Today’s the end of the contest! I know, two someones get prizes and the rest of y’all don’t. So most of you will heave a dejected sigh. 🙁

But it’s not all bad, right? You had fun. Maybe learned a little about me and my stories. I sure had fun reading through your entries.

If you don’t know me well, be sure to drop by often. I run contests almost weekly. It’s a bribe to keep you coming back, but I think that’s not such a chore. Lots will be happening in the coming months. I have two major releases coming up: Darkness Captured (dark paranormal) in September and Ravished by a Viking (futuristic) in January. I have eBooks coming soon with both Ellora’s Cave and Samhain—and I have a couple of free reads on the way. Textile Free will be available for a free download as soon as the cover is complete and I figure out how to put it up on Smashwords.

So lots happening. I blog every day. Even when I go on vacation, I have friends take up the slack and blog for me. The content here is never stale.

So back to wrapping up this contest. First, let me answer the questions:

1) List as many images as you can find hidden in the pretty picture at the top of this page.
This one was the most fun. Someone mentioned the “skin” at the top of the page acts like an ink blot test. Everyone saw something different.

The most popular answers: wineglass (it’s supposed to be a chalice!), wolf, sailing ship, two knights on horses, one carrying a pennant, a dragon on a shield, a crescent moon and a hot as hell man.

The most creative answers: witchy woman with a black pointy hat, side view of an angel, a heart, the number 3, a minatour holding a flag, and a woman with a unicorn coming out of her forehead, the letter D (bottom of the wineglass), double d’s on one of the knight’s shield, mother and child, Mother-father-and-child, flick knife, prawn/shrimp, and a picture frame.

2) What is the title of the book I will self-publish next month? And what color is Raelie’s bra? Pleasing Sir; lavendar/purple

3) What three novellas appear in Un, Deux, Trois, Ménage!? Raw Silk, Fun with Dick and Jayne, Jane’s Wild Weekend

4) What is the title of the short story I have in the latest anthology in the “Fantasy” section? The Obedient Wife

Now for the drawings (both are being conducted using a random number generator)…

The winner of Prize Package #1, which includes a $25.00 gift card from Amazon.com, and a download of any of my eBooks, is…Miranda Grissom!

The winner of Prize Package #2, which includes a Delilah Devlin canvas tote bag, two signed DD print books, reader’s choice, and Delilah’s goodies (pen, bookmarks, post-it notes), is…Sue Brandes!

Ladies, congratulations, and be sure to email me about delivery of your prizes!

Thanks so much, everyone, for celebrating with me! ~DD

My “Brand New Look” contest ends today! Be sure to check Monday’s post for the contest rules and the prize list!

Please welcome my guest today, Juniper Bell! ~DD

I’d like to give a big thank you to Delilah for having me on her blog. Delilah, you’re one of my heroes and it’s a thrill to be here! Call it a Release Day treat for myself—my latest book, My Three Lords, comes out today from Ellora’s Cave.

My Three Lords is an erotic Regency ménage about one newly married young lady and three very naughty lords. I wrote the story because the idea came to me, because lords were the Alpha heroes of their time, and the thought of three of them … mmm. I didn’t worry about whether such a story could have happened in that time period. Regency romances come in many flavors, from sweet to steamy, although I generally picture formal balls and strict rules of behavior. Think every Jane Austen movie ever made.

I don’t think of threesomes … or in the case of my book, a foursome. Would a gently bred girl and three noblemen really end up in bed together?

So I did a little research, and lo and behold, people back then did all kinds of things they weren’t supposed to. Or at least, they thought about it. I found examples of erotica written around that time—not during the Regency itself, but from ten years earlier and about fifty years later. And some of what I read made me blush. One book, written by “Anonymous”, wrote about lusty governesses seducing schoolboys, anal sex, lots of man-on-man sex, woman-on-woman, multiple partners, group sex, even brothers and sisters experimenting.

I have no idea if his story is true. But at least it proves that people thought about sex then—a lot, in his case. Erotic books were written, published and read. But I wonder, why should that surprise me? The infamous Marquis de Sade was still alive at the time my book takes place (1811). Casanova had only died about thirteen years earlier. Those guys would put some of our current-day studs to shame.

After all, why would the Regency-era sex drive be any less than ours? Human nature hasn’t changed that much. Just because social behavior was strictly controlled doesn’t mean people didn’t get down and dirty in the privacy of their own bedrooms. In fact, maybe the lure of the forbidden made it even more tempting.

If Mr. Anonymous could write scorching erotica in the 1800’s, I can write scorching erotica set then. Maybe my story wouldn’t have happened, maybe it would. Who knows? But I’ll wager my best silk gloves that some adventurous lords and ladies thought about it. Ah, the seductive power of fantasies.

