Seattle and Western Washington are known for rain. I called my Seattle-based series Rain City Tales. After about nine months of rain, however, the summer switch gets flicked on, and we enter our drought. It usually goes from about July 6^th into mid-September. During that time, we get dry and hot, increasingly so in the last few years. With that dryness comes the potential for fire. This year, Western Washington didn’t have many fires, and the offshore winds kept the smoke from Oregon and Idaho fires blowing away from us. British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, have also seen some fires, a large one devastating a third of the historic town of Jasper and burning large swaths of the Jasper National Forest. Each time these fires flare and ravage the land and communities in their path, my thoughts are drawn to the brave firefighters who battle these blazes, flinging themselves into danger and, at times, paying the ultimate price to save others.

This year, I published two books featuring firefighters, wanting to honor the brave work they do. The first, Throuple Honey, highlights a smoke jumper who lost his husband in a fast-moving fire in a national forest. Shane Ward didn’t have all his gear when he jumped into a fire zone with his husband Corder Mitchell. Corder sacrificed himself for Shane, and now Shane must pick up the pieces and move on. He leaves the profession and takes up beekeeping across the mountains from Seattle. The couple he works for, Emmett Simpson and Dante Scarletti, run a farm outside of Wenatchee, Washington. They’ve been in a slump with their relationship for months. Shane’s arrival sparks a rekindling of their relationship and a further bonding with the grieving fireman as they help him heal from his staggering loss.

The second book, Blaze of Cortez, is the eighth installment of the Rain City Tales. It is a standalone story within the series, though characters from other books come in and out. In Ray Cortez’s experience, everyone leaves, including his family and his relationships. He doesn’t let anyone in, his heart having been broken too many times. When Ray returns to Seattle after fourteen years, he finds his coworker, fireman Leif Ramsey, to be a danger to his protective barriers. Leif isn’t out to his family or his workmates, and Ray won’t date a closeted man. The two are drawn together, and Leif takes a risk for Ray’s affections, but a fire at Ray’s estranged family’s home threatens to burn away the fledgling relationship he’s started with Leif.

To find out more about me and my writing, please hop over to Delilah’s Collections for my Get-To-Know-The-Author post. Throuple Honey and Blaze of Cortez are available on Amazon and Kobo.

Excerpt from Throuple Honey:

Love is like honey—you might get stung, but the rewards are sweet, and they stick to you.

He should’ve checked his gear. Should’ve made sure.

Shane Ward scanned his smoke-filled surroundings, hoping for a cave or somewhere else they could hide from the fast-approaching wildfire. The jump earlier that morning had promised a challenge, and Corder Mitchell, the man Shane had been married to for the better part of a decade, had thrilled at the chance to battle this two-thousand-acre blaze in the Mount Rainier National Forest. Their Lake City fire chief had been reluctant to let them both go on such a dangerous summer job, but Corder had been insistent, assuring the chief nothing bad would happen. Though Shane knew his husband couldn’t promise their safety, Corder’s two loves, firefighting and the outdoors, had merged on this assignment.

The tinder-dry conditions provided ample fuel, and the stiff, hot wind blowing against his back had doubled the size of the mid-August fire in less than two hours. The sun tried to penetrate the thick layer of brown smoke, only succeeding in casting an eerie, orange glow around them, punctuated by the light of blazing trees. Even through his mask, Shane could smell burnt wood.

Surrounded by the approaching flames, Shane tried to find a way out. Their carefully planned escape route had closed with a sudden and unexpected shift in the wind. Visibility worsened with more thick smoke choking the forest.

A trickle of sweat ran down his forehead. Heat blasted at his back from the approaching blaze. He focused on Corder. “See anything we can use?”

Corder shook his head, covered in his protective gear. “Got your shelter?”

Shane nodded, not wanting to tell Corder that he’d left it behind at base camp. There had to be a way out, and if there wasn’t, he didn’t want Corder doing something stupid because of his mistake. Loud cracks and bangs behind them reverberated through the trees, and Shane chanced a glance backward. A tall cedar had erupted in a geyser of flame, its sap exploding and breaking off significant pieces of the trunk.

“We gotta move.” Corder grabbed Shane’s gloved hand, and they took off running.

Spying a better vantage point, Shane tugged at his husband. “Over there. A clearing.”

With another nod, Corder changed their direction and made for the break in the trees. Tall, dry grass met their feet when they cleared the canopy.

