Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 162
April 24, 2021
“Blown away, tissues on hand…” Have you ordered your copy? (Contest)
What readers are saying…
“This book completely tugged at my heart. Great characters, family, heart, heat, tears…”
“Blown away, tissues on hand!… I truly ugly cried with this book, and it’s got a place in my heart now.”
“I was caught up in this story from the first word. I lived in this book…”
I have some early reviews of my story, and I’m pleased. I’ve read my own book easily a dozen times while editing it, and I can tell you there are places I still get teary-eyed. Now, all I have to read are these two words and I get choked up: Hey, Zig. It’s not my usual book. I like funny and fast. But this was a story about loss set around Memorial Day. Truthfully, the story wrote itself. When I began, I knew who my hero and heroine were, and who Ozzie was. The first two chapters I already had in my head. Then…every day when I sat to write the next chapter, I had no clue where the story was going until my fingers began typing. It works that way sometimes. Either I have the story stored somewhere in the back of my brain where I can’t consciously access it, or…it’s like several psychics have told me who didn’t have a clue what I do for a living…my three muses were at work. I just emptied my mind and let them take the wheel. So, now you know I didn’t write the story at all. LOL.
When I finished and began editing it, I surprised myself with how much I love this story. And I LOVE Ozzie. Yes, if I could write him a Happy-Ever-After, I would. Anyway, if you have no clue what this story is about, check this out…
Hot SEAL, In His Memory
Contest
On Memorial Day, he will stand by her side when she visits her husband’s grave, but he wonders if she’ll ever see him as anything more than her husband’s best friend and the man who accompanied his body home for burial…
Navy SEAL, Chris “Zig” Bykowski, has done his duty to his best friend’s wife by being there to help whenever she or her son needed him. However, now, he has the feeling she wants to put distance between herself and the SEALs who watch over her as the widow of a fallen teammate. Though painful, because he’s grown to care for her, he will let her go, knowing she needs closure to move on with her life.
Andi Westall has picked up the pieces of her shattered life after the death of her husband, Ozzie. Although she knows it will be painful to break away from the SEALs who have given her their support, she is ready to cut ties and move on past the painful memories. However, fate has another idea. When she discovers that she may have a stalker, the only person she knows to confide in is Ozzie’s best friend, Zig. When Zig and the team rush to the rescue, she finds that accepting their aid and continued friendship isn’t as hard as she’d imagined.
While the team works to figure out who is stalking her, Zig insists on sticking close to keep her safe. One night of tearful remembrances ends with her waking up to discover that she wants more from Zig than just his protection. Whether this is love or simply need is something she’ll have to figure out before they both get hurt.
Order Ebook: Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iBooks | Google
Order Print: Amazon
For a chance at winning a $5 Amazon gift card, name a movie or TV show that left you “ugly crying”.
The last one I watched that did that for me was one I watched to prepare for this book, Taking Chance, starring Kevin Bacon.
The post Blog first appeared on Delilah Devlin.
April 23, 2021
Gabbi Grey: From Erotic to Sweet (Excerpt)
I’ve had incredible support from my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, to write gay romances. Stories that have called to me. Stories that I’ve wanted to tell. Stories that have been important to me. Interestingly, my first story was within the shared world of the Deerbourne Inn series. The Inn is located in the fictional town of Willow Springs, Vermont. By the time my book, My Past, Your Future was published, it fell in as book 18. The town and its inhabitants were well-known and loved. Mine was the first gay romance in the series, and I was lucky my diverse story found acceptance.
In that shared world, the character most intriguing to me was the desk clerk at the inn. Jared appeared in the very first story and just about every subsequent one. He is, after all, the character who greets all the wayward stragglers who turn up. He’s seen many romances bloom and has cheerily watched from afar. He’s gay, and I knew I wanted him to get his happy ending.
Now, pitching to a publisher using an existing character and giving him a happily ever after of his own can be tricky. All the editors (and other writers) had their view of who he was. I was proposing expanding him and, gasp, giving him a romantic arc. I encountered some resistance because my other gay romances have involved pretty explicit sex scenes between two men. Some editorial staff wondered if I could give Jared the ending he deserved.
