On this episode of the Erotic Reading Room, I sit down with USA Today bestselling author Maren Smith, owner of Red Hot Romance Publishing, and her marketing director, USA Today bestselling author Rayanna Jamison to talk about the ins-and-outs of publishing and why authors need to be careful when selecting a publisher.

It’s a particularly important lesson given that Maren and I were among the authors quoted in a recent New York Times expose on our former publisher Blushing Books that spotlights how things can go sideways if you put your trust in the wrong company.

We also talk about the changes in the erotic romance genre, which has become more inclusive as authors write storylines featuring characters with more realistic body images, older characters (my upcoming book Finally Daddy features characters over age forty), and LGBTQ characters. We discuss the success of both the company’s Dirty Daddies Anthology as well as the overwhelmingly positive reception of the Dirty Daddies Pride edition featuring gay and lesbian daddies.

Here are the links for everything we talked about in the shows. Please click them.

Red Hot Romance Publishing

https://redhotromancepublishing.com/

The 2021 Dirty Daddies Anthology

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0917LNL9W

The Dirty Daddies Pride Anthology

https://books2read.com/u/b5vPN7

“An Erotic Pioneer Goes from Hero to Villain for Dozens of Authors” – the New York Times expose of Blushing Books owner Anne Wills a.k.a. Bethany Burke

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/03/business/romance-publishing-blushing-erotica.html

Finally Daddy (the first book I’ve written since the pandemic and yes, I’m shamefully pimping it here because I like getting sales)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JQQ53Z7/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

Erotica is nothing new.

Neither is scandal.

But you'd be hard-pressed to find an author to compare to the one I'm spotlighting in this episode who did awful things in and out of books.
The Marquis de Sade was a libertine and a madman. He wrote books that still shock the sensibilities even today, books that would be banned from Amazon if we wrote adapted his style to modern times.

So who was he? What was he like? How did he become one of the most famous and notorious authors whose name is synonymous with pain? And why is his work still available when modern authors sometimes find themselves censored?

Sources for this podcast include:

 Smithsonian magazine's article, "Who Was the Marquis De Sade?https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/who-was-marquis-de-sade-180953980/

The Guardian's "The Most Impure Tale Ever Written"
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/oct/07/marquis-de-sade-120-days-of-sodom-published-classic

The New Yorker's At Home with the Marquis de Sade
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1998/10/12/at-home-with-the-marquis-de-sade

I also want to include a link to K. Webster's "The Wild," which was banned on Amazon. If deSade's books are still available there, I feel like she needs a shout-out.
https://www.authorkwebster.com/product/the-wild/

I'd also like to recognize author Olivia Fox, whose excerpt from her latest book, Daddy's Sweet Ride, appears at the end of this eposide. You can find her books on Amazon here:
www.amazon.com/Olivia-Fox/e/B07ZXMH4CN

Check out her web site at http://www.oliviafoxromance.com

As always, I want to thank our sponsor, L. Woods PR. If you're an author looking for services, they're the ones to see.
https://www.ellewoodspr.com

Welcome to Part II of Reading and Writing Through the Pandemic, a special episode of the Erotic Reading Room that addresses the impact Covid-19 is having on readers and writers.

In Part I, we discussed the mental health impact with licensed therapist Anne Leggett, owner of Compass Point Therapy. In Part II, I’m talking the business impact on the romance genre with Heather Roberts, owner of L. Woods PR.

This is a fascinating discussion you don’t want to miss. This pandemic has changed everything. It’s impacted our budget, our work productivity, and our strategies for buying and selling books. Heather provides tips on navigating the upheaval to our professional lives, and provides tips on how to stay competitive even when everything is turned upside down, even if we can’t afford ad spend.

We also talk about what the pandemic may mean long term. Will it change how we sell books, or even what we read and write?

