Waiting to Fly is #FREE on Amazon

 Lenore’s life was just beginning when one terrible night destroys all her well-laid plans. Scared and ashamed, she wasn’t searching for love, but Ford offered it anyway. His constant support not only wins her affection, he heals her bruised heart and together, they’re ready to fly into a new beginning.

Ten years later, Lenore never imagined anything could shatter their happily ever after, but taking flight always means there’s a chance to crash and burn. Lenore fights fiercely for her husband, but some demons are too powerful. Sometimes, even love isn’t enough to ground you when you’re waiting to fly.

Available exclusively on Amazon.

Triumvirate is FREE on Amazon

 Aubrey Conover is a brilliant psychiatrist who heads one of the most prestigious mental health facilities in the country, but she has a secret. Her urge to kill runs even deeper than those of the violent patients she treats.

Dean Hanson is running from his dark past, but the voices in his head won’t let him leave it behind. By day he guards the criminally insane, but he spends his nights stalking the citizens of Philadelphia.

Deirdre Hanson is the lieutenant tasked with bringing two serial killers to justice, never knowing one of them is sleeping in her bed.

When these three powers converge, the battle of wits that follows will leave the city streets bathed in blood.

Available exclusively on Amazon!

Wish on a Star is FREE on Amazon

Danielle Hoelz gave up her dreams of a life on the Broadway stage when her daughter was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Once the star of an iconic television series, Reed Overture is struggling to stay relevant in a world that’s almost forgotten him.

When nine-year-old Isabelle is given the chance to make her wish come true, she invites her favorite performer to South Jersey under the pretense of giving her guitar lessons. In reality, she's plotting to rekindle her mother’s passion for music. Maybe she’ll even get them to fall in love.

Available exclusively on Amazon. 

A Killer Cover Deserves Your Vote!

 

Move over boring book covers—Tickled to Death is strutting onto the scene in stilettos and handcuffs, and she's not here to play nice.

My hilarious, high-heeled murder mystery has been nominated for Best Cover on BookShelf.com, and I need your help to show the world that a good murder deserves a great outfit.

For those just tuning in, Tickled to Death is the perfect blend of sass, scandal, and suspicious behavior—starring a  no-nonsense dominatrix and a bewildered cop who can't decide if he's investigating her or falling for her. Add in some saucy suspects, outrageous outfits, and one very dead body, and you've got a mystery that's as twisted as a whip crack in the dark.

The cover, designed by the fabulous Anne Hoelz? Just as bold and unforgettable as the book itself. So if you're into crime scenes with couture, cast your vote and help this deadly diva slay the contest.

🗳️ Vote here: https://www.booksshelf.com/book-cover-contest

👠 Because solving crimes is serious business—but looking fabulous while doing it? That's mandatory.

Behind the Book with Coyote From Tickled to Death

You know you’re living your truth as an author when your friend wraps you in cellophane and smacks you with your own book—for research purposes, of course.

Let me explain.

Recently, my friend Emily and I had a little impromptu photoshoot with the print copy of Tickled to Death. She’s not just a friend, though—Emily is the real-life inspiration behind Coyote, one of the dommes in the book. If you've read it, you already know that Coyote doesn’t play. She’s fierce, chaotic, creative, and totally unapologetic in the best possible way. Sound familiar?

One of my favorite—and let’s be honest, wildest—scenes in the book involves a creative use of cellophane and a very flustered submissive. That scene? 100% Emily’s fault. She helped me brainstorm it, acted it out in her living room with far too much enthusiasm, and then insisted we reenact a tiny bit of it for the camera. Hence, the photos: me, wrapped like a spicy little gift, and her, gleefully using Tickled to Death as a paddle.

Writing this book was already an adventure. Sharing it with the people who helped inspire it? That’s the real reward. (Even if my butt’s still a little sore.)

Want to see how it all plays out on the page? Grab your copy of Tickled to Death on Amazon. You’ll never look at cellophane the same way again.

Stay spicy!

