Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 6

Meet Hera and Texas!

We had so much sadness in our house after my cat, Pumpkin, passed. Then, this past weekend, we added to our menagerie of animals.

The 16-year-old—you know, the one who has survived cancer three times and now has been diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis—was feeling down, too. She’s always wanted her own puppy to raise. We have a bunch of aging dogs; at one time, we had nine, and now we’re down to only five. (Only five, I know that sounds crazy, right?) We had that many dogs because my daughter’s family had dogs before they moved in with me, and then we inherited my parents’ dogs when they passed. Over time, a few of our elderly animals have passed, one by one. The youngest at the moment is a seven-year-old Sheltie. The oldest is a 17-year-old (I think) Yorkie.

Well, because she wanted to give the 16-year-old her wish to help lift her spirits since she’s not been feeling well, they went to look at a pair of 7-week-old Dalmatian puppies this past weekend, intending to only purchase one. The 16-year-old fell in love with the female, the one on the left, and named her Hera. My SIL, who wasn’t too keen on getting another dog at all, held Hera’s brother and loved it immediately. And wouldn’t you know? The couple that bred the dogs offered them a sweet deal to take both. So… The 12-year-old has the male as her new dog. She named him Texas.

They kids are discovering, but so far not complaining about, how hard it is to train puppies. They didn’t get a lot of sleep this past weekend, what with having to take them outside several times during the night. LOL

The puppies are lively and love to be held and cuddled. They’re true “Velcro” dogs, meaning they’ll sit on your lap, cuddle you when you lie down, and stay put. I’m not part of the puppy-training, but I do get to pet the little cuties.

Just thought I’d share. Happy Monday, y’all!

The post Meet Hera and Texas! first appeared on Delilah Devlin.

Report Card & Open Contests

Report Card

Last week…

I continued working on another author’s manuscript.I continued reading entries for the  Burn: A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology !The big sad thing that happened this week was I lost my favorite furry friend, Pumpkin, who was at least 17 years old. She was a feral cat who befriended me many moons ago.

 

This next week…

I’ll continue working on edits for one author.I’ll finish reading the  Burn: A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology  entries!I’ll continue to work on organizing & cleaning up my art room.Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs:

Gabbi Grey: My New Dance Partner (Contest — and F*R*E*E story) — Last day to enter! Win a FREE book!Word Search: Your Personal Phobia(s) (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!I love words! (Contest!) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Elephant Contemplating — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!Word Search: Styles of Handbags (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!Collect Rocks Day (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!Gabbi Grey: Even for those who aren’t Jane Austen fans (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Early Fall Signal — The Surprise Lilly — Win an Amazon gift card!The post Report Card & Open Contests first appeared on Delilah Devlin.

Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Early Fall Signal — The Surprise Lilly

I was looking for a photo that would give an early Fall vibe, and the photo I found in the mix surprised me, reminding me that, soon, I should be seeing these delightful flowers popping up in the most unusual places in our yard and around town.

We call them surprise lilies, and they don’t grow in clumps like this photo shows (obviously, these were deliberately planted), but around here, they come up in the early Fall in the middle of yards. After all the summer mowing stops, you can drive down the streets of our little town and see these little spidery lilies popping up individually, almost defiantly.

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, do you see them where you live? Are there any other late fall blooms you love?

The post Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Early Fall Signal — The Surprise Lilly first appeared on Delilah Devlin.

Genevive Chamblee: “Woke” or Just Over It? The Evolution of the Romance Hero from Alpha Male to Cinnamon Roll

From the title, one may gather that this post may be triggering to some. It may be. Each person is entitled to have an opinion. However, this post isn’t written to draw political lines, take any kind of stance, or attempt some type of covert conversion. When a person’s mind is made up, it’s difficult to persuade them to change their opinion. It’s not a morality tale or a proclamation of right and wrong. It’s simply an objective discussion about the writing trends of how male characters are portrayed.

The term “woke” has evolved significantly over time. While it originally referred to social awareness and a sensitivity to issues of fairness and inclusion, its meaning has shifted as it entered mainstream usage.

