For those of you in the U.S., Happy Labor Day! Enjoy the day off!

I hope you spend it with family, relaxing and grilling something yummy! I’m not sure we’re going to do anything elaborate. The SIL is working today, and the kids are likely just to enjoy Facetiming or gaming with friends. I can’t see my dd being eager to fire up the grill on her own. So instead, maybe I’ll make my special ravioli pasta and give her a break. Anyway, enjoy your day!

Open Contests

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

1. I love Fridays! (Contest) — This one ends today! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: The Black Moon — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Anna Taylor Sweringen/Michal Scott: Maria Fearing — Her Own Hope and Dream — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Happy Dog Appreciation Day! (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
5. Gabbi Grey: Stories Finding New Homes (Contest) — Win FREE box sets of books!
6. Favorite Romances You’ve Watched Recently (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
7. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Cold Pool — Win an Amazon gift card!
8. August into September (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!

Hello, Delilah!  Thank you for inviting me to discuss my new release!  Love in Mission City: The Four Seasons is my fourth box set in the Love in Mission City world.  The box set has five short stories that all appeared previously in other anthologies.  Four seasons and five stories?  Well, four seasons and a bonus story.  I have a tale to share, though, about how this came about.

As you may know, 2024 was my year of saying Hell yes to every opportunity that came my way.  Let me tell you, there were a lot.  I joined some shared worlds, I poked my head down rugby rabbit holes, and I wrote about gay rockstars.  I also signed up for about twenty anthologies. Yep! Twenty.  That number was split between charity projects and for-profit ones.

I hit the ground running with several stories coming due within weeks.  Undaunted, I had fun with Plot Whisperer as she whispered plots to me.  I put my head down and wrote the stories.  The second story I wrote was Christmas Courtship.  The story of two men meeting — and falling in love — at a Christmas market.  Okay, so winter.

At that point, I was starting to think about what I would do with the short stories once the anthologies were delisted and my rights reverted.  To that point, I’d sort of been doing things haphazardly.  Kind of all over the place.  I had my first box set, which, of the five stories, only had two that were at all linked.  Readers still enjoyed the five stories, but they lacked cohesion.  My second box set was two novellas that were connected. So that worked.

My third box set started a little chaotically, but the final novella drew everything together nicely.  Readers have appreciated that.

Which brings me to this latest.  I had a Christmas story.  I’d signed up to write an autumn/bonfire story.  Okay, two seasons.  Beyond that, I had two more planned in Mission City — an office romance and an instalove.  Why not set them in spring and summer?  Okay then…done.  Except, I wrote: Christmas, Summer, Autumn, and then Spring.  In my head, I had to hold what I’d written and what I was going to write.  Plus, I had to integrate the stories into an existing world.

I managed.  I did give the box set to a couple of ARC readers who are familiar with Mission City to ensure I did everything okay — which, apparently, I did.  The bonus story was one I wrote for a charity anthology that didn’t have a home.  Interestingly, I’m not even certain which season I set it in — that was one of the more rushed projects, and at only 5k words, I had to get in and out quickly.

The stories range from 5k to 15k.  The total is about 55k — which is generally (although not planned) — the length of my boxsets.  I want readers to feel like they’ve received some value for their hard-earned dollars.

That’s it!  The story of how I got my stuff together and put out a cohesive box set.  I have three more coming, and I’ve already sat down and mapped them out.  The New Romance Café has moved away from anthologies and are doing multi-author themed series.  My two rugby books were part of the first one.  I’ve signed up for three more (because, of course I did) and we’ll see what my brain puts out.

Okay.  Thank you for letting me visit!  I love sharing the writing/marketing process with your readers.

Contest: As a special thank you, I would love to gift copies of my first two boxsets: Love in Mission City: The Shorts and Love in Mission City: The Boyfriends Duet.  Just let me know – do you prefer themed anthologies or boxsets or does there have to be a cohesive throughline?  Just drop a comment – Random will select a winner!  Good luck!

