Many people may not know the name, Clement C. Moore, but I’m willing to bet most know his famous poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. Or perhaps, many do not know the poem by that name. How about The Night Before Christmas? Did that ring a (sleigh) bell? (See what I did there?) And who doesn’t recall these verses?

“But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

Saint Nick. Saint Nicholas. Kris Kringle. Santa Claus. Santa. Father Christmas. Are we sure this guy isn’t in the Witness Protection Program? That’s a lot of aliases for one man. Of course, he has been breaking and entering across the globe for centuries and is on plenty of news forecasters’ watchlists. But that’s not the point. Have you ever heard of Papa Noël?

Papa Noël is Louisiana’s version of the man mentioned previously. And no, there wasn’t a mistake in using the term version because there are differences. Let’s start with his mode of transportation. Reindeer, right? Eight of them plus the most famous of them all, Rudolph? Yeah? Well, forget them. Papa Noël doesn’t fly in the sky in an extravagant sleigh with jingle bells and gold trim. Nope. Papa Noël travels down the Mississippi River and Louisiana bayous in style in a pirogue pulled by a team of alligators.

“Den out on de by-you, ‘Dey got such a clatter, ‘Make soun’ like old Boudreau, ‘Done fall off his ladder.’ Santa uses a long pole to steer his pirogue, a small, shallow boat, pulled by eight alligators through the bayou. He calls to the ‘gators: ‘Ha, Gaston! ‘Ha, Tiboy! ‘Ha, Pierre an’ Alcee! ‘Gee, Ninette! ‘Gee, Suzette! ‘Celeste an’ Renee! ‘To de top o’ de porch, ‘To de top o’ de wall, ‘‘Make crawl, alligator, ‘An’ be sho’ you don’t fall.’”

And since gators pulling a pirogue is more realistic than flying reindeer pulling an enchanted sled, it’s only logical that instead of an LED-nosed reindeer, there’s an illuminated neon snout gator. Just joking. Whoever heard of a gator with a glowing snout? That’s ridiculous… more so than a halogen-endowed stag. Actually, there is a discrepancy with Papa Noël’s gators. It’s always been said that he has eight pulling his pirogue. However, Nicollette, a gator with extremely glowing green eyes, is said to lead the team. So, either, one of the gators has a double identity/ fake ID or someone can’t count. Honestly, my money is on the ladder. However, I’m not going to be the one trying to figure it out because a gator is a gator, and they all have lots of teeth—extremely sharp teeth. Just leave my gifts by the tree please and thank you. Merci.

Glowing eyed-gator or no, Papa Noël’s way is lit by lighting bonfires along the river. Beginning early in the evening, around 700 PM, bonfires are lit. These bonfires are approximately twenty feet tall and burn all night. Tourists are invited to visit the bonfire celebrations along the levees. St. James Parish has some of the most popular ones. For more information on the bonfire celebrations, visit www.myNewOrleans.com.)

And there’s no need to leave Papa Noël milk and cookies. Instead, Papa Noël takes a cold, frothy draft with his boiled shrimp and crawfish. And if draft isn’t available, he’ll have anything that’s on tap or a tumbler of an adult beverage. (Hey, this is the bayou! What do you expect?)

Now, there is some grumbling about where exactly Papa Noël hangs his hat for the other 364 days of the year. The first theory is one that most would expect: the North Pole. But have you ever seen an alligator in the North Pole? Gators are more cost-efficient than reindeer, and who couldn’t use that in this economy? Reindeers do not hibernate and would need to be fed year-round. Alligators, on the other hand, stop feeding when the temperatures drop. Besides, couldn’t you just see them feasting on all those elves? How messy. And yet, another reason the kiddos shouldn’t wait up on Christmas Eve. Gators be hangry. That’s a tad more problematic than the Grinch wrecking the Who’s meal.

“He took the Who’s feast, he took the Who pudding, he took the roast beast. He cleaned out that ice box as quick as a flash. Why, the Grinch even took their last can of Who hash.”

