UPDATE The winner is…Kerry Jo!
*~*~*

Alice was born in 1875 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her mother was a former slave, and her father was White. She wrote, taught and/or lectured everywhere she lived: Louisiana, New York, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., Delaware, and Pennsylvania. She received her education from Straight University in Louisiana and Cornell University in New York. After graduating from Straight in 1892, she began teaching in the New Orleans public schools.

Her teaching career included working at the White Rose Mission in Manhattan and co-founding a reform school for girls in Delaware. Her later activism led to her being removed from her teaching position at Wilmington Delaware’s Howard High school in 1920.

In 1895 her first anthology, Violets and Other Tales was published by The Boston Monthly Review. A poem she wrote in the Review brought her to Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s attention. Several resources cite their romance as being the African American equivalent of Robert Browning’s and Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s courtship. However, disagreements on how to handle race in their writing and her same gender loving relationships with women shows me their relationship wasn’t always idyllic. Dunbar became increasingly physically and emotionally abusive. She separated from him in 1902 and was still married to him when he died in 1906. During their marriage she published her next piece, The Goodness of St. Rocque and Other Stories in 1899.

 Besides poetry she wrote articles on race relations, the limitations placed on working women, civil rights and suffrage in magazines, church related publications, academic journals and newspapers. These were topics on which she lectured as well. In 1914, she published Masterpieces of Negro Eloquence, which contained speeches made by men and women of African descent born in the US, Europe and Africa. From 1926 to 1930 she wrote a column for the Washington Eagle. She also kept a diary addressing the issues of her day. She wrote prolifically despite encountering lots of rejection because she addressed oppression and racism in her writing.

She married two more times. The second to a fellow teacher which ended in a friendly divorce. The last to Robert J. Nelson in 1916, a poet and activist to whom she remained married until her death and with whom she was active in politics, campaigning for anti-lynching laws. Like many African Americans of her day, she was a republican but not a chauvinistic one. When the republican senator from Delaware refused to vote for an anti-lunching bill, Alice campaigned and got twelve thousand new voters registered, leading to the senator’s losing reelection.

Alice died in Philadelphia in 1935 due to a heart condition at the age of 60. Having learned all this about her, I will think of her as a poet, critic, journalist, and activist who also happened to marry a famous poet. I hope that’s how you’ll think of her too.

A Portrait of Alice Dunbar

For a chance at a $10 Amazon gift card, share your impressions of Alice in the comments.

“Take Me To The Water” by Michal Scott

My family sprung me from the hospital yesterday, so I’m home for the holiday!

In case you didn’t know, my chemo port area was infected. My body rejected that contraption. So, I have a hole in my chest that my poor dd has to pack with gauze twice a day as it heals. Painful, yes, and it’s impeding my chemo—which will resume in two weeks. But I’m home for the holiday. Yay!

The hospital wasn’t bad. The staff was kind, and they gave me a lovely, large private room (I guess my insurance is pretty damn good—thank you, U.S. Army!) while they ran me through surgery to remove the port and took care of the wound for the first couple of days. The food? Ugh. My dd made the trek daily to spend hours with me. The 15-year-old spent quite a bit of time with me to keep me company. I couldn’t access my website to do any updates, though, because the hospital’s internet kept slapping a “porn” warning on all my accounts. I went in Sunday and came out yesterday afternoon, so you know I was dying to get home to read my email.

Anyway, I’m back. I hope you’re all doing well. My dd is in the kitchen as I’m writing this, preparing the turkey for the oven. My SIL made his “famous” deviled eggs last night. Three pies are in the fridge. Everything else will be made fresh today. Yum! We’ll eat too much, take breaks to nap and watch something family-friendly, I’m sure, then back at the feast. Tomorrow, we’ll all be complaining we gained five pounds.

I love the start of the holiday season! I wish all of you here in the U.S. a lovely holiday, filled with too much food and pleasant memories to be made.

I’m excited to share the cover for my upcoming young adult novel, When Stars Collide in the City. It’s a standalone book that’s part of an interconnected series about teens in the entertainment (and college sports) field who are trying to figure out life and love in the big city.

