Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 496

Sunday Report Card

A Winner!

First, let’s take care of yesterday’s business. The random number generator chose commenter #3…Shannon! Shannon, congratulations! Be sure to email me to let me know where you want that free download of A Four-Gone Conclusion sent! I just love making someone’s day start just right!

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The Glass Art Pendant Contest

Don’t forget! The Glass Art Pendant Contest doesn’t end until May 15th. Every post between now and then counts as a new entry! Click on the link for details. It’s pretty, wearable art—and all it costs you is bein’ friendly!

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Sunday Report Card

This week was pretty much full steam ahead. As I mentioned a week or so ago, I have to finish 12 projects I’ve committed to writing by January 2, 2013. Well, oops! There are really 14 projects!

In that list are:

4 full-length novels (2 paranormal suspense, 2 BDSM)

3 novellas (1 Delta Heat, 1 Lone Star Lover, 1 TBD)

3 short stories

2 anthologies I have to edit (Wild at Heart, Smokin’ Hot Firemen)

1 novel to extensively edit & expand (it’s a secret!)

1 novella to extensively edit and publish

Where am I now? On Monday, I finished the edits my editor asked for on the first short story and shipped it. Count one short story done! (Throws confetti!) And I am a little more than midway through the first novella.

This next week I hope to wrap that one up, get my notes for the first full-length novel complete, and work on that novel that has to be extensively expanded. Plus, come next Friday, I’ll be joining my sisters from the Diamond State Romance Authors in a 3-day writers’ retreat!

I need those pom-poms swishin’! Go, Delilah! Go, Delilah! Go! :)

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Snippet Saturday: It’s Rainin’ Men!

On May 29th, the conclusion to the Logan brothers’ two-fer in the Lone Star Lovers series releases! Two Wild for Teacher is ready for pre-order now! In the meantime, get to know the Logan boys and see how well they work together…

“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?

Note for Readers:

You must be of legal age in your country of origin to read this excerpt.

Johnny inhaled the sweet, apple scent of her as Ellie stepped into the room, a towel tucked under her armpits.

Her gaze went to the three near the bed, then swung, searching the room until she glanced slightly behind her and found him. He stared back, catching a look of panic in her wide eyes, but before he could react, she broke with his glance and turned toward the bed.

Her chest rose; a deep breath blew between her pursed lips. “Well, boys,” she said, her voice slightly husky, “you’re the experts. Someone gonna show me how this works?”

That her thoughts were so close to his own almost made him smile. She wasn’t as self-possessed as she’d like to pretend. The hand clenched at the closure of the towel betrayed her nervousness.

Johnny pushed away from the wall and walked up behind her, settling his hands gently on her shoulders.

She gave a little jerk then a short gusting laugh. “Guess I’m nervous,” she whispered.

He leaned toward her ear. “Me too.”

“I’m gonna make an ass of myself with an audience watching.”

“Not possible,” he muttered. Nuzzling through wet strands of hair, he kissed the side of her neck.

A delicate shiver slid over her warm, damp skin. “Killian promised to keep things from getting too out of hand,” she said, her breaths shallow.

His fingers tightened their hold, and he swallowed hard. “You have any bad moments, all you have to do is say uncle and we stop.”

“You’re all right with this?”

He didn’t answer. He wasn’t. Not really. But this wasn’t about him. He let his hands slide over her breasts, gently pushing away the fingers clutching the towel. Then he pulled the edges, opening it, exposing her to his brothers’ avid stares.

His glance left the view of her pretty pink nipples to give a warning to his brothers. But not a one offered a dirty comment.

The twins’ gazes raked her frame, their bodies tensing. For once, all humor erased from their expressions.

Killian’s eyes narrowed as he looked. He turned on the bed, dropping his legs over the edge, and stood. He strode toward her, his hands lifting when he was right in front of her to cup her face. He bent toward her and gave her a soft kiss then raised his head to look at Johnny. “This is about her.”

Johnny gave a sharp nod then stepped back, taking the towel.

The others had seen more of her than he had, but this view of her backside was just about perfect. Her frame was small, her waist deeply indented over pretty, flaring hips. Her buttocks were lush and round—heart-shaped, he thought, struggling to find words to catalog her attributes. Her legs weren’t all that long, but were firm and smooth—they’d be strong enough to ride a man’s hips when he went wild.

Killian lifted her hand and pulled her toward the bed.

Her buttocks jiggled a little with her stiff-legged gate, but she followed him, letting him lead her to the twins. When he dropped her hand, he stepped back, returning to take up a position next to Johnny as the twins moved in, sandwiching her between their naked chests.

She faced Mace. “Which one are you?”

The corners of Mace’s mouth kicked up.

Johnny cussed softly. She was about to have sex with the twins but couldn’t even tell them apart.

Jason’s hands slipped around her belly and moved up to cup her breasts. “Mace is the biggest idiot. Me not as much.”

“That’s true,” Killian murmured.

Johnny grunted, watching the way her nipples beaded as Jason toggled them with his thumbs.

Mace grabbed her hand and led it to the waistband of his jeans. “It’s all yours if you’ve got the guts.”

