UPDATE: The winner is…Pansy Petal!
*~*~*

Hello, Delilah!  Thank you for inviting me here to share my new release!

As you know, I love doing charity anthologies — specifically writing short stories or novellas to be included.  At last count, I’ve done at least twelve in the last five years.  I’m a decent writer, and I can craft a good short story.  There are great causes out there that deserve more attention.  If I can put these two thoughts together, then why wouldn’t I write something to help?

A couple of months ago, something happened that really upset me. I’m not going to go into politics, but I will say the Oval Office visit of President Zelenskyy distressed me.  Soon after, an author posted on Facebook that we should do another Ukraine charity anthology.  I’d done one back at the beginning of the war — I submitted two stories (one a Gabbi Black m/f BDSM and one a Gabbi Grey m/m). I did my best to promote the anthology — it sold decently, and we raised money for people halfway around the world.  Three years later, those people still need help.

Great!

I hunkered down and, in a weekend, wrote a novella I was proud of.  My editor pushed hard, and we submitted the story within a very tight timeline.  Heck, I even asked a friend to join me, which she did.

Then we waited.

And waited.

As the theoretical release day approached, we started to ask gentle questions.

In short, the organizer pulled the plug.

So eight of us had stories, and no anthology.  I knew I didn’t have the capacity to take over the project.  So I had my story.

I did what I do best — I made lemonade out of lemons.

Specifically, I’ve created a boxset.

Over a year ago, I wrote a short story titled Jeopardy that appeared in an anthology raising money for Breast Cancer Research. Last year, I wrote a novella titled The Boyfriend Assignment for an anthology raising money for trans rights.  The novella for this year is titled The Secret Boyfriend and it connects with the previous two stories.  I always planned, at some point, to join the three together.

I figured, why not now?  And why not donate the royalties to a Ukraine charity?  So I am.  It’s complicated, so bear with me.  Love in Mission City: The Boyfriend Gamble will release on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited on May 22, 2025.  Royalties earned from the first month will be donated.  After 90 days, I’m taking the boxset wide.  Wide sales for the first month will also be donated.  Hopefully, that balances out readers who only have Kindle Unlimited with readers who want to purchase their books from other retailers.

The final step was to choose a charity.  I’m Canadian, so I’ve chosen Canada-Ukraine Foundation: Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.  https://www.cufoundation.ca/our-projects/

I’ve never done anything like this before on my own.  Usually, I let someone else figure out the logistics. I write the story, I promote the anthology, I cheer when we raise money.  This time, it’s on me.

I wrote this story for Ukraine.  It’s set in my Love in Mission City world and is about a dentist and a groundskeeper.  As far away from war and deprivation as one can get.  The story is meant to make people smile.  It’s a story about found family.  About making the best of a lousy situation.  About being open to meeting your soulmate on the badminton court.

Taken together, there are almost 60,000 words in the boxset.  As I said, one of the stories has never been published. I’m hoping readers will come along on this journey and, obviously, I’m hoping they pick up the boxset in the first month.  I want to raise as much as I can.

Thank you for letting me visit today to discuss my wonky journey to publishing my new boxset.  As a thank you, I would love to give away a copy of my two other boxsets —Love in Mission City:The Boyfriends Duet and Love in Mission City: The Shorts.  In order to win, just leave a comment. What might induce you to pick up an anthology? New voices? Good cause? So many words…?  Let me know! Random will pick the winner. Good luck!

Love in Mission City: The Boyfriend Gamble

Love in Mission City: The Boyfriend Gamble
includes two novellas and a short story

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…

Jeopardy

For ten long years, Tanner’s been crushing on his best friend Nita’s older brother, Kade, while Kade’s been cheerfully oblivious. Then one night, while celebrating Canada Day, Kade suddenly realizes Tanner grew up to be hot and appealing, and in that moment of connection, everything changes.

Jeopardy is a gay, best friend’s brother romance 7k short story with an interfering best friend, a bossy sister, and the possibility of love becoming realized. This short story previously appeared in Breaking the BFF Pact.

The Boyfriend Arrangement

Felix has expected to marry Josette since they were toddlers, playing together under their mothers’ matchmaking eyes. Now he’s bought a home, plans to renovate it, and then he’ll propose. But having Josette’s brother, Jacob, around, working on the remodeling, is eye-opening for them both. As he and Jacob grow closer, Felix realizes he has some big decisions to make about who he is, and what he really wants.

