Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 60
March 16, 2024
Saturday Puzzle-Contest & a Reminder!
Have you ordered your copy?
Saturday Puzzle-Contest
What happens in Bozeman stays in Bozeman…unless it’s a cowboy!
Stranded in Bozeman, Montana, for the night while snowplows clear a mountain pass, Kelly Willis decides to throw caution to the wind. After being jilted by her college sweetheart, she’s determined to have one no-holds-barred night, her way of seeking revenge against a lifetime of conformity, before she settles down in a new town to live a very circumspect life as an elementary school teacher. She chooses another stranded motorist, propositioning him with the offer of a no-strings, no-names night of pleasure.
No one is more shocked than rancher Ryan Mobley when he appears at his daughter’s parent-teacher meeting to discover the angel he’d made love to is his daughter’s new teacher. Now that she’s here, he’s going to do everything he can to convince her they have a real connection, something they can build a lifetime on.
While she wrangles the class bully and he tries to figure out who’s rustling his cattle, the two of them grow closer with the help of a classroom full of mini matchmakers.
For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, solve the puzzle, then tell me what this scenery does to you. That’s all. Happy Saturday!
The post Saturday Puzzle-Contest & a Reminder! first appeared on Delilah Devlin.
March 15, 2024
Gabbi Grey: A Sexy Story (Contest)
Hello Delilah! Thank you for inviting me to share my new release!
When I saw the call for femme fatale flash fiction pieces, I dropped everything and ran to my computer.
My editor was shocked when I sent her not one but two pieces. I asked for a quick turnaround time – which she generously did for me. I even got the two stories submitted early! What mostly surprised my editor was that, at the beginning of our acquaintance, I maintained I couldn’t write short. That I was only capable of writing stories over 70,000 words. She’d send me different calls for short pieces. I even submitted one for a Delilah anthology (she didn’t pick it and that was good because it wasn’t that great). Eventually I wrote a couple of short stories that got published. Then I wrote my first short story for a charity anthology, and I’ve done almost a dozen since. I’ve also written more than a dozen novellas. So yes, apparently, I can write short. The last few submissions have been 5,000 words or less. In this case a lot less.
One piece of flash fiction I submitted for this anthology was a BDSM short story about a Domme. That story was under my Gabbi Black pen name. It didn’t get picked, but that was okay. I plan to expand that story and release it myself. Kat’s Claws, however, did get selected.
That acceptance letter put me over the moon. Most of the anthologies I join involve me signing up and submitting the best story I possibly can. Rarely do I submit to curated anthologies (or get personally asked to join a charity anth). I just don’t have time. I’m so glad I did for this one. My flash fiction (667 words – and yes, I should’ve found one to trim…) is about a lioness shifter who interferes with her best friend’s love life. Her best friend is an owl shifter. From the first shifter book I read about ten years ago, I wondered what kind of shifter I would write. Now, I never had any intention of writing a shifter book. I’ve only written one other paranormal story, and it’s about a ghost. To me, that’s just a love story, not a paranormal. Well, apparently if ghosts are involved, it falls into the mystical sphere.
I’ve signed up for a shifter anthology in September, and I’ve written the story of the owl shifter (the lioness’s best friend) and the human woman she loves so much. A lesbian, owl shifter, reality show, short story. Man, I can’t wait to share that with the world. In the meantime, when I saw the femme fatale call, I knew I needed to tell Kat’s side of the story. The prologue, as it might be. Why she did what she did and how her friend reacted. That’s the basis for Kat’s Claws. I hope readers pick up this anthology and read all the great stories. The editor prepared sketches for each one, and I’m thrilled with what she did for me. So yeah, the email I received telling me that I made the cut really was a great day.
I would love to give away a $5 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky commenter. Have you tried reading or writing flash fiction? Or do you prefer longer stories? One randomly chosen comment will win the prize.
Thanks, Delilah, for letting me visit.
Femme Fatale Flashes
Welcome to the shadowed corners of intrigue and peril. Wicked Shadow Press presents “Femme Fatale Flashes”, a captivating anthology of flash fictions, each one casting the spotlight on the elusive femme fatale, a figure at once dangerously seductive and imbued with an undeniable strength.
Dive into narratives where mystery and malice dance closely, as these women tread the fine line between morality and desire. From the straightforward journeys of beguiling yet sinister characters whose beginnings are as veiled as their intentions, to the intricate tales of those sculpted by the harshness of society, the sting of betrayal, or the tumultuous twists of love, this collection delves into the myriad hues of what it means to embody the femme fatale.
“Femme Fatale Flashes” beckons you to explore the complex realm of these mesmerising women through stories that are as concise as they are profound. Brace yourself to be captivated by the lethal allure of the femme fatale, in a collection that promises to enchant, entangle, and ultimately, redefine your perception of power, vengeance, and seduction.
This anthology features 56 stories, penned by 49 authors from around the world.
