It’s that time of year. We’ve said goodbye to summer, and it’s officially the fall season. Now, as a summer lover, this is a bit sad for me. For that reason, I have to pump myself up to get excited about changing seasons. Of course, I do live in the bayou, and “autumn” is a little bit of an odd season here. While much of the country begins speaking of sweater weather, The South is sweating out humid nights of eighty degrees while watching Friday night football games from wooden stands. Rather, we mark the beginning of fall not by the calendar but by when the mosquitos stop biting. Additionally, fall temperatures don’t always stick around for long. Don’t let a sixty-degree morning “chill” fool you. By midday, the temps could well be approaching ninety. And even if cool air sticks around for much of a day, it likely will vanish the next week to not be heard from again for weeks. Yeah, it’s all really fun stuff.

Thus, when I start hearing all the fall hype on television, I don’t become all that stoked. It takes a little extra effort to get me into the spirit of it, especially with the whole Christmas in July movement. As a quick aside, can I say how much I dislike this trend? Merchants move straight from Independence Day and fireworks to setting up displays of Christmas trees and ten feet of snow. Heck, we’re lucky to get ten inches. Shoot, what am I talking about? We barely get two inches per year, and when we do, it’s a red-hot booty mess. Cities shut down. Most of us simply aren’t equipped for that sort of thing. Hurricanes, yes? Twisters, yes. Snow and ice, not so much. Even our pets are confused by it. (Now, back to our regularly scheduled post.) But as many hunters would comment, without fall, there would be no deer season.

I say all that to say because I’m one of those people who when fall rolls around, the pools and snow cone stands close, and the days grow shorter, I need a reminder of ways to entertain myself and ways in which to keep occupied. (By the way, I have no idea why they close the pools when they do. My guess is it is to reduce maintenance costs or because there is some city ordinance that public pools must be closed by a certain date. Or maybe it’s just part of the façade to make people believe autumn is a real thing.)

In any case, here is a list of activities to enjoy and keep you busy. Do them alone or with loved ones at a time most convenient for you.

1. Decorate for fall
2. Decorate pinecones
3. Decorate acorns
4. Make a fall craft
5. Make an autumn wreath
6. Create a fall playlist
7. Visit a pumpkin patch
8. Visit a zoo
9. Visit a farmer’s market
10. Attend a football game
11. Attend a basketball game
12. Attend a fall festival/Octoberfest/fair
13. Jump in leaves
14. Rake leaves
15. Play a game of darts on a bale of hay
16. Bake a pie
17. Bake pumpkin bread
18. Make smores
19. Roast marshmallows
20. Roast pumpkin seeds
21. Make caramel apples
22. Make homemade applesauce
23. Make apple crisps
24. Make homemade soup
25. Grill corn on the cob
26. Watch a fall move
27. Watch a Halloween movie
28. Watch the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade
29. Watch a sunset
30. Read a fall book
31. Drink apple cider
32. Drink hot chocolate drink
33. Drink a fall cocktail
34. Eat or drink something pumpkin spice
35. Eat candy corn
36. Eat a bowl of chili
37. Eat a pot pie
38. Visit a haunted house
39. Visit a corn maze
40. Attend a holiday party
41. Attend a costume party
42. Go apple picking
43. Go on a hike/ nature walk
44. Go star gazing
45. Go to a bonfire
46. Go on a hayride
47. Go trick or treating
48. Go on a scavenger hunt
49. Go bird watching
50. Go camping
51. Count your blessings/Write a gratitude list
52. Donate can goods/food to a food bank or shelter
53. Take fall photos
54. Carve a pumpkin
55. Buy a scarf
56. Buy a fall mug (for hot chocolate)
57. Snuggle in a blanket
58. Curl up in front of a fireplace
59. Wear fuzzy socks
60. Cuddle with someone special
61. Light a fall-scented candle
62. Tell a ghost/scary story
63. Declutter summer clothes
64. Go shopping for sweaters
65. Buy a fall perfume
66. Plant a fall garden

So, I guess with that, it’s time to say Happy Fall Y’all. Did I miss anything? What’s on your list? Will you try any of these activities? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. 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. Keep reading for information about the free giveaway.

Get ready. It’s almost time to hit the ice again.
Future Goals Coming soon.

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.

Preorder 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 https://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 https://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) takes the ice again. 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 tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.

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***SALE & GIVEAWAY***

HTP Friends to Lovers! This 99 cents sale begins on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 & runs through Tuesday, October 18th, 2022. There is a $10 Amazon Gift Card giveaway via Rafflecopter; entries are earned via BookBub follows and Tweets about the sale. The links for the sale and the giveaway are listed below.

Promo Page: https://www.hottreepromotions.com/friends-to-lovers-sale

Rafflecopter Link:  https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b228b3067/?

