Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 501

Sunday Report Card

Just a couple of reminders before I report. You're welcome to grade me!

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Lone Heart releases Tuesday! Here's what it's all about:

When temptation catches fire, saddle up and hang on for the ride.

Lone Wyatt is a long way from his Colorado home. After his brother married the woman they both loved, he figured it'd be best if he was out of the way. He'd like to have his own one-and-only, but he's in no rush. Until he saunters into a small Oklahoma town and spots Charli Kudrow. One wary glance from her haunted eyes, and he knows there's hidden fire inside her just waiting to erupt. And he's ready to tear through every objection she can think up.

Charli intends to slip out of Shooters unnoticed as soon as she's done pinning a help wanted notice to the bulletin board. But there's a cowboy at the bar with a killer smile who seems hell-bent on seducing her. And she feels something she hasn't felt in five long years of widowhood—a spark of attraction. Thinking she'll never see him again, she succumbs to temptation, only to discover that little "spark" is more like a raging wildfire.

One weekend is all he asks. One weekend to prove there's more between them than just blazing hot sex…

Warning: Sometimes, love happens in an instant, but it takes a lot of sexin' up to make one stubborn woman a believer.

Read an excerpt

Pre-order your copy now!

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Three Signed Books Contest

Remember it? Well, it ends Tuesday! If you want to know more, click on my contest link: Contest

All you have to do to enter is post a comment sometime between now and January 31st! And the more days you drop by and say hello, the more entries you have!

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My Report Card

Enough dawdling now. I do have news to report!

1) I finished up a short story, entitled "Marmalade." It's about a married woman whose husband gives her the okay to have some fun with the boss's wife. Very delicious!

2) I wrote my way through chapter four of the dragon story. I have only a few pages left to wrap it up, but first want to spend some time revising to make sure I close all the dangling threads. That one's heading straight to Kindle, so you won't have to wait long!

3) I recieved and read through my first two submissions for the anthology project, Wild at Heart! All you writers out there, be sure to check out the details. Stories must be submitted by April 1st! Find details here

4) We started another round of critiques with the Rose's Colored Glasses critique group. I have to finish mine today. Why, oh why, do I always wait until the last minute?

5) I continued leading, along with my sister, the Rose's Plotting Bootcamp.

This week, I plan to:

1) Finish the final read-thru/revision of "Marmalade" and ship it the editor;

2) Revise and complete the dragon story and ship it to the editor;

3) Begin the sequel to Bitten in the Big Easy;

4) And lastly, write another short story for another collection—this one with a paranormal bent.

I hope to do all that with two children underfoot while their mother takes a trip. Eeek! I may be a little overambitious.

Saturday Snippet: Something Odd

Happy Saturday! Enjoy this long excerpt, then follow the links at the bottom to check out more "saturday snippets"! This one's about a dime novelist who discovers her story is coming true. She's a little odd, the story's a little odd—happy reading!

"…Sisters Devlin and Jackson team up with Chase to create sizzling stories of delicious, daring men and even wilder women. Make sure you've got time to kill, because once you start you'll want to read this collection in one sitting."

4 ½ Stars, RT BOOKreviews

These women like their horses fast and their men hard. And they always know how to get what they want…

When Prudence Vogel finally meets Jake White Eagle, she discovers he really is the tall, handsome hero of her novel. And his dark sensuality and raw masculinity make her eager to explore every intimate inch of his beautiful body…

Serendipity, Montana 1883

Prudence Vogel didn't want to miss a thing.

She wet the tip of a sharpened pencil on her tongue and steadied a writing tablet on her lap, ready to capture the last moments of her journey. But, as was her nature, her mind wandered, and instead she began to write the adventure playing out in her imagination.

Katarina's nose wrinkled at the smell of stale beer and dust as she slipped behind the saloon and peered into the darkened room—

The stagecoach jolted as a wheel slipped into another deep rut on the rough trail, sending her pencil scraping off the edge of the pad.

She sighed, resigned she'd have to commit the final moments of her journey to memory and pick up her heroine's adventure after she arrived at her destination.

She slid her tablet into the pocket of her valise behind her dog-eared copy of The Adventures of Katarina, her latest, well only, publishing credit. She'd kept the novel in clear view in hopes of drawing a comment to give herself an opportunity to sell one of the many copies she'd brought with her.