FEATURED IN THIS COLLECTION: Albert Tucher, Angela Tang, Anna McHugh, Armand Rosamilia, Arun Hariharan, Barlow Crassmont, Bissme S, Chad Anctil, Christopher Ryan, Crystal Red, D.A. Cairns, Dale Parnell, Daniel DiQuinzio, David Rae, Dawn DeBraal, Destiny Eve Pifer, Emmanuel Maduabuchi Titus, Gabbi Grey, Grant Tracey, Hannah Marchildon, Ian Gielen, Ivy Wilde, James Dorr, JB Wocoski, Jeremy Gadd, Joshua Vise, Kevin Hopson, Kris Blackburn, Kylie Doyle, LaVern Spencer McCarthy, Linda M. Crate, Madhu Mehrotra, Nelly Shulman, Olivia Arieti, R.W. Hartshorn, Rachel Loertscher, Rina Palumbo, Robb T. White, Sarah Das Gupta, Sarah Mayo, Sharon Frame Gay, Shayde O. Brown, Sheldon Woodbury, Soter Lucio, Susan Temple, TC Phillips, Toshiya Kamei, Val Roberts, Warren Benedetto
Links:
eBook link: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/femme-fatale-flashes/ebook/product-579e6jr.html
Paperback Link: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/femme-fatale-flashes/paperback/product-579e6yr.html
Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209492846-femme-fatale-flashes
Kat’s Claws by Gabbi Grey
I am a temptress, a seducer, and a lioness shifter. When my best friend, an owl shifter, is about to make a terrible mistake, I use my prowess to bring her relationship with a human to an end. That might make me a bitch, but I did it for the right reason. Or so I believe…
About the Gabbi Grey
USA Today Bestselling author Gabbi Grey lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black and Gabbi Powell.
The post Gabbi Grey: A Sexy Story (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.March 14, 2024
Katherine Smits: St. Patrick’s Story Spectacular — The Pen Dames March Contest (2 Prizes!)
Thanks so much to Delilah for hosting me today! I truly appreciate this opportunity to speak directly to you, the readers.
The Pen Dames are currently running our annual contest, and I thought you might enjoy it. Here are the details…
We invite you to become a character in an upcoming story we’re crafting. It’s simple to enter—just leave your first name in the comments section of this blog post or on one of our Facebook posts about the contest, and we’ll name a character after the winner.
I can’t give away too many details, but the tale will have an Irish theme in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and will feature elements of mystery, magic, and a dash of romance. Please note the story will only be published on the Pen Dames blog, and no financial compensation will be provided. All rights are reserved. The contest closes on March 17th.
Now, this is just for fun, but how often do you have the chance to read about a character named after you?
A little about us, the Pen Dames. We’re a group of five author friends who share a love for each other’s work and are bound by our motto of Heart, Humor, and Happily Ever After. We’re passionate about books, reading, and, most importantly, our readers. If you’d like to learn more about us, please visit our website.
https://pendames.blogspot.com/p/home.html
As an additional thank-you for Delilah’s kindness in hosting this post on short notice, I’m offering a special drawing for anyone who comments here. You’ll also have the chance to win either a $5.00 Amazon gift card or (for U.S. residents only) a signed combined print edition of two of my books edited by none other than Delilah! Along with the books, I’ll include a swag bag filled with goodies, such as a crystal pen, stickers, bookmarks, charms, and surprises.
The two books included in the additional prize are “The Sea Witch and the Mage” and Siren Descending. If you’re curious, “The Sea Witch and the Mage” is a short story set in a contemporary romantic fantasy world of mermaids, mermen, and mages and is the prequel to Siren Descending which reimagines the Greek myth of Orpheus with a Siren as the heroine.
About the Author
I’m Katherine Eddinger Smits, and my fascination with all things paranormal stems from being a direct descendant of one of the women executed for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. My stories often feature mages, mermaids, and gifted humans grappling with real-life issues like self-acceptance and phobias, all while weaving in mystery, suspense, and a hint of romance.
If you’re interested in exploring more of my work, you can visit my website and subscribe to my newsletter for a free short story.
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Thank you for taking the time to read about our contest and for considering participating. Whether you decide to join us or simply follow along, we appreciate your support.
The post Katherine Smits: St. Patrick’s Story Spectacular — The Pen Dames March Contest (2 Prizes!) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.March 13, 2024
The Joy of Bingeing (Contest)
The COVID Lockdown gave birth to a new habit I’m unable to break—bingeing old television series.
I started with Criminal Minds—all 15 seasons. It was so satisfying to keep track of the characters’ arcs inside the series. I loved the innovative crimes. When I finished, I felt a huge letdown. It was like coming off a high, almost (ahem, not that I know what that is like). So, I scouted around for other series I could watch from start to finish. My list isn’t complete because I’m sure I’ve forgotten something along the way, but I went back to one of my childhood joys, Star Trek.
