When you think of the minotaur of ancient Greek mythology, romance probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. You’re probably imagining the man-eating monster, abandoned by his parents and locked away in a lonely labyrinth to hunt down his prey…hey wait, that does kind of sound like the alpha hero of a modern-day paranormal romance novel. So, is it any wonder that I chose a modern-day mind-controlling minotaur to be the hero of my latest novel in the Mythica series for Harlequin Nocturne?

Best of all, it releases today!

So, if you like ancient gods, twisted villains, tortured heroes, and heroines who discover an inner core of strength they never knew was there, Dark Sins & Desert Sands is the romance novel for you. (Also, if you like Greek, Egyptian, and Aztec mythology, all mixed together in a sexy stew that all pulls together with perfect coherence, you’re going to have a hard time finding it anywhere else.)

This is a category romance, so it’s a quick read. And it’s cheap. Two things we’re all short on these days is time and money, so there you go. Plus, there’s a super hot sex scene on a moving subway train that I admit to being very, very proud of.

If you’re still on the fence, you can read a free excerpt here. And I’m proud to say it was voted Book of the week over on Long and Short Reviews. So far the reviews are pretty great!

“Dark Sins and Desert Sands is a light in the darkness. Ms. Draven delivers a suspenseful emotionally packed romance layered with passion, heat and the power of true love.” ~Long and Short Reviews

“Stephanie Draven is at her imaginary best in the Mythica series. The brilliant blending of modern day facts with legendary fables results in stories that not only entertain but capture your every thought.” ~Cataromance

“Dark Sins and Desert Sands is a love story with a twist; a love story that overcomes the worst betrayal and the powers of Gods.  When you’re meant to be together no unworldly powers can’t stop it.” Books-n-Kisses

“I got to tell you, I was absolutely surprised at the depth of the storyline, the character substance and the creative blend of mythology, romance, and urban fantasy. It is said, that big things can come in small packages, and I believe that this book to be just that. I couldn’t put it down, I didn’t want it to end.” ~Escape Between the Pages

“It’s hot, sexy and pulled at my heart strings so firmly it’s a wonder I didn’t sob uncontrollably as I read it…trust me from beginning to end this book was amazing.” ~Interracial Multicultural Romance

This may be the most sexually suggestive post I’ve ever written while talking about my work, but having written a novel about a mind-controlling minotaur, I’m left with a question. Would you want a man who could make you orgasm on command?

Sexual satisfaction is notoriously more difficult for women to achieve than it is for men; because of that, lovers who are good at eliciting pleasure seem like they’re keepers, even if they’re not husband material. I think that’s what accounts for many romantic woes in the world. But rest assured, the hero of Dark Sins & Desert Sands is both happy to settle down and capable of eliciting mind-blowing climaxes from the heroine.

Now, he can do it simply by looking into her eyes and telling her to orgasm. And she does. Neat trick, no? Prone to abuse, I would think. Delicious, delicious abuse. That’s part of the sexual fantasy in this paranormal romance. And I give it to the reader in this novel, in spades. There’s a particularly steamy sex scene on a speeding train that I’m very proud of.

But what about how the fantasy manifests in the real world? Sure, I love a man who is good with his fingers, but I’m innately drawn to men who know that the mind is the most potent sexual organ in the body. Maybe it’s just the writer in me, but I love a man who can wield words like sex toys. A man who can talk his way into a woman’s bed and make her squirm without ever touching her is the kind of man that makes me fan myself.

So what about you? Can you remember a time when a lover has used his or her voice to melt you into a puddle? What’s the most fun you’ve ever had in the bedroom without your lover even touching you?