Check out the blurb: From the outside, Olivia Macomb looks like she leads a charmed life. She’s an up-and-coming influencer who is an heir to the Macomb family fortune and is about to start a lifestyle brand with her childhood sweetheart, Jeff. Then her world gets blown apart by her longtime boyfriend leaving her the morning of their website launch. Not only has he left, but the business she created is all in his name, and she’s been left with nothing to show for all her hard work. Now she has to pick up the pieces and find out who she is on her own.

Enter Walker Vinton, the indie pop star who used to date Olivia’s close friend, Paige. When their school throws a big event, Paige asks Walker to be Olivia’s date to give the gossip bloggers something else to talk about other than Olivia’s broken dreams.

Walker ends up coming to Olivia’s rescue in more ways than one at the party, and a twist of events leads to the two embarking on a fake relationship. Walker and Olivia wind up becoming best friends, and she realizes he’s the boyfriend of her dreams. He helps her build both her brand and her self-esteem back up. Walker even helps her start a new business. However, the lines begin to blur as Olivia’s feelings for Walker are very real. The two share intimate conversations and dreams, but what’s real and what’s fake in this starry world?

You can pre-order the book (it releases on December 14^th) here:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/When-Stars-Collide-City-Book-ebook/dp/B0D8BR4H2L

Check out the rest of the series!

Like second chance romance and sports romances? Book one in the series features a teen soap star named Valeria who runs into the ex she never got over who happens to be a college basketball player who transferred to a university in the city.

Like hockey romance? Book two has a soap star named Paige who winds up doing a TV sports internship and meeting a college hockey star while she’s trying to get over her pop star ex (who is featured in book three).

Find the whole series here:
Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVXPN4DF
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVXPN4DF
Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CVXPN4DF
Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVXPN4DF
Amazon Germany: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/dp/B0CVXPN4DF

A Note from the Author

I write YA and contemporary novels with hope, humor and happily ever afters, as well as dealing with self-doubt and finding where you belong.

Keep up with Krysten here:
Website: www.krystenlindsay.com

UPDATE: The winner is…Stephanie!
*~*~*

Hello Delilah!  Thank you for inviting me here today to discuss my new project.  Well…projects?  Could go either way.

Let me clarify.

I love anthologies.  Your readers know that.  Charity anthologies are catnip for me.

When I heard my favorite anthology people had chosen mental health charities for the proceeds, I leaped at the chance to join. I was so excited that I signed up for not one but TWO stories.

Because…double the writing chaos!

So…the stories.  Recapturing the Dream is a second-chance romance. A couple who fell in love in high school.  That love carried them through most of university, but then the budding relationship got derailed.  They went their own way – Mena having three daughters and Todd having four sons.  Then, one day, they wind up living next to each other.  By design?  Hard to say…

Mena’s beloved husband died a horrible death, and she’s resigned to living alone while raising her three beloved daughters.  Todd’s newly divorced and struggling to find ways to connect to his four very different sons.

Throw in some teenage crushes, adult lust, and bonfires…and my heart was happy to write this lovely short story set in my Love in Cedar Valley series.

Okay, so Mena and Todd are good.

What about my second story?  I was thrilled to discover that R.L. Merrill has written a gay romance for this anthology.  I love representation.  And, of course, I threw in Pumpkin Spicey as my addition—a  short story set in my Love in Mission City world.

Clay is a sweetheart, entrepreneur, and ambitious guy.  He’s created a super secret pumpkin spice recipe that he’s ready to unveil at the Mission City fall market.  Great.  What he doesn’t expect is to meet a really nice guy who keeps coming back to his booth day after day.

This is, by far, the sweetest romance I’ve ever written.  I had a length constraint (as I do with all my short stories) and I wanted to ensure the courtship was realistic, given the market only lasts a few days.  Now…I also fit in the most cameos of any of my stories.  Thirty-six — if you count the mentions of the canine companions left at home.  You’re thinking…that’s impossible.  The story is just going to be about other people and I won’t be able to keep track!  Well, Clay’s running a booth.  Where people come and buy things.  He interacts with those customers.  I promise, it all flows together and the cameos span my three pennames.  A little something for loyal readers and just a fun story for everyone else.