“Shit, this’ll make things worse.” Corder glanced back. “It’s gaining on us.”

Tapping his gloved hand on Corder’s shoulder, Shane nodded at the burning trees on the other side of the clearing with dread. “It’s coming from all sides.”

“Time for the shelters.” Corder yanked the packet from his gear and extended the metallic shelter. He paused, glancing back. “Hurry up. It’s almost on us.”

Shane hesitated but finally had to confess his predicament. “I didn’t check everything this morning in the rush to get on the chopper.”

Corder went still. “You don’t have your shelter?”

Shaking his head, he pointed at Corder’s. “Lie down, face into the ground, and I’ll cover you up. No use in both of us dying.”

“No fucking way. It was my idea to do this job.” He shoved at Shane, trying to push him down. “Besides, I have a second one inside my pack.”

Reluctantly, Shane lowered himself to the ground. “How do you have two?” He glanced past Corder. The fire had almost reached them.

“Hurry up,” Corder said, nodding at the ground. “I need to get you covered up and get mine set up over there.” He pointed toward the edge of the clearing where a section of the grass had either been tamped down or eaten by something.

Unable to clearly see his husband through the helmet, he couldn’t read any expression under the tinted visor. He lay face-down on the ground.

“I love you, Shane.” Corder threw the shelter over him.

About Brent

Though writing most of his life, Brent came to romance in 2012. With the support of his husband and his two romance novelist cousins, Brent embarked on a writing career. He’s loving the journey, finding inspiration and a story everywhere he goes, whether it be staring out the window at the local coffee shop, tucked in a booth at his favorite pub, driving through each of the fifty US states, or riding the train to explore the world. Keep up with Brent and his stories on his website, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’m updating plans for the week. I have to cram as much as I can into this week because next week is chemo on Monday, and based on the last round, I know I’ll be toast for the rest of the week. I’m trying to get a little ahead of myself and pre-post some things, so I don’t have to even think about work next week. We’ll see. I’m still not functioning at my pre-chemo level—and I do know how ridiculous that sounds, but I have to have goals!!!

Report Card

Last week…

1. Recovery from chemo continued. Insomnia, lack of stamina are lingering issues. I had a blood draw on Thursday and had to rush to Hot Springs to the main clinic for a white blood cell booster shot. My WBC count was in the toilet.
2. Workwise? Progress was uneven. On good days, I powered through edits for myself and one author.
3. My daughter, the girls, and my SIL continue to be awesome. They get me to my appointments, see that I’m fed, and make sure I’m included in some family activities so that I feel “connected.” They keep me grounded and happy.

This next week…

1. This week will be ungodly busy. I have an appointment with my oncologist, an appointment with the surgeon who will install my chemo port, and the port surgery at O-dark-thirty on Thursday.
2. I will complete revising and upload Once Upon a Legend, which releases on September 17th!
3. I want to wrap up, Ignition. It’s the fourth and last book in the Delta Fire series. I moved the release date to October 1st.
4. I’m working on editing projects for three authors this week and am determined to complete two.
5. Hopefully, I’ll get out of the house this week for something fun. I want to stretch my legs at the flea market. I have to start walking since I can’t swim—and it has to be this week because next week is chemo week.

Open Contests

1. Gabbi Grey: A Little Risqué (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win a FREE eBook or audio book!
2. Krysten Lindsay Hager: Top 10 Favorite TV Shows to Escape With (Series FREE in KU!) — Be sure to pick up the series for FREE in KU!
3. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Signs of Fall…? — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Happy Labor Day! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
5. Word Search: Signs Fall is coming… (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
6. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Movie Night! — Win an Amazon gift card!

Did you notice I didn’t post yesterday? Sorry about that. I posted daily without fail for over five years. Now, if I’m tired and I don’t have a guest’s post, I just won’t. Rest has been my priority. Insomnia has been a thing for the past few weeks. I can be plenty tired when I lay down, but the moment my head hits the pillow… Well, at first, it was due to painful muscles and joints. I got into the habit of sucking down a hydro at night, but it doesn’t really help with sleep. Last night, my dd gave me a melatonin gummy, and I slept for 7.5 hours!!!!!  I feel sooooo good. The only other thing that happened this week was I had a blood draw, and the clinic called me a couple of hours later and told me to get to Hot Springs ASAP because my white blood count had dropped into the dumpster, and they needed me to come in for an injection to help with that. So, my poor dd had yet another appointment to take me to. Next week’s calendar is pretty full, too. Multiple appointments, my port surgery, finally. Then, the following week, I’ll be sitting in the chemo chair again. Ugh. I’m still trying to figure out the rhythm of the appointments and how they affect my body so I can try to get to a new normal.

