Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 528

Sunday Report Card

I haven't done a report card in a while because I haven't done a lot of writing over the past couple of months. This week I got back on track.

But first, what's that list to the left?

Yeah, that's Samhain's Best Sellers list! What a lovely gift! Thank you, all!

I signed a total of four contracts this week!

Three of them were stories for Samhain.

* The next Lone Star Lovers story, A Four-Gone Conclusion, which will release in September!

* The next Red Hot Winter story, Lone Heart, which will release in January 2012.

* The start of a new series, a five-some that I will tell you about after I start writing it! It's tentatively scheduled for release in November!

The fourth contract is for another short story collection for Cleis Press, cowboy-themed—and this time heterosexual! I put the call for submission out on this blog a couple of days ago. So, any writers out there who are interested… I can't wait to read your stories!

This week, I finally made progress on the lesbian vampire story that's been on my plate for a couple of months. Why have I had so much trouble getting down to business? I haven't talked about it much here. I mean, who wants to hear about real life stuff, right? But since it affects readers, I thought I might let you know that my lack of productivity hasn't been because I suddenly got lazy.

About a month ago, my grandfather became gravely ill. My mother headed to Washington state to be with grandma. My brother and his wife relocated her from Colorado, and they've moved in until they can build a house on the property. My grandfther died, and now, as of late last night, my grandmother and aunt are living with us too. Add to the fact that it's summer and the red-headed hellion's children are constantly underfoot—and the pool is finally a comfortable tempture—and you can see why I've been a little distracted.

This next week, the RHH, the six-year-old and I are taking a road trip to Iowa. Not a sexy destination? Maybe not the way most people travel, but I'll blog all about it when I get back. We're escaping the madhouse for a week, then I'll be back to the grindstone. Promise. I have all those shiny new contracts to fulfill!

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The Promo Ho and Cabbage Rose Fairy contests continue! Comment today and add another entry for the drawing for that lovely journal. Post an honest review and send me the link, and you're entered in the other. Thanks to everyone who's playing!

Snippet Saturday: Living Spaces

The Promo Ho and Cabbage Rose Fairy contests continue!

Click here for details!

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Who but a Viking could survive the harshest climate—a planet encased in ice? Or at least in my imagination they were the perfect people to populate my world. New Iceland is covered in snow, its ocean coated with a thick layer of ice. On the surface, it appears to be uninhabitable. I hope you enjoy a glimpse of the rugged world and men of New Iceland.

"Perfect Read." Fresh Fiction

"A steamy and fascinating adventure…" Romance Reviews Today

"Clash of cultures, clash of myths, clash of powerful personalities…how many authors can bring out on paper the excitement and more-than-willing suspension of disbelief that old fashioned adventure stories once brought us?…a wonderful, action-packed, emotional roller-coaster of a read." Alien Places

"With the intriguing meshing of the past with the future this was an engrossing read…" Top Pick!, Night Owl Reviews

What a Viking wants, a Viking takes.

When his younger brother goes missing, Dagr, Viking warrior and Lord of the Wolfskin Clan, will do whatever it takes to get him back. But nothing could have prepared him for Honora—a feisty, intelligent woman who is nothing like the women of his world—women who are content to serve their men in all things. Drawn to her despite her recalcitrant nature, Dagr is determined to show her who's boss both in bed and out.

When the two enemies-turned-lovers join forces to find Dagr's brother they are thrown into a rousing adventure full of danger, intrigue and erotic abandon. Can their passion truly unite them or will their different worlds lead to destruction for them both?

Eirik Ulfhednar glared into his opponent's reddened face and adjusted his hand, just a slight movement to improve his grip, and then bore down with all his might. The muscles of his forearm and bicep burned. A spike of adrenaline seared his blood.

Harald, who had boasted his prowess over drinks, didn't seem so confident he'd win this contest now. His lips pulled away from his teeth in a feral snarl, but his bushy red brows rose, betraying his surprise that the man in front of him, so much younger and more privileged than he, hadn't already crumpled.

A smile eased up the corners of Eirik's mouth, and he narrowed his eyes. He would prove he was every inch his brother's equal and deserving of respect from the crew at the mining camp. Respect that they'd denied him since his arrival that afternoon.

However, respect had to be earned from these fierce, rough men. An accident of birth didn't grant an Ulfhednar, a Wolfskin, any special favors inside this clan. Further, Eirik's status wasn't helped by the fact that the last time he'd visited the camp, he'd been a gangly teen with blemishes on his face, tagging behind his elder brother.

