UPDATE: The winner is…Debby!
*~*~*

I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name…

I don’t know why that song is playing through my mind today. Okay, so maybe because it’s so dang hot in this house. I’ve stopped looking at the thermostat. Only, this heat isn’t desert-like. It’s swamp-like. I should’ve hunted for a swampy picture for the puzzle.

Since I’m still whining today, you know that our AC hasn’t been fixed. The repairman tells us it will likely be Monday. He’s not my favorite person right now.

I’m tired of the slumber party every night in the 20-year-old’s room. The girls are lovely—my favorite people and wonderful chaos, really. But I’m ready to be a hermit and retire at night to my own bedroom. I was up at 3-ish this morning and tried to go back to sleep, but everyone, including the 20-year-old’s cat, was snoring. So, I snuck downstairs to my office, turned on every fan, and pointed it toward my desk, and here I shall remain until the heat fogs my mind, and I have to throw in the towel. Probably just after noon.

Whine-whine-whine. Whine some more. Okay, I’m done.

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me something uplifting today. A quote. A funny story. Your choice!

UPDATE: The winner is…flchen!
*~*~*

What a hellish week!

On Monday, the remnants of Hurricane Beryl barreled through Arkansas in the evening. We were under a Tornado Watch then a Tornado Warning. Everyone had their phones tuned to weather watchers, and even though we had some terrible thunderstorms, we dodged that bullet in my area.

Or so we thought.  By midmorning the next day, we knew we had some issues with our AC. It took until Monday night, when we could finally find one of those 24-hour guys who charges an arm and a leg for house calls to come out and assess our problem. It appears Hurricane Beryl’s lightning caused a power surge which fried our compressor—so not a quick or cheap fix. We had to wait a day after that to hear whether our AC unit is still under warranty. Thankfully, it is so it’s only going to cost a $1000 to repair it. The bad part of that is that the manufacturer has to ship the replacement part.

So, here we are, it’s Friday, during a horrible heat spell, and we have no AC! And it looks like a real possibility we won’t get the part in until Monday!!!!!!

How are we coping?

The 20-year-old has a converted garage bedroom with its own mini-split. So, the three girls and I are sleeping in there at night. My dd and SIL broke down and bought a window unit for their bedroom yesterday. My office is in the basement, and for the first couple of days with every fan I could run, it stayed acceptably warm. But the heat has been building down here. I set my alarm for early morning and work as long as I can—usually until early afternoon—before I have to head up to one of the oases of cool in the house. Which means, my work schedule is hosed! And did I mention we have 4 inside cats and 7 dogs we have to keep cool, too?!

The pool has been a godsend. Mid-morning, we hit the water, and the mid-80s water feels like an ice bath. In the evening, once the sun is off the pool, we swim again, and that helps lower our body temperature so we can feel comfortable for the evening in our rooms. There’s been no cooking going on! Tons of takeout—because turning on a stove in an already stuffy 85-degree kitchen is unbearable.

So, I’m whining. The girls have been troopers. They roll with everything. The nights spent in the 20-year-old’s bedroom are like a slumber party. My dd and I are the ones doing the most complaining. The constant heat is very wearing. Especially for me, being of a certain age. The house stinks with no circulating air. Wah-wah-wah.

So, I’m sure others out there have faced trials like this. I’d love some ideas for how to cope with the heat. Comment for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

I’m excited to share my new release, Falling for a Star in the City. It’s a standalone book that’s part of the Stars in the City interconnected series. Each book can be read on its own, but the characters all exist in the same world in New York City. Check out the blurb:

Paige thought she had it all: a job on the soap opera Charmed Lives and a boyfriend who was trying to get discovered as a singer/songwriter. Then her part on the show is reduced to reoccurring status and her family pushes her to leave her acting dreams behind to major in journalism—what they call a “real job.” Her relationship with her wannabe pop star boyfriend, Walker, ends only for her to find out he signed a recording contract right after their breakup. Then she reads online that his new album is about their relationship.

She gets an internship in the sports department at the TV station where she meets a college hockey player named Viktor who has trust issues from a past relationship. Now with Walker’s pop star dreams taking off, it leaves her questioning her own play-it-safe tendencies, her acting career aspirations, self-worth, and relationships. Everyone else seems to have it together but her.

Paige and Viktor begin to confide in each other, which soon leaves them falling for each other, but Paige worries their worlds are too different for them to work as a couple. Plus, there’s the issue of Walker trying to back together with her, but has fame changed him?

Meanwhile, Paige has a minor accident which leaves her questioning if she ever really wanted a flashy lifestyle or if it was what she felt she was supposed to want. Now she must figure out what she really needs to be happy and fulfilled in life. Can Paige find both her purpose & true love?