Fortunately, my editor was on my side. She helped me craft a synopsis that demonstrated a clear romantic arc culminating in a true happily ever after. And I agreed to make this a sweet romance. I haven’t written one of those in years, but I figured how hard could it be? I’m a writer. This is a character I love. I have a strong hero for him to fall in love with. Certainly, they can ride off in the sunset together.
I got to work.
And quickly discovered I rely a lot on anatomical descriptions of desire and plenty of expletives.
But I was determined to write the best damn book I could.
I asked writer friends for non-swear swear words. I sought descriptions more emotionally driven and less about body parts. In other words, I did what the publisher asked. And something magical happened. They liked it. They really did. They offered me a contract, and the book is now out in the world. Another great thing happened – I rediscovered the joy of writing sweet.
My hope with this book is first and foremost to give readers a joyous experience. I want them to be transported to the wonderful world of Willow Springs and to be immersed in Vermont in springtime. I’m also hopeful romance readers who haven’t tried a gay romance before will give my book a chance. There’s a huge subgenre out there with romances of every kind imaginable. Why not start with something gentle, sweet, and full of love? And before you think it’s all kittens and roses, both Jared and Xander have some deep emotional wounds they have to work through. I’m not known for giving my characters a free ride. And, okay, there might be one kitten. And a dog. But I don’t want to give too much away.
Thank you, Delilah, for letting me visit today and wax poetic about my little book. I hope your readers check it out.
If Only for Today Synopsis
Excerpt from If Only for Today
He came looking for solitude. He might leave after finding love.
Jared Langford is a happy man. The desk clerk at the Deerbourne Inn knows everyone in his cozy town in Vermont. He is accepted and loved by the community, but he’s missing someone special in his life.
Devastating news has brought journalist Xander Fortier to Willow Springs for some much-needed rest. He’s photographed every major conflict in the world for the last ten years, but being stateside has forced him to reassess the solitary life he’s been living.
Something in Xander’s gruff demeanor calls to Jared’s caring nature. Soon the men are spending time together, but Jared’s kisses might not be enough to keep Xander from leaving. Can the men find a happily ever after if they only have today?
“Kiss me.” This time the plea came from Jared.
Xander was happy to oblige. He hooked his fingers under Jared’s jaw and tugged him closer. Such smooth skin. He must’ve shaved before their date because no man went the entire day without a trace of hair. Angling his head, he lowered his lips and pressed them to Jared’s. So, so smooth.
He hadn’t spent a lot of time kissing. Was he was doing it right? Jared threw his arms around his neck and pulled them closer. The other man opened his mouth, demanding reciprocation. And, okay, this was…intimate.
As Xander swept his tongue into Jared’s mouth and their tongues parried, he closed the distance. Xander reacted to the deliciously close contact. What red-blooded man wouldn’t, when he held the perfect partner in his arms? Jared was everything he’d wanted but never allowed himself to dream he might have.
And that realization had him slowly backing away. He ended their intimate exchange and placed a soft kiss to Jared’s forehead.
“What…?”
Jared’s blue eyes were unfocused, and his lips were plump from their kisses. His cheeks were pink—either from arousal or whisker burn.
Unable to resist the urge, Xander pulled him into a tight embrace. “I really like you, but I need to let you go. I have to get back to my room.”
Jared’s body stiffened and when he pulled back, Xander released him. Reluctantly.
Pressing his fingers to his lips, Jared whispered. “It was just a kiss.”
A kiss that meant everything. Words better left unsaid.
“I’ll walk you home.” The least he could do.
Jared shook his head. “Not necessary. Willow Springs is a safe town, and I can manage on my own. I’m quite capable of taking care of myself. Thank you for the offer.” He pointed down the street. “Two blocks that way, and you’ll be back at the inn. Don’t forget you’ll need your key.” Without another word he pivoted and headed back in the direction from which they’d come.
Buy Links:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3fOsviy
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/31LG1LP
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/if-only-for-today
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/if-only-for-today-gabbi-grey/1138919955
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/if-only-for-today/id1556170342
Publisher: https://www.thewildrosepress.com/book-post/if-only-for-today
Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57730616-if-only-for-today
Gabbi 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.
Personal links:
Website: https://gabbigrey.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15456297.Gabbi_Grey
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Gabbi-Grey/e/B07SJVFX1M
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgabbigrey/
Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabbiGrey
April 22, 2021
Grrrrr… Mother Nature’s a comic!