I did encounter one problem.  I was so focused on the sweet courtship (they don’t even hold hands) that I completely missed the bonfire!  Duh.  Fortunately I had space to go back and add a little epilogue.  S’mores and kisses and a happily ever after.

My work was done.

Next comes the work to get word of the anthology out to readers who might enjoy a variety of stories set around autumn and bonfires. While helping Wounded Warrior and the International Mental Health Association.  So, I encourage you to snap up your copy, grab a mug of warm apple cider, and enjoy!

Thank you so much, Delilah, for the invitation.  As a thank you, I’m offering a $5 GC to one lucky commenter.  Let me know – what is your favorite thing about fall?  Random will pick a commenter for the prize!

Light My Fire

Bonfire Night, Homecoming, Harvest Festivals, whatever the reason – ‘tis the season to sparkle.

Gather your nearest and dearest (or those who you wish were) close as we fan the flames in this collection of stories from USA Today best-selling and award-winning romance authors curated by The New Romance Café sure to warm your heart…and maybe other places.

All proceeds go to charity in the fight for mental health support. Our chosen charities for this anthology are Wounded Warrior and the International Mental Health Association.

Authors:
Julie Halperson
Ryleigh Sloan
Chele MacCabe
L Mad Hildebrandt
Sharon Wray
Meg Napier
J. Keely Thrall
Fiona Fairhame
Cecelia Conway
T.S. Simons
Gabbi Grey
Cynthia Terelst
Sharon Michalove
Susanna Eastman
Shelby Gunter
Zoey Zane
Heather Scarlett
Alice Dashwood
Cara North
Anna Klein
Katina J Rose
Michelle Moncrieff
Niki Trento
Jewelz Baxter
Gabbi Powell
R.L. Merrill
Kat Long
Bonnie Poirier
Elaine Reed
Kelly Renway

The anthology will only be available for a limited time.

Links:
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/tnrc2024lightmyfire
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Light-My-Fire-Charity-Collection-ebook/dp/B0D5DLHSS1
Add it to Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213936718-light-my-fire

Gabbi’s Two Stories in Light My Fire…

Pumpkin Spicey by Gabbi Grey

My first opportunity to share my new super-secret pumpkin spice recipe with the world is at the autumn Farmer’s Market in Mission City. I’m all set with plenty of inventory, but what I don’t expect is a cute guy who drops by every day asking for…pumpkin carving lessons?

The last day of the market, I’m too busy to speak to him, and he disappears. I’m worried he thought I didn’t want him around, and I need to apologize. My good friend Wyatt suggests I track the guy down at his house. That leads to a surprise that changes everything.

Pumpkin Spicy is an 8k sweet gay romance short story with a shy stranger, nosy friends, and a chance meeting that might just lead to a happily ever after.

Recapturing the Dream by Gabbi Grey writing as Gabbi Powell

When noisy neighbors draw Mena Keaton from her home late at night, she isn’t ready to confront her first love, Todd Burnett. She thrusts down her warring emotions and asks Todd—and his four sons—to keep the noise down.

Todd, for his part, deliberately moved next door to the woman who’d always held his heart. The divorced man wasn’t sure about the potential for a second chance, but when the opportunity presents itself, he’ll do whatever it takes to get the lovely widow with three daughters to give him another look.

Recapturing the Dream is a 16k word steamy short story is about second chances, seven kids, and a special night by an autumn bonfire.

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.

I can’t believe in all these years that I’ve never created a reading journal. I also didn’t anticipate having to make so many decisions. So, for anyone interested in a reading journal, let’s get into it.

What is a reading journal, and why would a person want to create one?

Most people think of a reading journal as a tool to keep track of the books one has read. However, it can be so much more. A reading journal can also track how much time one spends reading, favorite authors, books summaries, reading challenges, insights gained and reflections, recommendations, and future books to read, book club notes, and noting reading goals.

What materials are needed to create a reading journal?

It doesn’t take much to create a basic reading journal, but it depends on the person creating it and what he/she wants to track in it. In reality, all a person needs to begin is a notebook and pen. Or if the person prefers an electronic/digital journal, he/she would need a computer/tablet and a word document program. It is the personalization that makes reading journals different.

