Dee Davis – Page 2

New Release: Devil May Care Series

April 11, 2014 by Dee Davis

They were the baddest of the bad, the illegitimate sons and daughters of Satan, who had managed to make love, raise hell, and milk life in a manner worthy of their heritage. Until the day the devil himself needs to name his heir…

The mission? Each sibling must complete a task that is designed to stretch him or her to the limit. The prize? The Keys To Hell. The problem? Four mortals equally determined to ensure that the the Devil’s children fail…

So who will the next ruler of Sin City be?

Starting next week (April 14) and continuing each of the next four weeks, I’m happy to announce that Julie Kenner and I will be releasing our Devil May Care Series. Beginning with Book 1, Raising Hell! Check www.devilmaycarebooks.com for buy links starting Monday!

To whet your appetite, here’s a teaser from Julie Kenner’s Raising Hell:

Lila fidgeted on her stool, unnerved by how much she’d revealed to this man. He probably thought she was an idiot, the way she’d blathered on and on. There was something about him, though. Something that drew her in and, apparently, affected her as potently as a few strong drinks.

Lord knew, he loosened her tongue. Not to mention that his mere proximity left her feeling warm and decadent. Itchy, even, but in a wholly sensual way. Like she might die if he didn’t scratch the itch… and she might melt if he did.

“So will you?” she asked, shaking off the languor in her bones. “Will you sketch me now?”

He leaned back, his silver-gray eyes examining her with an almost feral intensity as he looked her up, then down. She tried to sit still, but couldn’t quite manage. The heat of his gaze was so intense it might have been a caress, and her nipples peaked under his scrutiny, raising hard nubs under the soft Lycra of her top. Instinctively, she started to cross her arms over her chest, but fought the urge, keeping them at her sides, and feeling more exposed—and more turned on—than she ever had in her life.

His inspection finished, he met her eyes, the corner of his mouth curving up into a silent smile. He turned away, saying nothing, then took a quick sip of his scotch. He reached for two cocktail napkins, pulled them close, then patted his mouth with one.

Honestly, she wanted to scream. “Well?” she demanded, forcing her voice to remain calm and steady.

“Of course I’ll sketch you,” he said. He met her eyes, and a muscle twitched in his jaw. “In fact, at the moment I can think of only one thing I’d like to do more.”

“Oh.” She knew she shouldn’t ask, but she couldn’t help herself. “What’s that?”

One beat, then another. Her heart pounded in her chest, the rhythm so intense she was certain everyone in the bar could hear it.

And then, just when she was certain he wasn’t going to answer, he traced the curve of her cheekbone with his thumb, then leaned close. She closed her eyes as his lips brushed her hair, and his voice was a whisper against her ear, sending shivers trilling down her spine. “The only thing I want more than to sketch you,” he murmured, “is to paint you.”

Lila exhaled, her eyes still closed, her body burning from the remnants of his breath caressing her skin. That hadn’t been the response she’d expected. But somehow his words were all the more erotic, holding a promise of things more decadent and revealing than mere sex.

“Shall I?” he asked.

And then, opening her eyes to look at him, she nodded.

He grinned and reached into the inside pocket of his jacket to produce a stick of charcoal.

She lifted an eyebrow and he shrugged. “Accountants carry calculators,” he said. “It’s not that surprising.”

“Do you have a pad in there, too?”

He drew the napkin closer. “No need. Now sit quietly,” he directed. “And watch me.”

He cupped her face, tilting her head just slightly, then urged her hand up until she found herself resting her chin on her fist, watching him from this posed position. And watching the image of herself come to life on the tiny cocktail napkin.

He started with a sweep of the charcoal. One line that seemed to have no connection to her at all. No connection, that is, except for the smoldering way that he looked at her. A smoky gaze that seemed reflected in the smudged charcoal image emerging on the paper.

The curve of her jaw. Then the line of her neck. A flick of his wrist and the tendrils of her hair seemed to materialize from so many lines on the paper. And then, most miraculously of all, he caught the expression in her eyes. And, seeing that, she knew that he could never doubt that she’d agree to be painted. Because her expression was rapturous. And she knew the truth of what he’d sketched. Because with every piercing look—with every sure stroke of the charcoal—Lila realized that she couldn’t walk away without letting him paint her. His scrutiny made her feel both alive and unique. And even if she never did another bit of modeling, the portrait he’d create would fulfill her fantasies. More, Nicholas Velnias would be giving her the chance at immortality. And, really, what girl could say no to that?

Coming April 21st: Book 2, Dee Davis’s Hell Fire

The Matchmaker Chronicles: Two re-released digital books from Dee Davis!

