Report Card

Last week…

1. School started for the two youngest! So, it’s back to an earlier morning schedule for me! Not that I mind. It just means I get more done!
2. I continued working on edits for two authors.
3. I continued reading entries for the Burn: A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology!
4. I had my every three weeks infusion on Monday. Told the doctor about some back pain I was experiencing. He waited for some bloodwork to run then scheduled a PetScan ASAP to make sure something (the big C) hadn’t popped up someplace new. Results? My cancer is being “held down” by my treatment. He has no clue about the back pain, but we’ll monitor. I have a small glowy spot in a lymph node alongside my jaw, but that might just be inflammation. We’ll watch that, too. So, for now, it’s mostly all good!
5. I swam every day except for two stormy days!
6. I completed some small paintings.

This next week…

1. I’ll complete edits of manuscripts for two authors.
2. I’ll continue reading the Burn: A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology entries!
3. I’ll attend a meeting with my local art guild on Thursday!
4. I’ll continue to work on organizing & cleaning up my art room.
5. I’ll swim every day the weather cooperates!
6. I’ll paint when the mood (or insomnia) hits me.

Open Contests

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

1. Gabbi Grey: When Visiting Someone Else’s Town (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win a FREE book!
2. Flashback: Watch Over Me (Contest — Two Winners!) — Last day to enter! Win a FREE book! Two winners!
3. A Memory of Misspent Youth? (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Word Search: Back to School Supplies (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
5. Gabbi Grey: When the unexpected happened… (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win a FREE book!
6. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Fantasy — Hero or Villain? — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
7. Memory Game: Some of My #100Day Faves (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
8. Get your F*R*E*E read! WITH HIS PARTNER! — This one ends soon! Get your FREE story now!
9. Gabbi Grey: My Gay Cinderella (Contest) — Win a FREE story!
10. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Just a Girl and a Dragon — Win an Amazon gift card!

I’m just popping in to share a puzzle! It’s a fun one. Sometimes, I have no theme for my daily blog, and I head straight to my favorite stock photo site for inspiration. Based on my history, they present me with pictures they hope I’ll purchase. My history must be wild because the options I had today… :

I settled on this image, an illustration that makes me wish I wrote kids’ books. Or that I could find a grown-up version of this illustration for something more…adult-ish.  So fun! I hope you enjoy it! Happy Saturday!

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me what fantasy story/series, whether book or movie, you’ve enjoyed recently!

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.

• Facebook: Genevive Chamblee
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• 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.

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

It’s Wednesday and the first day of school for the two younger kids. We woke up early, prepared lunch for the one kid who doesn’t like school lunches, and then off they went. I can’t wait to hear about their day!

In the meantime, how about a FREE story? Be warned! It’s a very sexy story!

This is a limited time offer, so be sure to download your copy today!

Stepbrothers Stepping Out: With His Partner

Fraternizing has never been this sexy!

Jenny has an itch only her stepbrother Matt and his sexy policeman partner can scratch. So the little vixen teases them, only to have the two men return the favor twice-fold!

Get your copy now!

Hey there! Today’s the last day before school starts. The last day to sleep in. I rose lazily at 7:30 and drank my coffee on the back porch with my daughter. We talked about the 11-year-old and how hard tomorrow’s going to be for her. We’ve been trying to get her to go to bed earlier, but my dd caught her after eleven last night on her phone with a friend. Yeah. Tonight, the phone gets taken away, and she can stare at the darkness until she falls asleep. Maybe I’ll make sure she swims twice today to tire her out. LOL

Anyway, here’s a brain game to exercise that gray matter! Enjoy!

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, solve the puzzle, then give me suggestions for themes for future memory games!

I’ve loved reading novels set in cute beach and lake towns for as long as I can remember. Show me a book set at a lake cottage and I’m one-clicking on it faster than you can imagine. These books serve as a getaway vacation for my mind, body, and spirit as I mentally transport to the town I’m reading about. So when it came to writing another book set in a beach town, this time I decided not to use a town I had visited, like in my Star Series, which is set in Grand Haven, Michigan. Instead, for Summer of Possibility, I decided to create my own lake town with everything in it that would make it my ultimate calming and fun vacation destination.

Welcome to Bloomington Shores, a lake town inspired by the many vacation destinations where I spent my summers over the years. There’s a little of the Great Lakes beach towns I went to in Michigan over the years like Holland, Saugatuck, Grand Haven, South Haven, and Charlevoix. There’s also a bit of Praia da Vitória in Portugal. You have the pier from Grand Haven, and the ice cream shop in Saugatuck and the adorable shops in downtown Holland, Michigan along with everything I need to make a beach town a destination I’d want to go to—like a bookstore!

