Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 203
March 14, 2020
Just another Saturday (Puzzle)
At least, we’re trying to make it that way.
I’m under self-quarantine. At my daughter’s insistence. The kids have been briefed several times about handwashing, not touching things when they’re out and about, not touching their faces, coughing into their elbows… And we all have coughs at the moment, but we’re also sneezing, which means, most likely, we have our seasonal allergies hitting us hard. After all, the pollen has started to drop.
We canceled a weekend trip to New Orleans and are planning to stay at home. So, of course, we’re planning on lots of movie nights, game nights, etc. We’re stocking up on popcorn. 
March 13, 2020
Liberty Ireland: An Introduction! (Contest)
Happy Almost Spring from North Texas! I’m Liberty Ireland – Book Wrangler, Aspiring Author, and Super Mom and Wife. I’m so grateful Delilah gave me the reins for the day and I’m glad to meet y’all!
I find that whether we are a reader, reviewer or author, one thing binds us all together – our great love of reading books. I can remember my parents reading to me at bedtime, my Mom always taking us to the library for their Summer Reading fun and choosing a family book to read on road trips. As a teen, I’d leave my door open while doing homework so I could hear my Mom read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing to my brother. I excelled in English throughout my schooling because of my reading and fell madly in love with Rhett Butler, Shakespeare, Atticus Finch and the like. Right about then I discovered Romances and Fabio but somewhere along the way of becoming an adult, reading became less and less of an escape and priority for me.
Eventually, along came Stephanie Meyer and Edward and Becca Fitzpatrick and Patch to whom I will be forever grateful for reinstilling in me that passion for reading. Now I read almost exclusively Romance with many favorite subgenres ranging from Historical to Western to Romantic Suspense to Dark and Twisty. I have hundreds of favorite authors and have learned that I have several favorite tropes as well. I have even rediscovered my desire to be an author.
What about you, Dear Reader? How did you become a reader and/or what are some of your favorites?
Leave an answer below, and on March 21st I’ll choose a random winner of a $10 Amazon or B&N gift card (US only)
From the unedited Prologue of my WIP:
…Jake took a deep breath and knew he had to follow through on what he’d planned. Coming over here today was for the last time. He knew how hurt she’d be when she discovered his deceit and that he wasn’t coming back but it was for the best. Her heart would heal in time and she would find someone who could give her all the things she deserved – a stable home life, a man that worshipped the ground she walked on and a bunch of kids just as beautiful as her.
She stirred as he leaned over and kissed her. He tenderly watched her as she relaxed again into a deeper slumber then he eased up off the quilt she’d
put down for them. As he put his shirt and boots back on, he knew he was doing the right thing. It just sucked that he had to hurt her in order to do it.
He trudged through the rain to his truck and started it up. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and hit redial.
“Mr. Sanders? Jake Peterson. I wanted to let you know that if your offer is still open, I’d love to join the PBR tour. Yes sir, I can leave right after I grab my trailer and put my horse in it. Yes, I know where that is. Okay, I’ll see you there.”
Jake hung up and put the truck in gear. He looked up to where his Panda was sleeping. “Go on and live your life Sugar, the way it is meant to be lived.”
He kissed his fingers and blew it in her direction then he slowly pulled out.
Historical Graffiti.blog | Dark ‘N Twisty Books.com | ACME Teen Books – Kids, YA, & NA Too!.com
March 12, 2020
Just a little public plea for your attention…
This space is supposed to be fun—sexy excerpts, new releases, puzzles, games…fun. Well, today, I’m going to get serious.
I’m an avid news watcher—many different news channels and newspapers every day, and not just US news. What I’ve been reading over the last weeks has me very concerned for my family, myself…you.
Last night, I went to bed a little late and did my usual scrolling through Twitter to see what was happening in the world. The more I read, the less sleepy I was. Suddenly, my daughter DM’d (direct messaged) me. She and the 15-year-old girl had been exchanging messages back and forth. (Which is hilarious all by itself, because we live in the same house!) They were both a bit freaked out. We met on the back patio while everyone else slept to talk about it. Mind you, this was 11:30 at night. I brought a pen for a grocery list. Because the only thing we could do for ourselves, at that moment, was to decide what we needed to have on hand if we self-quarantined.
Yes, self-quarantined. As in doing something to try to prevent the spread of the virus to our family members—and no, I’m not some weird prepper, although now, I’m thinking they’re better prepared than the rest of us. With list in hand, for things like toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, home cleansers, Dinty Moore stew cans, rice, beans, decongestant, cough syrup, cough drops, etc., the two of them headed off to Walmart. Being over 60, I’m no longer allowed to go out and about unless I absolutely have to!
This is what the TP shelves looked like last night at Walmart…
So, I know there are a lot of you who think people are going crazy. But what if there’s something to this? What if there is something you could do now to keep you and your family safe? Information is key.
When Germany’s leader tells her people that 2 out of every 3 Germans are projected to be infected… When Congress’s own medical staff tells them that 70 to 150 MILLION Americans can be infected… Maybe we should take some precautions.
I’ve heard things like, “It’s just another flu.” Well, flu’s been around a while. We have some immunity—and immunizations. The Novel Coronavirus (novel means NEW) is something we have no immunity built up inside us. It spreads far fast. It lives up to 3 days on surfaces and for hours in the air after an infected person exhales. The incubation period appears to be 4 days, but you can appear asymptomatic for a long while! Which means everyone you come in contact with after that fourth day following exposure could be infected—by you! And it’s not just an old person’s disease. If you smoke, if you’re fat, if you have an immune system deficiency… All are factors in mortality.
But let’s not talk mortality rates…oh, hell. Let’s do. With the present statistical mortality rate applied to the figure that the experts think will be the total infected, we’re talking hundreds of thousands, maybe millions.
So, I’m taking a deep breath. This isn’t seasonal flu, which seems to die off when the weather gets warm. This is the new pandemic. It’s related to SARS—remember that scare a few years back? This is more virulent! But don’t take my word. Listen to an expert who’s a guest on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Joe isn’t a “Democratic hoaxter” (Coronavirus is no hoax!). He’s a libertarian, and actually, a pretty smart guy. I’m sharing this podcast because the guy he has on is easy to understand. Listen to what the expert says. Let it scare the pants off you. Then take steps.
If this turns out to be a big “nothing burger”, then you don’t have to buy TP until the next millennium! No worries. If it’s as dire as the experts say, we need to be ready.
I’d love to hear whether you’re doing anything to get ready. Or whether you think this will all go away. No snarking, folks! Let’s just talk.
March 11, 2020
Flashback: Slow Rider (Contest–2 Winners!)
I’m pleased to see that the number of subscribers to my blog is growing! You’re discovering that there’s always something happening here! Whether it’s seeing what other authors are giving you in the way of new stories or playing puzzles or entering to win prizes—there is always something new. Thanks for stopping by and being a part of this romance writer’s community! If you haven’t already subscribed, check out the left-hand column of this page and do it now! ~DD
Flashback: Slow Rider (Contest–2 Winners!)
When Joe Chavez and fellow sheriff’s deputy, Logan Ross, pull over a speeding motorcycle in the middle of the night, neither is particularly shocked to find Paraiso’s wild child, Sarah Michelson, riding bare-assed naked, nor are they surprised when she invites them to join her in a sexy threesome.
Talking her way out of an embarrassing date with the county judge, who just happens to be her daddy, Sarah promises the officers the ride of their lives. Having the men turn the tables on her and introduce her to some scary D/s play, she learns some things about herself she never suspected. Too bad Joe will never see her as anything but a sexy hell cat in need of taming…
Contest
Comment on this post to win your choice of one of the books in the Texas Cowboys series! This series is a very sexy set of stories set in a small town in Texas, where cowboys and lawmen are “bound & determined” to win their ladies any way they can!
Here are all the stories in the Texas Cowboy series!
Click on the covers to learn more!
March 10, 2020
Tell me a story… (Contest)
I have a challenge for you! And I can’t wait to see what you will do with it!
See the picture below? Well, you tell me a story based on that photo. I’m not saying it has to be a good story or even longer than a sentence. I’m not judging your writing. Just have fun with this photo prompt. Everyone, play! Comment for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!
March 9, 2020
Just another manic Monday… (Puzzle & a Song)
Dreading the day? Hate the fact it’s the beginning of the work week? Well, let me help you begin the week with a smile.
