UPDATE: The winner is…flchen!
*~*~*

Hello Delilah!  Thank you so much for inviting me here today to discuss my latest release. Didn’t See You Coming is an LGBTQ young adult paranormal ghost story romance novel.

Phew.

That’s a lot to cram into a description, but I want to make certain to hit all the high points – gay teenagers, ghosts, a touch of romance.

I’ve never written a young adult novel before.  I’ll be frank — I don’t read a ton of them either.  But some have crossed my path, and I’ve snapped them up — several that were LGBTQ. I still wouldn’t have felt remotely qualified to write one.

Yet you’re thinking…but Gabbi, you did write one.

This all started back in April.  My publisher, The Wild Rose Press, held an open chat where they discussed their new YA series. I almost didn’t attend the chat, but something said do it!  So I went with my gut and attended the chat.  When the concept of Pinedale High School in North Carolina was introduced, I was mildly interested.  As the chat continued, though, I was hit with a thunderbolt.  I needed to write a book.  A book for the series.  A book with LGBTQ characters.  I hoped other authors would include gay kids in their books, but I realized we needed a book where the queer kids were the protagonists.  My gut had directed me to that chat. That same gut said I had to write a book.

Since 2024 was the year of hell yes! I asked in the chat if they would be interested in a sweet LGBTQ story.  I got an enthusiastic hell yes.  At the same time, I was talking to Plot Whisperer in DMs who was waking up on the other side of the world.  I started talking to her and she suggested a naked ghost.

I was like…huh?

Still, the publisher chat ended with a request we submit proposals.  I spent a week working the details out in my mind and, through my editor, submitted a proposal.

And then I didn’t hear back.

I didn’t worry because I was literally up to my neck in a different book.

Then I got the proverbial “call.”  The one all writers wait for.

Well, not quite.  The president of the publisher, who is also the senior editor for the young adult line, emailed me and said, “How fast can you write this?”

I was like, “Fast…” (Because in the year of hell yes we agree to everything.)  She said, “Do it.”  She also placed a virtually impossible deadline before me.

But she saw, I believe, what I saw — the chance for authentic representation.  The chance to show queer kids in a positive light.

A couple of weeks later, I was ready to write.  I had my gay couple, my lesbian couple, my ghosts…and no effing clue what I was doing.

No worries, Plot Whisperer to the rescue.  I gave her what I had — which was actually a lot more than I usually have — and together we crafted a solid plot.  The problem? I had six point of view characters.  Now, most authors will tell you that’s Herculean. Some would say impossible.  Hell, some said to me that it wasn’t possible.  I believed in this book, though, so I wrote it the way it was begging to be written.  With six equal characters.

50k words in 17 days.  While I was working. Just…insane.

Then came the brutal beta readers.  I don’t normally have so many, but I needed honest opinions.  And I got them.  One suggested cutting a character entirely and said the epilogue didn’t work.  One found certain aspects confusing.  Brutal beta reader sort of took it apart and then helped me put it back together. Sensitivity reader taught me more about my blind spots.  I write interracial romances, and I will always have someone read my work to ensure I’m getting it as right as I can.

Finally, I had my teenage beta reader.  They got the final draft.  I will say, when I approached their mom, a good friend, I didn’t know beta reader’s circumstances.  That they’d changed their name and their pronouns. That they sort of identified as nonbinary.  To say I felt privileged they were willing to help would be an understatement.  But they were honest with me and made the book so much better.  With their critical stamp of approval, I sent the book to my editor.

I also was required to send a synopsis.  I begged my editor, for just this one time (okay, second, but who’s counting?) to not read the synopsis and to read the book cold.  She didn’t know about the six POV characters.  If she didn’t get the book, I knew massive edits would be required.  She had veto power over the book — if it didn’t work, it wasn’t going to get published.

I’ll never forget I submitted it on July 4^th.  My editor is American, so I had no expectations.  She answered my email that she had it and would get back to me within a week.