Ah, good times. The kids bought that pool thermometer for me because they thought it looked like me.
We’ve had an in-grown pool for at least ten years (I think). I can usually count on getting into the pool sometime in April—the earliest date was April 12th one year. Not that the water was comfortable, but it wasn’t so cold I’d break out in welts (I suffer from cold urticaria if the water’s cooler than 76 degrees). It’s April 22nd and the outside temp the night before last was 35 degrees. The pool hovers around 60 degrees, and the weather might warm up next week, but we need several weeks of the high eighties to heat the water.
So, while I’m still wearing sweatpants and sweatshirts, I’m dreaming about better days.
In the meantime, I have a book coming out. If you love a print copy rather than the ebook, the print version is available now! Just click on the cover! If you want to pre-order the ebook, head to my book page to pre-order the version you need: In His Memory page. It releases next Tuesday!
The story is emotional, very hot, and you’ll want to order the other books in the series! It’s a military romance, features a SEAL hero, and a friends-to-lovers romance! Do you have your copy reserved?
April 21, 2021
Desiree Holt & Liz Crowe: Numbers Game (Contest & Excerpt)
That’s what it’s all about
Comment for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate
Football is a purely American sport that epitomizes all the values that we hold dear in our country: hard work, teamwork, toughness, victory, and glory. Football is a fast-paced game of action that could change on any single play. The anticipation of a game-changing play always keeps fans on the edge of their seats, waiting for the moment to explode in jubilation.
Football is America’s game.
So take a sports reporter trying to rebuild her career, a college football coach trying to rebuild his own position in the sport while leading his alma mater back to the glory days, and two romance shy people wondering if they dare take a second chance on romance and what do you have?
Numbers Game!
Former NFL player and coach Duncan “Hatch” Hatcher fumbled his career and marriage. Now divorced and ready to tackle his future, he has an opportunity to redeem himself as coach of his college alma mater’s football team. But how can he can turn the team’s losing streak around and keep the secret of his downfall buried when the school agrees to a documentary that will allow a lovely journalist to dig her way into his past…and into his heart?
Olivia Grant’s ex-husband almost wrecked her journalism career while he definitely did a number on her self-esteem. The documentary on Duncan Hatcher is the perfect way to rebuild both. As a freshman in college, she’d had a crush on the senior football hero, but he hadn’t known she existed. She never expects the sparks that fly between them as they work on the project nor the struggles they must face if they both want to win.
Get it here!
https://books2read.com/NumbersGame
A taste of Numbers Game…
Hatch winced at the memory of how goofy he must have sounded to the lovely woman he was going to be having a fair bit of contact with this season. Olivia Grant was, without a doubt, beautiful, not to mention sexy as hell. She was a natural reporter, putting him at ease, even in the face of his high-school-ish reaction to her at first. But dear Lord, the crap he’d said? That shit about her being “better than she thought” at the race? And “looking for a foot in the door”? He’d sounded about as slick as the grandpas he’d been named for.
He groaned and pressed his forehead to the leather blotter on his new desk. After his divorce, he’d made a point not to notice women, something that was a bit of a self-imposed penalty. But there was no not noticing Olivia. Her soft, dark blonde hair that kept dropping over one of her deep green eyes as she’d look down at her notes, then back up at him. That smile, and those full, barely lip-sticked lips. And there was no denying she had a body that would be hard to shake out of his brain. Scott had told him she used to play soccer here, a few years behind him as an undergrad. How he’d not known her… Granted, he hadn’t been a big partier then, kept mostly to himself and his close group of friends and, as always, focused on the game.
But damn. He’d missed out on something then, without a doubt. He felt his face flush red and his entire body begin to react in ways that didn’t really serve him well as a fully grown man, with plenty of experience under his belt, so to speak.
Thankfully, she’d left before he could embarrass himself anymore.
Home. Shower. Beer. Stare at a string of old movies on the giant television screen. Anything to get the lovely Olivia Grant and all her many attributes out of his head. She was, after all, the media. And everyone knew how he felt about the media.
It was get a grip time—on all parts of himself.
This was his chance at redemption. The opportunity was a godsend, considering the sorry state he’d left his life in on the west coast, and he didn’t intend to do anything to screw it up. He couldn’t afford to get distracted by a single thing. But how the hell was he going to do that when Olivia Grant might prove to be the biggest distraction of all?