March 8, 2020
Diana Cosby: Nature – Continual Inspiration For My Muse (Contest)
Psst! There’s still an open contest and a FREE READ!
Be sure to scroll down to see! ~DD
©Diana Cosby 2020
With each book I write, I’m continually inspired by nature. Recently, I had a pair of Baltimore Orioles visit. They’re stunning birds, and I’ll miss them once they continue their journey north.
As hints of spring fill the air, with flowers beginning to nudge through the earth, and migration starting, I’m keeping watch for birds as they travel through, including the Blue Grosbeaks.
Walking through the woods, fragrant with the scent of pine, I spot birds that I see year-round, like the chickadee.
On a recent visit to the marsh, with the scent of salt and the sea filling the air, I saw these gorgeous does at the edge of the woods.
I enjoy watching the sunrise. There’s something magical about when the first rays stream through the sky, slowly illuminating the land. With the beauty that unfolds, as I never know what I’m going to see, each morning’s sunrise is like a gift. With each day, regardless of where I go, nature’s beauty surrounds me, and the sights, scents, and sounds are continual inspiration for my muse.
About Diana Cosby
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 in 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, The Oath Trilogy, and the first four books of The Forbidden Series, she’s now preparing for the release of book #5, Forbidden Realm, on 14 April, 2020.
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 – Continual Inspiration For My Muse,’ on Delilah’s blog between 8 March 2020 – 15 March 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
Forbidden Series: Forbidden Legacy/Forbidden Knight/Forbidden Vow/Forbidden Alliance/Forbidden Realm April 14, 2020
March 7, 2020
What do dogs and kimchi have to do with my day…?
Did I mention how many dogs we have? My mother had four when she passed away—two Yorkies and two Shelties. My dd has two Jack Russels, a German shepherd, an Anatolian shepherd, a pit bull mix, and a Great Pyrenees. Needless to say, it’s been interesting blending our family dogs.
We thought we had it managed. The two largest dogs, the Pyrenees, and the Anatolian were thrown into the pasture with the horses, with the barn cracked open for them to sleep in the hay. Well, this morning, one of them was missing.
Of course, we wondered whether a horse had killed him. So, my dd and the 15-year-old male walked the property, looking in any hollow, behind every tree for a body. Then we found a section of fence that was bent beneath a fallen tree and figured he might have escaped. They drove down the highway, into a neighboring subdivision, but no Troy.
Then my dd’s old neighbors said they saw a large tan dog lounging on her old front porch…
Gah. A morning consumed worried about the dog. No more pasture. Now, we have a menagerie of animals in our large front yard. I feel for anyone who comes through the gate.
It’s lunchtime, and I decided to make myself persona non grata, so I could have some peace and quiet. How did I accomplish that?
March 6, 2020
Red Dawn (FREE Read!)
It’s Friday! You have the entire weekend ahead of you to do what you love most. For me, that would be writing my next story! But realistically, it will also mean cleaning out the pool shed and starting the long process of cleaning the pool before the hot weather comes in April! I’m being optimistic about that. Generally, I freeze my butt off getting into the pool in April! (But I still do it!)
Anyways, since you’ll be eager to kick off your reading spree, here’s something short and sexy that will transport you to another, nearby world. Just click on the cover to get your FREE copy of Red Dawn!
Happy reading!
Red Dawn
A colonist living on a lonely Martian plain receives her new mate, a man culled from among the newly transported convicts…
And if you loved this short story, I have many more: Short Stories
March 5, 2020
Characters in Dead Horse, MT (Contest)
I’m scribbling down ideas for the new bounty hunter office in Dead Horse, MT. Now, I need to cast my characters. New hunters to add, for sure. New townsfolk to populate the place. I want to “build out” the town more than I did in the original Bear Lodge town. Dead Horse is located close to Yellowstone, so I have to keep that in mind. In addition to hunters, I’m thinking local sheriff, deputies, ranchers, cowboys, diner waitress and cook, football coach, etc. People you expect to “see” in a small town, and some of the seedier folks, too, who can be part of the scene my hunters operate inside.
So, for fun, and for a prize, how about you make some suggestions. I might not use your idea, but it might spark an idea for me. And if you do see your character in the pages of one of my stories, you can have bragging rights!