The second theory which makes far more sense is that Papa Noël resides deep in the Louisiana bayous. And if it’s where I’m thinking, this girl won’t be trying to find it. Cos anyone who knows anything about the bayous already knows that if something moves you better be prepared to run. There are plenty of things (on the ground, in the trees, floating beneath the water) that snack on walking people-kabobs. What better place to avoid prying eyes than where the Swamp People dare not venture? Papa Noël definitely wouldn’t have an issue with solicitors or anyone peddling propaganda pamphlets. There would be no need for grocery shopping because supper would be fished straight out of the river. And he’d never have to worry about rezoning mandates or annexes that would increase the taxes on his toy factory. (As a bonus, the elves wouldn’t know about minimal wage increases. Just saying.)

Now, let’s talk about the Grimm twist. For this part, adults might want to turn the kiddies’ eyes away from this. The Brothers Grimm weren’t known for their…uh, should we say…sensitivity? Case in point:

• In the original Cinderella, the stepsisters chop off their toes and heels to fit into the boot.
• In Hansel and Gretel, their parents willingly abandon them in the forest.

Most people are familiar that if a person is on Santa’s Naughty List, Santa will leave that person a lump of coal in their stocking. Papa Noël doesn’t make that threat. “Why?” you ask. Because after Papa Noël finishes leaving presents for all the children on the Nice List, Papa Fouettard arrives to whip and beat the rotten out of the bad ones. Yes, you heard correctly. He shows up with a belt in hand. He doesn’t waste time with timeouts or grounding. It’s the strap… or a switch if you’re way out in the woods. Complain about a lump of coal now. I dare you. Call CPS if you want to, but he’ll spank them, too.

References:

• A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore
• Cajun Night Before Christmas by Trosclair and James Rice
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

That’s all I got. I hope you had a few giggles. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. Had you ever heard of Papa Noël or Papa Fouettard? Do you think Papa Fouettard is too politically incorrect for present day? Where do you think Papa Noël lives? Have you ever visited one of the Louisiana bonfire celebrations? If so, which ones. 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.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.

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.

• Facebook: Genevive Chamblee
• Instagram: genevivechambleeauthor
• TikTok: CreolegurlNola
• Bluesky: Genevive Chamblee
• Threads: Author Genevive Chamblee
• BookBub: Genevive Chamblee
• Amazon Authors: Genevive Chamblee
• Goodreads: Genevive Chamblee
• X (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidso

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.

I’m thrilled to be joining Elle James’ Brotherhood Protectors World with the release of Under Fire in February 2025.

This book is the first in a series about four brothers in arms, but what makes it extra special is that it was inspired by Desiree Holt, a longtime beloved author friend. Desiree contributed several books to the Brotherhood Protectors World, and the readers were always supportive and enthusiastic.

I waited a long time to approach Elle about writing in her world, but I finally got the gumption. Elle said yes, and the plotting began! The book is dedicated to Desiree, and the main characters are named after her: Desiree, the heroine, and Holt, the hero.

Here’s a sneak peek from the book. If you’d like to be notified when it’s available, click here.

About the Book…

Holt Stevens had two choices–retire from his beloved SEAL team or face a dishonorable discharge. Neither was fair, and his forced departure left a chip the size of a mountain on his shoulder. When he hears about Hank Patterson’s elite organization, it is his last chance to find a brotherhood like the one he left behind. He’s ready to pledge his life and his allegiance to the man willing to give him a second chance. What he didn’t count on was an indefinite stay in a remote mountain cabin with a single mom and her belligerent fourteen-year-old daughter.

Desiree Harbaugh has dedicated her life to protecting her daughter from the father she never knew. A powerful political force behind the scenes due to his family money and connections, Desiree discovered he was peddling his influence to foreign powers soon after becoming pregnant. After fifteen years on the run, her secret has been discovered which means neither of them are safe. When Desiree turns to her old friend and employer, Sadie McClain, now Sadie Patterson, for help, she must entrust her and her daughter’s safety to a stoic stranger.