November 25, 2013October 15, 2013 by Dee Davis

A Match Made on Madison

Manhattan glitterati with a desire to find the perfect mate have a new champion in matchmaker Vanessa Carlson. With her fledgling business giving her biggest rival – friend and mentor Althea Sevalas – a run for the money, Vanessa’s services are definitely a hot commodity.

To prove once and for all who’s the best matchmaker in town, Vanessa and Althea enter into a competition to see who can score downtown playboy Mark Grayson as their client and send him walking down the aisle. Once a winner is crowned in this very public endeavor, there will be no question as to who rules Manhattan’s matrimonial mergers. But emotions often have a will of their own, and Vanessa learns that rules don’t always apply.

Amazon Nook Kobo

Set-Up in SoHo

When Andrea Sevalas’ long time boyfriend announces he’s seeing someone else, Andi’s thrown for a loop—well, actually, down a cellar. Head throbbing and nose out of joint, she’s rescued by one of New York’s finest – attorney’s that is. Ethan McCay — the upper east side heir to the kingdom of Manhattan. But Andi isn’t interested in princes. At least not the uptown variety. She’s a downtown girl with no time for Park Avenue royalty.

So what’s a fairy godmother supposed to do? Well, if she’s Andi’s Aunt Althea (the infamous Manhattan matchmaker) a little manipulation is in order. After all, even Cinderella needed a little prodding to go to the ball. And with a little help from her friends, Althea’s plan goes charmingly – until the clock strikes midnight and the truth is revealed.

Amazon Nook Kobo

Red Door Labor Day Sale!

November 25, 2013August 30, 2013 by Dee Davis

Just in time for back to school. Fourteen Red Door Authors offer you fourteen fabulous stories for only 99 cents a piece. Four days only! So get them while they’re hot! (And 99 cents!)

Endgame by Dee Davis

Tall, Tatted and Tempting by Tammy Falkner

Behind the Mask by Linda Winstead Jones

The Love List by Deb Marlowe

Lord Rotheby’s Influence – The Series by Catherine Gayle

My Favorite Major by Ava Stone

Second Chance by Lori Handeland

Lady Revealed by Jane Charles (Amazon and Barnes and Noble Only)

Kick Start by Caren Crane

Angel Unborn by Andris Bear

The Holding by Claudia Dain (Amazon and Barnes and Noble Only)

Drive Me Crazy by Marquita Valentine

More Than a Governess by Jerrica Knight-Catania

Unmasked by Michelle Marcos

Dire Distraction

November 25, 2013June 4, 2013 by Dee Davis

So this is the week! The final installment of my A-Tac series, Dire Distraction is available now! It’s always hard reaching the end of a series (although never say never to a writer). But I do think that if we’re going to go out, doing it with Avery is doing it in style! Here’s the blurb:

As the commander for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Avery Solomon is the best of the best. He’ll stop at nothing to ensure the safety of his team, but when a mystery from the past resurfaces, he puts himself directly in the line of fire.

PUSHED TOO FAR

After years of covert missions, Avery harbors regrets that continue to haunt him. He still blames himself for his wife’s death fourteen years ago—until an A-Tac operative finds a photo that suggests Avery’s wife may still be alive. Determined to discover the truth, Avery heads deep into the hostile territory of Southeast Asia, ready for danger and violence—only to find himself captured by desire . . .

Wilderness guide Sydney Price never backs down from a challenge. She has her own reasons for wanting revenge against the men being hunted by Avery. Though she tries to deny her attraction to the tough, handsome warrior, the spirited Sidney soon finds him impossible to resist. Now she and Avery must work together to uncover the truth—and stay alive. But as the enemy closes in and old secrets unravel, the line between partners and lovers vanishes like mist in the jungle . . .

Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo

Changes in the Wind

November 25, 2013April 22, 2013 by Dee Davis

As you’ve probably noticed I haven’t actually posted anything since the start of the new year. Life, I’m afraid got away from me. But I have seen a number of musicals and plays. Nice Work If You Can Get It (Thumbs up and I’m betting it’s still fab despite the departure of Kelly O’Hara). The Mystery of Edwin Drood (A hoot!). Cinderella (Sadly not a complete thumbs up. Music is still wonderful. But too many liberties taken with the story line. It’s Cinderella, people. No meddling necessary.) Peter and the Star Catcher (yawn). Lucky Guy (Tom Hanks, Nora Ephron, need I say more?). Into The Woods (critics hated it, I adored it). Idina Menzel at Carnegie Hall (AMAZING). The Heiress (also fabulous). Going to see Pippin next month. Will be fun to see it again. It was my first Broadway play in 1977. Loved it then, hopefully will love it now.

