We have a lot to celebrate here at Garden Avenue Press! Last night we learned that SIX of our authors were nominated for Building Relationships Around Books (BRAB) awards! The online book club is made up of over 1600 members, and every year the awards are announced at the annual readers' retreat. Needless to say, it's quite an honor to be nominated when you consider the hundreds (maybe thousands??) of books read by the members. Below are all the nominees and their categories.

Beverly Jenkins Author of the Year Award – Delaney Diamond
Best Interracial – Princess of Estoria, Delaney Diamond
Adrianne Byrd Queen of Comedy Romance – Two Nights in Paris, Delaney Diamond
Book Husband of the Year – Stephan Brooks from Two Nights in Paris, Delaney Diamond
Couple of the Year – Jacob and Lena from Endless Love, Nyora René
New Author - Nyora René, S. Taylor, Tiye Love, Colette Miller Watkins
Brenda Jackson Romance of the Year: Endless Love by Nyora René
Best Villain – Diane Blythe from The Heart of Things, J.L. Campbell

This month we're going to introduce you to one of our authors every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Each short interview ends with what they're thankful for because, it is after all almost Thanksgiving, and the time of year when we often reflect.

Our last but not the least author interview is with Delaney Diamond! ​
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When you were a kid, what career did you want to have?
Like almost every girl I grew up with, I wanted to be a teacher. At one point my dreams switched to secretary because I took typing classes. By high school my average typing speed was 80 wpm.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten for breakfast that is not a breakfast food?
Leftover salad. I didn’t feel like making breakfast or even putting ingredients in a blender to make a smoothie—my go-to simple breakfast. I ate a leftover Zaxby’s chicken salad that was supposed to be my lunch. No regrets.  

Do you remember your first crush? What happened with that person?
I do! In elementary school I had a crush on a guy who wore an Afro pick in his big Afro and was loud and sort of a bad boy in the neighborhood. Nothing happened because I was shy and he was several grades ahead of me. Thinking back, I’m not even sure why I liked him. He was cute, but definitely a troublemaker. Maybe he just stood out because he was the loudest one on the block, lol.

Quick answers: Favorite perfume? Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet. Favorite ice cream? Rum raisin. Favorite season? Spring. Favorite color? Yellow. Coffee or tea? Tea. Cats or dogs? Neither, but if I must choose, a cute little dog like a Yorkie.

Writing-wise, what are you working on?
I have so many ideas it’s hard to concentrate on one project! I’m currently working on the next princess book in my Royal Brides series, titled Princess of Estoria. I’m also kinda-sorta writing my first romantic suspense, while also doing research for the book. I’m learning a lot about spies, weapons, and the skillsets of people in special forces. I have to remember not to go down the rabbit hole of research because I won’t use most of this information in my stories, but so far it’s been fascinating.
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What are you thankful for?
I’m thankful for my health and my family and friends—people I can count on. It’s nice to be able to pick up the phone and know that there are people who have your back and care about you. Or to be able to say, “Hey, let’s get together and do xyz” and they’re game for it. I’m also thankful for the wonderful readers that support my passion of writing. I can’t say that enough. Getting so much love and support is a blessing, and I don’t take it for granted. I look forward to many more years of writing and sharing my stories with readers.
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Delaney Diamond writes sweet, sensual, passionate romance novels. You can find out more about her and her books at www.delaneydiamond.com and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. 

Come back every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to meet another author!
November 5: Chanta Rand
November 7: S. Taylor
November 9: Nyora Rene
November 12: Tiye
November 14: Colette Miller Watkins
November 19: J.L. Campbell
November 21: Delaney Diamond