Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 73
September 29, 2023
Puzzle-Contest–Let’s Celebrate National Coffee Day!
Saturday is usually my puzzle day, but tomorrow’s the end of September, and I have other plans for my blog.
I found a fun picture to help celebrate a very special holiday…National Coffee Day! Okay, so maybe you’re tired of my obscure holiday celebrations, but my point is that you can make any day a reason to celebrate. Since I’m a coffee lover (it’s my favorite beverage!), and this is my blog, I get to celebrate whatever the hell I want. 
My daughter and the two youngest girls are in Ireland at the moment, so the house is very, very quiet. You’d think it would mean I can get a ton of work done, but that’s not how I work. I guess I do better in the middle of chaos. I’m working on a story you will see very, very soon. It’s been fun to write because it’s set someplace I really have to use my imagination to describe. You’ll see.
Anyway, Happy National Coffee Day!
Solve the puzzle, then tell me what your favorite beverage is for a chance to win $5 Amazon gift card!
The post Puzzle-Contest–Let’s Celebrate National Coffee Day! first appeared on Delilah Devlin.
September 28, 2023
A Short Story! FREE in KU!
I have a short story on Amazon that was released today! It was originally written for Harlequin Spice and published by them years ago. It hasn’t been available for a while. If you love erotic romances and menage stories in particular, this one’s for you. It’s only 5,000 words, so a very quick read. Perfect for a lunch break. Better yet, it’s FREE in KU!
The post A Short Story! FREE in KU! first appeared on Delilah Devlin.A woman returns to the island where her heart was put back together by one special man to find that he’s ready to make her…theirs.
September 27, 2023
La Sirène–it’s her day! Plus, Open Contests!
I have a book that talks about the Spirits or Saints of the Day. Today’s intrigued me. She is La Sirène. In Haitian Vodou, she is a Loa, a god or spirit, and is the consort to the Lord of the Water, Agwe. She holds a mirror (vanity is one of her characteristics), which is a portal into the mystical world, and of course, she has the most beautiful singing voice. Another of her symbols is a horn, and if you happen to find it on the shore, you’ll be guaranteed a rich life. If you decide to give her offerings for her favor, she loves seashells, desserts, and champagne.
Open Contests
September 26, 2023
Word Search: Types of Pancakes for National Pancake Day! (Contest)
Today’s National Pancake Day! Woohoo! Excited? No? Too mundane? Then you haven’t tried all the kinds of pancakes there are out there! I limited my list of favorites to just ten, but if you don’t know what some of them are, go Google them! You’ll find recipes for some very yummy dishes!
For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me which intrigue you and which are your favorites!
The post Word Search: Types of Pancakes for National Pancake Day! (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.September 25, 2023
Anna Taylor Sweringen/Michal Scott: Sarah Boone – An Improver Not Just an Innovator (Contest)
Sarah Marshall was born into slavery in 1832. She married James Boone in New Bern, North Carolina, when she was fifteen. Sources are unclear how they obtained their freedom, but they were able to relocate to New Haven, Connecticut before the start of the Civil War. There, they raised eight children. She worked as a dressmaker. He laid brick until his death in the 1870s.In her work, she saw the need for an ironing board that would aid in her care and maintenance of women’s dresses. Before the invention of the ironing board, women simply ironed clothes either on a board laid across the backs of two chairs or a table. At the age of 60, dressmaker Sarah Boone’s invention was created “to produce a cheap, simple, convenient and highly effective device, particularly adapted to be used in ironing the sleeves and bodies of ladies’ garments.”
While she did not create the ironing board, her device improved upon it by adding a padded surface and a smaller rounded end. It was also collapsible, so you can see how her improvements led to the ironing board in use today. The wording of the patent indicates that the invention had the potential to be adapted for men’s clothing. She received her patent in 1892 making her the second African-American woman to receive a patent.
She lived in New Haven not far from Yale University for the rest of her life and attended the Dixwell Avenue Congregational Church. She died in 1904 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery. This PBS station did a very nice piece on her. You can view it here: https://www.pbs.org/video/engineering-behind-ironing-board-dqh4ly/.
A slave at fifteen. A patent holder at sixty. When you hear people harping on age being detrimental instead of an asset, tell them about Sarah Marshall Boone.
For a $10 chance at an Amazon gift card share your thoughts on Sarah’s life or ageism.
Better To Marry Than to Burn
Freed Man seeking woman to partner in marriage for at least two years in the black township of Douglass, Texas. Must be willing and able to help establish a legacy. Marital relations as necessary. Love neither required nor sought.
Excerpt:
“Our children?” She swiveled in her seat. “You made no mention of wanting children, just marital relations as necessary. I understood that to mean intercourse.”
“I wrote I wanted to leave a legacy.”
“A legacy. Not a dynasty.”
“Legacy. Dynasty. Is there really so sharp a distinction?”