Since I’d watched Star Trek, The Original Series a couple of times through already years ago, I watched The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Enterprise, Voyager, and Picard. And then because I was out of series that were complete, I watched everything I could of Discovery, Lower Decks, Prodigy, and Strange New Worlds. I also watched Farscape, from beginning to end (so good!). And because it had been years since I’d watched The Original Series, I watched it again (I just finished last week)—and you know, it holds up. Yeah, the tech is very crude by today’s standards, but the characters! Star Trek without William Shatner’s Kirk would have been forgotten.
While I wait for new complete seasons of the new Star Trek shows to drop, I looked around for something else sci-fi-ish but different. I’m currently watching the first season of Sea Quest DSV, but it misses for me. I love the concept of “Star Trek, but in the depths of the ocean,” but the characters aren’t as compelling although I howled in the first scene when Roy Scheider (Jaws) was swimming in the ocean with a dolphin’s fin circling him. Still, I’m stubborn, and I’ll watch it until I finish it. Then, hopefully, the new Star Trek episodes will be available.
Of non-sci-fi shows—I really like Ghosts. I was drawn because I LOVED Rose McIver in I Zombie, and I stayed because I love the ensemble cast. I watched all of NCIS: New Orleans. I like NCIS: Hawaii.
So, now you know what I do when I finish writing and need to unwind before I go to bed. I unspool a series and watch it from beginning to end, sometimes slogging through it if it isn’t wonderful but determined to get to The End.
For a chance to win a download of one of my books, your choice, tell me whether you’ve binged a series and what you like. What would you recommend for when I run out of Star Trek?
The post The Joy of Bingeing (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.March 12, 2024
Word Search: Favorite Pets (Contest)
The Devlin household has numerous pets. Too many. Currently, we have seven dogs (did I count right?), four cats, and a bunny. The picture I’m sharing is of MY cat. She hangs out with me, loves her cat bed under my desk, and is a generally noisy nuisance. Tessa has the most god-awful meow of any cat I’ve ever had. It’s a scratchy, yowling sort of meow that grates on a person’s nerves, but she’s MY cat. Usually, when she’s looking at me, her gold eyes are perfectly round, which makes her look really stupid. Here, I woke her from a nap, so she’s irritated with me. If she were a tiger, she’d eat me.
Yes, the topic for the word search today is lame, but I didn’t want to break my brain trying to come up with something clever, so for the sake of a good brain-matter workout, here’s today’s challenge:
For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me about a favorite pet of yours, past or present, and have you had any exotic ones? I’ve had everything on the list below except for a lizard and a snake (feeding them mice or crickets was a big NO).
The post Word Search: Favorite Pets (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.March 11, 2024
Krysten Lindsay Hager: Second Chance Sports Romance Playlist: Stars in the City (Free in Kindle Unlimited)
When I was writing my drama-comedy second chance sports romance, Stars in the City, I was both caught between that longing of a soap actress named Valeria Joseph, who wanted her ex back, and the adorable swoony moments when they reconnected. So, I needed a playlist that took me into both mentalities and acted like a soundtrack to dreaming about getting back with the guy who you never got over, the swoony moments where you fall back in love, and everything else that goes on when you have a second chance with the guy you’ve never stopped loving.
I loved writing this sweet romance that reunites a young soap star dealing with her own insecurities who never got over her ex, Davis, who she runs into on the streets of New York City. She finds out he’s now playing basketball at a college in the city, and they start to fall back in love. However, Valeria’s celebrity life brings drama, and it doesn’t help when the gossip sites link her with other stars. Can these two get it together this time around?
First, here’s an excerpt from Stars in the City:
“Valeria, you don’t have to be that girl on the TV screen right now with me. I just want the girl from River Grove back,” Davis said.
Except I hadn’t been that girl since I started the show. I reached over and took another sip of water.
He leaned across the table and put his hand over mine. “I hope you didn’t think I was judging you. Your celebrity life is so foreign to me. That’s all. I just want you to know you don’t have to be on twenty-four seven. You can just be yourself because you’re amazing.”
I met his eyes, and he squeezed my hand.
“It’s not quite the same thing with me playing basketball, but I do know what it’s like to have huge expectations other people have put on you. Not to mention, the high and impossible expectations you put on yourself. You and I have always had that in common.” He winced.
“I guess it’s worse for you now playing at the college level, huh?”
He nodded.
I squeezed his hand back. “I hope I didn’t freak you out with the photo thing.”
“You’re in a whole new world. Not going to lie—I’m not crazy about how that’s impacting you, but I get it.”
“Yeah, but then I dropped a therapy session on you. Ugh. I am a lot.” I shut my eyes and sighed. He was probably eyeballing the exits as we spoke.
He was smiling when I opened my eyes. “I believe I’m the one who started that session. Actually, the fact we’ve always been able to be open and vulnerable with each another is one of the things I loved most about us. That’s why it hit like a truck when you suddenly wanted to split up. I understand it now. Sweetie, I’m just relieved we got it all out in the open.”