Ellie lifted her chin with a soft, feminine snort. She opened his pants then spread the sides open to reveal the tip of his cock. But then her hands smoothed around his body and sank beneath the waist to cup his buttocks.

Mace rose on his tiptoes and chuckled as she did whatever she was doing—caressing his butt? Her gaze never left his brother’s as she withdrew. Then she gripped the waistband and shoved the jeans down to his thighs.

Johnny tried to avoid staring at his brother’s dick, but her fingers wrapped right around it, gliding up and down his shaft.

Color seeped into her cheeks. Her mouth parted around a shaky breath.

“Any complaints?” Mace’s voice was silky and low.

Johnny’s own breath caught at her expression. This was the moment, he knew it, when she’d embrace the challenge or back away.

Her eyelids fluttered down then blinked rapidly. She tilted her chin and gave Mace’s cock another slow stroke. “No complaints,” she said, her tone smoky.

Jason chuckled behind her and dropped his hands. He shoved down his jeans and stepped on them as he freed his feet. Then he spun her to face him while his brother ditched his pants too.

Jason gripped her ass and raised her off her feet. Her legs dangled for a moment, then rose to hug his waist.

Johnny felt his whole body tighten at the intimacy of the embrace, jealous as never before because he hadn’t been the first to feel that grip.

Jason turned to the bed and climbed onto the mattress, carrying her with him to the center of the bed. When she released him, lowering her legs to rest on the mattress, her sex was open. Jason’s gaze dropped.

Johnny wished it was him looking there. He’d do a sight more than just stare.

“Jason,” she whispered, a knee rising and turning inward, but halted by his thigh.

“That’s right,” Jason said, combing his fingertips through the pale hair covering her mound. “But do you really want to be able to tell us apart?”

“Shouldn’t I?” White teeth bit into her bottom lip.

“Isn’t it more fun to guess?”

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

Megan Hart:Read in bed!

Rhian Cahill

Eliza Gayle

Jody Wallace

Mandy M Roth

Lissa Matthews

Leah Braemel

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Myla Jackson

Taige Crenshaw

HelenKay Dimon

Shiloh Walker

Shelli Stevens

Zoë Archer

TJ Michaels

Lauren Dane

Guest Blogger: Lauren Fraser

Thanks for having me as a guest, Delilah, I’m excited to be here. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Lauren Fraser and I write contemporary romance, generally my books tend to be on the hotter side so you’ve been warned.

I admit I enjoy reading and writing ménage type stories but there are times when a HEA for the group just doesn’t make sense, my latest book Rode Hard was one of those times.

When I was writing Rode Hard I spent a lot of time thinking about the various ways a couple can explore their fantasies. Part of the fun in creating a sexually adventurous couple is exploring limits; what works and what doesn’t work for each person and also examining any potential ramifications. I mean let’s be real when you throw extra people into the mix things can potentially get troublesome. And I love all the emotion and angst that can bring up. The whole falling in love process should be a little messy. *grin*

Giving Kat her fantasy made me curious about how many is too many? Being with three guys isn’t necessarily a typical fantasy or at least not one most people would admit to. So I’m wondering for you as a reader how many is too many? I think we probably all have a line that makes our eyes bug out and think holy crap there’s no way. LOL

I know for me as a reader, when I’m looking at multiple partner books I have to factor in the end result as well. At the end of the day was this a couple who explored a fantasy or are they all supposed to live happily ever after? Because I have to admit that changes things for me too.

So I’m curious for all you ménage fans out there. How many is too many for you?

 

Blurb

Six weeks surrounded by hot, rugged cowboys doesn’t sound like hard work at all. In fact, writer Kat McCray is going to enjoy this assignment. One look at sexy ranch owner Justin Shaw and she knows exactly how she plans to spend her downtime. In his bed.

Justin works hard and has the body to prove it. And he plays even harder—him and his two best friends. He’s more than happy to help Kat explore her darkest fantasies…especially the ones that involve all four of them.

Kat’s walk on the wild side is only temporary—Arizona is a lifetime away from her real life in New York. But she can’t deny she’s starting to fall for Justin. He’s sexy as hell and sweet as sin. And their sexual experiences with his two friends are nothing short of scorching. That doesn’t change the fact she’s going home at the end of her stay. Unless she can somehow turn this fantasy into reality.

Ellora’s Cave

Amazon

Barnes & Nobles

~Lauren Fraser

http://www.laurenfraser.com

Twitter

Facebook

A Sneak Peek at TWO WILD FOR TEACHER

On May 29th, the next Lone Star Lovers book releases! This will be the conclusion of the Logan brothers’ story. And I think by now you know what to expect: sexy rascals, naughty sex and enough emotion to tug at your heart and make you smile. Here’s a snippet…

Two bad boy cowboys need a little tutoring to learn how to love…

Fathers know to keep their daughters close whenever Sam Logan’s twin sons come to town. Those two hell-raisers have a bad rep in Two Mule, Texas. All of it earned. When it becomes clear his youngest sons won’t settle down without another nudge, Sam reissues his challenge. Find a wife…

There’s only been one woman who could hold their attention for more than one night, but she’s been out of reach. Their former teacher’s a little too worried about a pesky morals clause to let them close. But they’re older now and ready to prove to her that sometimes rules are meant to be broken…

Molly Pritchet thinks her path is predetermined: to always be a child’s teacher, never a mother or a wife. Until the two boys who tempted her way back when crash back into her life. Overwhelmed by yearnings she’s long suppressed, she’s swept along on a tide of forbidden desires.