“To my mind there is. I understood you meant to affect future generations—endow schools, found churches, create civic associations. I didn’t realize that meant children. I agreed to having sex, not having children.”
“Of course I want children.” His brows grew heavy as he frowned. “Doesn’t having sex lead to having children?”
“Not with the right precautions.”
His frown deepened. “Precautions?”
“There are many ways to prevent your seed from taking root, Mr. King.”
“I want children, Mrs. King.”
Her lips twisted and her brow furrowed, but she kept her silence.
“All right,” she said. “You can have children with any woman you like. I won’t stop you. I free you from any claim to fidelity.”
“Legacy—or dynasty if you will—means legitimacy. No bastard will carry my name, not when I have a wife to bear me children.”
“I see.”
Her tone signaled she didn’t.
Buy link: https://amzn.to/2KTaGPH
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/106e6b05cdfe/michal-scotts-newsletter
Website: https://www.michalscott.webs.com
September 24, 2023
Deb Robinson: Keep Everything! (Excerpt+ FREE READ!)
Something I’ve learned as a writer is to keep EVERYTHING you write. Even if you think it’s crap, it might be of some use or provide inspiration in the future.
I find myself scribbling down lines of dialogue, ideas for storylines, and traits for my characters. I’ve written in notebooks, on ripped-out pages and once, I scribbled something on a napkin when I was eating lunch. I think the guy at the next table thought I was going to leave him my number… Hmm, that gives me an idea…
Anyway, when I was hunting through my notes, I came across a sweet short story I wrote for a competition run by Harlequin back in 2007. The theme was Valentine’s Day. In those days, I was a subscriber to their newsletter, and I’d look forward to reading all about the new releases and picking out which ones I’d buy. I was more of a reader and less of a writer in those days so of course I was chuffed when I received a letter informing me that I was one of two winners. And I was so excited when a box of books turned up on my doorstep as my prize.
I thought I’d share this five-minute fiction with you as part of your Sunday morning reading.
Kate’s special day
Today had been an important day in Kate’s working career and thankfully it had been successful. Her presentation had impressed her boss and Kate arrived home feeling on top of the world. Even the thought of cooking dinner, washing dishes and sweeping floors couldn’t dent her happiness.
Kate was surprised to see her husband, Brett standing in the hallway waiting for her. She grinned at him, a little confused. “Why are you looking so handsome?”
Dressed in a pale blue shirt and black trousers; Brett’s dark hair was slicked back and still damp. In his hands was a small bouquet of red roses.
“You know why,” he replied, with the smile that Kate had fallen in love with the moment they met five years earlier. He handed her the bouquet as their lips joined in a passionate kiss.
“Thank you.”
Before she could question the situation, Brett spoke. “You had better move. We have reservations for dinner in one hour.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Now go!” he commanded, patting her bottom playfully.
Kate did as she was told and in record time of forty minutes she’d showered, applied fresh make-up, styled her hair and put on a rose print dress.
After checking her appearance in the mirror one last time, she went into the kitchen where Brett was waiting for her.
“Wow! You look totally gorgeous.”
“Thank you, honey.”
“Would you mind finding the cooler bag? There’s a bottle of champagne in the fridge for the restaurant.”
“Sure,” replied Kate.
All this and champagne! She really was being spoilt. Kate wondered what had sparked Brett’s sudden burst of romance and then she spied the note on the fridge. REMEMBER FEBRUARY 13TH
She had put this note up two weeks earlier to remind herself about the presentation and Brett must’ve remembered how important this was for her. With champagne in hand and a smile on her face, Kate joined her husband in the car.
At the quiet restaurant they were seated at a nice table, each holding a champagne filled glass.
“To my beautiful wife…” Brett raised his glass in a toast.
“Thank you,” replied Kate.
“And to us!”
They clinked glasses and Kate waited for the rest of his speech as Brett sipped his champagne.
“Thanks for the note. We deserve this treat and you know how forgetful I am about these things…anyway, Happy Valentine’s Day!”
Kate’s hand flew to her mouth to hide her amusement but seconds later the laughter spilled from her.
“Hey, what’s so funny?” asked Brett, a curious expression on his face.
“Oh nothing…” Kate stammered between bursts of laughter. “Just something at work.” Kate didn’t have the heart to tell Brett the real reason for the note on the fridge. She was certain he’d discover the truth tomorrow.
Right now, she’d enjoy her own private Valentine’s Day.
Now for a hit of spice… And it’s FREE…
Mister Tradie
Hollie Leigh has declared she’s off men. Every last one.
She has other plans for her future. Plans that don’t include a brazen, flirtatious tradie with a BIG mouth, no matter how good looking he is.
Self-proclaimed floor specialist, Scott Morgan, is hit by the smokin’ hot babe effect, the instant he lays eyes on Hollie.
