Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 492

Guest Blogger: Ann Lory

Writing a book is sometimes like watching a movie. You don’t know which direction it’s going to go. Sometimes characters do that. Take the first book in my Eternal series. When I orginally started that book it was supposed to be a stand alone when all of a sudden, another vampire that Dimitri (the hero) had spoken several chapters before just made an appearance out of the blue. I had no idea it was going to happen. It surprised me and when he (Jacque – the friend Dimitri spoke of) was immedately taken with Kelly (heroine’s friend) book two was born.

Characters take on a life of their own. Right now I’m in the middle of Eternal Salvation. Those characters fought me every step of the way until finally on the fourth try I got it right and they are cooperating perfectly now.

Do writers have multiple personalities lurking around? Yes. Of course we do. Sometimes the voices are really loud, and others are subtle. but in the end they will be heard and they will have their way. Scary movie moment? Possibly…”The Attack of the Pcitzo!” Awww…just give ‘em a laptop and let ‘em go.

Marrying the enemy can be the sweetest torture…

Hannah Dawson never expected to be attacked by Yankee deserter’s where she lives in the Tennessee Smokey Mountains…but she never imagined she’d be forced to marry the Yankee officer that saves her either.

When Lieutenant Lane Peterson, of the Union Army rescues a Tennessee belle and is injured in the process he is surprised when Hannah takes him in and nurses him back to health. Unable to keep his hands from exploring her tempting body, Lane finds himself in a compromising position and before he knows it he is standing as a reluctant groom for a shot-gun wedding. As soon as his wounds heal, Lane plans to head north, find the first Union Army camp he comes to and get his marriage to the Southerner annulled. But mother-nature and fate have plans of their own. Snowed in for the winter, Lane and Hannah find a passion that will not be denied North and South of the Mason Dixon Line.

But when the weather clears Lane must return to the war. After several months of fighting, Lane keeps his promise and comes back for his Southern wife, but soon they find it isn’t the struggles on the battlefield that will test their love, but the acceptance of family and a nation’s wounded spirit and scorn. Will Lane and Hannah find the strength to fight for each other? Or will they be lost to the differences that lie between them and lose the battle they’ve fought so hard to win….

Website: www.annlory.com

Blog: www.annlory.blogspot.com

A shiny new contest, a winner, and a question!

Yaaawwwwn! I slept to nearly 9 AM this morning! That’s a very late start for me. But I feel so refreshed—a good thing since I have to plow into my next Samhain book this week, the next Delta Heat story! While I’m writing that story, I’ll be firming up plans for the Montlake book so I can tear into it soon. So much work and only me to do it. I wouldn’t want it any way else.

So, before I tell you about my new contest, let’s wrap up the last one!

The winner of the Texas Two-Step Grab Bag is…Mary Preston! Mary, email me to arrange delivery of your prize—and congrats!

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The Glass Art Pendant Contest

What can you win?

This lovely fused glass art pendant. I’m not sure the photo does it justice, because it darkens it, but it’s a deep blood red with an iridescent peacock inset and a small flower-like inset above it. It measures approx. 1 1/2 ” long and 1″ wide. An artist friend of mine makes them, and I have been collecting. Start your collection now!

How can you win it?

Post a comment on any blog posting from today until the contest ends. Each entry counts as another chance to win!

This contest ends in two weeks, May 15th!!

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Just to give you something to talk about today—here’s a question…

If you could get back one thing that was either lost or destroyed, what would it be?

Guest Blogger: Lindsay Chase

The Mansions and the Mills

Thank you, Delilah, for having me as a guest blogger.

After finishing The Oath, a historical romance about a woman doctor in 1890’sNew York City, I began searching for inspiration for another book about a Victorian career woman.  We tend to think of Victorian women as primarily wives and mothers, but often these same women created opportunities for themselves in a variety of occupations.  Now I had to decide which one my heroine would pursue.

One day, I was driving to Manchester, CT, to brainstorm with my critique partner when I passed three stately Victorian mansions sitting high atop a hill that crowned a luxurious sweeping lawn, not far from a group of brick mill buildings.  My friend told me the mansions and mills had been owned by a large, prominent family named Cheney, and silk fabric made there.

