Happy publication week to Kate Deveaux! Her newest erotic romance novel, Academy of Love, will be released Thursday, August 1. Love smolders and the sex is red hot when Cassianna Baxter leaves behind a glamorous teaching career in Italy to return to her old Alma Mater, Lewiston Academy for Girls as the Deputy Head Mistress.

And be sure to LIKE Kate’s Facebook page for a chance to win an eCopy of Academy of Love, a $25 Victoria’s Secret gift card, T-shirt and tote bag, horseshoe charm necklace and a cute, preppy journal!

Here, Kate chose the five books that inspired her to write Academy of Love:

Dirty by Megan Hart

The first in the “Dan and Elle” series, Elle has spent her entire life being fiercely independent and satisfying her romantic needs with one-night stands–that is, until she meets Dan.

Riders by Jilly Cooper

This steamy book blows the lid off international show jumping, a sport where the brave horses are almost human, and the humans behave like animals.

Forever by Judy Blume

“I read this in high school and loved the sensual tone of the love scenes, the book has stayed with me every since I first read it.”

When Katharine and Michael meet at a New Years Ever Party, they decide they’ve found their “forever love.” But when their parents decide to test their love and force them apart for one summer, will their forever kind of love endure?

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

“This classic romance has that slow simmer of sexual tension.”

Powered by the dreams and struggles of three generations, The Thorn Birds is the epic saga of a family rooted in the Australian sheep country

Blush by Opal Carew

Hanna has always wanted to explore her wild side in the bedroom, but never had the chance. When J. M.–a Kama Sutra and Tantra master–enters her life, they embark on a sizzling path of discovery that leave Hanna wondering what she’s been missing all along.

Pinterest PS – You’ll blush when you see this Pinterest board inspired by Academy of Love!