But Eirik wasn't a boy anymore. This challenge was a good place to prove it.

Without a hint to warn his opponent, Eirik opened his jaws and yawned, then squeezed harder around Harald's huge fist and slammed it into the table.

The crowd surrounding them roared. Large, meaty hands slapped his shoulders in congratulations. Eirik gave Harald a chagrined smile and stood to reach over the table and offer his hand.

Harald shook his head, scowling, looking none too happy to have been bested, but he gripped Eirik's wrist. "You won fair. Only other man who ever bested me was your brother."

Prideful pleasure warmed Eirik, and he wondered why he'd been so resistant to return to this rough camp. He'd thought he wouldn't enjoy it. That the journey itself would bring back hurtful memories of his father. However, his brother had been right about his needing to learn more about his heritage than just the art of battling like a Norseman. His brother was right about most things, and it was time for Eirik to accept that fact.

He let the crowd draw him toward the sleeping quarters of the mining camp's longhouse. Blue-gray light gleamed through the curved ice-block walls and ceiling where "windows" had been cut in the animal skin lining. Although it was nearing time to sleep, daylight rarely waned in this region of New Iceland.

The smells of roasted animal and a pot of savory stew permeated the longhouse since no vents were cut to allow them to escape. A chimney had no place in the ancient structure, built in the time their ancestors had first arrived on this cold planet.

"Tell us of your journey," Harald said, taking up one of the stools set around the crude fire pit. Chunks of the precious ore the miners cut from the earth deep beneath the icy crust lay nestled in the bottom of the pit, emitting an eerie glow and warmth that tempered the cool, wet chill lingering in the air.

With the melodic sound of water dripping from the walls nearest the pit and the earthy smells of the men around him, Eirik relaxed, ready to spin a tale worthy of the brother to their clan-lord, for he'd traveled to this frigid outpost without the comfort and safety of a tracked snow-eater by land. He'd come the more direct route, by ice-skiff, over the frozen waters. A feat made even more bold by the fact his father had been lost, no trace ever found, during a similar trek to this mine which lay farthest from the Wolfskin's seat of power.

"It was a harrowing journey," Eirik began, pausing as a beaker of mead was handed to him.

"Did you see serpents?" one of the men asked, a hint of awe in his voice. Few dared travel the open frozen sea. They fished near the shores, but rarely ventured over deeper water because of the monsters lurking there.

Eirik nodded and leaned forward. "A pod of the beasts trailed after me from Skuldelev all the way here. Streaks of blue, green, and bright flame shot past me, gliding close beneath the surface of the ice. They circled, closing tighter and tighter. But I let out my sails and skimmed past their death spiral."

"Did any of them break the surface?" Harald asked. "Did you see their horned heads?"

"I never looked back." A lesson he'd learned from his brother when he'd first taught Eirik to sail.

If you look back, little brother, you risk losing your nerve. Always, always keep your eyes on your destination.

"But the winds favored me. The bastards pounded the ice behind me with their huge heads." He gave the men a sly smile, relishing the attention. "The breaks only added a little lift to speed me along."

Soft laughter surrounded him. Outracing the monsters who ruled the seas wasn't a sport. The consequences of one mistake could end in an agonizing death—dragged beneath the ice to an underwater berg-cave to be ripped apart and devoured by the pod.

Which was why so few dared. However, Eirik had a long tradition to uphold. The lords of the Wolfskins were fearless; neither the cold nor formidable odds could conquer them. Hence his mode of travel and the bearskin cloak sitting on his shoulders. Even the miners wore the Outlanders' deep-space clothing which insulated better against the freezing temperatures. Eirik wore garments crafted in the old ways by the women of his clan. Boiled wool undergear and a thicker wool shirt; bearskin chaps tied around his wool trousers. Thick boots made of several layers of cowhide encased his feet.

Yes, his toes were cold, but he could still feel them. If he'd taken a spill in the skiff and damaged the hull or steering skimmers, he'd have frozen to death if the ice dragons hadn't killed him first. But Eirik would never think to complain about the harsh strictures his brother and he lived by. Their lack of comforts was only a small part of what they sacrificed to make themselves worthy to lead their clan.

Harald lifted his chin to the men around him then bent toward Eirik. "You'll be wanting to see what we found." Gone was the blustery, overloud voice. Even his expression changed, shifting from brusque savage to sharp-eyed warrior.

The miners standing nearest turned to face outward to ensure none of the Outlanders in the longhouse came close enough to overhear their conversation.

"My brother wants this kept secret," Eirik whispered. "Until we're sure."

Harald nodded. "Not a word. And our production hasn't suffered in spite of the extra work. No one will suspect anything's amiss. The shipping containers are already stacked high in the main cavern in preparation for the next delivery."

"Does the artifact appear damaged in any way?"

"What we've uncovered thus far is intact. We're working with picks and shovels rather than large drills. When we get close to parts of the mechanism, we use our chisels."

"Good." Relieved, he gave Harald a smile. "My brother will come when it's fully excavated. For now, we pretend I'm here to inspect the mine."

Harald nodded, and in an instant his expression changed from keen intelligence back to affable companion. "We'll talk more tomorrow. Below."

Eirik understood. The less said here, the less chance of discovery. If what the miners had found beneath the ice pack was what Eirik and his brother thought, the Icelanders had a new weapon in their arsenal that would ensure their hard-won freedom. "Tomorrow is soon enough to see the mine," he said, raising his voice for the benefit of anyone trying to overhear. "Is there a pallet for me?"

"A pallet in a private nook." Harald winked. "And a woman to warm you while your clothing dries above the fire."

Low, masculine laughter erupted around the circle as men raised their cups and shared sly glances.

Eirik grimaced. "I've frost coating my balls." He drained his drink. The honey mead, made from the honey of the bees in Hel's meadow, slid down his throat, warming his belly.

"I bet you do. But we have the cure." Harald smiled and clapped his shoulder hard, and then shoved off his stool to lead Eirik away from the fire and toward a row of sectioned-off sleeping berths. He pulled back a heavy curtain from one.

Inside, a shelf-like bed stretched across the back wall draped in gray wolf and brown bear skin. A small fire pit glowed in the center of the small cubby.

A woman knelt on the floor beside it, nude but for a soft, woven blanket clutched around her shoulders. Dark, sloe eyes lifted slowly and widened as Eirik entered.

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

Emma Petersen

Leah Braemel

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Taige Crenshaw

Shelli Stevens

Guest Blogger: Berengaria Brown

The Promo Ho and Cabbage Rose Fairy contests continue!

Click here for details!

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Recurring themes

My books seem to have several recurring themes: China, vacations, water, and gardens.

"Changing Cherry", "Chinese Love Triad", and "Terracotta Warriors" (releasing 30 March) are all set in China. I have spent some time in China on business and love their centuries of tradition, the polite, helpful people, their beautiful country. Also, I write a lot of two men/one woman ménages, and in a country with many millions more young men than women, because of their one-child policy, such ménages make excellent sense.

Everyone loves a vacation and vacations leave time for people to discover more about each other, spend long hours having fun together (in and out of bed) and are a great way to move the story forward. "Summer Sizzle", "Vivienne's Vacation", "Huldah's Two Hikers", "Three for the Road", and "Double Satisfaction" are all set during vacations. "Combustion", and "Flash Flood", include mini-vacations.

As for water and gardens, my characters love the beach, lakes, the countryside. The "Sex Odyssey" series is set in Resort City, a beachside town. "Dance for Three" has a hot beach scene, "Summer Sizzle" is set at the beach, and the heroine in "Flash Flood" gets caught in a tidal wave. "Tempting Tenealle" involves a courtyard garden, the gardens in "Double Satisfaction" are purely awesome, and "Huldah's Two Hikers" is set on a hike through a national park.

My newest release, is "Strung Tight" the final book in the "Sex Odyssey" series. Jeff lives in the trailer Park at Resort City and Pete arrives there as a tour guide with a group of very demanding clients.

After a scorching night of sex and sin, two men need to make a decision in their lives.

Jeff works nights playing guitar at a strip club. Pete works days as a tour guide. Neither man is happy and both search for fulfillment. Can they find it in each other's arms?

While the sex is great, and the orgasms body shaking, how can their relationship survive if they're separated by time? Surrendering to wild emotions is easy. Real life is messy but the fight for love is worth it.

The two men gazed into each other's eyes. Lust exploded like a visible force, and Jeff took two hurried paces to close the gap between them. Pete stepped into Jeff's embrace and wrapped his arms around the taller man's waist, lifting his face for a kiss.

Jeff gently pressed his lips to Pete's, then swiped his tongue along the seam of the blond's mouth. He opened and Jeff slid his tongue inside, enjoying Pete's taste of coffee and mints and something spicy.

He trailed his tongue behind Pete's teeth, and along the insides of his cheeks, then tangled it with the blond's in an erotic dance, before sucking his tongue into his mouth.