Love in Mission City: The Four Seasons

Love in Mission City: The Four Seasons includes five short stories…

Mission City is tucked in the charming Cedar Valley in southwestern British Columbia. If you love heartwarming, contemporary small-town gay romances, then come home to Mission City and fall in love with the men who live there. Romance shows up in the unlikeliest places. And trouble has a way of finding them…

Christmas Courtship

Johnson takes great pride in his homemade apple cider, and the Christmas market is the perfect place to find new customers. As he scans the holiday craft booths, his eye is caught by some exquisite fairy figurines and he’s intrigued. But Henry, the artist, is excruciatingly shy. It will take all of Johnson’s charm, and a little holiday magic, to make this more than one fleeting encounter.

Christmas Courtship is a 12k gay holiday romance short story with a quiet artist, a boisterous cider-maker, some nosy matchmakers, the magic of Christmas, and a zany border collie named Zeus. The story previously appeared in the anthology Mistletoe and Markets.

Anything’s Pawsible

Carter can’t resist saying hi to every cute dog he sees, but his neighbor’s two, Sheffield and Rosebud? Totally adorable. So’s their grouchy owner, even if Byron seems to avoid human contact. Carter will just keep on being himself, and maybe even a man who has given up on love will find he has space in his life for some sunshine.

Anything’s Pawsible is a 15k instalove age-gap, opposites-attract, grumpy/sunshine gay interracial romance short story with a curmudgeon accountant, a Gen Z writer, and two of the cutest dogs ever. The story first appeared in the anthology Just Add Love.

The Office Hotshot

Successful architect Knight assumed he could trust his sister-in-law to complete the interior decoration on his latest project, as she always has. Instead, in walks a flamboyant, cheerful stranger who announces he’s her maternity leave replacement.
Orlando’s just out of school, and he wants to make a good impression in this dream job, but something about uptight Knight pushes all his buttons. Seducing the boss definitely isn’t a great idea, but he just can’t help himself.

The Office Hotshot is a 15k word gay romance short story with a successful architect, a quirky younger interior designer, and a cantankerous photocopier. This story first appeared in the anthology On the Clock.

Pumpkin Spicy

Clay is at the Fall Market selling his super-secret pumpkin spice. When a handsome man keeps coming around to chat, he’s intrigued. Ashton is a mystery Clay definitely wants to solve before he sells his last jar.

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. This story first appeared in the anthology Light My Fire.

Returning to You

Cullen walked away from Gil to marry the woman he’d gotten pregnant, and Gil encouraged him to do the right thing. Now, years later, Gil answers the door and finds Cullen on his doorstep. The man Gil once loved is now widowed, a single dad, and ready to beg him for a second chance. Is it too late, or does Gil have the courage to risk his heart again?

Returning to You is a 5k gay second-chance romance short story with a single dad and a successful-but-lonely lawyer who find their way home. This story first appeared in the anthology Second Time’s A Charm.

Links:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Mission-City-Four-Seasons-ebook/dp/B0FG13HX2P
Universal Book Link:  https://books2read.com/FourSeasons
Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/237518407-love-in-mission-city

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/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15456297.Gabbi_Grey
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Gabbi-Grey/e/B07SJVFX1M
Audible Profile: https://www.audible.com/author/Gabbi-Grey/B07SJVFX1M
Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey

I learned of missionary teacher, Maria Fearing, this year while posting Black Presbyterian facts during Black History month. Once again, I came away awestruck by the resilience and determination of another 19^th century African American woman who refused to let circumstances or the dictates of others determine her destiny.

Maria was born enslaved on the William O. Winston Oakhill Plantation in Gainesville Alabama on July 26, 1838. She served as a house slave there.  She learned bible stories and about missionaries in Africa alongside the children of her owner. Thus, were planted the seeds for what she hoped and dreamed to do with her life if she gained her freedom.

After emancipation, her father, Jesse, took the surname Fearing for his family from a former owner. She learned to read and write when she was thirty-three years old and became a teacher through the Freedman’s Bureau School in Talledega, Alabama.

In 1891, Maria responded to an appeal for volunteers from the presbyterian African American missionary, William Sheppard, to work in Luebo, the Congo (now Zaire). However, she was rejected by the denomination because of her age, fifty-six. Undaunted, she went anyway as a self-supporting missionary in 1894, thanks to her own finances and support from the women of a local congregational church.