Meet the AuthorsUSA Today best-selling and award-winning author Desiree Holt writes everything from romantic suspense and contemporary on a variety of heat levels up to erotic, a genre in which she is the oldest living author. She has been referred to by USA Today as the Nora Roberts of erotic romance, and is a winner of the EPIC E-Book Award, the Holt Medallion and a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice nominee. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The (London) Daily Mail, The New Delhi Times and numerous other national and international publications.
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Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in Central Illinois. She’s spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner and bar manager, and is currently a social media consultant and humane society development director, in addition to being an award-winning author. With stories set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch, inside fictional television stations and successful real estate offices, and even in exotic locales like Istanbul, Turkey, her books are compelling and told with a fresh voice. The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight, at times frustrate, and always linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.
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April 20, 2021
Our Favorite Pets! (Contest)
I’ve shared photos of my favorite fur babies before. Here are Phil, Lil, and Kimi the goats, along with Brandy the horse. Not shown in the picture is the other horse, a 35-year-old Appaloosa pony named Kansas. Our inside animals include 9 dogs and 5 cats. And yes, we have too many animals, but we’re not giving them away or dumping them on the road. They have forever homes with us.
For a chance to win a download from my backlist of books, tell me about any pets, past or present, that you’ve loved!
Open ContestsHot SEAL, In His Memory — Coming April 27th! And a Ramble. (Contest) — Ends tomorrow! Win a FREE book!Ava Cuvay: That’s My Theory (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!I love Fridays! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!Puzzle-Contest + Open Contests! — Win an Amazon gift card!Diana Cosby: Nature’s Inspiration – Life At The Marsh (Contest) — Win a SIGNED book!The post Blog first appeared on Delilah Devlin.April 19, 2021
Genevive Chamblee: Rock Fiction–it’s more than what you think!
Greetings all! When I brainstorm ideas for blog posts, the first question I always ask myself is what are readers interested in and what new something about those topics am I able to bring to the table. My default answer is always: books. But what specifically about books? Romance. Yes, but that’s still vague. So, then, I began to think about the different kinds of romances—historical, regency, erotic, romantic comedy, inspirational romance, speculative romance, romantic suspense, etc. I asked myself what I could comment on each of them that would be noteworthy.
My second act when deciding on a theme or issue is to scroll through my past posts to avoid duplication of topics, unless it is my specific intention to update an older post that has become obsolete. I always want to provide fresh and interesting content, and that can be made difficult when blogging weekly, especially when one has been doing it for years. I also want to ensure that I write accurate information. There’s nothing worse than reading an article that is jammed with misinformation, incomplete, or not well thought out.
This brings me to my third question. I must ask myself if there is another material available for me to write a post that will do the topic justice. Let me tell you, this topic came extremely close to failing to meet this criterion. I’ve had plenty of blog ideas that I’ve had to nix simply because I did not have enough supporting documentation. Search engines for this subject were not my friend, and part of that has to do with the name which I’ll briefly discuss later. I wasted hours reading through articles that didn’t help. (And as an aside, this is how writers and bloggers fall down that proverbial writing rabbit hole. They begin searching for one thing and end up looking at everything else that gets thrown in their path on their search. I don’t know how many times I catch myself asking, “What’s that?” Then, off I go to chase the white rabbit knowing good and doggone well what happened to Alice. Forget finding the queen. Off with my own head. One would think I would have learned by now. But anyway…
Today was no different than any other day for me deciding on a topic, except I found myself having a hard time focusing. Nothing was popping, and everything seemed a distraction. I finally decided to revert to my handy dandy massive pile of spirals that I have stacked in a box. This is where I take notes when working on novels or important takeaways from edits. Truthfully, there’s no telling what one will find in those things. But I digress. As I flipped through one of my writing notebooks, I noticed a question that I had scribbled in the margin and had long forgotten. But I do remember the conversations that followed. An idea began to formulate.
Several years ago, I met an author who stated he wrote “rock fiction”. I frequently write to music; so, I thought to myself, “Well, I do, too.” Lots of authors are inspired by song and music. There’s nothing groundbreaking and shocking in that. However, that’s not what he meant. The more he talked over the span of months I got to know him, the more I realized he and I weren’t on the same page or anywhere close. He was speaking of a type of genre (or perhaps some prefer to call it a subgenre or a category) when he spoke of rock fiction. Maybe I should have, but I had never heard of this type of fiction.