Silk?  In Connecticut?  That was news to me.  Like all native New Englanders, I knew about the region’s once-thriving textile industry, but I’d never known anything about silk manufacturing except that it involved temperamental silkworms and mulberry leaves to feed them.  Sensing a novel, I began researching the subject.  Soon, many tantalizing dramatic possibilities emerged.

I started playing my favorite game of, “What if..?”  What if my spirited heroine Hannah found herself in a marriage of convenience to a man who loved his silk mill and another woman more?  What if she tries to win her husband’s love by learning everything she can about running his beloved mill and making it prosper?  And what if she’s swept away by a forbidden love for Samuel, her husband’s artist brother?  Add the theme of how one woman’s choices define and shape her life, and The Vow was born.

As a writer, I always keep my eyes and mind open to new sources of inspiration.  So when I see three mansions on a hill, I don’t drive by without a second thought.  Instead, I play, “What if…?” and see where the journey takes m.

Lindsay Chase is the author of The Oath and The Vow, part of Samhain’s Retro Romance line, and Honor, coming in July.  Lindsay’s website is www.LindsayChaseBooks.com, and you can join her on Facebook and Twitter (@lindsaychase10).

Guest Bloggers: A. Catherine Noon and Rachel Wilder

Check the comments of yesterday’s post for the winner of the free download!

Oh! And remember The Texas Two-Step Grab Bag contest ends Tuesday! ~DD

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Why Attend a Conference?

Rachel and I are attending Spring Fling, the conference of the Chicago North chapter of Romance Writers of America.  A large regional conference, it focuses on workshops and activities for aspiring and published authors, as well as a reader event that includes a book-signing.

Having just gone to the RT Booklovers Convention earlier this month, I am beginning to “get the hang” of how I like to “do” conferences.  I figured I’d pass along some tips that work for me and Rachel:

1.  Plan ahead.  Look up the schedule on the Internet before you go, so you know what you want to attend and where, if any, slack exists so you can relax.

2.  Come early to get the lay of the land, check in, and get your “swags.”  Most conferences give various freebees, from books to pens, mirrors, and even candy in naughty shapes.

3.  Many people use conferences as networking tools, so pay attention to the lounge and lobby areas.  Editors and authors like to just hang out, rather than attend every workshop; impromptu discussions can take place.  You never know who you might meet.

4.  Don’t be afraid to have some fun.  Most conferences offer parties of various kinds, from relatively mild receptions to full-blown extravaganzas with costumes, models, and stage productions.  It’s not all serious, so lighten up and let your inner child play.

5.  Bring business cards.  Collect business cards.  Even if your cards are simply your name and email, you have the opportunity to make connections and put a face to your branding.  Folks are more apt to connect with a real person, which is invaluable as you’re starting out.

6.  Take care of your appearance.  You might want to dress up in order to give a good first impression.  While jeans and a t-shirt are comfortable, you are representing you and your brand.  Dress the part.

7.  Remember to drink plenty of water and bring snacks.  There’s no reason not to spend money at the hotel or convention center if you’ve budgeted for it, but why pay seven dollars for a bottle of water when you can bring it with you?  Plus, you might not want to leave a workshop just because you get the nibbles.

8.  Bring something to take notes with.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  People love to talk about their craft.  The more you ask, the more you’ll learn.

9.  If you see an author you like, go up and talk with them.  They’re here to connect with the fans.  Take advantage of that and be a fan.  Just don’t bother them if they’re trying to have a quiet meal or already in conversation with someone.

10.  Be a sponge.  Keep your eyes open.  You never know when you might see the next idea for your novel, idea for a cool promotional concept, or a new friend.  Let the world around you stimulate you.  After all, that’s what you paid for.

A. Catherine Noon and Rachel Wilder

Blog Website

Check out BURNING BRIGHT, available now from Samhain Publishing.

Watch for EMERALD FIRE, coming soon from Torquere Publishing.

Snippet Saturday: Author’s Choice

One quick announcement before we return to our regularly scheduled snippet!

I sold to Montlake!!! The contracts are being finalized, and I spoke with my new editor yesterday. I have a two book deal for “Caitlyn O’Connell” stories. Below is the logline for the first book. You are sooooo going to love this one!