So is My Three Lords historically plausible or not? I say, based on my research, that I have no idea. But if you read it in the spirit of erotic fantasy, absolutely.

And that’s the best way to enjoy it anyway.

Here’s the blurb and an excerpt from My Three Lords, which releases today from Ellora’s Cave.

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How is one innocent country girl to choose between a Duke, a Marquis and an Earl? Must she?

When Miss Alicia Silverwood marries the Earl of Dorchester, he whisks her off to Notre Plaisir, a country manor where erotic surprises await in the company of three powerful lords.

The young Earl needs a wife and heir. The cynical Marquis de Beaumont needs a playmate. And the commanding Duke of Warrington needs a reason to live. As for the new Lady Dorchester, she’s about to discover the true nature of her own sensual needs. On top of that, she’s falling in love.

It might take a miracle for Lady Alicia and her three lords come to an arrangement that makes them all happy. Or perhaps all that’s required is a little scandalous rule-breaking.

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

“I make you two promises, Alicia. The first is that I shall not take your maidenhead. Only one man may do so, and that is your husband. The second is that tonight you will experience more pleasure than you’ve ever imagined, thanks to me. If the Earl were here tonight, you’d receive no gentle caresses, no stroking such as I intend to give you. Your nipples would be left untouched, save for a rough tweak or two. Whereas I intend to savor their sweetness and watch them stand to attention like pink sentinels of your desire.”
Read the rest of this entry »

My “Brand New Look” contest continues through tomorrow! Be sure to check the rules and the prize list in yesterday’s post!

A little birdie at Ellora’s Cave told me that Warlord’s Destiny is the best-selling reissue so far, she thinks. That’s good enough for me! They’ve been breaking apart older anthologies and reissuing the novellas individually. Nice for the author because we’re seeing an older title gain a new life.

WD was originally published in 2005 as one of three stories in the anthology Fated Mates, which was nominated for Best Paranormal Erotic Novel of 2005 by RT BookReview Magazine.

Thanks so much for your support. Without it, I’d have to have a day job and would no doubt be writing fewer books!

This is what the story is about:

Promised in marriage for a decade, Mora has no illusions she is anything other than the sacrificial lamb to ensure peace between her peace-loving planet and the warlike world that demands her union with one of their own. No great beauty, she resigns herself to a loveless marriage with a man who will only do his duty by her. However, when she meets the rugged warlord who will be her husband, Mora feels an immediate stirring of lust. She decides in that moment to win his heart—she’ll settle for nothing less!

Lord Tetrik finds his bride more than the scrawny handful he had expected. She has hips to breed him strong, sturdy sons, and intelligence that is a gift worth more than a pretty face. When he suspects his wife harbors tender feelings for him, he wonders if he can be the husband she desires. After all, love for a woman is a frivolous thing—and not a Warlord’s Destiny.

Read an excerpt here

I’m running a contest through Wednesday on this website to celebrate my site’s new look. She’s shiny and new and ready for you to take a peek under her skirts! There are two different prize packages for two lucky winners.

The Contest: Ends Wednesday

Prize Package #1:
* $25.00 gift card from Amazon.com (I like to encourage READING)
* A download of any of my eBooks
Prize Package #2:
* Delilah Devlin canvas tote bag
* two signed print books, reader’s choice
* Delilah’s goodies (pen, bookmarks, post-it notes)

Rules:
* Send the answers to the following questions to me PRIVATELY at Delilah’s Email. All the answers can be found somewhere on my website.
* Post comments to my blog Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I will check!

Questions:
1) List as many images as you can find hidden in the pretty picture at the top of this page. (There is no right number of answers, so just find what you can!)
2) What is the title of the book I will self-publish next month? And what color is Raelie’s bra?
3) What three novellas appear in Un, Deux, Trois, Ménage!?
4) What is the title of the short story I have in the latest anthology in the “Fantasy” section? (Hint: look on the “By Genre” book page.)

Good luck and thanks, everybody, for you’re wonderful support over the years! ~DD

If you post a comment today and tomorrow, you’ll be in the running for an autographed copy of this book! I’ll announce a winner on Thursday.

This collection of short stories was a labor of love among friends and was released in November 2008. There’s a little something for everyone in this book.

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From the authors of the bestselling ALLURING TALES: AWAKEN THE FANTASY comes a new erotic romance anthology featuring seven super-sexy holiday-themed short stories. Together, the Allure Authors offer more than just steamy romances—they introduce readers to an erotic world full of limitless possibilities.

The holidays are heating up — with seven wickedly sensual stories guaranteed to spice up those chilly winter nights!