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

Today, the hero from Amber Daulton’s new romantic suspense novel, Arresting Benjamin, is visiting for a chat. For the record, what’s your name and where are you from?

Hi, Delilah. It’s great to be here. I’m Benjamin Starwell, Junior, and I go by Benji since my dad went by Ben. Some people snicker about the shortened form of my name because of that movie with the scruffy dog, but I don’t care what people think about me. I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and I’m still there today.

Okay, great. When you look in a mirror, what do you see? Physically and personality-wise?

I see a hardworking, dedicated, and stubborn man with blue eyes, a perpetual five o’clock shadow, and shaggy, auburn hair that curls around my ears. I’m loyal to those I love. When I set my mind to something, I do it. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts.

Awesome. Loyalty and dedication are important. What did you think the first time you saw Belle Hamlin?

Hot. Mouth-watering, screw-me-sideways hot. I don’t mean to get too graphic, but it was like all the blood in my body pooled between my legs and zapped my commonsense. Not that I melted into a puddle at Belle’s feet. I have more self-control than that. But honestly, I was a goner. That’s why I skipped out on her after our one night together. I regret my actions, and I’m determined not to waste my second chance with her.

I see. It was lust at first sight. What is your occupation? Are you any good at it? Do you like it?

My dad opened Ben’s Auto Repair years ago when I was little, and when he passed on, I inherited the business. Everything I know I learned from him. I love my job. Though I’d rather get my hands dirty and work on an engine, I’m usually stuck in the office filing paperwork, calling suppliers, or taking inventory of my stock more often than not these days. That’s the curse of being the boss.

I’m sure it is. Do you own your own home or rent?

I live in a two-story duplex and share a central wall with Lando, my landlord. Crazy name, right? It’s like the man was born to be a landlord, but I don’t have room to talk with a name like Benji. Anyway, he’s the best. Lando hasn’t upped my rent in years, and now that he’s getting older, he deducts my payment when I mow the grass and do general upkeep on the house.

You’re lucky. The cost of living is ridiculous, especially in major cities. Do you have a pet? What kind?

I don’t, but Belle has a cat with a serious attitude problem. Luckily, I like Pepperoni’s gall. We get along just fine.

Cool. Cats are known for their cattitude. What’s the most terrible thing that ever happened to you?

Probably losing my mom. I was ten when she passed on. It destroyed my family, especially my sister, Meghan. One minute, she was my sweet little kid sister; the next, she was out partying, running away from home, and getting picked up by the cops. I really do think that’s why my dad later had a heart attack. He was always so stressed and worried about her.

How horrible! I’m sorry to hear it. Let’s move on to something hopefully easier. Are you book-smart, self-taught, or widely-experienced?

Self-taught and experienced. I learned my trade and about the struggles of life from my dad. You see, he had a penchant for hiring ex-cons to work in the garage. He believed in helping people and giving them a second chance. I’ve continued the tradition.

That’s interesting. Do you see morality as black-and-white, or with shades of gray?

Gray, definitely. There’s too much pain and heartache in the world to be so close-minded. You gotta do what you can to survive, and if that means doing something wrong, so be it.

What event in your past has left the most profound impression on you?

Meeting Alan. Meghan was in the process of getting her life back together, so she brought home her new boyfriend for a family meet and greet. Al blew me away. I was expecting a womanizing drunk since Meghan always went for pricks like that, but Alan was anything but. He was polite, sober, and genuinely liked her. At the time, he was estranged from his own brother, and since Meghan and I weren’t close, we found common ground and bonded. Even after Meghan went off the rails and broke up with him, Al and I stayed friends. He’s like the brother I never had.

It’s great your friendship with Alan survived the break-up. What other character from your book do you think your author should write a book about? Care to tell us why?

You’ll meet three characters in my book that will have a story of their own.

Belle’s friends, Shea and Trevor, will have a second chance romance in Trevor’s Redemption, which is coming soon in the multi-author Dangerous Entanglements box set in December 2022. It’ll be re-released as a solo book in the fall of next year.

Arresting Alan, starring you-know-who, will hopefully be released sometime in late 2023 as well. Alan’s no longer hung up on my sister, and I want him to find happiness and love with someone else. He’s been through a lot and deserves only the best.

That’s good to know. Thank you so much, Benji, for chatting with me today.

Arresting Benjamin

With enemies at every turn, how will they survive with their lives and love intact?

Only .99 cents until October 18, 2022!

A one-night stand, a surprise baby, and a mysterious stalker.

