Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 358

Deborah Bogart: Organizing Creative Chaos in the New Year

New Year’s Resolutions. 

Ahhh…Just the sound of those three words make my writer’s heart thump with anticipation. A new year and all the lovely manuscripts I could knock out. Oh, the possibilities are endless. Two books in a year. No, four books! Heck, why limit myself? I could write ten books! By December, I could have two complete series filling up my Amazon Author’s page.

This year could be the best ever and I absolutely love setting goals: making timelines, creating word count milestones, you name it. Yeah, I’m that person. The good-intention over-achiever, the one who has great plans and those plans are color-coded and just plain pretty. I love setting those goals…in December. I’m full speed ahead immediately after the holidays. I’m distracted by mid-January, but still revved up and planning to hit the jackpot. Then February rolls around and my writing machine crashes to a halt.

This year I’m doing something new. I’ve still written a detailed Action Plan for my next manuscript that will fit into my ultra-busy life and help me finish the final draft of my 50K word novel in three months (for 2016, I settled on writing “only” four books, one final draft every quarter). I go in depth into my Action Plan over here.

But in an effort to avoid the answer to the inevitable question next December from my nosy aunt as to why she can’t find that new series I was going to write on Amazon, I’m not just setting rigorous goals—I’m giving myself an effing break.

This year will be different because I’m putting less emphasis on actually achieving all that is written in my Action Plan, and more emphasis on truly enjoying the process. Am I going to accomplish my goals just because I detailed everything about all four books? Maybe not, but I didn’t get into writing just to write about planning it.

Aside from giving myself a break from the pressure and disappointment of failing to meet my New Year’s Resolutions, I’m looking deeper into what hijacks my plans to literary stardom, and, more importantly, what truly motivates me as a writer.

One of my favorite quotes is actually song lyrics from The Eagles. “So often times it happens we live our lives in chains and never even know we have the key.” We all have “chains” (read: responsibilities, phobias) that prevent us from doing what we believe will make us happy/successful.

Aside from working at a demanding 40+ hour a week job, I still have many distractors: reading books, celebrity gossip, watching two daytime soap operas five days a week, and, oh, yeah, babysitting my nieces and nephew.

Some are unavoidable (like family obligations), but what about other things that don’t put food on the table and keep a roof over my head? Celebrity dirt? Watching soap operas? I think about all the time wasted watching soap operas that never end the way I want them to anyway. All these distractors turn into chains that keep me from being a truly productive writer.

And when I say a productive writer, I don’t just mean an organized writer. I mean a writer who can truly, deeply get 100% lost (in the best way possible) in the creative process of writing. As writers we are well aware of the almost blissful state that comes with being swept away by our own words, which never truly feel like our own words. It’s like some other being is feeding them to us and we’re simply the messenger.

We all know that feeling and it’s an amazing feeling. So why would we keep ourselves from that? Why would we deprive ourselves of that blissfulness by wasting mindless hours in front of the boob tube?

I guess that’s truly my New Year’s Resolution: Finding the balance somewhere between the organization and the creative chaos of it all.

This year I’m giving myself a break by accepting that it’s okay to want to go through the extensive process of detailing what happens next in my story and book series—because that’s important to me so that I don’t write myself into a corner. I’m giving myself a break and giving myself a mental vacation to go where the characters and the worlds take over.

What worlds did you deprive yourself of in 2015? What organization tips and tricks are you picking up in 2016? Let everyone know in the comments.

Happy New Year and Happy Writing!

Check out my website at www.deborahbogart.com to find out more about upcoming releases and to read an excerpt from Love Me to Death, the first in the paranormal romance series Blood & Magic. Amazon: Love Me to Death

Sandi Brackeen: Digging Up The Past

The New Year is upon us, much more quickly than I am ever quite prepared for, but book one of the new Tales from Atlantis series is out, and I thought a little background on the Tales was in order since the first books don’t focus that much on Atlantis itself.  They focus more on what would happen if Atlantis returned.

I’ve always been fascinated with stories of Atlantis and magic, and I’m a big fan of Urban Fantasy like Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake, and Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan, so it was natural for me to write Urban Fantasy.  Riley’s world came into being about 10 years ago when I heard about a contest where writers were asked to write stories based on what would happen if magic returned to the earth.

I didn’t write a story for the contest.  You have to overcome ‘life’ to make time to write, but the idea stuck with me.  Then it started growing until now it has developed into a whole world populated with characters who are sometimes a little different and don’t always follow the plan I have for them, but they wouldn’t be any fun if they did.  They do get the person, however, and I hope you’ll like them.

At the time of Digging Up the Past, Atlantis has been back for about 200 years, just long enough for those with magical bloodlines to become what they would have been had Atlantis not sunk.  Riley was raised in a shape shifter clan since her father was a shape shifter by birth.  Her mother, however, had originally been a witch, as had her grandmother on her mother’s side.  She takes after her mother, although her mother began to be able to shift shapes shortly after Riley’s parents were married.

Riley’s work with DUE started after her brother was killed by her then fiancé in a drug deal gone bad.  That betrayal started Riley on a new life where she uses her empathic and witchcraft skills in spite of not being able to shift shapes like a proper shape shifter should.  Initially, anger drove her quest for revenge until she saw her lying killer of a boyfriend put away for life.  After that, she was just angry with all drug dealers until Giles Walker of DUE heard about the vigilante who was taking out drug dealers and brought her into DUE.  At the time of the events in this story, Riley has been with DUE for about 3 years.

Excerpt:

Immortality? Now that’s tempting. Throw in an army of the dead, and hey, any evil overlord would kill for that package.

When the Homeland Security Service’s Department of Unusual Events, or DUE, assigned my partner, Jason, and me to this case, the file said the spade we were looking for was valued at eighteen million dollars and belonged to the Peruvian government. Stolen during shipment from Peru to the local university, the spade, along with a number of the other artifacts uncovered on a dig site in Peru, was scheduled for study here. According to our file, the HSS believed it had been stolen for financial gain or, perhaps, to cause an international incident. Not our usual type of case, but not unheard of either.