A bloody hand print on the inside of a mirror forces a disgraced ex-cop

to seek help from two former lovers, her ex-partner and a powerful sorcerer,

to stop a murderous demon

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On May 29th, the conclusion to the Logan brothers duet of stories will be released by Samhain. TWO WILD FOR TEACHER will see a happy ending for all the Logans. So if you haven’t read the first story, A FOUR-GONE CONCLUSION, you need to do it now! ~DD

“A FOUR-GONE CONCLUSION is a prime example on how a novella should be written; fast and fun, touching characters that pull you in and a story that is completely fulfilling.” 4.5 Cherries, Long and Short Reviews

One devilish night…or a chance at heaven?

Sam Logan’s foster sons have a bad rep in Two Mule, Texas. Most of it earned. When it becomes clear they don’t plan on giving up scootin’ after ever pretty pair of boots in town anytime soon, he issues the one thing he knows they can’t resist: a challenge. Find a wife.

The oldest, Johnny, is actually grateful. He’s had his eye on Mean Ellie Harker for a long time, and Sam’s challenge is the kick in the pants he needed to ask her out. Except before he can make his move, his brothers kidnap her right out from under his nose. Now, instead of being one question away from victory, he has to compete for the woman of his dreams.

Ellie thought she’d be a dried up old spinster before Johnny finally untangled his tongue long enough to ask for a date. But instead of teaching him better uses for that tongue, his brothers have whisked her away to the ranch. At first she’s furious…then intrigued when she starts to wonder what it might be like…

Warning: Four handsome cowboys. Four choices. Would it be a single sordid night or a chance at heaven as she savors every luscious inch of the Logan brothers?

“I could help you, you know,” Killian said, his tone casual.

Too casual. Johnny grunted. “With what?”

“Gettin’ you a wife.”

His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Worry about findin’ your own.”

“It’s not how it works, bro. We’re brothers.”

“We’re not blood.”

“Blood’s not what counts.”

Which was a sorry damn truth they all knew too well. Blood had failed them all.

Johnny cussed under his breath. “How would you help? You gonna chat her up for me? You gonna tell her what a catch I am?”

“Well, you are. You stand to inherit a fourth of the Double Tree. And I’ve seen the way women look at you.”

Johnny snorted.

“You’re not a bad lookin’ guy.

Johnny aimed a blistering glare his way. “You gonna ask me out?”

Killian grinned. “Just statin’ the facts. You’re not hard on the eyes. And you’re tall. Girls like that. And they like your hair. They like you fine until you give ’em that thousand-yard stare like you’re sightin’ down a rifle barrel.”

Johnny gave him his meanest glare. “This isn’t gonna work.”

Killian gave a waggle of his eyebrows. “I’ll help. What’re brothers for?”

“You’re just hoping I’ll snag a wife and that’ll be the end of it. You’ll be off the hook.”

“Maybe.”

“You think this is funny.”

“Watchin’ you tryin’ to sweet talk a woman—yeah, it’ll be the most fun I’ve had in while. So where do you wanna start?”

Johnny didn’t answer but he passed up the most obvious place. The saloon’s parking lot was already full. Instead, he turned onto Main Street and slowed as he searched for a parking place.

Killian straightened in his seat. “You’re not thinkin’ of Ellie, are you?”

The way Killian said it intimated he thought Johnny had lost his mind. Maybe he had. But she was the first woman he’d thought of when Sam had mentioned the stew. “She can cook.”

Killian gave an exaggerated shudder. “But she’s mean.”

“Should be perfect for me then, don’t you think?”

Killian gave a bark of laughter then crammed his cowboy hat on his head.

Johnny raked his hair with his fingers and wished he’d thought to bring a rubber band to tie it back. However, Killian had said girls liked his long, straight hair. He didn’t know why he’d kept it. It was the one most glaring trait that set him apart from his brothers. The last vestige of the heritage he’d thrown off when he’d run away from life on the reservation.

He trailed behind Killian, who stepped out with a bounce in his step, likely grinning his ass off that Ellie Harker was the first woman who’d come to his mind. What he didn’t know was that Johnny had been working up the courage to ask her out, sitting in the diner week after week, but never quite finding the right way to do it.

Killian pushed through the door of the café. Johnny caught it before it slammed in his face, but didn’t say a word. Already, he could feel his body tensing at the thought of talking to the woman.