Thus began the wait.

Four hours later, her glowing email arrived.  She loved it.  Edits, to be sure, but she loved it.

Now, I will confide I had to fight to keep every F-bomb.  And the book, aside from language, is genuinely sweet.  It’s also the book of my heart.  I wanted full representation — and I got it.  Gay, bi, lesbian, and naked ghost.  A multicultural story.

Naturally, I’m hoping readers love the book.  My nonbinary beta reader asked me when I was going to write the next book for them.  (Spoiler alert — possibly sooner than anyone expected.)  This is a book I’m proud to share with people.  This is a book I’m encouraging people to ask their library to order.  I want this book in the hands of as many teenagers as possible.  So kids won’t feel alone. So they’ll know they’re seen. That their stories matter.

Okay!  That was a lot.  From the book I never thought I’d write to today was an intense eight-month journey.  That’s short in the world of traditional publishing.  An entire team worked their asses off to make certain we would be the third book in this series and that I could bring representation.  In the end, I’m grateful to have been given this opportunity.  To the publisher, to my beta readers, to my editor — to everyone.

I also managed to get the book recorded on audio by the wonderful narrator Michael Ferraiuolo.  He did such an amazing job and I’m hoping listeners get a real taste of my story.

Thank you, Delilah, for inviting me here today.  I’m so grateful, as always, that you provide me with this opportunity to share my work.  As a thank you, I’d like to award one lucky commenter with a prize. For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, please let me know if you’ve read any young adult novels that stuck with you.  Or what was your favorite book you read as you were growing up?  Judy Blume was a favorite of mine (yes, I’m dating myself). Random will pick the winner.  Thank you and good luck!

Didn’t See You Coming

Pinedale High—where every shade of love stands a ghost of a chance.

Holden and Peyton don’t expect much from senior year. He probably won’t manage to date any guys. She’ll still pine over Juliette, the beautiful and unattainable cheerleader. But when they step between class bullies and Oliver, a super-hot transfer student, their year starts to go off the rails.

As a star football player, Oliver hadn’t anticipated trouble. Turns out Pinedale High not only comes with bullies, but with new friends, plus the ghost of a Civil War soldier, and a shy naked guy in the library. Between the living and the dead, senior year is about to get interesting.

Links:
Universal Link:  https://books2read.com/Didnt
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D4MWFN3S
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/didnt-see-you-coming-gabbi-grey/1146433159
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/didnt-see-you-coming/id6737234908
Add it to Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220663889-didn-t-see-you-coming

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/
Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15456297.Gabbi_Grey

Do you like YA contemporary novels with second chance romances, soap stars, college basketball players, strong female friendships, cinnamon roll heroes, and cute banter? Plus, there’s the added high stakes of a soap opera star up for an award and her first love, Davis, playing in a college basketball tournament. If this sounds like your kind of book, then pick up Stars in the City for free from December 28^th-29^th on Amazon.

Check out the blurb here:

Valeria Joseph seems to have it all: career as actress on the soap opera, Charmed Lives, and everyone wants to be her. Her so-star, Cecily Taylor, fixes her up with a rising pop star named Dex Doyle and suddenly Valeria has a bigger spotlight on her.

Then, on the busy streets of New York City, she runs into her first love, Davis, who she never got over. Davis is a college basketball player who is dealing with high pressure stressors of his own and they find themselves supporting one another and falling back in love.
​            But, just like being on a daytime soap is full of drama—so is the publicity that surrounds Valeria. Throw in a pop star who’s crazy about her, an award show event that trends on social media for all the wrong reasons, and tons of swoony moments. Can Valeria find true love in the big city?

Read an excerpt here:

Davis was sweating and not having his best game, but he managed to put up twenty points.

“The other team is not letting up.” Paige clutched one of my throw pillows.