Tickled to Death: AI Image Bloopers and Kinky Chaos

 

I was on the fence about using AI to create images, but I figured as long as it’s just for fun and not part of the official novel, what could possibly go wrong? Spoiler alert: a lot. Apparently, AI has its own idea of what "realistic" looks like—and sometimes it’s completely off the rails. I had no idea how many “What even is this?” moments I’d have. Here are some of my favorite AI bloopers that had me and my editor Anne cracking up—and let’s be honest, a blooper reel seemed like a very necessary evil. So, without further ado, here are the most insane AI creations that came out while I was trying to bring the cops, dommes, and suspects of Tickled to Death to life. Prepare yourselves for some hilariously absurd visual chaos!

Gino – Apparently, being sleazy, greasy, or a stereotypical Italian violates AI guidelines, but lobster claws for hands? Oh yeah, that’s totally fine in the AI world. My exact request was for an angry, plus-size Italian cooking seafood. What did I get? A lobster-hand-wielding chef. If Gino had any idea what AI thought of him, he’d probably serve them a side of revenge with extra butter.

Carol – For my first attempt at creating Carol, I specifically wanted to include the gold cross she wears in every scene. What did AI give me? Reverend Carol, complete with a collar and an aura of holiness that had me questioning if she was about to start a sermon instead of, you know, plotting murder. I had to throw in the towel pretty quickly on that one—apparently, AI has a divine sense of humor.

Sally – I asked for an uptight blonde in a black business suit looking annoyed. What did I get? Two people. One was a beatnik who looked like they were about to drop a poetry slam, and the other was a blonde holding an oversized bottle of beer, like she was ready to party in the middle of a board meeting. I still have no idea how AI made that leap, but maybe it knew Sally had a thing for younger men—though, at the time, I hadn’t spilled the beans on that yet. Guess AI’s got some insider info.

Lisa – Technically, yes, AI did deliver on a woman with long brown hair scowling in a toga, but what I got wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. Apparently, AI decided to throw in a whole anime twist for good measure. Instead of the sultry, disgruntled casino hostess I envisioned, I got a character who looked like she was about to drop a dramatic battle cry in the middle of an ancient Roman fight scene. Not exactly the vibe I was going for, but hey, at least she was scowling.

The Bullshot Saloon – Even the scenery turned into a wild ride with AI. I asked for a saloon in the heart of Atlantic City, and what did I get? A ghost town bar straight out of the Wild West. Apparently, AI thought I was writing a spaghetti western, not a murder mystery set in the bright lights of Atlantic City. It’s like they got so caught up in the “saloon” part that they forgot there shouldn't be tumbleweeds rolling through.

Granger / Master Ranger– I’m still not sure how AI turned Granger into a character straight out of Street Fighter, but all I could think was, Guile. Seriously, I was getting major Sonic Boom vibes from him. Just me? Maybe it’s because I’m a Gen Xer, but I half-expected Granger to start throwing hadoukens and shoryukens at the suspects instead of solving a murder. I mean, who knew AI was so into fighting game nostalgia?

Jeremy / One Nip – I mean… really, AI? This is so close to a Hulk copyright violation that I’m surprised Marvel hasn’t shown up at my door yet. Is this seriously your idea of a muscular ginger? And as Anne pointed out, where the heck is One Nip supposed to buy his shirts? Apparently, AI thinks his pecs are too big for any normal fabric to handle, so it just skipped that whole "clothing" detail. Guess we’ll have to send him to a specialty store for extra-large t-shirts.

Hashim – Maybe it’s the dad jokes? Maybe AI knew the gang loves karaoke, but how in the world did my detective of Middle Eastern descent end up holding a mic? I mean, sure, Hashim has a voice, but I wasn’t planning on him singing his way through the case. AI took “detective” and turned it into “karaoke superstar”, like he’s about to drop a power ballad in the middle of an interrogation. Guess it’s all part of Hashim’s charming multitalented persona.

Jason – You’d think a generic blonde cop would be easy, right? WRONG. I just wanted to add a few tattoos, and suddenly AI turned him into a heroin addict. When I asked for clean shaven, AI decided to send him back to the police academy. But the real kicker? When I specifically asked for no facial hair and got... an invisible freaking detective. What the actual hell, AI? It’s like I asked for a cop and got a ghost on a stakeout instead. Maybe next time I’ll try asking for a blonde with tattoos and no weird supernatural powers.