They didn't break the kiss until both of them were breathless. Even then Jeff nibbled on Pete's lower lip and ran his hands up and down the man's spine, wanting to get closer, needing to be inside him, right now, but not wanting to seem to be rushing or coercing the blond.

Jeff pulled Pete's shirt up, stroking the soft skin, loving the feel of muscles and bones and sinews moving under his touch. "Take it off," he whispered hoarsely.

"You too. I liked the look of your chest in the club."

They broke apart a few inches and shed their shirts. Jeff took Pete's hand and led him to the end of the trailer where he sank onto the sofa and pulled Pete onto his lap. Teasingly, Pete rubbed his ass across Jeff's cock, making him groan. "If you keep that up I'll get zipper burn!"

Pete stood up. "Well, take your pants off. I'd like to see your cock."

"Together. We'll take them off together," replied Jeff, standing as well.

It took Jeff a few minutes to get his boots and socks off and Pete watched him. Pete had bare feet inside his loafers, so that part of the program had taken him all of one second.

They stood facing each other, hands on belts, and, like the dancers in the strip club, they slowly undid their belts, pulled them out of the loops, dropped them to the floor, then unzipped.

Pete remained still and watched as Jeff spread the fly of his jeans wide, displaying dark blue briefs. He put his hands on his hips and nodded to Pete.

Pete's pants were a lot looser than the jeans Jeff was wearing. Just as he'd hoped, when Pete opened them, the pants slid to the floor, leaving him in his tighty whiteys.

Jeff pushed his jeans down his legs and stepped out of them, then hooked a finger in one side of his briefs. Pete mirrored his actions, stepping out of his pants and sliding the underwear down an inch or two on one side.

Turning forty-five degrees, Jeff slid his briefs off his butt, leaving it exposed, but his cock covered. He turned his head over his shoulder, watching to see what Pete would do next.

Pete turned his back to him, dropped his underwear to the floor, pushed his ass out, and bent his knees, displaying his puckered rosette for Jeff. It was the sexiest ass Jeff had ever seen, the hole a deep pink, beckoning him to sink his aching dick in it. Below the yummy anus, in the gap between Pete's legs, his balls hung, and Jeff had to lick his lips and swallow hard, they looked so delicious. He couldn't wait to get them in his mouth.

But wait? Was that the edge of a tattoo showing on the inside of Pete's thigh? God! What other treasures was the blond hiding? And he had a little secret yet to display himself. "Turn around," he ordered, hoping not to sound as needy as he felt.

"Drop your pants and we'll turn together," suggested Pete, his voice alive with laughter.

Jeff turned his back on the other man, pulled off his underwear, and looked over a shoulder, resting one hand lightly across his hot, hard cock. Pete had straightened up and was looking across at him.

Jeff couldn't help a huge grin spreading across his face. This man was perfect for him. Hell, he hadn't had this much fun in a year, and they weren't even in bed yet!

"On the count of three. One."

"Two."

"Three!" they both called together turning to face each other.

It was a tattoo! A swirling tribal pattern, spiraling and twisting and turning from the upper inside of Pete's left thigh, across his groin and lower belly, to just below his bellybutton. It was a maze of black and blue and red lines, an intricate, yet clean, pattern that drew his gaze unerring to the man's cock. And what a beautiful cock it was. Red and thick and long, pre-cum already beading in the slit of a fat, flat head he couldn't wait to suck. "Very nice," he managed to say.

Pete's gaze was glued to Jeff's cock. He didn't even look up when he said, "I've always wondered what one of those would feel like inside me. It's a Prince Albert piercing isn't it? Damn but I've hit the jackpot tonight."

"I aim to make sure you'll come harder than you've ever come before," said Jeff, pulling Pete into his arms and rubbing their cocks together.

Pete lifted his face to be kissed, wrapping his arms around Jeff's waist and rubbing his nipples across Jeff's chest. When they broke apart from kissing, Pete whispered, "I don't think I can wait any longer. I need you inside me, now."

"That's what I want, too."

Buy Link

Berengaria Brown

http://berengariasblog.blogspot.com/

http://berengariabrown.webs.com/

New Call for Submissions — The Cowboy

I have another call for submissions to any writers out there—and its short-fused! If you get your submission into me early enough, and if it requires changes to make it acceptable, you'll get the chance to resubmit. I'll work with you. Also, I need a sexier title. Anyone have any suggestions? I'd love to hear your ideas!

And don't forget about Beastly Babes—those short stories are due at the end of July. Read more about it here: Beastly Babes ~DD

The Cowboy

Editor: Delilah Devlin

Publisher: Cleis Press in Fall 2012

Deadline: August 30, 2011

The Cowboy (tentative title) is open to all authors.