“I’m sweating.” Cecily pulled her shirt away from her body. “I don’t even follow the sport

much, but I’m dripping like I’m on the court right now.”

I nodded. “I have so much adrenaline going through my body that I think I could play. Put me in, coach.” They cracked up.

“Yeah, I feel I could go in right now and take the game-winning shot. Somebody stop me

before I try out for basketball down at the university.” Paige shook her head as she reached for

the popcorn.

I put my hand up. “Do not put popcorn in your mouth right now because you keep shrieking each time somebody does something. You’re going to choke on that popcorn, and I’m sorry, but I need to watch this game, so I can’t be calling for help or performing CPR or the Heimlich maneuver, which I don’t even know how to do. I’d probably end up breaking all your ribs anyways because I’m so pent-up with adrenaline and nervous energy.”

She put the popcorn bowl down as we continued to watch.

Cecily bounced up and down on the coach. “Why am I more nervous for this than I was my first audition?”

Paige started yelling then. “That guy pushed Rashad.” She stood up and yelled at the screen. “Get in there and rip his head off and bring me his skull to use as a ladle.”

I laughed and threw a pillow at her. “Didn’t Walker write a song about you called, ‘The

Sweetest Whispers?’”

She laughed. “Shh, no talking about Walker in front of Rashad. I don’t want to distract him.”

The rest of the game flew by.

“You guys, this is it. We’re almost out of time.” Paige jumped up from the couch. She put her hands over her mouth. “Oh my goodness, Rashad, you can do this. You can do this, baby. I love you so much right now, Rashad. I know I’ve never met you, but right now you’re my very best friend in the whole wide world, and I think you might be my boyfriend.”

Time was running out, and it all came down to one time-out. Davis got ready for the tip-off. He took a big, deep breath in and exhaled slowly, and I knew he was doing the breathing exercise I showed him. I watched as he slowed down his breathing and focused. I clasped my hands together and continued praying. I prayed that he’d know he did his best no matter what happened. That he’d have the strength to carry on feeling good about what he did and how he supported his teammates. Then I prayed he wouldn’t get hurt, and that he’d come out of this a stronger person who was able to be more compassionate to his teammates.

The referee blew the whistle and threw the ball up. I saw Rashad go up in the air and come down hard. He started to fall, but he tossed the ball to Davis. Davis tore down the court, and I saw him pass the ball. It went whizzing so fast I didn’t know how the other guy even saw it, but he caught it. The next thing I knew it went sailing toward the basket just as the buzzer went off. Paige sucked in her breath as we watched the ball like it was going in slow motion toward the basket.

What readers are saying: “Amazing YA Romance. This is a fast-paced story, that will have you on edge with your feelings. Great story line and the characters are on point. This one has it all drama, love and friendships, that will engage you to the end. I recommend for all readers young and old, who likes all the drama.”

“Sweet, charming YA romance perfect for summer. A lovely, sweet book about missed and second chances! Valeria has everything a girl could want, except the one that got away…

Written with a strong voice in the very popular first person, this book is a breezy, easy read with a sense of humor that keeps the pages turning. You care quickly about this cast of characters. I wanted the entire group to find happiness, including the antagonist. I would’ve loved this series in my late teens – it has all the gilded drama of Sweet Valley High without falling on too-adult themes. It’s a simple story of a second meet-cute that actually lasts.”

Get it here FREE Dec 28-29th:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3
Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3
Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3

About the Author

Krysten Lindsay Hager is a bestselling author of YA and contemporary romance. She writes romance because she loves bringing people swoony moments and hope-filled happily ever afters. She writes about falling in love, fame, fitting in, frenemies, first loves, and finding your way in the world. She loves reading, watching movies, and lipstick.

Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/

UPDATE: The winner is…Colleen!
*~*~*

Hello, Delilah!  Thank you for inviting me here today to discuss my new short story in a great anthology!  Who hasn’t wondered what happens at last call?  Well, some of your readers might know.  Me? I’ve never closed down a bar…

I signed up for this anthology without a single clue what I would tell for a story. But when has that ever stopped me from throwing my name in the mix? Uh…never?  I had about a year, so I let the ideas flow.