Mechanic Benjamin Starwell can’t stop thinking about Belle Hamlin, the ballsy musician he slept with and skipped out on months earlier. He never meant to get her pregnant, but he’ll do whatever it takes to win back her trust and be a part of his child’s life. His desire for Belle drives him to be a better man, but he’s worn thin with a garage to run and his estranged sister dumping her troubles on him.

Belle’s juggling impending motherhood, her indie rock career, and a stalker who’s determined to see her fail. Even though she’s desperate to get her priorities straight, she pushes aside her past hurt and welcomes Benji back into her bed. She never expects him to slip into her heart.

When the danger escalates, they face the greatest challenge of all—protecting their unborn child.

Excerpt from Arresting Benjamin…

Benji bolted upright, waking from a dirty dream that starred the sexpot beside him. His thumping heart struck his ribs as he dragged in air. What was that noise? The harsh pounding reverberated again from somewhere beyond the bedroom walls. Was someone banging on the apartment door? He pushed back the blanket and tugged his boxers on over his poor stiffy.

Belle moaned and dragged the bedding over her head.

He hurried from the room and knocked against the coffee table. Ouch! Pain shot through his big toe as he hopped to gain his balance. At least his soldier deflated.

Pepperoni hissed at him from atop his coat. Her eyes glowed yellow in the dim light like she was a blob of demonic, prickly fur.

The rude-ass visitor banged again. After flipping up the outdoor light switch, Benji unlocked and yanked open the door. Darkness surrounded him. Frigid cold smacked him in the face, prickling his skin.

Shadows cloaked the skinny man who shifted his feet at the threshold. Not even the faint moonlight streaming in from the breezeway touched him.

The stranger reared back, his eyebrows shooting up beneath his black cap. “Where’s Belle?”

“Asleep.” Benji swung his scowl from him to the empty light fixture. Had he taken the bulb? A shiver that had nothing to do with the cold shot up Benji’s spine. “Who are you? Why are you here?”

“I have to talk with her. I gotta.” He tightened his bulky coat around him.

“Come back tomorrow, at a decent hour. What’s your name?”

“No, I can’t.” He trembled. The scent of alcohol permeated the white puffs of air that escaped his mouth. “I gotta speak with her now. It’s taken me all night to get up my nerve to do this. She’s so damn stubborn.”

Hell, no. Benji fisted his hands. “You’re drunk. Get the fuck out of here.”

“Belle!” He gripped the doorframe, panic flaring in his eyes. “Come out here. Please!”

“Leave.” Benji shoved him back and stomped onto the landing. Ow! The cold corrugated metal bit into his bare feet.

The stranger snatched the missing bulb from his pocket and threw it before fleeing down the creaky stairs.

“Shit.” Benji leapt back as the glass hit the landing and shattered into countless shards.

The late-night caller dashed to the nondescript sedan in front of the building. The engine revved, the lights flashed on, and the vehicle sped away.

He clutched the freezing banister until the car lights disappeared down the street. His chest heaved. Heat lashed through his veins, combating the cold.

Pepperoni meowed and wove between his legs, rubbing him roughly. Tiny shards glistened in the weak light a few inches from her paws.

“C’mon, you.” He scooped the cat up and hurried back inside.

*~*~*

Add it to Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61398149-arresting-benjamin

Check it out on BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/books/arresting-benjamin-by-amber-daulton

Download Links:
Universal link – https://books2read.com/arrestingbenjamin/
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3usC6SN
Barnes and Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940186751144
iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id6443054336
Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/arresting-benjamin
Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=JHJ5EAAAQBAJ

Giveaway

Check out the Rafflecopter for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0a0982c528/

About the Author

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.

She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats. Learn more about Amber at: Amber Daulton – Home.

UPDATE: The winner is…Chrissie Lege!
*~*~*

Are you feeling Christmassy yet? I know, I know. It’s only October, and where I live in Texas, the temps have fallen to a balmy mid-80s to low 90’s (F) most days. So, that’s our autumn weather. Even so, the stores are filled with Halloween and Fall décor of all kinds. They’re even showcasing some cold-weather gear, such as plush throws, knit hats, and gloves. And if that doesn’t start me thinking about the holidays, then the shelves full of Christmas stuff will!

Then again, maybe I’m more susceptible to thinking holiday thoughts because I wrote a Christmastime romance during the spring. It’s kind of an author woe that one must write holiday books months in advance, whether it’s a Valentine’s Day tale or any other holiday. Then we have to edit the book after our editor returns it. In addition, I followed that with a Thanksgiving-themed novel in my Sweetwater Springs series, then a Christmas novella in that same series. So, holiday themes all year for me.

You might ask, how does a girl from Texas write about snow and cold weather? Well, in between being born here and having returned here as an empty nester, I’ve lived in Colorado, northern Virginia, and Maryland. Believe me, this Texan has seen her share of the white stuff, howling winds, and the kind of cold that takes your breath. I’ve also done Christmas in Hawaii, but that’s a story best told when I have a Tropical Heat novella coming out.

