My journey as an author hasn’t been nearly as thrilling or
daunting as Jane’s, the protagonist of the My Body Trilogy, but mine has been
pretty darn exciting. I have learned a tremendous amount in the process and
continue to grow. Becoming a great author is an ongoing walk through fire and I
aspire to get better and better.
Within just over a year’s time, I signed with Fanny Press
and we have put out three novels that I’m very proud of. This virtual book tour
is celebrating the completion of the trilogy and the release of book three: My Body-Mine.
I am missing Jane already and imagine she will always be
dear to my heart. She took me on a journey through hell and back and I have
felt her odyssey all along the way. I will miss Marcello as well, still wishing
I could get a bear hug from the large imaginary man. I didn’t realize as I
started out that I would need to grieve the characters I lived with for so
long.
I finished the first draft of My Body-His back in 2008 which
encompassed the storylines of book one and two. Because of the length of the
manuscript, my publisher suggested we make it two novels and so we did. I
always planned to write the third in the series which became My Body-Mine.
Thanks to my husband’s urging—he is incredibly supportive
and my biggest fan—I sought out publication again in 2012. This time I focused
on publishers instead of agents and found Fanny Press to be a good fit.
Catherine Treadgold, my publisher, loved my writing style and her incredible
editing skills have taken my work to the next level.
The most surprising parts of the journey, by far, are the
range of reactions to the story and that people assume an erotic story is
always romance. In hindsight, I do wish we had written erotic suspense on the
front cover instead of the back. I was honestly surprised at how vehemently
some people disliked Luke. For me it was more a “love to hate him” than “hate
him” but if I have learned anything from this experience, it’s that each reader
brings themselves to the tale.
I have had readers tell me that they can relate to Jane’s
ordeal because they too were in an unhealthy relationship that they stayed in
for too long. Some have felt empowered by the trilogy, seeing how far they
themselves have come.
Most of the men who have read at least the first book seem
to relate to it more as I do. Luke, albeit a controlling asshole at times, is
very upfront and transparent and Jane makes her own choices, to her detriment
at first but ultimately to her empowerment. For me, those who own the choices
in their lives can change themselves and their circumstances.
To all my readers and friends who have been so incredibly
supportive, I thank you so very much. You make my dream job, that much better.
I feel honored to be a part of a writing community who has embraced me as one
of their own and offers help and advice whenever needed. You guys rock!
Thank you for following along on the tour and don’t forget
to leave a comment for a chance to win a free eBook of My Body-Mine.
Warm hugs,
Blakely
July 29 Interview and review
August 1 review
Romance Addict Book Blog –
August 2 Interview
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
August 5 Guest blog
Roxanne’s Realm
August 6 Spotlight
Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust
August 7 Guest blog and Review
August 8 Guest blog
Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews
August 8 Guest blog
Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust
August 8 Spotlight and review
Faerie Tale Books
August 9 Character Interview and review
Nightstand Novels
August 9 review
Debbie The Book Vixen
August 12 Guest blog
The Official Blog of A.C. James
August 12 Spotlight and Review
My Daily Romance –
August 12 Guest blog
Smoldering Heat
August 12 Interview
C.W. Book Reviews
@ The House of Malfunction
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My Body-Mine
My Body Trilogy, Book three
Blakely Bennett
Genre: Erotic Suspense
Publisher: Fanny Press
Date of Publication: July 15th
ISBN: 978-1-60381-534-5
Number of pages: 324
Word Count: 87,000
Cover Artist: Sabrina Sun
Book Description:
Jane has accepted that her relationship with her husband Luke, who drew her into the darker side of BDSM, is over. She has taken refuge at the home of Luke’s powerful friend Marcello and his submissive, Janice. With Marcello’s patience exhausted, Jane must either submit to his demands or move on from his household and his support. Ultimately, she signs a six month contract of sexual servitude but, as Marcello and Jane grow closer, Janice feels neglected and jealous, creating tension in their normally easy daily rhythm.
In an effort to help Jane, her best friend Parker introduces her to Chase, a confident and flirtatious man who lacks the arrogance of either Luke or Marcello. Jane’s rapport with Chase is lighthearted and subtle, allowing her to gain a new perspective on men. She is intensely attracted to Chase but does not feel free to consider him as more than a friend.