She labored in Luebo for two years before finally receiving full missionary status and a salary. While there, she learned the Baluba-Lulua language and helped to translate the Bible into it. She also founded the Pantops Home for Girls. The Home provided shelter and support for orphaned girls and girls she helped rescue from enslavement. She continued there for more than twenty years, finally retiring from the mission field at the age of seventy-eight.

She returned to Selma, Alabama, where she taught in a church school until age ninety-three. She never married or had children and died in 1937 at the age of ninety-nine. For her achievements, she was inducted into the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame in 2000.

In her poem, “Still I Rise,” Maya Angelou describes herself with the line “I am the dream and the hope of the slave.” Maria’s story proves that not all slaves left their hopes and dreams to be fulfilled by future generations. Once freed, she lived out her hopes and dreams in her own time. She made her life her legacy.

In the face of societal attempts today to erase the achievements of people of color and women of all races from American history, I’m proud to be among those spreading the accomplishments of women like Maria Fearing far and wide.

Contest: For a chance at a $10 Amazon gift card, leave your impression of Maria and/or other women like her that you know of in the comments.

Put It In A Book
Inside Stranded: A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology

Trapped in a book by a sorcerer for rejecting his sexual advances, an ex-slave’s daughter discovers her one hope of rescue – a nosy thief.  

Excerpt:

A multiple volume encyclopedia stood on shelves at chest level in a far corner. Morlu would want his wealth within easy reach. Sekou pulled down the first volume and rifled through the pages. Paper currency of all types fluttered to his feet like leaves whirling from the branches of bombax trees in winter.

Clever, Dibia. But not clever enough.

Sekou chuckled and rifled through volume after volume. By the time he reached Z a pile of money lay on the floor. He scooped the cash into his swag sack, laughing quietly at his haul.

He thrust the last volume back into place, knocking a slender manuscript off the shelf.

The Story of Aziza.

He recognized the title of the book with which Morlu had taunted him. He picked it up, fanned the pages with his thumb. A sigh drifted past him. Startled, he crouched and looked left then right. Only the night breeze disturbed the silence. He fanned through the pages again. This time a scent – light like rain, sweet like honey – graced the air.

He stared at the face of a withered old hag on the book’s cover. The image had repulsed and fascinated him. The gaze in her eyes shone with intelligence and defiance, so unlike the villagers lionizing the dibia at this moment.

Sekou opened to the flyleaf. There the image of a black beauty stared back at him. Her skin was as smooth as the hag’s was wrinkled, but the same intelligent defiance shone in her eyes. He traced the outline of her chin jutting forth with pride.

“So, ladies…” He feathered his fingers along her full lips then examined the woman on the cover again. “To which one of you does this story belong?”

Buylink: Amazon – https://amzn.to/3dLd9rM

Just days after I was first diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, a little over a year ago, my daughter and SIL ordered me one of these.

She knew I was going straight into chemo, and that it was going to be rough. She and I googled the effects it would have on my body—the aches, the weakness—and she determined right then and there she was going to gift me with one of these to help me get my tired ass up. After my surgery to remove my cancer-riddled organs, this chair was also my bed because getting off a bed on my own was beyond my capability. Even though I’ve recovered a lot of my strength (not all) after my chemo ended and after my surgery, I still rely on it those days when my infusions make me fatigued. So, hell yeah, I endorse this product. You can find them for as little as $299, but the money will be well spent.

The other item I will endorse for its aid and comfort to me during this entire process is this—a bidet.

This is one you fit to your existing toilet. And it’s completely affordable. I think I spent $35 on it, and my SIL installed it in less than half an hour. When you’re weak or reaching to clean yourself properly, a bidet can save you having to rely on others to perform that kind of intimate care. Especially, after my surgery, I couldn’t reach or twist, which meant wiping my own a$$ would have been a problem if not for this device. TMI, I know, but a bidet has been…lifechanging, actually, and I wonder why we didn’t install one sooner. Not only do you save money in toilet paper and wet wipes, you are cleaner than if you used either. Not that it removes the need for either of those other products, but you use so much less. Not only does it wash your intimate areas, but, and I’m sorry if this really is TMI, but when you have difficulties with either constipation or diarrhea (which chemo and immunotherapy cause), it can really make a huge difference. The stream can stimulate you to release hardened stools and it’s a no-brainer that diarrhea can more easily be washed away.