What the file didn’t mention was that this wasn’t just any gold spade. This was the Spade of Apocatequil. Peruvian legend has it that anywhere Apocatequil stuck this spade in the ground, people sprang up. Now, the spade is believed to grant the holder immortality and the power to raise the dead. Minor omission.

My cover on this assignment was that of a college student. I also worked as a dog walker for the Bradens, who were our primary suspects, so every afternoon, Angel, the Bradens’ German shepherd, and I made the two-block walk to the dog park near the Bradens’ house.

When I pulled in at the house, I could tell no one was home. The Bradens would be at the local dig site until at least dark, getting set for the summer dig, and it wasn’t unusual for Keesha, the Bradens’ daughter, and Mena, the operative from Cerberus Security who’s been acting as her nanny, to be out in the early afternoon. I clipped the leash on Angel and we headed for the park.

Oh, as for why they should be our primary suspects, that’s the easy part. John Braden was the American archaeologist on the Peruvian dig. His wife, Sonya, was the lead anthropologist on that same dig, and that put them at the top of the list of suspects. That placement was further supported by the fact that someone else believed they had the spade. Our file also indicated that things had been stolen from other dig sites when they were in charge. The hard part was that there was no evidence, solid or otherwise, that they took the spade, or that they were involved in any of the other thefts.

*~*~*

Author Bio:

Sandi lives in Texas with three roommates, two Yellow Labs, a Shepherd/Border Collie mix, two terrier mixes and assorted other critters.  The animals were primarily rescues.  Sandi’s full time job is as the Public Information Officer for the local Sheriff’s Office, and she teaches English part time at the local Community College.

She says she has a couple of degrees from the University of North Texas lying around somewhere, and she’s been writing ever since she can remember.  Sandi took time off for work and school, and previously her writing has been more geared toward short stories and academic papers.

Sandi publishes a newsletter and several articles a month in her current position, but she has now added writing fiction and currently has several more books in the works.

www.sandibrackeen.com

iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/digging-up-the-past/id1022527729?mt=11

Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/digging-up-the-past-sandi-brackeen/1100322121?ean=9781620159590

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Digging-Up-Past-Tales-Atlantis-ebook/dp/B012EHKCNQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438312045&sr=8-1&keywords=sandi+brackeen

Do you judge a book by its cover? (Contest)

I picked the image. My sister played with it to fit all the text bits in there. When it’s up on Amazon, it will have a little white Kindle World button in the bottom left. This book will be #5 in my Uncharted SEALs series. Do you like it? Does he look ready for anything? Sis tried to cover up his hands in her first versions of the cover. Can you imagine that?!

I’m keeping that image front and center as I write the story. Yeah, I’m in chapter one at the moment. Baby, It’s You has to be up in Kindle Worlds by the 20th for our January 26th release date. I’m cutting it a little close. Since I have to write fast, I decided to stay closer to my comfort zone with this one. Most of the story will take place on a Texas ranch as my SEAL woos the woman he “done wrong.”

I think his name is Carter Vance. I’ve been calling him that for the first few pages. I’m not sure where the name came from, but when the heroine thought about him, that was the name she plucked for me to use. Does he look like a Carter?

So, my question today, should you decide to play, is whether a book cover matters to you. And what do you think of this one? If I placed a plain brown wrapper on my story, would you buy it? Or do you get sucked in by a sexy man or woman staring back at you? Answer for a chance to win a free copy of one of the prequel books to Baby, It’s You in the Uncharted SEALs series.

Sabrina York: Susana and the Scot

Hello my darlings! I am thrilled to share the news about my recent release, a scorching Highland Romp titled Susana and the Scot.

I had a great time writing the Untamed Highlander Series, but the best part of it all was visiting Scotland for research. (Ahem, that is my story and I am sticking to it!)

I had a bucket list of things I wanted to do and I am pleased to say I accomplished them all! Here are my top 5!

#5 TRY HAGGIS. I’ve heard so much about it. We all have. I just HAD to try it. Here is the picture of me with it. I’ll let you decide if you think I enjoyed it!

#4 GO ON A TRAIN RIDE. I have always been in love with the romance of train rides! We took the sleeper train from London to Inverness and it was a blast! Here is a picture of my ENORMOUS berth!

#3 HIGH TEA. Oh yes. This was awesome! We had a lovely tea in the lobby of the Grand Highland Hotel! So elegant!

#2 VISIT THE VILLAIGE MY MOTHER’S FAMILY CAME FROM. Yes! I loved checking this off my list. It was a tiny village with a stone church, a grocery store and a café. I loved meeting the people and exploring this tiny villaige nestled between Loch Rannoch and the Rannoch moors! The village will feature prominently in my next Highland series!

#1 FIND THE END OF THE RAINBOW. I know it’s more of an Irish thing, but let’s be real. Finding the end of the rainbow is a worldwide fantasy! Though it rained when we were in Scotland, somehow the sun also shone. There were rainbows everywhere and here, on this one lane road, we actually found the end of the rainbow! There was no treasure, but there was great beauty!

I had a wonderful time on my trip. I loved every moment. But what I loved most was connecting with the lands and the people. I have always had a passion for Highlanders, but now I feel I KNOW them!

If you love Highlanders, please check out my Untamed Highlanders!

Here’s a taste of my recent release:

SUSANA AND THE SCOT

Scotland, 1813.

A SCANDALOUS TEMPTATION

Andrew Lochlannach is famous for his conquests, on and off the battlefield. When a fellow warrior challenges him to a kissing contest, he wastes no time in planting his lips on ninety-nine lovely lasses-an impressive feat of seduction that gets him banished to the hinterlands. Still, Andrew has no regrets about his exploits-especially his embrace with the most beguiling woman he’s ever met…

AN UNDENIABLE PASSION

With flaming red hair and a temper to match, Susana is not some innocent farmgirl who gives herself over easily to a man, even one as ruggedly handsome as Andrew. The wicked Scot may have won a kiss from the headstrong beauty in a moment of mutual desire, but Susana refuses to be just another one of his conquests. Andrew must convince the fiery lass that even though he is not playing a game, losing her is not an option…

READ AN EXCERPT!

Susana was annoyed. There was no doubt about it. The swish of her hips as she led him across the bustling bailey was a dead giveaway, that and the dark glowers she shot over her shoulder. But Andrew couldn’t help but be amused. For one thing, she was damn alluring when she was annoyed.