***Free in Kindle Unlimited ***
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Star-City-Hockey-Romance-ebook/dp/B0CVXHF8DL
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Falling-Star-City-Hockey-Romance-ebook/dp/B0CVXHF8DL
Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/Falling-Star-City-Hockey-Romance-ebook/dp/B0CVXHF8DL
Amazon Aus: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0CVXHF8DL
Add it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208865198-falling-for-a-star-in-the-city

New review: Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers’ Favorite

Falling for a Star in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager follows Paige, a young woman navigating the highs and lows of her acting career and personal life in a bustling city. Paige is driven by her dreams of acting success and haunted by a recent breakup with Walker. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she starts an internship at a TV station, initially performing menial tasks but eventually impressing the sports department. Paige faces professional and emotional challenges, encountering Viktor, a hockey player, and seeing her ex, Walker, whose music career was inspired by their split. The story captures Paige’s inner conflicts and resilience as she navigates her evolving relationships with Walker and Viktor, culminating in moments of personal growth and professional achievements. Falling for a Star in the City is rich with themes of love, career ambitions, and personal discovery.

Krysten Lindsay Hager carefully shows the ups and downs of Paige’s feelings and choices, helping readers understand her successes and failures. The writing is both engaging and straightforward and the use of humor and introspection maintains intrigue and emotional resonance. The descriptive language and relatable dialogue enhance the characters and their experiences. The setting is the vibrant backdrop of the city, and the tone is a blend of lightheartedness and emotional depth; both capture the protagonist’s optimistic yet sometimes uncertain outlook on her future. Paige is a well-rounded character. Her interactions with Walker and Viktor are key to the story, revealing different sides of her personality and helping her grow emotionally. The other characters, like her friends and coworkers, enrich the story by showing the importance of friendship and support. The title itself aptly captures the essence of the story. The word “star” hints at Paige’s acting career and her romantic interests, giving the title an intriguing double meaning. This sets the stage for the themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery that unfold. The book also gives a clear message of resilience and being true to yourself. It highlights the importance of real connections and having the courage to chase your dreams, no matter the obstacles. Falling for a Star in the City is a compelling narrative that resonates with its authentic portrayal of personal growth and relationships.

UPDATE: The winner is…Mary McCoy!
*~*~*

Hello Delilah!  Thank you so much for inviting me to join you today.  I have a new release I’m excited to share with you and your readers! Sun, Surf, and Surprises is a short story I just had to write!  My publisher put out a call for beach reads. I didn’t have a book lounging about neglected on my laptop, and I didn’t have time to write the story that came to mind—but I did have time to write a short story and to get it in for the deadline.

As always, I consulted my plot whisperer.  I said: movie industry, Los Angeles, beach, gay short story.  She asked what the most stressful job on a film set is.  I said probably executive producer since the buck stops with them.  She gave me Jerome.  Then she proceeded to give me the story of how he hires an escort to help him unwind during a forced hiatus…and how things go sideways.

Sounds simple, right?  I wrote the story, polished it up, and sent it to my editor.  She read it, sent it to the senior editor, then came back to me.  Turns out (and I didn’t know this) hiring an escort for sex is illegal in California.  I was like…uh… (me speechless).  Many a gay romance has this plot.  And I’m certain a few other romances as well.  My editor was firm she didn’t believe Jerome would do anything illegal.  She made a persuasive case.  More importantly, I’d written this story for them.  For this series.  I suspected mine would be one of only a handful (if any) of inclusive and diverse stories.  I loved Jerome and Alex so much that I made the edits.  It didn’t change the essence of the story—a mistaken identity.  Working within what was legal in California didn’t take away from the central romance.

I also had to work hard to keep another scene I really liked.  That meant adding an additional one which completely didn’t bother me.  More writing?  Bring it on!  Anyway, I’ve patiently waited five months to get Jerome and Alex in front of readers, and I’m thrilled they’re finally here!  I hope readers have as much fun reading their story as I did writing it.

Thank you for having me!  I would love to give out a copy of my book Valentino in Vancouver.  Valentino and his husband, Seamus, have a cameo in Sun, Surf, and Surprises, and I’d love to share that book (or another one from my back catalog).  To win, just drop a comment. Is mistaken identity a trope that you enjoy?  That you’ve never tried? That you believe has been done too often?  Leave a comment and you might win a book!

Sun, Surf, and Surprises

Sometimes a wrong can make a right.

