Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 194
June 12, 2020
Megan Ryder: Claiming Lyla (Contest–4 Winners!)
Hi! My name is Megan Ryder, and thank you for having me back on the blog for another chance to talk about my books. Today, I’m thrilled to talk a little bit about making the transition between contemporary and paranormal romance.
I’ve been writing for a long time (longer than I care to admit) and I’ve been writing contemporary romance for most of that time. I’m published with a few books including sexy baseball heroes, a matchmaking bride and her bridesmaids, and lately, cowboys. While I love all of those, my first love has always been paranormal romances, especially shifters, but I was always hesitant to make the shift (pun intended) to a new genre. When I heard about this anthology, my short story popped into my head completely formed as a prequel to my series and the perfect way to test my skills.
My story centers around a female shifter who is trapped into running from a group of alpha males who want to forcibly claim her as a mate, only to run into another alpha who offers to save her. The only problem is – he really IS her mate and she doesn’t want a mate at all.
In paranormal romance, I wanted to deal with the concept of consent, because “fated mates” being a trope in the genre often blurs the lines for consent. In this story, I wanted her to be a strong alpha female and her mate to be willing to see her that way and accept her and look for her consent, even as their natures want them to mate.
It was fun playing with the paranormal world, setting up the shifter structure and society, and dealing with the biology, too. And I slipped in something I thought was relevant to our current times.
Check out the snippet below and let me know what you think.
Contest
For my giveaway, let me know if you like the “fated mates” trope, where characters have one and only one mate for them (and often they know it and can’t fight it for long). I’m giving away 2 electronic copies of the anthology – First Response (given on release day) – and 2 $10 gift cards to Amazon.
Excerpt from “Claiming Lyla”
A she-wolf being hunted by pack males during a claiming rite is rescued by a rogue alpha determined to make her his own, despite her desire to be independent…
Lyla folded her arms in front of her, a defensive gesture, closing herself off from him, while plumping up her full breasts so they strained against the lace. “What do you want?”
He cocked his head at the howls growing closer. “You don’t have much time, or much of a choice, sweetheart. You either deal with me or them. And trust me, I’m the lesser of your evils.”
A laugh broke from her throat, a raw, harsh sound that held no humor. “I’d prefer none of you. Why can’t you leave me alone, you bastards? You want me to just roll over and spread my legs like a good little bitch. Well, fuck that.”
He winced at her harsh tone and steeled himself. A breeze picked up her scent and tickled his senses with it, and his cock hardened further, painfully. His wrists burned hotter under the skin, prickling like a thousand fine needles that made him want to scratch an itch. Nothing would appease the sensation, he feared. He cursed under his breath. Fuck. Not the best time to find his mate. Not here. Not in this goddamn situation. This night had just gone to shit, and now the bonds were pulling him in even tighter.
June 11, 2020
In a Woman’s Utopia…
Psst! There are still several ongoing contests! See yesterday’s post to enter!
Public service announcement out of the way… So what do you want to talk about today? Something not news-related, because we’re all watching it and shaking our heads, and it’s nice to have something trivial to discuss… So, how about “Spring Cleaning” since many of us are spending so much time inside…? Not sexy enough? How about we decide what that would look like in Utopia? What chores would you consign to your Significant Other, or does he/she already do his/her fair share? (And I know I put a pic of a guy in this post, but he looks goofy!)
I know, in our house, my dd, her oldest girl, and myself are the only ones motivated to improve our spaces. It takes nagging and very pointed orders for the males to move their butts. Sure, they’ll take out the trash—mostly without being asked. Um…I’m really thinking hard here for things they do voluntarily. Usually, Kelly has her daily Honey Do list, so maybe the fact she always has one is the issue…?
In Utopia, what chores would you push off to your SO? And have fun with it. What would be his “housework uniform”? Huh? Not fun enough? What would you be willing to exchange if he decided he’d rather not do the dishes? Hmmm?
June 10, 2020
Check out ALL these ongoing CONTESTS! And a Puzzle!
Flea Market Finds and a Puzzle & a Contest! — This offer ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
Bragging a little about what I’ve been learning… (Contest) — Win your choice of my recent releases!