Editor Delilah Devlin is looking for hetero cowboy stories for a romantic erotica anthology tentatively entitled The Cowboy.

There's a reason Western romance novels never go out of fashion. The cowboy is an iconic figure that embodies the dichotomy of the fiercely independent, earthy alpha male and the male as a nurturer. Given a picture of a man on a horse, wearing Wranglers, chaps, and with a broad-rimmed hat shadowing his face, women melt.

Even when he's up to his knees in mud freeing a calf from a wallow, his image doesn't tarnish. The imagination sparks, filling in the details—the scent of horse, cow, and crisp, clean sweat; the sight of sun-leathered skin and crows feet; the feel of work-hardened thighs and arms; and the sound of a deep-voiced, Texas drawl.

The Cowboy will seek stories that satisfy the reader who craves the romantic idea of that gruff, capable man while exploring stories in the American West as well as lesser-known international settings. The stories will be primarily contemporary with the possibility of a few historical Westerns. While traditional themes are likely to be featured, writers will be encouraged to imagine greater in order to create tales that, while featuring that iconic hero, may also surprise, like the rodeo clown seducing the cowboy-crazy "buckle bunny" or a Quigley Down Under story set in the pampas mired in a South American range war.

Published authors with an established Western world may use that setting for their original short story.

The stories may be as kinky or vanilla as the writer wants—but a deep sensuality should linger in every word. Exotic locations and scenarios are welcome. Keep in mind there must be a romantic element with a happy-for-now or happy-ever-after ending. Strong plots, engaging characters and unique twists are the ultimate goal. Please no reprints. We are seeking original stories.

How to submit: Prepare your 1,500 to 4,500 words story in a double-spaced, Arial, 12 point, black font Word document with pages numbered (.doc, NOT.docx) OR rich text format. Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch and double space (regular double spacing, do not add extra lines between paragraphs or do any other irregular spacing). US grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.) is required.

In your document at the top left of the page, include your legal name (and pseudonym if applicable), mailing address, and 50 words or less bio in the third person to cleisthecowboy@gmail.com. If you are using a pseudonym, please provide your real name and pseudonym and make it clear which one you'd like to be credited as. Authors may submit up to 2 stories. Delilah will respond in October 2011. The publisher has final approval over the stories included in the manuscript.

Payment will be $50.00 USD and two copies of the published book upon publication.

About the editor: Ms. Devlin has published over eighty erotic stories in multiple genres and lengths. Her published print titles include Into the Darkness, Seduced by Darkness, Darkness Captured, Down in Texas, Texas Men and Ravished by a Viking. Her short stories are featured in Zane's Purple Panties, and Cleis Press's Lesbian Cowboys, Girl Crush, Fairy Tale Lust, Lesbian Lust, Passion, Carnal Machines, and Dream Lovers. She is published by Avon, Kensington, Harlequin, Atria/Strebor, Ellora's Cave, Samhain Publishing, and Berkley. In Fall 2011, she debuts her first anthology with Cleis Press, Girls Who Bite.

Direct any questions you have regarding your story or the submission process to Delilah at cleisthecowboy@gmail.com.

Guest Blogger: Juniper Bell (Contest)

The Promo Ho and Cabbage Rose Fairy contests continue! See details here! ~DD

Thanks to Delilah for having me on her blog again! I always love visiting here. And I went all fangirl when I met her at RT. (Hope I didn't make a fool of myself!)

Yesterday my latest book came out. Restraining the Receptionist is a follow-up to Training the Receptionist. A lot of people tell me this series reminds them of the movie Secretary. (Not to be confused with Secretariat, which would be truly disturbing.) Secretary, which I loved, is about a lawyer who hires a troubled young woman. Their relationship turns intimate in a BDSM kind of way – it's never spelled out in those terms, but they're playing with the power dynamics of the boss/secretary relationship, and falling in love in the process.

I can see the resemblance, given the office setting and the BDSM element. But there are many differences. First of all, tone. Dana, my heroine, is sassy and quick with a comeback, whereas Maggie Gyllenhall's character was on the depressed side. Maggie had only one boss, James Spader. He was more than enough, by the way. The two of them smoked up the screen.

But Dana has two bosses. In Restraining the Receptionist, she already has a strong, loving, trusting relationship with Simon, who trained her in the first book. But Ethan is the senior partner and not accustomed to taking second place. He's going to pull out all the stops to win a place for himself in Dana's heart. And when he sets his mind to something, watch out. But he's taking a chance … what will happen to their blissful triangle when Dana and Ethan get in deeper than they intended?