For authors considering professional services, L. Woods offers not just full-time professional guidance, but a la carte for those of us who have to watch our budgets. You can find here here:

https://www.ellewoodspr.com

One of my favorite parts of this podcast was discussing how the pandemic may shape our image of heroes and heroism. I only wish I’d found this article before I talked to Heather, because guess who’s emerged as a sex symbol in erotic fan fic? Yeah, that’s right. Dr. Fauci. Smart men as book boyfriends? Yes, please.

https://www.cnet.com/news/dr-anthony-fauci-nominated-for-people-magazine-sexiest-man-alive-as-fauci-merch-abounds/

And because this is a genre-driven podcast, I didn’t want to conclude the episode without spotlighting an author, so Part II concludes with an excerpt from a book you’ll want to add to your lockdown reading list – Bulletproof Butterfly by Anna Brooks.

The book is available in KU here: https://www.amazon.com/Bulletproof-Butterfly-Anna-Brooks-ebook/dp/B077G9BKJP

This is a different kind of episode of the Erotic Reading Room.  We’re taking a break from exploring genres to discuss what’s weighing on all of us – the pandemic.

This is the first of a two-part episode on how Covid-19 is impacting authors and readers in the erotic romance community. For this portion, we’ll be exploring mental health with Anne Leggett, a Virginia- licensed mental health therapist who runs Compass Pointe Therapy specializing in individual and family therapy via online sessions.

You can find her at https://www.compasspointetherapy.com

For national therapy resources, go here: https://mhanational.org/

The struggle is real now. Depression is real. If it’s too much for you or someone in your family and you need immediate help, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Having a hard time focusing on reading? You’re not alone. Check out this article on how the pandemic is affecting our focus here: https://www.vox.com/culture/2020/5/11/21250518/oliver-j-robinson-interview-pandemic-anxiety-reading?fbclid=IwAR3V4ZojZM41gD8vJ47hc0eD3J9K7RinaUkZGZIGSX515vPhLEGnfl_emTU

You don’t have to be a writer to be creative. Fire up your quarantine creativity with these tips:

https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2020/04/coronavirus-social-distancing-art-projects/610246/

Even if you're not a sports fan, you'll find yourself cheering for Kat Mizera's books set in the world of professional hockey. If you like sex, drama, romance, and celebrity athletes with a bad boy edge, Kat delivers. 

To check out the book we discussed in this episode - Defending Danny - just click here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CV9N8FD

Find Kat on social media here.

www.katmizera.com (newsletter sign-up is on the home page)
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/authorkatmizera
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorkatmiz
Author Central: amazon.com/author/katmizera
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15094397.Kat_Mizera
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katmiz/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kat-mizera
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katmizera

A special thanks to L. Woods PR for sponsoring The Erotic Reading Room. Whether you’re an author or a reader, L. Woods has something for you, and if you enter the promo code EROTIC5 at the checkout, you’ll get 5% off your first order!

Follow the Erotic Reading Room on Facebook:

About the host: I’m USA Today bestselling author Ava Sinclair. I’ve written widely across the erotic romance genre for over twenty years, but am most known for my naughty daddy kink books. Check out my Web site at www.avasinclairauthor.com. Want a FREE Daddy book? Just click HERE.
 

On this episode of the Erotic Reading Room, I'm talking Daddy romance and Daddy kink with Dani Wyatt, author of the bestselling book, Yes, Daddy.

Daddy Romance is a hot subgenre, but it's also sometimes misunderstood. Spoiler altert: Daddy Romance has nothing to do with incest or pedophilia. It has everything to do with hot, caring dominants whose erotic appeal is due in part to a balance of control and nurturing. 

As a Daddy romance author myself, it was a real treat to talk to Dani Wyatt, who brings a personal insight to the discussion.

A special thanks to L. Woods PR for sponsoring The Erotic Reading Room. Whether you’re an author or a reader, L. Woods has something for you, and if you enter the promo code EROTIC5 at the checkout, you’ll get 5% off your first order!

BOOKS:

Want to read Dani Wyatt's Yes, Daddy? Download it HERE.

Want to read Ava Sinclair's Cry For Daddy? Download it HERE.

CONNECT WITH DANI:

Check out her web site HERE.

Check out her Amazon page HERE.

Follow her on Goodreads HERE.

Connect with Dani on Facebook HERE.