A psychology student goes online hoping to live out her steamiest fantasy — and ends up on a hot mystery date with a wickedly imaginative stud who brings out her inner pole-dancer…

A determined lady comes home, burning for her girlhood crush — a sexy lawman who totes a big gun…

A creative ad man’s passion is aroused when he sees his buttoned-up coworker in a revealing new light — dressed in sizzling red satin on a giant billboard…

A professional dominatrix wishes upon a star, and her fantasy appears — an insatiable alpha male in biker boots who’s literally out of this world…

A tall, dark, handsome warlock finds himself obsessed with his “familiar” — a sleek and sexy cat-woman who turns out to be the purr-fect lover…

She was always hot for big brother’s best friend — and now her erotic dream is here in the taut and tempting flesh…

A pair of fugitive lovers finds themselves warm and toasty in a sultry Caribbean paradise — and ready for some red-hot fun in the sun…

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

Dalton cut his cruiser’s lights as soon as he saw the little red Miata parked in the judge’s driveway. He recognized it as the same sassy little car parked outside the courthouse that morning.

After radioing to the dispatcher, he grabbed his flashlight and headed to the backyard. He had a good idea where their “burglar” would be. Sure enough, as soon as he rounded the corner of the house he found her, arms stretched in a lazy back stroke, her body nicely outlined by the recessed lighting rimming the bottom of the pool.

Flicking off the flashlight, he knelt beside the water and waited patiently for Harmony to finish her lap, enjoying the sight of her sleek, toned frame as she glided to the edge of the pool. Her body hadn’t filled out all that much since high school, but her slender curves were still all woman. Dusky nipples drawn into tight little buds rode the crests of shapely little breasts. He forced his gaze away from the thatch of dark hair between her legs. However much he enjoyed the sight, he had a job to do. Tonight was just one of the perks.

As her hand grabbed the edge of the pavement to stop her momentum, she stared up at him from upside down, a slight defiant smile curving her full lips.

He pointed to the steps. “I’ll wait ‘til you’re dressed.”

Harmony kept floating and her lips pouted. “Sheriff, you sure know how to suck the fun out of a little civil disobedience.”
Read the rest of this entry »

If you post a comment today and tomorrow, you’ll be in the running
for an autographed copy of this book! I’ll announce a winner on Thursday.

Just to keep the series fresh in your mind, here’s a sexy excerpt from Book 3 of the Dark Realm series. Book 4 arrives in September! On Thursday, I’ll tell you about my encounter with the water moccasin! ~DD

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“…Ploys, palace intrigues, backstabbing and betrayal, shifting allegiances and true friendship, and above all, abiding love, are what make Delilah Devlin’s dark romances so irresistible. Do not expect a formulaic and predictable story. You can, however, count on a sensual read, hot flashes, sharp humor, unexpected twists, sudden revelations, and one of the best storytellers in her genre…”
5 Cherries, Whipped Cream Reviews

“…Once again Delilah Devlin delivers a juicy tale of betrayal and destiny that will make your toes curl. A great read!”
Fresh Fiction on DARKNESS BURNING

Beware the place where darkness rules and bloodlust is the ultimate aphrodisiac…

An apocalyptic storm has transformed New Orleans into a city of lawless terror—and Mikaela Jones is standing in the center of the nightmare. A beautiful, courageous journalist with a mysterious past, she sees monsters prowling all around her. But the gravest peril of all awaits Mikaela when she is taken captive by a mesmerizing male who is not mortal—a breathtaking creature who arouses the fire in her blood, making her burn for the exquisite erotic ecstasy of total surrender.

For seven centuries Alex Broussard has been waiting for the chance to free himself from the threat of the matriarchal undead society that seeks his destruction. And now, finally, that time is at hand—until the opportunity is ruined by the stunning, innocent, human interloper Alex is compelled to rescue from certain doom. Now they are joined, for good or ill, as they give in to the burning need that neither can resist—risking everything to experience the ultimate sensual release as the darkness rises all around them.

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

Alex had always liked the way Gabriella talked. Like a man. If she’d been a man, they might have been great friends. “Again, I apologize. Tell me, Gabi, are you really so eager to see me dead? Aren’t you the least bit curious about why I’d bother my ass to hang around New Orleans where I’m obviously not welcome?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” she said airily. “The need to rule? The need to control everyone around you…” She slid her finger along the edge of her collar. “We both know how much you enjoy being in control.”

Alex’s eyelids drifted half-closed, eyeing the collar then dropping his gaze to follow the flush of heat ripening her breasts. Her rose-colored nipples darkened, the tips beading.

She snuggled closer, pressing herself against his arm, and he turned his head to let her nuzzle his neck. “Does anyone in your clan know how much you love to be dominated?”