Hell, she was damn alluring altogether. The curve of her waist alone could drive a man insane, much less that silky tumble of hair. He wanted to wrap it in his fist, wind it around his body. A certain part of his body.

At the thought, his cock rose.

It was difficult to remind himself that he’d vowed to eschew seduction, but try as he might, he couldn’t banish the fantasy of stripping those breeks from her lovely body and laying her down in the heather. Visions of that twitching backside—bare before him—danced in his head.

But he’d made a vow. A sacred vow. And as tempting as she was, he would control his baser urges. He could. Probably.

These thoughts whirled in his head as she led him into the stables, past his men—who were unpacking and seeing to their horses—and through the kennels. Though he was perplexed, Andrew followed. He would probably follow anywhere she led. It was a fact that should have scared him to death or at the very least, concerned him. But it didn’t. However, when she started up a staircase at the very end of the long hall, he had to stop her.

She glared at the hand he set on her arm. He tried to ignore the sizzle that raged through him at their first touch. It was ridiculous how much that touch affected him. And how much he enjoyed her glare.

He edged closer. “Where are we going?” he asked in a purr.

Judging from her frown, his tone irritated her. He rather enjoyed irritating her, he found.

She ripped her arm away and continued up the stairs. He followed and found himself in a narrow loft that ran the length of the kennels. It was dim and a little dusty. Motes danced on the air. The roof was so low he had to duck his head to miss the rafters.

“Your men will stay here,” she said.

Andrew gaped at her. The room was swept clean and empty. A thin shaft of light from the far window illuminated it with a murky light. But the yipping from the kennel and the stench of excrement wafted up from below. For some reason, all thoughts of alluring backsides dissipated. Disbelief gushed through him. “Here?”

She crossed her arms and offered what could only be described as a smirk. “Here.”

He tipped his head to the side. “This is a kennel.”

“I am aware of that.”

“I have twenty-five men.”

“The room is quite large.”

“There are no beds.”

She blew out a breath. “We’ll bring in pallets.”

Andrew blinked. He set his teeth and tried to remain calm. His men were warriors. They did not sleep on pallets. In a kennel. “This will not do.” Surely she saw that. Surely she understood… He caught a glimpse of her smug expression and it dawned on him.

She did. She did understand. She knew damn well what she was doing. Her response only verified his suspicions.

“I’m sorry, but you have descended upon us with no warning whatsoever with a large group of men. I’m afraid this is all we can offer you at this time.” Her smile was deferential, but hardly sincere. The light dancing in her eyes lit a flame in his belly. “Of course, if our accommodations are unacceptable, you can always return to Dunnet…”

Oh, she’d like that, wouldn’t she?

The minx.

Rather than the exasperation her self-satisfied look should have sparked, Andrew found himself filled with another emotion entirely. Anticipation. Exhilaration. The thrill of a challenge.

For that was what she was, Susana Dounreay. A challenge.

And it appeared she reveled in provoking him.

A pity she didn’t understand he was a dangerous man to provoke.

The tumult her presence sparked within him flared again, burning the edges of his resolution; his inconvenient lust blossomed, and with it, an unruly resolve.

He wanted, very badly, to kiss her.  He wanted to wrench her into his arms and cover her sweet mouth with his. He wanted to taste her, consume her, possess her.

And he would.

Clearly he wasn’t the kind of man who could swear off women. Clearly he wasn’t the kind of man who could keep a vow.

So be it.

Damn to hell his ridiculous vow.

Damn to hell the fact that she was his sister-in-law.

He was going to seduce this vixen, and he would start right now.

Desire, like a snarling, snapping beast, rose within him, and he stepped closer.

 

Susana’s eyes flared as Andrew advanced on her, like a skulking fox that had spotted a plump rabbit. She didn’t mean to retreat, but she had to. She’d seen that expression in his eyes before and she knew what it meant. Something within her howled: Run.

Perhaps it was the expression in his eyes, or the knowledge that she was playing with fire, or the sudden realization that she’d foolishly come here, to this deserted loft with the most dangerous man she’d ever met, but she couldn’t still the urge to whirl and pace to the far end of the room to peer out of the smudged window. She was aware he followed. She felt his presence like a fire in a forge.

Desperation prompted her to continue their conversation, to put some space between them, to raise a shield. “The room is perfectly habitable,” she proclaimed. “And once we have pallets brought in, it will serve you well.”

“Will it?”

His voice was low in her ear, a whisper almost. And far too close. She wanted to turn, to confront him, but she knew, if she did, they would be face to face, perhaps lip to lip and she could not allow that. She could never allow that.

The last time he’d kissed her, it had been her undoing.

A pity he didn’t remember.

“My men willna like being housed with the dogs.” Holy God. Was that his hand on her hip? His thumb tracing her waist? “Nae doubt they will all want to find…other beds to welcome them.”

Susana stilled as his words sank in. The threat was clear. And it was rather horrifying. A horde of randy warriors set loose on the innocent maidens of Dounreay? That his hand had slid over to toy with the small of her back, to tangle in the skeins of her hair, didn’t help.

Her pulse thudded and her knees went weak. She couldn’t have it. She couldn’t have this man touching her. She sucked in a breath and slipped to the side, out of his grasp. When she was far enough away for some measure of safety, she turned to face him, a reproachful look fixed on her face. “Are your men so lacking in discipline?” She hoped her frown, her reproving tone, would bring him to heel. She should have known better.

He grinned and stepped closer. His eyes glinted, as though needling her was an amusing sport. “They are verra disciplined…when their needs are met.”

She crossed her arms, as though that could protect her, and pretended to study the room. Pretended she wasn’t aware of his thrumming presence, his heat, his intent. “Well, I shall hold you responsible for any…improprieties.” She took a step toward the staircase, only a tiny one—surely not an attempt to escape.

He chuckled—chuckled, the bastard—making it clear he recognized her cowardice for what it was. And he paced her.

“They’re all good men. They all volunteered to come with me. Each and every one of them is dedicated to the cause of protecting Reay from the villains who have been plaguing you. However…”

The way he trailed off derailed her retreat. She stilled. Glared at him. “However, what?”