Right.

Nope. I put the entire anthology on the back burner and focused on the myriads of projects I needed to write at the moment.

Now, I’ve mentioned my wonderful Plot Whisperer previously.  I give her the parameters of a story, and she often fills in the richness of any story.  She didn’t have an idea for this one either, but I should tell you one more thing about PW.  She LOVES memes.  She often scrolls Facebook just to find fun memes.  And she’s always happy to share them with me.  Some make me laugh, so bring tears, and some just make me think. I love it when I can learn something new.

Another friend explained that sharing things is like pebbles.

Huh?

When a penguin is interested in another penguin, they bring pebbles.  I’m thinking of you. I love you.

Yeah.

Well, then, I’m the queen of pebbles.  I’m often sharing pictures of sunrises, puppies, and books.  I want to bring happiness and to let people know I’m thinking of them. That I love them.

My point?  PW dropped a pebble into our chat, and it had such an impact that I asked, “Can we turn this into a story?”

She was like…sure…?

Hence The Last Laugh.  I can’t share the meme because it’ll give away the story.  But I’m hoping readers will enjoy the story and get a kick out of the twist.  I’ve also tossed in cameos from other characters to fill the bar on New Year’s Eve.  Hopefully everyone will connect with the last call…

Okay, that’s it!  I loved telling the story.  I usually do.

Thank you, Delilah, for inviting me!  As a thank you, I would love to give away a $5 Amazon GC.  To win, please leave a comment. Where is the most interesting place you’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve? I struggled with this one, but I’d say my mother’s home on December 31^st, 1999.  I was racing back to Toronto from the Yukon to make sure I was home for Y2K.  If you’re too young to remember that, consider yourself lucky.  Leave a comment!  Random will pick a winner.  Good luck!

Last Call: A New Year’s Romance Collection

A little bit of bartender wisdom for you:

Dance like the music will never stop.

Love like it’s your first time.

Celebrate like it’s midnight on New Year’s Eve.

That last stroke on the last hour of the last day has magic in it.

Sounds like a fairytale, doesn’t it?

I’ll tell you another secret.

It’s not.

Find out more in this spicy collection containing exciting stories from USA Today best-selling and award-winning romance authors curated by The New Romance Café.

Authors:
Gabbi Grey
Emma Lynn Everly
VK Holt
Jill Brashear
Keighley Bradford
Mila Chase
Katie Baldwin
Chelle Pimblott
Bella Paige
Renee Dahlia
MacKade

The anthology will only be available for a limited time.

Links:
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/tnrc2024lastcall
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CX1SJ7S7
Add it to Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209467380-last-call

About “The Last Laugh” by Gabbi Grey…

Robbie

My coworker died before I could apologize. That’s a regret I’ve had to live with. Then on New Year’s Eve, there he is—or his living ghost, as gorgeous as ever. He can’t be real, but if there’s any chance to right my wrongdoing, I have to take it.

Brody

This guy staring at me across the bar somehow doesn’t feel creepy or like he’s hitting on me. He seems shocked, almost afraid. And he’s a guy I wouldn’t toss out of bed for eating crackers, so when he gets the courage to come talk to me, I figure what the hell. Maybe I’ll get lucky tonight.

The Last Laugh is a 15k short story about second thoughts, second glances, and second chances. Also, two super-hot men hoping not to go home alone at the end of the night…

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

I love this time of year—the music, the colored lights, the tree, the holiday movies, and the excitement. Like most families, we have various traditions that have changed or evolved over the years. But one tradition that never changes is my mother’s fruit cake.