With unlimited resources and a maniacal determination to claim his daughter, Desiree’s ex-lover corners the trio in a standoff that may cost Holt his life. If they survive, saying goodbye to the woman and child he has come to love could demand an even bigger price–his heart.

Enjoy this Sneak Peek…

“Explain it one more time, son. This time without the attitude.” Hank Patterson crossed one booted foot over the other and leaned against the wooden beam at the top of the stairs leading up to the wide front porch like he didn’t have anywhere to be.

Holt Stevens clamped his back teeth together hard enough to grind rocks. One, Hank Patterson wasn’t old enough to be his father. Two, he intentionally played off the height differential, using the advantage to try to intimidate Holt. Three, he’d been trying to shake the attitude for three months now but its grip only tightened. It was a python around his chest, slowly squeezing the life out of him.

“I was instructed to voluntarily forfeit my military career or face court martial and potentially being dishonorably discharged.”

“It would take a helluva reason for a SEAL to give up his team.” Patterson narrowed his eyes, as if that made it easier for him to peer into Holt’s skull.

He stood his ground, unphased by the Montana man’s assessment. If anything, the astute observation that he’d been forced to quit his team–not a job, not a career, but the men he’d served with–reaffirmed Holt’s conviction that his future lay with Brotherhood Protectors. Only another SEAL would understand the depth and strength of those bonds.

Which made his CO’s betrayal burn even deeper.

“I didn’t have a choice, sir.” He held Patterson’s gaze, waiting to see how hard he’d push.

“There’s always a choice. Doesn’t mean it’s easy. And a lot of times it isn’t fair.”

There it was. The open door. The invite. The test.

If he wanted a job with Patterson’s organization, there had to be trust. And it apparently went both ways.

“My commanding officer has a nineteen-year-old daughter.” Holt sucked in a breath, eyes momentarily drifting to the view of the hazy purple foothills leading into the Crazy Mountains. “She caught me in the parking lot outside a bar one night, came onto me, and I sent her on her way. She must have hooked up with someone later that evening who took advantage of her offer and assaulted her. She went to Daddy with her black eye and torn sundress and blamed me.”

“Why didn’t you fight it?” Patterson looked more curious than judgmental. “Why would she name you and not the actual perp?”

“With what proof?” Holt barked, no humor in his laugh. “It was a case of he said, she said. No one witnessed the encounter in the parking lot, and I spent the rest of the night alone at my apartment. Someone beat her up, and my CO was willing to take her word over mine. At least I left on my own terms instead of living under a cloud of suspicion and disgrace.”

“There you go.” A grim smile creased Patterson’s face. “You made your choice. But I’ll bet you’re still living under a dark cloud.”

For the first time since leaving San Diego, the python’s grip abated and Holt could breathe again. “I need a job.”

He needed more than that–a new start, a new brotherhood, a new purpose–but he’d start with employment. Steeple McGuire, one of the instructors that got him through SEAL training now retired and living in Key West, had told him about the elite organization that provided protection to those in danger. If Patterson didn’t take him on, Holt wasn’t sure what his next move would be.

“McGuire gave me a heads-up you might land on my front porch. Had a lot of good things to say about you, but he warned me you’re the type to simmer. You tend to hold a grudge. We deal with enough explosions, literal and figurative. Don’t need any more.” Patterson relaxed his stance and hitched a thumb toward the front door. “Hungry? I was just sitting down for lunch. Sadie, my wife, went into town with Emma. I’m not used to eating in silence.”

He shifted uncomfortably, remembering how things had gone south with his CO. The guy had known him for almost a decade. He was family, just like the rest of the SEAL team. But blood really was thicker than water, and the betrayal left him wary about getting close to people again.

Still…Patterson would never hire him if he doubted Holt’s loyalty and commitment.

“I’ve been sleeping in my truck and eating fast food for the past month. A homecooked meal sounds great.” He followed Holt into the rustic house, drawn in by the warm colors, natural textures, and expansive framed views of the landscape. A woman’s touch had softened the rough beams and angular spaces, turning the structure into a beautiful home.