“However, they do have…needs. Surely you can find better lodgings.”

She blew out a breath. “In time.” In time.

In time, he would be gone, God willing.

He stepped toward her again, although nonchalantly, as though he were not chasing her across the room. It occurred to her they were engaged in something of a macabre dance. It set her nerves on edge. She hadn’t realized what a long room this was, or how far it was to the stairs.

“Doona leave it too long.” His smile was heinous. It made all kinds of shivers dance over her skin. “My men are…restless.” She had the chilling sense he was talking about himself.

“I shall…do my best.” Like hell. “And now, if you will excuse me, I have things to do.”

His brow quirked. She tried not to notice what a perfect brow it was. “Ah, but I thought you and I could…talk.”

“Talk?” She didn’t intend to squawk, but she could tell from his predatory stance, a conversation was not the primary urge on his mind. At least, not one with words.

He nodded. Though his features were patently earnest, the sincerity was patently affected. “About the defenses you have in place…so I can decide what needs improvement.”

Aggravation rippled. It displaced her concerns about being here, with him, all alone. Fury did that, she’d often found. Overrode common sense and led one into dangerous waters. Her hands curled into fists. She strode toward him until they were nearly nose to nose. “Nothing needs improvement,” she snapped. They didn’t need him. Or his men. Or his stupid ideas.

“Nonsense. Now that we’re here, we intend to make a statement to Stafford, or whatever miscreants are lurking out there thinking Dounreay is an easy target. But before I set my plans in motion—”

“Your plans?” He already had plans? Och! He was so exasperating.

She barely noticed that he stepped closer…until their chests brushed. He was hard and hot; the touch made her tingle. His voice, low and luring made her tingle as well. His gaze skated over her face, then stalled on her lips. “Let’s meet and discuss—”

Her pulse skittered. “I doona have time to meet with you. Not today.” She took a step back. He followed.

“Nae?” A whisper. And his caress over her shoulder, that was a whisper as well. Like a panicked fawn, Susana eased back again. And again. He matched her, step for step.

She swallowed heavily. “I… You have descended upon us with no warning—”

“My brother sent a letter.”

He was too close. Far too close. She swallowed heavily. “Twenty-five men that now need to be housed and fed. On top of that, I have many other duties that need attending.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Which duties?”

“Many duties.” She frowned and glanced toward the staircase. Ah, lord. It was so far… He was too warm. Too broad. Too alluring. Though she didn’t intend to, she took another step back and—

Oh hell. He’d backed her against the wall. That he couldn’t stand straight in the low-ceilinged room was a small consolation.

“Susana,” he said as he leaned closer. His breath was a tantalizing trail over her face.

An unholy thrill snaked through her. Surely that wasn’t anticipation? Hunger? Need?

She could not allow him to kiss her. She could not—

Her knees nearly melted at the touch of his lips. His warmth, his taste, his scent made her mind whirl. Thank God he had his hands on her waist and was holding her steady, or she might well have collapsed.

It occurred to her that she should push him away, fight him, but she couldn’t. Something, something deep within her resisted. Something deep within her needed him. Needed this.

And ah, it was glorious. As glorious as she remembered.

His lips were soft, gentle, questing as they tested hers and then, with a groan, he pulled her closer, melding their bodies together. He deepened the kiss, sealing his mouth over hers and dancing his tongue over the seam.

She opened to him. She couldn’t resist. He filled her senses with his presence, his heat. With tiny nibbles, sucks and laps, he consumed her, enflamed her. All sanity fled. All logic and resolution and anger flitted away as Andrew tasted her, tempted her.

His hands were not still. They roved over her body from her shoulders, down her arms to her waist. They tangled in her hair and stroked her cheek and chin.

Heat blossomed, skittered through her veins. Her body softened, melted, prepared for him.

She should not have responded the way she did. She should not have pressed against him, rubbed against the hard bulge on his belly. She should not have explored the hard flesh of his back, cupped his nape, raked his silken scalp. She should not have moaned.

Surely all these things would only encourage him.

He lifted his head and stared at her, an odd mixture of befuddlement and awe in his eyes. His tongue peeped out and dabbed at his lips, snagging her attention. Surely she didn’t lean toward him in a mute plea for more.

Was she truly so weak?

Aye. She was.

GET IT NOW: http://www.amazon.com/Susana-Scot-Untamed-Highlanders-Sabrina/dp/125006970X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT SABRINA YORK’S UNTAMED HIGHLANDERS

Bold and steamy—Publisher’s Weekly

A stunning tale from beginning to end—Love, Life and Booklust

Top Pick—Night Owl Reviews

York turns her talent for sizzle to men in kilts—and the women who love them—in her newest sexy romp—RT Magazine

Untamed Highlanders Series

Hannah and the Highlander

Susana and the Scot—Coming December 29th

Lana and the Laird—Coming in May 2016

Want More Highlanders by Sabrina York?

Laird of her Heart–Highland Time Travel

Tarnished Honor–Waterloo Heroes Romance

About Sabrina York

Her Royal Hotness, Sabrina York, is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of hot, humorous stories for smart and sexy readers. Her titles range from sweet & sexy to scorching romance.  Visit her webpage at www.sabrinayork.com to check out her books, excerpts and contests. Get updates and alerts from Sabrina here: HotSheet Sign Up.

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Lizzie Ashworth: Holiday Journey (Contest)

It’s probably inescapable that the holidays bring gloom as well as good cheer. The year once again turns to the shortest day and the renewal of the sun becomes a marker in time. For weeks, we’re surrounded with music, lights, and celebrations. As we follow our traditions, the days are jam-packed with memories—our childhood, the childhoods of our children, loved ones who are no longer here. It’s a time when obligation and expectation puts you side by side at the dinner table with people you don’t really like—as well as those you thoroughly enjoy.

Then suddenly another day dawns and it’s all over.

And there are those depressing extra pounds added your butt or belly! Yes, I said I’ll eat just two of these peanut butter cookies and then ate nine.