Not the dog-eared copy—that one contained penciled notes of the details she'd gotten wrong. For that was the purpose of this journey. Prudence Vogel had never traveled outside the city of Chicago, yet her first novelistic experience was an adventure tale set in the wild frontier, featuring a tall, handsome hero she'd only fantasized about. She needed to know whether she'd been wrong.

For all she knew, the real Jake White Eagle was a short, squat man who could suck his whiskey through the space where his front teeth ought to be. She'd braced herself the whole journey for disappointment because she'd built such high hopes he'd be the hero she'd envisioned—the kind of man a real "Katarina" would admire.

Tales of his wild youth, his talent with a gun, his time spent scouting with Wild Bill Cody for the 5th Cavalry had fired her imagination since she'd come across the first mention of his name in the Chicago Tribune.

After that she'd scoured every newspaper she could get her hands on, searching for a description of the man and his exploits.

Physical descriptions had been hard to come by—"burnished skin" and "the deadly stare of the black-eyed Indian" hadn't told her whether his jaw was square or rounded, or his nose was a sculpted blade or broad and bumpy. And it would have been helpful to know whether Katarina would have to lift her patrician chin to kiss his lips. Since she'd lacked definitive answers to her questions, in her mind she'd created an image of the man she wanted him to be.

However, news of his dangerous exploits had been much easier to find. The man had earned quite a reputation as a gunslinger as he'd roamed the western territories. Then for some reason, last year, he'd settled in Serendipity, Montana. Not Deadwood or any number of more recognizable wild, western towns, but an unknown place with a whimsical name.

In her research, she'd missed the reason for his inexplicable move. Now, she wanted the truth for the sequel to her book, and detailed descriptions to bring her wild, west adventures to life.

Prudence pulled back the curtain to take a look outside, blinking against a cloud of dirt stirred up by the stage's team of horses.



Bright sunlight dispelled the gloom in the interior of the stagecoach. Everywhere around them endless blue sky filled the view. The golden tips of the prairie grass rimming the trail waved in a slight breeze. Cottonwood trees swayed in the distance.

"Close that curtain! You're lettin' in the dust."

As if we aren't already wearing a coat of gritty trail dirt? Prudence bit her tongue against the retort. Ever since Mrs. Waters had boarded the stage in Helena, she'd offered a contrary comment to every one of Prudence's actions.

Prudence firmed her lips into a polite smile and turned to the stout woman sitting on the opposite seat. "Aren't you the least bit curious about what's happening outside this coach?"

Mrs. Waters snorted. "Curiosity killed the cat."

Prudence lifted her brows, which sent her spectacles sliding down her nose. The woman had repeated the same tired old cliché as Mrs. Lake in the opening scene of her dime novel.

Just like the character of Mrs. Lake, the woman had a cliché for every occasion and nary an original thought.

Another coincidence! An odd prickling raised the fine hairs at Prudence's nape.

While some of the less important details–the flora the fauna and the ruggedness of the trail–had mostly been wrong, the events in her story had been strikingly similar. The string of similarities between Katarina's adventure and her own true life adventure had at first amused Prudence who'd been convinced she'd simply done her research and was an apt pupil of human nature.

But this time, the words were repeated as though they'd been scripted in advance.

As well, the more Prudence thought about it, Mrs. Waters was an exact physical replica of the irascible woman who'd complained throughout that first scene of her adventure novel.

Even Mr. Stanton who slept beside her resembled the handsome debauched gambler who'd managed to snore throughout the last leg of the fictional journey despite the bone-rattling thuds of the lumbering stagecoach.

The one jarring detail that didn't match her story was the character of the heroine. Prudence was a far cry from the beautiful and spirited "Katarina." Sadly, she wasn't brunette, or possessed of a pure, porcelain complexion and soft, curvaceous figure. Her own hair was a muddy blonde, her nose sprinkled with an unfortunate quantity of mud-colored freckles, and her figure was as straight as a boy's. And she wasn't the least bit adventurous.

Still, if the story was somehow unfolding…

A loud banging sounded from the top of the coach. "Folks, we're comin' up on Serendipity," came the call from the driver.

Mrs. Waters patted her hair while Mr. Stanton snuffled and opened bloodshot eyes as he retied his string tie.