But her death stare and acerbic wit, tell him he’s got his work cut out for him.
On a whim, he offers her an arrangement. Three weeks. With him.
As a PA for a law firm, Hollie knows to check the fine print and this deal will allow her to walk away once the three-weeks are over.
Fun. Flirty. Sexy. Dirty. Mister Tradie has all that and more in his toolbox. But will it be enough to show Hollie their connection is deeper than just flirty banter and hot sex?
Want more spice?
The first three novels in my 5 Shades of Brothers Browne series are available for $1.49 each on Amazon or Free with KU.
Happy reading!
About Deb RobinsonDeb’s just a humble little writer who loves what she does. She lives with her lovely husband in their little haven in Melbourne, Australia. She loves all things romance and believes it takes many forms. Her current catalogue consists of hot, contemporary romance under two series: 5 Shades of Brothers Browne and A Sexy Tradie Novella.
Follow Deb Robinson on her official Facebook page
Follow on Twitter @DRobinsonbooks
Follow on Instagram @debrobinsonbooks
And on TikTok @debrobinsonbooks
September 23, 2023
Saturday-Puzzle Contest: Fall is here!
Fall is here. 
(I miss my pool.)
We don’t have much of one here. We had 93-degree weather just a couple of days ago, but the temperatures are definitely falling. Our nights are in the low 60s now. Leaves are falling, but we don’t get that lovely gradual process of leaves changing colors and drifting to the forest floor. Ours wither from the heat, drop into the pool, and then it’s winter. So, Fall colors are nice in pictures, but we don’t get them here!
I’m sharing a wistful,Fall-themed picture in today’s puzzle. I hope you enjoy it. For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me what Fall is like where you live!
The post Saturday-Puzzle Contest: Fall is here! first appeared on Delilah Devlin.September 22, 2023
N.J. Walters: Fall is Here!
Tomorrow is the Autumnal Equinox signaling the end of summer and the start of fall. As much as I dislike cold weather, I love this time of year.
It’s time to dig out the cozy sweaters and wool socks. The heat comes on and the flannel sheets go back on the bed. (Did I mention I really dislike being cold.)
The air is crisp, and the leaves are a variety of gorgeous and vibrant colors. I may be an adult, but I love kicking the dry leaves when I go on a walk.
The fall shows come back on television and hockey season begins. (I’m Canadian so it’s hockey for me, not football.)
It also starts the holiday season, which begins in October with Thanksgiving (Canadian), Halloween, Thanksgiving (American), and Christmas. There is so much to celebrate with family and friends. My birthday falls in there too, so bonus!
For me, fall is also a time of new beginnings, even more so than January 1st. So, it’s time to take a deep breath and embrace the new season.
Maybe you’ll curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of hot chocolate or something pumpkin spice. If you’re looking for a book to read while you’re there, you might want to check out my latest release.
Taming the White WolfLone Wolf Legacy, Book 1
About the Author
The lone wolf answers to no alpha or pack. From his first transformation, he knows his destiny: to be both judge and executioner for rogue werewolves. Welcome to the spellbinding first book in New York Times bestselling author N.J. Walters intense new werewolf series.
White wolf Devlin Moore has spent nearly the last century following his destiny: hunting rogue werewolves. His fate is to be the only one of his kind—hardened, feared, and brutally ruthless. Only now, Devlin’s not alone. There are two others. And if that wasn’t unsettling enough, Devlin is drawn to New York City for what appears to be a human…
As far as Devlin can tell, vibrant artist Zoe Galvani is no threat. But there’s something about her— from her unusual eyes that look similar to the same shocking hue as his own, to his growing need to mark her as his that suggests magical forces may be at play.
Now there’s no escaping each other, or the attraction that grows stronger by the second. But no one, especially a human woman, should have this effect on a lone wolf. And just when he’s sure that having her could be his undoing…the truth steps out of the shadows.
If you want to read more, you can find Taming the White Wolf here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7NTXG92/
Entangled Publishing: https://entangledpublishing.com/books/taming-the-white-wolf
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taming-the-white-wolf-n-j-walters/1143634327
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/taming-the-white-wolf
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/taming-the-white-wolf/id6450183902
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 her 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
September 21, 2023
Genevive Chamblee: Fall Cooking (Recipe)
Fall is here… or so the calendar says. Is anyone getting any cool weather? I mean, it’s “cooler” here, as in, it’s lower three digits (e.g., 102 as opposed to 112). But autumn has always been somewhat of a giggle season with a spotty few cool days between warm ones. We’ll take it. Of course, it’s not like we have a choice when it comes to Mother Nature unless we move. But for the sake of the season, I’m just going to pretend that all is pumpkin spice and everything thing nice and that’s what autumn in the South is made of.