Coping with this confusion of feelings drives me to the tequila bottle. Or to organizing my files or to staring out my office window at the cold rainy woods. Or—if I’m lucky—to the keyboard where a new story takes shape. It’s no secret that writers may find therapeutic value in their work. What surprises me is when things long hidden in my subconscious are suddenly staring back at me from the page.

I’m not sure how that happens, but I’m glad it does. Of course writing isn’t the only constructive method people use to wrestle with depressing demons. For some, it’s exercise. Others may confide in friends or a therapist. Some shop. Some clean house or stand at the kitchen sink with hands deep in hot soapy water.

And what’s wrong with a quick escape into a steamy romantic story?!

What are your ways of dealing with emotional holiday fallout?

CONTEST! Comment below. Describe your favorite way of dealing with holiday stress and sign up for my monthly newsletter at http://eepurl.com/bHOyS9. I’ll include your name in a random drawing for a Surprise Gift Box, including a paperback copy of my latest novel, Caerwin and the Roman Dog. I’ll draw a second name to win a paperback copy of Caerwin and the Roman Dog.

Don’t forget to leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you. (This contest is also announced in my January newsletter and on my Facebook page. Entries close January 9. Winners announced January 11. The contest is solely my responsibility.)

Now here’s an excerpt from my latest sexy short story, Holiday Journey. They’re random strangers stuck at an airport with flight delays.

… He leaned toward her. “After enough of these wasted hours, I’ve learned a couple of coping skills. A few hours can pass quickly if you know how to divert your attention.”

She stared at him. His tone and insinuation caught her off guard. His eyes were the most peculiar color, kind of green, kind of gray, and were watching her with a careful assessment she found disturbing. Not slasher disturbing. Disturbing as in reckless, out of bounds. She couldn’t avoid the sudden scene pictured clearly in her mind of his mouth on her nipples sucking them to hard points.

Her body reacted with instant zinging heat that brought fullness to her breasts and pulsing in her clit. Embarrassing as hell that she had any reaction at all, but his words echoed in her ears. She hated that her glance had observed his physique, the broadness of his shoulders as he lounged against the pillar, the rugged strength of his hands.

Oh for Christ’s sake. Really Giselle? Last night’s dream of Dan had left her vulnerable, emotions on the surface. No one escaped the holidays without suffering. Too much of her lonely, work-driven life had weakened her defenses. Too many years saving herself from entanglements. She needed to start working out again, subscribe to a book club, invest in better sex toys.

His mouth quirked at the corner as if he knew what she’d just thought. He was watching her with an off-putting familiarity. It was like she could read his mind and he could read hers, and an entire unspoken dialogue was taking place and had been taking place since the moment he’d appeared beside her.

Where the hell did he come from and why did he decide to single her out of the crowd? Was there something about her posture? Was her skirt too tight? An expression of repressed sexual need on her face? She resisted the urge to rush to the ladies room to examine herself in the mirror. This wasn’t high school. She’d handled plenty of come-ons from the ridiculous to the sublime, and this one so far rated in the top ten. Subtle, insistent, suitably random…

What in God’s name was she thinking?

She swallowed and forced herself to face him fully, matching his posture by leaning her shoulder against the other corner of the pillar. “Yes, I know what you mean. I have a book and will probably nab a bite of lunch soon.”

Another one of those damn provocative smiles, and why couldn’t she stop looking at his mouth? His lips were curved and firm with the faintest hint of a smile. A hint of whisker shadow marked his upper lip and jaw.

Damn it. It wasn’t like her to escape from her grim realities into sex fantasies about a complete stranger. But if there ever was a day that it made sense to do so, this might be it. Fantasize, that is. Nothing more.

“I can recommend a couple of places,” he said.

He shifted his case with his foot to bring it closer to the pillar, dragging her reluctant attention to the lower part of his body. Jeans pulled tight over athletic thighs and a noteworthy bulge. She closed her eyes and exhaled.

“Depending on your taste,” he added, catching her gaze and sending a provocative glance down her chest.

Was his glance reciprocation to her own, meaning he’d noticed her looking at his thighs and saw her checking out his, well, his…? No, she wasn’t going to think it. What had seemed a completely innocent decision to wear this bright yellow silk blouse now seemed stupidly indecent for public. The high stand-up collar slashed deep to her cleavage, which after all was the style and all women wore low cut necklines. She wasn’t exactly sure how much of her cleavage was visible, but under his interested glance, she felt like she wore no blouse at all and her yellow bra and panties had become her only garment. Her breasts strained against the silk cups. She resisted the strong urge to look down and tug her jacket tightly closed around her middle.

He was watching her and, by whatever device he managed to hook up with her telepathically, he had upped the bet. Remotely aware that her sensory gauges were red-lining, Giselle watched with a feeling of helplessness as the tip of his tongue moved to wet his lower lip. Not calculated? Did he do anything that wasn’t calculated? She felt his tongue as if it touched her flesh and a scattering of gooseflesh raced up her arms.

*~*~*~*

—Read more at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019VLNZUU Only 99¢ or FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Follow Lizzie Ashworth for free erotic short works on her website http://lizzieashworth.com/

Like her Facebook author page for updates on other nice and naughty works https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLizzieAshworth

Need some eye candy? Check out Lizzie’s Pinterest page https://www.pinterest.com/ashworthlizzie/

A little administrivia, and then a question… (Contest)

Hey, I have my first newsletter of the year ready to go. If you aren’t a subscriber and would like a copy, just let me know and I’ll send you one—I will need your email address. Also, if you want to subscribe, here’s where you go: Delilah’s Newsletter Signup Form. I send out announcements about new releases, run contests, and this year, I’ll give my subscribers free reads and sneak peaks at upcoming books, so maybe you’d better join…!

And while we’re still talking administrivia, do you subscribe to my blog? Does it sound crazy to do that? Do you like finding out a day too late that you missed a chance to win something or to learn that something’s running free on Amazon for the day? Then maybe you should subscribe! Just look at the left-hand column of this page and scroll down until you see “Subscribe to Blog via Email”—how easy is that? And think of the new authors you’ll meet! I’m excited for you!

Too much coffee?

So here’s your question. Easy enough to answer. Okay, so the question is a questionzzz… Sue me. Answer for a chance to win a free ebook—something from the first page of this list on Amazon…Delilah’s Amazon Page! And hey, while you’re checking out that list, why not “FOLLOW” me there?!

What is your favorite way to read a book (ebook or paper), and where is your favorite place to read (bed, recliner in the living room, etc.)? Do you prefer noise happening around you or pure silence while you read?

Lindsay McKenna: Broken Dreams

Hi Readers!

Welcome to 2016!  I’ve got a BUNCH of books coming out by three different publishers (I’ve been busy).

BROKEN DREAMS, Book 4 of the Delos Series, is Alexa Culver’s story.  She is a USAF A-10 Warthog combat jet pilot who flies the skies of Afghanistan, keeping troops on the ground safe.  She comes from a military dynasty family.

USAF Captain Alexa Culver is not weak or incapable; just the opposite.  She loves to fly.  She’s been deployed to Afghanistan for four years straight.  Her twin brother, Delta Force Sergeant Matt Culver, is also assigned to Bagram Army Base.  And so is her oldest sister, Captain Tal Culver, USMC, who is assistant CO to a Marine sniper unit operating out of the same base.

BLOG TOUR for BROKEN DREAMS coming December 28, 2015 through January 8, 2016!  A $10.00 Visa card giveaway, so take the tour with me!  There will be exclusive excerpts and photographs that only you will see!

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT JUST FOR YOU from BROKEN DREAMS

Broken Dreams by Lindsay McKenna

Delos Series, Book 4

Copyright 2015 Blue Turtle Publishing

Chuckling, Gage nodded. “Let me pick up the cost of the pizza, then.”

“Fair enough,” Matt Culver said, asking the bartender for a third plate.

The smell was intoxicating. Gage ordered two more beers and paid the bartender for everything. It was the least he could do for Matt. He’d been a good friend for years.

Gage’s mouth watered as he looked at the pizza. It was a triple cheese and pepperoni, and Matt was placing a big wedge on his plate. The two men began wolfing down the slices, nearly burning their mouths, but they couldn’t have cared less. Gage lost himself in the spicy-sweet taste and aroma of the salt and cheese and saw that Matt was busily attacking the rest, gulping it down as fast as he could.

Suddenly, Gage was aware of a faint, feminine fragrance. As a Marine Corps sniper, his senses were acute, and he picked up the subtle scent of almonds. Where was that coming from?

He lifted his head just in time to see a young woman stop beside their table and put her hands on her hips, grinning at Matt.

“Well! I’d better hurry up and grab some pizza, or it’ll be all gone before I can sit down!” She greeted her brother and aimed a warm smile at them both. Gage instantly put down his pizza and stood up, giving her a slight nod of hello.

Matt did the same and then pulled out the chair between himself and Gage. “Hey, Alexa, you got here just in time! Gage and I were taking no prisoners with this pizza. Have a seat.”

Gage was mute, however. All he could do was stare. Damn! Alexa Culver was drop-dead gorgeous! Never mind that she wore a shapeless desert-colored flight suit. Her red hair was almost auburn, with gold and burgundy strands mixed into the single braid between her shoulder blades. She was probably around five feet seven inches and maybe one hundred thirty-five pounds. And she was curvy in all the right places. She took off her Air Force garrison cap and stuffed it in a large pocket in the thigh of her flight suit.

Gage’s heart started a slow pound of appreciation, and he sat down, surprised. Meanwhile, Alexa sat down and scooted up to the table, grabbing a wedge of pizza.

“Gage,” Matt said, “meet my sister Alexa Culver. Alexa, meet one of the best Marine snipers I have the privilege to work with, Gage Hunter.”

Alexa turned, smiled, and said, “Nice to meet you, Gage. I’d shake your hand but I’ve got pizza in both of mine.” She laughed, holding his dark gaze.

“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” Gage said, drowning in her gold-flecked hazel eyes.

“Oh, please, drop the ‘ma’am.’” She smiled and held his gaze. “I’m Matt’s sister, so any friend of his is a friend of mine.”

Gage liked that idea. “Then it’s nice to know you, Alexa.”

She gave him a dazzling, genuine smile. “Same here.”

Although he’d picked up on the heightened male interest in the room when Alexa arrived, she seemed totally unaware of it. Her full lips closed around the pizza, her eyes blissfully shutting as she savored it.

Gage felt like a shy teenager again, awkward and out of his league, as he stared at her. And then he caught himself, snapped out of it, and resumed eating, but with less gusto. This woman fascinated him. Everything she did, everything she said.

He found he was enjoying watching Alexa eat. The woman ate like she meant it, not like a lot of women who picked through their food, leaving half of it on the plate. At the same time, there was a delicacy to her, from her long, slender fingers to the clean line of her neck. He wondered if it extended to the rest of Alexa’s body that was hidden beneath the frumpy flight suit.

He was mesmerized by her mouth, those lips of hers; she didn’t wear any lipstick, but she didn’t need any. Gage’s lower body stirred, reminding him how long it had been since he’d had a relationship. This woman, though, was off-limits. She was his friend’s sister, and that was taboo among military men. One did not go after a buddy’s sister.

*~*~*

Join my newsletter: www.lindsaymckenna.com   with exclusive information, a giveaway and so much more!

Lindsay

Getting out the party hats? Take a quick glance back at 2015…

Before you head out to celebrate at the club or with friends (or like me, with family), here’s my wish that you all stay safe, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

December 31st is always a strange day. The last day of a year that flew by way too quickly.

I set two shoot-for-the-moon kind of goals for myself in 2015.

First, I would have a new post every day on my blog. Between guest blogs and my own posts, I didn’t miss having something fresh up on my blog every single day! Woot!

Second, I teach a class called “Write 50 Books a Year”. Now, you know that title is a hook. I couldn’t write 50 stories in a year unless I devoted the year to writing short stories, but I decided to see whether I could release 50 stories in 2015. Something to prove to my Rose’s students that with planning and perseverance, you can accomplish almost anything. Following is my list of releases. Keep in mind, some are reissues of stories I got back from a publisher (they had to be re-edited, so there was definitely effort involved!) and some were stories that appeared in collections or box sets and were re-released as single titles.

But with yesterday’s release of “The Out-of-Towner”, I hit #50!!!