In recent years, “woke” has increasingly been used in a broader, often critical context. Some view it as a shorthand for values such as empathy, equity, and cultural awareness. However, others have come to associate it with performative behavior, overcorrection, or the policing of beliefs and language. As a result, what was once a term highlighting awareness is now frequently seen (fairly or unfairly) as a symbol of divisiveness or ideological overreach. This shift in perception has contributed to the term’s negative reputation in some circles. Its meaning now varies widely depending on personal perspective, social context, and cultural background.

So, what does this have to do with male protagonists, heroes, and leads in romance novels? Well… once upon a time, central male characters in romances barked commands, punched walls, and were allergic to feelings. They spoke few words, behind a glass of whiskey, smoldered in silence, and only expressed his feelings through aggressive make-out sessions. They were lethal, haunted, and definitely not discussing his childhood trauma over tea. In short, they were emotionally repressed, demanding, intense, dominant, volatile, impatient, frustrating control freaks—typical alpha behavior.

Think back to those popular ’70s and ’80s romance novel covers—you know, the ones with the guy dramatically ripping the heroine’s dress? (If you weren’t born then, a quick internet search will show you exactly what I mean!) Authors like Johanna Lindsey, Victoria Holt, and Judith McNaught were big names in this style of story. In these books, the male loaded with muscle hero is often shown literally tearing off the heroine’s (a petite five-foot-nothing) bodice, which perfectly captures the mix of sexual tension and emotional intensity of these stories.

Now? The male leads are baking chocolate chip cookies and asking for consent. Is that a bad thing?

Well, some would argue many modern male leads are too “soft.” This criticism is heard a lot when a man is sporting a man bun. But let’s think about this shift for a moment.

In many early bodice rippers, the female leads were almost always written as virgins—often young, naive, and “untouched.” At the time, these stories were shaped by strict ideas about how women should behave, especially around sex. So, if a heroine was going to explore her sexuality, it usually couldn’t be by choice—at least, not openly. Instead, her sexual awakening was often written as something that happened to her, usually through force or coercion. These scenes were filled with resistance—she’d protest, struggle, say no—and yet the story would continue with the hero overpowering her, often literally throwing her over his shoulder, tossing her on a bed, and tearing her clothes off. Back then, it was called “passion.” Today, there’s a word for that, and it usually involves doing 5 to 15 on one of the state’s one-star hotel.

Today’s romance heroines reflect a huge cultural shift. Modern women are no longer waiting for permission to explore and/or enjoy their sexuality. They’re bold, curious, confident, and fully capable of making the first move. In contemporary stories, female characters are just as sexually empowered as their male counterparts, and they own it without shame. However, while the genre has evolved, society hasn’t completely caught up. There’s still a lingering tendency to judge or shame women who embrace their sexuality openly—especially if they fall into the unapologetic, sexually confident mold of a Samantha Jones from Sex and the City. Even now, that kind of character can be labeled “too much,” while a man showing the same behavior might be seen as charming or assertive.

At the heart of it, what this all boils down to, is simple: women are no longer willing to be told what to do—on the page or in real life. Today’s heroines don’t sit around waiting to be rescued. They can save themselves—and sometimes the world (looking at you, Captain Marvel). They want partners, not saviors. They want to be talked to, not talked at. And they’re over the brooding hero who storms off or punches a wall instead of having a real conversation. Emotional maturity? Yes, please. That’s the new fantasy, and it began being reflected in current romance novels. So, is this “woke,” or is this just women being complete over in acknowledging that they are sexual being?

But romance didn’t abandon the Alphas. No, it just refined them, welcome to the age of the cinnamon rolls, the gruff heroes with an ooey-gooey center. They’re still dominant (and maybe a little dangerous), but now they’re also fiercely devoted, hiding a gentle heart, and open to personal growth (well…eventually). They’ll grumble about their feelings but will go to therapy. Maybe. Someday. Okay, probably not, but they’d at least entertain the thought. These hybrid heroes bridge the gap between the old-school alphas and a quiet revolution of vulnerability that’s redefining what romantic heroes can be.

These are the guys who text back in a reasonable amount of time, remember coffee orders, and apologize when they forget (and they will) birthdays. They support their partner’s goals and cheer them on to chase their dreams. They’re emotionally intelligent, romantic, and usually very into consent. Plus, they will beat the snot out of anyone who tries to bully the person they care about. See, the difference is: cinnamon roll heroes don’t need to “protect” their significant others from the world. Instead, they partner with them in navigating it. Their power isn’t in dominance but in the strength of their affection.

Does this mean the alpha hero is dead and buried? Absolutely, positively, most assuredly not! There’s still a place for brooding, possessive billionaires and/or growly werewolves who fall head over heels for their bubbly mates. Only now, they’re sharing shelf (catalog, collection, and library, too) space with the soft-spoken gardeners and/or bookish librarians who blush through a compliment.

Some of today’s most irresistible and intriguing romance heroes strike a perfect balance between being gruff with the world but melting to puddy when it comes to the ones they love. Alpha in the streets, cinnamon roll in the sheets, eh? But here’s the real rub. Whether he’s wielding a sword (and oh, I didn’t mean that pun) or a spatula, the romance hero’s greatest strength has always been (and always will be) his capacity to love, and that, thankfully, never goes out of style.

And that’s all I got. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What kind of romance hero makes your heart race? Have your tastes changed over time? Is there a hero archetype you’ll always fall for? Let me know your thoughts below in the comment section. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. And if you like this post, consider clicking the like button and sharing.

Demon Rodeo

If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order:
⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852
⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

*Note: All of my books can be purchased from brick-and-mortar bookstores (e.g., Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million, etc.) as well if requested at the checkout counter.)

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

Facebook: Genevive ChambleeInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoLOCKER ROOM LOVE
Locker Room Love Series

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out.Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin.Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.About the Author

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

The post Genevive Chamblee: “Woke” or Just Over It? The Evolution of the Romance Hero from Alpha Male to Cinnamon Roll first appeared on Delilah Devlin.

Gabbi Grey: Even for those who aren’t Jane Austen fans (Contest)

Hello, Delilah!  Thank you for inviting me here to discuss my latest short story.  Persuadable is one of many stories in the anthology Texting Ms. Austen.  I’ll bet you can figure out who our muse is.  Even if you’re not an Austen fan, these stories have modern twists.

My journey to this gay romance story was interesting.  As I was writing Yorkie to My Heart (a novel set in Gaynor Beach), I introduced a character.  An actor.  A guy who’s gotten himself into hot water down in LA.  He’s good friends with his publicist (Jeremy from Yorkie), and he realizes he needs to get out of the spotlight.  What better than to take a role in a film?  Being shot in Canada, no less.  Vancouver to represent Seattle and the Yukon to represent Alaska.

So the actor, Andreas Elliot, heads north (and yes, that’s a spin on Anne Elliot from Persuasion).

Freddie Wentworth (or Captain Frederick Wentworth in Miss Austen’s novel) has found a new job.  While he’s writing his thesis for his Canadian Literature PhD, he takes on a job as a security guard in the film industry.  He’s been a physical trainer for years and wants a change of pace.  He’s so good at his job that he’s asked to do personal security — for an actor from LA who has gotten into a bit of trouble.

Cue the reunion of the two men who loved each other years ago.  Andreas, however, was persuaded to leave Freddie.

I won’t give away any more of the plot, but the story was fun to write.  I included some of my Vancouver Film World characters (including Valentino from Valentino in Vancouver).  I also had a cameo from another short story I published that will eventually be rereleased.  Crossing lines. Weaving stories. Dropping hints.  No worries if you haven’t read the stories — this is a complete standalone.

We’re hoping readers will give the anthology a chance.  Again, I love that my gay romance has found a home.

Thank you for hosting me today.  I would love to give out a prize!

Contest: In order to win a $5 Amazon GC, just let me know — which literary work from the past would you love to see a modern take of?  Random will choose a winner.  Good luck!

Texting Ms. Austen
(A Contemporary Jane Austen Retellings Collection)

Jane Austen’s beloved stories find new life in the digital age in Texting Ms. Austen, a sparkling collection of contemporary romance retellings.

Swipe right on modern-day twists of Austen’s timeless tales, where classic misunderstandings, witty banter, and unforgettable love stories are retold through the lens of today’s fast-paced world. With texts, DMs, and viral posts, these stories bring Austen’s iconic characters into the 21st century, proving that true love never goes out of style.

From New York’s bustling coffee shops to London’s trendiest co-working spaces, Texting Ms. Austen brings you laughter, longing, and romance fit for the digital age.