She’d taken over the running of Katie’s Diner when Katie’s belly got too big and her husband, Cutter Standifer, had insisted she hire a cook until after the birth of their first child.

Inside, the smell of freshly baked apple pie assailed him, and his belly rumbled loudly. There could be worse things than being hitched to a mean woman, especially when she could cook almost as well as Gracie.

The place was busy. Wade Luckadoo’s girl, a college kid home for the summer with blue streaks in her white-blond hair, glided out of the kitchen with a tray balanced on one hand. “Someone’ll be right with you. Take a seat if you can find one.”

Killian headed to the counter and slid onto a stool then patted the empty one beside him. Johnny felt his face harden to stone, his usual mask in public, as he sat. From this vantage they had a view straight into the kitchen where Ellie was working.

One glance and his body stilled, breath leaving in a quiet sigh. She was a pretty woman, although her looks weren’t flashy like most men might prefer. Pale blonde hair, pretty milk-colored skin, and he didn’t need to see what stretched below. Her well-padded curves were burned into his memory.

Right now, her cheeks were rosy, a fine sheen of sweat glistening on her brow. Johnny stared, wondering, not for the first time, whether she’d taste like everything she cooked.

Ellie pushed back a lock of her pale hair that fell over her hazel eyes with the back of her hand and then glanced up. Her startled gaze met his for a second then quickly darted to his brother before falling away.

He kept right on staring, wondering how long it would be before she’d come out to check on the customers first-hand.

Killian leaned toward him to whisper. “See? She was lookin’.”

“She looked at you too. Would have looked at Ole Win’s ugly face if he’d taken a seat right in front of her.”

“But she wouldn’t have blushed.”

“She’s cookin’ over a stove. Of course her cheeks are pink.”

Killian grunted. “You are the stubbornest man I’ve ever known. She’s interested.”

Johnny didn’t like the little thrill of hope that warmed him. No use getting excited when Killian was only trying to warm him up to the challenge. “She looked at you too,” he repeated under his breath.

Killian arched a brow. “We could follow in the twins’ footsteps…”

“I’m not sharin’ a wife with you.”

“Only one of us can marry her, but seein’ as you’re a little stunted in the courtin’ arena, you might need someone watchin’ out for your interests. I can close this deal for you, bro.”

Johnny thought about all the times he’d rehearsed the perfect opening line but sat tongue-tied when Ellie’s attention landed right on him. He might need some help all right. “Say I was to agree to let you help. No one else would have to know?”

Killian’s lips curved in a sly arc. “No one other than Ellie.”

Johnny ground his teeth. “I might need a little help. The woman ties my tongue into a knot.”

“You just do what you always do. Play the silent Injun. Be mysterious. Leave the rest to me.”

Johnny didn’t like it one bit, but he didn’t see another way around it. And the last thing he’d admit to Killian was that Sam’s pronouncement had given him the nudge he’d needed. He’d had his eye on Mean Ellie Harker for weeks but hadn’t gotten up the gumption to do anything about it.

He nodded, then instantly regretted agreeing when Killian’s mouth stretched into a wider grin.

“Not a word to the twins,” he said, gritting his teeth.

“It’ll be our little secret.”

The kitchen door swung open and Ellie breezed out, a towel over her shoulder and a pitcher of water in her hand. She grabbed two tumblers from under the counter and set one in front of each man. “What can I do for you boys?”

Johnny bristled. No one called him a boy except Sam these days. And the way she said it with that wicked glint in her eyes told him she knew he didn’t like it.

Killian leaned over the counter and tilted back his head. “Sweetheart, how come no one’s married you out from under this place?”

Johnny stepped on Killian’s boot and ground his heel into his brother’s toe.

Killian grimaced but didn’t turn away from Ellie’s narrowing glance.

“Guess I’ve just been lucky,” she said, her tone brisk. “What’ll it be? We’ve got meatloaf and mac tonight.”

“Just pie. Johnny here’s been goin’ on and on about how good your pie is.”

“Has he now?” Her razor glance flicked to Johnny, and he felt its scrape against his cheek. She leaned closer, her face inches from his. “What do you say, cowboy? Want me to top it with cream?”

He gulped at her throaty purr. Not a sound he’d ever heard her make. His dick stirred and his cheeks heated. “Vanilla,” he ground out.