I know, I know. Who wants to read about this? But I promised transparency. These two items were and are vital to my independence and self-care. I just thought I’d let you know that.

One more thing helps, too. Adult diapers. I resisted using them, still do. However, if I have to leave the house for any length of time, it helps me with the anxiety of whether I will make it to a bathroom on time. Pull-ons are more comfortable, and they make them so they don’t show through your clothing. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

So, that’s my PSA (public service announcement). You can go back to plugging your ears (or closing your eyes) and ignoring uncomfortable subjects, but I thought this might be helpful to someone else out there.

Summer was always a favorite time for me when I was a teen. Looking back, I can see how those summers shaped not just me, but the young adult novels I write as well. I thought I’d share some photos of places I spent time at as a teen that ended up in my books.

First is an ice cream shop in Saugatuck, Michigan that appears in both my novel Next Door to a Star, and also the “meet cute” location where Cagney meets hockey player Max Brazil in Summer of Possibility. It was such a cute setting that I thought it’d make the perfect spot for teens to hang out. We used to go there for ice cream in the summer, so I thought I’d have one of the characters, Sam, work there and flirt with Cagney and cause an embarrassing meet cute with her and Max. Sam was always the guy she crushed on from afar every summer, and I thought it’d be interesting to have him take notice of her when she goes to visit her aunt.

The next is a pier in Grand Haven, Michigan that has featured in Competing with the Star where Hadley and Nick go for a walk on their date. It also serves as a setting in my fictional town, Bloomington Shores, where in Falling for a Star in the City, Paige and Viktor go for a walk when they begin to grow closer. I spent year after year walking down that pier in the summer. I’d see people walking hand in hand and thought what a great spot for a teen couple on a date. The scene with Paige and Viktor is one of my favorites because she gets nervous going that far out and he helps her conquer her fear.

Lastly, this is a place overlooking the water in Holland, Michigan, where I spent countless summers at the beach and watching the sailboats. This place helped make up Bloomington Shores which features in When Stars Collide in the City, Falling for a Star in the City, and Summer of Possibility…and more to come as Summer of Possibility is the first book in the Bloomington Shores Series and the hometown for many of the girls in the Stars in the City Series. It also inspired Blue Arbor the setting of the YA pop star Cecily Taylor Series.

All my books are free in Kindle Unlimited.
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Krysten-Lindsay-Hager/author/B00L2JC9P2
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Krysten-Lindsay-Hager/author/B00L2JC9P2
Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Krysten-Lindsay-Hager/author/B00L2JC9P2
Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Krysten-Lindsay-Hager/author/B00L2JC9P2
Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@krystenlindsay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/

I will begin this post with a plea and disclaimer: Please don’t shoot the messenger. I understand that the topic may be polarizing for some. I write from a place of nonjudgment and, to the best of my ability, objectivity.

It has long been said that authors should not read reviews because reviews are for readers and not authors. Should an author violate this golden rule, they are warned to never interact with any poster or make comments on the thread. I won’t say that I disagree with this…for the most part. I agree reviews are for readers and not authors. I also believe any author reading reviews should only do so if they have a thick skin. Negative reviews (whether valid or not) are all part of the writing gig, and every reader has a right to have and voice his/her opinion. Also, authors should avoid commenting regardless of how egregious he/she believes the comment is. In short, book review sites should be viewed as readers’ safe spaces.

However… There is a reason authors may reader reviews, and it may not be for reasons many people think. Here’s the real tea. Some authors read reviews not to stroke their egos (although I’m sure some do) but to hear the voices of their readers. That’s right. Many authors want to know their readers’ opinions whether it’s good, bad, or indifferent. And they may not hear what readers are saying unless they go to review pages, and here’s why.

If a book is getting slammed or trashed (or the opposite—praised and all kinds of accolades), the author may want to know what about the book is working or not working; what to fix the next time around, and what to keep doing. I know; I know. I hear you. That’s what beta readers are for. Yeah, but…

I heard someone make a very eloquent argument regarding this very point. He/she argued that if authors want to know what’s wrong with their books, they should get more beta readers. However, he/she omitted something extremely important. Actually, I’m willing to bet it wasn’t an intentional omission. Rather, I don’t think the person making the argument knew what I’m about to say. See, many authors who are traditionally published do not get to select their beta readers or how many. That is done by the publisher, and this occurs after the manuscript is completed by the author and has entered the publishing house editing phase. It is edited by professional editors and then given to betas.