Delilah Devlin: What’s Coming? Contests! Excerpts! (Contest–3 Winners!) — Win a Bad Boy Anthology!
Michal Scott: The $5.00 Kiss of Life (Excerpt & Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
Ava Cuvay: The Tentacle Dilemma (Contest — 4 Winners!) — Win an anthology or a cool T-shirt!
A Puzzle
I’m currently posting three different blogs a day. It’s TIME-CONSUMING. Plus, I have numerous editing gigs, all stacked in a row (I’ll finish one today). Then I have my own writing to do. I’ll finish a shorty this week, finish collating an anthology by the end of the weekend (cross my fingers, hope to die), and I’ve started my next Bounty Hunter story!!
Think that’s enough to keep my busy for a while? Sheesh.
So, if I’m a little “light” on content here today, no worries. YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT AVA CUVAY’S VERY FUN POST ABOUT TENTACLE SEX! Yes, I said it. Tentacle sex. Ava has a story inside my anthology that will blow your mind. She actually makes it incredibly sexy… Want to see what she has to say about her story? Head over here: Ava Cuvay: The Tentacle Dilemma (Contest — 4 Winners!)
And here’s your puzzle!
June 9, 2020
Hot SEAL, Runaway Bride by Cat Johnson is here!
Ready for the next great Hot SEAL story? Well, Cat Johnson’s Hot SEAL, Runaway Bride is here! Get your copy today, and then settle in for the ride. All book links are below!
Hot SEAL, Runaway Bride
Friends? No. Enemies? Maybe. Lovers? Never!
Ten years ago the hot but cocky Navy SEAL went from ignoring her, to kissing her, to rejecting her.
Now the last thing she wants is his help, even if he is willing and uniquely qualified to give it.
And she really doesn’t want to want him . . .
She was the girl next door. Too young. Too tempting. Too off limits.
Ten years later, she’s all grown up and all woman.
He steered clear of her then. But now?
Now is a different story entirely . . .
Hot SEAL, Runaway Bride is a standalone boy-next-door, enemies-to-lovers, second-chance, laugh out loud romantic comedy featuring a sexy Navy SEAL, the stubborn neighbor girl, a really bad reality TV show, and a romance a decade in the making.
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
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
June 8, 2020
Punting to my other website! And there’s a CONTEST involved!
Today, I’m launching a countdown of posts and prizes on my Collections website! Don’t know what that is? Well, it’s a long story, but it’s a site that’s not all about me!!! It’s about the anthologies and the authors who have written for them. First Response releases at the end of this month, and the authors and I want to tell you about who we are and what our stories are about. Today, there’s a contest with THREE WINNERS, so be sure to drop by and comment!
Where to go? Delilah Devlin: What’s Coming? Contests! Excerpts! (Contest–3 Winners!)
June 7, 2020
Bragging a little about what I’ve been learning… (Contest)

If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know that I’ve been working on a couple of art challenges during my self-isolation: the #100dayproject, where I produce some piece of art every single day; and #icad2020, where I do something artful on an index card every single day. I have to post every single day, which keeps me motivated.
I’ve always dabbled. I made jewelry for a long time because I considered myself a crafter only. But I always wanted to paint. The thing was, I was surrounded by really good painters—my mother, the art guild I belong to—so, I was hesitant to even try, because I really can’t sketch a thing. However, I began doodling last year, and then adding watercolor blotches to doodle on top of…and now, I’m painting. Not anything that will ever hang in a museum, and mostly quirky things or abstract things. However, it’s giving me a lot of joy. So, I thought I’d share some of the pieces I’ve created over the last couple of months.
This is my comfort zone—more “water-doodles” like the school of fish above.
I’ve been trying out different kinds of paints. This postcard is done in NeoColor crayons and pen. I’ll love mailing that to someone!
This is a bookmark I colored using soft pastels, another new thing I’m trying out.
And now, I’m combining what I’m learning with something I already love doing. These are handpainted blanks I’ll use to make earrings! Cool, right!?
So, a question! Is there something you’ve really, really wanted to try but either don’t have the confidence or the time to pursue? Answer for a chance to win a download of your choice of one of my recent releases!
These contests are still open!
Flashback: Quincy (Contest–3 Winners! Plus an Excerpt!) — This offer ends soon! Win a free story!
Flea Market Finds and a Puzzle & a Contest! — Win an Amazon gift card!
Bragging a little about what I’ve been learning…

If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know that I’ve been working on a couple of art challenges during my self-isolation: the #100dayproject, where I produce some piece of art every single day; and #icad2020, where I do something artful on an index card every single day. I have to post every single day, which keeps me motivated.
I’ve always dabbled. I made jewelry for a long time because I considered myself a crafter only. But I always wanted to paint. The thing was, I was surrounded by really good painters—my mother, the art guild I belong to—so, I was hesitant to even try, because I really can’t sketch a thing. However, I began doodling last year, and then adding watercolor blotches to doodle on top of…and now, I’m painting. Not anything that will ever hang in a museum, and mostly quirky things or abstract things. However, it’s giving me a lot of joy. So, I thought I’d share some of the pieces I’ve created over the last couple of months.
This is my comfort zone—more “water-doodles” like the school of fish above.
I’ve been trying out different kinds of paints. This postcard is done in NeoColor crayons and pen. I’ll love mailing that to someone!
This is a bookmark I colored using soft pastels, another new thing I’m trying out.
And now, I’m combining what I’m learning with something I already love doing. These are handpainted blanks I’ll use to make earrings! Cool, right!?
So, a question! Is there something you’ve really, really wanted to try but either don’t have the confidence or the time to pursue? Answer for a chance to win a download of your choice of one of my recent releases!
These contests are still open!
Flashback: Quincy (Contest–3 Winners! Plus an Excerpt!) — This offer ends soon! Win a free story!
Flea Market Finds and a Puzzle & a Contest! — Win an Amazon gift card!
June 6, 2020
Flea Market Finds and a Puzzle & a Contest!
I feel rejuvenated! Yesterday, I began my day by editing some stories and painting my daily challenge pieces. Then the rest of the day was spent celebrating! My dd and my SIL have birthdays just a few days apart, so we held a family birthday celebration. We all dressed in 80’s fashion—my dd wore a fishnet glove and lacy headband with big black jewelry like Madonna; my SIL wore short shorts and a too-big white tank like Richard Simmons. All the girls, including me, had big hair and neon makeup. The 15-year-old made finger foods; we ate cupcakes. Then we spent a good two hours in the pool together. Pure heaven.
This morning, we headed to the flea market—our first shopping excursion that wasn’t a one-person run-in-and-grab or a curbside delivery. We all masked and used hand sanitizer. I sanitized the shopping cart, and off we went. Of course, we found treasures that went straight into the wash and sink when we got home. What was sad, to me, was how few people there took those same kinds of precautions. I really, really wanted to walk up to “the unmasked” and tell them, “You can thank me for my consideration,” (a passive-aggressive move, I know) but I figured it was a waste of breath.
June 5, 2020
June 4, 2020
I don’t want to do nuthin’…
My ex said there was an old Irish saying that went like this: Never do today what you can do next year.
Yeah, that’s his sense of humor. Born and bred Irish. It’s why we’re still great friends.
Today’s one of those days. It started off well. I got out of bed at 6:30 AM. I decided to try to catch up on artwork for the two challenges I’m participating in. I completed them and was sitting down at my computer to begin my “real work” day when my daughter came downstairs in a tizzy to remind me we had dental appointments.
We had both completely forgotten, which meant no time to shower (ew!) and barely enough time to brush our teeth before we hurried into town. That was a long ordeal due to the COVID precautions—time to sterilize in between, waivers, etc.
Once we came back, I sat back down at my computer, but one of those “70’s stars—Where are they now?” popped up on my news screen when I first opened it up, and an hour later I was dozing in front of my screen.
Now, it’s time for a late lunch…maybe a swim…don’t I need to vacuum? You get the picture. Anything but what I need to do to keep on track. I have tons of items on my To Do list to tackle, but…really, can’t I take a “do-over” tomorrow?
What do you think?