So in 70 days, my first NY single title releases from Berkley Heat. I’ve been doing this writing gig a while now (sold my first book just about 4 years ago this month) so I’m not a noob when it comes to promotion but this is on a whole different level and the timelines are farther out so I’m working with to do lists and trying to keep myself in check.

Today my husband took 12,600 bookmarks in four heavy boxes to the post office to mail to RT magazine. That little project had me making 700 rubberbanded packages of 18 bookmarks each. I did them here and there over the last six weeks. And then the ads, just took care of some online stuff and the print stuff has been done for a while. I got bound galleys so I‘m running a contest at my blog for those - have you entered yet?

I have no idea of any of this stuff really works, but it keeps me busy and obsessing less, which anyone who knows me will tell you is a good thing. I want this book to do well (obviously) and so I spend a lot of time alternating between angst and brainstorming up ideas (while doing laundry, making lunches, dropping kids off at school and all that jazz)

I’m really proud of this book. I came up with the basic idea for what was then called Battlefront in 2006 but didn’t really get to it until mid 2007 when my agent finally pitched it. I was thrilled when Leis Pederson at Berkley wanted it. Berkley is one of my dream houses and I’ve not been disappointed in them yet. each new step has been wonderful. First the blurb, then the cover (which I still stare at to this day) and the overall book design, which is simply gorgeous.

I’m a lucky woman. Even on days like Friday when I seriously wondered just why I ever thought parenting was a good idea, I know I’m lucky. My life is filled with ten thousand kinds of wonderful. From my family and friends to the good fortune I’ve had with writing - my life is good. Even if I know I will be a maniac the closer December 2 comes, LOL.

Oh!  Undercover is a futuristic erotic romance (with some BDSM elements and some mild MM but the focus is Sera, the heroine). It’s a Heat book so for those of you who aren’t aware - HEAT is an erotic line so the sexin in this book is described in detail with all the “words” you’d expect in an erotic romance. (I just say that up front because apparently someone was surprised by the level of sexual detail in the book)

Here’s the blurb:

A sexy debut exploring an erotic future universe of passion, danger, and deceit…

On the battleground or in the bedroom, one woman and two men fight for dominance in a bold, new, and excitingly different direction in erotica…

As a lieutenant of the Federation military, Sera Ayers is accustomed to giving orders, not taking them. Now she must obey the one man she can’t stand—and can’t stop thinking about.

With the enemy Imperialists gaining ground, a covert team is assembled by Ash Walker. Ten years before, Sera had lovingly submitted to Ash’s dominance in the bedroom. But when he was forced into a political marriage, she refused to play mistress. His marriage now over, Ash wants Sera on his team—and back in his bed.

The third team member, Brandt Pela, has an elegance to match Ash’s savage sexuality. And when their undercover plan requires Sera to pose as Brandt’s lover, it ignites a passion among the three of them more dangerous than their mission.

I’m beginning to see some reviews come in (nail biting time) and so far so good!

April says: There are not enough words in the english language to describe how fantabulous this book is. It show the true development of emotion between the three main characters. Yet it is so steamy I thought it would burn the pages

Terri at Night Owl Romance gives Undercover 4 hearts and says in part:  This book kept me up way past when I normally go to bed at night and I couldn’t wait to pick it up again in the morning.

Chrissy Dionne at Romance Junkies gives Undercover 5 blue ribbons and says in part in an early review to go live in November: Wow! This book rocks! Lauren Dane pulls out all the stops with this soul searing, awe-inspiring read. Sera is a ballsy kick-ass character whom I absolutely love. Ash and Brandt are dominant men and each is a member of a ruling Family, which adds an extra complication and emotional aspect to the storyline. Sera’s feistiness really cracked me up but she also has an emotional vulnerability to Ash and Brandt that drew me into the relationship so that I felt like I was there watching as each scene between them played out (and believe me there are some scenes that heated my face and left me tingly all over).

UNDERCOVER may very well be Lauren Dane’s best work to date. Definitely a must read and deserving of a special spot on the keeper shelf.

Anyhoodle - life is good even if I am all angst girl. I’m managing not to eat Top Pot donuts all day while I obsessively look at Amazon - well for the most part anyway. Don’t forget to head over to my blog to enter my ARC contest if you haven’t already!