Surreptitiously, Prudence reached for the edge of the window casing and held on tight…just in case…

Shots rang out, the coach jerked forward and back, then shrill whinnies filled the air as the team lurched again and shot forward, sending a screaming Mrs. Waters headfirst into Mr. Stanton's lap.

Prudence suppressed a squeal of fright and held on. Then just as quickly, she relaxed, suddenly unafraid, because she knew how this would end.

A hero rode to their rescue.

Sure enough, shouts sounded outside—from the driver and another man whose horse ate up the distance between them in a staccato flurry of sharp hooves.

Gradually, the team slowed, snorts and frightened whinnies settling like the dust sifting underneath the flapping leather curtains, until at last the stagecoach came to a stop.

Just like in her story.

Only Prudence didn't wait for their rescuer to fling open the door. She stood and grasped the door handle, nervous but determined to see if the object of her obsession was indeed on the other side.

The door gave way unexpectedly, bringing her along with it, and she toppled out of the coach and straight into the arms of a very tall man. Thick, strong muscle surrounded her as he swept her off her feet and held her close to his solid chest.

Startled, Prudence glanced up, but his rasping breath fogged the lenses of her spectacles, and she groaned.

Why, oh why hadn't she put them away? Better to be blinking at the man than looking like a startled, befuddled mouse. Around the rims of her glasses, she noted the breadth of his wide shoulders and the dark shadow from the hat shading his face.

"Ma'am, are you all right?" His voice was a deep, raspy bass that seemed to wrap around her like a raw caress.

"Jake?" she whispered, more sure of his identity than she'd ever been of anything in her life. She knew his voice—had heard it speaking in her imagination.

Naturally, he smelled of sage and soap. She'd written that as well.

"Do I know you?" he asked, amusement in his voice.

A wide, tremulous smile stretched her lips, and she slowly wound her arms around his shoulders. "No, but I know you, sir," she said, too excited to give more than a passing thought to her forward behavior.

His head tilted as though he was scrutinizing her. "She bump her head?" He directed the question to the people stepping from the coach.

"I don't think so," Mrs. Waters said, her voice trembling and affronted at the same time. "But she's a very strange young woman."

"Ma'am, think you can stand on your own, now?"

Prudence sighed dreamily. "Must I?"

A soft snort and his arms tightened for a second, and then he set her on her feet, his hands settling at her waist to steady her.

Prudence sucked in a deep breath at the intimate touch. The heat of his hands caused an immediate warming in her nether regions. Her breasts peaked against her thin chemise. If just a simple, helpful touch could do this to her, what havoc would a more intimate caress wreak?

"Well, damn," he said softly, quickly removing his hands and standing back.

"Wait—" Prudence reached up for her glasses and took them off, blushing as she searched for a pocket to hide them away. When she squinted upward again, he was gone.

His boot steps thudded, growing softer in the distance and mingling with the sounds of other people moving along the boardwalk.

She realized that for that short space of time, no one else had existed for her. All thought had stilled in her busy mind. He'd been exactly as she'd imagined. Well, as tall and strong as she'd imagined. And she was pretty sure he still had his front teeth because he hadn't lisped.

He'd acted the hero, putting his own safety at risk to slow the stagecoach. He'd behaved exactly as she'd expected.

Again, Prudence was reminded she was no Katarina. Her heroine hadn't swooned into the hero's arms. She'd given him a brilliant smile and said something equally brilliant, which Prudence hadn't remembered at that all-important moment to save her life.

She'd been so filled with a vibrant, glowing heat she'd forgotten her purpose–and the fact that maybe she had the means to avert certain disaster.

She patted her pocket for her spectacles and choked on the dust she raised. No wonder the man had fled in such a hurry! She was filthy and smelled as sour as old milk.

Glancing back at the coach, she decided to check into the hotel and give herself a quick scrub before setting out to find Mr. Jake White Eagle. She had a good idea where he'd be.

The man needed her insight into his future. But would he listen to her?

Another question burned a hole in her belly—was he as handsome as her heart and body said he was? As she'd imagined back in Chicago when she'd penned her novel in the wee hours of the night inside the tiny room she'd kept above her uncle's apothecary?

Of course, he was. His hands had felt her over and found her wanting. He must have his choice of beautiful ladies.