My shoulders dropped in relief as I exhaled. “Even though it was a messy therapy session?”
He laughed. “Those are the best conversations to clear the air. Do you know how rare it is to find someone you can do that with? I hope you don’t ever feel you have to hold back from me.”
The waitress came over with the bill. He reached into his pocket and handed her his credit card before I could get my purse open. She placed two to-go boxes on the table for us.
“Ready to go?” He helped me put my coat on, and we walked back to my place.
“I have exactly fourteen minutes until I need to get the bus,” he said as I unlocked the door.
I frowned. Saying goodbye was going to be so hard after we had finally cleared the air. He came in and put his hand over mine.
“Val, I don’t know how to say this, but this is the first time in months I’ve felt relaxed and happy. Like my entire nervous system just regulated itself.”
We both smiled. “Mine, too. I missed you.”
How many times did I think to myself that talking to him felt like sliding into a warm bath? No one could calm my mind down like he could.
“I’m still worried I dropped too much on you tonight.”
He chewed on the inside of his lip. “I’m glad you told me all of that. You have a tendency to hold back, and I know it wasn’t easy for you.” He brushed a strand of hair away from my face. “Not going to lie—I’ve been holding back with you, too. I was afraid of getting hurt again. But I think if we want to make a go of it then we’re going to have to be open about everything. After all, things could have been different if we had talked it all out last summer.”
He looked down at the floor, and I knew there was something he needed to get out. I touched his arm, and he met my eyes.
“After we broke up, I spent a lot of time going over stuff in my head, and I didn’t know if you were afraid to get too close to me because of what happened with your mom and dad or if you wanted someone more exciting.” He sighed. “I guess I always wondered if you loved me … anywhere as much as I loved you.”
My eyes widened as I realized how much my parents’ divorce had closed me off. I told myself I held back from my other ex, Lance, because he seemed like a player, but the truth was I had been doing it for a long time.
“Last year, the idea of losing what we had was terrifying because it was the first time I’d ever felt anything like that in my life. I was scared of getting my heart broken and losing the one person who meant the most to me in the whole world.” My stomach fluttered as I knew I had to expose my true feelings for him if he was going to trust me again. “I was so in love with you.”
He exhaled and put his hands on my waist. “So you left because you were afraid that I’d leave first?”
I nodded.
He brushed my cheek. “I wish you had told me even half of this.”
I swallowed hard. “But that’s a lot to put on a teenage boy. I didn’t want you to be overwhelmed. I was so in love with you, and I was scared I was going to overload you and you’d run.”
Davis sucked in his breath. “I can understand why you’d be afraid to even bring that up to me. But you should know that that was exactly how I felt about you. And it utterly destroyed me when you walked out on us.”
My eyes began to water.
“Hey, not trying to make you cry. I just want you to know how I felt about you.”
I didn’t trust myself to talk for fear a flood of emotions and tears would come out. He cupped my face.
“Is there any chance we could get back together and maybe I could call you my girlfriend again?”
***Pick up the book here. It’s free in Kindle Unlimited:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3
Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3
Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3
The One by Amy Swift: It has that late night reminiscing over lost love feeling. I can see Valeria listening to this late at night and thinking about Davis.
Nobody knows me like you do (Made For Me) by Muni Long: This one just fits Davis and Valeria’s relationship. Davis says no one has ever understood him so well and Valeria feels the same way. You see them as each other’s biggest supporter through the good and, more importantly, the bad times.
Back to December by Taylor Swift: The perfect song that embodies what it’s like to reminisce about a relationship you screwed up and want back. This feels like a song that Valeria would play on repeat about regrets with Davis.
Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves: The calming, sweet song that would fit Valeria and Davis as she says talking to him is like sliding into a warm bath.
Maroon by Taylor Swift: This song is set in New York (like the book) and the song deals with a past relationship. It reminded me more of Valeria and her co-star (and ex) Lance.
Back to You by Selena Gomez: The kind of song you sing along to in the car about the ex you’re missing. I picture Valeria singing this with her friends Cecily and Paige.
What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts: I played this over and over because I was basically trying to hurt my own feelings to get the emotion right for Valeria’s voice in the story. Also Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts: For the moment where you realize the past will make them appreciate each other more and it’ll be different this time. (I write happily ever afters, so you can relax! It’s a happy ending.)
Almost Over You by Sheena Easton (There’s also a version by Lila McCann I listened to as well): If you’ve ever been sad over your ex this is your national anthem. Note: playing this at 3 am is not in your best interest unless you like crying!
Can’t Let Go by Mariah Carey: If you follow my work then you already know this song is my go-to song to hurt my own feelings to get that heartbreak feeling just right in a story. I put it on repeat and it just brings those feelings to the surface.
