A Dame to Die For By Donovan J Brooks

A Dame to Die For

By

Donovan J Brooks

Author Bio:

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

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

Social Media Links:

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Blurb:

1946, New York City

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

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

Buy Links:

Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/jtsbrjg

Nook: http://tinyurl.com/hvdmy5s

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Excerpt:

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

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

"How do I look?" she asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yeah." I picked up the mask.

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

"Why?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I need you, Jack."

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

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

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

Lily would break me, one way or another.

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

"Just try to keep up."

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

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

Questions for Authors

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Whatever you take from my stories, be it a message or a theme that touched your soul or a few hours respite from the stressful reality of the world and its chaos, then I've done my job well. I don't write with a specific message in mind. I just tell the character's story...what you take from it is completely subjective. Just enjoy the journey.

Was there an Author who inspired you to write?

Not really. I just love to write.

How did you come up with the characters in your books?

My friend, Jen, has an unhealthy obsession with Chris Evans. I indulged her request that I write an erotic story set in the 1940s with him as the inspiration for the main character. I'm a fan of Captain America and Peggy Carter...so I infused a bit of them into my noir detective and burlesque dancer. When I started writing, Jack and Lily took on lives all their own.

What are your current projects?

Nothing at the moment, but I'd like to go back to Kelley and Hunter's story which started in 'Til the End of the Line. They were soldiers who served together in WW2. I think they want me to explore their story more...Kelley mentioned something about a girl? *wink*

Do you see writing as a career?

At the moment, I see it as a release. A way for me to live vicariously through my characters. Maybe one day I'll see it as a career, but for now, it's just a side gig I have fun with.

Do you ever picture yourself and one of your heroines?  If so, which one?

I write in first person, so the hero has a bit of me in him. I don't know if I'd go to the amount of trouble Jack did for Lily, but I've never been in his shoes, so I can't rightly say I wouldn't. Lily would be a firecracker in bed though.

Do you have a favorite heroine/hero from one of your books? If so, who?

No favorites, but I'm partial to Steve from 'Til the End of the Line. He's a complicated mess, kind of like me.

What kind of research do you do for your books?

I just start writing. If I hit a wall where I need some details about a specific place or time, I hit up Google with a few questions. Last time, she led me right to a beautiful interactive map of New York City from the 1940s and an article about The Street (a block in NYC where there were jazz joints and burlesque shows.) I try to let the story lead, not the historical details. Just the right amount tends to do the trick. So I don't get lost in research.

What is the hardest part of writing your book?

Finding time to do it. I'm a busy man. I want to write, but often don't have the spare time. So yeah, that's the hardest part of writing for me.

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

Don't be afraid to try a book or a new author. You might be pleasantly surprised. And, thanks for taking a chance on me.

What is your favorite Genre and why?

I prefer mysteries and noir style books. But I'm a sucker for a good romance. Give me a blend of all three, and I'm sold. Also, I love comic books. So superheroes and villains are eye catchers for me when it comes to genres.

Do you prefer to write alone or do you like to collaborate with other authors?

I mostly write alone, although I do have moments where I need some help working through a problem scene or finding a direction for the story. So I have a few author friends on hand to work me through it.

Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, how do you get through it?

Yeah. I wait for the character to start talking again. Sometimes force is necessary...in the form of liquor.

When you are reading a book, who is your favorite author?

I enjoy Doyle's work. Sherlock Holmes, the great detective. I also love Agatha Christie books.

Do you come up with the cover or does someone else do it?

For cover art, I come up with the concept and the photos, but I have a talented artist who makes the covers a reality. I really would be lost without her.

If you could change anything in your writing what would that be?

My slow pace. I wish I could produce work at a faster pace, but time is not my ally right now. Maybe someday.

What book if any would you want to be made into a movie?

Honestly, I'd love to see A Dame to Die For turned into a film.

Who would you want to play the hero/heroine?

Bearded Chris Evans as Jack and Hayley Atwell as Lily. Not a doubt in my mind. They'd pull it off splendidly.

Everyone uses computers, tablets, phones and no one uses handwritten form or typewriters, what do you prefer to use?

I do all my writing on the computer. But every now and then I gaze longingly at my typewriter and wish I had the time to write it using those loving keys. It mocks me from the opposite side of the room while I hurry to squeeze a few moments of storytelling into my busy day.

Is there a ritual you do everything before you begin your book?

No ritual. I just write. When I make the big time, I'll find all kinds of cool rituals to get me in the writing mood.

What do you do when you finish your book and turn it in to the editor?

I sigh in relief and hope that the time I spent writing it was worth it.

If one person liked it, got something from it, then I consider my time well spent.