from Saskia!

2011-09-08T10:48:00.000+01:00

My buddy Saskia Walker is putting out some great titles at the moment! Here's another goodie. A reissue of her wonderful early erotic novel ALONG FOR THE RIDE at a special price and with a lush new cover.

Here's the blurb:

Soon after her arrival in London, Georgina Montgomery finds herself modeling privately for one of her art college tutors, the Austrian artist Calvin Rolf. They become lovers and when Cal introduces her to his Fleet Street photographer sidekick, Jason Sutherland, a steamy ménage à trois affair follows. Georgie discovers that being involved with two gorgeous men is a heady intoxicant, and she quickly casts all her inhibitions aside. She’s in her element, but their idyll of sexual adventuring in London is interrupted because a paparazzi scandal threatens to erupt around them.

Jason has taken intimate photos of an old flame, Chloe Mac, now a pop star and media darling. His cousin is after the images to sell to the highest bidder, and Jason has to get to the photos in Scotland before his cousin does. Cal and Jason decide to hit the road, and Georgie comes along for the ride.

But the paparazzi hunt results in Georgie’s kidnap, and danger ups the emotional stakes for everybody involved. Georgie has to put her new found sexual power and confidence to good use, and territorial claims of the heart are about to be made.

Warnings: This title contains explicit scenes that some readers might find objectionable including m/f/m, m/m, anal play and some BDSM.

You can find out more about this deliciously hot novel here, and enjoy a sizzling excerpt:

http://www.saskiawalker.co.uk/alongfortheride.html

Go on, give yourself a treat!

A free read from Saskia!

2011-09-05T07:44:00.000+01:00

Here's a new Walk on the Wild Side Books publication from my friend and critique partner, Saskia Walker! Not only is this a fab story by a wonderful author... it's also free at a variety of ebook outlets! How great is that?

The only place you can't get THE DEVIL YOU KNOW for nothing at the moment is Amazon, but a version suitable for easy sideloading to your Kindle is free as air everywhere else. The story is a contemporary erotic romance and it was originally published as part of THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF HOT ROMANCE. Here’s the summary:

Leonie Carlton went to the other side of the world to avoid Mike Racine, because she loved him too much to stay. Their impetuous, fiery physical relationship was passionate and fulfilling, but Mike wasn’t the type to settle down.
After a year working on a coffee plantation in Queensland, Australia, Mike arrives on her doorstep. Despite her resolve to stay cool and distant Leonie is thrown into turmoil by her old lover from the moment he says hello. She knows she can’t afford to fall for him again. But Mike has traveled the world to win Leonie back. The question is, how far is he prepared to go to get her to hear him out?
7,000 words in length, contemporary erotic romance. Please note: this short story contains frank language and graphic m/f sexuality, including domination/submission and bondage.

You can read an excerpt here.

Available free from:
ARe
Barnes & Noble
Diesel
Smashwords

Also available from:
Kindle US
Kindle UK

Grab this gem and enjoy!

ANOTHER CHANCE - official publication day

2011-09-01T08:45:00.001+01:00

It's the official release day for my newest Spice Brief - ANOTHER CHANCE.

Another Chance is the sequel to my first ever Spice Brief CHANCE OF A LIFETIME, so fans of Rose and the Marquis will get the opportunity to see them again in the course of Maud and William's story.

Official Blurb

The Chance of a Lifetime… Again.

It’s been a long time since Maud Piper has had a lover, particularly one who can give her what she really wants: the masterful hand of a strong, powerful man. The sting of pain that turns into pleasure.

Only Maud’s late fiancé had been able to satisfy her. Not even watching her employers at Blaystock Manor, the Marquis and Marchioness, in their own rough love play, brings her the release she longs for—until she is caught in the act by William Graves, the estate’s ruggedly handsome steward. Can he give Maud another chance to experience the pleasure she craves?

The highly anticipated sequel to Portia Da Costa’s Chance of a Lifetime.

Read an excerpt here

Available from:

eHarlequin [epub]
Diesel Ebooks [mobi/not UK]
Amazon.co.uk [kindle/UK only]
Mills & Boon [epub]
All Romance Ebooks [epub]
Barnes & Noble [nook]

Mammoth Book of Hot Romance

2011-08-23T12:32:00.000+01:00

Pleased to announce that this beauty is now available in print in the USA! More info and a naughty excerpt of my contribution - FIRE AND ICE - available here:

http://www.portiadacosta.com/fireandice.html

If you prefer to read digital [like me!] FIRE AND ICE will be available as a single from major ebook outlets in the not too distant future.

PLAY FOR TODAY - Saskia Walker

2011-08-15T08:46:00.000+01:00

My fantastic writing buddy SASKIA WALKER has a new release out today. It's a sexy short novella called PLAY FOR TODAY, about two talented but very naughty thespians and what they get up to on a transatlantic ocean voyage. Their delicious antics bring a new meaning to the term "method acting"!

Here's the blurb:

Acting out their parts has never been so sexy…

Two upcoming British actors—Toni and Max—choose to take the slow boat to New York so they can learn their lines along the way. In the midst of a stormy sea, Max suggests they pass the time with a bit of sexy role play. As the rough seas take most of the passengers to their cabins, Toni and Max get into character for some erotic acting of the intimate kind. Soon their mutual desire collides with the forbidden affair of their characters—an inexperienced young woman and a wily seducer—with scintillating results.

You can find out more about PLAY FOR TODAY, and read a steamy excerpt at:

http://saskiawalker.blogspot.com/2011/08/publication-day-play-for-today.html

RIP Mulder 1997 [?] - 2011

2011-08-10T11:50:00.000+01:00

Desperately sad to report the death of Mulder, our tiny but mighty cat of approximately 15 years of age. She was the sweetest girl, with a superb personality - a real fun cat, and absolutely adorable and goodnatured.

Goodnight, sweet princess. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

FIGHTING FAIR - a new WotWS release from Anne Calhoun

2011-08-08T15:19:00.000+01:00

There's a new release today from WALK ON THE WILD SIDE BOOKS, from the fabulous Anne Calhoun!

Check out the details:

FIGHTING FAIR

With a marriage in trouble, there’s no such thing as fighting fair…

Jersey girl Natalie Copeland is ready to give up on a decade of marriage. Her husband Shane disappeared into the long, stressful hours necessary to make partner at his investment firm, and now their once-hot sex life has gone ice cold. She knows fighting for the man she loves against the adrenaline rush of deals and dollars is a fight she can’t win.

The fast-track to partner came a high price, but Shane’s not going to lose Natalie over his work. He knows winning back his headstrong, passionate wife won’t be easy. Proving he’s in their marriage forever will take everything he’s got…and on Wall Street and in love, there’s no such thing as a fair fight.

Find out more about FIGHTING FAIR here - there's a sizzling excerpt too!

A Heavenly Review

2011-08-05T10:35:00.000+01:00

I've just received the most gorgeous review of A TOUCH OF HEAVEN at The Long and the Short of It [LASR] review site. Reviewer Lavender said some lovely things about the book which have made me smile and brightened my day no end.

"Miranda and Patrick make an odd couple. A really odd couple. But…they’re great together."

"From the start, he’s adorable and likeable, and she’s understandable and relatable. It’s an interesting, unexpected combination."

"This tale takes a reader on a supernatural adventure, touching the heart as it delves into tender feelings and creates suspense along the way."

You can read the full review here. Many thanks, Lavender.

Quickie!

2011-07-24T10:58:00.001+01:00

Just a quick fly-by post to announce that FORBIDDEN TREASURES is for sale at a special price at ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS for the next two weeks. Check it out here.

There's a naughty excerpt here on my web site, if you're not sure whether you'll like it or not. :)

Social Media for Social Good

2011-07-21T16:13:00.000+01:00

My friend Limecello has set up an initiative to raise money to aid those in desperate need during the current Horn of Africa famine. All you have to do is leave a comment here:

http://limecello.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/crisis/

Please consider leaving a comment on Lime's blog post to ensure that a rapidly growing list of donations are sent to the charity Save the Children for the benefit of those in peril from starvation and disease.

BDSM, and Zombies, and Menage... Oh My!

2011-07-18T07:15:00.000+01:00

Yay, check out my first ever self published anthology!

A Walk on the Wild Side Books presentation

Blurb:

Portia Da Costa presents five short, sexy works that have also been published as standalones, all bundled together in a naughty medley offering over 40,500 steamy words at a super value price, half the cost of buying all the individual items separately!

This frisky erotic potpourri includes tales of BDSM, exhibitionism, m/m, m/f/m, an office lust/hate relationship... and zombies! Obviously not all those elements are in one story... but who knows, one day that might be one helluva project to tackle!

Here's the lineup:

The Efficiency Expert - erotic short story

Still stinging from a stringent management review at her workplace, office girl Susie encounters the very last man she wants to meet when she hits her favorite bar to relax and unwind. Gorgeous Noah Stevens is the ruthless company troubleshooter who's been making her life hell for the past three weeks, but after hours, he soon proves that his dedication to "efficiency" can work wonders in the bedroom.