For me, snow does have a magical quality about it while it’s coming down, especially if I can watch it from the safety of a warm house. And there’s something almost ethereal about a moonlit night making the snow appear to glow and sparkle. It definitely adds to the ambiance and holiday spirit in a Christmas book.

Writing holiday books also makes me think of gifting and in that spirit, I have a holiday short story that also contains sample chapters of other works I’ve written – for FREE. Check out HOME FOR CHRISTMAS when you have a minute. And while I’m feeling generous, I’ll give a $5 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter.

In my latest release, Fake Fiancé for Christmas, Lia and Ryan have both the snow aspect of the holidays, as they live in Denver, and a southern Christmas when they travel to the Atlanta area to celebrate the holiday with her family.

Fake Fiancé For Christmas

Faced with a broken engagement due to her guarded heart and her family expecting to meet her fiancé during the first Christmas without her Gran, Lia Taylor decides to take her friends’ advice. She’ll take a fake fiancé home for Christmas.

Ryan Barton grew up in foster homes, unaware he had a family until he met his grandmother at sixteen. Lia’s offer of a noisy family Christmas with a big elaborate meal sounds like heaven, even the part about pretending to be her fiancé.

As Lia and Ryan get to know each other and practice casual touching, hugs, and kisses, their feelings grow. They decide to try for a real relationship with the promise that when either of them withdraws due to old fears, the other will pull them back.

But what will save them when they both withdraw in fear? Are their recent feelings strong enough to save their new relationship or will they hide within the safety of their guarded hearts?

Links:
Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B3BJQHGP/
GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=WxmHEAAAQBAJ
Others retailers: https://books2read.com/u/bQjJ16

About the Author

“Sizzling romance with heart and humor”

Carol is an award-winning author of Sweetwater Springs, a series of contemporary, small-town romances with serious sizzle and a generous dose of southern charm. Her personal second-chance-at-love story resulted in marriage to her high school sweetheart.

Carol has also written several standalone books not connected to any series. Her Tropical Heat novella characters find love and passion on islands and beaches. Writing as Annie Rayburn, she produces Crainesian mashup romances that are sci-fi, paranormal, erotic, contemporary, and alternate history.

Find Carol on the web:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolBurnside
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolburnside/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carol_burnside
Website: https://www.carolburnside.com
Newsletter: https://eepurl.com/smDmf

A special shoutout to Delilah Devlin for hosting me on her blog today. Thanks so much! I appreciate it.

UPDATE: The winner is…Jennifer Beyer!
*~*~*

Guarding Harper

Up for preorder! Reserve your wolf.
https://desireeholt.com/books/guarding-harper/

Leave a comment, win a signed copy of Beck’s Six, the lead story in the “Athena” series.

If you loved Defending Sophie and Beck’s Six, you’ll love Harper and her wolves.

Here is a taste of Guarding Harper:

Prologue

Gabe Walker regarded the five men gathered in Hank Patterson’s kitchen, along with Hank himself and Stone Jacobs, the Brotherhood Protectors leader who had reached out to them. They all had the same look of the hardened warrior, the take-no-prisoners attitude, which was good. They weren’t here for playtime. The work Stone had hinted at needed men like him and his teammates.

Gabe had gone into the military right out of college, after his parents passed away, and there was no longer a place for him on the Texas ranch where they’d worked. Disillusioned by the manner of the drawdown in Afghanistan, they’d all – he and his team – left Fort Drum, headquarters for the Tenth Mountain Division, not reupping in the Army. Since then they’d been putting their skills to use in a security and consulting service. Their motto for their First Brigade Combat Team was “Find a way or make one,” and they’d kept that in place.

When Stone and Hank had approached them, they’d been told a big plus was the fact they’d been working in the Adirondacks, which gave them plenty of experience in the mountains. His team had kept their motto as they created a place for themselves in civilian society. They were all hardened military men. No job was too tough for them.

Gabe was aware that Stone himself had made a major change when Hank Patterson reached out to him. Hank had built a vast security organization that took on the most challenging jobs and could operate where other agencies could not. Stone owed Hank big time for getting him out of a dangerous situation overseas before Hank left the military. He’d made sure the men knew why Brotherhood Protectors was so important to him. Folding his own one-man operation into Brotherhood Protectors seemed like the most productive thing to do. Especially when Hank told him he wanted this part of the organization based in Yellowstone. It was a win/win because Stone’s father owned a lodge in Yellowstone, and he was very familiar with both the territory and the turmoil going on in that area.