Despite the major differences between my Receptionist books and Secretary, I'm honored by the association. And I can't help thinking, what if they made a Receptionist movie? Who could do as good a job as Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader?

So, here are my picks. For the strong but tender, green-eyed Simon: sexy Clive Owen.

For the blond, blue-eyed, force of nature Ethan: the one and only Daniel Craig.

And for lucky Dana, I'm leaning toward Emma Stone. Someone with a lot of spunk, who can handle two dominant men like Simon and Ethan.

Of course, the only way they'd make a Receptionist movie would be as a training manual for how not to behave at work. But hey, I can dream, right?

Restraining the Receptionist is available now from Samhain Publishing. (Click on the cover to purchase!)

And if you leave me a comment – I love comments! –

I'll put you in the drawing for a $5 Amazon gift certificate.

Another day, another story—and another contest!

Yes, admire that image—the dark sky full of ominous portent, the hero tenderly shielding the heroine, the woman clinging to her man…

Okay, so it's one of my stories. You know she's going to give a bit of fight. And this time, she's the one in the duster. Here's what the story's all about…

The best defense is no match for desire this hot…

Kate McKinnon's Sanctuary is an island of refuge in a western frontier shrouded in post-apocalyptic chaos. Her only escape from her crushing responsibilities is occasional radio contact with other pockets of survivors. Especially one man whose deep, raspy voice cuts through her exhaustion, straight to her heart. A man whose face she has only imagined.

When she and her ranch hands are surrounded by renegades, she doesn't recognize the leader of the militaristic band that rescues them, but knows that voice.

Ty Bennett is already half in love with the human woman whose voice haunts his dreams. His impulsive offer to add muscle to the Sanctuary's defenses is dangerous to them both. Helping her may redeem some of his sins, but proximity only increases his hunger to possess her—body, soul…and blood.

Without hesitation, she welcomes Ty and his men into the Sanctuary…only to discover the reason why they only ride at night. Yet the survival instinct that screams at her to drive them off is no match for Ty's seductive powers. Or the need for protection from the threat that howls at Sanctuary's gates.

Warning: Expect a dark, violent world where a vampire driven by uncontrollable lusts strikes a bargain with a strong woman willing to succumb to the carnal pleasures only a vampire can provide.

Read an excerpt

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I have two new contests. Both contests end June 27th!

1) The Cabbage Rose Fairy Contest

What can you win?

The last of the lovely fairy journals I purchased to share. It has a velveteen cover, heavy, stock blank paper and artwork sure to thrill you every time you reach for it!

What do you have to do?

Post comments on my blog and or her Facebook page. Every comment you make over the next two weeks will count as one entry. How easy is that?

2) The Promo Ho Contest

What can you win?

I'm giving away one $50.00 Amazon.com gift certificate.

What do you have to do to enter?

See the covers below? These books are in sore need of online reviews by happy readers. So I'm offering a tempting bribe. You know there won't be as many entries for this contest as for the last one, but wouldn't you like to have some cash to spend on new books? And who knows? Maybe you already have these stories sitting on your TBR pile. Time to move them to the top!

Give a review for one of these stories on one of the online bookstores. Send me the link at del…@delilahdevlin.com. It can be the same review on three different sites, but send me three separate messages with the different links. Doesn't matter if the review is on the Samhain's or Ellora's Cave's website, Smashwords, Amazon, Nook—send me the link to the review. Easy as that.

Just one more day until UNDENIABLE & contest winners named!

Did you know I have a book releasing tomorrow at Samhaim? One that includes two of my very favorite things—cowboys and vampires? The story is available for pre-order now at a reduced price. Click on the cover to read more!

As many of my cowboy adventures are, the story's set in Texas. It takes place in the near-future after war has darkened the sky to perpetual night. My heroine is a strong, lonely woman, tired of shouldering staggering responsibilities while she tries to keep her ranch and the refugees she shelters safe. The hero has secrets. Big, dark secrets. But that's the way we like 'em, right? Trying to get the heroine to put her trust in him will be his biggest test. Take a step into a dark, new frontier.

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I'm giving away the first of the $50 Amazon gift certificates for the Promo Ho contest today. The second will be awarded in two weeks. Check out tomorrow's blog for details about how you can win it! The first $50 gift certificate goes to…Amanda Chambers! Amanda, be sure to email me to let me know what email address you want your prize sent to!

The winner of the red-ribboned fairy is…Ilona! Ilona, congratulations! Send me an email with your snail mail address so I can ship you your gift!