You can find the playlist here if you want to listen to any of the songs yourself. Plus, I have the ambiance videos Valeria sends to Davis to calm his anxiety in the book. There’s a few more videos that inspired me on the playlist as well. Happy listening and reading! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrFxW3TeFT5tnIW2xljtaefrrJb203dJg
About the AuthorKrysten Lindsay Hager is a bestselling author of YA and contemporary romance. She writes romance because she loves bringing people swoony moments and hope-filled happily ever afters. She writes about falling in love, fame, fitting in, frenemies, first loves, and finding your way in the world. She loves reading, watching movies, and lipstick.
Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/
March 10, 2024
Report Card & Open Contests
Last week…
I worked on two editing projects for two other authors.I wrote more chapters of What Happens in Bozeman .I read more stories submitted for the Secret Identities anthology.I requested and received the rights back to two series of erotic romance books!This next week…
I must complete writing, editing, and then publish, What Happens in Bozeman… I need to complete two editing jobs and begin two others!I must finish reading the rest of the stories for my next anthology, Secret Identities.I will continue creating some small art for #The100DayProject.It’ll be a very busy week!
Open Contests
March 9, 2024
Saturday Puzzle-Contest: National Barbie Day (Contest)
In honor of National Barbie Day, I’m sharing my Barbie experience, and I’d love to hear about yours!
My parents didn’t have much, but we kids never knew it. I had a couple of Barbies, and my mom made me a Barbie case full of Barbie clothes to play with. Not that Barbie was huge for me for very long. I preferred the library and learning about plate tectonics, dinosaurs, quasars, and ancient civilizations. Yes, I was a science book nerd. I even kept my own personal set of encyclopedias—notebooks with handwritten book reports about the topics I loved. I mean, what kid doesn’t write an article about volcanoes and tar pits and the like? But there were still Barbies. My mom even used to make Barbie Birthday Cakes with a Barbie stuck in the middle with a skirt of frosting!
Now, I’m lucky I still have a child in the house. A girl-child, at that. She’s ten now, and caught between loving biographical and historical books (she loves WWII stories) and her love of Squishmallows and Barbies. In fact, the one gift she wanted from Santa this past year was a Barbie Dream House. Thankfully, he brought her one. 
She has a huge collection of dolls–some gifted new, and some “treasures” she’s found at flea markets, a trunk full of Barbie clothes, and a rolling plastic cart that holds accessories. She’s not spoiled at all.
So, you know, this past summer, the Barbie movie was high on our list of movies to see in the theater. We did the whole “Barbenheimer thing” (I even have the T-shirt!)—the adults seeing Oppenheimer on a Thursday afternoon, and then all the girls, my daughter, the 19-year-old, the 15-year-old, the 10-year-old, and I saw Barbie on Saturday. We loved it! And to a person, our favorite scene in the movie was the “I’m Just Ken” musical number. If you haven’t seen it, take a look here. Ryan Gosling was truly born for the role.
I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday! Do something that gives you joy!
For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me about your “Barbie” experience.
The post Saturday Puzzle-Contest: National Barbie Day (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.March 8, 2024
Meet Your Weekend Book Boyfriend — $0.99 Sale! (Contest + Excerpt)
For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, let me know who your weekend book boyfriend will be!
If you haven’t already chosen your boyfriend, here’s a suggestion. [image error]
(This book is available for only $0.99 for a limited time only! That’s a $3-dollar savings!)
MONTANA BOUNTY HUNTERS: DEAD HORSE, MT
Authentic Men… Real Adventures…
The happily single owner of the only liquor store in Dead Horse, MT needs the biggest, baddest man around, and a certain former Green Beret seems made to order…
When Chase Kudrow leaves the Green Berets, he is ready to throw off rules and regs and be his own damn boss. Bounty hunting doesn’t tie him down and occasionally gives him the adrenaline rush he craves.
Then he discovers he has a niece, an eight-year-old, who is the only family he has left. Suddenly, his life gets serious. He needs a steadier paycheck and a place to set down roots so he can do right by his dead sister’s little girl. Being recruited by the Montana Bounty Hunters: Dead Horse, MT, office perfectly fits the bill.
His “get serious” agenda soon finds him in the company of one of the town’s “good” women, Rhonda McAvoy, who owns the local liquor store. Sure, she’s pretty and seems interested, but what does he know about wooing a good woman who will certainly expect more than he knows how to give?
When her store is robbed, Chase swoops in to provide some much-needed security expertise and protection and soon discovers an addiction he never wants to kick. Sweet Rhonda is full of her own sexy surprises…
Order eBook: Kindle | Kobo | Apple Books
Enjoy an excerpt from Chase…
Rhonda McAvoy couldn’t help looking toward the entrance of the restaurant every few seconds. Laura had slyly told her that the newest hunter would be joining them for dinner. Sure, she’d seen him a time or two at the package store, but lately, her timing had been all off, and her sister Emily had been sure to rub it in that she’d served him at the counter. Not that he’d ever given any sign he might be interested in her, but Rhonda liked to look, and Chase Kudrow was the sexiest thing she’d seen around Dead Horse in a long, long time.
