Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 191

Diana Cosby: Nature’s Beauty – In The Forest (Contest)

©Diana Cosby 2020

Along with writing, I enjoy photography, and I’m continually amazed at the wide range of nature that I see.  During the spring, I’m always looking to see the newborn animals.  This year, I was fortunate enough to see this fox with her kit.

 

As well, I was thrilled to come upon this gorgeous young buck with his antlers just beginning to show.

 

A few weeks ago, while out in the forest, I came across a wild turkey.  Thankfully the sun was out when I took this photo so you can see the gorgeous colors of the turkey’s feathers.

 

I often see bunnies during my walks, but this spring I was fortunate to see my first ever grey bunny.

 

With temperatures warming, the dragonflies are out.  So far this year, I’ve seen brown, blue, red, and green dragonflies.  What is your favorite animal or bird that lives in the forest?

 

About the Author

A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense. Books in her award-winning MacGruder Brothers series have been translated into five languages. Diana has spoken at the Library of Congress, Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC, and appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happy Ever After,” MSN.com, Atlantic County Women Magazine, and Texoma Living Magazine.

After her career in the Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world. After the release of the bestselling MacGruder Brothers series and The Oath Trilogy, she released the bestselling The Forbidden Series.

Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.

Contest

***ONE winner will be drawn from everyone who posts on my guest blog post about, ‘Nature’s Beauty – In The Forest,’ on Delilah’s blog between 10 July 2020 – 19 July 2020.  The winner will receive a signed copy of His Woman .

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author

www.dianacosby.com

The Oath Trilogy

MacGruder Brother Series

The Forbidden Series

Ane Ryan Walker: Remembering my favorite rescue…

“Animal parenting is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect being.”

  Ane Ryan Walker

Before the quarantine began, my DH and I decided our RV adventures were over. We had traveled, volunteered, saw all the sights on our “bucket list” save one, and opted to retire permanently to the country.

If you followed my blog, you know I’m a dog person. I believe there is an inordinate amount of love and gratitude to be had from a rescue dog.

It was time to search for my new canine companion, a furry friend who would keep me company on lonely days and fill my retirement years with cute anecdotes with which I could amuse my friends. Despite the quarantine, dogs were still available for adoption. There is never a shortage of pups looking for their forever home.

Anyone who has ever rescued an animal will be the first to say there is no greater love than that of the animal on their way to the pound when you take ’em home forever.

I searched for months, pouring over the available canines within 100 miles of my house. Finally, after years of travel, I found myself with a generous piece of property, with a huge fenced in yard where a new puppy could play and still be safe.

Haunting the rescue sites, I determined the dog for me was older than 6 months but less than 2 years, who might still be trainable and who had a real shot at bonding with me and my DH. I set the criteria for my search based on Jake, my all-time favorite rescue.

Jake was just, well…unique.  He’d been abandoned in a very cruel fashion by his original owner who’d had a locator chip implanted, because he thought the dog was valuable.  But when Jake showed he had a mind of his own, the guy dropped the dog off in the sticks.  When the rescue people took him in, Jake was in sad shape. Bony, hostile, and aggressive, he fought with everyone about everything. Showing each and every handler he still had a mind of his own.

Handsome and charming, Jake was adopted on five separate occasions, only to be brought back to the temporary family each time.  Jake was touted to all potential rescuers as a lab and shepherd mix. But, in reality, he was the dog nobody wanted.

Except for me.

I did everything I could think of (and afford) to help Jake acclimate to our home,  We bought him the top-of-the-line dog bed cushion, specifically designed for large breed dogs to ease arthritic pains.

He ate two of them.

“He just won’t listen to me,” my DH complained.  “I like to take him for a walk, and he tries to eat people.”

“Who does he try to eat?”  I was, of course, concerned since there were a lot of young children in our neighborhood,

“Everybody.”

“Everybody?” I was a little bit skeptical since I also walked Jake once a day, and what he lacked in obedience he made up for in enthusiasm.

“Well, not everybody, but he’d eat the pizza delivery guy if I let him.”  My DH was attempting to leave the room, a clear sign he didn’t want to discuss the matter.

“Honey…” He never let me finish.

“He doesn’t want to eat the guy from the Chinese food place, but have you noticed we aren’t getting much mail.”

I was happy with less mail… Fewer bills was my thought.

These behaviors are most likely the reason we got four serious calls from the rescue agency, asking if we were keeping Jake. I found these phone calls more than a little disturbing, but I assumed it was because Jake had a mind of his own.

So, I sent Jake to board for six weeks with a world-renowned dog trainer. And, no I cannot tell you who it is. I promised never to share his name or shame with anyone.

You can see his picture on my blog page and trust me, the pic doesn’t do him justice.  He is, in short, a very handsome devil.  Also, he’s a Devil Dog.  With a mind of his own.

I thought once he’d been with us for over two years that we’d established a truce of sorts.  Or that at least there were some ground rules I could count on.  He sat when I told him, stayed when given the command, and didn’t try to get in my lap anymore; I mean, who wants an 85 lb. dog in their lap?

But he would occasionally show me how he’d endured on the streets and kept his dignity by drinking whatever I liked to drink when I got home from work. Usually, it’s ice water.

Typically, I don’t drink alcohol, but sometimes, you just need one stiff drink to bring you down from a super stressful day.  What’s better than adult beverages?

Nothing.

I had to believe Jake would second that opinion. Once, I’d walked away from the drink, and minutes later, I heard a strange noise coming from the other room.  A mysterious slurping sound.  I ran back to the living room, and there Jake is, drinking my bourbon and diet coke.  Now, I am a seriously unhappy camper.

“Get down!” I yelled, while he raised his head and smiled a little doggy smile.

He did not get down.

“Bad dog!”  I yelled.  He looked behind him to see who I was yelling at, and then he finished the drink, poised the glass on his nose, and jumped on the ottoman.

Now about two months before, we’d installed laminate floors in the main living areas of our house.  Do you know what happens when an 85 Lb. dog jumps on an ottoman on a slick surface?  Oh yes, they both slid thirty feet into the next room.

Sadly, the next room was a dining room with a glass on glass pedestal table capable of seating twelve.

And then, Jake decided he liked the new game.  So, he jumped down and slid—just the dog, wearing a tallboy cut crystal glass on his snout this time—nails scratching the floor, around the all-glass dining room table.  Then he let me chase him back into the living room where he mounted an assault on the ottoman once more.

I’d foolishly pushed it back into place while chasing the dog. When he finished sliding into the next room, he jumped up on the couch and began attacking the cushions.  He dropped the glass and grabbed a cushion and started shaking his head back and forth.  When he finally released it, it sailed over the couch, hitting me in the head.

Then he crouched down, challenging me to play.

Needless to say, I wasn’t in the mood.

I’d still had a tough day at work, and now, I was one cocktail short.

But he was a great dog, and I’m a soft touch, so I’d almost forgiven him when he started…well, there’s no way to say it politely…farting.  Which smelled like bourbon.  Now, before you get your shorts in a wad and scream animal cruelty, let me ask you something.

How would you have gotten a cocktail from an 85 lb. street savvy hound? (With very big teeth) Jake liked the drink, and the little romp in the parlor wore him out, so wanting to add insult to injury, he laid down, feet up, right there on the seat where I’d planned to relax, and promptly started snoring.

I think I finally understand why a world-renowned dog trainer asked me to take him home, three weeks before his training sessions were complete.  Jake has a mind of his own.

And the truth of the matter is, no other dog will ever replace him.

The only mistake today’s rescue people make is not offering me a solid black dog with a big toothy smile, and a mind of his own. So needless to say, the search continues for a canine companion.

Since, clearly, no one could ever replace Jake.

About the Author

Ane Ryan Walker is an author and adventurer who believes in Angels, Demons, Witches and Magic. She recently settled in Alabama, after traveling the country with her husband and living fulltime in her RV. Ane is a member of Womens Fiction Writers Association, Sisters in Crime, and former member of Romance Writers of America©.

Born and raised in the great northeast, she writes a fictional series Survivors of Salem, about the descendants of witches who survived the Salem Witch Trials. She is also currently working on books about fulltime RVing.

In addition to Return to Angels Cove, look for the second book in the Survivors of Salem, The Covenant.

A Puzzle & a Contest!

I have three blogs to keep up with, so it’s not hard to imagine me forgetting to get around to this one today, right? So, I’m a little late—that doesn’t mean we can’t still have some fun.

Solve the puzzle, and then tell me what’s hiding inside it for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card! Go wild!

Hot SEAL, Cold Feet is out!

Ready for the next great Hot SEAL story? Me, too! Becca Jameson’s Hot SEAL, Cold Feet is here! Get your copy today, and then settle in for the ride. All book links are below!

Hot SEAL, Cold Feet

He’s a former Navy SEAL in financial straits.

She’s a bar owner in need of a bouncer.

Perfect, right? Hardly.

When Jodi finds out her new bouncer is none other than Tucker, the man currently starring on a reality television show, she isn’t happy. She doesn’t want the publicity. Plus, she thinks he’s a fool. Who marries a stranger on television for money?

Tucker isn’t happy either. He’s in over his head in a farce of a marriage, but he needs the money the network is paying him. It’s nobody’s business why he’s working a night job in a bar at the same time.

Too bad the heat between them is incendiary. Hooking up is a huge mistake for them both, but some risks are worth it…

Order links below!

More Hot SEALS on the way! Pre-order now!

Hot SEAL, Bachelor Party by Elle James

Available Now!

Amazon: http://bit.ly/BPHSBPAMZ

iBooks: http://bit.ly/BPHSBPAPPLE

Nook: http://bit.ly/BPHSBPNOOK

Kobo: http://bit.ly/BPHSBPKOBO

Hot SEAL, Decoy Bride by Delilah Devlin

Available Now!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/36Ks291

APPLE: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1497210586

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hot-seal-decoy-bride-delilah-devlin/1136286286

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hot-seal-decoy-bride

Hot SEAL, Runaway Bride by Cat Johnson

Available Now!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hot-SEAL-Runaway-Bride-Romantic-ebook/dp/B07XB3J3QJ/

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/hot-seal-runaway-bride/id1462469622

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hot-seal-runaway-bride-cat-johnson/1132250756?ean=2940161402375

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hot-seal-runaway-bride

Hot SEAL, Cold Feet by Becca Jameson

Available Now!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084D76SXM/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i31

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hot-seal-cold-feet

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hot-seal-cold-feet-becca-jameson/1136295939?ean=2940163059751

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/hot-seal-cold-feet/id1497397358

Hot SEAL, Best Man by Parker Kincade

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2uTjL5m

Apple: https://smarturl.it/HSBMAPPLE

Nook: https://smarturl.it/HSBMBN

Kobo: https://smarturl.it/HSBMKOBO

Hot SEAL, Confirmed Bachelor by Cynthia D’Alba

Amazon: https://amzn.to/37L3U7B

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hot-seal-confirmed-bachelor

books2read.com: https://books2read.com/u/bpOKgk (THIS ONE LINKS TO ALL OF THEM)

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940163031887

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/hot-seal-confirmed-bachelor/id1497356729

Hot SEAL, Taking the Plunge by Teresa Reasor

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3b0zv7i

Apple: https://apple.co/2UiSZxV

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2UgX0TR

Nook: http://bit.ly/2RPwteo

Hot SEAL, Undercover Groom by MaryAnn Jordan

Amazon: https://smarturl.it/MaJGroomSSAmazon

Apple: https://smarturl.it/MaJGroomSSApple

Kobo: https://smarturl.it/MaJGroomSSKobo

Nook: https://smarturl.it/MaJGroomSSNook

16!

Our girl turned 16 today! Her mom and I sat up late last night on the back porch with her, talking about how time flies after a certain age, telling her to enjoy these years, don’t grow up too fast, etc. There was lots of laughter as we told stories on each other of just how awful we were as kids and how miraculous it was that neither of us did time… LOL. My grandaughter just shook her head. “If I did any of those things I’d be grounded until I was thirty!”

Ah, to be that young again. We gave her gifts first thing this morning, and now she’s in town getting her driver’s license. Ack! She has practiced a lot. She really is ready, but now we’ll be nervous wrecks every time she heads out the door…

Have you gone through this with your children or grandchildren? Are you “Nervous Nellies” too?

Sharing a Picture and Open Contests!

In between the rains, we did our own little fireworks thing last night. The little ones love the sparklers and poppers. Here’s the 6-year-old showing off her “technique”. See the streamers? Barely, I know.