If only she was as lovely as Katarina. In her first meeting with the hero, she'd rendered Jake speechless as he'd searched her fair countenance and committed it to memory before shaking himself out of his daze. He'd remembered at the last moment to extend his hand to help her glide gracefully from the stage.

Katarina had shivered delicately as she settled her soft palm in his broad, calloused palm and given him a blinding smile.

The smiling part Prudence had managed to get right. Although likely he'd stared at her puffy lips and wondered if she'd kissed a bee.

She sighed, hoping to earn at least his gratitude if not his admiration when she gave him the news that tonight he'd be drawing on a killer.

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

Megan Hart — Read in bed!

Eliza Gayle

Rhian Cahill

Anne Rainey

Jody Wallace

Lissa Matthews

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Myla Jackson

Taige Crenshaw

Alison Kent

HelenKay Dimon

Leah Braemel

Shelli Stevens

Shiloh Walker

TJ Michaels

Zoë Archer

TGIF and the polls are now closed!

The polls are now closed. You have spoken-spoken-spoken—hear that ominous echo?

For the erotic short story series, you have chosen:

A firefighter series, featuring a single fire station and the firefighters' off-duty playmates

For the longer, more romantic project, you chose:

Recently dragged from Hell, a powerful godlike dragon seeks to steal his old lover from the vampire king

Some of y'all even recognized that story as the next one in the Dark Realm series. If I'd mentioned that I already had 100 pages written on the disgraced ex-cop story, would that have made a difference? grumble-grumble

A few of you even offered ideas for titles for the firefighter stories. I had some really funny ones from "The Real Max"—funny story there too about how he and I first met…

Anyway, I have my marching orders, now I have to plot the firefighter series. If you have any suggestions for the types of stories you'd like to see, you know I'm always open.

For the next few days, I'm going to be talking about Lone Heart, my next Samhain book, which release next Tuesday. It's available for pre-order now if you want to go ahead and start the buzz!

After that, there's nothing on the schedule for release until the Cleis collections begin to roll out this summer. I have to get writing to keep you hungry mamas fed! Next up? Here's a list of what's on my plate right now:

1) A dragon wooing his virgin sacrifice with the help of a knight

2) The next book in the lesbian vampire series, Femme Noir, for Ellora's Cave

3) The next Lone Star Lovers story, Two Wild. That title is evolving. It begs the question, for what?

While I work on these projects, I'll be working on your menu selections. Y'all have a wonderful weekend! TGIF!

One last poll–come on, tell me what you want!

You have spoken. My series of erotic shorts for Kindle will center around the hotties in a firehouse! Looks like I have some research to do! And I'll be back for help with a series title. How do you like the title "Drinking from a Long Hose" for the first installment? Too crass? Makes me smile!

In the meantime, help me choose my first long project for Kindle. This time, you get just one choice!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Guest Blogger: Jenna Bayley-Burke (Contest)

Remember! The Three Signed Books Contest continues. Find the details here! ~DD

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The Reading Rush

My Mommy Wine Club friends think I must read very fast. It's funny for me because to my online circle of avid romance readers a book a week is a crawling pace. It's all about perspective.

I learned to speed read in high school, and it did make college textbooks easier to plow through. I still like the technique for non-fiction, but I like to enjoy my novels. I like to read them slow, chapter by chapter, a small sip of loveliness before I fall asleep each night.

Which, as any romance reader will tell you, is not always the best idea because there are some stories that you literally cannot put down and the next thing you know, the clock has hit single digits and you'd rather drink a pot of coffee tomorrow than set the story aside tonight.

In my latest book, For Kicks, the heroine learns to speed read at the beginning of an extended business trip and winds up using her time in airports, planes, and hotel rooms to explore interests she never had time for. Astrology, diet, knitting, Tarot, origami, reflexology…if you can find it in an airport bookstore, she's liable to pick it up. My former expense account and I plead the fifth on where the idea for this little habit came from.

For a chance to win a $5 e-gift card to Amazon or B&N (which you can use to buy own copy of For Kicks)…tell me, what have you always wanted to learn about? Why don't you do something to learn more about it today?

Catch up with Jenna on her website, blog, Twitter (@jennabb), or Facebook.

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If the shoe fits…run with it!

Breeze Cohen senses something is missing from her life, but her career doesn't leave time for anything but retail business strategy—particularly the upcoming product launch for her cornerstone client, Nitrous.