I hate downtime. Detest it. So when our film production shuts down for a week and my boss sends me off to an LA beach house, I’m bouncing off the walls. Hiring an escort to keep me company seems like a creative way to make the time pass faster. And boy, does Alex help me forget about my troubles. He’s sweet and smart, and I’m more hooked on him with every passing hour. Then reality comes crashing in, and I’m afraid I’ll lose him forever.

Get your copy here!

About the Author

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

If you thought the police officers of Delta Heat were hot, the firefighters of Station 69, the Delta Fire series, are on fire! Yeah, that’s kind of cheesy, but I’ve been dying to say that! 🙂 Yes, this series is erotic romance. You’ve been warned!

All I want to say is the guys in Firehouse 69 have suffered a loss and are looking for a way to heal. Enter Club La Forge. Because I want you to start with this book first, I’ve set the price at only $0.99—and it’s FREE for a limited time in Kindle Unlimited. 

Burning Up Memphis

When firefighter John Cooper accepts an invitation to go to Club LaForge with his friends, he didn’t expect the sights and sounds of the BDSM club to have such an effect on him. Far from being turned off, he’s surprised to find himself thinking this lifestyle might just be what he needs—especially if Moira, his luscious guide for the evening, is willing to teach him everything he wants to know.

Moira Blessing is an experienced BDSM trainer, and she senses that Coop is not only a Dom in the making, but he could also be the man she’s looking for—someone to be her lover and her Dom. But Coop’s best friend just died on the job, and he’s not interested in anything serious right now. Good thing Moira thinks going slow can be sexy when done right…

Note: This book was previously published.

Get your copy here!

UPDATE: The winner is…Deb Brown!
*~*~*

What indeed? If you’ve visited this blog during the past couple of weeks, you know that there’s something fun happening over at another website I run, Delilah’s Collections. It only gets active for a few months a year, but when it does, it’s like a firehose of activities!

We’re running a little campaign now through the release of our latest collection, Secret Identities: A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology, which will drop on July 30th. It’s a fun getting to know the authors activity, filled with interesting tidbits about them and multiple opportunities to win prizes or pick up some freebies.

Now back to those images… They represent the first four posts from the authors who are eager to meet you!

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, let me know whether you’ve been over to the Collections website to “meet” our new authors!

Yesterday was fantastic! It was such a cool girls’ day out to celebrate the oldest hitting 20! We had lunch at Red Lobster (do you know how hard it is to count Weight Watchers points there?!), we did some light shopping at Ulta, TJ Maxx, and Bath & Body Works, and then we went to see Inside Out 2! We loved the movie, BTW. When we got home, we all jumped into the pool for an hour, dancing to hip-hop and Gypsy Kings in the water! Lovely day! I slept like a baby last night.

I hope you’re finding ways to enjoy your summer! We do our best to beat the heat or plan our time outside for the morning or late afternoon. The electric bill for last month nearly choked me, but that’s the price of living in the South. 🙁

You all take care and have a great week! Be sure to check out the multitude of contests listed below! ~DD

Report Card

Last week…

• I began plugging away in earnest at writing the book due out later this month!
• I worked on one editing job for another author.
• I continued working on editing the Secret Identities short stories for the anthology.
• We finally got the pool chemicals balanced and started swimming!
• I began Weight Watchers and have lost 4.2 pounds!

This next week…

• I’ll continue to work on Cyrus!
• I will finish an editing job for another author!
• I’ll finish editing stories in the Secret Identities anthology.
• I’ll begin working on my short story for SI!
• I have an imaging appointment on Monday.
• I’ll continue swimming and counting those points on Weight Watchers!

Open Contests

On the Delilah’s Collections website!

1. GETTING TO KNOW CAMERON ALLIE (CONTEST + 2 FREE READS!) — Last day to enter! 10 winners! Win a FREE book + Everyone gets 2 FREE books!
2. GETTING TO KNOW REINA TORRES (CONTEST) — This one ends soon! Win a FREE book!
3. GETTING TO KNOW DARAH LACE (CONTEST) — This one ends soon! Win a FREE book!

Here, on this site!

1. Clear My Bookshelf Giveaway (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win a SIGNED book + some hand painted (by me!) goodies!
2. Anna Taylor Sweringen/Michal Scott: Harriet Ann Jacobs – Setting and Keeping the Record Straight on Slavery (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. What’s Coming Soon & the Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Orange you glad you stopped by? — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. June into July (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
5. Gabbi Grey: Puppies and kiddos (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
6. Sliding Puzzle: Happy Independence Day! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
7. Reina Torres! My New Military Romance Series! (Contest–Two Winners!) — Win a FREE book!
8. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: At the movies… — Win an Amazon gift card!