These were just some of my favorite screw-ups. It took three days and a lot of failed attempts before I finally got images that mostly matched my vision. The kicker, though, is that despite all the very strict guidelines flagging words like attractive, voluptuous, and sleazy, AI had no problem creating my furry expert Daphne. It captured her perfectly my first try! What a wild ride! I learned a lot about AI, but I can promise you this: my books and covers will always be 100% human-created! Big thanks to my editor Anne, not just for inspiring this fun post, but for being the brilliant mastermind behind the Tickled to Death cover and for tirelessly editing my work. Tickled to Death and the Doms wouldn’t be nearly as kinky without her. So, here’s to human creativity—AI can keep the invisible detective and ginger Hulk. We’re sticking with real talent.

Grab a copy of Tickled to Death today. Available exclusively on Amazon.

**Image generated by Microsoft Copilot AI.**

Serving Up Suspects in Tickled to Death—A Murder Mystery with Extra Spice

 

You’ve already been introduced to the whip-smart  doms and cops with a firm grip on justice who’ll be making regular appearances in the Domme Mom Murder Mysteries. Now, it’s time to meet the prime suspects in Tickled to Death—the first in a series of kinky crime capers where the safe word is alibi and everyone’s got something to hide (besides their usual handcuffs and blindfolds).

Before we dive into this whodunit, let’s take a moment to meet our dearly departed—or should we say sensually silenced? Kirk Amenhauser was the executive chef at the Roman Casino, a well-known philanthropist, and three-time reigning Sexiest Man in Atlantic City. A hard-nosed businessman by day, Kirk preferred being tied down in his downtime rather than tying up loose ends. His kinks? Bondage, nipple clamps, and his personal favorite—being tickled until he was gasping for breath. Unfortunately, someone took that a little too literally. No laughing matter.

When it comes to suspects, Detective Dee is convinced the wife is the guilty party—because, well, it’s always the wife, right? Never mind that she happens to be on a first-name basis with the domme who discovered her husband’s bound-and-gagged body. Snooty, condescending, and with an air of someone who corrects your grammar mid-argument, she insists she and Kirk were in an open relationship. But maybe, just maybe, she didn’t find his tickling fetish all that funny—especially when the joke was on her.

Seventeen-year-old Kirk Amenhauser Jr. inherited his father’s taste for variety, but when he thought his dad was cheating on his mom, he wasn’t having any of it. A student at Newman Prep, Kirk Jr. is entitled, athletic, and probably hungrier for power than he lets on. Maybe he was just cooking up a plan to cash in on his inheritance a little sooner than expected. After all, who wouldn’t want to get their hands on the family recipe for success?

Kara Amenhauser is sixteen and usually the tag-along to her older brother.  A model student with straight A’s and the quietest voice in the room, she seems like the picture of innocence—but sometimes the sweetest apple has a bitter core. As the mystery unfolds, her shock and confusion could just be a well-seasoned act, hiding a more sinister side. After all, the quiet ones are often the ones cooking up the juiciest secrets.

Lisa Dunn is the hostess of the Emperor’s Table, a lavish, Roman-themed restaurant Kirk oversaw—where the servers wear togas, but the real action happens off the menu. While officially dating the fiery head chef, Gino, Lisa also moonlighted as Kirk’s personal amuse-bouche—and if the gossip is true, she was part of the all-you-can-eat buffet for a few others as well. Did she serve up revenge because Kirk was helping himself to too many free samples? Rhonda is willing to bet her entire whip collection that this two-timing tart is the main course in this murder mystery.

Gino Mancino is the head chef at the Emperor’s Table, specializing in seafood—and, if you ask the health inspector, extra grease. A walking stereotype of an old-school Italian chef, he sports a wife beater under his chef’s coat, smells perpetually of garlic and bad decisions, and runs his kitchen with all the finesse of a late-night diner after a bar rush. Kirk constantly clashed with him over his slovenly attire and less-than-spotless kitchen, but if Gino found out Kirk was digging into his daily special—aka Lisa—it'd be a recipe for disaster and more than enough reason to turn the boss into the catch of the day.

Blake Freeman is the union rep whose chronic asthma forced him out of the kitchen and into a desk job—because nothing kills the mood in fine dining like a guy wheezing over your filet mignon. Blake was steamed when Kirk blocked his new contract, but that’s not his only beef. The detectives suspect he knew all about Kirk’s off-the-menu specials and, given how jumpy he is, this balding bundle of nerves might have a few kinks of his own—ones he was willing to snuff out the competition to keep under wraps. After all, in both the restaurant business and the dungeon, the wrong exposure can spoil the meat.

Carol Rogers is—well, was—Kirk’s longtime secretary. On the surface, she's the typical conservative old maid, but don’t let the bun fool you; twenty years ago, she was a spicy redhead and Kirk’s very first side-dish. These days, Kirk’s taste has shifted to fresher entrees, and Carol seems fine with her status as the leftovers. But maybe this simmering vendetta has been cooking for two decades, just waiting for the right moment to spice things up. Mrs. Amenhauser  hasn't forgotten the indiscretion that nearly destroyed her marriage and hopes Carol will take the fall for her husband’s well-seasoned demise.

Leo Cramer drove the rideshare for a sinister delivery, dropping off a package that wasn’t exactly on the menu.  This shaggy college kid confesses to everything but the murders when the detectives drag him in. From dropping the ball to spilling the beans, Leo seems like a clueless driver—but is he really as dumb as he looks, or is his submissive act just a clever ploy to wiggle out of the mess? After all, sometimes the best getaway drivers are the ones who play innocent.

So there you have it. One of these eight flavorful characters did it in the hallway with the French Tickler—but who’s the guilty party? Was it the spicy seductress, the greasy chef, the union rep with a sneaky kink? To find out, grab a copy of Tickled to Death and be sure to savor the subtle clues sprinkled throughout. After all, a mystery is like a fine dining—it’s only fun if you have a real chance to savor the clues and whip up the right answer. Bon appétit!

Grab a copy of Tickled to Death today. Available exclusively on Amazon.

**Images generated by Microsoft Copilot AI**

Meet the Crossover Stars of Tickled to Death – And Snag Their Backstories for FREE!

 

My regular readers know I’m a total sucker for crossovers—like, tie-me-up-and-call-me-helpless levels of obsession. But if Tickled to Death is your first taste of Laura DeLuca’s world, you might not realize that (with a few exceptions) most of my books are cannon, especially the ones set in my home state of New Jersey—because let’s be real, if any place screams “spicy drama and questionable life choices,” it’s Jersey.

And yes, that includes The Domme Mom series. That’s right, darlings—characters from Dark Musicals and Jersey Girls have strutted right on over. To celebrate the release of Tickled to Death, I’m giving away a few of these books for FREE, so you can get properly acquainted with their backstories before diving headfirst into my newest release.

By day, Leonard Foley Esquire is a top attorney in Cape May and Atlantic Counties, defending the legally doomed with the confidence of a man who’s never lost an argument (or at least, never admitted to it). By night, he trades the courtroom for the spotlight, moonlighting as an actor at a local dinner theater—because apparently, delivering closing arguments just isn’t dramatic enough. Lenny makes his grand debut in Reanimated, where he plays Victor in Ghost Bride—a role that, thankfully, requires fewer objections and more ominous monologues.

Vashaan Jacobs, AKA Black Silk, first made waves  in Brushed by Fate. This retired Marine traded battlefield tactics for physical therapy, working alongside wounded warriors—including our hero, Scott Heron—at the local hospital. Turns out, patching people up is just as intense as taking them down.

And if that wasn’t enough crossover goodness, Rhonda’s neighbors, Lainey and Drew DiPalma, also pop up in the Jersey Girls series—because what’s a tight-knit Jersey community without some familiar faces (and a little well-placed drama)?