She tsked. “A shame. Not what I had in mind at all.”

His mind went blank for a second. “Um, you meant whipped?”

She gave a wicked chuckle, and his skin burned like fire.

“Now, that’s more like it,” she said, her voice deepening into husky purr again.

Beside him, Killian choked on laughter.

Ellie straightened and raised both brows. “Pie comin’ up. À la mode.” She turned on her heel, but not before he saw a hint of a smile on her face.

“Not bad, bro. Not bad at all.”

“Not bad?” Johnny growled. “She thinks I’m an idiot.”

“She was flirtin’ with you.”

“She knows I can’t get a word out that makes a lick o’ sense around her.”

Killian turned his gaze from the sashay of her pretty bottom. “She knows you’re interested.”

“How long we gotta sit here?”

“’Til this place closes down. Don’t eat that pie too quick.”

“It’ll be soggy.”

“Then get another slice.”

Johnny ducked his head and turned to watch Ellie as she refilled glasses, pausing to share a word or a quick quip. She had a way with her customers. A sassy flare. With her other customers anyway. Most times, she just ignored him. Or teased him, like tonight, until he couldn’t think he was so damn hard.

Her head tilted back in laughter at something a couple said to her, then turned to catch him watching her.

For once, he didn’t let his glance skitter away. He held her gaze, let her note where he looked, and then burned a slow trail down her body.

This time, he saw her throat work around a gulp.

Killian nudged him with an elbow. “Not bad, bro. Not bad at all.”

* * * * *

Be sure to check out the snippets on these other authors’ blogs:

Megan Hart

Rhian Cahill

Eliza Gayle

Mandy M Roth

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Myla Jackson

Taige Crenshaw

HelenKay Dimon

Shiloh Walker

Lauren Dane

Shelli Stevens

Jody Wallace

Lissa Matthews

Zoë Archer

Deep in Storyland

Things are humming along regarding the things I can’t tell you about just yet. Negotiations are done. Now I’m waiting for contracts to be finalized. As soon as I sign, I’ll announce. In the meantime, I’m pounding away at my keyboard.

I have the most absurd schedule. Those 12 things I have to write or edit between now and January 2nd have to overlap so that I can finish them all on time and not have my name changed to MUD.

I’m nearing completion on one short. It’s a futuristic story. I’ll be hunting down beta readers before the day is out. I’m not sure about this one. It’s not my usual burning-up-the-sheets story, but then, the editor wanted sensual as opposed to erotic. There’s a lot of world-building that has to go into very few pages. I hope I’ve succeeded without boring the reader to death!

First thing this morning, I organized a round of critiques for this weekend with my Rose’s Colored Glasses group. Just one more thing off my plate—other then the fact I have to review three sets of authors’ stories myself before the weekend’s out.

I have to complete my review of the final galley for She Shifters. Although I’ve read this manuscript a dozen times, I’m still excited by the stories. I hope readers will feel the same way when they see it in July!

So where am I today? Deep in Storyland. Moving through worlds set in the future on the planet Mars, diving into icy waters with selkies, swimming in warm oceans with dragons, and hopefully, if I don’t run out of time, charging back to Memphis with my cops from Delta Heat. If I’m lucky, I’ll finish up just after dinner time.

And you thought the life of a writer was so easy!

Pictures from New Orleans

I thought I’d better get these pictures up. I’ve been back over a week. These are just a few of the pics I took while in New Orleans. My cousin, who lives in Seattle, decided to come south to visit, but to add a little fun, he asked if I’d join him in New Orleans, then drive up to Arkansas. I’ll jump on any excuse to go there, so I loaded up my mom and aunt and drove eight hours due south.

Eight hours is a long drive, but we took smaller highways rather than the interstate. The scenery was much more interesting. I couldn’t resist stopping to take a picture of the crimson clover blooming in the median.

That night, we didn’t have time for more than a quick stroll on Bourbon street (don’t ask me why I didn’t take any pictures there! I guess I was just tired!). However, the next morning while we waited for my aunt to get ready (she’s the slow poke), I took pics from our hotel balcony. We stayed in the St. Marie on Toulouse street. See the big white van? Well the street corner beyond that is Bourbon—so we weren’t far from all the action.

Another shot of the street below. I liked the colors.