Follow Dani on Twitter HERE.

Check out Dani's Instagram HERE.

Sign up for Dani's newsletter HERE.

DADDY GROUPS ON FACEBOOK:

Join Dani's Good Girls group HERE.

Join the Dirty Daddies Party Room HERE.

Follow the Erotic Reading Room on Facebook:

About the host: I’m USA Today bestselling author Ava Sinclair. I’ve written widely across the erotic romance genre for over twenty years, but am most known for my naughty daddy kink books. Check out my Web site at www.avasinclairauthor.com. Want a FREE Daddy book? Just click HERE.

On this episode of the Erotic Reading Room, I talk to international bestselling author Golden Angel about BDSM representation in erotic romance.

Many books feature elements of BDSM, but Golden has an entire series set in the fictional BDSM club of Stronghold that explore BDSM relationships in and out of the club.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to enter the world of whips and leather, or to live the BDSM lifestyle, Golden Angel’s well-researched books are both entertaining and educational.

And for any reader tempted to try BDSM, she offers a wealth of information on getting safely started and advice to make your experience a thoughtful and positive one.

A special thanks to L. Woods PR for sponsoring The Erotic Reading Room. Whether you’re an author or a reader, L. Woods has something for you, and if you enter the promo code EROTIC5 at the checkout, you’ll get 5% off your first order!

BOOKS:

Want to read The Sassy Submissive for FREE? Download it HERE.

Want to read Chasing her Bunny for FREE? Download it HERE.

Golden Angel recommends Edge of the Enforcer by Cherise Sinclair. Get it HERE.

Were you intrigued by Angel's reading from Alien Captive? I can't guarantee you won't get pulled into your e-reader if you read it. Download it HERE.

BDSM Resources:

It’s like Facebook for Kinky People. Visit FetLife HERE.

Learn about Kinky Kollege HERE

There’s a lot of kinks out there. Check out the Fetish Roadmap HERE

What's it like to be a professional sub? This article tells you.

Excellent piece on what Fifty Shades of Gray doesn't teach you about BDSM.

On the Web:

Check out all of Golden Angel’s web site HERE.

Join the Angel Legion Lair Facebook group HERE.

Follow the Erotic Reading Room on Facebook:

About the host:
I’m USA Today bestselling author Ava Sinclair. I’ve written widely across the erotic romance genre for over twenty years, but am most known for my naughty daddy kink books. Check out my Web site at www.avasinclairauthor.com

On this episode of the Erotic Reading Room, I take a walk on the wild and sexy side when USA Today bestselling paranormal romance author Lia Davis joins me to talk about those sexy shape shifters and powerful vampires. What is it that we love about those supernatural characters. For one thing, it may be that their special powers make for some incredible sexual tension and primal seductions. Lia is an incredibly prolific author with multiple series filled well-developed characters and worlds you'll lose yourself in - if you dare. 

A special thanks to L. Woods PR for sponsoring The Erotic Reading Room. Whether you're an author or a reader, L. Woods has something for you. And if you type in the promo code EROTIC5 at the checkout, you get 5% off on your first order!

Lia's Links:

If you enjoyed the reading from Dark Water, you can find it HERE on Amazon.

Website: http://www.authorliadavis.com/ 

Newsletter: http://www.subscribepage.com/authorliadavis.newsletter 

Facebook author fan page: https://www.facebook.com/novelsbylia/

 Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LiaDavisFanClub/

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorliadavis/ 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lia-davis 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829989.Lia_Davis

 Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Lia-Davis/e/B007Z0BH7S

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/novelsbylia

 Tumblr: http://novelsbylia.tumblr.com/ 

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/liadavis35/ 

About.me: http://about.me/AuthorLiaDavis 

Get your eBook personalized at Authorgraph. http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/novelsbylia 

Resources:

The Company of Wolves by Angela Carter

You Sexy Beast: Our Fascination with Vampires and Werewolves

About your host: 

In addition to hosting this podcast, Ava Sinclair is also a USA Today bestselling author with dozens of erotic romance novels to her credit. While she's written broadly across the genre, she's best known for her Daddy books, which you should only read if you're a very, very bad girl (or boy).