Second, some publishers do not allow authors to share their work with betas other than the ones selected by the publisher. And it makes sense. It makes no sense to have betas read it before it’s edited. The version the betas read may differ from the final version the publisher approves. For example, entire scenes or characters may be deleted. Betas need to read the draft as it nears its final form.

So, when the reviews of a book are different than the feedback given by betas, the only way the author understands what is happening is by going to the source. The source is book review sites. That is where authors bridge the gap between readers and betas.

Oh, did someone ask about ARC readers? Okay, here’s the skinny on that. For traditionally published writers, ARC readers are receiving the final version. This means the book is in production, and changes cannot be made at that point. So, using ARC reader feedback for future reference is perfect. But again, as with beta readers, for traditionally published authors, most ARC readers are selected by the publisher. The number of ARC books the author is allowed to give is limited.

Now, let’s put this into a scenario. Jane is a traditionally published author. Her publisher selects 20 betas. All the betas give excellent feedback (excellent in that they point out mistakes, issues, inconsistencies, and give valid/poignant feedback. Jane listens to this feedback and tweaks the issues. The book is then sent to 10 ARC readers who give Jane mostly positive feedback. Then, the book is released, and it is dragged in the reviews. Jane is baffled as to why. To find the answer, she reads the reviews. If she doesn’t read the reviews, there is a risk she will never know what went wrong. Low and behold, what she reads in the reviews is nothing that has ever been mentioned by editors, betas, or ARC readers. The author is in the dark. The only way for her to step into the light is to read the reviews.

By far, the biggest issues occur when the author interacts, and there’s a disagreement in opinions. All I can say is that authors are people, too, and sometimes emotions get the best of them. But I did hear one person express that authors have “all of the power” and it’s a “punch down” if they respond negatively to a reader. This is really only the case if an author is well-established and has a large following. When negative reviews are left for less established or new authors, the impact and affect is more devastating.

Remember grades back in school? If a student has 4 tests and makes 100, 100, 100, 40, his/her average is 85. If another student makes 98, 98, 98, 95, 95, 95, 95, 95, 95, 95, 40, 40, his/her average 86.5 or 87, which is slightly higher. When there are only a few scores, each one matters a lot. With lots of scores, a bad one gets lost in the crowd. In short, if you’re baking with just 4 ingredients, one bad spice ruins the whole dish. But if you’re cooking with a dozen ingredients, that one odd spice barely changes the flavor.

So, when it comes to less established or new authors, the power dynamic usually isn’t in their favor. It truly is in the hands of readers who can very easily destroy their writing careers before it starts, especially if what is expressed is incorrect, malicious, or done by bully. And while this is not a justification for authors to interact/respond on review threads, it is to dispel the ideology that authors have an “upper” hand in the balance between the reader-author relationship.

For authors, writing is their job. They put their creative effort (a.k.a., their babies) out there for the world for readers to consume. Many times, it opens a vulnerability, and it’s difficult to watch (especially to do so quietly) one’s hard work being ripped to shreds, especially if unduly so. It’s difficult not feel the need to defend. Yet, this is the position authors must take. It is an accepted liability when an author publishes a work that it becomes fair game. They are expected to handle criticism (and should) professionally. So, this isn’t to ask for forgiveness for those authors who have violated this or acted poorly, but it is to ask that maybe they be shown a tad bit of grace for being human with a full range of emotions who may have in the moment gotten into their feelings. Authors love their readers (all of them). Without readers, authors are… Fill in the blank.

Much love and respect to all readers.

And that’s all I’ve got for today. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. Let me know your thoughts below in the comment section. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. And if you like this post, consider clicking the like button and sharing.

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

*Note: All of my books can be purchased from brick-and-mortar bookstores (e.g., Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million, etc.) as well if requested at the checkout counter.)

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.

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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.