“Of course not. I’m very careful, usually, about whom I allow to cover me. Can’t let any of those alpha males think they can be my master.”

When her teeth nibbled his ear lobe, he shuddered. “Wouldn’t do at all to let a man be on top, hmmm?”

“Like I said, I’m choosy…and discrete. I have my position in my clan to consider.” Her tongue trailed along the edge of his jaw. “Alex…?”

“Yes, love?” He waited, knowing what she’d ask, knowing he couldn’t refuse, but also honest enough to admit he was so damn aroused after their tussle that he needed the explosive release she’d offer.

“Remind me why I couldn’t get enough of you…for old time’s sake?” The amused curve of her lips was at odds with the need reflected in her intense gaze.

“A chase, then?”

Her breath hitched, lifting her chest. Her nipples dimpled. The musk of her honeyed arousal wafted in the air around them. “Loosen the collar?” she asked, in a deepening contralto.

The collar was only for expedience. They both knew he was powerful enough to tame her, even in her lupine form. “Have you learned any new tricks?” he asked, narrowing his eyes.

Her chin dipped, her eyes rounding innocently. “Alex, do you really think I want to kill you here? I’d be stuck here with only your sad carcass to feed me for a day or two.” She leaned closer and nipped his chin. “And we both know I have a ravenous appetite.”
Read the rest of this entry »

A note about the contest! Yesterday’s contest continues today. And since I find myself in a bit of a dilemma, you have additional chances to win. I double-booked today. So if you post here today and post at Access Romance’s blog, you will have additional chances to win. And to make this a little more interesting, I will add a second prize to the contest. In addition to the download of Ride a Cowboy, I will add a download from the Jasmine-Jade site—any book you want. So post away. Now there will be two winners!

Note from Tory:

Hi everyone! I’m honored to be here as a guest today. My first Ellora’s Cave Quickie was released in May and I’m excited to announce that so far it has received some great reviews. I hope you’ll check it out. It might be a Quickie but short isn’t always a bad thing.

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Lilly has been in love with her brother’s best friend Blake for years. She lost her virginity to the oil driller on her eighteenth birthday, only to wake the next morning to find him gone. After he pulled that stunt twice more, she swore never to see or talk to him again. But now he’s back for her brother’s wedding, and he’s as sexy as she remembers.

Blake thinks Lilly’s even sexier than ever. Unable to resist one another, they don’t make it out of the airport parking lot before taking up where they left off. As the two rediscover their passion for each other, nothing and nowhere is off limits!

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

Lilly drove her little car around the airport at least twice before finding her way to Southwest arrivals. Parking wasn’t allowed so she could only hope Blake was waiting for her somewhere outside. She drove slow, searching through the crowd on the sidewalk for him. Desire churned in her stomach.

And then she saw him.

Her body reacted instantly, thinking about him was one thing but seeing him in the flesh was even more powerful. Awareness exploded through her body, as she remembered all the times and places they’d had hot, naughty sex. How Blake had taken her to paradise a thousand times. Her panties became soaked as she clenched her legs together hoping to ease the need that was becoming unbearable. A pleasant prickling in her full breasts caused her to raise her arm and brush it over them to try to ease some of the ache.

Blake hadn’t changed at all. He was still the sexiest man on earth. As she sat there staring at him she felt her breathing become erratic and her heart rate pick up speed.

Blake was six feet tall, and lean. Yet his black polo shirt revealed he wasn’t lacking on muscle power. The gray slacks he was wearing gave evidence to the strength in his thighs and stretched across the prominent outline of his cock. He looked dangerous. He was dangerous, only in a way that had always drawn her in. His dark hair was shorter than he used to wear it, military cut. Lilly couldn’t see his eyes for the dark sunglasses covering them, for which she was thankful. Blake had the kind of eyes that could look right through someone, into their very soul.

He’s just a man, he’s just a man, Lilly repeated to herself. Flesh and blood and as mortal as she was. He had emotions, he could be hurt. He had needs. Her cheeks grew hot when she thought of their last night together, and how they’d made love like two wild animals trying to consume one another. Then he’d left the next morning for an assignment on an oil rig in the North Sea. And she’d tried to convince herself that she hated him ever since.

Now she knew how futile that had been.

Reviews:
Manic Readers
My Overstuffed Bookshelf
Whipped Cream Erotic Reviews
Seriously Reviewed

My second Quickie with Ellora’s Cave, Breathless Surrender, will be out soon! Thank you for having me today Delilah. Readers interested in learning more about my books can visit my website!

Tootles!

Tory Richards
Author of sizzling romances!
Tory’s Website
Tory’s Blog