And in addition to theatre going, I’ve also had another book out. My novella, Escape, a new entry for my Last Chance Series. Available at Amazon at B&N . And coming in June, the next book in my A-Tac series — Avery’s Dire Distraction. Also coming in May the re-release of my two entries in the Devil May Care series (with Julie Kenner and Kathleen O’Reilly). And sometime this fall the re-release in digital format of my Matchmaker Chronicles–A Match Made on Madison and Set-Up in SoHo.

The real news thought is that my days exploring Manhattan are numbered. We’re moving to the country– Connecticut to be exact. So stay-tuned for some changes. A new lifestyle for me. And a whole lot more on antique houses and gardening in Connecticut. I’ve already started my plant journal and I can tell you, it’s amazing what’s already blooming and it’s only April! So watch for updates here. And I’ll talk to you again soon!

Merry Old England

September 24, 2012 by Dee Davis

Just returned from an absolutely fabulous trip to London with my good friend Julia London. I am exhausted. But happily so! Although, I arrived last night from England to find a 2 and a half hour wait at customs. Man o’ man was that a room full of unhappy people. But once through to the other side it was home and bed and goodbye to tea and crumpets.

We really did have a marvelous time.

The weather was gorgeous (no rain at all if you can believe it!). And the museums, castles, parks and walks were to die for. We ate bangers and mash, sausage rolls, fish and chips, leek and potato pastys, and really amazing Moroccan food. We shopped until we dropped. Harrods, High Marleybone, Knightsbridge, Oxford and Portobello Road. We rarely got lost. Which was a miracle a couple of times. We rode the tube and the trains like professionals. And walked our rear-ends off.

Charming building in Lacock where, among other things, they filmed Cranford

We watched telly with a glass of wine. The show about the groom planning the wedding was absolutely wonderful. Not to mention the one about choosing a manor house (I’ll take all three). We also watched a comic that had us in stitches (unfortunately I can’t remember his name, but he was very naughty). And also saw several game shows that were beyond anything we have here–my favorite one being where teams of celebrities guess whether or not the others are lying (they all quite good at it). The only sad note there is that we missed episode one of Season three of Downton Abbey–it was the night we arrived and we weren’t clued in.)

We had drinks at the Savoy. And went to Covent Garden. We saw London from the top

of the Gherkin. Traipsed through Bath and Mayfair, dreaming of gorgeous dresses and men in top hats and tails. We saw Stonehenge and Windsor Castle. We went to Lacock where they filmed Cranford, parts of Harry Potter, Emma, and scenes from Pride and Prejudice. We saw the Victoria and Albert museum (complete with a period clothing exhibition). We strolled through the gardens at Hampton Court, and the lovely wilds of Hyde Park. Julia London ran along the canal (not for her life, but actually for fun–which I simply can’t fathom).

Courtyard from a window in Hampton Court (can you see who is walking across the way?)

We drank loads of tea, a little bitter and learned the difference between light and dark beer in Britain. And of course we some great Malbec (from our own local wine store on the corner). We shopped for our own supper. And salivated over the fabulous offerings in the various Food Halls. I had scones at the V&A, and Julia had chocolate confections and we were in heaven. We also can report that Stinky Bishop’s cheese lives up to it’s name.

All in all it was a magical trip!

Restaurant Week, Month…no, no…Summer! UPDATED

August 27, 2012 by Dee Davis

So one of my favorite things in New York is when they have Restaurant Week. Great restaurants throughout the city offer a fixed price menu for both lunch and dinner with and appetizer, entrée and dessert. It’s a great chance to try out new places, go to a place you normally wouldn’t splurge for, or just go back to an old favorite to try new dishes. This summer the original Restaurant Week actually ran three weeks and then many of the restaurants participating extended their run until Labor Day.

As you may or may not know, I’ve been watching what eat, so that means that Fridays and Saturdays are my only non-restricted eating days—which meant that for Restaurant Week, which typically does not include Saturdays, that Fridays were my only option. So suffice it to say we’ve had a great fun of Friday meals. So here’s the run down on where we’ve been:

Week 1

Mr. Chow. A high-end Asian fusion restaurant, Mr. Chow has several locations including one right down the block from us. We’ve walked by it many times, and seen the limos and town cars waiting outside for diners enjoying the food. So when I saw that it was available for Restaurant Week, I knew we had to give it a try. The wait for our reservation was short, the restaurant beautifully appointed, and the wait staff friendly and helpful (which sadly isn’t always the case on Restaurant Week). The first course—a spicy noodle dish was my definitely favorite. It was followed by a green shrimp dish (so named for the herbs the shrimp was coated in). Although the dish was tasty, the shrimp were very small and not as tender as I would have liked. My husband’s dish was quite spicy, which was perfect for him, but not for me—so I didn’t have a taste. Dessert was a medley of ice cream. Nice, but again underwhelming. All in all while I would consider going there again, I wouldn’t put it in the list of my favs.

