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?
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.
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.
What flavor of short erotica stories would you prefer to see from me?
A firefighter series, featuring a single fire station and the firefighters' off-duty playmates (32%, 22 Votes)
A cowboy series, featuring the same lucky lady and a group of sexy cowboys (25%, 17 Votes)
A Victorian series, featuring Dr. Mullaley and Nurse Percy (continuing their story from STROKES) (16%, 11 Votes)
A "Sexy Secretary" series, featuring an administrative assistant and her Dom boss (14%, 10 Votes)
A sex club, featuring different D/s couplings and groupings (13%, 9 Votes)
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.”
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!
For the next three days, starting just after midnight (Pacific time) and ending Sunday at midnight, Strokes will be available for download for free at Amazon.com!
Help me get the word out. Please tweet and Facebook about this special giveaway. Tell a friend! And if you’ve already purchased Strokes, send me a copy of your receipt and I’ll send you a free .pdf of Pleasing Sir or Her Soul to Keep.
Click on the cover and head to Amazon to get your copy now!
You can do something for me in return. While you’re downloading your free copy, be sure to “like” and “tag” Strokes. And if you aren’t shy about it, please come back to post a review after you’ve read it! I hope you’ll enjoy it. Thanks for all your support!
Today, you have two chances to enter the Three Signed Books Contest. Post a comment here, then pop on over to Wild & Wicked Cowboys! ~DD
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I love Mexico, love lying on the beach drinking margaritas and relaxing the day away. Who doesn’t?
But would you go on a vacation there with your hubby’s work wife? My husband wants to go to Mexico and stay for a week at the same time his work wife is there. I don’t love the fact that he has a work wife, but I trust the guy. Do I want to spend my time and money to go on a vacation with her, Mr. work wife, and a few other people from his company? No. I’m not even a little bit interested. But he really wants to go.
Am I being completely selfish if I say no thanks?
I would love to hear all of your opinions on the subject, and I’ll leave you with an excerpt from my latest book, Double Dare.
Sydney James straddled the hard bodied, sun bronzed working man on the bed beneath her. He was fresh out of the shower with only a white towel and her legs wrapped around him.
“Where are you going to be working tomorrow?” She leaned down and sucked at Logan’s earlobe then flicked the tip of it with her tongue.
He smelled like soap and man and the heat rushing to her crotch made Sydney almost forget her mission. “Somewhere close to my cabin I hope?”
His cock came to attention between her legs. Long and hard, its heat pressed against the skin of her inner thigh and her pussy clenched in response. This was one of the best things about dating a twenty-six year old. He was up anytime she even suggested sex. Logan Ford was a good match for exactly what she needed. Smoking sex, and lots of it. Read the rest of this entry »
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Last 5 people who had something to say: Ilona - Julianne Keller - infinitieh - Rose D. - Betty Hamilton -
First, I want to thank Delilah Devlin for allowing me to be on her blog today. I am a big fan of Delilah’s and she might not know this, but she is one of the authors who influenced me to take my writing to the next level.
If you don’t know me, my name is Melissa Schroeder and I write romance in time periods from historical to futuristic and in heat levels in sensual to erotic.
My newest book coming out this month is The Cursed Clan: Callum. It is the first of a five book paranormal series. The first book is a bit of a discovery for the reader and the heroine, Dr. Phoebe Chilton, and with each book, the magic and mystery will grow. There are five cousins, Callum, Angus, Logan, Fletcher and Anice, who will each have their own book as they race to break the curse. It isn’t quite as erotic as my Harmless series, but it his highly sensual. I really fell in love with Callum and Phoebe. They are a wonderful couple and I hope the readers like them as much as I do!
As Laird, Callum Lennon feels he has always failed to protect his cousins. Callum’s impulsiveness caused the death of his father and the experience has scarred not only his body, but his soul. From that point on, he made sure to always go with the more logical choice in every matter. When his younger cousin Angus finds clues that might help break the curse, Callum begrudgingly hires Phoebe Chilton to investigate. Callum doesn’t like bringing outsiders into their family affairs. Their life would become fodder for the tabloids if anyone were to find out about the curse. It doesn’t help that the instant he meets Dr. Chilton he’s attracted. But, he doesn’t really have a choice because she might be their last hope.
An expert in archeology, Phoebe has always been dwarfed by her parents’ shadow. Their high standards had her in college by thirteen and earning a second PhD by twenty-two. But her career and her broken marriage have left her needing something more than just diplomas and degrees. She wants to prove that her interest in legends, especially Celtic legends, is as important as her parents’ work. When the Lennon family contacts her, she sees the opportunity to win a massive research grant. With a long-time rival breathing down her back, she jumps at the Lennons’ offer her, hoping it will ensure her the grant. But uncovering the Lennon family secrets, and her attraction to Callum, could prove more than she can handle.
Forces outside the family are determined to ensure that they fail. When an old enemy threatens both the well being of the clan and the fragile new love, Callum will have to choose between believing his mind or his heart.
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“I protect what is mine. I’ll not allow you to use Angus.”
She moved away from the counter, her body tense with anger. “I have never used another person, especially in that way. You’ve convinced yourself that I decided to somehow use my considerable wiles on your cousin to somehow gain who knows what.”
When she said it like that, he felt juvenile and petty.