Some people like to print a small photo of book covers to include. Others have pages that with drawn bookshelves and label in books. Some people prefer having uniform pages with set categories and/or labels (e.g., author name, genre, number of pages, date began, etc.) while other prefer to stick to writing the name of the book and a summary. Some people like having bound journals while others like spiral or disc-bound. Yet, others draw, use stickers, doodle, and create collages to decorate pages. For people who read a lot, they may select larger journals with more pages (e.g., square journal 8” x 8”, B5, or disc-bound with expander discs). Readers who tend to read few books in a year may opt for a smaller journal such as an A5 or a skinny traveler journal. Additionally, some people prefer setting up blank bullet journals to make them completely custom while others may purchase reading journals already set up. There is no right or wrong.

When I decided I wanted to do a reading journal, I had planned to purchase one from Kell of a Plan. I knew I wanted disc-bound to be able to easily remove and add pages. However, I wrestled with if I wanted the entire planner. I knew many of the sections I would not use. The other option was to purchase the refill pages and create my own, which meant needing discs, covers, and dividers. By the time I decided how I wanted it, unfortunately both the planner and the tracking pages were sold out. To date, neither has been restocked. So, I went to option B which was to purchase from Rongrong. I had the same dilemma, as I knew many of the included sections I would not use, and I wasn’t sold on all of the dashboard/cover themes. To create what I wanted was becoming expensive. I was bummed, but all wasn’t lost.

I use disc-bound planners for my work and personal life. In the fall of 2023, I had purchased a set of dividers and a notebook that were on sale. It wasn’t until I began setting up my planner lineup for 2025, that I used them…kinda. When I purchased my 2025 planners, I did some switching of covers, discs, and dividers. The short of it is I have materials that I can use to create a reading journal, although, it will not include the preprinted information sheets I want. This means I will need to create them myself.

What are some categories to include in a reading journal?

• Book log/tracker (book title, author, date began reading, date finished reading, rating, etc.)
• A rating scale (can be used for overall enjoyment, spice level, etc.)
• Book summary
• Book review
• Book of the month
• Favorite books
• Favorite authors
• Favorite quotes
• Favorite book character
• Book goal (how many books you plan/want to read)
• Book total (how many books you read in week, month, year, etc.)
• Book budget (cost of books)
• Length of time read each day
• Who recommended the book
• Number of DNFs (how many books you did not finish)
• TBR list (purchased books that you haven’t read)
• Book wishlist (books that you want to read)
• Page total (how many pages you read in day, week, month, year)
• Type of book medium (e.g., audio, e-book, paperback, hardback, etc.)
• Book genres read (e.g., historical, regency, thriller, romance, fantasy, etc.)
• Book club books
• Reading challenges
• Reading bucket list

Well, that’s all I got. Was this post helpful? Do you have a reading journal? If not, do you think you will buy or create one? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

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

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 Chamblee
• X (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidso
• Instagram: genevivechambleeauthor
• Goodreads: Genevive Chamblee
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• BookBub: Genevive Chamblee
• TikTok: CreolegurlNola
• Bluesky: Genevive Chamblee
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LOCKER 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.

UPDATE: The winner is…Debra Guyette!
*~*~*

Hello Delilah!  Thank you for welcoming me today to discuss my new book, Sizzling Sydney Nights.  I will say that Remembrance Day (as we call November 11^th in Canada) is a solemn day for many – including my family.  My grandfather and several uncles served in the World Wars, and I’m always grateful for their service and to them for coming home and building strong families.  All that being said, I didn’t pick the release date for my sexy new story—but I do have characters who visit the war memorial in Sydney, so I have that moment. History helps inform who we are and what we’re willing to defend to keep our families and friends safe.

Okay, onward and upward.

How, you may ask, did I wind up setting a story in Sydney?

Well, let me tell you a story…

My publisher was launching a new series set on beaches on the continental US.

You’re thinking…huh?

Bear with me.  I attended the chat and was interested in writing one of these stories (See Sun, Surf, and Surprises).  What piqued my interest was when the chat veered toward exotic locations. Someone asked if an author could write a second book under the Passport to Pleasure series.

The answer was: YES! PLEASE! WE NEED MORE!