While mom and auntie took a horse-drawn tour of the French Quarter, cuz and I took a 2-hour walking tour. Along the way to meet up with the tour, I snapped this shot on Royal.

Here I am waiting for it to begin. Our tour guide, Bill Coble, is behind me.

Cuz and I were very lucky in our choice of tours. The guide was born and raised in New Orleans. He knew its history and even told the story of one family as we navigated the Quarter that was full of romance, tragedy, family feuds and with a very nice twist at the end. Here’s one of the old houses we toured.

Of course, any tour of New Orleans must include a stop in its oldest cemetery, St. Louis Cemetery #1. It’s a little crowded.

Seems if you’re wealthy enough, you can still find space. Here’s Nic Cage’s family tomb—ready for occupancy!

This tomb is what draws me to the city. Marie Laveau, the famous voodoo queen, is still revered as you can see by the gifts and all the XXX’s scrawled on the outside by people hoping for a favor.

And just a plug, because I really, really think this man did an awesome job. If ever you go to New Orleans, look up Le Monde Creole and Insider’s French Quarter & Cemetary Tour. Bill is the owner.

We only spent a day touring, then headed out the next morning to return home to Arkansas. Just outside New Orleans, we got lost and took a wrong turn. We happened upon a large antique store and decided to stop. It was Kismet. Just inside the door, impossible to miss, was this large box. I paused to read the tag, “Anne Rice Vampire.” I glanced at the price, winced, then walked away.

My mother, who is a bargain hunter and the last person on the planet who would encourage anyone to spend big bucks on something like that, called me back. “Did you see this?”

“Yes, it’s too much.”

“Bet he’ll come down. Maybe he’ll do layaway.”

My heart started beating really fast, my skin grew flushed. And I wasn’t even sure what I was looking at.

The owner heard us talking and explained it was sold at Anne Rice’s estate sale when she moved out of her home in New Orleans. It was an antique vampire killing kit gifted to her during the time she was writing her vampire novels.

Well, Mom got him down—it still cost an arm and leg. But it’s MINE! I have it on a stool at the end of my bed. I need to make room for it on the side of desk. Then every time I run out of inspriation, I can give it a little rub.

Guest Blogger: Elle Kennedy (Contest)

Born to Be Wild

Hey everyone! I’m super excited to be blogging with Delilah today. When it comes to erotic romance, she is definitely a master. In fact, one of the very first erotic anthologies I ever read was a western that included a Delilah novella, and since then, I was hooked!

I write a variety of genres, romantic suspense being my main one, but if I’m being honest, sexy contemporaries are my absolute favorite to write because they’re always more fun. My latest release is definitely one of my hotter ones (Actually, my contemporaries only seem to get sexier and sexier with each book, but nobody seems to be complaining, so… )

Born to be Wild, my latest ebook with Samhain Publishing, centers around Jake Bishop, a bona fide bad boy who comes home looking for a distraction. And he finds one in the form of Bree Lockhart, the wealthy good girl who spent a few months in high school being very, very bad with Jake. The moment they’re reunited, it’s obvious that the flame still burns hot, and Jake, of course, is determined to lure Bree right back to the wild side.

So, here’s a little excerpt that shows exactly how persuasive Jake can be! Anyone who stops by and comments today will be entered in a draw to win a copy of BTBW, so don’t be shy! Let me know what you think of the excerpt, or your thoughts on erotic romances, or how hot is too hot (if that’s even possible), or anything else that strikes your fancy! The winner’s name will be posted in the comments section at midnight tonight (eastern time).

Also, be sure to stop by my website (www.ellekennedy.com), or connect with me on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AuthorElleKennedy) or Twitter (@ElleKennedy). I love chatting with fellow readers and writers!

 

Order links:

Buy at Samhain

Buy at Amazon

EXCERPT:

Jake wanted to lick every inch of Bree’s delectable body. Unfortunately, she was sitting all the way across the table, and there was all this damn food between them, acting like a barrier. He couldn’t believe how incredible she looked. And he’d forgotten how frickin’ smart she was. As she spoke in length about her latest case—a lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company that had knowingly sold defective drugs—it surprised him to discover that he was actually interested in everything she had to say.

“What are you thinking about?”