Both winners were selected by a random number generator. Tomorrow, another contest begins, so be sure to stop by!

If you loved the fairy and want one of your own, you can contact Christi at 870-230-1877.

Sunday Report Card

The Promo Ho and Red Ribbon Fairy contests END TOMORROW! See details here!

That picture just about sums up my week. I did complete copy edits on Girls Who Bite and get them shipped. I unpacked from my trip. I swam. A lot.

The question for me this week is whether I can remember how to be a writer. It's not hosting contests (although that's fun). It's not tweeting or FBing. It's not being "me" on line.

It's sitting my butt in the chair. It's fingers poised over the keyboard. It's isolation. Because only when I find that happy subspace (submissives aren't the only ones!) can I create. So what I need now is a writer's Dom to whip me until I feel good and ready to do my muse's will. Okay, so maybe I should be saving the words for a new book. Later!

Snippet Saturday: Best Friends Forever

The Promo Ho and Red Ribbon Fairy contests continue! See details here!

The winner (by random number generator) of yesterday's One-Day-Only bag of swag is…#19 Danni! Danni, congratulations! Send me an email with your snail mail address. Be watching next week for the next bundle of joy from Lori Foster's get-together!

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Love this theme! I've had male best friends in several of my books. In this one, Officers Chavez and Ross team up to teach this little filly a lesson in obedience. We meet them first from her point of view. Things get more interesting when we find out what's happening from their side of things…but you don't get to see that unless you read the book. I didn't sleep much, so today I'm feelin' just a little mean.

"…Ms. Devlin has definitely created three very hot stories about three intriguing females who has lassoed themselves three very hot Texas men." 5 Blue Ribbons, Romance Junkies

Welcome to Honkytonk, the hottest town in Texas—thanks to its adventurous women, irresistible men, and sizzling sex…

Bound and Determined

Bar owner Tara Toomey is in the mood to serve bad boy Cody Westhofen more than a drink. What better way to capture his attention—and more—than to kidnap him for a wanton weekend? Tied to Tara's bed, Cody is more than willing to cooperate…

Breezy Ridin'

When Joe Chavez and a sheriff's deputy pull over a speeding motorcycle, it's no surprise the county judge's naughty daughter Sarah Michelson is behind the wheel—naked. And when she bribes them with a threesome, all laws are suspended as the men prepare for the ride of their lives…

Night Watch

Schoolteacher Amy Keating never planned to be a voyeur, but one innocent glance into deputy Logan Ross's bedroom window has her hooked. Now she's into a world of sexual play she never knew existed…

From Novella #2 in Texas Men: Breezy Ridin'

A hot breeze toyed with a strand of hair lying across her breast, but Sarah Michelson wasn't about to flick it away now. She was already in deep shit and wondering whether she should pour on the syrup and sweet talk the two officers striding her way.

She'd been driving without her headlight, following the pale gray thread of road she'd driven since she'd graduated to adulthood until she hit the winding canyon and had to flip it on. A quick drive-by of the bar and she would have proven she was still the reigning bad girl of Honkytonk.

Then she'd seen the glint of metal at the side of the road and throttled down.

Damn, who knew she'd run into a speed trap on little ole Amman Road?

"Ma'am, I'll need to see your license and registration."



Sarah squinted against the spotlight aimed at her from the squad car parked beside the sawhorse barrier and shot a glare at the deputy who'd halted beside her. That glare was signature "Sarah" and would have had most men backing up half a dozen paces. To his credit, Joe Chavez didn't flinch, but neither did he crack a smile.

So that's the way he wanted to play it. She could pretend there wasn't a thing unusual about this particular traffic stop, too. "Officer, I seem to have misplaced it," she said, dropping her voice to a sultry purr.

"Forgot a few other things as well," the other deputy Logan Ross drawled, coming close enough she could make out his features in the bright light.

What were they—a tag team?

Two police cruisers, blue lights strobing, and a barricade with orange lights seemed overkill for a simple traffic stop. Of course, she'd probably given them fodder for sly jokes at the stationhouse for months with this stunt.

While she might pretend nonchalance, a hint of where this was going would do a lot to quell her rising anxiety. But so far, they were letting her sweat. Where Deputy Chavez's face didn't betray an ounce of humor, Ross's lips were pressed together in a thin line as though he fought a smile.

Time to bait the trap.

"I was in a hurry when I left the house," she said, flipping her hair over her shoulder just to make sure Deputy Ross got an eyeful of what her hair had covered.

"Ma'am, you'll need to step away from the bike," Deputy Chavez broke in.