When he reached out to the men with his proposal, they’d all been interested. After all, new challenges were what they were  about. The more challenging the better. He’d told them when he approached them that the fact they’d all been working in the Adirondacks would make an easy transition for what he had in mind.

Gabe shifted his attention to the man leaning against the kitchen counter. The one outlier in their group. Alex “Ridge” Ridgely. He had been part of their team at Fort Drum and had the hardened, experienced persona they needed. He was slightly older than the others, but that was because he had enlisted later. The men on Gabe’s team had welcomed Ridge’s experience, and he was a steadying influence.

He also was dedicated to wildlife preservation, which meant this might be right up his alley. He’d at least been interested enough, after two meetings, to show up today and listen to the entire proposition. And the others were glad to see him at least entertaining the offer.

And now, here they were, waiting for the rest of the details that would shape their team.

“Anyone need a coffee refill before we get started?” Hank asked.

They all topped off the liquid in their mugs before taking their seats at the table again, all except Ridge who returned to his spot against the counter. Still reserving judgment, Gabe thought.

“You all know how Hank Patterson and I met,” Stone began. “He saved my ass in a big way when we were both still in the military, and I’ve owed him big time ever since then.”

“Not so,” Hank interrupted. “You’ve paid it back in spades.” He grinned. “But I’m happy to have you obligated to me.”

“I know we’ve explained Brotherhood Protectors to you,” Stone went on, “but just a little refresher here. Hank started it when a situation arose with Sadie, now his wife, and just grew from there. We handle kidnappings, illegal aliens, anything that comes up. No job is too challenging. “

“So you told us,” Justice Kane said. “But what specifically do you have in mind? I’m sure you don’t expect us to stand around taking target practice until a job comes along that we like.”

Stone grinned. “There won’t be much time for hanging around, trust me.”

“You said something when we first met about establishing us in Yellowstone, but you never went into the reason why.”

“Wolves,” Stone told them. “That dwindling species.”

“I understand it’s becoming a bigger and bigger problem.” Nate “Edge” Edgerton sat on one of the barstools, his black German shepherd, Pierce, lounged but alert at his feet.

Stone nodded. “Park rangers eliminated the last wolves in Yellowstone National Park in the 1920s, but they were reintroduced in 1995. The project has been lauded as a conservation success story. The internationally acclaimed Yellowstone Wolf Project oversees research and monitoring of wolves in Yellowstone.”

“But exactly what does that have to do with us?” Wade Fielding asked.

“Good question. There seems to be all kinds of crap going on where wolves are concerned in Yellowstone. Despite the organization’s and individual efforts, it’s become more than local law enforcement or wildlife officers can handle. People are hunting wolves for sport, for profit, or because they interfere with their lifestyle. This is especially true of the ranchers who don’t want to work with the wildlife officers and licensed volunteers.”

“You mean they’re poaching?” Justice asked.

“Worse. In many instances, they draw them out of the areas fenced for them to roam freely then kill them. They can sell the pelts for high dollars on the black market. And that’s only part of it. Some ranchers are trapping them and letting them loose on a rival’s ranch, so they can attack the cattle and put the rancher out of business.”

“Shit.” Gabe Walker had been rocked back in his chair, listening carefully to what Stone had to say. He had a vague idea of what was happening with wolves in the area, but this, what Stone had just told them, turned his stomach.

“Indeed,” Hank agreed. “The project and the wildlife officers make a concerted effort to ensure the wolves stay inside the designated area for them.. But once they leave the park, they’re fair game. And there are plenty of assholes who take advantage of that fact.”

“I’m still curious as to what role we’re supposed to play,” Wade said.

“We have men releasing wolves from the park area to trap and kill. Moving them to other ranches to kill cattle. Using them as attack animals to achieve a purpose. And then there are those who just don’t like the wolves period and will do anything to get rid of them. We’ve had two civilians shot and killed during wolf incidents, and it can only get worse if someone doesn’t put a stop to it.”

“Shit.” Justice let out a slow whistle.

“And that’s not all,” Stone went on. “We have a well-run wolf sanctuary here that’s constantly under attack. Harper Young, who runs it, works her ass off but is constantly coming under fire. People want to shut her down, kill her wolves, destroy her property. You have no idea how vicious people can be when it comes to the preservation of wildlife.”

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UPDATE: The winner is…ButtonsMom2003!
*~*~*

I’m a huge Annabel Joseph fan. I read her Mephisto trilogy after having discovered her when I got my first e-reader. I found one of her books on sale, and I nabbed it. Then I read it, and my world expanded. Now, these books are hardcore total power exchanges. Complete submission. Yet, also very touching. The books struck a chord in me, and I wanted to explore further.

