Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 427

Sharon Hamilton: Cruisin’ for a SEAL (Contest)

Thanks for having me today Delilah.

We do crazy things as authors, and we get our inspiration for our stories from just about anywhere. I am working on my 5th book in the SEAL Brotherhood series, called Cruisin’ For A SEAL. It’s the first time I’ve taken a long, extended vacation to write a book, and wrote nearly 1/3 of it onboard a cruise ship traveling from Italy to Brazil. This is where my story takes place.

First, I had never been to any of the ports we stopped at: Marakesh, Casablanca, Tenerife, Cape Verde, Sao Paolo, Rio, Santos. The crossing took us over the Equator, taking us from Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, to Summer in the Southern Hemisphere. There was a ritual in crossing this line we fully participated in. Salsa and flour and egg in the hair, jump into the salt water pool. A memorable experience.

My story follows the same itinerary: several members of SEAL Team 3 are on a vacation together with their wives and girlfriends, when terrorists take over the ship. Of course they save the day, and nearly everyone on board. Being the only Americans on this particular cruise, I met people from all over the world, and got a good cross-section of peoples and cultures to use in the story. I wrote late at night, early in the AM. Anywhere and everywhere. I wrote when I couldn’t sleep.

My hero and heroine meet before the cruise sets sail, in Savona, Italy. They spend a night together and expect they will never see each other again, which of course doesn’t happen.

Here’s the excerpt from Cruisin’ For A SEAL:

She was a pretty brunette with skinny legs, wearing high heeled camo boots, which is what got his attention originally. Waiting on a street corner, he thought perhaps she was a working girl. Marc decided to sit, have a cappuccino and watch the passers by.

She was joined by an older woman who could have been her mother. The two took a table next to him and the Italian flowed all over his body like a gentle rain.

The coffee was delivered to him and he nodded without speaking, not wanting the ladies to identify him as American. Not that it would make any difference, of course, because he had no intention of talking to them.

The heart-shaped design in the foam floating on the top of his cappuccino put a fishhook to his heart. He stared down at it with a wince, but welcomed the creamy taste. The shot of caffeine gave him the jolt he was seeking.

His eyes drifted from the cluster of pigeons trying to dodge scooters and pedestrians to the table next door. The younger woman was slipping off her

black raincoat, revealing an ample chest delicately restrained in a stretchy black dress that came down low in a dangerous V. She held her water glass with long delicate fingers and short red nails. A colorful charm bracelet encircled her small wrist.

He followed the glass she was holding until it mated with her full red lips. Her large brown eyes darted in his direction, then she repositioned them on the face of her companion across the table. But then she smiled. He knew that smile was intended for him as such as he understood his dick was interested for the first time in three months.

The Italian was luxurious. No other way to describe it. An Italian love ballad was playing somewhere down the arched tunnel between the piazza and the homes of the locals above.  He didn’t know the words, but loved the feeling it imparted to him. He understood some of the words, like Amore. He’d not have tolerated this sappy show or sensual drifting until tonight, but he was fantasizing the lady was rubbing the glass against her bottom lip for him, sucking the ice cube she held in her left hand as she flipped it inside and out of her lips, wrapping it in her pink tongue.

She smiled at her companion, and he wanted to lick the dimple that dared to show itself on the left of her cheek. He knew she’d taste good. He knew just a drop of her juices on his tongue would send him places he’d missed. His little brain had the pompoms and the little cheering section. Was already nekked with the young lady with the big tits and the beautiful full red lips. His fingers had found how her silky inner thighs quivered under his touch.

What are you doing?

She was a pleasant fantasy, and if he was completely honest and felt she would understand him, he’d thank her. But he was a dog. He was a dog about ready to embark on a cruise out of port with some of his best buds. He’d never come back here to Savona, and would never see her again.

I will reward a free audio book to one person who leaves a comment, chosen at random. Here’s your question: If you were going to go on a cruise with your favorite author, where would you go, and what story would you want to read/write?

Enjoy the sample audio clip from this book, which is on Preorder until March 1st.

http://youtu.be/TVeT8IbV6ZU

Sharon Hamilton

Life is one fool thing after another.

Love is two fool things after each other.

Author Page ** Sharon’s Blog ** Sharon’s Website ** Facebook**Twitter

Two quick things, then a question…

I’m just jumping in with a couple of quick announcements and a question….



First, just wanted to be sure you know that SEALed is out! I gave you the run-down on Saturday’s blog, even shared an excerpt or two! If you click on the cover, you can read the first scene of the story. The whole collection of ALL SEAL STORIES is only $.99. Get your copy now, because that price won’t last! And after  you do get your copy and settle down to enjoy the spicy, exciting stories inside, please consider posting a review. Those reviews help other readers decide whether to purchase. Let them know whether you think it’s money well-spent.

Buy Links: Amazon | B&N

* * * * *

Book 7 of the Lone Star Lovers series, Reined In, is almost here and ready for pre-order! Click on the cover to read the first scene!

Think…daddy’s spoiled little girl, two ranch hands she’s teased mercilessly for years, and sweet resolution… Yeah, I had fun writing that one!

Pre-order Links: Amazon | Samhain

 

* * * * *

Now here’s your question…

If you could make one change to your current work (or home)

environment, what would it be?

C.A. Szarek: Writing more than one book at the same time?

Writing more than one book at the same time?

So, call me a glutton for punishment, but I often write more than one project at a time. Sometimes they are the same genre, sometimes they’re different. I just can’t help it. Sometimes a character will stand up and wave at me. They don’t like it when I say “Sit down and shut up.”

Sometimes I just dabble in one while concentrating mostly on another, or sometimes I work on both (or more) consistently.

And any writer knows that characters can be obnoxious. That’s how I got myself in my current predicament—but my 2nd predicament in a row like this.

I finished the third book in my romantic suspense series, Calculated Collision (Crossing Forces Book Three) and jumped right into book four. I was so proud of myself because I tend to procrastinate.

The hero of this book, Jared, had interrupted my writing flow when I was working on book three, so perhaps what happened next was Karma? (For him, or me?)

I had started book three (Nate and Lee’s story) and everything was going well. I had a plan of attack, so to speak, and hit the words hard. But then, out of the blue…I had a dream. Now that might sound cheesy, but it’s true. The dream was of the opening scene of book four of this series—Jared’s book.

The hero stood up and hollered, “Hey, what about me?” He didn’t appreciate or heed my answer, which went something like, “Wait for your turn.” Jared is stubborn like his partner, Cole (hero of Collision Force—book one), so I actually wrote great chunks of book 3 and 4 together, but ended up breaking off and finishing book three like a good little author.

So then of course, Jared gained all of my attention. Things were going well, and I got to 40k quite easily.

Then what happened? BAM! I had one of those sit-up-in-bed-gasping and scramble for the notebook moment to jot down this idea for this time travel story.

That little idea was supposed to be a 15k short for an anthology and turned into a trilogy. The Tartan MP3 Player ended up being about 33,000 words and the first of the Highland Secrets series. It will be out in March, 2014. I also did something I NEVER do: plotted the next two books. I am excited, and they should follow book one and two rather quickly in release.

So Jared pouted as I worked on Claire and Duncan’s story, but then I got back to him. My best-laid plans don’t always work out, but I really hope it doesn’t happen again. (Note to my characters: this is not a challenge for you.)

The writing process is different for every writer. The more I write, the more I realize there is no right or wrong ways to write. As long as we do just that: WRITE.

It also seems the further I go, the more stories swirl around in my head. I guess that’s great, I won’t run out of stories to tell. It’s just about having the time to write them all down. Writing a book is hard work. But it’s something enjoyable, and something that’s so much a part of me I couldn’t imagine not writing.

There’s nothing better than writing a good book…or two.

Vowing to protect her had nothing to do with feelings.

Detective Pete Crane catches a new shooting case and considers it business-as-usual. But when the lead witness is the Chief of Police’s fiery assistant, he never anticipated she’d challenge him—personally and professionally. Especially while under his protection.

Little do they know, the shooting she and her grandmother witnessed was anything but random.

Thrown together, their attraction sizzles, even though she’s squarely in the no-fly zone. She makes him break every rule in his little black book.

Nikki Harper has been attracted to Pete since they met two years ago. Witnessing a brutal shooting throws her into a stigma that’s always been her greatest fear: a victim. She has no choice but to accept his protective custody and let him help save her and her beloved grandmother.

Can Pete protect his witness and solve the case, while fighting the intense heat with Nikki?

Buylinks for Chance Collision:

ARe | Totally Bound  | Amazon UK  | Amazon CA

Amazon | Sony | KOBO | Barnes & Noble 

C.A. Szarek Bio:

Sword’s Call is C.A.’s first book, and is the first in the King’s Riders Series, published by Paper Dragon Publishing. Love’s Call (King’s Riders Book Two) recently released. Collision Force (Crossing Forces Book 1), and Chance Collision (Crossing Forces Book Two) are part of a steamy romantic suspense series published by Totally Bound Publishing. ALL FOUR BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!

C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She is married and has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

She works with kids when she’s not writing.

She’s always wanted to be a writer and is overjoyed to share her stories with the world.

Find C.A. Szarek:

Website: www.caszarek.com

Blog: www.caszarekwriter.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/caszarek

Twitter: https://twitter.com/caszarek

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5815085.C_A_Szarek

Morgan Emerson: Music and Coffee — Fuel for an Author (Free Read)

Music and Coffee: Fuel for an Author

Hi there! Thank you to Delilah for allowing a newbie like me to make an appearance on her blog! 

My name is Morgan, and I’m an addict.  Phew, I feel better.  

I admit to being addicted to music and coffee.  One started at a much younger age than the other, I’ll let you guess which, but both are now so deeply ingrained that I need a fix.  Often.  I am one of those people who if I am not watching a movie or one of my shows, I’ve got the music going.  Sometimes I’ll even toss in my ear buds and boogie along to my jams while doing the dishes.  Much to my kids chagrined and my husbands delight.  He thinks I’m ridiculous, but I know I’m made of awesomesauce.

My debut novella and subsequent series, Moonlight Nights, was spawn by a late night fueled by Starbucks coffee and a long drive under the stars.  I’m a big huge fan of windows down, radio up and singing like a rock star in my car.  On this night I was listening to a new to me artist, Bruno Mars.  By now most people knew him but I had just recently came across of a few of his songs.  I immediately downloaded his EP that was available and was jamming out, as I always do, and this song came on and I swear my everything just stopped.  

“Talking to the Moon” was a song about staring at the moon every night and hoped that his former lover was too.  It speaks of when the stars come up and light up his room, he just sits there talking to the moon.  Right?  It tugged at my heart and in an instant a story was born.  If you aren’t familiar with this song, head over to my website and I’ve got it posted. 

I know a lot of authors are inspired by random things, which I always found fascinating.  When I first started writing I was able to use prompts to help me create a story, whether it be for submission calls or fan fiction. I know, I know. I didn’t stay there for long.  But now with the birth of this one. story inspired by something so random as one song, I felt that I was part of the cool kids.  I’m not, but one can hope. 

Since then my inspiration has grown and has spun into a five book series, all surrounding one young couple and their connection to the full moon.  The first book, a prequel of sorts, features the father of the young man.  Sunrise is about a mature couple who meet by chance month after a steamy, anonymous weekend in Mexico. 

After I wrote the first book, titled Talk to the Moon, I was further inspired by music and Sunrise is heavily influenced by the sexiness of Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles.  And of course, coffee. There is something incredibly enchanting about the lyrics from Fleetwood Mac but the song Tequila Sunrise was the official inspiration for Sunrise. Not so much lyrically but more so the theme of a woman who is a bit lost and just numb from life.  

So that’s a brief look into my crazy mind, what inspires you? 

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter or my blog for the upcoming New Adult release, Talk to the Moon on February 22nd! Be sure to pick up Sunrise for free in the meantime. 

Talk to the Moon 

 

When Kyle Chase was eighteen, he had his life all mapped out: a business degree and a long, happy life with his childhood sweetheart.Seven years later, Kyle is still haunted by the girl who declared her undying love to him before disappearing without a word as soon as he left for college. With the realization that the memories are stopping him from living his life, Kyle posts an ad in hopes of making contact with the woman who broke his heart.

Sadie Long has finally found her niche in the world as an artist, years after leaving the South and her trailer-trash parents. Every month, her muse drives Sadie to create another artwork featuring a vivid full moon and the boy she left behind, and it’s driving her crazy. When she comes across an ad in Craigslist’s “Missed Connections,” she knows it’s from him, and even though she’s terrified of how he might feel about what she did when they were teenagers, she has no choice but to respond to the ad.

When the truth comes out, will Kyle be able to forgive Sadie and move forward, or will they always be stuck in the past?

Links to download FREE read Sunrise- 

Bottom Drawer Publishing- http://www.bottomdrawerpublications.net/#!free-reads/cnec

Barnes&Noble-http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sunrise-morgan-emerson/1117704089?ean=2940045495011

Kobo- http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/sunrise-12#readThisOn

iTunes- https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sunrise/id779794698?mt=11

Contact:

Website- http://www.morgan-emerson.com/ 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/authormorganemerson 

Twitter- https://twitter.com/morgan_emerson 

Pinterest-  http://www.pinterest.com/morgemerson/ 

Goodreads-  https://www.goodreads.com/MorganEmerson

SEALed With A Kiss–it’s coming! (Contest)

Thought I’d lead with that cover. Don’t you love it? It’s the cover for a collection of eight ALL SEAL stories that will be releasing this coming week, just in time for Valentine’s Day! I don’t have a link yet, but as soon as the collection goes live, I’ll be sure to share it! Here’s the pic of the boxed set…

Note the line at the bottom of the front. The Only ALL SEA Anthology. Eight NYT, USA Today and National Bestselling Authors.

And if you read my story in Uniform Desires, you might want to read the next story in my trilogy of travel agents who wind up with more adventure than they wanted with smexy men to the rescue.

Here’s the list of blurbs for the stories that comprise the collection. Get ready to drool!

Breaking Free by Bestselling author Teresa Reasor

When her brother Brett is attacked and left for dead, Zoe Weaver and Lieutenant Adam ‘Hawk’ Yazzie work together to discover if one of his SEAL teammates is responsible for his injuries. But will loyalties forged on the battlefield prove more binding than the truth? Or their love?

SEAL’s Lost Dream by USA Today Bestselling author JM Madden

Former Navy SEAL K9 handler Joe Flynn lost his dog in the war and doesn’t want anything to do with animals, but every stray in Denver seems to head his way. Luckily for him, the luscious veterinarian Willow James doesn’t mind taking care of everything he finds. She even seems willing to take him on with all his ghosts, but is he ready to let them go for her?

Code of Silence by Award-Winning Bestselling author Marliss Melton

Navy SEAL Vinny DeInnocentis has no idea his news reporter wife is keeping secrets. With her hard-won reputation for rooting out corruption, Ophelia can’t let a little thing like her unexpected pregnancy get in the way of exposing Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor for the liar he is. But will her quest to publicize the truth — and her shocking discovery that her target is far more dangerous than she imagined — cost her more than she ever thought she’d lose?

SEAL’s Desire by USA Today Bestselling author Elle James

Back from deployment, Navy SEAL Remy LaDue’s planned Valentine’s Day date with NCIS agent Mitchell Sanders runs amuck when he finds her undercover as a sexy stripper at a local lounge. Remy and his team join forces with Mitchell to find a missing woman and discover a human trafficking organization in the darkest heart of Virginia Beach.

Holding On by New York Times Bestselling author Stephanie Tyler

(a novella set in the Hold series – originally published in SEAL of My Dreams altho)

Jamie Michaels is an FBI Agent, married to a Navy SEAL…and about to give birth while her husband’s deployed.

Navy SEAL Chris Waldron’s been on some impossible missions before, but getting home in time for the birth of his son might prove to be the toughest–and most rewarding mission of all.

Warrior by Bestselling author Gennita Low

On a covert operation with his SEAL team, Lucas Branson bumps into his love interest, Kit Ling Harrison, who is overseas with her media team interviewing victims of war. Things get interesting when he and Kit end up on an unexpected road trip. Chasing vehicles, avoiding RPGs, singing silly songs, and falling in love ensue. 

SEAL My Destiny by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Sharon Hamilton

Back from a horrible tour, Navy SEAL Luke Paulsen has a chance encounter with a woman who begins to unthaw his troubled soul. Deciding he’s too damaged, he begs off further entanglement, but then meets her again a month later at a family wedding, where the unavoidable attraction pulls them together as never before. Will their love be enough to heal them both for a chance at a Happily Ever After?

Mutiny’s Bounty by USA Today Bestselling author Delilah Devlin

Interested only in experiencing an adrenaline-packed adventure first-hand to give her credo when she books her clients’ adventure vacations, Lace McElhannon finds more excitement than she can handle when she meets and falls into bed with ex-SEAL Dex Haygood. Fresh from protecting transport ships from Somali pirates, Dex figures his latest job will be a cakewalk, until he finds himself in deep water, swimming with sharks and trying to protect Lace when the yacht they’re sailing on is taken.

And just because I love making this fun, I’ll give away one free copy of Uniform Desire to one commenter. I’ll choose the winner on Monday.

 

Post a comment and you’ll be entered to win a free download of Uniform Desires, which includes my prequel to MUTINY’S BOUNTY, DANGEROUS LIAISON! 

Is that enough torture? How about some snippets from Mutiny’s Bounty to whet your desire?

Not moving, he studied her, his gaze narrowing on her face. “You should know something about me.”

She held her breath, something in his stillness telling her she’d better pay attention to what he said.

“I’m not polite,” he said softly. “And I get to be a little rough.”

Hmmm…I’m teasing now. That wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy you, right? Want more?

He shook his head. “I don’t see sex as a game, but you’ve been bucking me since we met. You consider it a challenge, getting a guy exactly where you want, to do exactly what you want.”

“Not true,” she whispered. “Not what I’m after, at all.”

“Then tell me.” His voice softened. “Remember, no pride. No modesty. It’s just you and me.”

She licked her lips, then drew a short breath, turning her head so he couldn’t see her eyes. Because hadn’t he already seen too much? “I want you to make me.”

“Make you what?”

“Make me obey. Let me fight, but never let me win.”

After a long pause, he asked, “Forcibly?”

Okay, I know I’m being cruel, but I’m leaving you on that note. Check back around Monday. I promise you don’t have long to wait for this one!

Lea Griffith: Writing a Little Bit of Everything

Writing a Little Bit of Everything

Thanks so much, Delilah, for having me today. I was tickled you had space for me. As usual when thinking about what my topic for today would be I became distracted by Facebook and Twitter. Pictures of cute little baby animals (baby giraffes get me every single time), hot smexxy men (David Gandy wants ME, people, his eyes don’t lie), and of course, snarky e-cards and gratuitous wine shots are a serious distraction. Then I remembered I had a blog post to do and I was all discombobulated.

Finally, I hit on my topic. That a reader hit me up to ask me the question first was a godsend. The question was: “I see you write a little bit of everything. Why?” Now at first I wondered, is this reader pissed I write a little of everything? Or, are they happy about the fact that I’ve written romance across a wide spectrum of sub-genres to include contemporary, science fiction, paranormal, suspense and erotic? Maybe the question isn’t WHY, maybe it’s just why. Maybe there’s nothing hidden in the question—maybe they like that I do this. Then I shut my writer mind off and tackled the problem with my reader mind.

I write but I read, too. A LOT. My interests vary from outer space to shape-shifters to billionaires to military heroes to assassins. I like whips and chains, but I like the sweetness as well. And if I read all that doesn’t it just make sense that I would enjoy writing all of it? Of course it makes sense. My reading interests are a direct reflection of my personality—I love it all. No limits and no restraints. The written word makes me happy. What makes me even happier is to find an author I love to read and then I’ll devour everything they’ve written no matter the sub-genre.

So back to my reader’s question: Why? Why do I write a little bit of everything? Moving back into my writer brain the answer is simple: Because I can. Because I love it. Because I have stories that must get out of my brain or it will explode. That’s how I answered their question. I write scifi, paranormal, contemporary, erotic, and suspense because that’s where my characters live and breathe and fight and love. I might do one better than the other but you can bet your sweet butt I’m going to give everyone of them the best story possible.

My reader responded with this: “ I’m going to read them all I just wanted to know.” And in that statement is the very best unsaid/unwritten compliment I’ve ever received. That reader likes my writing. She likes the words I string together to form sentences then paragraphs then chapters and you get the idea. Because she likes my style, my voice, my words, she’ll read just about anything I write. And that is the best damn feeling in the world.

To any writer who wonders whether they should write that scifi romance they’ve been contemplating—to any writer who thinks maybe they should hold off of that M/M/f they’ve been wanting to pen—here’s my suggestion: WRITE IT. Don’t question your muse. Go with what you feel, do whatever research you need to do on galaxies and light-years and what goes where/when/how in a M/M/f, but DON’T NOT WRITE IT!

That’s my post folks. Delilah? You’re awesome. Thanks again for letting me join you. And to everyone, whether you’re reading or writing—go get the words!

* * * * *

Lea Griffith began sneaking to read her mother’s romance novels at a young age. She cut her teeth on the greats: McNaught, Woodiwiss, and Garwood. A firm believer that love makes the world go round, she still consumes every romance book she can put her hands on, but now she writes her own.

Lea lives with her husband and three teenage daughters in rural Georgia. Two dogs, a cat, and a Betta fish named Coddy George complete a family always in motion. When not working at the EDJ, she’s usually at her keyboard, using every spare second to write. Nothing is off-limits when it comes to her writing.

She is represented by Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency.

You can find her here:

Website:  http://www.leagriffith.com/

Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/lea.griffith.58

Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/LeaGriffithWrites?ref=hl

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LeaGriffith

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/leagriffith/

Tumblr:  http://www.tumblr.com/blog/leagriffithwrites

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6913695.Lea_Griffith

Recent Release:

ARROW TO THE SOUL

 

Book 2, No Mercy Series

Available at all ebook retailers now.

She walks in the darkness—it is all she has ever known.

Arrow walks with death. It is bitter and black, and covers every step she takes. Trained from the crib to be nothing more than a death-bringer she knows she was born without a soul. The darkness is where she’s comfortable and she carries the weight of her duty notched on bow—ready to fly straight and true in to her enemy’s hearts.

He has known love and loss—and then he finds her in the darkness.

Adam knows his calling. Protect and serve. As a member of Trident Corporation he has found the perfect place to meet his obligations. Then he sees a woman with eyes of amber and he is taken under by her darkness. He touches her heart and knows he has no choice—share his light with a killer or lose his soul to her.

 Darkness and light. Two sides of one coin. Retribution draws them together but before all is said and done they will learn love can either break you or make you stronger. 

Kate Deveaux: Tie me to the Bedpost and More!

Tie me to the Bedpost and More!

Thanks Delilah for having me as your guest. I love a good naughty cocktail as much as the next girl so I thought I’d stop by and share a few drinks that go with some of my latest releases:

Tie Me To The Bedpost Baby

This is the perfect drink for Cassianna when she walks smack into the arms of her long lost love in Academy of Love.

1 part Midori Melon liqueur

1 part sloe gin

1 part Vodka

1 part Peach liqueur

1 part Chambord

1 part cranberry juice

Mix with ice in a hurricane glass and enjoy with a hunk like Lawrence when things heat up back at the Academy.

Or how about a little

Southern Bondage…

In Mixing Glass With Ice Add:

1/4 oz Amaretto

1/4 oz Peach Schnapps

1/4 oz Southern Comfort

1/4 oz Triple Sec

Splash Sweet/Sour Mix

Splash Cranberry Juice

Shake and Strain

Pour into a shot glass and enjoy!

Do you feel like escaping winter’s chill and heading for warmer temperatures? How hot do you like it? Check out these drink recipes inspired by Sail Away With Me.

Jody and Taggart’s sexy romp at sea and those hot Caribbean nights call for a drink like this:

Come To Me

1 oz Peach liqueur

1/2 oz. Amaretto almond liqueur

1/2 oz Blue Curacao liqueur

4 oz. Pineapple juice

1 splash Grenadine syrup

Pour all ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Stir well, and serve.

Those two are insatiable. And still thirsty. How about a little Bend Me Over to refresh…

 Bend Me Over

1 oz. Amaretto

2 oz. Sweet and Sour mix

Shake and strain, pour over a glass filled with ice and top with a splash of pineapple juice.

Cheers!

Kate

xx

 

Kate Deveaux

Contemporary and Erotic Romance Author

About Kate: Kate Deveaux is a contemporary erotic romance writer and die-hard romantic. A former wedding planner, she has always been “in love” with love! Kate is currently working on several fictional stories – each filled with sexy romance, heroines who are no shrinking violets and heroes who make your heart skip a beat. She is a member of Savvy Author, Romance Writers of America (RWA) and their erotic romance chapter, Passionate Ink. Kate currently resides with her husband in Arizona.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Author website: http://www.katedeveaux.com

Facebook:            https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kate-D...

Twitter:                https://twitter.com/KateDeveaux

Pinterest:            http://pinterest.com/katedeveaux

Goodreads:        https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/7126956.Kate_Deveaux

About The Butler Did It:

Vi Martin, a successful multi-millionaire businesswoman, is in for a surprise when the domestic agency sends her a new butler for her swanky Miami retreat. Drop dead gorgeous Clarkson Dale is the consummate professional butler until he meets his new employer. Strictly professional by day but all bets are off at night when they explore their fantasies. The sparks fly and their attraction is undeniable when they break all the rules when Michel, Vi’s gorgeous young french trained chef joins Clarkson and Vi in exploring her deeper sexual tastes. Also published as part of the erotic anthology At Your Service.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/13U1BqH

B&N: http://bit.ly/15WMe6i

About Academy of Love:

Love smolders and the sex is red hot when Cassianna Baxter leaves behind a glamorous teaching career in Italy to return to her old Alma Mater, Lewiston Academy for Girls as the Deputy Head Mistress. No sooner does she arrive at the Academy than she walks smack into sexy Lawrence Taylor, her first love and ex-lover. He’s been looking for her ever since he was forced to leave her and now that she is back at the Academy he knows he has to win her back. And not just in his bed.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/198dRs7

B&N: http://bit.ly/1bi6C1u

About Sail Away With Me:

The last thing Jody needs is to complicate her life in just seven short days… but that’s exactly what happens when the recently divorced, single mom and her three best friends board a Caribbean cruise and she falls for the dashing celebrity guest, Taggart Keith. Their attraction sizzles at sea, but life is anything but smooth sailing when they return to land. Jody is shocked to find out that Taggart doesn’t practice what he preaches — he hasn’t left his past behind at all. The best selling author and self-help guru is used to getting what he wants but Jody isn’t so sure she can take a chance on love again. Will it be full steam ahead for the small town girl and the jet-setting bachelor?  Red Sage Publishing Official Release Date: December 1 2013

BUY LINKS:

Red Sage:  http://eredsage.com/store/DEVEAUX_KATE.html

Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/Kate-Deveaux/e/B00DGH8X58

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/kate-deveaux

LINK TO EXCERPT:   http://bit.ly/1gGeOvU

Weather on Not…

After writing over 5000 words yesterday, I’m nearing the end of my latest SEAL story, Mutiny’s Bounty. I need to work like an automaton to get through my huge list of January projects. I think I worked well yesterday because the sun was out and the sky was a perfectly clear and bright blue. I felt happy and the writing showed it. Today, it’s raining and cold—as dreary a forecast as you can imagine. And I’m tired. Does weather affect you? I used to like rainy days. I loved any excuse to snuggle in a blanket and put my feet up to read a book or watch a movie. I’m ready for pool weather now!

Maybe I’m tired as well because I have so much more on plate than just books. I have a house to sell that has to be repaired and refurbished, and yes, I’m not doing any of the physical work, but I do have to run around to meet realtors, get utilities turned back on, etc. I really hate going out and about. Does that make me a shut-in? Have I become that weird writer-hermit person? I don’t like dressing up or putting on makeup or shoes. And I’m perfectly happy letting my hair frizz because blow-drying and straightening is too much work. Whoa. I am that person!

Maybe it’s just the weather. I used to think winter was my favorite season, but no more. What about you? If you didn’t have to go outside to work or carry the kids to their destinations, would you be that weird shut-in person?

Oh, and a quick note about newsletters. Mine’s been boring as hell. I’m hoping to change that in the near future. While I work on that, make sure you’re signed up to receive it. There will be contests and offers you can only get through this subscription…

Newsletter

If you are interested in receiving news about book releases, appearances, or other fun news, sign up for my newsletter. You won’t be inundated with emails (I’m just too busy) and I will never give or sell your information to anyone.

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Cynthia D’Alba: Texas Fandango (Contest)

Hi All! Cynthia D’Alba here. Whenever gal pal, Delilah, offers up her blog for guest, I usually slug all the other authors to get in line first! I’m pretty sure that’s how I got this cherry spot on the day before my book release.

Tomorrow (Feb. 4, 2014) book 3 (a novella) in the Texas Montgomery Mavericks series hits the online bookshelves. TEXAS FANDANGO is the story of KC Montgomery, a strong-willed, independent Texas cowgirl-attorney and Drake Gentry, drop-dead sexy professor from Texas Southern Methodist University.  

The couple flies from Texas for a vacation full of sun, sand, surf and sex at The Sand Castle Resort on private SugarIsland in the Caribbean. It’s a two-week fling that will be over when the vacation is over. Sometimes, however, two weeks on a beach can deepen more than just tans. 

Here’s a quick excerpt:

Drake leaned back on the sofa and crossed an ankle over a knee. “Okay, as I was saying, do you want to go with me on vacation? You sort of caught me off-guard this afternoon, and I’m sorry for being so slow on the uptake. I’d love for you to come with me.” He drained the remaining water and set the empty bottle on the side table. “But you need to know that I reserved a one-bedroom suite. I’ll sleep on the couch, you don’t have to worry. You can have the bed.”

KC set the puppy down and leaned forward. “You’re asking me to go with you on vacation?”

“Yep. My treat.”

“And you’re not going to make me sleep with you?”

He shrugged and made himself maintain eye contact when what he wanted to do was look anywhere but at her. Damn. Her voice was a little tight and high with that last question. Now what had he done wrong? He didn’t think he’d ever understand women.

“Right.” He dragged the word out. “No obligation.”

She drained her beer. The empty bottle dangled from the tips of her fingers. The side of her cheek sucked as she rolled it between her teeth.

“So no sex. That’s what you’re saying? I just want to make sure there are no misunderstandings this time.”

He nodded. “Sure.”

She echoed his nod and then set her bottle on the floor. “Well then, in that case, no.”

His head popped back. “What?”

Leaning toward him, she said, “No sex, no trip.”

This time, he swallowed hard. Crossed and uncrossed his legs. Adjusted his position on the sofa. “Explain exactly what you’re saying. Use small words and short sentences. I don’t think my mind is hearing correctly this afternoon.”

“Here’s the deal, Doc. I want a vacation with the five S’s. Sand. Surf. Sun. Spa. And sex.” She leaned back in her chair. “And not necessarily in that order.”

“So you want to sleep with me?”

“I want a two-week torrid, scorching-hot affair. No holds barred. Then, we walk away. No harm. No foul. Those are my terms.” She stared into his eyes. “Take it or leave it.” 

Copyright © 2014 Cynthia D’Alba

All rights reserved — a Samhain Publishing, Ltd. Publication

To celebrate the release of TEXAS FANDANGO, I’m having a contest that starts today and runs for the next couple of weeks. Good Luck! Click the link! a Rafflecopter giveaway

So plan your fantasy, sex-filled vacation. Where are you going and with whom? One lucky person who leave a comment will get a jar of yummy, orange-scented hand cream…A scent that will take you away to sunny places.

Want to grab your copy of Texas Fandango?

Buy at Amazon | Buy at Barnes & Noble | Buy at Samhain 

Phoebe Conn: Follow Your Passions (Free Read)

FOLLOW YOUR PASSIONS  

People frequently tell me they have an idea for a book that’s a sure bestseller, but then complain they lack the discipline to sit down and write. I love to write, so discipline isn’t required in my case, but passion is vital. No matter how amazing the initial idea might be, if the author tires of the story or loses affection for the characters, it will take forever to write or languish unfinished. That’s why an author needs to care passionately about her story from the first glimmer of an idea.

Several of my friends have a passion for gardening and have such beautiful yards to prove it. My sons are passionate about their music, and are wonderful musicians as a result. I know people who love dogs so dearly they participate in rescues and foster dogs waiting for a permanent home. Multiple passions make life even more exciting and some people have so many interests they have difficulty focusing on just one at a time.

A man recently asked me for advice. He had a sensational idea for a subject he cares about passionately and thought writing a book would be a fast way to make money to fund his research. I laughed, and suggested if Santa Anita were open, he’d have a better chance of turning a profit if he bet on the horses. He swore he wasn’t a gambler, but writers have to be. He truly thought he could write the book quickly, although he’d never written fiction, sell it and promptly pocket the money. Many people suffer under the same delusion and believe a book would be easy to write, if they only had the discipline to stay seated at their computers.

We may spend a year or more writing a book we love from the first sentence to the last and find no publisher shows even a particle of interest. That’s a real blow to our egos and bank accounts. In the past, authors could tuck an unsold story under the bed and begin another with the hope the rejected book would find an editor in a year or two.

Sometimes that strategy works. What one editor discounts as uninteresting, another will adore. With a finished manuscript, there’s always hope it will someday see the light of day and receive the acclaim we’re sure it deserves.

Now authors have a chance to Indie publish not only the backlist their publishers have allowed to go out of print, but new books as well. We can now write the book we truly want to write, hire an editor, pay for a professional cover and find success on our own. This is so exciting not only for writers, but readers as well.

In the 1990s, I wrote a four book historical series featuring a Virginia family. Fans begged for more, but the original publisher wasn’t interested. The beauty of writing a historical romance is that they never seem dated as a contemporary book might. The Hearts of Liberty series is now available as ebooks with a new fifth book to take the story into the next generation. The first book, SAVAGE DESTINY, a Native American romance, has received so many interesting reviews. Some people understand the Indian’s pride, love his story and are eager to continue reading the series. Others find my hero unsympathetic, and stop there. Thank goodness they’re in the minority!

I thank everyone who posts a review, and I’m delighted most are highly complimentary. Now the question is whether or not to write book 6 and 7. I love these characters, and could follow their adventures forever. So I have what it takes: Passion. SAVAGE DESTINY is available now as a free download. This is a great way to sample a writer you haven’t read, and explore your passion for books.