The Boyfriend Arrangement is a best friend’s brother gay romance 25k novella with a shy elementary school teacher, a brawny contractor, and a wrong dream turned right. The novella first appeared in Love is All, Volume 7.

The Secret Boyfriend

For Jasper, the best part of moving to Mission City has been meeting Cameron, his badminton partner. In fact, he’s crushing on the handsome and friendly dentist pretty hard. Cameron thought he was straight, but spending time with Jasper brings out feelings he never expected. Maybe he’s bi. For sure, he likes being around Jasper. But with Christmas and family plans coming up fast, is this really the time to step out of his comfort zone?

The Secret Boyfriend is a bi-awakening, age-gap, opposites attract, gay romance 25k novella with an uptight dentist who’s never let loose, a mischievous younger gardener who knows what he wants, and the night that shatters their expectations.

**All royalties from the first month of release will be donated Canada-Ukraine Foundation: Humanitarian Appeal.**

Links:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F6VPXG43
Universal Book Link:  https://books2read.com/BoyfriendGamble
Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232357997-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

It’s the Victoria Day Weekend in Canada. It’s a statutory Federal holiday and the unofficial kickoff to the summer season. The holiday has been observed in Canada since at least 1845, originally falling on Victoria’s actual birthday (24 May 1819). Now it’s celebrated on the last Monday preceding May 25.

We call it the May Two-Four weekend to refer both to Queen Victoria’s birthday, but a two-four is also how we refer to a twenty-four pack of beer, always a popular drink on the holiday weekend.

So how do we celebrate:

1. A lot of folks go camping or head to their cabins. I’ve seen snow on the holiday weekend, and I’ve also gone swimming. The weather is unpredictable around here.

2. Drinking. A lot of people will kick back and enjoy a few cold alcoholic beverages.

3. Grilling. Steaks or burgers or hotdogs…something, but food is essential.

4. Campfire. It’s always a nice weekend to have a campfire on the beach. I haven’t done this in years but did a lot of it during my teenage years.

5. Relax. It is a holiday after all, a three-day weekend to relax with family and friends, maybe curl up and read a good book.

Whether you’re enjoying the holiday or it’s simply another Monday for you, I hope you enjoy it.

And if you’re looking for something to read, why not check out SAMAEL, the first book in the Blackwell Brothers’ Redemption trilogy.

Samael
Blackwell Brothers’ Redemption, Book 1

Love her. Protect her. Reap her soul.

Samael Blackwell is the son of Death—and he’s officially out of chances. After centuries of reaping souls with zero regard for the rules, his father sends him to the dead-end town of Redemption. With only a few hundred bucks and the clothes on his back, Sam has one last shot to prove he can do the job right: reap with compassion or lose everything.

It should’ve been easy. Find the soul. Finish the job. Walk away.

Then he meets Adrianne Sharp.

She’s strong, guarded, and hiding from a past that refuses to stay buried. The connection between them is instant—and impossible. Because Adrianne isn’t just anyone. She’s his assignment.

And her soul’s on the clock.

To win back his old life, all Sam has to do is watch her die. But what if the cost of redemption…is her?

He was sent to end her story. But she just might rewrite his.

Want to read more? You can find SAMAEL here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2SDQMVF/
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/samael-n-j-walters/1147212495
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/samael-13
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/samael/id6743937757

About the Author

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, assassins, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

Visit her at:
Website: http://www.njwalters.com
Blog: http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/gdblg5
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor
Twitter: https://x.com/njwaltersauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-j-walters

Free for a limited time!

Happy spring!

My first indie published book has a brand-new cover, and to celebrate, it’s free until the end of the month!

If you read Bad Boys Behaving Badly: Secret Identities and remember my contribution to the collection—”Claimed by her Naga Bodyguard“—that story featuring a snake shifter takes place in the same world as Love Spells, Full Moons, and Silver Bullets.

Love Spells (for sort, cuz I gave it too long of a name!) takes place in a magical realm and features significant role reversals: she makes the money and she’s protecting him. It’s a fun swap.

In the story (which can stand alone but connects into the ongoing series), we get to encounter all kinds or creatures, from the normal witches, werewolves, and vampires, to the unique sirens, hellhounds, and even a minotaur and some leprechauns. I put my own spin on each type of creature.