Never let it be said I don’t heed calls.  Now, I’d written Valentino in Vancouver.  I didn’t consider Canada as outside the US (just check out how many American television stations and how much American programing Canadians watch).  I was told Vancouver was absolutely a foreign locale. Throw in an American and you’re do go.  I wrote my gay erotic romance novella starring American Valentino and Canadian Seamus and moved on.

Then I remembered I had a second BDSM MF penname.  Great!  I also had a friend in Argentina. Out popped Bonding in Buenos Aires. An MMF BDSM erotic romance by Gabbi Black. That was it. I was done. I moved on.

Until that chilly November night when I was told a second Pleasure book under the same penname was allowed. Now, quickly, I’ve mentioned Plot Whisperer before.  She happens to be Aussie. So I asked if she would be interested in beta reading a book set in Sydney.  She said “Hell, YES” (in my mind, at least), and my Sydney story was born.  I wrote. She brutal beta read (tore apart, put back together—SO much better). I had a story.  Titling it proved harder, but I crowd sourced, and we got there.

Finally, I was ready to present the story to my editor (who had said Hell, YES when I proposed the book).  She loved it with just a few minor changes, and I had my story.

That’s it.  I get to share my love of all things Australian with readers.  The irony is that Levi is an American author who wrote a book set in Australia even though he’d never been there. He got so much wrong that he had to go to Australia for an apology tour that would lead to his potential redemption.  Add Sam the tour guide, and I had a story.  Then I was a Canadian author writing about Australia who had never been there.  Only I found an awesome beta reader, and I believe the Aussie flavor is there (and any mistakes are mine and not hers).

I hope readers pick up this gay romance story and love it as much as I do.

Okay, Delilah, thank you for hosting me today.  As a thank you to you readers, I would like to offer a copy of either Valentino in Vancouver or Bonding in Buenos Aires to one lucky commenter.  Let me know: where would you love to see a story set?  One lucky commenter, chosen by random, will win a free book!  Good luck!

Sizzling Sydney Nights

Sam

I’ve enjoyed showcasing Sydney’s architecture, food, and culture for tourists for almost ten years. I keep a nice professional distance, but one hot American guy has me breaking all the rules.

Levi

I researched the hell out of Sydney, Australia, before writing my most recent bestseller, but never saw it in person. Now I’m getting called out for the things I got wrong. I’m here to learn more about the city, but my tour guide’s the one I really want to explore. Good thing I know Sam would never fall for a client, or it might be hard to leave.

Links:
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/SizzlingSydney
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Sizzling-Sydney-Nights-Passport-Pleasure-ebook/dp/B0DGLYHG6
B&N:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sizzling-sydney-nights-gabbi-grey/1146244734
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/sizzling-sydney-nights/id6670438228
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/sizzling-sydney-nights
Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218681801-sizzling-sydney-nights

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/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabbiGrey
Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15456297.Gabbi_Grey

Report Card

Last week…

1. Monday was chemo day. I managed to get some minimal work done Monday through Wednesday, but after that…I spent most of my time in bed, except for a trip to the cancer center on Friday for an injection. Woohoo!
2. I completed revisions of The Demon Lord’s Cloak, which releases November 12th (NEXT TUESDAY!), and formatted and uploaded it. Have you pre-ordered your copy? 
3. I completed ch 6 of Ignition.
4. I completed edits for one author and worked on two other editing projects.
5. Christmas decorations are up in the house, and we’ve watched two Christmas movies! And yes, they do feel like accomplishments, especially this week.

This next week…

1. The Demon Lord’s Cloak releases this week. I hope I can fix my newsletter in time… 
2. No medical appointments this week!!! And it’s recovery week. I should feel better and better every day.
3. I’ll be finishing edits for two authors (I hope) and beginning edits for one other this week.
4. I’ll continue trying to work on Ignition. The goal is to finish ch 7, but we’ll see.

Open Contests

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

1. Puzzle-Contest: Hello November! — And a Reminder! — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Maggie Sims: Feminism in Regency Erotic Romance (Giveaway) — Win a FREE book!
3. Word Search: Finding Inner Happiness (Contest) — Win a FREE book!
4. Desiree Holt: Military Romance with a Touch of Paranormal (FREE Read) — Get your FREE short story!
5. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Thanksgiving Prep! — Win an Amazon gift card!