No way is she going to let live-for-the-moment Logan Chandler tarnish her professional reputation. Even if the ex-athlete poster boy for Nitrous makes her heart pound like she's run a marathon.

After surviving a near-fatal accident, Logan doesn't want to waste a minute of life. It's meant to be lived, ravished, enjoyed—and there's no one he'd like to ravish more than Breeze. There's a deep pool of mutual desire beneath her icy façade. He can feel it every time they touch.

When a training snafu at Nitrous launches Breeze into damage control, Logan is ready and waiting to lace up and take her for a run on the wilder side—if he can catch her.

Warning: Side effects may include a desire to melt chocolate with body heat, spontaneous phone sex, and an intense drive to find loopholes in your workplace fraternization policy.

Tell me what you want…

I'm currently busy finishing up stories I've already committed to write, but I'm also makin' plans for what's next. Yes, more Lone Star Lovers and even a new My Immortal Knight are in the near future, but I'd also love to write a continuing series of short erotic stories—fast lunchbreak reads—that I could put up on Kindle in a hurry when you get hungry for a quickie. I have ideas, but would like for you to tell me what you'd love most. These may or may not be romances and would definitely lean more toward erotica. Don't worry, I have a romance poll coming in a couple of days too!

Take a look at this list. You can choose up to three. The one with the most votes will be the first I write.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Guest Blogger: Kari Thomas

Kari Thomas Interviews a Dragon!

Since the Dec. 7, 2011 release of my latest book, SURRENDER HER TOUCH, I have had so many Readers write me and ask that I do MORE Dragon Shapeshifter stories.  Writing Slade Stryker's story was my first foray into the fascinating world of Dragons, and now I have this sneaky suspicion it won't be the last time.

As I was sitting at my desk contemplating this, in walked my sexy Alpha Hero. Or should I say, he "stalked" into my office. Dragon shifters seem to stalk everywhere, as though anyone or anything in their path is prey. It must be their inherent "primal" souls remembering when they once ruled the world at the top of the food chain. Sexy, but intimidating to say the least!

I tried to hide my surprise as Slade nonchalantly settled into the chair opposite me. "Hey, Slade," I said oh-so-casually. "Any reason for this visit? I thought I'd settled everything with you when I wrote the words 'The End'."

"Good morning, Kari," he rumbled sexily. (He always talks that way!) "I flew over this morning to talk to you about something that has developed since you wrote 'Surrender Her Touch'." (When he says "flew", he means in dragon form! How kewl is that!)

"Problem?" I shook my head. I couldn't think of any problems developing once the book is released. Everything pretty much goes smoothly. It's all that "before" stuff that can drive a writer crazy (the edits, etc).

"Yeah," he rumbled again.  "You exposed us with that book. I've had to keep my Firestorm Team patrolling around-the-clock ever since the book came out. We've had nonstop 'tourists' climbing all over the woods looking for easy access into the Compound. None of our people can go into town without being accosted by curious humans." He growled low, a sound indicating his inner dragon was slowly awakening. "Why didn't you think about all this before you wrote about us?"

Gulp. Actually, I had thought about it. But I was so sure that people would think it only Fiction and not go looking for the real dragons! "Sorry?" I gave him my best "I'm-really-innocent-despite-the-proof" smile. It didn't work. He glared at me. And when Slade Stryker gives his dragon glare, you know you're in trouble. "What can I do to help?" Was it even possible? Readers everywhere were now out hunting the Shamara Dragon Clan, and it was all my fault.

"You're going to write a Retraction," he announced in a soft demand. "Tell those Readers it's all Fiction."

UhOh. "I can't do that," I mumbled. "The book is out and more Readers are reading every day."

Slade stared hard at me for a long minute. Was that steam I saw coming from his nostrils? Never push a shapeshifter to reveal his inner dragon….

"Fine," he said, his tone brooking no argument. "I'm going to tell you more dragon stories. Some so horrifying, so incredibly unbelievable, you'll have nightmares for weeks. Then, you're going to write those stories. THAT should scare off all those Readers."

Meekly I explained, "But Romance can't be horrifying, Slade."

He grinned, the sight so sexy I had to remind myself that he already had a Mate. "Oh, there will be romance. Passionate, hot, romance to curl your toes. You're going to leave those Readers ….gasping."