Glint - short story of exhibitionism and voyeurism

While enjoying a lazy day at the beach, sexy holidaymakers Suzy and Gavin see a sudden glint of light flash from the headland overlooking their patch of sand, and realize that somebody's watching them through a pair of binoculars! Far from being alarmed, hedonistic Suzy finds the forbidden scrutiny deliciously exciting, and turned on by her own latent exhibitionism, she and Gavin decide to put on a titillating performance… and really give the distant voyeur something to watch!

Wesley and the Sex Zombies - erotic horror short story

Computer wizard Wesley Greensward is having a terrible day. His girlfriend is cheating, his best friend has let him down and he hates his job. Then, in a grungy motorway service café, a vision of unearthly loveliness walks into his life. It's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen... and the most beautiful man.

But while Wesley weaves an erotic fantasy about these two mysterious and delectable strangers, Luciferia and Maximillian are plotting and planning too... and their arcane scheme might mean the end of Wesley's life!

Forbidden Treasures - BDSM novelette

When Alice Porter finds a chest full of vintage curiosa at an antique market, she little realizes how her discovery of the forgotten treasures of an Edwardian disciplinarian will change her life. The sexy hoard includes a punishment ledger and a well used rattan cane, and the bygone items intrigue her husband Julian too. Sharing and experimenting with the writings and the wicked implement, the lovers begin a voyage of forbidden sensuality that shocks and thrills them both, revealing dark secrets from Julian's past and bringing the two of them closer together than they've ever been before.

Power of Three - romantic/erotic menage novella

Sun-drenched days and lush steamy nights stir strange desires in singleton Laurie Jones. She's been betrayed by her philandering fiancé, but that doesn't mean her libido is dead, no way. In fact the rampant hedonism of the lovers' resort where she's spending her solo honeymoon only makes her feel hornier than ever; especially when she watches her raunchy neighbors cavorting in a blatant threesome.

But relief is at hand for Laurie in the form of Ed and Denny, two gorgeous hunks sharing another nearby cabana. Golden boy Denny, and dark, enigmatic Ed are red hot for each other, but they also adore women too, and the sexy, generous pair quickly draw Laurie into a sizzling erotic ménage that not only expands her sexual horizons in a way that blows her mind, but also heals the pain inflicted upon her by her lost fiancé.

Author's note:

These stories contain explicit scenes of erotic activity and experimentation, including sex with multiple partners, spanking, caning, exhibitionistic sex and voyeurism and male/male lovemaking.

Excerpts of the individual stories are available at: www.portiadacosta.com/selfpublished.html

Available from Smashwords, All Romance eBooks, Amazon Kindle US, Diesel eBooks and Amazon Kindle UK. Other vendors to follow.

FORBIDDEN - new release from fabulous Saskia Walker

2011-07-11T11:11:00.001+01:00

My writing buddy Saskia Walker has a fantastic new release today via the Walk on the Wild Side Books author collective. Here's the info on this super story. I've read it and it's hot, hot, hot!

Emmanuelle Forsythe is the daughter of a lord, but she’s embarking on a secret, forbidden affair with her father’s estate manager, Jacob Finch. Jacob is as much a slave to their mutual desire as she is, even though he has been warned off.

On the night of her twenty-first birthday party, while the banker who her parents want her to marry is ensconced with her father, Emmanuelle defies her family’s expectations by escaping to make love with Jacob in the gardens. Her behavior is decadent and passionate, a brief taste of something magical that she believes she can never truly own. But Jacob wants more than one night and asks her to keep seeing him, whatever the consequences.

Please note: this short story contains frank language and graphic m/f sex scenes.

You can find an excerpt here.

Available from Amazon, Amazon UK, ARe, Barnes & Noble, Diesel, Kobo and Smashwords.

Also available for iBooks, and will come to the Sony store soon.

A different kind of angel

2011-07-05T00:10:00.003+01:00

Today sees the publication of my second work for Samhain Publishing, an erotic paranormal novella entitled A TOUCH OF HEAVEN.

TOUCH is an unusual little story. It's comparatively short [18K words] but I think it packs quite a punch because there are a lot of different elements to it. While I was writing it, I certainly had to think long and hard about a variety of issues, including a woman's perception of her own ageing process and even some aspects of mysticism and theology. All sounds a bit heavy for a short erotic romance, doesn't it?

The story is about an angel, something that I haven't touched on before in my fiction. I originally wrote it in answer to a publisher call at Samhain Publishing, but because I was busy with other deadlines, I didn't manage to complete it in the time required, so I never actually subbed it. However, an editor saw me mention the story in discussion on a message board, and she urged me to submit it anyway when it was finished. Luckily for me, it was eventually accepted.

Patrick, my angel, is a different kind of angel. Not the kind that quite often appears in romance and urban fantasy books and stories. He isn't a warrior angel with a flaming sword, engaged in a never ending battle between good and evil, smiting demons right left and center, and sporting a name ending in 'riel'. No, my Patrick is a gentler sort of fellow. He's kind and nurturing, and humane if you can call a non human creature that. His mission isn't to participate in a holy war, but to heal and bring comfort to those mortals who need him. This might all make him sound very much like a mild, very Beta hero, but in his own way he's also strong and powerful. He simply wields his power in a quiet non-flashy style.

He's also human, at least in a temporary, quazi sort of way. To visit earth and do what he has to do, he has to take a human form, because his real state isn't something a mortal can comprehend. Everything about him, in his angelic form, is beyond our understanding, as are his 'home' and his 'boss'... The people he encounters on his mission, especially Miranda, the heroine, can only deal in approximations and representations of his mystical reality.

If all this sounds a bit airy fairy, don't be put off. Patrick, my golden angel, is actually a very down to earth guy. His mission completed, he has a little holiday time in hand... and he likes to spend it in a very human way. He enjoys lying in the sun - naked! He loves eating junk food and drinking pop. He listens to music on an iPod and reads romantic novels. And he also likes flirting with beautiful women, in the form of Miranda, who lives next door to the residence that he's apparently 'house sitting'.

Miranda, for her part, quickly falls head over heals in lust and love with the beautiful but mysterious young man next door. He's utterly gorgeous, and most miraculous of all, he seems to be genuinely attracted to her, even though she's well into her forties, and she suffers from twinges of arthritis. With Patrick she feels young and vibrant again, in a very literal sense. His magic touch with massage actually relieves her pain, and his gorgeous body and heavenly face revive her libido and send it in to overdrive. She feels sexy and attractive again because of him.

But of course, that's not all the story... despite their fast growing love for each other, and the idyllic pleasure that Miranda receives at Patrick's hands, there are terrifying difficulties in their path and agonizing choices they have to make. No sooner have they found each other than they face being wrenched apart again, and worse than that, the specter of extinction looms over Patrick...

So, if all that sounds intriguing, you might like to give A TOUCH OF HEAVEN a whirl. It's available now from Samhain Publishing and a variety of other ebook outlets, and you can read a taster excerpt of it here at my web site.

Oh, and lest he doesn't sound particularly angelic in the traditional sense... Patrick does have wings. They're big and white-feathered and very powerful... and sometimes he actually flies!

Check out an excerpt of A TOUCH OF HEAVEN here

Check out A TOUCH OF HEAVEN here at Samhain Publishing, along with another excerpt

ps. here's a pic of how Patrick might look with his clothes on... ;)

SWEET CONFESSIONS out now!

2011-07-03T12:07:00.000+01:00

"22 superbly written erotic stories for couples looking to spice up their bedtime reading. Violet Blue is quite simply the best in the business when it comes to erotica for couples. She edits with both a sharp eye and a knack for what lovers are looking for, with scenarios ranging from the sweet to the surprising and the tantalisingly forbidden. In SWEET CONFESSIONS, the inciting fantasies explored include spanking, exhibitionism, role-playing, three-ways and sexy adventures that arouse and inspire couples to reach new heights of passion."

I'm very proud to say that I have a short story in this exciting new collection, edited by the legendary Violet Blue. In Silver Screen, an unnamed girl gets herself into a crazy, erotic scrape in a sleazy 'adult' cinema whilst playing a daring power game with her wickedly dominant boyfriend. Even when he's not around, she can't resist his outrageous challenges...

Click here to read a hot excerpt of Silver Screen, with links to buy the collection

I could not resist this!

2011-07-01T11:43:00.000+01:00

see more Lol Celebs

I love this... but in the UK, of course, it would be "I'm on yer ITV3..."

Two excerpts today at Lime's place!

2011-06-30T11:16:00.000+01:00

If you want to read exclusive excerpts of my forthcoming Samhain Publishing title A TOUCH OF HEAVEN, and my self published menage novella POWER OF THREE, nip over to the online home of my fabulous Twitter buddy Limecello!

http://limecello.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/ttportiadacosta/

It's POWER OF THREE day!

2011-06-20T09:30:00.006+01:00

It's 'official' release day today for my naughty new erotic menage novella, POWER OF THREE, a new title from Walk on the Wild Side Books.

Here's the blurb:

Sun-drenched days and lush steamy nights stir strange desires in singleton Laurie Jones. She's been betrayed by her philandering fiancé, but that doesn't mean her libido is dead, no way. In fact the rampant hedonism of the lovers' resort where she's spending her solo honeymoon only makes her feel hornier than ever. Especially when she watches her raunchy neighbours cavorting in a blatant threesome.