Yes, the bounty hunters were all blessed with good genes. Tall, well-muscled—with all their teeth—something she didn’t take for granted around this pokey little backwater town.
Plus, Chase had that extra…something. The bulge of his biceps gleamed in the sunlight. The MBH round target logo on the T-shirts he wore stretched into an oval over his broad chest.
He kept his dark hair shaved close to his scalp, and his face clean-shaven. The better to admire his luscious mouth. But it was his eyes that drew her in. His irises were like dark coffee, and his lids were heavy, which made him look as though he was perpetually aroused.
Or maybe that was just her own wishful thinking. It had been ages since Rhonda had taken a man to bed, and of late, Chase Kudrow had featured in many of her late-night fantasies.
“I’m so glad you could make it,” her best friend, Laura Pinchot, said. “It feels like ages—”
The moment he strode through the entrance, all sounds faded away. Her heart pounded hard in her chest, and there was a slight buzzing in her ears. Weird, really. But that was “The Chase Effect.”
His gaze roamed the room until locking on their table—and did his gaze hover a second on her before he tightened his mouth and walked their way?
What was that about? She felt a little deflated.
Laura stood and moved a chair away. As Chase drew closer, her friend raised her hand and pointed her finger downward to indicate the chair she’d just vacated. Smiles stretched the mouths of the rest of the people sitting around the table.
Rhonda felt as though her cheeks were on fire. “Could you be any more obvious?” she hissed at her erstwhile friend.
Laura leaned across the empty space. “Someone has to make a move. You can thank me later.”
Rhonda shook her head and pasted on a smile as Chase eased into the seat and gave her a nod.
“Rhonda.”
“Chase…” Her throat tightened, and she drew a deep breath. “Nice to see you.”
“Same,” he said, then reached to the center of the table to nab a plastic-laminated menu standing in the condiments rack.
So much for conversation. Lord, she’d better not breathe too deeply or she’d really give her excitement away. Just a whiff of Eau de Chase was enough to set her pheromones on fire. His scent was crisp and spicy—like fresh, pine-scented mountain air mixed with cinnamon and something almost Christmassy.
His long fingers traced a path down the list of dinner entrees, and she couldn’t help noticing their length and thickness…
Lord, she really was pathetic. Hadn’t she learned anything? She’d have thought five years of Elvis McAvoy would’ve cured her of handsome men forever.
Stiffening her shoulders and her smile, she reached for her own menu and perused the entrees, although she’d long since memorized them all. The menu hadn’t changed in years.
Their waitress, Nadine Crossley, approached the table, her frayed-edged pad in hand. “You all ready to order?” Her eyebrows were high and her gaze pointed, like she was silently telling the group not to waste her time.
Rhonda didn’t mind Nadine’s brusque manner. She was good people. Knew everyone and all their business. If a Dead Horse resident wanted to know what was going on in town, their best bet was asking Nadine. Yes, she was nosy, seemed to be everywhere at once to catch the gossip, but she didn’t stint on sharing what she knew.
“Nice ride,” Nadine said in a deadpan voice when her gaze landed on Chase.
Chase gave her a glare and slapped his menu on the table. “I’ll have the meatloaf,” he said, his words curt.
“Sides?” Nadine asked, returning his glare.
“Green beans and fries.”
“Drink?”
“Beer.”
One eyebrow arched higher.
“Whatever’s on draft,” Chase said, then gave her a mean smile.
Nadine sniffed and moved on to the next hunter to get his order.
Rhonda ducked her head to hide her smile, waiting her turn while Nadine efficiently took orders from around the table until landing on Rhonda.
“Surprise me,” Rhonda said with a bit of grin, knowing how much her response annoyed the older woman.
Nadine sniffed. “You ain’t sendin’ it back to the kitchen if you don’t like what I pick.”
Rhonda gave her an especially warm smile. “Sweetie, I trust your good taste.” Challenge accepted.
Beside her, Chase groaned as Nadine walked away. “Damn, you’re brave. You’ll be lucky if that woman doesn’t have the cook fry you up some mountain oysters.”
Rhonda chuckled. “Nah, Nadine’s not so bad. She’s all bark.”
“If you say so.”
“I think she likes you.”
“Strange way of showin’ it,” he muttered.
Rhonda glanced toward Laura, who gave her a wink. Rhonda frowned and shook her head.
Her friend chuckled and turned her attention to the group. “Rhonda’s been a huge help pulling this wedding together. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”
“Have you chosen your colors?” Cage asked, somehow managing to keep a straight face.
“Light pink, dark pink.” Laura’s smile was as pure as an angel’s.