Both these titles will be free for a limited time, so grab them while you can! And if you’re new to the Dark Musicals or Jersey Girls series, I highly recommend reading them all—preferably in order, unless you enjoy spoilers and chaos. Happy reading, and remember—safe words are important, but binge-reading is highly encouraged.

Grab a copy of Tickled to Death today. Available exclusively on Amazon.

Karaoke Night at the Bullshot Saloon with the Cope & Doms

 

In the Domme Mom series, when the cops and doms aren’t busy solving crimes or tying up loose ends (literally), they like to kick back with a drink and a round of karaoke at the Bullshot Saloon, a local bar on a shady side street in Atlantic City. Naturally, this leads to some epic playlists. So, buckle up for a selection of songs that totally capture the essence of the characters in Tickled to Death. Some are belted out at the bar during a karaoke showdown, while others set the perfect vibe for the action about to unfold. Whether you’re in the mood for some spicy tunes or a few laughs, this playlist has you covered—just like our favorite characters!

I Want It That Way – The Backstreet Boys
Led by Granger, the Dom boys, and the bodyguards, this is the karaoke performance you never knew you needed. When they hit the stage, it’s a whole new type of boy band in the making—just a little more leather, a lot more attitude, and a dash of mischief. They might not have the synchronized dance moves, but they've definitely got the charisma (and maybe a whip or two) to steal the show. Get ready for some unforgettable renditions that’ll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about boy bands!

Separate Ways – Worlds Apart – Daughtry & Lizzy Hale
This hard rock version of Separate Ways is a game-changer for Rhonda. As the guitars scream and the drums pound, she gets her first glimpse of Jason’s Celtic tattoos—and that voice of his. Formerly in a band, Jason’s not exactly new to the stage, but when Rhonda suggests a duet to solidify their partnership, she expects him to be intimidated. Spoiler alert: it’s her who’s sweating bullets. As their voices merge in an electrifying performance, she starts questioning if maybe, just maybe, going their separate ways isn’t such a great idea after all.

Mrs. Robinson – Simon and Garfunkel
When one of the murder suspects shows up at the victim's house in a gold cross and a skirt suit fit for Queen Elizabeth, Jason can’t help but think of Mrs. Robinson. Hopefully, Jesus has a spot saved for her, because this crime spree is just getting started and this case is about to take a much darker turn.

Baby Got Back – Sir Mix-a-Lot
During a visit to the dungeon, when Emily is looking extra voluptuous, Hashim can’t help but get Baby Got Back stuck in his head. He’s humming it, he’s tapping his foot, he’s living for it—much to Jason’s displeasure.

All Star - Smash Mouth - Everyone knows One Nip isn’t exactly the smartest tool in the shed, but when he grabs the mic at the Bullshot Saloon, it’s his booming baritone that steals the show. For once, it’s not just his impressive physique that’s turning heads.

Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
Even when Mavis is singing, she sounds like a virtual assistant. But when someone in the crowd catches her eye, she delivers a hilariously off-key rendition of this catchy tune, complete with robotic hand motions. The crowd’s unsure whether to laugh, cringe, or start looking for the nearest reset button. 

Barbie Girl – Aqua
Daphne and her partner Katrina take the mic for this classic, and honestly, no song could be more fitting. With Daphne’s bubbly charm and Katrina’s playful sass, they absolutely slay this iconic anthem.

Strong Woman – Mitch Granger
When Jason breaks out his guitar and harmonica for an acoustic rendition of his sexy, soul-stirring ballad, the entire bar stops and stares—especially Rhonda. She's trying to keep her cool, but let’s be real: she’s absolutely hot and bothered. 

Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan

Emily, in all her voluptuous glory, absolutely brings it with this toe-tapping number in the epilogue, setting the tone for what it truly means to be dominant.

Want to see how these songs come into play and how they tie into our characters' personalities? Grab your copy of Tickled to Death today and experience the ultimate playlist of mystery, sass, and some seriously kinky moments. Let these tracks whip you into shape as you dive into a world where every song has a little more bite! You’ll be begging for more by the last chapter—no safe words required!

Gran a copy of Tickled to Death today. Available Exclusively on Amazon. 

**Image created with the help of Microsoft Copilot.**