Warning: Hot-as-sin twins romance their former high school teacher. Things are bound to get down and dirty quick as two bad boys tag team to sweep one curvy, sexy woman off her feet.

Pre-order NOW at Samhain

Molly has just finished a cold shower and is now searching for her vibrator in the back of her bedroom closet…

When she was on her tiptoes atop the cushioned seat, reaching to the farthest corner, she heard a sound coming from her backyard. A metallic chink, then a soft masculine curse.

Curious, she leaned back and tugged her lace curtains to open them just a couple inches and peered down through the branches of the mimosa tree, into her yard. The sight that greeted her caused her breath to hitch.

The twins stood in her backyard, in the center of the area she’d neatly staked and tied with twine to define the place she intended to put her koi pond. And they’d made a mess. Clumps of turf lay beside the big hole they’d dug. Water ran freely from a hose into the middle of a muddy pit. The black pool liner she’d bought and left leaning against the garage had been dragged beside the hole.

Anger flushed another kind of heat through her veins, and she climbed off the stool, hurried to the bathroom for her robe, and then she was stomping down her stairs to the sliding glass door, which she slammed open with all her righteous anger.

Two begrimed faces turned her way. Before she let herself think better of her plan, she was standing in front of them with her sheer bathrobe flapping in a breeze and staring at two broad, naked muddy chests. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she asked, trying to temper her voice, because she didn’t want neighbors hearing her screeching like a banshee.

Mace’s gaze raked over her body. “Wishin’ I had x-ray vision,” he drawled.

Molly scowled and clutched the lapels of her robe in one hand. “I’m talking about this!” she said, waving her other hand at the rapidly filling hole.

Mace shrugged. “Dirt was too hard. And since we couldn’t find a pick or a backhoe in your garage—”

“You think I’d have a backhoe?”

“Or a pick…”

“You were rummaging through my garage?” she said, her voice raising.

“It wasn’t locked.”

She rolled her eyes. “Why are you digging up my yard?”

“We saw the stakes, found the pool that fits the space you marked off…” He shrugged again, a little smile tilting up the corners of his mouth as he gave her body another sly once-over.

She hoped like hell the bright sunshine wasn’t giving him that x-ray vision. “I don’t need your help. And now I have a huge mess—”

Jason cleared his throat, pulling her attention to a sharp, crystal gaze alight with amusement. “It only looks like a mess ’cause of the mud. But actually, we have more dug here than you can see.”

Molly gaped at both men, covered in sweat and dirt, but somehow still looking more attractive than she could stand. She felt moisture pool beneath her feet and glanced down at the hose still gurgling water into the pit they’d dug. Before she could suppress the urge, she bent and picked it up, pressed her thumb over the end to increase the pressure and aimed it at Jason, spraying him with water.

His eyes closed and he stood in the stream, water running off his face to his chest and soaking his jeans.

Mace erupted in laughter, but quickly shut up the moment she turned the hose on him. When he lifted a foot to climb out of the hole, he slipped and landed on his butt in the middle of the muddy pool.

Elation filled her and she laughed, still spraying. But Jason climbed on his hands and knees, over the edge, toward her. She dropped the hose and turned to make a run for it, but he caught the hem of her bathrobe, and jerked it toward him.

Her feet slipped beneath her and she began to fall backward…into a pair of strong arms which wrapped around her and carried her down to one side of the muddy pit, to soft, gooey ground—with those same arms buffeting the fall.

When she caught her breath, she was covered head to toe by one very wet, very amused man. Mud oozed between her toes and beneath the back of her robe, and both lapels had pulled apart. Although his body shielded her from view, nothing stood between their naked chests.

Jason leaned to one side and lifted one finger.

Her eyes nearly crossed watching it descend toward her face.

He pushed up her glasses. “Seems we got ourselves a situation here,” he drawled, settling on his elbows to take a little of his weight off her.

She opened her mouth to demand he move, but then Mace sauntered into view to take up a position leaning against her back porch to watch the couple in the muddy hole. If Jason did move, both men would have an unencumbered view of her torso.

Molly became aware of every sensation: the heavy chest pressing against her stiff nipples, the jut of his jeans-enclosed sex against her mound. She swallowed hard. “Seems we do. I…apologize for acting like a crazy woman.”

Jason grunted and his chest jerked against hers. “You’re not sorry.”

Knowing she was at a distinct disadvantage, she nevertheless lifted her chin. “It’s just plain rude to disagree with me. I’m trying to handle this delicately.”

“Only handlin’ to be done will be done by me—and Mace here, if you ask real pretty.”

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!