Now, let me stop here and add a disclaimer. I’m not an expert on rock fiction, and this post is not intended to detail all the ins and outs of what is necessary to write in this style. This is simply an overview of what rock fiction is. I prepared for this article mostly by asking questions to published authors who write rock fiction regularly and notes that I had taken previously when I first discovered rock fiction to be a thing.
In order for this post to not become confusing, I’ll begin with a definition since genre may be defined differently by different people. I believe the most common definition defines genre as a category of artistic, musical, or literary composition characterized by a particular style, form, or content. Thus, a literary genre is a distinctive type of category of literary composition that is determined by the content, length, technique, and tone. Since genres are broad, they can be subdivided to into subgenres to more accurately describe a work.
Now, when it comes to labeling literary genres, experts vary on how many exist. Some say five while others say seven. Still others list more than seven. For simplicity, I’ll stick with five. They are fiction, nonfiction (which includes essays), drama/plays, poetry, and folktale. What most identify as the main fiction subgenres are as follows: Christian/inspirational, crime/mystery, fantasy, historical, horror, romance, and science fiction. By this definition, rock fiction would be a sub-sub genre, as it could easily follow one of the larger subgenres. Thus, you could have a romance that can be classified as a romantic comedy. It further may be a rock fiction romantic comedy. Another way to view it would be as an independent genre or subgenre. How rock fiction is labeled isn’t really the point of this post. The purpose is to identify that it does exist in the literary world and define what it is.
At first hearing it, rock fiction sounds like a story about music. Well, it is, and it isn’t. See, rock fiction is not necessarily about a character who is a musician or about music in general. For example, a book about Elvis, probably wouldn’t be considered rock fiction if the plot was only an imagined account of his life. It would have to entail more than just mention of his life and music. Rock fiction is more about the approach to storytelling and the inspiration of a story. Basically, it adapts the lyrics, concepts, and titles of a song, album, or an artist’s/band’s collection of work to a piece of fiction. The storylines, plots, and character arcs are taken directly from the music. A close example of rock fiction would be the rock opera, Tommy, which was adapted from the music of the band The Who. The difference is that Tommy used film as a medium while rock fiction is in book (e-book) form. Rock fiction goes beyond just being “inspired” by music because the author includes much of the music in the story.
This does not mean the author is plagiarizing the work of the musician. On the contrary, the author uses the premise of the music to create the character and world of his story. For example, if an author was to use John Denver’s Country Road as the inspiration to write a rock fiction story, the story may be set in a town in Blue Ridge, Virginia with a main character named Jonathan, a retired coast guard officer, who works to maintain the marine life in the Shenandoah River. While working, he falls off a barge, hits his head, and has a Wizard of Oz-like experience where he must follow a country road to get to a magical kingdom where a Warlock has the power to send him home. Clearly, all of this is not in or implied by John Denver’s song. However, the elements of his song have been expanded to create a story. Of course, this is an overall simplification of an example of rock fiction to illustrate the point. Some rock fiction stories may have obvious references as in the example, or they may be more subtle—nearly undetectable. It is not necessary for readers to have prior knowledge of the referenced musical material in order to understand or enjoy the story.
Furthermore, rock fiction does not have to be “rock” music. It could very easily be country, rap, classical, bluegrass, jazz, hip hop, R&B, or any other genre music. As long as the author uses the music as a central base of the story, then it’s considered to be rock fiction. Yeah, that part was a little confusing to me, too, but when I thought about it, it made sense to have a broad name to capture it all. Otherwise, one would end up with all kinds of subgenres—metal fiction, folk fiction, alternative fiction, K-pop fiction, swing fiction, etc. The list would be endless. And I suppose someone thought using music fiction as a classification would be too general. I don’t know why it is named what it is, but there’s where it is with that.