Once Jane gets a real picture of Marcello’s extremes, she knows what she must do. Her feelings about Luke and Marcello and her own sexuality must be resolved before she can find true love with a man who appreciates everything she has to offer. Can she possibly find the kink she has come to desire without the full-time submission?
My Body-Mine is the final book in the My Body Trilogy.
My Body-His (Marcello)
My Body Trilogy, Book 2
My Body Trilogy, Book 2
Blakely Bennett
Genre: Erotic Suspense
Publisher: Fanny Press
ISBN: 978-1-60381-525-3
Number of pages: 264
Word Count: 76,000
Cover Artist: Sabrina Sun
Amazon BN
Book Description:
Jane Stiles has embarked on an intense odyssey into the world of domination and submission. She no longer recognizes herself. She has quit her job, surrendered her possessions and agreed to a wedding where she is the only one naked, all for the sake of the elusive Luke—a man so compelling, she can deny him nothing.
Now there is no going back. Her new life will revolve around Luke, his friends and clients. Hovering in the background is Luke’s best friend Marcello, whose ego is as towering as his stature. Marcello has set his sights on Jane. She is drawn to his power, his masculinity, and the challenge he represents, even though she fears and dislikes him. After Luke discovers that Jane has breached one of his many “rules,” he sends her to Marcello for punishment and lessons in Dom/sub culture. What happens there will change her forever.
Jane and Luke reconcile, and even find a rhythm that includes not only bondage and punishment but genuine love-making. Just when Jane is convinced that the happiness and devotion she has always craved is within reach, Luke pushes her beyond endurance, and she rebels in a way her harsh husband cannot forgive. From there, her life spins out of control. But Jane has a strong spirit, and she will prevail. My Body-His (Marcello) is Book 2 in the My Body Trilogy.
My Body-His
My Body Trilogy, Book 1
My Body Trilogy, Book 1
Blakely Bennett
Genre: Erotic Suspense
Publisher: Fanny Press
ISBN: 978-1-60381-523-9
Number of pages: 246
Word Count: 74,000
Cover Artist: Sabrina Sun
Book Description:
Jane Stiles is successful in business but bored with her socially mundane existence. One night at a party, she meets an intense and compelling stranger named Luke. This fateful encounter prompts her predictable life path to veer into uncharted territory, sweeping her along on a frightening erotic journey into the world of bondage, domination and submission.
Jane had never experienced genuine desire, and now passion consumes her life, robbing her of free will. Her new lifestyle creates an emotional chasm between her and her old friends. Will they understand why she has abandoned her high ideals and long-term plans for a traditional wedding? What society considers right or wrong no longer matters.
Prepared to surrender everything to Luke, she wonders if her everything will be enough. She now needs his discipline as much as she craves his love and approval. How far down this dark path is she willing to go? Jane’s pilgrimage into domination and discipline has created a war between her mind and her body, and her body is claiming victory.
About the Author:
Blakely Bennett grew up in Southeast Florida and has been residing in the great Northwest for over eight years. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a degree in psychology, which accounts for her particular interest in crafting the personalities, struggles, and motivations of her characters. She is an avid reader of many genres of fiction, but especially erotica and romance. Writing has always been her bliss. She is attracted to stories of self-struggle and ultimate recovery.
Blakely is married to a wonderful, loving and supportive husband, also a writer, who helps to keep her grounded. She is a mother, a communitarian, a lover of music (always on while she is writing—thank you, Pandora), and a good friend. An advocate of love and female empowerment, she is a facilitator for a women’s group. She loves to walk and hike for exercise and finds that, since moving to Seattle, WA, she is now one of those “crazy” people who walk in the rain.
Author Blog: http://blakelybennett.fannypress.com
Twitter @BlakelyBennett
5 comments:
Roxanne,
Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog and managing the tour!
Blakely
Blakely Bennett I think you know how much I love My Body Trilogy. I also miss the characters Jane, Marcello & Chase. This for me was eye opening & unique to read. Can't wait for your next book. Well done x
Thank you so much! It's been so fun for me to get to know you. I'm hoping you will be a new beta reader for me. :)
Blakely
Thanks for being here and you are so very welcome about the tour.
I love working with authors and helping get their books in front of readers that are going to love the books.
I have not read the last book in the trilogy and can't wait to do so. I enjoyed the first two books and am excited to hear how Jane resolves her dilemma. I hope you continue to write more books. You write so well!!
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