2015 Releases

01/22/15 – WATCH OVER ME, Uncharted SEALs series, break from box set (Indie)
01/28/15 – WET DOWN, Cowboys on the Edge series, break from box set (Indie)
01/28/15 – ONE TRACK COWBOY, short story (Indie)
01/29/15 – LOVE IN BLOOM, short story (Indie)
01/30/15 – NIGHT AT THE WAX MUSEUM, short story (Indie)
02/04/15 – THE OBEDIENT WIFE, short story (Indie)
02/10/15 – SWEETER THAN HONEY reissue (Samhain)
02/11/15 – DRIVE ME CRAZY, short story (Indie)
02/20/15 – DR. MULLALEY’S CURE, short story (Indie)
02/25/15 – RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, break from box set (Indie)
02/27/15 – DREAMING BY THE SEA, short story (Indie)
03/06/15 – THE PLEASURE IN SURRENDER, short story (Indie)
03/13/15 – CATNIP, short story (Indie)
03/20/15 – PITCH BLACK, short story (Indie)
03/27/15 – LONG RIDE HOME, short story (Indie)
03/30/15 – SM{B}ITTEN, reissue, Night Fall series (Indie)
04/03/15 – JOHNY BLAZE, short story (Indie)
04/09/15 – THE RUNAWAY BRIDE, short story (Indie)
04/15/15 – WARLORD’S DESTINY, reissue, Seven Sinful Stories antho (Indie)
04/17/15 – TAILGATING AT THE CEDAR INN, short story(Indie)
05/15/15 – NIP-N-TUCK, short story (Indie)
05/12/15 – UNDER A BLOOD MOON, Beaux Rêve Coven series (Samhain)
05/18/15 – WARLORD’S DESTINY, break from box set (Indie)
05/28/15 – THE MORNING RIDE, short story (Indie)
06/18/15 – TRULY, MADLY…DEADLY, reissue, Night Fall series (Indie)
06/24/15 – LILY’S LAST STAND, short story (Indie)
07/07/15 – HER NEXT BREATH, Uncharted SEALs series, SEALs of Summer box set (Indie)
07/14/15 – CONQUESTS (Indie)
07/15/15 – WITH HIS PARTNER, Stepbrothers Stepping Out series (Indie)
08/04/15 – THROUGH HER EYES, Uncharted SEALs series, Cat Johnson’s Hot SEALs Kindle World (Indie)
08/04/15 – CONTROLLED BURN, Cowboys on the Edge series, 12-Alarm Alpha Box Set (Indie)
08/11/15 – HOTTER WITH A POLE, Firehouse 69 series (Samhain)
08/18/15 – HER NEXT BREATH, Uncharted SEALs series, break from box set (Indie)
09/01/15 – KNIGHT IN TRANSITION, reissue, Night Fall series (Indie)
09/04/15 – CONTROLLED BURN, Cowboys on the Edge series, break from box set (Indie)
09/07/15 – LORD GRIM’S WITCH reissue (Indie)
09/22/15 – WOLF IN PLAIN SIGHT, reissue, Night Fall series (Indie)
09/23/15 – WITH HIS BOSS, Stepbrothers Stepping Out series, short story (Indie)
10/09/15 – KNIGHT EDITION, reissue, Night Fall series (Indie)
10/13/15 – STILL, Love, Lust and Zombies anthology (Cleis Press)
10/19/15 – HOW TO TRAIN THE SKJALDMAER, short story (Indie)
11/03/15 – FAMILY VALUES, Lone Star Lovers series (Samhain)
11/04/15 – IT TAKES A SEAL, Naughty SEALs box set (Indie)
11/10/15 – DREAM OF ME, Uncharted SEALs series (Indie)
11/17/15 – NIGHT FALL ON DARK MOUNTAIN, reissue, Night Fall series (Indie)
11/24/15 – WITH HIS PROFESSOR, Stepbrothers Stepping Out series, short story (Indie)
12/04/15 – THE HIRED HAND, short story (Indie)
12/12/15 – BAD MOON RISING (Indie)
12/18/15 – THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN, short story(Indie)
12/29/15 – THE OUT-OF-TOWNER, short story (Indie)

And if you’d like to check out any of these titles, go here: The Kindle Store

Stay safe! And see you in the New Year! ~DD

Barbara Meyers: Bah Humbug? (Contest)

Once upon a time in a land about 150 miles from where I live now, I had a big, beautiful house and I used to decorate for the holidays. I spent hours twining garland and white lights around the railings in the front. More hours trying to remember how to put my pre-lit Christmas tree together and hanging my many accumulated-over-the-years ornaments on it. It took years before I’d part with the money to buy an appropriate angel to go on top, but when I did she looked beautiful watching over our holiday activities. I shopped and wrapped and shipped and stressed. I bought Christmas dishes (at Target’s after-holiday sale) and I’d use them for the family meal gatherings. I threw parties for my family and friends. I traditionally drank too much at my husband’s work Christmas party. We went to the country club for New Year’s Eve.  That all happened in another lifetime.

Now I walk by my neighbor’s house and see her many Christmas lights and I think I see at least two lit trees in her house. Turns out she has three. Her yard is filled with holiday decorations and lights hang from every tree and eaves of her tiny home. I tell her that makes up for me not having any because I’m too lazy. She says, “No. It’s because you still work.”

It’s true, I do work part-time at my day job and the rest of the time I spend writing. And really? If I have a choice between twining lights around trees and hanging Christmas ornaments, I would rather spend that time writing. If I asked, my husband would hang up some lights so it would at least look like we’re participating in the season, but this year I told him not to bother.

I’ve narrowed my holiday-ing to what’s really important to me at this time in my life. My small circle of close friends. My husband, my children and their spouses and my siblings. I don’t need the outward trappings, which really have nothing to do with the reason for the season as I am reminded by the numerous signs throughout my neighborhood. (Although there are lots of lights and decorations right next to the signs!)

As I’ve aged I’ve narrowed my focus. Time has taken on new meaning. I realize how much time I’ve spent doing things that didn’t need to be done. Of course, when my children were young, I tried to create holiday traditions for them and there was value in that. But nothing made me happier than when my daughter was old enough to take over the decorating. In her teens, she and her boyfriend would do it all while I stood back and admired their efforts. My only condition was that they’d also take it all down.