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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…Colleen C!
*~*~*

Hello, Delilah!  Thank you for inviting me here today to discuss my new short story in a great anthology!

You’re thinking…gay Cinderella? And the short story is entitled, Finding Mr. Rogers?

I’ll explain.

When The New Romance Café put together their list of 2025 anthologies, I did what I do best — I signed up for ALL of them.  Which meant Plot Whisperer and I had to get busy.  Some were easier than others.  For instance, for paranormal Jane Austen she did a retelling of Pride and Prejudice involving supernatural creatures.  Only she had the entire thing planned out in great detail.  I was like, you know this is 15k words…right?

She paused.

I asked is she’d like the story for herself.

Twenty-four hours later, she said she would.

I pushed, nudged, and shoved her until she wrote that book. Fingers crossed, she eventually publishes it because it’s freaking brilliant.

But I needed a story.  She helped me with a paranormal retelling of another Austen book (coming in October, stay tuned).

I said Fairy Tale.

She said…what’s it now?

We went back and forth. I’d done a gay retelling of Beauty and the Beast, so that was out.  She said, “How about Rapunzel?”  Since I was in the middle of my “hell, yes” year, I said, “Sure.”

Probably should’ve read the story first.  Anyway, Plot Whisperer whispered me a plot I couldn’t figure out.  I was tired, stressed, working on a full-length novel, so I pulled out of the anthology.

Yeah…that lasted a couple of months.  Then, I was talking to Plot Whisperer.  I asked what scenario, in modern times, could you be caught with someone and not see their face? Interestingly, I was the one who came up with an elevator.

BOOM. I had my story.

But what could “Cinderella” leave behind?  When they’re rescued, why does “Prince Charming” not see him?  To find out, you’ll have to read Finding Mr. Rogers which is contained in Love’s Forever Tale.  No magic…just real-life fairy tale situations.

Thank you for letting me share the genesis of my short story.

Contest: As a gift to one of your readers, I would love to give away a copy of my gay retelling of Beauty and the Beast, titled The Beauty of the Beast.  It’s a grumpy/sunshine story with an Aussie, a Canadian, a dog named Chip, and a diffident cat named Maurice.  Just comment – what was your favorite fairy tale growing up? Or, which fairy tale would you like to see as a story?  Random will select a winner. Good luck!

Love’s Forever Tale: A Contemporary Fairytale Retellings Collection

Classic fairytales reimagined for the modern world—where happily ever after is just a kiss away.

In Love’s Forever Tale, beloved fairytales are transformed into contemporary romance stories that blend timeless lore with today’s love stories. From swoon worthy kisses to fierce heroines finding their own way, each tale delivers a fresh twist on the fairytales you know and love.

From skyscraper castles to bustling small towns, these stories weave love and laughter into tales of passion and redemption.

Perfect for fans of fairytales, romance, and second chances, Love’s Forever Tale is a collection that will make you believe in happily ever after all over again.

Authors:
Marley Reese
Gabbi Grey
S.M. Potter
Faye Byrd
Lisabel Chretien
Jewelz Baxter
Michelle Moncrieff
MacKade
C.J. Laurence

The anthology will only be available for a limited time.

Links:
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/tnrc2025lovesforevertale
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DMMN15GV
Add it to Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221428451-love-s-forever-tale

Finding Mr. Rogers by Gabbi Grey

Jameson

This is the day from hell. My reviewer Robin rejected the paperwork I spent days finishing. And now the power’s cut off, trapping me in an elevator with a stranger. I hate confined spaces. I hate being helpless. My vision tunnels in, I’m shivering, and damn, I’m about to hit the floor in a panic attack. Only the soothing voice of the man I’m stuck with keeps me from falling off the emotional cliff. But then the doors open, and he’s gone, leaving me clutching the sweater he wrapped around me. I have no clue who he is. All I know is, he was kind and strong and compassionate in my toughest moment, and I want to thank him. If I can just find him again…

Finding Mr. Rogers is a 13K gay romance retelling of Cinderella about searching for the elusive stranger after that one perfect moment.

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/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15456297.Gabbi_Grey
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Gabbi-Grey/e/B07SJVFX1M
Audible Profile: https://www.audible.com/author/Gabbi-Grey/B07SJVFX1M
Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey