UPDATE: The winner is…Steph!
*~*~*

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.

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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 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.

UPDATE: The winner is…Theresa Privette!
*~*~*

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!

I skipped my usual end-of-month summation/plan yesterday. Who wants to recap the month from hell, right? Short-term goals are what I’m working on now, so I’ll just give you my weekly recap/plan to help me keep on track and let you know what’s up. Today, I feel focused/unfuzzy. That’s good. I even made a list of things I want to accomplish today. Lists are comforting to this former project manager. 🙂

Report Card

Last week…

1. I began chemo. It completely obliterated me for over five days. I know now that I can’t plan to accomplish a damn thing during my “chemo week.” Monday and Tuesday, not so bad. Wednesday and Thursday—gutting and exhausting. Friday, baby steps back. Saturday, take it easy, but get back to work slowly. I only have to do this every three weeks. Gah!
2. I accomplished nothing, workwise.
3. Other than on Monday, after chemo when I was still feeling a little bit of energy, there was no swimming. Pool season is now officially over for me. The water is too cool, and the weather has dumped a bunch of rain and leaves.
4. My daughter, the girls, and my SIL have been awesome. They did everything for me, keeping me fed, watered, and keeping me company when I wanted it. I’m very, very lucky.

This next week…

1. This week I’ll finally get the chemo port installed in my chest. I also have a blood draw so the doctor can monitor my progress.
2. I have a new story 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.
3. I’m working on editing for another author this week. I plan to finish by next weekend.
4. I’ll be editing a story I’m republishing that no one has likely read. Hope you like Westerns with quirky humor, plenty of kink, and a hint of paranormal. Once Upon a Legend is up for pre-order now!
5. Hopefully, I’ll get out of the house this week. I want to stretch my legs at the flea market. Start walking since I can’t swim.

Open Contests

On the Delilah’s Collections website!

1. In One Picture: Elle James’s “Sex, Spies, and Subterfuge” (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. In One Picture: A.J. Harris’s “Secret Garden” (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
3. In One Picture: Darah Lace’s “Most Wanted” (Contest) — Win a FREE book!
4. In One Picture: Cindy Tanner’s “Mayday” (Contest–2 Winners!) — Win a FREE anthology—2 winners!

Here, on this site!

1. 10 Things to Bring to Chemo (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Summertime Fun! — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Anna Taylor Sweringen/Michal Scott: Hannah Bond – The First African American Female Novelist (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Gabbi Grey: A Little Risqué (Contest) — Win a FREE eBook or audio book!
5. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Signs of Fall…? — Win an Amazon gift card!

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

What with all my drama-drama, pool maintenance kind of fell by the wayside this past week. It’s been a lot for my dd and the girls to keep going. We had storms this week, and unless you’re right on top of the pool, cleaning out the leaves, brushing it, shocking it, etc., it starts to green up fast.

With cooler weather arriving this next week, I think this summer’s pool days are over. I had hoped for at least one more week when I felt good enough to get in the water (which is TODAY), but now, I’ll have to give up that dream. LOL—yeah, I’ll mourn the pool. I’m that devoted to my daily swims.

The good news is I feel more like my usual self today. I’ll still take it easy, but maybe I’ll actually wear real clothes instead of laying around in a nightgown. Progress!

So, for me, letting nature take its course with my pool is the first solid sign of Fall. For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, what is it for you?