With fall comes warm, comfort foods—savory soups and hearty stews. And then there’s gumbo. Gumbo isn’t a seasonal food on the bayou, and there are about a million ways to make it—from simple to complex; with rice cooked in or prepared separately. None of these variations are wrong. Well… Okay, I take that back. Having seen boiled eggs and Pop-Tarts in gumbo, those ingredients are just plain wrong, no two ways about it. Yes, I say that with my full chest, will fall on a sword, and die on a hill with a gigantic heck-no foaming from my mouth. I don’t know who would have thought to create such an abomination, but obviously, it was by someone who has been hurt deeply. (Psst, there’s no shame in seeking therapy.)
However, there is one other way considered wrong in preparing gumbo. Now, I know when I say it, many people are going to get into their feelings but hear me out. A coworker nearly argued me to the ground, but I happened to have a couple of facts and history on my side. This is the inclusion of okra. My coworker dislikes it and doesn’t include it in her gumbo. To which, I said, “Then, it isn’t gumbo.” Shots fired. She insisted that it was, and I simply replied, “Nope.” Here’s why.
Okra isn’t an optional ingredient. The word “gumbo” literally means “okra” in West African. It’s where the recipe derived its name and originates from the African word “ki ngombo.” (See, studying for the SATs pays off.) Actually, my knowing that fact isn’t all that impressive. Most people who grew up around the bayou know this. It was something I had been taught since before I could remember. My coworker was born and raised in a neighboring southern state, and her ideas of what was considered authentic Creole and Cajun food was how Tex-Mex is to authentic Mexican food. So, when I hit her with this fact, her response (which was typical of her when she realized she had no comeback) was, “Well, I don’t know about that.” She still prepares her okra-less SOUP!
I say all that because it’s been a while since I shared a recipe. When scrolling through my blog archives, I realized although I’ve discussed gumbo numerous times, it doesn’t appear that I’ve ever shared a recipe. I give fair warning that the recipe that I used and learned from my grandmother has a lot of ingredients. (Everything is from scratch except the chicken.) However, it’s fairly simple to make.
Chicken and Sauage Gumbo
Roux Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour (Hint: Sift the flower before measuring. While adding flour to the measuring, shake the cup to distribute the flower evenly. Rake a knife over the top to press it down smoothly. This will improve the accuracy of measurement.)Sausage grease (Bacon dripping or vegetable oil can be substituted, but why do that when you already have the sausage?)Roux Directions:
Over medium-low heat, whisk together flour and 3/4 cup sausage grease in a large pot a(a Dutch oven works well) until smooth. Be sure to whisk constantly and monitor the heat to avoid burning.Cook until the roux turns a rich brown in color (approximately 20 – 30 minutes).Remove from heat.Gumbo Ingredients:
1/8 tsp basil1/8 tsp oregano1/8 tsp rosemary1/8 tsp smoke paprika1/8 tsp thyme½ tsp dried thyme leaves½ tsp black pepper½ tsp cayenne pepper½ tsp onion powder½ tsp white pepper2 tsp salt2 tsp Worcestershire sauce3cloves garlic (minced)1 large white onion (chopped)1 green bell pepper (chopped)1 cup celery (chopped)8 cups chicken broth1 cup shredded Rotisserie chicken2 ½ cups okra2 lbs Andouille sausage (sliced)RiceGumbo Directions:
Chop onions, celery, and bell pepper to desired consistency. (I prefer a fine dice but other people prefer more coarsely chopped.)Add the Holy Trinity mixture to the roux and simmer for approximately 10 minutes.Add the chicken both to the roux and stir to blend well.Add all of the other ingredients and cook on low 45 to 60 minutes. (Note: Some people prefer to add the rice and others prefer to cook the rice separately. If planning to add rice, be aware that more broth and a larger pot may be necessary.That’s all I’ve got. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts 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. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.
Future Goals
Get ready. It’s time to hit the ice again. Future Goals has arrived and is available.
When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.
Order your copy at:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9
Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W
Missed the first four books 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 on 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.
Penalty Kill (book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.
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 X (formerly tweet) me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads, Amazon Authors, BookBub, Bluesky, Threads, or TikTok.
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 sign up today.
Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.
About the AuthorGenevive Chamblee resides in the Bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that make one go “hmm,” and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.
The post Genevive Chamblee: Fall Cooking (Recipe) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.September 20, 2023
Word Search: Attributes of a book hero… (Contest)
I love creating heroes who are unique. They don’t always express themselves the same way or present themselves the same way. Knox Ramsey is a grumpy, gruff man who didn’t think he could be in a long-term relationship because of some issues that haunt him from his childhood. And he’s very physical. I should have added that to the word search!
Anyway, I riffed some attributes I enjoy seeing in my heroes. Have fun with the puzzle!
Then, for a chance to win a $5 Amazon GC, tell me what attributes you love to see in a hero!
The post Word Search: Attributes of a book hero… (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.