Something hot and uncomfortable exploded in Holt’s chest. It took a few seconds to recognize the emotion as envy. The loss of his career and community left a vast empty space in his life, underscoring the consequences of choosing to serve in the military. With sudden, painfully sharp clarity, he realized how much he’d given up to become a Navy SEAL.

Now, here he was with absolutely nothing to show for it.

A burst of anger replaced the envy. All of his sacrifice and dedication had proven worthless, ripped away by the false claims of a spoiled young woman who couldn’t handle rejection. Hell, he’d done the right thing and still lost it all.

“Stewing in all that misery is going to ruin your appetite,” Patterson commented. “If you’re too obsessed with whatever dark thoughts are running through your head, I’ll make you a baloney and American cheese sandwich on white bread. My wife’s green chili enchiladas deserve your undivided attention.”

Coming in 2025!

The winners are…Margaret, Dawn, and Stacey!
*~*~*

Hello, Delilah! Thank you for inviting me here today to discuss my new release, titled A Touch of Cowboy, my adorable short story just in time for Christmas.

As your readers know, I’m a sucker for short stories.  Especially ones that appear in anthologies.  I used to believe I couldn’t write anything less than 70k words.  When I discovered anthologies, many of them charity, I found that I could, in fact, write short.  Especially when I had the ability to give something to a worthy cause.  Other anthologies offer the possibility of trying something new in a safe environment.  I’d never written a shifter story – but I got to try that out.  I’d never written a sports romance about trapeze artists.  Again, I found a safe place to do just that.

I certainly never planned to write a cowboy story. I know nothing about ranches, cattle, or horses. I’ve never had a hankering for writing those stories – even though I’ve read plenty of them.

So what, I’m certain you’re asking, had me changing my mind?

As I was signing up for anthologies, I came across one about ranches, ranges, and cowboys.  The parameters for the anthology were quite broad.  Still, cowboys just weren’t my brand.  So, I passed the anthology over and focused on the other six I’d signed up for. (Seven? Eight?  I can’t even remember what my commitments were at that point.)

The thought niggled, though. Cowboys…cowboys…

Then it dawned on me that I had a therapy ranch in my Cedar Valley and Mission City worlds (one for MF romances and one for MM – just different names for the same place).  My ranch had been in many of my books but wasn’t a true working ranch.  Just therapy dogs and horses.

Still…

One of the counselors, Avery, didn’t have a story. Almost like she’d been waiting for the right time. Or, as one might say, the right man.  She and her comfort dog, Rex, have a great life.  Yet Avery wouldn’t mind meeting someone special.

Enter Will.

He doesn’t want to come to the ranch. He doesn’t need therapy. A misunderstanding has landed him at Healing Horses.  Does he have a tragic backstory?  Of course. This wouldn’t be a Gabbi Powell story if he didn’t. But how could I work this cowboy into my tale and make it believable?  Well, I hope readers will check out the story to see how I managed.

Now, cowboys still aren’t my brand. But I think I’ve written a cute story.  Sweet with just that little touch of spice. And a comfort dog.

Because I can.

Thank you, Delilah, for hosting me and letting me share my new release!  I’d love to hear from your readers: What do you think when a one-click author for you steps out of their comfort zone? Writes something outside of what you see as their ‘brand’? One lucky commenter, chosen by random, will receive my entire Love in Cedar Valley collection of stories, including A Touch of Cowboy.  That’s 4 novels and this short story. Good luck!

A Touch of Cowboy

Avery Stinson’s work at Healing Horse Ranch has been her lifeline against loneliness, whether it’s the counselling she does, or training her rescue dog, Rex. Sure, she sometimes dreams of finding her special person, but if her work’s going to be her whole life, it’s at least valuable and fulfilling. She loves seeing their clients leave with more confidence and hope than they thought possible.

She really hopes Will Dupont, a new arrival seeing one of her colleagues, can have that kind of success because the man’s heartbreak is almost palpable. When they find themselves together at the Christmas party, Will opens up about his personal tragedy, and Avery’s drawn to the brave, quiet, stoic cowboy. He’s not her patient. Getting closer isn’t really against the rules. As day follows night and Will begins to heal, Avery begins to wonder, can they have a happily ever after this Christmas, or will the call of the wide-open range a thousand miles away prove too strong for Will to resist?

A Touch of Cowboy is a 12k word small town romance between a counselor, a cowboy, and an adorable pooch.

Links:
 UBL:  https://books2read.com/ATouchofCowboy
Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/Touch-Cowboy-Love-Cedar-Valley-ebook/dp/B0DP8DN3LX
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-touch-of-cowboy
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-touch-of-cowboy/id6738834558
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-touch-of-cowboy-gabbi-powell/1146617528
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1656141
Add it to GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222081308-a-touch-of-cowboy

About Gabbi Powell

Gabbi Powell has been a lover of romance since she first put pen to paper in the eighth grade to write her first romance.  She writes her novels while living in Beautiful British Columbia with her trusty ChinPoo dog a as companion.  She also writes gay romances as Gabbi Grey and contemporary dark erotic BDSM novels as Gabbi Black.

Personal links:
Website:   http://gabbipowell.com/
Newsletter sign-up: https://sendfox.com/gabbipowell
Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/3142441314
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/authorgabbipowell/
Facebook (personal): https://www.facebook.com/gabbi.powell.9/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21065056.Gabbi_Powell

What pulls you into a multi-book series?

USA Today bestselling author Desiree Holt knew how to write a story that keeps readers turning the page. Her steamy Naked Cowboy collection taps into the top 7 reasons readers binge a series.

1. Compelling stories – action, intrigue, conflicting goals, and romance.
2. Relatable characters – strong, independent women and powerful alpha males
3. Realistic world building – found family, community, and connection
4. Big emotional impact – the journey to love is fraught with conflict and struggles
5. Simmering sexual attraction – that inexplicable, irresistible bond that draws two people together
6. Five-alarm scenes that sizzle – discovering all the physical pleasures that come with true love
7. A satisfying happy ever after – after heartache and impossible odds, together forever and ever

Heat up your cold winter nights with these sizzling cowboy romances.
Each just .99 on Amazon.

Stark Naked
Buck Naked
Stripped Naked
Bare Naked
Naked Desire
Naked Flame
Naked Heat
Naked Hunger

UPDATE: The winner is…Stacey Kinzebach!
*~*~*

Hello, Delilah! Thank you for welcoming me here to share my new release! I hope you’ll bear with me as I share the journey for this book.

For me, as an author, 2024 was the year of saying yes. Not, just yes, but hell yes!

What did that wind up looking like? Well, I’ve published 8 novels, 3 novellas, and 16 short stories. Okay…that’s kind of nuts. Or brutal. Or adventurous. Depends on your perspective.

In practicality, that involved writing 6 books, 2 novellas, and 13 short stories in the past eleven months. That has meant pushing my editors to the brink. It has meant asking heroic feats from my proofreaders. It meant requesting help from my brutal beta reader to tackle some tough books. It has meant writing over 750k words so far this year.

I’ve also embarked on different types of stories this year. A duology of MMF high-angst books. An FFM BDSM story. A lesbian owl shifter reality show rom-com. Trapeze artists. Bodyguards. Bad boys, Goddesses. Friends-to-lovers. Opposites attract. Second chance. Fake dates. Regency. Cantankerous photocopiers. Domestic violence, Rockstars. Trauma. Joy.

So yes, a busy year.

Which brings me to my new release.

Eight months ago, a friend asked me if I would be interested in writing a Daddy book.

I was like… Uh…

Then I remembered this was the year of hell yes. I was flattered to be asked, and so I readily agreed.

At that moment, I kind of got stuck. What did I know about Daddies? I’ve met a few in the BDSM community, so I wasn’t entirely ignorant. I’ve also read quite a few wonderful books, so I had a panoply of stories to draw on. Specifically, though, I had a memory of a trio of pups I met at a BDSM convention. Those women have always stuck in my memory because they certainly had fun. The other attendees gave belly rubs and scritches. The pups clearly enjoyed their roles.

I kind of wanted that.

So, I decided I’d write about a pup finding his Daddy. A heart-warming gay romance. Then I realized that my pup would be different than other pups. He was older. He lived a life apart and hadn’t come out in his community. And he was Black. Okay. Then I had to find my Daddy. I realized I’d written an Indian lawyer into my series without knowing he was a Dominant. Everything came together.

I hope readers will enjoy Foster. I like to turn tropes on their heads. Not just because I can — although I have fun doing it — but because I know from experience that not everyone falls into the stereotype. Into the mold. Foster and Arnav don’t. I hope readers will check out this love story and see that acceptance comes in many forms. Throw in a large family, close friends, and an epic New Year’s party, and my Daddy for Christmas book has come together.

Thank you, Delilah, for inviting me here today. I would love to hear from your fans! What makes you one-click a holiday book? What’s the one ingredient you’re always looking for? One lucky commenter, chosen by Random, will win a $5 Amazon Gift Card. Good luck!

Foster: A Daddy for Christmas 2

Foster

I’m a successful entrepreneur who’s made a good life for himself. I’ve had a few intimate relationships, but none have lasted. Probably because I haven’t been able to be my authentic self. See, in my heart, I’m a pup. I want to curl into a wonderful Daddy‘s lap and be petted, stroked, and praised. I long for piles with other puppies where we play and I can make friends. But who’s going to accept a forty-five-year-old man into that puppy pile?

Arnav

I met Foster on Halloween, and I wanted him because he was good-looking and hot, despite being twenty years my senior. Now, when I spot him across a BDSM playroom, I’m struck by his forlorn look. I haven’t seen him here on puppy-play night before, but I’m not surprised when he tells me he wants to be a pup. I was born to be a Daddy. For Foster, I’m ready to dive into the world of sweet pups and handlers and see if I have what it takes to make Foster’s Christmas wish come true.

Foster is an age-gap interracial gay romance about a lonely pup, a younger Daddy, and the best Christmas imaginable.

A Daddy for Christmas 2 is a multi-author series. Holiday tales of lost boys in need of Daddy’s love and in some cases, a firm hand. Naughty or nice, it’s all in Santa’s hands now. So why not dive in and read each standalone and enjoy the holidays alongside our boys.

Links:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Daddy-Christmas-2-Foster-ebook/dp/B0DBSPTT9H
Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/Daddy2Foster

About Gabbi Grey

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

UPDATE: The winner is…Beckie!
*~*~*

November

1. I released one story this month—a paranormal novella entitled The Demon Lord’s Cloak. I hope you enjoyed it! The cover is lovely, don’t you think?
2. I wrote one measly chapter of Ignition!
3. I completed 3 editing projects for other authors in November.
4. Very little productivity. However, I’m not going to feel bad about it.

Health-related:

1. I underwent only one round of chemo before the problems with my chemo port flared up. Due to swelling around the port, I underwent numerous scans and an ultrasound. No blood clots, thankfully, but at the start of the last week of November, the skin around the port turned an ugly red—a sure sign of infection. After calling the oncology clinic, they had me admitted to the hospital in Hot Springs, where I underwent surgery to remove the port. They kept me there for over three days, putting different antibiotics through IVs into my veins to clear up any infection while they waited for cultures to see if it had entered my bloodstream. I’m still awaiting those results.
2. I’m continuing to lose muscle tone. I know I need to add some sort of exercise to my schedule on days when I can get around, but I’ve just been so tired I tend to sleep a lot. Plus there’s the nausea and dizziness. It will pass. Maybe I can get more active in January when the chemo stops.

Happiness-related: 

1. The family continues to rally around me. Now that I’m home, my daughter and the 15-year-old are caring for the open hole in my chest, unpacking and repacking the wound to keep it clean and dry while it heals.
2. I enjoyed watching my daughter decorate for Christmas. So many trees and a clutter-mess wonder of decorations for every bare surface. I love it!
3. I came home the afternoon before Thanksgiving, so was able to enjoy the holiday and the meal with my family.
4. I painted only one thing this month. I’ve had no creative drive at all. Painting is like writing—anything that requires imagination takes too much energy. Here’s my one new piece:

December

For work-related, I plan:

1. To post a daily Advent giveaway on Facebook. It begins today. So as soon as I post this blog, I’ll head over there to announce the first day’s giveaway! I’ll continue with daily gifts until the 24th!
2. To plot stories for the new year for my current series, Montana Bounty Hunters: Yellowstone, MT and We are Dead Horse.
3. To complete 2 editing projects in December.
4. To look at books I already have out that I might bundle together or publish in print.
5. To take it easy in December and concentrate on healing and getting through more chemo rather than writing.

For health-related, I plan:

1. To go through two more rounds of chemo, which when I look at my calendar seems overwhelming, but I’ll get through it.
2. To continue to watch what I eat and hope I can manage to drop a few more pounds.
3. To add some tiny physical activities to my daily routine so that I don’t lose any more muscle. Maybe I’ll give myself stairstep goals or puttering-around-cleaning goals on days when I’m not sick as a dog.

For happiness-related, I plan: 

1. To better organize my office so I can start off with a clean slate so to speak in the New Year!
2. To clean up my art room, which has become a disaster! I’ve been tossing supplies on table tops and need to actually store them properly, so I have more workspace.
3. To spend time with the family—movies, meals, and flea market adventures! I’m not overly ambitious.
4. Enjoy all the leadup to and the day of Christmas with my family!

Contest

Comment on anything you’ve read in this post. Tell me what you’re doing to make yourself happier and healthier, or tell me what you plan to read in December…

Like I said, comment on anything for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

UPDATE: The winners are…the first 8 commenters! 
*~*~*

Hello Delilah!  Thank you for hosting me again.  I’ve come today to share my love of audiobooks.

First my story.  I started listening to audiobooks around 2008. I had some CDs about Buddhism.  Then I moved to philosophy.  Then I discovered Diana Gabaldon.  That’s right – my audio journey into fiction really started with Outlander.  For the first few minutes, I wasn’t convinced.  I never really enjoyed first person (oh, the irony).  I wasn’t enjoying the content…but I held on.  And…MAGIC.  I was transported to 1740s Scotland just before the Jacobite rising.  I was like…I know nothing about anything, but wow, is this ever amazing.

I cobbled together the rest of the series available to that point on CD and listened avidly.

Then I found out I could buy audiobooks on iTunes.  Then I discovered Audible.  Then I discovered my library’s audiobook collection.

My world has never been the same.  I listen to audiobooks all the time.  ALL THE TIME.  Walking the dogs, doing chores, driving in the car, taking public transit… So much listening that I joined a blog and a review service so I could get free audios.  I’ve spent thousands of dollars and have more audiobooks than I’ll probably ever listen to.

Okay, so I’m an audiophile.  An audio addict.  A true fan.

When I started publishing, I really wanted to put my books on audio.  A naïve little me had NO IDEA what was involved.  I joined Facebook groups of my favorite narrators.  One day, Michael Ferraiuolo was doing a fireside chat, and in the chat, I asked him if he could do a Scottish accent.  He gave me a few lines in Scottish.  He didn’t realize that was his audition.  I hired him to narrate my first novella My Past, Your Future with a history professor from Scotland and a dead Civil War soldier ghost set in Vermont.

He was amazing.  So, I had him do another story of mine.

I then approached Michael Dean about narrating a couple of novellas set in Canada for me.  He agreed and I got those two completed.

Now, I worked massive hours of overtime to pay for those projects.

I was hooked.  I have worked a ton more overtime.  I have snapped up the money from sales of previously released books.  I might’ve even used a credit card or two.  All to put out 18 audiobooks.  I will tell you that, for me, earning out has been tough (making back what you spent).  I have a good job that enables me to make the audios.  Eventually, I’ll make back that money and pour it into more productions.  I have one book by the brilliant Robert Hatchett (Grant’s Gambit).

The rest of my audios are split between Michael Dean and Michael Ferraiuolo.  I call them my Michaels.  I have been blessed to work with two amazing narrators.  Every performance is amazing, but I will say that Love Furever narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo and Sleigh Bells and Second Chances narrated by Michael Dean are two of my favorites.

Especially Sleigh Bells.  One of my main characters stutters.  Michael Dean and I went back and forth about the best way to portray that.  In the end, I think we settled on something that works so well.  Reviewers and fans are loving the audio.

So that’s my journey – from fan to author to publisher of my audiobooks.  I am in love with the entire process and have more planned for the new year!

As a thank you for having me, I’d like to give away an audiobook to a commenter.  I have Audible US and UK codes for several of my new releases.  If you don’t listen to audiobooks, I can swap out a book from my backlist from any of my three pennames.  To win, just leave a comment.  Do you listen to audiobooks?  How do you choose which one to try?  And remember, all my older stories are available to libraries, so please consider asking your librarian to include them in their shelves.  Comment away!  A winner will be chosen by Random.  Good luck.

Love Furever

Colin

Being rejected by family hurt like hell, but I kept my head high, left my toxic relatives behind, and moved across the country to Gaynor Beach, CA. Luckily, I have great furry company. My French bulldog puppy, Widget, was dumped on me for not meeting my parents’ ridiculously high standards either, so we’re comforting each other. With a nice rental house and a new job, Widget and I were ready for a fresh start—until I got a devastating diagnosis. I can’t take care of Widget properly while trying to save my own life, and I expect a long, hard road. I’ll have to break both our hearts and put her up for adoption, for her sake. Right?

James

I’ve wanted a pet forever, but my family circumstances didn’t allow it. Now I’m away from my masses of relatives and on my own, and I’m ready to take on a furry companion. My friend, a guy who never says no to an animal in need, introduces me to Colin and his beautiful puppy Widget. I’m horrified Colin feels he needs to give her up just because he’s sick, but I’m happy to take Widget as a temporary foster. I’m also happy to offer support to the new guy in town who is so very alone during a time of crisis. Helping someone in need comes naturally to me. But what if that temporary help turns into me wanting a forever relationship?

This is a gay romance slow-burn novel about new beginnings, found family, unconditional love, and a puppy named Widget. This middle-angst story has a guaranteed happily ever after.
Links:
Audible US: https://www.audible.com/pd/Love-Furever-Audiobook/B0DNGCLLR2
Audible UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0DNGD7CHC
Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C3RLR7RW

Sleigh Bells and Second Chances

Ryan

The moment I landed in that war zone, I knew I’d made a big mistake. I wasn’t a soldier, and my good intentions almost got me killed. Being wounded and shipped back home to Canada was both a blessing and a curse. I’m safe now, but I can’t stop thinking of the men I left behind. My therapist claims Healing Horses Ranch will help heal my wounds—physical and mental—but I’m not sure how much tranquility and wholesome fresh air I can take. But then I meet a beautiful, shy man who makes moving forward seem almost possible. Can I let go of the past and reach for a future with Simeon?

Simeon

I’ve made peace with being different from the folks around me. I love my home in Mission City, and if anyone needs something fixed, I’m the guy they call. When the owner of the therapy ranch hires me for a big project, I’m excited to get started. I always work alone, but one of the patients keeps hanging around, and I can’t bear to send him on his way. I can see how much he’s hurting. If helping me helps him, that’s a win for us both. As we share the work, something about that wounded man draws me deeper and deeper in. I’m no therapist, and I have my own issues, so am I a fool to be thinking about a future with a guy who’s likely to leave once he’s healed?

Sleigh Bells and Second Chances is a slow-burn, age-gap, hurt/comfort, mid-angst, gay romance novel with a shy handyman, a reckless former gamer, a precocious borrowed kid, and a therapy dog named Tiffany.

Links:
Audible US: https://www.audible.com/pd/Sleigh-Bells-and-Second-Chances-Audiobook/B0DJH8SSLH
Audible UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Sleigh-Bells-and-Second-Chances-Audiobook/B0DJH88PNP

About Gabbi Grey

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
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabbiGrey
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/gabbigreyauthor/
Facebook (personal): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009821772591