Dream Scape Special: Lusted in Las Vegas and Interview with Sandra Bunino

I'm happy to promote Sandra Bunino's new novella Lusted in Las Vegas. Below is a quick blurb and excerpt. Below that is a brief questionaire she was gracious enough to answer to go along with her promo. Cheers to your new release Sandra!

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Lusted in Las Vegas (Erotic Romance novella)

Release Date: July 2, 2012

Publisher: Bradley Publishing

Available on Amazon

Blurb:

Lusted in Las Vegas picks up where Marooned in Miami left off while Stephanie and Jason’s sexy tryst continues in Sin City! Their chemistry is undeniable and their lust just may take a turn toward love when they return to each other’s arms. However, all is not perfect in paradise when Jason’s ex comes to town and wants what she believes is rightfully hers.

Jason’s not the only one with something to hide. Stephanie carries a secret of her own. Can she spend a carefree weekend with Jason without risking a broken heart? Or do her feelings for Jason run too deep to simply walk away?

Excerpt:

“Champagne?” Jason asked, lifting his eyebrows.

Stephanie nodded. “But give me a minute. I need to get ready for your surprise, stay right where you are.”

Stephanie sashayed into the bathroom as he popped the cork on the champagne bottle and poured two glasses. Why was his heart racing? He’d never had a problem keeping his composure with women. But from the moment he saw her in La Luna his mood changed. She melted his usual gruff personality and he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.

“Jay.”

His eyes darted toward her voice. He sucked in his breath as his gaze skimmed up and down her body. Her long dark hair fanned across her shoulders in sharp contrast with the short white translucent baby doll negligee. Handing her a fluted glass of champagne, he hungrily surveyed her white g-string peeking through the lace. His gaze moved to her taut belly and finally up to her full breasts. There was a neat little satin bow tied in the sweet valley. Jason desperately wanted to pull the ribbon. He reached up to grab the end when Stephanie wrapped a thumb and index finger around his wrist.

“Not so fast,” she said and took a sip of champagne.

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1.) When and why did you decide that the romance genre was for you?

I’ve always been an avid romance genre reader. Since high school, I’ve developed and written scenes based on life experiences and observations. One story kept gnawing at me so I decided to begin piecing it together. I felt great about the novel when it was complete…and had it edited. It turned out I broke just about every romance genre “rule” in the book. LOL! I learned so much from that experience. The story changed. A lot. It later became Sara’s Smile, a sweet reunion romance.

2.) When did you discover writing as a potential career choice?

I would love to note “Author” as my profession. However, my royalties don’t support my shoe habit so off to my day job I go.

3.) I've been asked this question a few times, so I'll transfer it on; why do you write?

This is a great question and one that I’m not sure I can provide a definitive answer. I love to tell stories and it’s great to have an outlet for my wondering mind. I enjoy providing a little “brain vacation” for the reader. My books are short feel-good nuggets that offer a fun escape from reality for a couple of hours.

4.) As readers and fan base get to enjoy the continuation of familiar characters in Lusted in Las Vegas, what details can you give on any future projects, if any?

I’m very excited about my next project: The Satin Rose Experience series. The introductory story was published in Evernight Publishing’s Keyboards and Kink Anthology last month. I just signed a contract with Evernight for Book One in the series, Mia’s Submission, to be released later this summer. The series is based on an exclusive BDSM club residing on the twentieth floor of a posh New York City hotel. Each book will involve a different Satin Rose Experience (SRE) suite.

The series is not hard core BDSM though. I like to refer to it as “BDSM-lite”. The stories are really about the dynamic and relationship growth of the couple featured in that particular book.

5.) What can readers expect from returning characters Jason and Stephanie? Other than a steamy good time?

Jason and Stephanie gave into lust in Marooned in Miami. Lusted in Las Vegas readers can expect a lust to love story. Passion runs deep in this novella and readers will see a vulnerable and romantic side to Jason.

6.) What was your favorite aspect of writing this story?

I enjoyed planning and writing the setting, which is based on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s one of my favorite spots and the perfect weekend getaway. Jason’s villa is tucked in a little oasis right behind The Castillo Hotel and Casino (think The Bellagio). The villa has a private lagoon equipped with a grotto. There’s action and conflict in Lusted which is so much fun to write.

7.) Some writers expose themselves to certain material (movies and reading alike) when writing a particular project, did you follow this pattern or did you simply write the material as you saw it?

I wrote part of Lusted in Las Vegas in Arizona. Being in the desert helped me with the scene where Jason takes Stephanie to the Grand Canyon for dinner in his helicopter. Yes, Jason Royce is well equipped. J

8.) How did it feel returning to familiar characters? Was like returning to family?

It really was like getting together with old friends. I love this couple and it was bittersweet to end their story, but I’m thrilled with the way it ended up.

9.) When it comes to the language of erotic romance, what in your opinion makes a good sensual story? Do you impose the senses? If so, what senses do you enjoy using?

I think it’s important to use all of the senses when writing fiction, especially erotic romance. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples from Lusted in Las Vegas:

Here’s a scene when they first see each other in Las Vegas:

       Her heart raced at the thought of seeing Jason again. But as quickly as the panic set in, it dissolved the moment she sensed a presence from behind. His warm hand caressed the bare skin low on her back sending sparks from his touch to the nape of her neck. The vibration of a husky voice rumbled from her ear to the tips of her toes.

       “Stef.”

       With a flick of her foot against the bar, she swiveled in her chair to meet Jason’s gaze. God, it was good to see him. Masculinity exuded from his rock hard body under a perfectly tailored black suit. His dark skin and features made him look almost dangerous, but his eyes sparkled as they seared into her flesh. Taking a deep breath, she instantly relaxed. She had been anxious to see Jason, but all doubts melted as he stood before her.

And this scene takes place on a terrace high above famous fountains of The Castillo:

         Stephanie instinctively leaned into the warmth of his palm on the bare small of her back. A sigh escaped her lips as his hand slipped inside the fabric of her dress and ventured lower until his fingertips brushed the top of her ass. The lights on the terrace dimmed and music began to play. A flash of light from the water below signaled a single long spray from the middle of the lake. It multiplied and set off a continuous line of water in the air that moved forward and back with the music. As the water danced in the air, the music’s volume increased. Stephanie placed both hands on the railing. He moved behind her and ran his fingers up the planes of her back and down both of her arms. Continuing his assault of warm kisses down her neck and between her shoulder blades, the tip of his tongue followed the trail back up her neck and stopped at her ear. Stephanie gasped and leaned into his body for support. His arms provided the stability she needed to remain standing.

10.) Did you have a favorite word or phrase when writing this story?

I do but I’m not giving it away! I will give you a hint…

Stephanie has a love for very fitted and very low backless dresses. She likes to tease Jason with a certain fact. He always replies: “Damn, I knew it!”

Thank you for having me on your blog, Jake. It’s always a pleasure to visit!