The bookstore was inspired by a library in Holly, Michigan that had an amazing fish tank as well as lots of cozy nooks to read in, as well as a library in Mackinac Island, Michigan. I remember spending time in both those libraries and knowing one day they’d find their way into a book. I put a fireplace in that I had seen at another bookstore over the years. And Stargazer island, from the writing workshop Cagney goes to in the beginning of the book, that is Mackinac Island.

Aunt Emily’s lake cottage is a mix of all the cottages I’ve fallen in love with reading lake cottage magazines over the years. The wrap-around porch came from an Instagram photo. The cottage was my mental getaway when I was going through a tough time. I’d pull out my notebook and start writing as a way to escape the very scary reality and go someplace calmer at least for a little while. I hope you find solace and calm at Aunt Emily’s lake cottage, too. You can read an excerpt to get that cozy feel below!

Summer of Possibility

Cagney Innes thinks all her dreams are about to come true as she’s accepted into a prestigious summer writing workshop with her boyfriend. It softens the sting of the fact she was wait-listed by almost every college she applied to. Everything seems perfect until the workshop head dashes her dreams during a critique session. Her Aunt Emily invites her to the family lake cottage where she can relax at the beach and think over her plans for the future.

In Bloomington Shores, Cagney finds a tight knit community that supports one another and a bookstore that needs saving. The owner of the bookstore’s grandson, Max Brazil, is a college freshman hockey player who Cagney starts off on the wrong foot with, but ends up becoming the guy she starts falling for. Max is dealing with a reoccurring injury that threatens his playing days. He’s trying to figure out if there’s life without hockey if his injury doesn’t properly heal. The two begin a friendship and become each other’s biggest supporters. Then Max leaves for a summer hockey program and the two continue talking long distance. With her family and Max’s support, Cagney’s got a new lease on life and her writing. However, her ex comes to town just as Max comes back early eager to see Cagney.

Not only does her ex complicate things, but then Max is offered a position covering hockey overseas, which might be the perfect solution for him if he can’t play anymore. Right as Max is making his decision, Cagney gets accepted by two of the colleges she was wait-listed for—her dream school that’s across the country as well as the school Max currently attends and is closer to her aunt and Grandpa in Bloomington Shores. Cagney needs to make the decision to either stay near her family and focus on her writing (and possibly her relationship with Max if he stays), or take the chance to attend a prestigious university that will open doors for her in the big city. Will Cagney follow her head or her heart?

Excerpt:

After dinner, I sat with a cup of mint tea on the enclosed part of the porch. A storm was coming, and I loved listening to the water. There was something beautiful about a storm on the lake with the unpredictable surface of the rough, crashing waves and dark skies. It was magical to watch, and it gave me a good reason to stay indoors and get cozy all day.

Aunt Emily walked over. “Well, it’s a perfect night for some hot chocolate, a bowl of popcorn, and a movie. Tonight we’re watching a classic and one of my favorites. It’s Agatha Christie’s first Miss Marple movie and, fun fact: Agatha wasn’t sure about the casting choice, but she ended up loving the actress in the role.”

“Sounds like the perfect movie for tonight.” I got up and followed her into the living room where she had the popcorn and hot chocolate ready.

Aunt Emily handed me a blanket. “It’s always cool in here at night, but I’ve grown to love the changing temps. Although I admit I’m not always so thrilled when it gets muggy the farther we get into the summer, and the mosquitos make a buffet out of me. For years I’ve wanted to get a dog, but on hot days it wouldn’t be fun having to take a puppy out for walks with the bugs. Although now I have you here for companionship, so no need for a pet.”

I scrunched up my face. “Um, I’m going to take that as the compliment that I assume you meant it as.”

She laughed. “You know what I meant. It’s just that I like solitude, and houseguests have never been my favorite thing, but I love having you here because of how we just mesh so well. We like the same shows, and you take time to yourself so my introvert side never feels tired. In fact, I plan to destroy your suitcase if you ever attempt to leave.”

I laughed. “This is the most comfortable I’ve been in years. Honestly, the only time I ever feel truly at home is when I’m in Bloomington Shores.”

She smiled. “That’s exactly how I felt when I’d come here to visit my parents. There’s something about this cottage, but not everyone appreciates it the way we do. Your mother just sees mismatched furniture, wonky floorboards, things that need fixing, and thinks it all looks old.”

“But that’s part of its charm. How could you not love this place? It’s like a cozy, quiet oasis away from the loud and chaotic world.” I pulled the blanket tighter around me.

She nodded. “I thought the same thing when I came here as a kid. I never wanted to leave.”

Pick up your copy of Summer of Possibility here. It’s free in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCDYZZLN/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FCDYZZLN
Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FCDYZZLN
Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FCDYZZLN
Add it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236013030-summer-of-possibility
Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/
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