Former high-class call girl turned erotic author Lantana Bleu speaks exclusively to Female First about her forthcoming " The Spicy Secrets of a Jet-Set Temptress" trilogy of novels, featuring the amorous adventures of modern-day courtesan Miss Melisse.
Lantana Bleu
How did you get the idea for the "Spicy Secrets" novels?
To quote Anaïs Nin, "We write to taste life twice…" so I wanted to write some of what I've tasted in life and to share it with others - like a chef- with some spice on top!
I've led a full life, have travelled well and widely, and paid attention. At the same time I've always had and continue to have a very active imagination. For a long time I have wanted to write a book that delves deeply into the lifestyle, heart and mind of a high-priced escort because at the level at which she operates, it is an elaborate, complicated lifestyle worthy of an in-depth exploration.
And, for the lead character, Miss Melisse, who enjoys sexual adventures (as many of my readers do also, vicariously living through erotic fiction), her "work" provides a socially acceptable outlet for her to follow her strong erotic interests, both personal and professional.
I wanted to take the reader along to live through the adventures of a lady with a lusty lifestyle who works and plays hard.
Uniquely, your novels include Spicy Secrets from the lead character. Why did you include sex tips?
It's Melisse's unique take on things, and she holds nothing back. Her contribution is to share many of her physical - and more importantly - psychological secrets for getting a man to the point of treating and spoiling his wife or girlfriend like he would his prized professional courtesan.
Courtesans, while yes, they may take money, also give something essential to their clients, and usually with pride and panache. And the "secret spice" they give is what the book is all about!
What themes were you trying to develop in the series?
I believe the book highlights how some people are not true to themselves and their real desires - all in exchange for a life of security and status. It shows how some people stay in miserable relationships rather than divorcing because they don't want to lose a half of what they own.
I tried to illustrate how some people attempt to control others with promises of a good lifestyle and opportunities (and others will play their game to get them). The overriding theme here is that ultimately: money can buy sex, companionship and it can buy you the so-called finer experiences, but it can't buy you love.
What makes you think people are interested in peeking more into the world of upmarket sex for sale?
I think what many don't understand is that some women choose the provision of luxury prostitution as a lifestyle and develop themselves for it, embrace it completely, and dedicate themselves to being pleasing to their patrons in every aspect of their lives.
The courtesan is - and always will be - an extremely vital part of society. Without them, I do not believe polite society would function as well as it does!
Do you think you glamourize high-priced prostitution in the series?
I hope that I show both the great sides and the bad, risky sides. I think that different readers will interpret it differently, depending on their taste or situation in life.
What do you want readers to take away from your books?
I want them to come out of the books feeling as if they've just been on a wonderful roller-coaster ride that engaged their imagination, their emotions, their libido, their empathy, and got them laughing.
The Spicy Secrets of a Jet-Set Temptress trilogy by Lantana Bleu is released on April 4, 2016 in paperback, priced per £12.38 novel. Ebook editions are also available, priced £5.50 per volume or £13.87 for the omnibus edition. Visit www.TheSpicySecrets.com to pre-order.