Week 2

21 Club. Okay, honestly, I’ve been here before and love it. So wasn’t thinking much about going other than knowing I’d enjoy the food. But have to say that the restaurant week menu was fabulous. I started with an heirloom tomato salad that was delicious. And then moved on to a grilled flat iron steak that was cooked to perfection. And I’m picky about my steak. The night was finished off with an excellent crème brulee with blueberries and a lemon shortbread cookie. We ate downstairs, and the service was tremendous, the atmosphere, as always, fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

Week 3

The Post House. I’d heard a lot about the Post House. Old NY and clubby steak house (which I happen to love), so figured I was in for a treat. However, of all the places we’ve been over the course of this extended Restaurant week, it was my least favorite. Which isn’t to say that it was bad, just neither interesting nor memorable. I started with a goat cheese tart, which was essentially a hunk of goat cheese on top a small round of puff pastry. Basically it was like eating cold cheese right from the refrigerator. Uninspired and disappointing. The steak was delicious, but compared to the week before at 21, lacking—although my husband loved his. But my key lime pie was delightful. A nice ending to what was a lovely if not particularly memorable evening.

Week 4

Megu. This was the week we’d planned on going to Bobby Flay’s Mesa for our anniversary. But when I realized that Restaurant Week had been extended, I changed our reservations from Saturday to Friday, and then when we decided to celebrate with our daughter instead of just the two of us (we went to the Village Vanguard on our own on that Saturday and had a fabulous time) I knew that Southwestern food wasn’t her favorite. So I shifted gears, and made reservations at Megu (in the Trump Tower on First Avenue). And I wasn’t disappointed. This was definitely in my top two meals. I started with a crispy kanzuri shrimp. Coated with some kind of peanut sauce, these were so good, I could easily have had them in a larger portion for dinner. AMAZING. Next up, Premium Kobe Washugyu Sirloin Steak. Marinated, it was tender, perfectly cooked and served on a block. Again absolutely wonderful. And for dessert, a delightful green tea crepe. Service was excellent, and the appointments were lovely. Definitely a restaurant I will go to again.

Week 5

Le Cirque. This one started on a bad note I have to say because my husband lost his wallet. And so we lost our reservation, but when I realized I could still get us in later that night, we rebooked and returned after all the hassle of dealing with the mess of losing the wallet. I have to say the restaurant is definitely an island of calm. And after the beginning of the night, it was a lovely way to end. That said, compared to some of the other places we ate, the wow factor just wasn’t there. Still the staff was lovely, and the food was excellent. I started with an heirloom tomato salad with sucrine, cucumber, capers, marjoram. It was excellent. And every bit as delightful as the one I had at 21. Next up roasted chicken with fricassée of fingerling potatoes, corn, scallions, bacon, jus basquaise. The chicken was well cooked, but nothing out of the ordinary. However, the purple potatoes were delightful. And for dessert, I had the crème brulee. I am a HUGE crème brulee fan, and I do have to say that this was one of the best I’ve ever had. So kudos on dessert at Le Cirque.

Week 6

Tom Colicchio and Sons (Tap Room). I’m a huge fan of Craft, so was eager to try this restaurant across from the Chelsea Street Market and under the Highline. And I was not disappointed. This restaurant, like Megu comes in as one of my top two for this summer’s Restaurant Week. More relaxed than some of the other places we ate, it was still elegant and the staff was attentive and well-informed. My husband enjoyed a flight of beer and I had a lovely Bordeaux. I started with a cold corn soup with truffle oil and grilled corn kernels. It was fabulous! My husband had a beef tartare with a smoked egg vinaigrette and homemade potato chips. Equally fabulous, although I preferred mine just slightly to his. After much debate, because it all looked so fabulous, for my entrée, I had the roasted hanger steak with potato puree and bone marrow butter. Melt in your mouth meat. It was served with spigarello, greens of some kind, slightly resembling spinach but not as bitter. Very lovely. My husband had the roasted pork belly with succotash and okra. He enjoyed every bite. And then for dessert—I had beignets with fudge sauce and vanilla ice cream. Perfection. Seriously great meal. I’m definitely going back. A lot.

Week 7

DGBG. We haven’t actually been yet… this one is on tap as our last Restaurant Week restaurant, this weekend. But I am a fan of Daniel Boulud and looking forward to trying his East Village restaurant. It’s Lyonnais-inspired bistro cooking. So I’m expecting great things. Okay–so went to DGBG and must report it wasn’t the experience I’d hoped for. While the food was good the service was not. Maybe because it was Friday night and it was really busy? But still… And although I enjoyed the meal, nothing really stood out as exceptional. Maybe I had just been to too many other wonderful places. Still it was a great month of eating high on the hog as we say in Texas. So well worth the effort!