At that time, I was too scared to step out of my comfort zone. Instead of doing, I dove into reading. I read every Annabel book I could get a hold of. Then I did Joey W. Hill’s Nature of Desire series. Some Sierra Cartwright books. Some ménage books by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake. I learned. I sought. I envied.

One day – a very ordinary day – I had an image pop into my mind. A woman at a BDSM club. She was looking on at the goings-on with envy. My mind whirled. Who was she? Why was she there? And, most importantly, who was the man who would bring a smile to her face? Challenge laid before me, I sat down to write. I write by the seat of my pants (also known as a pantser), so I let the story take me where my imagination led it. Within a couple of weeks, I had Amber Eyes.

I wasn’t finished. I had so much fun that I wanted to write another book. Except I hadn’t envisioned a trilogy and so hadn’t set up the next couple. Now, I have a bible of stories – everything I’ve ever thought up that could be a book. It’s a massive beast with almost seventy-five stories. I scoured it and found a story that fit perfectly into the world I’d created. A damaged heroine, a well-meaning but arrogant hero – I sat down to write and, again, within weeks I had Beautiful Eyes.

This time, though, I did a bit of planning. I had a security guard who had now played a pivotal role in the first two books. I started wondering about her story. She had to know what went on in the condo. And since both my previous couples had moved from the condo and out of the city, there had to be a new owner. What was his story? And why would the security guard and the entrepreneur get together? And, finally, where did BDSM fit in? Another few weeks and I had Innocent Eyes.

I wanted to get the books published traditionally — with a publisher — and so I started to shop them around. Let me be honest – I didn’t know what I didn’t know and these books were raw — they needed a lot of work. Eventually, after a number of rejections, I hired a freelance editor to whip them into shape. When I ventured back out, I had better luck and found an editor at The Wild Rose Press. She snagged my manuscript because it intrigued her. To my everlasting gratitude, she decided to take a chance on Amber Eyes. We’ve worked together to get all three books to market. My cover artist did a fantastic job, and the books are now out in the world.

One last note. I found the courage to venture into the BDSM scene in Vancouver, Canada. I started by going to munches. I found a mentor. I attended conferences. I found the courage to put myself out there. This all happened while I was working with my freelance editor. I’ll admit I went back to add scenes and layers to existing story to enhance the books. In other words, some of this is taken from real life — from my own experience. I’m not going to say which parts, and for the sake of peace and harmony in my life, please don’t tell my parents.

I hope you take a chance and pick up these books. They’re dark erotic BDSM books. I put my characters through hell and make them work really hard for their happy ending — but that’s what I give them. Each book ends on a solid happily ever after. But that wasn’t good enough for me. I am launching a new series under the pen name Gabbi Powell in the new year. Several of these characters are going to make cameos and some of the secondary characters in these books are going to get their own stories. I love world building — where the characters come to life for me, and I want to tell their truths. Share their joys. Give them happily ever afters. And some of those secondary characters appear in my gay romance books written under the pen name Gabbi Grey. Every book I write can be read as a stand-alone. But if you venture into my books, there are almost always more places to poke. More places and characters to discover.

Now my gift to you! For a chance to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card, let me know, scorching, spicy, or sweet? Do you have a preferred heat level? I’ve written all three, but I’m intrigued to know where your desires fall on the spectrum. Leave a comment for a chance to win.

Thank you, Delilah for hosting me and letting me share my story.

In Their Eyes Trilogy

Amber Eyes (Book 1)

She needs a firm hand.

He needs a challenge.

School principal Gage Clayton is still grieving the death of his wife and submissive, yet he can’t ignore his Dominant needs. As he enters Club Kink, he’s inexplicably drawn to a newly released sub with an intriguing proposition and the most captivating amber eyes. But she has disturbing baggage and her expectations prove quite a challenge, one that would necessitate a commitment he’s not ready for.

Rielle Reid needs a Dom while she waits for her former Master to return. When she invites a handsome stranger to her home dungeon for a night of play, she’s surprised at his gentle dominance—and her response to it. But in the light of day, his demand for equal footing confounds her. After living four years as a twenty-four/seven slave, she has no concept of how to be anything other than property.

Gage must find a way to master Rielle to free them both from the shackles of the past.

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/3Ln9PX
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CZL6XBX
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/amber-eyes-gabbi-black/1137343876
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Gabbi_Black_Amber_Eyes?id=g-33DwAAQBAJ
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/amber-eyes-11
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/amber-eyes/id1526064524?

Beautiful Eyes (Book 2)
$0.99 cents for a limited time!

She needs redemption

He needs to demand it of her.

Entrepreneur Smith MacLean is obsessed with Alessandra Soriano, a woman he met briefly who disappeared six months ago. After a shocking reunion at Club Kink, he insists she stay with him. He means to find out where she’s been.