Yes, I said it. Fruit cake. We’re big on this holiday staple in my family and all of us would feel slighted if our mother didn’t make us one of her amazing cakes. Heck, when I was a kid, I used to ask for one for my birthday every year. Mom would make a fruit cake for the family celebration and a vanilla one for the party with my friends. I don’t know what makes hers so special. Maybe it’s the love. All I know is Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it.

Another tradition is chocolate fudge, but not just any fudge. I use the same recipe my mother used when I was a kid. It’s fast, easy, and delicious. I share it every year, but it has the seal of approval of six decades behind it.

Five Minute Fudge
(From the Carnation Milk Cookbook)

2/3 cup of Carnation milk
1 2/3 cups of sugar

~Bring sugar and milk to a boil and boil on low heat for 5 minutes. Stir constantly. Remove from heat.

Add:

1 ½ cups chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet dark chips)
1 ½ cups of plain mini marshmallows (I use Kraft minis)
1 tsp of vanilla flavouring

Stir until smooth and pour into greased 8” X 8” pan.

Cool and cut into squares.

A tradition that was lost for some decades was chocolate making. It’s labor intensive but such fun.  My brother, sister-in-law, and I revived it and have made chocolates for the past several years. It’s not only fun to revive cherished family traditions, it’s yummy too.

This time of year can be hectic with holiday preparations—decorating, baking, shopping—not to mention the parties and get-togethers. So often, when the holidays arrive, many of us are too tired to enjoy it. It doesn’t have to be that way. It shouldn’t be that way. Do yourself a favor and turn off the computer, put down the phone, and take some time to breathe. Go for a walk. If you walk in the evening, you can enjoy the festive lights. Sit in front of the tree and enjoy it. Watch a favorite holiday show with your family. Don’t let the season pass by in a blur. Being present is better than any store-bought gift you could give your loved ones.

However you spend the holiday season, I wish you and yours a Happy Holiday, Happy Yule, and a very Merry Christmas! ~ N.J.

Check out N.J.’s Lone Wolf Legacy Series

Lone Wolf Legacy Series:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTKCDR77/

About the Author

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

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

I’ve been writing YA pop star romances for a while, and this time I have a pop star romance with a fake dating trope! When Stars Collide in the City is my latest book that’s a standalone in an interconnected series. Join these teens as they take on the entertainment world.

Check out the blurb…

From the outside, Olivia Macomb looks like she leads a charmed life. She’s an up-and-coming influencer who is an heir to the Macomb family fortune, and about to start a lifestyle brand with her childhood sweetheart, Jeff. Then her world gets blown apart by her longtime boyfriend leaving her the morning of their website launch. Not only has he left, but the business she created is all in his name and she’s been left with nothing to show for all her hard work. Now she has to pick up the pieces and find out who she is on her own.

Enter Walker Vinton, the indie pop star who used to date Olivia’s close friend, Paige. When their school throws a big event, Paige asks Walker to be Olivia’s date to give to the gossip bloggers something else to talk about other than Olivia’s broken dreams.

Walker ends up coming to Olivia’s rescue in more ways than one at the party, and a twist of events leads to the two embarking on a fake relationship. Walker and Olivia wind up becoming best friends and she realizes he’s the boyfriend of her dreams.

He helps her build both her brand and her self-esteem back up. Walker even helps her start a new business. However, the lines begin to blur as Olivia’s feelings for Walker are very real. The two share intimate conversations and dreams, but what’s real and what’s fake in this starry world?

***FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED***
Get it here FREE for a limited time:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/When-Stars-Collide-City-Book-ebook/dp/B0D8BR4H2L
Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0D8BR4H2L
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0D8BR4H2L
Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0D8BR4H2L

About the Author

Krysten Lindsay Hager is a bestselling author of YA and contemporary romance. She writes romance because she loves bringing people swoony moments and hope-filled happily ever afters. She writes about falling in love, fame, fitting in, frenemies, first loves, and finding your way in the world. She loves reading, watching movies, and lipstick.

Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/

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