SURRENDER HER TOUCH

http://www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781615725588

Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Contemporary Romance

Kari Thomas

http://www.authorkari.com

Sunday Report Card

Let me get a couple of announcements out of the way, then I'll get to business! This is one of my New Year's rezzies, so put up with it already!

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Last Day to Get It Free!

It looks like folks are finding the story. As of this morning, there had been 2500 free downloads in the States, and more in England and Germany. The point was to:

1) reward my loyal readers, and

2) perhaps, pick up some new readers—if they liked what they read.

Tonight at midnight, the offer goes away and the price will go back up to $2.99. I'd like for it to finish strong so that when it goes back to the "paid" list on Amazon, it doesn't fall away into oblivion. So, be sure to get your copy now and send the link to a friend! And if you've read it, why now take a minute to leave a review? Just sayin'…

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Three Signed Books Contest

Remember that? If not, click on my contest link: Contest

All you have to do to enter is post a comment sometime between now and January 31st! And the more days you drop by and say hello, the more entries you have! Easy, right?

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My Report Card

I keep a To Do List, which I update every Sunday. I shoot for the moon, but am truly satisfied if I only accomplish lift off. The point is to keep all my goals fresh and in front of me while I whittle away.

This week, I managed to:

1) Field questions regarding the Wild at Heart call for submissions; (If you're a writer, you'll want to click on the link and find out more!)

2) Respond to lessons from the ongoing Plotting Bootcamp;

3) I completed chapter 1 of AT;

4) I wrote the opening of a new short story;

5) My formatter person rushed the job for me so that I had Strokes back in time to upload it on Monday, then I spent time promoing the book everywhere I could think of;

6) I put together the newsletter for the After Midnight Fantasies group;

7) And it wasn't part of my goals, but I put together a one-page, single-space proposal for a two-novella demon book;

8 ) I wrote a proposal for a Cleis antho and shipped it to my editor;

9) Tuesday, my daughter was ill, so I dropped everything and spent the day and evening at her house taking care of the wee ones;

10) Thursday, I attended an art guild meeting with my mom and aunt;

11) and Saturday, I spoke at the Diamond State Romance Authors' monthly meeting about time managements and planning!

Does that sound like enough? It was definitely not enough progress on the main goal, the demon story. I hope to remedy that this week!

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I need nags. "You go write, Delilah" "Why are you on Facebook when you should be writing me more stories!" I won't get mad, and just maybe, I'll follow orders! Y'all have a good week!

Saturday Snippet: Friends

Get your free copy of Strokes while you can. See yesterday's blog for details!

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Enjoy today's little snippet which highlights the unusually close friendship Bo shares with the Kinzie brothers…

"…what you get is explosive, emotional and endearing, something Delilah Devlin does better than anyone…"

4 Cherries, Whipped Cream

There's a wild child trapped inside her, and they're hell-bent on unleashing it…

As the pretty daughter of the town whore, Shanna Davies has always tried hard to toe the line. But she just can't help it. Her boyfriend, Bo Crenshaw, has lured her untamed spirit out to play once too often. It's time to get the hell out of Dodge and make a new start where no one knows her past. After she fulfills one last, wicked fantasy.

Shanna is Bo's first everything. First kiss, first sexual playmate, first love. Yet he's never managed to convince her that he accepts her—good girl and bad—just as she is. So, she wants a memorable send off? No problem. He'll give her one that'll make her think twice about leaving.

On the appointed night, Shanna expects nerves. Yet once she crosses the threshold, the prospect of surrendering to a night of unrestrained passion with Bo and the three Kinzie brothers makes her mouth water—and her courage dry up.

But she asked for it, and now she's not about to blink first in this game of sexual chicken…

Warning: Four lusty cowboys prove a little domination goes a long way in breaking a stubborn woman to saddle. Lots of spanking, binding, flogging, and double-dipping can keep a girl on her toes, her back, her belly, her knees…

Bo rehearsed the request a dozen times, pacing in front of the Kinzie porch. He'd come early enough to catch them before they headed into town to hit the saloon, getting a rash of shit from his foreman because the old man had guessed his distraction had something to do with a girl.

Fuck. How did you ask friends to help you blow your girl's mind without looking like a fool?