Alessandra walked away from her life after making a mistake that cost everything. Her self-imposed penance is living in poverty and doing questionable things with questionable people. Now she’s in Smith’s luxurious condo, under his hand, and obeying his rules.

He has thirty days to convince her to come back from limbo. She has thirty days to convince him she needs to be forgotten. Unless the flames of lust consume them first.

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/3n57Lx
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09C16GHCJ/
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beautiful-eyes-gabbi-black/1139975555
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/beautiful-eyes/id1580299905
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Gabbi_Black_Beautiful_Eyes?id=BlVBEAAAQBAJ
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/beautiful-eyes-4

Innocent Eyes Synopsis (Book 3)
Pre-release price $3.99, regular $5.99

She’s a diligent student.

He’s a masterful teacher.

Hardworking university student Tarah Peters has observed tycoon Sebastian Merrick from her security guard post for weeks. Under his gaze, she experiences desire for the first time in her life, and his unexpected proposition both daunts and intrigues her.

Sebastian doesn’t proposition women, but feels compelled to offer Tarah a place to live and money for her schooling while he introduces her to his darkly erotic world. Her naïveté calls to him, but he must maintain an emotional distance while showing her the meaning of submission.

Tarah yearns for Sebastian to admit he wants more than just a Dominant/submissive relationship, that their enthrallment is mutual. Can she convince him this might be more than just an affair?

Universal link: https://books2read.com/InnocentEyes
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BB3F6CSB
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/innocent-eyes-gabbi-black/1142024873
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/innocent-eyes/id6443282114

About the Author

Even though Gabbi Black is a firm believer in happy endings, she makes her characters work for it in every romance she writes, no matter what the genre. From contemporary to BDSM, they are penned early in the morning in her home in beautiful British Columbia while her trusty ChinPoo dog keeps her company. She also writes gay romances as Gabbi Grey.

Website:  https://gabbiblack.com/
Newsletter sign-up: https://sendfox.com/gabbi
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/2763198834
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgabbiblack/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabbiAuthor

I appreciate the opportunity to talk about romance and jumped on Delilah Devin’s invitation to guest post.

As an author, I love to toy with dark ideas in the realm of romance. It’s rooted in the characters I create. Their wounds. Their goals. Their desires. The black hole in their soul that will either be a wasteland or the road to salvation. In writing fiction, it’s fun to translate those into symbols scattered throughout the story. Touchstones. Images we give readers. There’s no better visual than Darth Vader. And the words of Yoda: Anger, fear, aggression. The dark are they.

In romance, our main characters obviously are in love or soon will be. In erotic romance, sex is a powerful vehicle and lust is the driver. How far do we take-send-deliver the character with the most at stake?

That’s a gray area.

Tapping into our emotions ~ How dark can dark go?

It depends. When it involves fictional love and not just sex, we have to start with someone in need. I write alpha male characters and they’re hungry. They have a zest and zeal for life, starting in childhood, then it explodes in adulthood, usually in a skillset and a career. Someone we’d peg as passion-infused… or obsessed?

But to feel what a character feels, we need a common language to go deep. And sometimes, we aren’t sure why some terms are a turn-on… or a turnoff.

Passion and obsession by definition:

passion (n.) In Middle English “…an ailment, disease, affliction…” also “an emotion, desire, inclination, feeling; desire to sin considered as an affliction…” (mid-13c.). The specific meaning “…intense or vehement emotion or desire…”

obsession (n.) 1510s, “…action of besieging…” (Later (c. 1600), “…hostile action of an evil spirit…” …(like possession but without the spirit actually inhabiting the body). Psychological sense “idea or image that intrudes on the mind of a person against his will” is from 1901.

[From] obsess: Of evil spirits, “to haunt,” from 1530s.

—Online Etymology Dictionary https://www.etymonline.com/

We use ‘passion’ to describe extreme emotions, while ‘obsession’ was once equated to being haunted, or nearly possessed.

Between passion and obsession lies the demarcation of what is acceptable. Who doesn’t want to feel passionate about something? What about obsessed?

If by obsessed, do we mean they’ve gone over the edge? But have they?

Crossing the line~

While writing romance, a fictional mirror of reality, I’ve played with taking a character to the very edge of obsession. In Her Forever Cowboy, Stephen McLemore, an explosives engineer, walked away from crossing the line with Jillian. Eight years prior, he was in college and she was in high school. In the backyard of her parents’ home, which was about to be sold, they shared a stolen kiss. Jillian’s parents recently died. In a moment of offering Jillian consolation and comfort, Stephen crossed the line. At that moment he realized he wanted more, much more. A taste of Jillian left this man with an open wound. An ache. A consuming hunger.