So if you drive by my little house and you don’t see lights and a tree and an angel smiling down from above, don’t think I’m not celebrating. I am. I’m probably inside tapping away on my keyboard working on my next book. And I’m thanking the reason for the season every day of the year for everything and everyone I’ve been blessed with. And that includes the chance to write and publish the kind of books I love and for all of the romance novel fans like you.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Do you love to decorate? Why or why not?

I’ll give away a digital copy of FANTASY MAN to one lucky commenter on this blog. Winner chosen by January 15, 2016. Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

One lie of omission could turn her wildest dream into a world of hurt.

Quinn Fontana never thought witnessing two murders would lead to her first taste of freedom. But when her overprotective brother puts her on a plane for L.A. to hide until it’s time to testify, she can’t stop the shiver of anticipation.

If her life is going to be cut short, she plans to live it to the fullest. And that includes seducing her intended protector—her brother’s best friend and star of her private fantasies.

When security consultant Reif Callaghan awakens after a rowdy night out with his coworkers to find a warm, willing woman in his bed, he’s almost past the point of no return when he realizes it’s Quinn. And he’s come way too close to debauching his best friend’s little sister.

Her enticing offer—one night, no holding back, no regrets—is a temptation he can’t resist. Until he realizes she’s been hiding a piece of vital information that could cost not only their one chance to turn fantasy into reality, but their lives.

Warning: Contains fantasy-come-true sex, get-it-out-of-their-system sex, angry-as-hell sex, and on-the-run sex. Also, accidental ferret-napping. Asthmatics are advised to load up on antihistamines before reading.

“How do you choose a mattress?” Quinn asked. “I’ve never done it before.”

Reif wondered if that comment was intended as some kind of double entendre, but he doubted it. She was pushing down on one of the mattresses when she said it, seeming as confounded by the array of choices as Reif was.

“This one feels hard,” she said. She pushed down on the mattress again. “Really hard.”

“How hard is it?”

“I wouldn’t mind sitting on it for a while, but I wouldn’t want to sleep on top of it all night.”

Reif chuckled, pretty sure they were still talking about the mattress.

He trailed her down the aisle as she tested each one with her hands. Every time she bent over he couldn’t help but notice the sweet curve of her backside, covered by the short skirt. He decided he might be falling in love by the time he reached the backs of her knees and the few inches of thigh just above.

“How about this one?” She stopped in front of a pillow top mattress, bent over and pressed down. “This feels good,” she decided. “Firm, but not too hard. Just the way it’s supposed to be. Let’s try it out.”

She sat down on the edge, laid back, kicked off her shoes and swung her legs up. She brushed her arm up and down the fabric, as if she were making half a snow angel.

“Lay down. See what you think.”

“That’s okay. I trust your judgment.” Reif had sworn to himself that he’d never find himself in a bed with Quinn again. He wasn’t about to break that promise within a matter of hours, even if it was a purely innocent situation.

“Yeah, but you’re the one buying it. You’ll have to live with it even after I’m gone.”

“I don’t imagine I’ll be sleeping in the guest room often.”

“You should at least try it out.”

To placate her Reif leaned over and pressed down on the mattress once, then quickly backed away. “Feels good to me,” he said.

“Oh, come on. I’m not going to bite you. Besides, you can’t tell from that. What if you have two guests sharing it? You ought to see how it is with two people instead of just one. Maybe there’s no support and they’ll be rolling into each other all night.”

He supposed she had a point there. He sat down and then lay back, letting his feet dangle over the edge. He wasn’t going to take his shoes off as she had.

The mattress was much smaller than his king. He was sure he was taking up more than half of it and Quinn was awfully close to him. Too close. She’d curled on her side facing him, arm tucked under her head. “What do you think?”

On the pretext of testing the mattress he turned on his side as well, which put them face to face just inches away from each other. What did he think? He thought he should never get horizontal with Quinn ever again. He could too easily imagine himself in this much smaller bed, on this much smaller mattress, with fewer clothes, lights and no other shoppers around them.

He could imagine, no, he could remember the silky texture of her skin, the taste of her, her response to him. She’d be looking at him with that mischievous glint in her eyes and he’d find her impossible to resist. Then he’d hate himself in the morning. He made a sound in his throat.

“It’s not too hard, is it?”

Hard? “What?”

“The mattress.”

“Oh, yeah. Um…not too hard.” But if he didn’t get off this bed right now, the same wouldn’t be true of him. Frankly, he didn’t need anything else to be embarrassed about today.

*~*~*

FANTASY MAN BUY LINKS

Samhain:  https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5708/fantasy-man

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Fantasy-Man-Barbara-Meyers-ebook/dp/B016XTOR2I/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1445707279&sr=1-3&keywords=barbara+meyers

All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-fantasyman-1918851-149.html

Barnes&Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fantasy-man-barbara-meyers/1122833111?ean=9781619231719#productInfoTabs

Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/fantasy-man-8

ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/fantasy-man/id1051199236?mt=11

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27304311-fantasy-man

Friends and Daughters…

Seeing as a new year is just around the corner, I gave myself light goals this week. I’m spending a ton of time with my daughter. She’s got her three kids and a step for the break, and the house is in chaos. I’ve been helping watch kids, clean house, change diapers, etc. I don’t understand the need to squeal and shriek and pound feet through the house, but I guess it has something to do with self-expression and dominance—the loudest gets heard. By the time the 1st of January hits, I’ll be glad to be back at my desk…in the quiet.

I spend a lot of time with my dd, regardless of the holiday. She lives right across the highway. Her house is maybe two football fields in length away from my front door. When I’m working, I break mid-morning for coffee with her. At the end of my workday, I head to her place to unwind, drink more coffee and eat dinner. If I get out of there before baths and bedtime, I might be back over there later in the evening for a spot of tea.

When she was growing up, she was such a hellion. Red hair, fiery temper, and such a mouth! But now, we’re best friends. We go everywhere together. Travel together. Flea market shop together. Spend art days together. I never would have imagined a friendship like that between us, but there it is. She’s my rock and vice versa.

Do you have someone like that in your life?