I discovered rock fiction years ago and found it to be an obscure topic. To date, there continues to be little written about the topic of rock fiction as a literary genre, subgenre, or category. The term still appears to be used greatly as a catch-all phrase to describe any book about music or musicians. Typing rock fiction into a search engine will generate plenty of results, ninety-eight percent which are useless for this topic. I would imagine this can be frustrating to authors who write in this style. And who knows how many authors there are who write rock fiction and do not realize that they aren’t alone? It almost seems that a reader needs to know the name of the author in order to pull up books in this genre/category. However, if that’s the case, how are readers supposed to learn who the authors are if they topic doesn’t generate in the search engine. It’s a catch twenty-two. Until the term becomes more popularized, this likely will continue to be an issue.
So, why did I decide to write about rock fiction? I’m a writer and author, but I’m also a reader. As a reader, I enjoy finding new bands and style of materials to read. After all, variety is the spice of life, and diversity makes the world go around. (Yes, they are clichés, but I think in this instance they work.) When I learn or find something new (or new to me), I enjoy sharing it with others. What is the fun of keeping it to yourself? I have discovered some of my favorite authors due to recommendations or mention from others. Additionally, I’ve tried new things—things that I would have never conjured on my own—because someone brought it to my attention, and I thought why not share the concept of rock fiction. Again, rock fiction isn’t something new. On the contrary, it has been around longer than most people can recall, but it’s something that does not appear to be discussed much and that many readers may not know exist.
I’ve read a few romantic rock fiction books which have been fun, but honestly, I didn’t get most of the music references initially. It wasn’t until after I knew who the artist/musician/band was that I was able to spot all of the Easter eggs scattered in the story. I found that to be fun because I love a good Easter egg hunt. Anyone who has read any of my stories know that I like to hide a few eggs myself. For me, Easter eggs are like adding sprinkles atop the cupcake. It makes it just that much more special.
Well, that’s all I have about rock fiction. What do you think? Did you learn something new? Did you find any of this information surprising? Do you agree or disagree with these points? What advice do you have on the subject? Did I omit something that should have been listed? Have you read any rock fiction books? If yes, what were they and who was the author? Did you like them? Let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.
If you haven’t heard, my best-selling hockey romance series is Locker Room Love. Book 4, Penalty Kill, releases this August. >>> https://books2read.com/penaltykill
When the scandal of a double homicide threatens to destroy his career, this billionaire hockey player hires an ambitious sports agent to improve his public image. It’s time to let the puckery begin.
Timothée Croneau is that jock—the bad boy superstar with the naughty reputation. He’s handsome, arrogant, and a billionaire. He’s also the number one person-of-interest in a double homicide and recently traded to a losing team who is showing him no love. And wouldn’t it be just his luck that his career splashed in the toilet six months after his long-time agent kicked the bucket? Now, he’s stuck with Ryker Kitsch. An agent is supposed to fix his life, though, not break his heart.
Speaking of breaks, ex-athlete Ryker Kitsch wants his in the sports agency realm. He sees his chance to make a name for himself by helping rebrand his agency’s newly acquired hockey star, Timothée Croneau. The guy needs every lick of positive PR he can get. So, why is the devilishly gorgeous forward fighting him at every step and leaving Ryker to wonder if he’s been hired for a babysitting gig?
The mess Timothée is stirring was never in any contact Ryker was hired to handle. One thing’s for sure. Whether it’s a forecheck or backcheck, collision is inevitable.
Preorder your copy at:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p
Other book sellers: https://books2read.com/penaltykill
Missed the three in my hockey romance series? No frets. Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.
Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.
For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.
If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.
Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.
The post Blog first appeared on Delilah Devlin.April 18, 2021
Diana Cosby: Nature’s Inspiration – Life At The Marsh (Contest)
©Diana Cosby 2021
As a writer, it’s important to refill my muse. I relax by taking photographs of nature. One of my favorite places to visit is the marsh.
At the marsh, I never know what type of bird or animal I’m going to see. This spring, a young Great Blue Heron has arrived. He’s gorgeous, and I hope he stays.
I often see eagles at the marsh. On rare occasions, one lands nearby, and I can take close-up photos.
With the spring migration beginning, I keep watch for new birds flying through. This spring I’ve had the pleasure of seeing several new ducks.
Shore-birds are interesting to watch. One of my favorites is the seagull. They have such interesting attitudes.
Take care, and wishing you a wonderful spring!
Contest
***ONE winner will be drawn from everyone who posts on my guest blog post about, ‘Nature’s Inspiration – Life At The Marsh,’ on Delilah’s blog between 18 April 2021– 25 April 2021. The winner will receive a signed copy of His Woman, book #2 in the bestselling The MacGruder Brothers Series.