But enough of that!

All the girls are home today, so we plan on having a lazy movie day later this afternoon. Pizza and The Proposal, I think. The 11-year-old’s first celebrity crush is Ryan Reynolds, so we thought that would be fun for her. In the meantime, I have some work I need to get out of the way. The weather has taken a sudden turn. The air is a little nippy outside. It’s almost sweater weather. That’s not nearly as good as swim weather, but we have to enjoy the change of seasons. It’s that or be grumpy throughout the Fall, and that’s not permitted!

I hope you all have a lazy, pleasant day. Solve the puzzle then tell me what you’re planning to do for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

Salute et bonjour. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

In the words of Kool and the Gang, “Celebrate good times. Come on.” Today is a celebration. It’s finally here. Today is the release of my newest novel Demon Rodeo.

What is Demon Rodeo? It’s a genre mashup. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser from the traditional straightforward genres, this may be a book for you.

1. Romance: The love story and romance take center stage.
2. Contemporary: It is set in modern times. It is not a western.
3. Sports romance: Bull riding and rodeos are sometimes overlooked as being a sport.
4. Cowboy romance: The MCs are bull riders, and the setting is the rodeo circuit.
5. Gay romance: This is a M/M romance and has LBGTQIA+ representation.
6. Spicy romance/Steamy romance: This book isn’t “smut,” but it does have some mature themes and language. It definitely is not for the kiddos.
7. Multicultural: The MCs as well as supporting characters all have diverse backgrounds. Many are Creole and Cajun. Multiple racial and ethnic groups are represented (including their language. A glossary is included).
8. Paranormal romance: This story contains elements not explained by science. However, given the expansive definition of paranormal, some readers may describe the story as supernatural or the occult.
9. Trope romance: Some tropes seen in Demon Rodeo are friends-to-lovers, small-town vibes (set in multiple places but some are small towns), forbidden romance, and workplace (rodeo circuit) romance.
10. It is not a romantic comedy (romcom), but it contains humorous scenes. It contains a lot of sass and sarcasm.
11. Southern storytelling romance: This isn’t an official romance category, but I include it because it may be important to some. In the South (although not all southern locations and not every southern person does this), it is not uncommon to hear stories relayed with anecdotes and “roundabout” talk. If you don’t like chatty characters, then Demon Rodeo may not be your cup of tea.
12. It is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series, but it is written to be read as a standalone.
13. It is told with a dual point-of-view (POV).

Basically, if Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.

As part of my celebration, for the last thirty days, I have uploaded a post on my blog. These posts are all related to a theme or subject depicted in the story. These posts do not contain any spoilers or describe any scenes. But it can give a feel for the type of storytelling.

I had planned to do a giveaway. Well, I am doing multiple giveaways. Unfortunately, I will not be able to host one exclusively here at this time due to time constraints. But if you’re interested in winning a mystery box, head over to my TikTok account for entry. While you are there, you also can watch videos about Demon Rodeo.

Demon Rodeo

In the cutthroat rodeo world, Cajun bull rider Easton Faucheaux harbors a secret crush on his best friend and rival, Royal Guérin. As they grapple with their forbidden attraction amidst mysterious occurrences in the arena, they must choose between concealing their feelings or risking it all for a love that defies convention.

Cajun rodeo star Easton Faucheaux wants to win another bull riding championship but has three problems. First, he hasn’t completely healed from an injury, and his sponsors aren’t convinced he’s still competition material. Second, strange things are happening in the arenas that no one is acknowledging. And third, Royal has inundated every nuance of his thoughts. Not only is Royal his best friend and biggest competition, but he’s also the sexiest man Easton has ever seen. The mere thought of screwing up their friendship is enough to keep Easton’s lips clamped.

***

Royal Guérin has always confided everything to Easton—well, almost everything. He does have one secret that he’s never shared despite wanting to. However, with the finals nearing, protestors picketing, resurfaced feelings of his father’s abandonment, and other bizarre happenings that can’t be explained by natural occurrences, now isn’t the time for confessions.