Only Rhonda knew that Laura’s favorite color was now brown with gold flecks, like Preacher’s eyes. Something she’d shared with a sigh just that afternoon. However, Preacher’s ability to look past all the pink Laura surrounded herself with—in her shop, her clothing, even her kitchen walls at home—was part of what made Preacher so dear to Laura. He’d even agreed to wear a pink cummerbund and bowtie for the wedding.
“What did you settle on for the cake?” Fig asked. When Chase raised an eyebrow, Fig wrinkled her nose to signal he better not say something snarky.
“I chose lemon poppy seed,” Preacher said, giving his bride-to-be a wink.
“I chose strawberry,” Laura said.
“So, unless they use food coloring to change that pale yellow to pink, I think we know what flavor wins, right?” Marti Mills said with a grin. Her boyfriend, Pierce Hardman, crimped his lips together.
“It’s strawberry,” Preacher said with a nod. “To go along with the white chocolate-covered strawberries and the pink champagne.”
“Stop,” Laura said, smacking his arm. “We are not having pink champagne. The very idea.”
Everyone laughed while Preacher’s shoulders shook as he chuckled.
The man looked over the moon. Rhonda was happy for them both. Really, she was.
Still, she knew a great wedding didn’t make a happy marriage.
“Where’s that great big book you’ve been lugging around?” Chase asked.
“The wedding book?” At his nod, she pursed her lips. “In my trunk. I knew I was coming here, and if Laura has an idea, I need to keep all those notes in one place.”
“She’s been so organized,” Laura said, touching Chase’s arm. “If ever you need an event planner…”
Chase held up his hands. “Me? Never. Unless it’s a Superbowl Party. Even then, I can manage the grill and the beer on my own.”
Rhonda rolled her eyes. “There’s so much more you can do. Did you know Laura here makes football-shaped chocolate muffins?”
“Decorated with white laces,” Laura said with a nod. “And if you need to stock a bar and a skilled bartender…” She tilted her head toward Rhonda.
“I don’t even have a house yet,” Chase said. “I doubt I’ll be throwing parties any time soon.”
“Are you looking?” Rhonda asked.
His lips pressed together. “Yup.”
“Let me guess. A cabin deep in the woods without a neighbor in sight,” Marti said with a waggle of her eyebrows. Those two appeared to have an especially barbed relationship. As far as Rhonda knew, they bickered every time they shared the same space.
Chase blew out a breath and reached for his beer. “Not even close.”
Since he didn’t continue, Rhonda guessed he didn’t want to talk about the house. “You working with a realtor?”
“A friend of Cage’s wife, Elaine.”
“That’s right. She worked for a realtor before she had the twins. I don’t blame her for wanting to stay home after that. They have to be a handful.”
“Speaking of the twins…” Cage’s voice drew all their gazes.
Chase gave an exaggerated groan. “Now, he’s gonna pull out the phone to show the latest pictures. I swear, he could show me the same one from a month ago, and I wouldn’t see the differences.”
Rhonda chuckled. “Says a man without kids.”
Chase’s expression shuttered. Instantly. Although that was interesting, she turned her attention back to Cage.
“Is it date night?” Preacher asked.
“This Friday,” Cage said, nodding. “And we’d hire a sitter, but Elaine doesn’t trust people she doesn’t know.”
Laura’s hand started to go up, but then she lifted Rhonda’s and gave it a wag. “Lacey and Dagger had their turn. Then it was Preacher and me. I think Chase and Rhonda should give it a go.”
Rhonda dragged her hand away and placed it in her lap. The idea. Her and Chase babysitting an infant?
Cage blinked. “Well…”
Rhonda glanced at Chase, figuring he’d smack the idea down flat, but he looked as though he didn’t know whether to be insulted or relieved by Cage’s hesitation.
“Have either of you ever changed a diaper?” Cage asked. “Mixed formula? Although, I’m sure Elaine will have some breast milk in the fridge.”
“You don’t think I can handle a two-month-old?” Chase asked.
“There’s no shame in knowing your limitations…” Preacher said with an easy, mocking smile.
Chase grunted. “I’ve changed plenty of diapers, burped a baby on my shoulder, and even braided a little girl’s hair. I can handle a damn two-month-old.”
“We’d only be gone a couple of hours,” Cage said, still looking dubious.
Rhonda felt a little breathless, but she smiled to reassure Cage. “I helped my mom with my little sister’s diapers and feedings. I practically raised her.”
Laura looked on approvingly then turned to Cage. “Problem solved.”
“Well, thanks,” Cage said, and his smile widened. “Like I said, it will only be for a couple of hours. I want to take her to dinner. I made reservations for seven-thirty. Thought I’d treat her to a night out. I help out around the house when I can, but when I take over the kitchen the results are hit or miss.”
A throat cleared behind them, and Rhonda glanced back to find Nadine carrying several plates and another server trailing behind her with more.
As Nadine and her helper began setting plates in front of the hunters, Chase leaned toward Rhonda. “I’m not going anywhere near any titty milk,” he whispered out of one side of his mouth.
Rhonda locked gazes with him. “I’m not changing any shitty diapers.”
Chase held out his hand, and they shook.
Nadine set a plate in front of Rhonda.
Chase began chuckling.
Rhonda mustered a smile and glanced up at Nadine whose eyes were twinkling with mirth. “Liver and onions. My favorite.”
The post Meet Your Weekend Book Boyfriend — $0.99 Sale! (Contest + Excerpt) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.March 7, 2024
The Opening of WHAT HAPPENS IN BOZEMAN (Excerpt)
Kelly Willis was a good girl by anyone’s definition. She’d never dated around, having gone steady with her star quarterback boyfriend since her sophomore year of high school. He’d been her first kiss, her first experience with sex. Her parents had adored her boyfriend and had delightedly set about planning her future so she didn’t screw up a good thing.
To make sure she was ever-present to their goal for her, she’d headed to college with him, wearing his promise ring, and had never once looked astray for attention from other men. Further, she’d gained her degree in a perfectly respectful, acceptably feminine profession.
She’d gone to church every Sunday of her life, never once doubting that God saw that she was good and would reward her for her virtue.
So, for her to be contemplating doing what she was now would’ve shocked the panties off her dear mother, her white-haired pastor, and her high school sex-ed teacher, who’d been long on abstinence and short on understanding a younger woman’s hormones. But then again, where were they all now?
Not here, stuck outside a hotel in Bozeman, Montana, while she waited for the snowplows to clear a passage through the mountains so she could get to her destination.
She hadn’t wanted to stop, and if the roads hadn’t been blocked by traffic barricades and a police officer directing vehicles to the nearest exit, she’d have kept driving—the winter storm be damned. By now, she’d had plenty of time alone with her thoughts.
Crazy, mixed-up thoughts of revenge and retribution filled her imagination with images of the fiery pit of Hell. Not for her. No, the person who deserved to be cast down into its depths wasn’t even here to feel the anger that had her fuming hot despite the chill, near-zero temperature.
While every curse word she’d never uttered aloud flitted through her mind, she felt her ire burbling like acid in her belly until it had to find its release.
“Fuck,” she whispered, then glanced around to make sure no one else standing in the parking lot had heard her. No one was looking her way.
And once she’d said it, she felt disappointed in herself. Not because she’d uttered that coarse, forbidden word but because she’d said it so softly. Was she gutless? Hadn’t she earned the right to rebel against a lifetime’s strictures? She’d been the Queen of Pristine, or so the boys at her high school had labeled her behind her back.
He had thought that title was hilarious, given what they’d done after the Friday Night Lights dimmed. He, who shall not be named. Ever again.
She sniffed back a sob, tamping it down deep.
“That fucker,” she said a little more loudly this time.
She stood straighter. No bolt of lightning had struck her. In fact, her chest felt a little lighter now. She could finally draw a deep breath.
Again, her gaze went to the man on the edge of the group, standing outside the hotel’s diner while employees were scurrying inside to open for a bunch of stranded, hungry travelers.
He’d do. Not that he’d given her so much as a glance. It didn’t matter that she’d decided for him. He was in the right place at the right time—although “right” and what she intended had nothing to do with each other. She turned up the fur-lined collar of her puffy jacket and strode in his direction. For the moment, she was filled with confidence because she’d earned this. Years of servitude to a single, hallowed goal would have their reward.
She didn’t even care if he was handsome. Good looks hid ugly flaws, or so she’d discovered. She hoped he had a big nose and was missing a tooth—just one. She’d want to kiss him after all. She was sure he’d have calluses, given he was wearing a cowboy hat that looked like it actually served a purpose, with its faint ring around the crown. His jeans were faded by actual use, not some weird fashion statement. His boots were scuffed and a plain brown. No nonsense. A working man’s footwear, not a poser’s.
The closer she drew, the more confident she felt about this plan. First, she’d insinuate herself into sharing a table with him. She’d smile and flirt, then drop her extra key card on the table when she excused herself.
She was almost there; he was turning toward her…
No, he turned and smiled at a grinning woman who was waving her keycard in her hand and rushing to his side.
Well, shit. She only just managed to keep the words inside her mouth.
The doors to the diner swung open, and she was caught in the crowd of twenty or so individuals who flowed inside the heated space.
Tables filled quickly, and she eyed an open stool at the counter, but a man whose large bottom nearly swallowed the stool laid claim before she could.
She stood with her shoulders drooping, looking for an empty table, when she heard a throat clear to her left.
Glancing sideways, she saw a man with a lop-sided smile waving a hand to the open seat across from him. “I don’t mind sharing, ma’am.”
*~*~*
What Happens in Bozeman arrives on March 19th. Pre-order your copy now!
The post The Opening of WHAT HAPPENS IN BOZEMAN (Excerpt) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.