But relief is at hand for Laurie in the form of Ed and Denny, two gorgeous hunks sharing another nearby cabana. Golden boy Denny, and dark, enigmatic Ed are red hot for each other, but they also adore women too, and the sexy, generous pair quickly draw Laurie into a sizzling erotic ménage that not only expands her sexual horizons in a way that blows her mind, but also heals the pain inflicted upon her by her lost fiancé.

As the holiday progresses, the three explore each other's bodies in a feast of sensual pleasure and experimentation, forming a close bond that's as emotional as it is physical.

But only too soon, it's time to go back home...

Can Laurie's simmering Caribbean idyll become something much deeper when she returns to the cooler shores of England? Can her holiday fling become the love of a lifetime... with two men?

17000 words/approx 43 pages

Click here for a super steamy excerpt and some links to buy POWER OF THREE

Another frisky, but gorgeous cover!

2011-06-17T11:14:00.000+01:00

Here's the deliciously risque cover for my next Spice Brief, ANOTHER CHANCE, which comes out in September. It's linked to an earlier story CHANCE OF A LIFETIME. It's set at Blaystock Manor again and has the same BDSM theme, but a different couple.

Check out an excerpt here.

It's showcase day for FORBIDDEN TREASURES

2011-06-13T13:24:00.000+01:00

Forbidden Treasures is showcased today at the Walk on the Wild Side Books blog!

Why not click on over and find out about my naughty BDSM novelette. :)

Showcasing Forbidden Treasures

More delicious fiction from Saskia!

2011-06-06T08:54:00.000+01:00

It's showcase day at Walk on the Wild Side Books today for DOUBLE DARE, a super erotic romance by my best buddy, Saskia Walker! DOUBLE DARE is a backlist title, released by Saskia as an ebook at the much lower price of $3.99/£2.80. Fantastic value, as I read this yummy novel when it was originally released and I can vouch its deliciousness. Zac is a particularly intriguing and scrumptious hero. DOUBLE DARE won the Passionate Plume award for the best contemporary erotic romance of 2006.

Here's the blurb:

Two hearts entangled in a steamy affair and a truth or dare game brought about by a mutual desire for erotic discovery...

Investment broker Abigail Douglas has got it all, but Abby—the woman—longs for a secret affair, a playmate who knows nothing about her high-powered business world, and Zac Bordino might just be the man. He’s mysterious and sexy—just right for Abby’s walk on the wild side—but very soon she finds that she wants more, and his mysterious, evasive nature makes her curious. Is there more to this sexy, entrepreneurial club owner than meets the eye? And why does she suddenly feel as if her every move is being watched?

Zac Bordino is perplexed when he realizes that the woman managing his business investments is the same woman he’s having an affair with. She’s pretending to be a little nobody out for a good time, and because she’s a red hot number he plays along, cautiously observing her to get to the truth. From high-powered offices in London to pulse-pounding nightclubs in Paris, they find an insatiably perfect match in business and in pleasure. But when Zac begins to fall for Abby, he has to decide whether to reveal the secret link between them, or try to win her heart first.

DOUBLE DARE is 79,000 words in length, a hot contemporary erotic romance. As I said, it has been published before, but now has a gorgeous new cover. It contains graphic m/f sex scenes - super steamy!

You can read an excerpt here. The book is now available for download from Kindle US,Kindle UK, Smashwords, All Romance Ebooks, and Diesel Books. Do check it out!

Double the goodness!

2011-06-01T13:10:00.000+01:00

It's a most auspicious day! My friend and critique partner, the wonderful Saskia Walker, has not one but two fantastic reads published today. THE HARLOT is a big, lusty, full blooded romp of a historical erotic novel - with a paranormal twist. It's set in eighteenth century Scotland and features one of the best heroines I've read in a long time, the bold and bawdy Jessie Taskill, who's the harlot of the title. And if you love Jessie and her world, you'll also enjoy THEIR PRIVATE ARRANGEMENT, a shorter work, which features supporting characters from THE HARLOT, who come out to play in their own saucy story.

Here are the summaries and some advance reviews...

It is a Dark Era, one when a lusty lass will do what she must to survive. Even if it means bartering flesh for a palmful of coins…

Forced to watch her mother burned at the stake and separated from her siblings in the aftermath, Jessie Taskill is similarly gifted, ripe with a powerful magic that must stay hidden. Until one night when she's accused by a rival, and Jessie finds herself behind prison walls with a roguish priest unlike any man of the cloth she has known.

In reality, Gregor Ramsay is as far from holy as the devil himself, but his promise of freedom in return for her services may be her salvation. Locked into a dubious agreement, Jessie resents his plan to have her seduce and ruin his lifelong enemy. But toying with Gregor's lust for her is enjoyable, and she agrees to be his pawn while secretly intending to use him just as he is using her.

"Take one gorgeous rogue seeking vengeance and a desperate woman charged with witchcraft, toss them together with a healthy dose of lust and you've got an enticing tale of revenge, justice and magic." RT Book Reviews magazine

"This is a very erotic read and one that gradually engages the heart and pulls the reader into the story. This is one of those books where I was so strongly tempted to go to the end and find out what happened to these two. It is historically accurate and within that context is an accurate reflection of that culture. I highly recommend it and feel it is really a very fine read." Judith, Good Reads reader.

"The Harlot is about finding redemption unexpectedly, being able to trust and love again, as well as moving forward. I feel many historical romance readers and fans of Ms. Walker's will not be disappointed in this new work." Ali, Nocturne Romance reads

You can read more and find buy links here.

Scotland, 1715

Duggan Moore has always stirred maidservant Morag's womanly desires. Even though Duggan is in a clandestine relationship with James Grant, he wants Morag as well -- and James doesn't want to deny him any pleasure. Soon, all three are exploring their mutual passion ... together.

But officials have come to town to hunt an accused witch ... putting the threesome at risk. Can they find a way to keep their private arrangement safe?

Go here to read an excerpt and/or download the story.

If you love beautiful writing and cracking good storytelling, do yourself a great big favour and check out these two super stories! :)

Latest from Walk on the Wild Side Books

2011-05-31T08:08:00.000+01:00

RISQUE BUSINESS

Kari Reynolds is a human resources specialist on a short-term assignment at Coleman Engineering. It’s her job to lead workshops but there’s one big problem – the boss, Matt Bradford.

Being near Mr. Tall, Dark and Smoking Hot brings out Kari’s naughty side. One look at him makes her forget what’s appropriate in the workplace, and she’s smart enough to know the heated glances he’s shooting her way have nothing to do with business.

Now all she has to do is convince Matt to ignore her job title and try a little office pleasure…

Approximately 11,000 words

Check out this delicious 'fireworks in the office' erotic romance from the wonderful HelenKay Dimon. I love these workplace conflicts that turn into hot sexy confrontations! Find out more at:

http://walkonthewildsidebooks.com/books/risque-business/

<shameless self promo> ps. if you're a fan of the office love/hate/shag theme, check out my shortie The Efficiency Expert - which has a similar dynamic </shameless self promo>

It's Fire week!

2011-05-30T10:53:00.001+01:00

See the big banner at the top of the page, the one announcing the Big Bad Crazy Mad iPod Contest? Well, this fabulous mega contest is split into four weeks, each devoted to one of the elements, and this week is FIRE WEEK, and I'm one of the authors offering prizes this week, as part of the bounty that's on offer.

There's signed books, some postcards, and my Samhain contemporary romance FAR FROM PERFECT is part of a super digital bundle that goes to the winner.

So, if you fancy some of the goodies in the piccie, and the chance to win a lovely iPad, why not nip on over the the contest site and enter for a chance to win!

The Big Bad Crazy Mad iPod Contest - Week Four

ps. it's my birthday today.

Get a load of this!

2011-05-28T17:21:00.000+01:00

If you love good value... get over to ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS at the moment for 50% discount off all books on the site. ARe offers books in a variety of formats, so you can find something great to read whatever ebook device you favour.

Here's something of mine! [click on the pic for info]

And a whole bunch of other Portia titles here!

At these prices you can afford to run wild!

Meanwhile over at Walk on the Wild Side Books...

2011-05-23T16:31:00.000+01:00

Today's showcased title is a new erotic romance novelette by the wonderful Alison Kent!

Alison is a pioneering star of sensual and erotic romance, and she really knows how to turn up the heat. Here's the lowdown...

AT HIS MERCY

When car trouble sends Lise Kimball into the sweaty, sultry Mississippi south, she wants nothing more than a new tire and a place to spend the night before continuing her trip to New Orleans.

What she doesn’t want is to find herself stranded in the company of Donovan True, a man as controlling as the one who drove her from Atlanta.

Except Donovan takes charge in ways Lise has never known. Being at his mercy might be exactly what she’s been looking for.

Approximately 12,000 words

Now, nip on over to Walk on the Wild Side Books to read a steamy excerpt and check out the buy links. :)

http://walkonthewildsidebooks.com/books/at-his-mercy/

What I did this week...

2011-05-21T12:39:00.000+01:00

It's been a busy week. I did a little writing early in the week, but mostly, I've been working on my new role as a self publisher and I released not one but two new ebooks. Both of these titles are brand new, original works, not retreads of previously published titles. They're shorter items, what I'd call novelettes or novellas, not densely plotted, more like snapshots of the romantic and erotic lives of their characters. Hopefully, they're tasty little nibbles for readers to enjoy while they wait for the next traditionally epublished and print published Portia items. :)

The first release, out last Monday is...

FORBIDDEN TREASURES

This one's a shortie, a 9.8K word novelette about a couple who enjoy the pleasures of BDSM.

Alice Porter loves antique markets and flea markets and has a tendency towards extravagance. At one of these events, she discovers the contents of an Edwardian household, including a rattan cane and what seems to be a punishment diary, and wouldn't you know, even though she's supposed to be economizing, she splashes out on the diary and a few other items. The diary is astounding, and very arousing, but what Alice doesn't realize is that her sexy and handsome husband Julian has bought the rattan cane... and to her great surprise, he knows how to use it. Their daring games and experimentation with the joys of erotic punishment quickly reveal to Alice a hidden secret about her beloved husband's past... and open a door to a new world of passion for the future.

Click here for an excerpt!

Forbidden Treasures is available from these outlets: Smashwords, Amazon Kindle US, Amazon Kindle UK and All Romance eBooks

Release number two, out yesterday, is...

POWER OF THREE

This title is slightly longer ie. 17K words approx, and is the story of a woman who escapes an unhappy experience in the arms of not one, but two lovers, in a sexy ménage à trois.

Laurie Jones has been cruelly dumped by her fiancé almost days before their wedding was due to take place. As the honeymoon is non refundable, she decides to flee to the Caribbean resort on her own, in an attempt to at least partially forget her sorrows by savoring the warm sun, blue seas and exotic tropical ambiance. It's tough spending time at a lovers' resort on her own, but before long, she finds compensation in the form of a spot of naughty voyeurism, and soon, even better, she becomes involved herself with a pair of deliciously handsome hunks, Ed and Denny, who not only take pleasure in each other, but also desire Laurie too. The trio quickly bond in an intense erotic threesome, and when the holiday is over, that's only the beginning...

Click here for an excerpt!

Power of Three is available from these outlets: Smashwords, All Romance eBooks, Amazon Kindle US and Amazon Kindle UK

IN THE FLESH cover - just wow!

2011-05-16T16:23:00.000+01:00

I'm speechless with delight!

Another goodie from WALK ON THE WILD SIDE BOOKS!

2011-05-16T07:53:00.000+01:00

And this time it's the first WotWS release from my friend and critique partner, the fabulous Saskia Walker! MINDING AMY is a fun and super-sexy contemporary, featuring a fantastic strong, but impetuous heroine, and the gorgeous hunk who's assigned to keep her safe. Here's the blurb:

Sassy London journalist, Amy Norton, is on the trail of a missing TV celebrity. When her over-protective father hires a bodyguard to accompany her during her investigative work, she’s furious. Things only get worse when she realizes the bodyguard is the guy she mistakenly approached on a blind date the night before. She was all over the man and embarrassed herself, big time. The last thing she wants is to have him obstructing her investigation, gorgeous though he is.

Undercover Investigator, Sebastian Armitage, is amused and fascinated by the situation and sets out to charm the pants off the hot-headed Ms Norton. She is one sexy lady, and he wants her. Before long they embark on a red-hot affair, but how is Sebastian going to point out that she’s going about investigate work the wrong way, while keeping her sweet?

You can find out more about Amy and Sebastian and their hot adventures by visiting the Walk on the Wild Side Books website. Or alternatively nip over to Saskia's Blog, where there's a nice chunky excerpt to whet you appetite.

Enjoy!

Just a bit of creepy fun!

2011-05-15T21:04:00.001+01:00

I'm having lots of fun with self publishing at the moment, and in the process of experimenting with something a bit different, I think I've invented a new genre...

Sweet Erotic Horror!

Wesley and the Sex Zombies is a short, rather macabre, and kind of sexy tale about a lonely and unhappy young man who meets a beautiful but very disreputable pair of travelers in a motorway cafe... and little realizes that his interesting new friends are ever so slightly dead!

So, to try a taster of something a tad unusual from Portia, go here to read an excerpt.

Wesley and the Sex Zombies

If you decide to take the plunge, let me know what you think.

GLINT is out today!

2011-05-09T06:23:00.001+01:00

I'm thrilled to announce that my first ever Walk on the Wild Side Books title is officially published today!

GLINT is an erotic short story about Suzy and Gavin, a sexy loving couple who are on holiday the seaside. Something about the sun on their skin and the bracing sea breezes seems to bring out the daring and adventurous qualities in this pair, and before long, they're involved in wickedly naughty exhibitionist frolics on the sand, putting on an erotic performance for a mysterious voyeur watching them from the headland.

But that's not all. Having put on a show themselves, it's not long before Suzy and Gavin are turning the tables, and observing another pair of sexy holiday makers who like to make love for an audience. Naturally one thing leads to another and these voyeuristic thrills spur their desire yet again...

GLINT is a 5700 word slice of life story, a pocket size snapshot of Suzy and Gavin's relationship. It was originally published in a couple of print anthologies, but this release is an enhanced and rewritten version of the original story... and over twice as long as the printed version with masses more sexy action for these two happy, frisky lovers.

You can find GLINT for sale at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, All Romance Ebooks and Smashwords, with additional outlets to follow.

Here's an excerpt

Happy reading, and here's hoping you enjoy this hot interlude of fun in the sun!

With This Ring, I Thee Bed - out now!

2011-05-04T12:54:00.001+01:00

This super Harlequin Spice short story anthology is now available! With This Ring, I Thee Bed is a themed collection of stories, all embracing the theme of weddings and matrimony, from the early thrill of engagement, right through to anniversary celebrations of long married couples. Here's the official blurb:

In this sizzling new treasury, erotica maestro Alison Tyler has assembled over two dozen titillating tales of couples taking each other to new heights of happily bedded bliss.

Imagination and experimentation are the watchwords as sexy spouses live out fantasies both intimate and elaborate: naughty new settings, new toys…even new partners. There are virgin brides, wicked wedding nights, impetuous swingers and some kinky couplings that give "tying the knot" a whole new meaning!

Seductively spun by such genre luminaries as Kate Pearce, Kristina Wright, Cheyenne Blue, Portia Da Costa, Rachel Kramer Bussel and Janine Ashbless—plus a teasing little tale from the editor herself—these stories prove that the honeymoon is just the beginning!

As you can see, something for everyone! My story, Anniversary Waltz, is about Amanda and Julian, a mature and sophisticated couple who've been married quite some time and have developed some deliciously kinky ways of celebrating their enduring and love-filled union. Basically, they adore playing BDSM games with a faux "domestic discipline" twist... ;)

Click here to read an excerpt of Amanda and Julian's story and to find links to buy the collection.

Wahey, first release from WALK ON THE WILD SIDE BOOKS!

2011-05-02T17:13:00.000+01:00

Wahey, the first title from Walk on the Wild Side Books is released today, and it's a cracker! Get a load of this baby from the fabulous CHARLENE TEGLIA ...

MEN OF ACTION

From the jungles of South America to a big city high-rise, where there’s trouble, you’ll find…MEN OF ACTION.

Shoot to Thrill
Gabriel Everest had a simple plan; infiltrate, attack, exfiltrate. Unfortunately, he encountered a major complication in Dr. Miranda Gray. Blowing the target would have to wait until he could rescue the hostage, but saving the girl and getting away without alerting the opposition is harder than it sounds when she’s determined to take direct action of her own.

Third Time’s the Charm
Loving a cop isn’t easy. Faced with an emotional distance their physical attraction couldn’t bridge, Lynn Taylor walked away. Twice. But Nick Logan isn’t ready to let her go. When an elevator mishap leaves them trapped together in the dark, can two lovers find a way to make the third time the charm?

10,000 words

Originally published in The Mammoth Book of Special Ops Romance and Passion: Erotic Romance for Women, these stories have been revised and expanded for this ebook edition.

Find out more at:

http://walkonthewildsidebooks.com/books/men-of-action/

I like them short and naughty...

2011-04-26T20:13:00.000+01:00

Am thrilled to announce that I've now got three new short and naughty mini novellas in the pipeline from Harlequin Spice Briefs! I love writing these frisky 10K or so stories - they're such a fun length, and crafting a trilogy gives me chance to develop the emotional arc of the central couple right to their delicious happy ending.

THREE COLORS SEXY is a trio of linked stories about Suzanne and Simon, sexy loving couple who discover, almost by accident, that they have a mutual passion for BDSM games. While on holiday, they find THE BLUE BOOK, a portfolio of intensely erotic punishment images that inspires them to try the activities depicted on the pages for themselves. Back home, they develop daring new scenarios with the help of a beautiful antique, THE RED CHAIR, and then, vacationing again, at a glamorous hotel, they experiment anew in the luxurious setting of THE WHITE ROOM.

THREE COLORS SEXY is published in April, May and June 2013.

Most unexpected...

2011-04-19T21:51:00.000+01:00

I write like
H. P. Lovecraft

I Write Like by Mémoires, journal software. Analyze your writing!

Exciting news!!!!

2011-04-18T12:12:00.001+01:00

A bit of exciting news to announce...

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE BOOKS is a collective of seven authors, all launching themselves into the exciting new world of digital self publishing. I'm proud to be part of this very strong group, in company with Alison Kent, Anne Calhoun, Charlene Teglia, HelenKay Dimon, Sasha White and Saskia Walker.

WotWS has a bunch of exciting new titles launching during the month of May, including my own offering, an extended short story called GLINT, which will be released on 9th May.

Check out the web site today to participate in an exciting launch competition, with the grand prize of all the first releases from the WotWS authors!

Look what just appeared on Amazon!

2011-04-13T14:37:00.000+01:00

A TOUCH OF HEAVEN just popped up on both Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk for pre-order!

You can read an excerpt of my interpretation of a sexy angel here.

On entering a brave new world...

2011-04-09T13:43:00.001+01:00

What's this? A new Portia Da Costa title? Why has this suddenly appeared when I've posted no advance news, tweeted no tweets? How come it's appeared out of the blue?

Well, the answer is that I've entered a brave new world for me, the exciting realm of digital self publishing. It's something I've had on my mind for quite a while now, but I've hung back, and hung back, afraid of messing up the technology, to be honest. But in the last few weeks, circumstances have propelled me into learning about how to do the "stuff" and this unexpected new release - THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT - is the result. It's only really a "test" publication, a fairly short story - I just wanted to understand how the processes worked on a variety of platforms. But it'd still be rather nifty if I sold a few!

THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT has already been published as part of an anthology, PASSION edited by the wonderful Rachel Kramer Bussel, but if you just fancy reading my story alone, here's your chance. [I'd still heartily recommend getting the anthology, though, if you like what you've read in my story]

So, here's the blurb of THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT

Still stinging from a stringent efficiency review, office girl Susie encounters the very last man she wants to meet when she hits the bar to relax and unwind. Hunky Noah Stevens is the ruthless company troubleshooter who's been making her life hell for the last three weeks, but Susie soon finds that after hours, and in the bedroom, Noah's devotion to "efficiency" yields a delicious erotic bonus.

You can read a short excerpt here, or take the plunge and buy it from:

The Efficiency Expert - Kindle UK

The Efficiency Expert - Kindle US

The Efficiency Expert - Smashwords [Lots of formats here]

The Efficiency Expert - All Romance eBooks [Several formats here]

Please bid on my books at OPERATION AUCTION!

2011-03-29T19:36:00.000+01:00

There's a fantastic auction going on at the moment, in aid of a much loved member of the romance community who has suffered a horrific tragedy...

"Fatin has been an integral part of the romance community for years – she owns and runs the RR@H Novel Thoughts and Book Talk blog, is an administrator of the WriteMinded loop, an author assistant and a tireless advocate for romance novels. She is also a friend to many in this community.

On Tuesday, March 8th, she lost her husband in a senseless act of violence, leaving her alone with four children. You can read more about the tragedy here:

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/9233067/"

There's not much anyone can say to make Fatin feel better in the wake of such a horrible personal disaster, but people have gathered together to show practical support for her at this tragic time through the means of OPERATION AUCTION.

My own small contribution is a couple of signed books in the auction - NAUGHTY BITS 2 and GOTHIC HEAT - so please consider bidding on them to help this most deserving cause.

Portia Da Costa - 2 signed books [auction ends Apr 01, 201100:01:58 PDT]

While you're there, please bid, bid, bid on the many other stupendously fabulous lots on offer! You have to see the selection to believe it, so get stuck in!

I've been interviewed again!

2011-03-23T12:18:00.000Z

I've been interviewed again, this time at Fierce Romance, with the lovely Natasha Moore asking the questions. It was a fun Q&A and I really enjoyed the experience. :)

Guest Interview with Portia Da Costa at Fierce Romance

Why not pop over and leave a comment?

Authors for Japan

2011-03-15T09:06:00.000Z

UK author Keris Stainton has organised a huge auction to raise funds in support the stricken people of Japan. The money raised will go to the British Red Cross to aid survivors and those affected by the earthquake and the tsunami. The bidding is in UK pounds but many of the prizes are items such as online mentoring, artwork, critiques etc etc that can be enjoyed globally, and I'm certainly happy to ship my book prize to anywhere in the world, so I'm sure all the other authors are too.

There's a *massive* selection of prizes here on the blog, page after page of goodies: Authors for Japan

And here's my contribution, a copy of KISS IT BETTER [my last ever Black Lace, boo hoo, surely a collectors' item?] and one of NAUGHTY BITS 2, the Spice Brief print anthology containing my story CHANCE OF A LIFETIME [many other authors too!]

Bid on books signed by Portia Da Costa!

[NB. As many of the items in the auction are books for children and young adults, the saucy adult blurbs of my books are inappropriate for the listing. But you can find out about the items by clicking the links above, before bidding on them.]

As I say, I'm happy to ship anywhere in the world and might fling in an extra pot luck book or two.

Please consider bidding. The situation in Japan just seems to be getting worse and worse by the day...

Currency converter here if you're outside the UK and want to know how much you're giving.

Thanks for your attention.

Another fantastic Poirot!

2011-03-10T19:56:00.000Z

Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fantastically convoluted crime, and a really rather chilling murderer. Dame Agatha portrays a person completely without remorse in an audaciously believable way. Genius!

This is also the first Poirot story I've read that's narrated by Captain Hastings, and he's such a dear. :)
View all my reviews

I've been interviewed!

2011-03-07T12:04:00.000Z

Romance Writers Behaving Badly: Best Interview Ever from a Legend: Portia Da Costa...: "APRIL: Portia, I'm so excited to meet and talk with you today. Your name and brand have been around for a long time and when I first started..."

Want to hear more about how I began as an author and how I think romance writing has changed since I began, all those years ago, back when the dinosaurs roamed? Want to know a bit more about my latest release FAR FROM PERFECT and its hot alpha hero Nick Lisitano?

Check out my interview by April aka R. A. Morelock, over at Romance Writers Behaving Badly! :)

New release from my buddy Saskia!

2011-03-07T10:27:00.000Z

My writing buddy and critique partner Saskia Walker has a brand new release today. HOLLY'S INTUITION is the second in a trilogy of stories about three psychic sisters, and if you enjoyed the first in the series, MONICA'S SECRET, you're bound to love this one too!

Here's the blurb:

Holly's neighbours, Joshua and Stewart, are fit, gorgeous, and gay -- or that's what she thinks. Then one day, after coming to his aid following an accident, she forms a deep connection with Joshua, and subsequently becomes a psychic voyeur into his love life with Stewart. Holly has never experienced anything so intense, erotic, and arousing before, and despite her confusion about why this has happened to her, she can think of little else but being in the bed with the two men.

Joshua is trying to come to terms with being gay, and he's about to announce his sexuality to his family. But now Holly has entered the scene and he's drawn to her as well as to his partner, Stewart. Since his accident he feels close to Holly. She calms him…and arouses him. Sharing Stewart with her shouldn't be this much of a turn-on, but it is.

Stewart is bisexual, and his attraction to Holly is something he's been keeping under wraps for the sake of his relationship -- until he discovers Joshua is attracted to her as well. When they end up in a threesome, sex has never been this hot, but Joshua is even more confused about his sexuality as a result. Then Holly confides her psychic ability, adding a whole new dimension that none of them can ignore. Her intuition has brought them together, but will it also tear them apart?

HOLLY'S INTUITION is available from Total-E-Bound now

A most auspicious day today!

2011-03-01T06:03:00.005Z

Wahey, it's a big publishing day for me today. Not only do I have a new book out myself - FAR FROM PERFECT, my first ever release with a new-for-me publisher Samhain Publishing - but my fabulous writing buddy and critique partner, SASKIA WALKER, also has a new title published today. So you might say that Tuesday, 1st March 2011 is a bit of a Yorkshire double, as we both live in the same region, not ten miles apart. Saskia is on holiday at the moment, taking a well earned break, so we won't be able to lunch out to celebrate our new books, but I'm sure when she's home again we'll soon be hitting our favourite cafe to mark this occasion.

Anyway, first, my offering:

FAR FROM PERFECT is the first out and out romance I've had published in a while. As readers will know, I'm mostly known for writing women's erotica and erotic romance, but I am a romance author too, and have had a couple of releases over the years, under an earlier nom de plum MEGAN PAUL. However FAR FROM PERFECT is my first non erotic romance release as "Portia", and it's a sort of "friends to lovers" plot crossed with an "engagement of convenience".

Anna Felgate has loved Niccolo Lisitano since she was a teenager, and four years ago, she kind of forced the issue with him somewhat, by sliding into bed with him one night and pretty much offering herself to him "on a plate". She knew he was the man for her, and was convinced that if he could just see her as the woman she'd become, rather than the girl he'd always looked out for in a brotherly way, the path would be open for their relationship to blossom. However, as so often happens, the best laid plans of mice and lovers went awry, and though the lovemaking was blissful, the aftermath was a mess of recriminations and emotional over-reaction, leading to an outcome was a polite estrangement between Anna and Nick.

However, four years later, Nick needs Anna's help in cheering up his dangerously ill father, and only an engagement between his playboy son and the daughter of his old and dear friend will suffice for the elder Lisitano. Cue a high drama of spiky verbal jousting, love-hate confrontations, and a desire between Anna and Nick that just won't quit.

So, if you want to find out how these two stubborn people resolve their differences, and what Nick's special patent migraine cure is, you can find out by taking a chance on FAR FROM PERFECT! It's available now direct from Samhain Publishing here, or you can nip over to my website, and read the prologue and check out various buying links for your preferred ebook vendor or ebook device [I'll be adding more choices as they become available]. But do remember, if you're a Portia Da Costa fan who's looking for edgy erotica and kinkiness, this book might not be the one for you. It's got highly sensual love scenes, and emotional intensity, but no raw, graphic descriptions or perviness.

You can also read quite a generous sized portion of FAR FROM PERFECT here at Googlebooks. That should give you a fair idea if it's hot enough for you!

* * *

But if you want a read that's guaranteed to be red hot and raunchy, as well as wonderfully written, look no further than HER FANTASY by my chum Saskia Walker. This is a Harlequin Spice Brief, so the level of eroticism is super high, and Saskia's story is themed around a sizzling menage a trois.

Here's the description:

"Which sexual fantasy is your ultimate turn-on?"

How is Anya Reid supposed to control her lust for her sexy coworker Warren McClure when he asks questions like that on their very first date? She has wanted Warren and to be more adventurous in bed for a long time, but she never expected him to be so direct...or to correctly guess that a ménage is her secret desire.

Soon Warren isn't just talking about Anya's fantasies—he's making them come true. But does he want a true relationship, or is he only interested in their erotic games?

You can find more delightful details about HER FANTASY here at Saskia's site, along with a taster excerpt and links to purchase it.

Enjoy!

A Goody from my Buddy!

2011-02-17T22:48:00.000Z

Monica's Secret by Saskia Walker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Monica's Secret is a delicious erotic feast of a novel, set in the luxurious world of a high class hotel. Lucky Monica gets involved with not one, but two handsome men, Owen and Alec, who've been sent to investigate an intrigue at her workplace. The three embark on a sizzling affair, with many lushly described scenes of hot threesome lovemaking and m/m action, all laced with elements of bondage and domination, voyeurism and exhibitionism. To balance the intense sexual storyline, there are also deeper emotional elements too, where the characters face up to personal issues with their relationship as a catalyst. Monica in particular learns to accept an aspect of her life that's always been part gift, part curse, and embraces it with the help of her exciting new lovers. A luscious read!

View all my reviews

Isn't this completely fab?

2011-02-08T22:34:00.001Z

Aren't those hands tantalizing? Is she encouraging him? Accepting him? Restraining him? I can't believe how enigmatic that simple hold is... Love it, love it, love it!!!!

Read an excerpt of Far From Perfect here and here.

Hide and Seek - new edition

2011-01-27T11:51:00.000Z

There's a new edition of this nifty book out today!

HIDE AND SEEK is an anthology of stories themed around exhibitionists and voyeurs, edited by Alison Tyler and Rachel Kramer Bussel. My story - GLINT - is about a sexy couple on holiday, who get frisky on the beach... and then see a flash of sunlight from the lens of a stranger's binoculars. Ooo la la!

Read an excerpt from Glint here

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

2011-01-24T15:22:00.000Z

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Magnificent! There's a reason Dame Agatha was called the Queen of Crime... it's because she was an amazing writer. This is my first Christie read, and now I know what all the fuss is about. Her mysteries are just as fascinating on the page as they are on the screen, and Murder on the Orient Express is every bit as fantastic a puzzle to read as it is to view.

I love the wit and subtlety of the writing, the small telling touches that bring to life not only Hercule Poirot but all the other characters. It's all so effortless and captivating.

I'm thrilled to think how many wonderful Christie reads I now have ahead of me!

View all my reviews

Naughty new cover for DESIGNED FOR SIN

2011-01-21T11:36:00.001Z

Find out about books by "Dorothy Starr" here! ;)

Mid January update

2011-01-16T20:07:00.000Z

I don't have any new covers or anything just at the moment, so I thought this cute new shot of Simon the Not Stray would make a nice alternative. Isn't he a handsome fellow? What a noble profile! :)

So, what's happening right now, with half of January already gone? I've been pretty busy since the beginning of the year, sorting out various stuff, writing, editing, trying to come up with new ideas. At the moment, I've finishing checking the page proofs for my 1st March Samhain title FAR FROM PERFECT. I'm really, really excited about this release because for the first time in a long time, it's not an erotica release. Far From Perfect is highly sensual, but not graphic. It's a category length contemporary, with a luscious alpha hero, Niccolo Lisitano, a rich and glamorous Italian businessman and sometime playboy. Nick is gorgeous, sexy, a perfect male specimen... but his complex relationship with Anna, the heroine, is hugely problematical, in fact, far from perfect... ta da!

What else have I been up to? Well, I've been working on an idea/outline for another Harlequin Spice book, to follow up my first one IN THE FLESH. Spice #2 is another hot Victorian story with central couple who have just as thorny a relationship and the above mentioned Anna and Nick. Adela and Wilson also have 'history', emotional and family complications that mean they are at odds as much as in lust with each other. I've subbed their story outline to my editor, and I'm hoping she'll be as excited about it as I am because I'd love to write Adela and Wilson's fiery story.

I'm also happy and delighted that I've already made a sale, even though it's only January. Legendary editor Rachel Kramer Bussel has accepted my story Concubine for her forthcoming anthology Obsessed. Am thrilled to be in this one because there are lots of wonderful writers involved.

Not so much resolutions, more guidelines...

2011-01-02T12:09:00.000Z

It's no use me making cast iron resolutions at the beginning of the year, because my willpower has the consistency of a poorly set blancmange, and I know I'll only falter and fail miserably in some of the things I resolve to do. But I am going to try a bit harder in some areas...

going to try not to put off important decisions because they are uncomfortable
going to try not to be scared of things and people
going to try and keep doing a bit of writing every day, so as not to lose contact with my muse and my projects
going to try to keep reading more and maybe sample new genres and subgenres
going to try and be a bit more organised
going to try and procrastinate less generally
going to try not to go ballistic over small setbacks and disappointments, and to maintain a more c'est la vie outlook
going to try and self publish something
going to try and do something about the Dumpster Office of Doom [yeah, I know I said that last year]

I'm sure there are other things, and I might post about them later, but that seems like a reasonable list... and I'm just trying to do this things, not saying I'm going to do them... and then end up feeling pathetic because I didn't. :)

Thought for the New Year!

2011-01-01T10:22:00.000Z

Found a link to this clip on a great author message board that I frequent, Romance Divas, and I thought it was an apt sentiment for the start of a new year.

No brooding on the mistakes and mis-steps of the past. It's the fun and the challenges ahead that are important. Here's hoping that 2011 is a brilliant year for us all!

ps. also appropriate for my March 2011 Samhain release FAR FROM PERFECT, which has a hot Italian hero who likes to drive fast cars! :)

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T14:35:00.000Z

Look at this beaut!

2010-12-30T19:23:00.000Z

Isn't this cover for the Mammoth Book of Hot Romance gorgeous?

My contribution is FIRE AND ICE, a somewhat wintry story with a warm, naughty centre. Lots of other fabulous authors between the covers too, notably my super writing buddy, Saskia Walker!

Seasons Greetings!

2010-12-24T08:14:00.000Z

The God of the Hive

2010-12-23T17:10:00.000Z

The God of the Hive by Laurie R. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful! I devoured this at top speed, desperate to know the resolution of the story that began in the previous book.

There were some great new supporting characters in God of the Hive. I'm not usually a fan of child characters, but I found Estelle to be very likable. And I loved Robert Goodman! He was intriguing and playful, tragic and yet somehow triumphant. With his blond puckishness, he somehow reminded me of my own current muse... ;)

I thoroughly enjoyed this fine addition to the Russell/Holmes saga and now I can't wait for The Pirate King next year.

View all my reviews

I'm Christmas visiting today...

2010-12-19T17:10:00.000Z

with my buddy Madelynne Ellis, who's running a fun Advent calendar at the moment. Behind today's door there's a saucy excerpt from A GENTLEWOMAN'S PREDICAMENT!

Advent Calender Day 19: Portia Da Costa

The other Patrick and Miranda

2010-12-14T12:20:00.000Z

Because I'm a colossal doofus and my memory is a bit dodgy, I've managed to write two pieces of fiction lately where the names of the hero and heroine are Patrick and Miranda. I'm not sure how I've got fixated on the name Miranda, unless it's because this wonderful lady is so funny, but obviously, the name Patrick is derived from my current Muse, the divine Patrick Jane, the clever yet tragic central character in The Mentalist.

A couple of days ago, I linked to an excerpt of TOUCH OF HEAVEN, my late 2011 paranormal erotic romance novella from Samhain - in which Patrick #1 is the mysterious and hunky next door neighbour of Miranda #1.

Today I have a link to the story of Patrick #2 and Miranda #2. This Miranda is a successful and dynamic businesswoman who's a bit of a workaholic and desperately needs a bit of downtime and a change of scene. Luckily, she has a remarkable and rather gorgeous male PA, who also happens to be called Patrick. When the pair go for a drive in the country, their roles are reversed, and Miranda discovers that the super efficient and normally subservient Patrick is actually a thrillingly dominant lover with a taste for kinky fun.

Why not not check them out as they set out on their excursion...

A VERY PERSONAL ASSISTANT

Unfortunately, there's a little bit of a wait to read the full story. It'll be published by Harlequin Spice Briefs in March 2012.

THE LANGUAGE OF BEES

2010-12-13T16:27:00.000Z

The Language of Bees by Laurie R. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another wonderful installment of Mary Russell's memoirs. I was a little bit slower to become immersed in this one than some of the others, but once I really got stuck in, I was as captivated as ever.

I think the slight problem for me was that I've never been a fan of Irene Adler, and have been even less fond since I discovered Mary! So it wasn't easy to warm to Adler's son, initially.

Clearly, it wasn't a problem with the writing, just my own prejudices. I've become quite protective of Mary and Sherlock's relationship and don't want echoes of past loves to intrude.

Silly, I know, but it just shows how skilfully the memoirs are written and how deeply I've been drawn into them. :)

Naturally now, I'm dying to read THE GOD OF THE HIVE!

View all my reviews

TOUCH OF HEAVEN - a first look

2010-12-12T20:24:00.001Z

Pleasure with a perfect stranger can be divine

When Miranda Clay first sets eyes on her neighbors' temporary house-sitter she gets a delicious, erotic treat that she hadn't bargained for - mysterious Patrick likes to sunbathe without his clothes on! Mesmerizing and golden, her new friend is more than just a handsome face and a perfect male body though, and his healing hands and his uncanny natural empathy quickly dispel Miranda's aches and pains and her fears of growing older. But as the pair are drawn ever closer, and their physical intimacy becomes transcendent, a stunning revelation and an agonizing choice threaten to part them even while a lasting love blossoms.

~~~~~~~~~~

Touch of Heaven is a sexy paranormal novella that's due to be published by Samhain Publishing in the second half of 2011.

Click here to read an excerpt and meet the divine Patrick! :)

Stories of Married Bliss...

2010-12-11T16:42:00.000Z

Here's a wonderful anthology that I'm really excited to be a part of - compiled by a legendary editor!

WITH THIS RING, I THEE WED - edited by Alison Tyler

As the title suggests, this is a collection of stories themed around weddings and marriage, from the engagement stage right through to the anniversary celebrations of long-standing couples. My story is called ANNIVERSARY WALTZ and describes the rather perverse anniversary celebrations enjoyed by a loving and long married couple, Amanda and Julian. They're a husband and wife who love to play games...

Read an excerpt here

Published in May 2011 by Harlequin Spice

In the New Year and beyond...

2010-12-10T13:48:00.004Z

Here's my provisional schedule for 2011 and beyond:

March 2011 - Far From Perfect - contemporary romance from Samhain
May 2011 - The Anniversary Waltz - BDSM short story in With This Ring, I Thee Bed
July 2011 - Fire & Ice - short story in the Mammoth Book of Hot Romance
Autumn 2011 - Touch of Heaven - paranormal erotic romance novella from Samhain
September 2011 - Another Chance - erotic romance short story from Spice Briefs
January 2012 - In The Flesh - historical erotic romance novel from Harlequin Spice
March 2012 - A Very Personal Assistant - erotic romance short story from Spice Briefs
September 2012 - A Gentlewoman's Rescue - Ladies' Sewing Circle #3 from Spice Briefs
March 2013 - A Gentlewoman's Dalliance - Ladies' Sewing Circle #4 from Spice Briefs
TBA 2012/13 - Historical erotic romance novel #2 from Harlequin Spice

There's a possibility that there might be one or two other story items, but nothing definite. I'm very keen on the idea of self publishing something too, perhaps a small anthology of stories to start with.

Look forward to excerpts of a few more items on the list in the near future.

What's happening at the moment...

2010-12-08T15:03:00.000Z

Gah, sorry for the long silence here. I'm the most hopeless blogger on the face of the earth. Even when I've got news to announce, I tend to blank on ways to convey it and blog about it. Shameful, when writing is my trade...

So what's the latest?

My most recent publication is a short story in the lovely Rachel Kramer Bussel's PASSION anthology.

This is a selection of hot but romantic stories from a variety of authors including Rachel herself, my brilliant critique partner and all round literary life support pal Saskia Walker, and other online buddies like Justine Elyot and Charlene Teglia, plus many more fabulous folk. My effort is THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT and features an unlikely hero, a hated and feared 'management consultant' who comes in to sort out the company where the heroine works. But when Susie meets Noah out of hours, in a bar, she discovers he's not quite the ogre she's made him out to be at work... in fact, he's a sexy hunk with a much more amenable side to his nature.

Here's a mini snippet of THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT, plus some links so you can buy PASSION!

In terms of what I'm writing at the moment... Well, I'm working on the early stages of a proposal for my second Spice novel. I have one or two different notions... I won't grace them with the word ideas as they're still so vague they hardly earn that title... but the strongest contender seems to be something I'm just calling Diamonds for the moment. It involves a Victorian inheritance, and a pair of distant cousins with issues - both between one another, and with other people and situations. Adela and Wilson Ruffington don't really like each other all that much, although they can't deny a mutual attraction. Both are somewhat spiky and difficult characters, and not what you'd classically call "beautiful people". I'm at the very early stages with Diamonds, though, and have only written half of a scene... and have very little plot to speak of, as yet.

Prior to working on Diamonds, I completed A Gentlewoman's Dalliance, which is #4 in my Victorian Ladies' Sewing Circle series for Harlequin Spice Briefs. In this one, naughty prime time lady, Mrs. Mary Brigstock indulges in kinky fun with her hubby... and a handsome young 'specialist'. Oooh, la, la! I'm hoping to post a teaser of that one soon on my web site, along with one from #3, A Gentlewoman's Rescue, in which lady bicyclist Lucy falls off her bike and almost straight into the arms of Ethan, a deliciously earthy hunk with a secluded country cottage.

These two stories won't be available until September 2012 and March 2013 respectively, alas. Sob, sob, sob... But in the meantime, you can still whet your appetite for my Victorian writing with my first two Ladies' Sewing Circle outings: A Gentlewoman's Predicament and A Gentlewoman's Ravishment, the risqué adventures of Circle members Sofia and Prudence respectively.

That's all for the moment, but I hope to post again tomorrow [yeah, right...] with news of what's in the pipeline for next year and beyond in terms of writing and book and story releases...

A Worth Successor to Sir Arthur

2010-11-12T09:31:00.000Z

The Game by Laurie R. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful book! I tore through it in about three days, which is lightning speed for me now that I'm a fairly slow reader.

Of all the Mary Russell books I've read so far, I think that it's my second favorite after The Moor, which I love because I love The Hound of the Baskervilles.

The descriptions of the sea voyage and India are breathtakingly vivid and real seeming. You really feel as if you're there! The central relationship between Holmes and Russell is as believable and enchanting as ever, but the new characters all live and breathe too. I especially liked the wily Indian boy Bindra, even though I'm not usually a fan of children in books.

Laurie King's writing is fast moving and dynamic, but never at the expense of richness and moments of telling detail. And after just finishing reading Sir Arthur's entire Sherlock Holmes canon, the transition to Holmes and Russell was smooth as silk. Holmes is still the same person who shared adventures with Watson, and the Holmes/Russell stories are a worthy and satisfying account of The Great Detective's further exploits.

View all my reviews

Elementary, my dear Portia

2010-11-09T15:53:00.000Z

The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've now read the complete Sherlock Holmes canon and I'm even more of a Holmes nut than I was before! Previously my fondness for The Great Detective was founded in the marvelous television performances of the wonderful and sadly missed Jeremy Brett, but now, having read the original literature that he brought to life so vividly, I'm as in love with the source material as I am with its dramatic interpretation.

I love Sir Arthur's writing style, and the way sometimes the stories rattle along at a hectic pace, and at others, there's a breathtaking yet subtle richness of description and characterization, coupled with a delightful sly humor. It's no wonder the stories are so well loved and revered - the personalities of Holmes and Watson, as well as the supporting cast, are like real people who spring from the page and live.

It definitely won't be too long before I'm re-reading these amazing classic tales.

View all my reviews

I love Sherlock...

2010-10-20T18:26:00.000+01:00

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say? It's Sherlock Holmes. Having only watched versions on the telly and in movies, I'm now thoroughly enjoying what's on the page. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a master storyteller and even after all these years, the Holmes and Watson yarns stand up and entertain magnificently!

View all my reviews

My buddy's latest release!

2010-10-19T19:20:00.000+01:00

My writing buddy Saskia Walker has a tantalizing new book release from Total-E-Bound!

Go here to get the the buzz about Monica's Secret! :)

Quick Saturday Update

2010-10-02T16:24:00.000+01:00

Nothing much happening here at Casa Da Costa at the moment, although I'm alarmed at how fast this year is speeding by! October already... I can hardly believe it.

IN THE FLESH has now been sent to my editor. She's a very busy lady, and won't be able to read it immediately, but she has said she's looking forward to it immensely. Here's hoping it lives up to her expectations. :)

I've now finished a first draft of A GENTLEWOMAN'S RESCUE and I'm letting it settle a bit first, before I edit it. I originally intended this to be a slightly frivolous, almost fantasy interlude, but it's turned out to a wee tad deeper, touching on issues of self image and self esteem. Not a message piece, but maybe it's a bit more meaningful and a bit less silly than the original concept. I'm now mulling over ideas for the next Spice Brief, which has a working title of A GENTLEWOMAN'S FOIBLES, and is about a member of the Ladies' Sewing Circle who was initially a little bit prim, but has eventually loosened up, after listening to her friends' frisky talk. Mrs Mary Brigstock quickly becomes as kinky as the rest of the Circle, taking to naughty pervery like the proverbial duck to water! Much to the delight of Mr Brigstock!

Hope it's not too long before I'll be able to post excerpts of both of these stories.

In other news, I've been migrating. From one laptop to another. After serving me magnificently since around 2005, my original lappie has started throwing blue screens. It still works, but it's on borrowed time, and as I'm always reading horror stories of writing buddies and others who lose critical work due to failing hard disks etc, I thought I'd take action sooner rather than later... and end up regretting it. Last year, I bought a 2nd hand but refurbished laptop, similar to my existing one, and over the last couple of days I've been moving over my documents and programs and whatnots to the new one. I've got the majority of the necessary stuff transferred now, and backed up, so I can breathe easy for the time being.

A Wonderful Review of my Ladies!

2010-09-24T11:44:00.000+01:00

"The Ladies' Sewing Circle"

I just received the most wonderful review for my two Ladies' Sewing Circle stories, from Wendy the Superlibrarian, over at The Good, The Bad and The Unread. Wendy has always written thoughtful and positive reviews of my work, and even though she's used to me writing contemporary set stories, I seem to have hit the mark for her with my first historical offerings too. Wahey!

"I’m a fan of Portia Da Costa’s brand of erotica mostly because of her heroines. She writes really fun, strong heroines. The kind of girls I’d like to be friends with, have a drink at the local pub with, or watch chick flicks with while digging our way through a box of chocolates. I also like that she has a strong contemporary writing voice. So when I heard she was working on some Victorian-set erotic romances for Harlequin, I was immediately intrigued. Will her “voice” work as well in historical as it does in contemporary?" ~ Wendy the Superlibrarian

Why not nip on over and see what she has to say...

DDS Review: The Ladies’ Sewing Circle by Portia Da Costa

Thank you, SuperWendy! :)

Ebook fun!

2010-09-23T07:29:00.002+01:00

I think this is so cool from my friends at Diesel Ebooks!

Earl of Diesel's Risque Parlor Bundle

Contains:

Devil's Pearl
A Gentlewoman's Predicament
A Gentlewoman's Ravishment
Her Dark Master

Sewing Circles, Sex Slaves, and Ravishment, all in a typical Regency/Victorian afternoon...

A jolly collection of saucy historical rompage, containing 2 of mine and 2 more hot stories by other authors.

Buy here from Diesel eBooks!

And here's news of another vintage Portia title now in Kindle format...

THE TUTOR

Rosalind Howard takes a job as personal librarian to the enigmatic and handsome Julian Hadey. Employed to catalogue his vast archive of erotica, she soon finds herself presented with a still more intriguing challenge.

The Tutor is one of my older titles, first published around 1995, and I'm thrilled that it's finally available again in a new format.

Buy from Kindle Store UK

Listed at Kindle Store US- check back for availability

Read a naughty excerpt - Julian has sexy thoughts and takes action ;)

News, reviews, links

2010-09-22T11:09:00.000+01:00

Well, not all that much news, really. The main thing is that I've heard back from my agent about In The Flesh and she thinks it's "excellent"! She's also very pleased that I've completed it in time to submit it to the editor a full two months before my stated deadline.

I've also received a couple of lovely reviews for my Ladies' Sewing Circle titles, A Gentlewoman's Predicament and A Gentlewoman's Ravishment, both from author, editor and reviewer Lucy Felthouse. Lucy has long been a supporter of my work, and I'm delighted that she's enjoyed my latest offerings.

Here's what she has to say about A Gentlewoman's Predicament...

I’ve read lots of Portia Da Costa’s work in the past, but this is the first historical erotica of hers that I’ve read. And I have to say that although it’s a huge departure from her contemporary stuff, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s been so brilliantly written that you forget that you’re actually in modern times, as opposed to Victorian England. The tone, the language and the dialogue are perfectly crafted and it makes for a fab read!

Read the full review here!

And now, her thoughts on A Gentlewoman's Ravishment...

This is a fabulous story in this series from Portia Da Costa. I actually preferred this to the first, and based on these two, can’t wait to see what’s going to happen to the Victorian ladies next. Recommended.

Read the full review here!

I'd also like to point my visitors in the direction of a fantastic new web site set up by Lucy...

EROTICA FOR ALL

This is a fast growing hub of information for authors and readers of erotica and erotic romance, and features author bios, excerpts, and competitions and giveaways. There's also a forum where readers and authors can interact. Why not surf along there now and check it out!

At last - an update

2010-09-20T10:43:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the long delay in updating my blog. I don't really have a valid excuse. I've been busy doing lots of things and the time just got away from me.

Anyway, in book news, I finally finished a draft of my Victorian erotic romance novel IN THE FLESH, and it's now with my agent, and I'm awaiting her verdict. This book has been a huge challenge for me. A new sub-genre with a new publisher. I've already written quite a few Spice Briefs for Harlequin, but a 100K+ word single title novel is a whole new ball game. Working in a historical setting for a longer work has been hard work, because I've only ever done contemporary novels before. Every fact, and it seems like nearly every other word and phrase has to be checked for historical accuracy. You can't just bowl along willy-nilly 'talking' the way we do nowadays. I'm sure IN THE FLESH still has more than its fair share of anachronistic speech etc, but I have tried to at least get a flavour of the times, and be as accurate as I can to the best of my researching ability. But, I'm not a history scholar, just an average writer with a passionate interest in all things Victorian, so it's not going to be 100% perfect on the historical score.

But despite all the hard work and angsting over the thing, I feel hugely happy to have done it, and eager to do more in the same vein. I also feel proud that I've pushed myself to do something that was out of my usual comfort zone, because I think it's made me grow as a writer. I feel I've achieved something. And I think it's particularly important for someone like me, who's no longer a young writer, to keep on stretching themself, and learning new things and new skills.

So, what's next? Well, no doubt my agent will have some suggestions for IN THE FLESH and that might mean a bit more work on it, but hopefully in the next week or so it'll be off to the editor and then I'll be keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that it makes her grade. But obviously, I won't be just sitting around waiting to hear the verdict. At the moment, I'm still working in the Victorian era, weaving another of my LADIES' SEWING CIRCLE tales. I've got a contract to do two more, and this first one of those is provisionally titled A GENTLEWOMAN'S RESCUE and is about Miss Lucy Dawson, a bespectacled bicycle riding spinster, who sees herself as a bit of an ugly ducking and has philosophically resigned herself to a solitary life... or at least a life without a man. That is, until she tumbles off her bicycle in the rain, on a lonely country road and is rescued by a handsome rustic Adonis who takes her to his cottage to recuperate...

After RESCUE, I'll be writing the next Sewing Circle Lady's story, but I don't have a title for that, and I'm still mulling over a few different ideas. It'll be fun though! And when that's turned in, I'll be seriously applying myself to writing the outline and character biographies for my second Victorian Spice novel. No firm details on that yet, but I'll definitely be setting it in the same 'world' as IN THE FLESH and THE LADIES' SEWING CIRCLE.

Also in the pipe is my sweeter novel for Samhain Publishing, FAR FROM PERFECT. I don't have any publication date for that yet, but I'm hoping to get edits on that soon, and then I'll know more.

That's all for now, but hopefully when I've worked on it to my satisfaction, I'll soon be able to post an excerpt of A GENTLEWOMAN'S RESCUE.

I'm so excited!

2010-08-19T11:39:00.000+01:00

Look at this beaut! It's a Kindle! A Kindle for the UK! Finally!

I'm so delighted to hear about this development, and needless to say, as an unashamed gadget freak, I've ordered myself one. :)

Lots of my books are available for this new platform, so check out what's on offer if you're planning to treat yourself to a Kindle:

Portia's UK Kindle Store

Recently Kindled!

2010-07-23T16:29:00.000+01:00

Am delighted to report that super British epublisher Total-E-Bound has now released titles of mine for Amazon Kindle! Click a cover or a description for the links :)

The Retreat - sensual British set BDSM short novella featuring a quiet storm of a sexy dominant hero

Wild in the Country - crazy, sexy high jinks in the English countryside, where Flora explores her wild side and the delicious bod of the hot artist living next door

Object of Desire - Sylvia ogles her hunky neighbour while he does Tai Chi in the garden and fantasises about what she'd like to do to him

Bound Brits - anthology of British set BDSM novellas including The Retreat

I've also discovered that my Ellora's Cave title has also been Kindled too. :)

Lessons and Lovers - rather unlikely but decidedly hot and sexy tale of devoted love and sensual exploration

It's official... I'm a Samhain Publishing author!

2010-07-17T12:47:00.000+01:00

I know I've been talking about this for a while, but now it's official. I've just signed the contract for my first ever book with the wonderful Samhain Publishing!

Far From Perfect is a category length sensual contemporary romance, and a reunited lovers story, one of my favourite themes. I'm not sure yet when it will be published, but I'm hoping it won't be too long.

I have a bunch of other story ideas that I'm planning to develop for Samhain, and I'm really looking forward to working with my new editor, the wonderful Heidi, and the rest of the Samhain team. I'm also absolutely thrilled to be part of a stable of fabulous authors that includes many of the brightest stars in current romance publishing!