About the AuthorA retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense. Books in her award-winning MacGruder Brothers series have been translated into five languages. Diana has spoken at the Library of Congress, Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC, and appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happy Ever After,” MSN.com, Atlantic County Women Magazine, and Texoma Living Magazine.
After her career in the Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world. After the release of the bestselling MacGruder Brothers series and The Oath Trilogy, she released the bestselling The Forbidden Series.
Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
The Oath Trilogy
MacGruder Brother Series
The Forbidden Series
April 17, 2021
Puzzle-Contest + Open Contests!
I’m nearing the end of the book I’m writing! So, I’ll be quick today! Have fun!
Puzzle ContestSolve and tell me what you think is goin’ on for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!
Open ContestsTell me a story… (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!What are you reading? (Puzzle-Contest) — Ends soon! Win a FREE book!Hot SEAL, In His Memory — Coming April 27th! And a Ramble. (Contest) — Win a FREE book!Ava Cuvay: That’s My Theory (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!I love Fridays! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!The post Blog first appeared on Delilah Devlin.
April 16, 2021
I love Fridays! (Contest)
TGIF! The weekend’s almost here! And my sister, Elle James, will be here for a visit! Woot! It’s been a good while since we’ve seen each other. We’re both vaccinated, but we’ll likely still keep the distancing thing going because of the kids. We have lots to talk about. We always do.
And I have to close in on the end of the book that’s coming out on April 27th. Yes, I know I’m down to the wire! I’m enjoying the story. It’s lots of sex. This couple only opens up when they’re in bed. Do you mind? 
Have you ordered your copy? Click on the cover if you haven’t! I’ll be nagging you more over the next week…
For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me one thing you’re thankful for this FRIDAY!
April 15, 2021
N.J. Walters: Joys of Spring & New Release!
Winter has finally released its icy grip. It takes a little longer here in Eastern Canada, and we still might get a snowstorm or two, but I’m optimistic that spring is finally here. The crocuses are poking their heads up. The tulips are starting to bloom.
Here are my Top 5 signs that spring has finally arrived.
I can wear sneakers when I go out. After months and months of boots, being able to just pull a pair of sneakers on and go is a huge deal.Not having to bundle up so much. During the winter months, I wear a long-sleeved shirt, a sweater, two layers of leggings, a long coat, a scarf, gloves, and a headband whenever I go out. Being able to leave off the long coat is huge. I’ll still layer up, as the temperatures aren’t that far above freezing, but it’s freeing to wear a hoodie and fleece and switch to my lighter gloves and headband. LOL, it’s all about degrees.The crocuses are starting to carpet the front lawns in the neighborhood. Seeing the pop of color does my heart good.I’ve started removing the layers of coverings from my bed. So far, I’ve put away two of the blankets. That leaves three comforters and a quilt.I’m so looking forward to the first night I can sleep with the bedroom window open. That will be a while yet, as temperatures dip below freezing in the night. It gives me something to look forward to.It’s the little things that make the difference. What do you love most about spring?
And if you’re looking for a book, be sure to check out my latest release ZAXE’S RULE.
Zaxe’s RuleAssassins of Gravas, Book 4
About the Author
A professional assassin, Zaxe’s job is to kill his target—Helldrick—and get out. This final mission will repay his debt to the king of Gravas and allow him to finally claim his freedom. The job should be simple, but then he crosses paths with Jamaeh Jerman, the daughter of his target.
Being a mixed-race bastard, Jamaeh’s life has never been easy, but she’s carved out a living as a trader. Her entire life, she’s protected her brother. Now he’s missing and Helldrick is to blame. Her goal is to find her brother and bring him home.
She and Zaxe join forces, each with their own agenda. Danger and secrets from the past threaten to come between them, while their sizzling attraction further complicates the situation. Will mistrust drive them apart or will love save them both?
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091B73YQN/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1076683
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/zaxe-s-rule
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zaxes-rule-n-j-walters/1139128903
Evernight Publishing: https://www.evernightpublishing.com/zaxes-rule-by-n-j-walters/
N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, assassins, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.
Visit me at:
Website: http://www.njwalters.com
Blog: http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/gdblg5
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-j-walters