"Do you think he knows we're out here?" came an overloud whisper.

Bo turned, shooting a glance over his shoulder. The three Kinzie brothers were lined up on the other side of the rail, eyeing him. Josh grinned. Cade's expression was wary, his eyes narrowed. And Ezra? Well, Bo never could get a bead on what Ezra thought because the man's expression never strayed from neutral.

He chose to address Cade's wary glance first. "I'm not here to borrow your tractor again."

"Weren't gettin' it even if you did. Got it stuck to the axle last time."

Josh leaned his butt against the rail. "Only thing ever gets you so worked up is Shanna Davies."

Bo snorted and narrowed his eyes. Josh wasn't a mind reader. He'd been drinking with Bo Saturday night when Shanna had approached him.

Josh grinned. "Well, that got a reaction. Better come in and get a beer while we get cleaned up."

Bo blew out a deep breath, glad for the reprieve, and climbed the porch steps.

Inside the house, Josh headed down the hall toward the bedrooms, Cade on his heels.

However, Ezra pulled the tab of the beer he already held and settled onto a settee in the family room, not caring that his clothes were sweat-stained and covered in dust. "So what's botherin' you? You finally tell Shanna you're in love with her?"



Bo winced. How was it everyone else knew and Shanna still didn't have a clue? "I uh, have a request. Something Shanna wants."

Ezra's gaze narrowed as he studied his face. "Better blurt it out now before the other two get back."

Bo knew he was right. At least Ezra could give him a quick read. If he didn't think that his brothers would go for it, then he wouldn't have to take a lifetime of teasing from the other two. "I'd like to give Shanna something special. A Chrissi-at-halftime special."

Ezra grew still. "She knows about that?"

"She does now. Don't worry. She's not a gossip."

"As I recall, you weren't all that into sharing. You played lookout while we got busy. You hardly got a kiss in."

"This is Shanna we're talkin' about. I'd do anything for her. And she has it in her mind that she'd like a ménage."

"Sure she can handle it afterwards?"

Bo knew exactly what he meant. After that football game, Chrissi gave them all the cold shoulder, too embarrassed to meet their gazes.

"Shanna's plannin' to leave town. Been job-huntin'. She doesn't figure she'll have to see any of you again."

Ezra took a long pull of his beer then relaxed against the back of the sofa. "Does she figure on seein' you again, Bo?" he asked, his narrow gaze pinning him.

"She's leaving me too."

Ezra glanced away. "Sorry about that."

"Don't be. She's never led me on. It's my own damn fault I didn't believe her."

The pad of bare feet sounded from the hallway. Josh and Cade trailed inside, their glances going to Ezra.

"He wants us to do Shanna," Ezra said, his tone dead even.

"Is that right?" Cade asked, his eyebrows rising.

"Yeah," Bo said, his face growing hot. "She wants to experiment. It's a favorite fantasy kind of thing."

"She ask for us?" Josh said, his eyebrows meeting the blond hair falling over his forehead.

"I made the suggestion," Bo said, his tone gruff. "If you decide you're not interested, I trust you won't say a word to her."

"We don't gossip," Ezra said. "There's been enough of that around your girl."

Bo nodded his appreciation.

"Anything we should know about her?" Cade, the middle brother, asked.

Bo eyed each brother, knowing by their curious expressions that they'd agreed to the request. He let out a deep breath. "She doesn't like people mentionin' her mama. And she's self-conscious about her breasts. They're small. And I don't want her hurt or scared. So no rough stuff."

The two younger brothers looked to Ezra. Ezra's narrowed gaze fell on Bo again. "We decide what happens."

Bo's shoulders stiffened. "And if I don't like it?"

"We aren't gonna give a shit about what you want. This'll be all about her. We swear we won't do anything to harm or frighten her—too much."

Bo nodded again, slowly this time. "I'm curious. You fellas haven't shared since Chrissi, so why would you be willin' now?"

Ezra shrugged, then his face broke into an uncharacteristic smile. "It's good practice."

"For what?"

"For the day we bring a wife among us."

Bo's cheeks got hotter. He'd always known the brothers were a little crazy, but he hadn't known the depth of their kink. He couldn't imagine wanting to share a woman he loved on a permanent basis. If he ever had the privilege of marrying Shanna, she'd have to settle for just one man in her bed.

* * * * *

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