Life is complicated without lopping more onto it. So, whose idea was it to visit a psychic? Oh, that’s right—a new competitor has popped up out of nowhere. Now, there’s another secret to conceal. Remaining silent is a struggle, but Royal will do anything to protect Easton.

Both athletes figure it’s best to remain silent—that is until silence isn’t an option anymore. The strangeness just got dangerous, and they find themselves embroiled in a deadly game of survival—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Order:

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

So, that’s it. Come celebrate with me. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.  If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

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

 Locker Room Love Series

• 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, a blogger and 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.

Let’s have some fun today!

This morning, while I was enjoying coffee outside with my dd and the girls were getting ready for school, the sky was overcast, and there was the slightest chill in the air. Lately, we’ve been making lots of lists, having the girls thinking about Christmas gifts they’d like and things we’d like to do this Fall to enjoy the season. My dd has already changed out her seasonal decorations in the living room. We’re going to pack as much fun and nostalgia into this coming Fall and Winter as we can—concentrating on happiness.

So, I know it’s still early for some to even think about the Fall—heck, we still have some very warm days ahead of us here in the South—but I was thinking about all the things I do look forward to. My list isn’t all that random. I’m sure you can relate to some of the items I’ve listed. For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me about things you look forward to with the change of seasons, your “signs” that Fall is coming…

I just wanted to jump in this morning and tell you about some stories coming your way! Two of the stories were published with major publishers a long time ago, and I’ve been revising them, readying them for you to read because I doubt very many of you have even heard of them. I know the Once Upon a Legend cover might look a little strange to you, but my heroine writes dime novels like some of the old paperback stories, filled with wildly exaggerated stories of Wild, Wild West. I love the cover because it looks a lot like one of those dime novel covers. It’s a fun, quirky, very sexy story. I hope you’ll give it a try! After that, I will release the last of the Delta Fire stories, Ignition, a new story to wrap up the series. And lastly, is the other revisited story, The Demon Lord’s Cloak, which is a fantasy/paranormal story set in medieval times. Again, very, very sexy.

There are pre-order links below, and you can read excerpts from the stories! So, sample away. I hope you’ll love them! Let me know what you think about the covers!

Once Upon a Legend

Pre-order your copy! | Read an excerpt!
Coming September 17th!

When budding author Prudence Vogel travels west to meet legendary lawman Jake White Eagle, she discovers he really is the tall, handsome hero of her novel. Flustered and out of her element, Prudence is determined to shadow the handsome sheriff to lend authenticity to her story.

While Jake certainly finds Prudence attractive, her constant presence is distracting. When things she has written seem to be coming true, he decides to get closer to see whether she’s part of a criminal enterprise he’s been trying to uncover.

Ignition

Pre-order your copy! | Read an Excerpt!
Coming October 1st!

Luke Harris is having a hard time fitting in with his new firehouse crew. He knows every time they see him, they think of the friend they lost in a horrific fire. As part of trying to build a relationship with the guys, he tags along one night when they’re letting off steam at their favorite club. What he finds there, shocks him to his toes. His new friends are members of a Memphis BDSM club.

While shocked, he’s also drawn to a D/s couple with exhibitionist tendencies who just so happen to be personal trainers in real life. So, when the fire department decides to improve the firehouses’ fitness, these two are contracted to provide physical training—in the station house. Anton and Britney make it clear from Day One that they have an ulterior motive for accepting the job—they want Luke. Now, everything he thought about himself and his sexuality is challenged.

The Demon Lord’s Cloak

Pre-order your copy! | Read an excerpt!
Coming November 12th!

After awakening in a castle, bound and at the mercy of her captor, Voletta has every reason to fear the mysterious man holding her in his arms. Instead, his brooding presence intrigues her, and his hard body excites her. However attracted she is, she must escape before he discovers her dark secret…but then she learns he has one of his own.

UPDATE: The winner is…Laura Bowles!
*~*~*

I am just popping in to say Happy Labor Day to all of you U.S. residents! It marks the unofficial end to summer and is a national holiday—so the kids are home for the day! We’re keeping it lowkey. The SIL is cooking burgers on the grill. Perhaps we’ll have a movie night (we’re thinking Fall Guy). We’re sticking close to home and to each other.

If you’re celebrating, what are your plans? If you’re not a U.S. resident, do you have a similar holiday? Comment for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!