Instead of consummating a budding romance, the hero walked away. But did he? This is a story about a man who refused to cross the ultimate line into darkness, but remained rooted in the heroine’s life in ways that clearly bordered on obsessive. And it isn’t until the very end of the story that the reader and Jillian become aware of how much. For some, the story could be taken as too much. What the hero did was unacceptable. For others, it’s the sign of unrequited love. A chance to be the wind beneath another person’s wings by giving them opportunities they might not have had. And that question plagues the hero. Did he alter the heroine’s life for the better and will she forgive him?

Why do we love to hate our obsessions?

So, in writing this type of hyped existence, I skate a fine line in Her Forever Cowboy. In order to give Stephen McLemore the opportunity to heal, he has to admit he has a problem. He does, up to a point. It’s up to the reader to decide from the get-go. Is Stephen wrong in doing the things he does, given the circumstances? Wrong because all obsessive behavior is too much? Or can a human being actually circumvent free will?

We connect with romance heroes and heroines because they’re flawed. They come to terms with their complex nature and are willing to change for the sake of love. In Her Forever Cowboy, I pushed boundaries to the max. Subplots involve family dynamics, drug and alcohol addiction, money and the things people do to maintain face, how far over the edge will friends and family go to preserve the status quo, loyalty, compassion and forgiveness.

In writing dark romance, it’s always a dance of weaving love, lust, shining moments, darkness in the soul, sickness, obsessions, addictions, redemption, pain, and selflessness. Both as reader and writer, it’s like boarding the ultimate emotional roller coaster. To love dark romance, we adore the steep rise and sharp drop.

Whether it’s life and fictional romance, it’s why we do what we do again, and again, and again.

Hope to see you on the dark side. It’s so much fun to be bad!

Do you agree? What’s something you’re passionate or obsessed about, or straddle the line? What would it be like to not have this deep feeling?

*~*~*

Thank you so much for allowing me to stir the pot on dark romance and give you a taste to the backstory of Stephen McLemore. Take care and happy romance trails.

About the Writer

Susan Arden is a best-selling author of romance novels. She lives just south of Nashville and when she isn’t writing, she owns and runs a cut flower farm. Susan is releasing four new novels in 2023. Stay tuned! www.susanardenauthor.com

Her Forever Cowboy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I48M19C

I’ve never been much of a gardener, but this week I’ve felt the urge to get out into nature. It’s early spring here in Melbourne, Australia, and every year like clockwork, I feel the need to grow things. Warm sunshine and the idea of new beginnings fill me with hope and renewed energy. But more on that later.

My husband and I chose seedlings we thought we’d be safe with. Lettuce, tomatoes, chili, chives, basil, and oregano. We’ve had an abundance of parsley from last year’s crop, so we hold hope that we’re not completely hopeless.

Amongst the rows of plants, I drift towards the plethora of colour. Fragrant roses and sunny daisies tempt me, but I had something else in mind. I’ve discovered a love for dahlias. They’re pretty to look at and I couldn’t stop myself from picking out these two beauties.

Sincerity Rose

Tropical Punch

I mentioned new beginnings. At this time of year, I find myself reflecting on the past and pondering the future. I’m proud of the two novels I’ve written during the past year, and I look forward to another productive year ahead.

Now that I’m recovering from much needed sinus surgery, I’m drawing a line against the past few months of health issues and looking towards better days.

I know this period of reflection and hope definitely has something to do with my birthday. Yes, today I am a year older but I’m treating the day like any other Sunday. Although we may splurge on getting some takeout delivered. Who doesn’t love deliveries of any kind? And who doesn’t love a FREEBIE?

Cop Hero √
High school sweethearts √
Feisty female √
Second chance of love √
Sweet with a touch of naughty √
Sweet and spicy √
Intro to the Browne brothers’ √
Browne brothers’ banter √

Book 1 The Cop is available with Amazon and KU

Kane Browne is a sexy as sin cop who is used to accommodating everyone else’s needs before his own.
Cue Jess Frost, the gorgeous woman with a sharp tongue and eyes like the ocean.

From their first roadside interaction, sparks fly but an illness has robbed Jess of her self-confidence and Kane needs to convince her he’s worth taking a chance on.

Book 2 The Athlete is FREE today and tomorrow on e–book Amazon and KU

‘Dane was easy. All he wanted, was to play footy.’

Recently, ‘The Great Dane’ Browne has been questioning whether he can return to the elite level of Australian Rules Football and more importantly, whether he wants to.

Katelyn Jennings has never really made peace with the breakup with her high school sweetheart and for good reason. Working as a nurse in the rural town of Kingston Creek, a chance encounter will put her heart and her life through the ultimate test.

They’re about to discover whether you can move on from your first love. And for Dane, it’s about discovering who he really is AWAY from the game.

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