And you’re not going to want to miss Lucifer, the fmc’s witty, snarky, wise-ass talking black cat!

Grab your copy today!

Here’s a preview:

Ian raced off as fast as he could, but she was faster. Of course, she was faster; she was a fucking vampire.

When she blocked off his retreat, he turned and started in another direction. Her laughter followed him. Like a cat with a mouse, she toyed with him. Mocking him, taunting him, and foiling each escape. He was under no false assumptions. She was playing with him.

“Little human, come with me,” she whispered. “I’d love to take you home for dinner.”

This time, when she spoke, no haze encircled him, just fear and dread. Her laugh was cut short when a wolf howled in the distance. Seeming on alert, her posture changed, and she lunged for him, all her teasing gone. He braced himself for her attack, sheltering his face as best he could, but her weight never hit him.

Mid-jump, something tackled her to the ground.

A beast, something definitely from a horror flick, rose up over her. It stood at least seven feet tall on its hind legs. Brown fur covered most of its body. It had a wide chest and wolf-like features but walked on two feet. Saliva fell from its mouth, dangling from its teeth like some rabid dog. Its attention turned to him but flickered back to the woman when she attacked it, kicking at its legs before launching nails-first toward the creature’s throat.

Movement behind him caused Ian to turn. More wolf-like creatures were barreling toward them, snapping tree limbs and leaving claw marks in the earth.

Abandoning the skirmish, Ian ran once more.

At one point, he’d been in fine shape, his body toned, his cardio excellent, but in the last year, he’d let physical exercise lapse, and now he felt the repercussions. His lungs burned, his legs ached. He wouldn’t be able to keep up this pace for long. He needed to find help or shelter. Somewhere to hide.

He didn’t bother to look back when he heard something, or more correctly, somethings, from the sound of it, in pursuit of him. He simply pushed on. Nightmare or not, it was his only chance. Praying he’d wake up, he tried running in a zig-zag pattern, but something threw him to the ground, and a second later, pain sliced across his back. Harsh, unforgiving, and deep, claws sunk into his skin.

He screamed in anguish, tears rushing to his eyes. Not a dream. So not a dream.

He was done for. This was the end.

Unexpectedly, the weight above him was removed. Ian pushed up a bit and watched as the vampire woman from before fought against the brown wolf creature.

Pushing to his knees, Ian felt blood dripping down his back. His shirt hung off his body, shredded by the wolf-man’s claws.

He staggered a bit, trying to get to his feet. That’s when he felt hot breath against his cheek. Twisting his head, he came face to face with another wolf-man. This one seemed bigger, its eyes black as night, as it stared at him, spittle hanging from its jowls.

Ian swallowed.

The creature opened its mouth and released a horrific roar.

Spit hit Ian’s face. The power behind that fierce sound moved Ian’s entire body, pushing him backward, like a fat pig blown from its straw house by the big bad wolf.

The creature stalked toward him, and once more, Ian’s legs propelled him forward. A few hundred yards, and he dove behind a pile of brush. He cowered there, knowing it was only a matter of time before they nabbed him.

With one hand, he reached back to assess the damage. The wound was deep. Three, maybe even four slashes across his skin. He’d need stitches or staples, and if he didn’t get help soon, likely a blood transfusion.

A low growl drew his attention. He peeked around the pile of twigs and leaves and spotted the two wolves pacing along what seemed to be an invisible line on the ground. Standing against a tree trunk further back was a woman.

“Why aren’t they attacking?” He wondered out loud as he used his sleeve to wipe sweat from his brow.

“Because they aren’t allowed to hunt on my territory.”

Ian’s gaze swung to the newest voice. This new being was just as shocking as the rest, with a purple and black dress that draped from her body, cut high in the front, revealing shapely thighs covered in torn stockings. Brown hair hung in ringlets around her shoulders, tumbling out from beneath a wide-brimmed pointed black hat. One hand was propped on her hip, and the other was wrapped around a corn broom handle. A heavy metal talisman hung around her neck. The green hue of her skin made her look as though she’d walked off the pages of a comic book and left absolutely zero question as to what she was.

A witch. Now there was a witch.

The vampire had been breathtaking, in a drugging sort of way, but this woman was stunning. Her beauty was raw and real. Or maybe that was just his loopy brain trying to make sense of this crazy world he’d stumbled into.

“Your territory?”

“Yes.” Her gaze dropped to him, and her mouth turned upward in a kind smile. “This is my land, and you are safe here.”

“You can’t keep him there forever, Quinn,” a deep voice spoke from behind the pile of forest rubble.

Ian took another look around the brush. Two men, both naked, one with raven hair and the other with sandy brown, paced that invisible line. “He won’t be leaving tonight, Draven. Go home.”

A snarl came from the brown-haired man. “I’ve tasted his blood, his flesh. Give him to me.”

The vampire, presently fixing her wild hair, sighed. “I’m going to find a new quarry. Enjoy your mortal, Quinn. You know where to find me if you want rid of him.”

Ian watched the exchange with interest. In fact, he was quite invested, as it seemed his life was being negotiated.

Faster than he could see, the vampire disappeared between the trees, but the men remained.

“I want him, Quinn. Give him back.”

“You’re wasting your breath, Draven. Leave now, or I will turn away all business that comes from your pack.”

Draven, the man who had taken a pound of flesh from Ian’s back, growled. “This isn’t over.” Then as Ian watched, he transformed back into a wolf creature and fled, leaving the raven-haired man behind.

He exhaled rather loudly. “I hope you aren’t making a mistake, Quinn.”

Ian glanced to the witch, whose eyes narrowed. “Think carefully about what side you’re on, Alec, and about what your conscience can live with.”

“The pack comes first. Always.”

“And you don’t ever let me forget it,” the witch—Quinn—said.

The raven-haired man looked as though he wanted to say more, but he merely shook his head, turned, and shifted into wolf form before following in the direction Draven had taken.

Blinking, Ian tried to make sense of any part of what had happened. One minute he was fighting with Priscilla, and now he was face-to-face with a witch.

He glanced up at her, wondering if he should start running again, but when he tried to move, his body gave up, collapsing in pain.

The broom dropped to the ground as Quinn came closer, tsking softly. “And just what sort of mess have you gotten yourself into?”

Contest

I’m also going to give away a sticker bundle. These stickers will include a few Clayridge specific stickers, as well as some fun “reader” type stickers. To enter, comment on the blog post and tell me: if you were a powerful witch/wizard/mage/sorcerer what would you want your power to be?

Enjoy your copy of Love Spells!

UPDATE: The winner is…Brenda Southard!
*~*~*

As a way to solve my book-hoarding problem and make room on my bookshelves, I’m continuing my Clear My Bookshelf Giveaway! I have a ton of my books, collected over my 20 years of publishing. So, rather than consign them to the burn barrel I thought maybe a bunch of giveaways would be fun. As the first giveaways last summer seemed to garner a lot of interest, I’m happy to offer more opportunities for readers to win a signed copy of one of my old books this summer, too! I bet if I ask pretty-please, my daughter will be on board with making a trip to the post office for me. She loves it when I volunteer her for stuff. 

For a chance to win a randomly chosen by me (I might say, do you want a western, an erotic novel, or a paranormal?) book, which I will of course sign and fill with a bookmark painted by me, tell me whether you have any special plans for the summer!

As Joan Rivers was famous for asking, “Can we talk?”

I’m going to bet that if you’re reading this, you enjoy reading romance novels. If you’re like me, you’re a book fanatic. Not only do I love writing, but I’m an avid reader. And I’m not picky about the media—paperback, hardback, eBook, audio, hieroglyphics. Shucks, I don’t care. I’ll read it any way it’s given to me. Just slide a manuscript in front of my greedy little eyes.

I’m not picky about genre, either, although horror, typically, isn’t my thing. I’m down to try just about anything at least once. (I have to put out there just about because as sure as I say anything, I’m going to get tossed something I don’t know exists and is a hard no.) Mostly, I’m in the romance aisle—or somewhere close to it. I only have one request: that it be good.

What makes for a good romance novel? The answer is obvious: fantastic writing and excellent storytelling. Duh! But what goes into these things? I think (and feel free to disagree) that the most important thing is creating dynamic characters. They don’t have to be over-the-top, but they should be… relatable. That’s the word that is frequently quoted to authors. Make your character relatable. But is that really what authors want to do to connect with readers? Or is a more accurate word believable?

Let’s think about this. The definition of relatable is possible to like, understand, or have sympathy for due to having similarities to oneself or one’s own experiences. I don’t know about anyone else, but the majority of the books I’ve read, I haven’t been anywhere close to being similar to the main character…at least, I hope I’m not. I mean, when I’m reading about stalkers, mercenaries, royalty, billionaires, and such, I couldn’t even begin to imagine I would have anything in common with them other than maybe bacon, because who doesn’t love bacon? But I’m willing to bet there’s a vegan in the bunch.

Even if it’s argued that it’s “emotional” traits that readers are connecting to, I’m still going to pass on that being an acceptable answer. Recently, I read a book that the main character was so obnoxious that any emotions he had were buried. Yet, the author had so beautifully developed his arrogance into humor that when he got what he deserved I was rooting for him to be shown mercy. By definition, this character should have been classified as an antihero. He was fun to read about. Was I rooting for him to get away with his crimes? Yes. Would I be a fan of someone who engaged in those same acts or lesser in real life? Absolutely not. Enjoying and relating are two different things.

That brings me back to believability. Can a reader believe a character like this exist? In the Harry Potter series, it is claimed that Dolores Umbridge is the most detested character by readers although Tom Riddle a.k.a., Lord Voldemort, is the main villain. The argument is that everyone knows someone like Dolores, but that Voldemort’s evil is so over-the-top deranged that he’s not relatable to most. But we all know there are plenty of people in this world who are so power-hungry that they will do anything and everything to get what they want. They have no empathy or compassion for others. Prisons are filled with people like this. However, the Lord Voldemort character works because he’s believable.

Jane Austen characters are said to have been popular when first written because she wrote characters that were accurate portrayal her current society. The argument contents that she continues to be popular because modern society can still relate to the emotions of her characters. Well, maybe. I’m not going to argue with experts who have far more experience, education, and pedigrees than myself. But I’m going to toss out there that a lot more people don’t relate to those characters than ones that do. And the reason I say this is because Cliff Notes. Yes, Cliff Notes. Cliff Notes aren’t just the summaries for people to get the gist of something they aren’t interested in reading for themselves. It provides a breakdown an explanation scene by scene. Why? Because some readers have no clue of what’s being splayed before them.

When I first read Pride & Prejudice, I had no idea that Mr. Darcy slighted Elizabeth because he was shy. I just saw him as a pompous butthead—probably the same way Elizabeth did. I also didn’t relate to Elizabeth. If she was as “slighted” as she was said to have been, she would have made more of an effort to not engage with him. Besides, all of those relationships had a tone of insta love for me. I didn’t care that Charles Bingley took one look at Jane and instantly fell for her or that after one night of dancing they were practically mentally engaged. I’ve never seen insta love in real life. Is it possible? Anything’s possible, so, yeah. I was there for it in the story because of the dynamic storytelling. I believed these characters could exist in my world.

Last year, I read a book that had rave reviews. When I finished, I sat stunned for about thirty minutes wondering what was wrong with me. Why couldn’t I see what everyone else had seen? Why wasn’t I beaming about this book? After much thought, I realized it was because the author hadn’t sold me on the story. I didn’t believe the characters to be authentic. I didn’t believe the setting. I didn’t believe the setups were natural. How could one character know that the other character would find a random clue at a specific time and figure out what it meant—a clue that anyone could have stumbled upon and moved?

**SPOILER ALERT** In the movie the Shawshank Redemption, Andy tells Red about a tree in a field in Zihuatanejo that he and his wife had a picnic under. Andy was in jail for 19 years, and this picnic had occurred many years prior to his incarceration. So, when Andy tells Red to find that tree if he ever gets out, how does Andy know that tree is still standing? It could have been struck by lightening or bulldozed to make way for a high-rise. Landscapes change all the time. Chances are that tree isn’t there anymore, or at the very least, the layout no longer looks the same as Andy remembers from more than twenty years ago. But do movie watchers balk when Red finds it? Nope. Why? Because the audience is invested by that point. The storytelling has won over.

So, now, let’s go back to the start. What makes a good romance novel? It’s two (or more if it’s polygamous) people who have a believable connection and a vibrant love story. Readers may have nothing in common with the characters or their situations but are able to believe they could happen and exist. Now, I know this is an unpopular opinion, so let me know what you think in the comments. Is it relatability or believability?

And that’s all I 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.

Hello, Delilah! Thank you for inviting me here to talk about something on my mind.

I am Canadian.

Now, many of my readers might’ve figured this out — the majority of my books (under all three pen names) are set in Canada. Specifically, British Columbia. I split the books between Vancouver and the made-up Mission City in Cedar Valley. Small town Canadiana.

Lately, you might have heard rumors coming out of the White House that Canada should become the 51st state.  I’m not going to step into American politics.

But I say: ELBOWS UP

It’s a hockey thing — keep your elbows up.

I’ll be honest – I don’t know much about hockey.

GASP!

Truthfully, I love figure skating.  To me, that’s what skates are for. I don’t know how to be on the ice without toe picks.

But that’s beside the point.  Yes, there are a few Canadians who want to join the US (a very, very, very few).  They want to give up universal healthcare, paid maternity leave, and all those other programs.

I scratch my head.

I love being Canadian — always have and always will.

I love my neighbors to the south. Some of my very best friends are American. I invite them up here regularly — I hope they’ll take me up on that offer.

When I’m trying to peg down what makes my books Canadian, I think it’s some of the stuff we see everywhere — friendly neighbors, people knowing our name, folks helping out.  Whether I was living in big Vancouver or on the outskirts in smaller towns, I’ve always felt a spirit.  A communal sense of good. A belief we can do better.

Canada has banded together like never before — unified as a country that we want to stay a sovereign country. That we’re not for sale.

In that vein, I’ve joined a promotion!  120 Canadian romances — all 99 cents this weekend only!

I have books from each of my pennames: Love in Mission City: The Shorts (m/m Gabbi Grey), The Making of Marnie Jones (m/f small-town contemporary, Gabbi Powell), Backing Down (m/m/f BDSM, Gabbi Black).  I’ve made them 99 cents everywhere I can for the weekend.

Head on over to the website and I hope you find a book that piques your curiosity.  We Canadians are actually a fun bunch.

www.allisontemple.com/we-love-canada

Love in Mission City: The Shorts Synopsis

Love in Mission City: The Shorts Box Set includes one novella and four 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 blossoms in the unlikeliest places. And trouble has a way of finding them…

Page Against the Machine

Dickens has run his family bookstore for years in the quiet ambiance suitable for literary endeavors. When Spike opens a motorcycle repair shop next door, tempers flare and sparks fly. Will they be able to resolve their differences or are they just too stubborn for compromise?

This is a 25k sizzling gay romance novella with a true instalove, enemies to lovers, opposites attract story with a cuddly cat named Aristotle.

The Lightkeeper’s Love Affair

Ben’s graduation celebration is disrupted by a winter storm. He and his beagle, Buddy, have the only room left in the hotel. When lightkeeper Isaac needs a bed, though, Ben’s happy to share. Platonically, of course. Except something about Isaac makes Ben want more.

This is a 10k lighthearted gay romance with forced proximity, a loner, a future school-teacher, and Buddy, the adorable beagle.

Not in it for the Money

August’s beloved sister has passed suddenly and the man finds himself in need of comfort. Turning to his employee feels all kinds of wrong, but Julian’s arms feel too damned right to resist. Come morning, though, they have to look reality in the face. Is there a chance they find a forever love out of the tragedy?

This is a 5k scorching gay romance story about a boss, his employee, and the inheritance of a lifetime.

Marcus’s Cadence

Cadence is trying to sell the home that had been his refuge during his tumultuous teen years. When his teenage crush, Marcus, shows up as a potential buyer, sparks fly. Is there just a real estate deal to be done or could his feelings be requited?

This is a 7k second-chance gay romance instalove short story with a very happy ending and a malti-poo named Kiki.

Ace’s Place

After a fall from grace, Derek has moved to a small town for a fresh start. Harold, the local golden boy made good, catches Derek’s attention. But secrets and omissions cloud what could be the beginning of something special. Can they take a chance on being vulnerable enough to fall in love?

This is a 13k steamy gay romance about second-chances, hockey, and an adorable but nosy Bouvier.

Please note – all five stories have been previously published

Links:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Mission-City-Gabbi-Grey-ebook/dp/B0CTDBY23N
Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/TheShorts
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/love-in-mission-city-the-shorts/id6478398708
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/love-in-mission-city-the-shorts
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-in-mission-city-gabbi-grey/1144948368
Promo Link: www.allisontemple.com/we-love-canada

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