Perfect for fans of Jane Austen, modern romance, and happy endings wrapped in hashtags, this anthology celebrates the magic of love in all its forms—delivered one notification at a time.

Authors:
Lisabel Chretien
L Mad Hildebrandt
Juliet Martini
Michelle Moncrieff
Sharon Michalove
Deaia Sanders
Cecelia Conway
Gabbi Grey
Kate Dashwood
Jeanine Lauren
Trinity Wood
E. Hazard

The anthology will only be available for a limited time.

Links:
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/tnrc2025textingmsausten
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Texting-Ms-Austen-Contemporary-Retellings-ebook/dp/B0DMMLF6YC/
Add it to Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221428454-texting-ms-austen

Persuadable (Inside Texting Ms. Austen)
by Gabbi Grey

Andreas

As a Nebraska farm boy, I left the man of my dreams to chase a football scholarship, then lost football due to an injury, and wound up in acting. Now, a scandal’s driven me out of LA, and I have to reinvent myself again in Vancouver. I’m doing okay until Freddie reappears. Suddenly, those long-ago college memories rise up, painful and sweet. Do I have the courage to try for a second chance?

Freddie

When Andreas rejected me seven years ago, I returned to Canada a broken man. Eventually, I picked up the pieces and built something to be proud of. Then, gorgeous Andreas struts back into my life. I’m determined to maintain a professional façade, but I can’t help hoping he might be willing to take another chance on us.

Persuadable is a 15k word gay romance about impressionable young men, second chances, and the magic of one Canadian night.

About 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.

Personal links:
Website: https://gabbigrey.com/
Newsletter sign-up: https://sendfox.com/gabbigrey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgabbigrey/
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
Audible Profile: https://www.audible.com/author/Gabbi-Grey/B07SJVFX1M
Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey

The post Gabbi Grey: Even for those who aren’t Jane Austen fans (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.

Collect Rocks Day (Contest)

I’ve collected rocks all my life. I have a shoebox filled with my favorites, including Apache tears, round river stones, tiger’s eye, fossil stones, chunks of pyrite, slabs of obsidian, and more. The picture is of a couple of bowls I have in my office with interesting bits. Some are polished, some are rough-hewn. Some are semi-precious, most are just…interesting…to me. When I was a child, I loved reading books on geology, and I have several books on my shelves dedicated to identifying the rocks I find.

Well, apparently, I’m not the only rock enthusiast. Today is Collect Rocks Day. Another strange holiday on the calendar, but one I think is lovely. None of my kids caught the “bug.” My daughter does have large lovely, polished stones like labradorite, but she’s only rarely combed a riverbank or a country road to find “treasures” in the dirt. She’ll inherit my little displays of stone and my shoebox of gathered treasures. Maybe then, she’ll develop an interest, but probably not.

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me whether you’ve ever had an interest in collecting rocks. And if you have, do you display them or take time identifying them? Comment below!

The post Collect Rocks Day (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.

Word Search: Styles of Handbags (Contest)

I’m no style maven. I tend to dress very casually—always. Yoga pants and leggings with T-shirts and sweatshirts. Comfort always comes first. And since I work at home, in front of computer, I don’t have to invest in a “work wardrobe.” However, I have one item I tend to splurge on. I love a nice handbag. I have too many, so they sit at the top of my closet for when I want to swap them out because I like a pop of color or need a certain size. I tend to migrate toward satchel bags with sturdy handles. I also have totes for when I want to carry around art supplies or my laptop. I have a backpack bag that I use to a carry blanket, a Stanley cup, a snack, and headphones for when I go to the clinic for my infusions. My bags are leather or canvas. If they have short handles, I love a strap I can add so I can use it as a cross-body when I’m shopping (hands-free!). The colors range from black, brown, yellow, pink, teal, green, and orange.

Right now, I’m using a very utilitarian bag, an orange canvas Dooney & Burke, for when I make a quick trip into town. It’s not that pretty, but it’s orange. I love a pop of color to cheer me up. It doesn’t have to please anyone but me.

So, for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me what style of handbag you prefer. Do you like neutral colors or bright ones? Leather or canvas or whatever?

The post Word Search: Styles of Handbags (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.

Report Card & Open Contests

Report Card

Last week…

I completed a short-fused set of edits for one author! I continued working on another author’s manuscript.I continued reading entries for the  Burn: A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology !I had my immunotherapy infusion on Monday, which made me sluggish as a snail for days afterward.The doctor gave me a prescription for Lunesta, and I have been sleeping soundly although waking up groggy. (Going forward, I’ll use it only the day after I suffer insomnia to catch up on rest.)I completed no paintings but watched several Asian reels (I’m so addicted!).

This next week…

I’ll continue working on edits for one author.I’ll finish reading the  Burn: A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology  entries!I’ll try to turn my attention back to Ignition and get some pages written.I’ll continue to work on organizing & cleaning up my art room.I’ll attend my local art guild’s monthly meeting where we’ll be working on making “busted canvases.”Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs:

Tell Me a Story (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!Sliding Puzzle: Skyscraper Day (Contest) — Ends tomorrow! Win an Amazon gift card!Terryn Mars: Written in the Stars– Why Fated Love Stories Keep Us Coming Back (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win a book and an Amazon gift card!Puzzle-Day: National Cheese Pizza Day! (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!Gabbi Grey: My New Dance Partner (Contest — and F*R*E*E story) — Win a FREE book!Word Search: Your Personal Phobia(s) (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!I love words! (Contest!) — Win an Amazon gift card!Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Elephant Contemplating — Win an Amazon gift card!The post Report Card & Open Contests first appeared on Delilah Devlin.

Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Elephant Contemplating

Happy Saturday morning to you all! I’m hoping for a lazy-ish day—after the repairman comes out to fix the dishwasher, and after the family heads to the county fair to have some fun. My daughter is carrying a big bottle of hand sanitizer with her because of all the little hands that will be touching everything. When they leave, that’s when the house gets quiet and I can be lazy without feeling any guilt. Will I binge some more on a series I’m not finished with like Psych or catch up on Strange New Worlds? Will I watch an Asian reel on my phone? Will I putter and dust some furniture? Probably not that one. But the day is mine—after the repairman is gone.

For fun, I have a puzzle for you to solve. Something to get the old brain thinking. I hope you like the image and enjoy the challenge!

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, solve the puzzle, then tell me what you think about the image. Do you have questions? Do you see problems with it? Just have fun!

The post Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Elephant Contemplating first appeared on Delilah Devlin.

I love words! (Contest!)

I love words. That should come as no surprise, given my profession. I’m a card-carrying word nerd. Always have been.

When I was a kid, whether at the school library or the public library, I would search for the huge dictionaries they put on pedestals and just turn the pages to read all the words. Those dictionaries were a good five inches thick, the pages were thin and delicate, and I felt like I was discovering the secrets of the universe while I flipped through the pages.

I loved not only learning new words but also reading about a word’s etymology to understand the history of a word. Those thicker dictionaries included that history. It’s why, when I had a chance to study a foreign language, I first chose Latin of all things. I took four years of Latin, starting in junior high and into high school. Reading Julius Caesar’s The Gallic Wars, in the original language, was a highlight for me. As well, Latin helped me throughout school and college because I understood the origin of words, and how certain prefixes and suffixes of our words, also derived from the Latin, changed the meaning of the root word. So if I “met” a word I didn’t understand, sometimes, I could ferret it out on my own. Of course, I later studied Spanish in college, and it was a total breeze because it also derives from Latin.

So, yes, I’m a true word nerd. I even subscribe (it’s free!) to Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day emails. Today’s word is flummox, which I already knew, but while the online Merriam-Webster provides the definition, I have to go to another site, Online Etymology Dictionary, for the history of the word. It’s origin isn’t known, but it first appeared in England, so maybe it’s an old Anglo-Saxon word. I don’t know, but I’m still curious…

Anyway, I’m wondering if there’s anyone else out there who is a “word nerd.” I’ll offer a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card for your comment below. Did you ever read dictionaries for pleasure? Do you have one or several? I have small paperback ones for quick reference, but also a hardbound dictionary that includes the history of the words on my bookshelf now. And let’s not talk about my thesauruses and Spanish, German, and Latin translation dictionaries… I’m obsessed, I guess.

The post I love words! (Contest!) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.