If Ross's slow perusal was a balm to her pride, Chavez's stony expression was the pinprick slowly deflating her confidence…which kind of turned her on.

However, if she moved off the bike he'd see the wet spot on the leather–and how embarrassing would that be?

"Whenever you're ready," he growled. "Refusing isn't an option."

"Why? You gonna frisk me?"

"I don't think I have to," he said with a sharpened edge to his voice. "I can tell you're not carrying."

"What gave it away, Deputy?" she said, flashing him a smile she hoped would thaw his icy reserve.

"I've got an eye for concealed weapons."

"Then you obviously missed a couple of suspicious lumps," she said, drawing out her words in the sexiest whisper she could manage.

A muscle flexed along his strong, square jaw. "Do you want me to search you?"

"I wouldn't want you to give me any special favors on account of who my daddy is."

"Wouldn't think of it," he said silkily. "Wonder what the judge is going to say when we bring you in."

Up to that point, Sarah had thought the two men were just having a little fun at her expense, but Chavez's face didn't show a flicker of what was really going through his mind. For the first time, she wondered if she wasn't going to be able to talk her way out of this after all. "We don't have to wake Daddy up for something so minor, do we boys? Can't we work something out?"

"What do you have in mind, kitten?" Deputy Ross murmured.

Her gaze swung from Chavez's impassive face to Ross's. His smile was appreciative, something she could work with. Maybe he'd be willing to convince his friend to let this incident slide right under the carpet.

"I don't know, Deputy Ross. Neither of you have been in Honkytonk long. You don't know how things really work in our little town."

"And you want to help us out? Hear that, Joe? Sarah here is worried about us. Sounds mighty neighborly of you, Sarah."

"Logan…" Deputy Chavez said, his deep voice rising in warning. "Go run her plates."

"Sure. This is your bust." His gaze flickered over Sarah's chest, and a grin split his face.

Sarah narrowed her eyes at him until he sauntered back to his squad car.

Alone with Chavez, she took a deep breath, looking at him from beneath the brush of her eyelashes to see if his gaze followed the movement of her chest.

Nope, his gaze was locked on her face. Deciding that maybe she should give him a little cooperation before she completely pissed him off, she kicked down the stand and climbed off her bike, knowing she was giving him an eyeful of her moist pussy–which again, really turned her on. "Look, I know this looks bad."

"This looks like you're racking up multiple misdemeanor counts, Miss Michelson."

No hesitation. No clearing his throat because she'd shocked or pleased him. Damn, he was a tough nut to crack. "Honestly, it's just a little harmless hell-raising."

The deputy shook his head, his expression turning downright grim. "Ever seen a person lay a bike down on pavement? Seen what road burn can do a person's skin?"

Was he worried about her skin? She shook her head and stepped closer until only a few measly inches separated his Kevlar-cloaked chest and her beaded nipples.

"Ever seen what can happen when a head hits the pavement without a helmet," he continued.

"It's not against the law to ride without a helmet."

"It is against the law to ride buck naked in public."

She quirked one side of her mouth up. "But I'm not completely nude."

His chest rose, swift and hard. "Cowboy boots and chaps don't cover the important parts."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

Emma Petersen

Leah Braemel

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Taige Crenshaw

HelenKay Dimon

Sasha White

Shelli Stevens

T.J. Michaels

One-Day-Only Contest!

I have tons of promo stuff that I brought back from Lori Foster's. Today, I'm going to give away some of it! What do you have to do? POST A COMMENT—here or on facebook!

This is what the first bundle includes:

Autgraphed books:

Dragonbound by Jade Lee

Carpe Bead'em by Tonya Kappes

Escape by Kate Douglas, Willa Okati and Marteeka Karland (signed by Marteeka only)

Autographed drink koozie from Kristin Daniels

Assorted stuff (much of it autographed as well)…bookmarks, trading cards, excerpt booklets from:

Emma Wildes, Jade Lee, Marie Force, Leah Braemel, Jane Rylon, Leanna Renee Hieber, Madelyn Ford, Lila DiPasqua, Virna DePaul, Donna Grant, Zenobia Renquist, Samantha Kane, Krista Daniels, and Cheryl Brooks.

No doubt, I'll throw some of my stuff in as well! So, what can you comment about? How about this?

By perseverance the snail reached the ark. ~Charles Haddon Purgeon

Which reminds me of my favorite joke. Okay, so it's the only joke I ever remember, which is why it's a joke my family teases me about. (I get gifts of snail figurines)…

What does the snail say as it rides the turtle's back? Whee!