Her soft voice drew him out of his thoughts. Jake met her eyes, then reached for his wine. The stem of the pansy-ass glass was too skinny, and he felt awkward holding the damn thing.

“Jake?” she prompted.

“Trust me, you don’t want to know what I’m thinking,” he finally said.

Her blue eyes flickered with irritation. “You haven’t changed at all.”

“Should I have?” He smirked. “You always seemed to like me just the way I was.”

“Rough, crude, complete lack of restraint, smartass remarks?” She tilted her head, causing her raven hair to fall over one shoulder. “It was all very exciting when I was seventeen. Not so much anymore.”

“Bullshit.” He let out a deep chuckle. “You still like it.”

Rather than answering, she pushed away her empty dinner plate and dabbed at the corners of her mouth with a linen napkin. The private room of Carlotta’s boasted a romantic candlelit atmosphere, complete with a red silk tablecloth, white roses, delicate china and expensive wine.

But Jake wasn’t looking for romance. From the second he’d seen Bree again, he’d been thinking about nothing but sex.

A wave of sexual nostalgia swept over him. “We were good together, weren’t we, sweetheart?”

A rosy flush rose on her pale cheeks. “Can’t deny that.”

Jake fingered the stem of his glass, noticing that her gaze was following the motions of his hand. “Remember the Derry Falls game?”

Her cheeks went even redder. “No, not really.”

“Sure you do.” He shifted in his chair, reaching down to subtly rearrange his growing erection. “The team stayed in the same hotel as the cheerleaders, you were on the second floor, I was on the third…we snuck away and met up in the bathroom…” He dragged his tongue over his lower lip. “I went down on you for nearly an hour in one of the stalls…ring a bell?”

Her arousal was written all over her pretty face. Oh yeah, she remembered. Jake’s cock stiffened to full mast as the wicked images flashed across his brain. Bree leaning against the stall door, one leg lifted up on the toilet paper dispenser as she exposed herself to him. The feel of the linoleum floor beneath his knees as he bent between her legs and licked her up like an ice cream cone.

“Jake, please,” Bree said, a wary expression on her face.

“That’s right—you said that exact thing, over and over again.”

She sighed. “You’re incorrigible.”

“Damn straight.”

We’ve got a winner…and a new contest!

The Winner!

The winner (by random number generator) of all this wondersome, kitscherful goodness

that is the Tater Red’s Grab Bag & Elvis Contest is…

…Fedora! Fedora, hon, congratulations!

Be sure to email me to let me know where to send your prize!

* * * * *
The Texas Two-Step Grab Bag

What can you win?

The picture only shows the major prizes I nabbed at the Texas Two Step Conference I attended in Dallas last month: the conference tote bag, books by Nikki Duncan, Lorelei James and Cindy Dees.

In addition, I will fill it up with miscellaneous promo items I have stashed around my office. I’m not going to tell you what because we all like surprises, right?

How can you win it?

Post a comment on any blog posting from today until the contest ends. Each entry counts as another chance to win!

This contest ends in just one week, May 1st!!

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And here I go…

Today begins my push to finish 12 projects I’ve committed to writing between now and January 2, 2013.

It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? It is. It’s pure nonsense, but I’m going to give it my best try anyway. I’d love it if you could encourage me along the way. I’ll keep you posted as to my progress. So, nag me, hound me, beg me for details. I won’t mind.

You can start today by telling me one thing that will make me smile—however silly. Just post a little note to let me know you’re cheering me on while I bury myself in life on Mars as I dreamt it (Project #1).

And guess what? That silly thing is your first entry for the grab bag! ~DD

A Question…

I’m back from Memphis! Had a terrific time with the ladies from the River City romance chapter. They were warm, funny, smart—and fed my sister and I way too well! Today’s supposed to be my day to hunker down and begin writing the multitude of stories with due dates in the near future, but first, I have an appointment this morning with a judge that I can’t miss. Don’t worry, I’m not up on any indecency charges! I am going for moral support for my SIL who has a custody hearing thingie goin’ on.

Since I have to run out the door in a little bit, here’s a question to keep you all busy (like you all don’t have a million things to do already on a pretty Monday morning!)…

What is one item you own that has virtually no monetary value but has such sentimental value that you would not sell it for $1000.00?

I’ll talk with you later! DD