 Want one of her hot, kinky Daddy books for FREE? Then just click HERE.

 Find more about Ava and her books at www.avasinclairauthor.com 

Follow this podcast on Facebook at the Erotic Reading Room, or on the podcast Web site at www.eroticreadingroompodcast.com

On this episode of The Erotic Reading Room, things get dark when I interview Alta Hensley, USA TODAY bestselling author of hot, dark and dirty romance.

Dark romance is one of the more controversial sub-genres of erotic romance with its themes of dubious consent or – in some cases – non-consent. Why, in a time when women’s rights are under attack, do we crave stories of such deep submission. Should we be ashamed? Or is there something liberating in exploring our darkest desires?

Alta Hensley offers a truly fascinating interview. After hearing her discuss dark romance, you’re definitely going to want to learn more about her and her books. Here are the links where you can find her.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaHensleyAuthor/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alta-Hensley/e/B004G5A6LI

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AltaHensley

Website: www.altahensley.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/altahensley

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alta-hensley

Join her mailing list: readerlinks.com/l/727720/nl

You can pre-order or buy Alta’s latest book,  “The Truth About Cinder” here:
PREORDER NOW!
❧ Amazon: readerlinks.com/l/745868
❧ Ibooks: readerlinks.com/l/745872
❧ B&N: readerlinks.com/l/745874
❧ Kobo: readerlinks.com/l/745876

Interested in the research resources for this episode?

You can find the podcast “Why Are People Into That?” here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-are-people-into-that/id798960436

Justin Lehmiller’s book, “Tell Me What You Want” can be found here:

https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Me-What-You-Want-ebook/dp/B0776PYDNM

About your hostess:

I'm Ava Sinclair, and in addition to hosting this podcast, I'm also a USA Today bestselling author of dozens of erotic romance novels. I'm best known for my Daddy books, which you should only read if you're a bad, bad girl (or boy).

Want a hot, kinky Daddy book for free? Just go here >> https://tinyurl.com/yx9q69hm

Find my books here: www.avasinclairauthor.com

On this episode of The Erotic Reading Room, I sat down with USA Today bestselling author Sue Lyndon for a fun, free-wheeling conversation about books filled with alpha male aliens whose otherworldly bedroom skills far surpass those of mortal men. Forget hiding your passion from one of Sue’s alien warriors. He’ll know you’re lying. How? You’ll have to listen to find out, just like you’ll have to listen to learn what he can do with that vibrating tongue.

You're going to want to check out all things Sue Lyndon after hearing her discuss her books. Here's where to find her.

Website: www.suelyndon.com

Amazon Author Page: http://author.to/suelyndon

Newsletter: https://www.suelyndon.com/newsletter-sign-up

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSueLyndon/

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/723472164695277/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsuelyndon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SueLyndon

About your hostess:

I'm Ava Sinclair, and in addition to hosting this podcast, I'm also a USA Today bestselling author of dozens of erotic romance novels. I'm best known for my Daddy books, which you should only read if you're a bad, bad girl (or boy).

Want a hot, kinky Daddy book for free? Just go here >> https://tinyurl.com/yx9q69hm

Find my books here: www.avasinclairauthor.com

On this episode of The Erotic Reading Room, I talk to award-winning USA Today Bestselling author Renee Rose about her career, her kinky AF books, and the sex-positivity message she brings to her readers even when she's not writing. She also indulges us with a snippet from her latest book. 

Her Website is here:

http://reneeroseromance.com

For a great overview of her work, go here:

https://www.ffadultsonly.com/r/renee-rose/

Find her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/reneeroseromance/

About your hostess:

I'm Ava Sinclair, and in addition to hosting this podcast, I'm also a USA Today bestselling author of dozens of erotic romance novels. I'm best known for my Daddy books, which you should only read if you're a bad, bad girl (or boy).  

 Want a hot, kinky Daddy book for free? Just go here >> https://tinyurl.com/yx9q69hm 

Find my books here: www.avasinclairauthor.com