We had a few of the bigger fireworks, but after the horses and dogs spooked and this kid declared she was scared by the loud noises, we decided we’d donate our leftovers to someone else. Next year, we’ll stick to the small stuff. We had to bring every dog we own into the house to hide in closets or under the beds. And the poor horses? They hid out in the barn. Not doing that to them, again. It was bad enough the neighbors up and down the road went at it until the wee hours of the morning. Life in the country!

These contests are still open! Enter while you can!

Come Play the Puzzle-Contest! — Win an Amazon gift card!
Rochelle Bradley: Summer Goals (Contest) — Too many prizes to list!

Happy Fourth of July!

2020’s past the midway hump. Can you believe it? It feels like the first six months lasted a decade! Here’s hoping for a better rest of the year!

Weather permitting, we plan to light some fireworks in the front yard, and then sit outside to watch the neighbors’ fireworks from afar as well. With COVID spiking all over the country, please be safe. Please mask/socially distance/wash your hands, if you go out. We will get through this if we all work together to keep each other safe.

Rochelle Bradley: Summer Goals (Contest)

Six Books—Seven Days

My family visits a small lake town for one week every summer. It’s near the eastern bank of Lake Michigan. We see spectacular sunsets, get to play in the cool water and damp sand, eat at favorite haunts (takeout this year), and go to the drive-in.

My vacation goal: read six books in seven days. I may be crazy, but I enjoy reading while sitting at the beach with my toes wiggling in the warm sand.

Is it cheating to read on the eight-hour drive from Dayton, OH? Usually, I can bust through most of the first book, if not the whole thing, on the way to the cabin. It says a lot about my prince’s driving because I used to get car sick while reading in a moving vehicle.

Why do I binge-read? The short answer: I love reading. The long answer: As an author, I spend most of my time writing, editing, or marketing my books. Vacation is a read-a-thon. I will leave my mask and hand sanitizer behind and travel to new towns, countries, or worlds, meet and fall in love with exciting characters, experience shenanigans, and enjoy happily ever afters.

This summer I have a sci-fi, a few paranormal books including an Ohio world of vamps & werewolves, a ghost train, a physic cold case investigator among others. Authors such as Aliya Dalrae, CJ Baty, Cynthia Carver, and Daniel Coldrspring…

The week is about family, relaxing, catching up on reading, and maybe catching a frog or turtle. I hope your summer goals are filled with summer reads.

Have a great Independence Day!

Here’s a deal for you that’s just in time for summer…

Contest

WIN A BUNDLE OF ROMANTIC COMEDY & A BRAND NEW EREADER! PLUS 60 BOOKS! 

A Puzzle and Many Open Contests!

Before I run more contests here, we need to close out some older ones! So, look below for the links to the offers!

In the meantime, here’s a puzzle. Something to while away a little time. If you’re homebound for now, here’s my contribution to your mental health.

In One Picture: Reina Torres’s “Far from Over” (Contest at Collections website!)

Psst! We’re beginning a fun thing over on Delilah’s Collections, which involves the authors of FIRST RESPONSE. I’m repeating the blog here, so you see what we’re up to, but the contest itself, and future “In One Picture” posts, will happen over there!

“Far from Over” by Reina Torres

They missed their chance at the academy, but after she rescues him from a pile of rubble, a fireman decides it’s time to make her burn for him

From “Far from Over”…

Smokin’ Joe’s Bar wasn’t his normal haunt. Center City was a few hundred feet smaller than Chicago, not that Chi-town let them forget the difference. Still, Center City was big enough to house a handful of bars frequented by firefighters, but beyond that, Joe’s was one of two bars owned and run by firefighters.

It had probably been a great place to get together a few years ago, but the decorations inside looked like they hadn’t changed much since the Marlboro man was big. And he was still hanging on one of the walls. Things were clean and well kept, just old. Just go to any bar that was packed on a night like this and you’d see why they were packed. Joe’s had just gotten stuck in the past, but he wasn’t there for the decorations of even the liquor. He was there for one reason, Gina Ferrer. She was bartender in Joe’s every night she wasn’t working at Station Five.

Just $0.99!!

Order your e-copy here:

Kindle | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

Get your print copy!

Contest happening now over on the Collections site:

Is there a bar in a movie/TV series/or book that you wish you could visit?

Name it for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!