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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

References:

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

That’s all I got. I hope you had a few giggles. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. Had you ever heard of Papa Noël or Papa Fouettard? Do you think Papa Fouettard is too politically incorrect for present day? Where do you think Papa Noël lives? Have you ever visited one of the Louisiana bonfire celebrations? If so, which ones. Let me know your thoughts below in the comment section. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. And if you like this post, consider clicking the like button and sharing.

Demon Rodeo

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

Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.

Order

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

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

*Note: All of my books can be purchased from brick-and-mortar bookstores (e.g., Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million, etc.) as well if requested at the checkout counter.)

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

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

Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.

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

LOCKER ROOM LOVE

Locker Room Love Series

Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

• Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out.
• Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game.
• Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin.
• Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin.
• Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.

I’m excited to share the cover for my upcoming young adult novel, When Stars Collide in the City. It’s a standalone book that’s part of an interconnected series about teens in the entertainment (and college sports) field who are trying to figure out life and love in the big city.

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 is 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 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?

You can pre-order the book (it releases on December 14^th) here:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/When-Stars-Collide-City-Book-ebook/dp/B0D8BR4H2L

Check out the rest of the series!

Like second chance romance and sports romances? Book one in the series features a teen soap star named Valeria who runs into the ex she never got over who happens to be a college basketball player who transferred to a university in the city.

Like hockey romance? Book two has a soap star named Paige who winds up doing a TV sports internship and meeting a college hockey star while she’s trying to get over her pop star ex (who is featured in book three).

Find the whole series here:
Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVXPN4DF
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVXPN4DF
Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CVXPN4DF
Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVXPN4DF
Amazon Germany: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/dp/B0CVXPN4DF

A Note from the Author

I write YA and contemporary novels with hope, humor and happily ever afters, as well as dealing with self-doubt and finding where you belong.

Keep up with Krysten here:
Website: www.krystenlindsay.com

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.

UPDATE: The winner is…BN!
*~*~*

Today is a special day for me. Penalty Kill, the fourth book in my Locker Room Love series turns three today. It’s hard to believe that it’s been three years already. So, I’m celebrating.

Each book that I write is special to me, but Penalty Kill is extra special because it was written and released during the time the entire world broke—ya know, the height of the pandemic. As a result, I sadly couldn’t give it the usual welcome party. The following year, I was in the middle of writing Future Goals (book #5). This year, I’m preparing for the release of Demon Rodeo, the first book in my Chasing the Buckle series—a spicy, paranormal sports/cowboy (bull riding) romance. Thus, despite how much I love it, Penalty Kill seems to always being getting lost in the shuffle. Well, today, it will shine.

Penalty Kill centers on professional ice hockey veteran Timothée Croneau—one of the best players in the league with a garbage reputation. On the best of days, Timothée is crass and grumpy. And who wouldn’t be seeing how he was unceremoniously and unexpectedly traded to a team ranked dead last? The good part is that the team is located near his hometown of Mandeville, Louisiana. The bad part is that it is near his hometown which places him close enough to be a person of interest in a murder. And not just any murder—his estranged parents.

Sports agent Ryker Kitsch wants to make a name for himself. When he learns that Timothée has recently signed with the firm he works for, Ryker sees it as an opportunity. Since the senior agent representing Timothée has her hands full with other problematic clients, Ryker offers to be her assistant. What Ryker didn’t see was how captivated he would be by the dynamic forward. Timothée is not an ordinary client, and despite his gruff exterior, Ryker has a soft spot for him.

As with most of my novels, Penalty Kill is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. Regardless if a reader is a sports fanatic or novice, the sports scenes and jargon is easy to follow. The characters are multicultural and diverse, and the writing is on the sassy side. And if I didn’t mention, it’s spicy; so, not for the kiddies. It also has an author’s note and trigger warning.

If you would like to win a free copy of Penalty Kill, Penalty Kill, comment your favorite sport. One winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. (Please add genevivechamblee@yahoo.com to your contacts or safe mail list to prevent going to spam.) The contest will close on 8/31/24 at 12:01 AM. The winner will have 48 hours from the time of email notification to claim the prize.

That’s a wrap. 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.

Demon Rodeo

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

My contemporary M/M paranormal sports romance, Demon Rodeo, is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder 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. I’m celebrating its release by posting daily on my blog. There will be giveaways and lots of goodies. You can see the videos and PR boxes on TikTok.

Preorder

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

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

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

 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.

Have you ever thought you knew where your path in life was going only to have the bottom fall out? Paige Kramar thinks she has it made with a role on the TV show, Charmed Lives. Then everything changes when her co-star Lance’s bad behavior gets him suspended from the network. Her role is put on hold because she was about to be revealed as his secret sister. She was already getting pressured by her family to study something in school that would lead to job security in the future. She winds up doing a journalism internship where she’s not taken seriously since she’s an actress. Then one day she steps up in a big way to help out a sportscaster named Ted who sees she has an eye for putting together news stories.

Ted gives her an opportunity to work with him and mentors her. She goes from feeling insecure about her future to believing in herself and her abilities. Along the way, she meets a hockey player named Viktor who is also dealing with his own self-confidence issues. Paige and Viktor begin to find support in one another and fall in love, but they are both fresh off of break ups and dealing with trust issues. Then her pop star ex-boyfriend comes back into the picture. Can Paige find true love and purpose?

Find the book here. ***Free in Kindle Unlimited ***

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Star-City-Hockey-Romance-ebook/dp/B0CVXHF8DL
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Falling-Star-City-Hockey-Romance-ebook/dp/B0CVXHF8DL
Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/Falling-Star-City-Hockey-Romance-ebook/dp/B0CVXHF8DL
Amazon Aus: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0CVXHF8DL
Add it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208865198-falling-for-a-star-in-the-city

Check out the playlist here

Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine: Captures the unsure feeling of falling for someone so perfectly.
Deeper Well by Kacey Musgraves: Paige becomes more introspective as her life changes and this song really plays into that as you start to become more of yourself as you do through adversity.
Say Something by A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera: This song fits how Paige feels as things fall apart with Walker.
Without Me by Halsey (I listened to the version performed by Halsey & Kelsea Ballerini): This was how I imagined Paige feeling after Walker’s career took off after their breakup.
Let You Down by NF: I felt this song was something Walker would have been listening to after everything happened with Paige.
Style by Taylor Swift: This one reminded me of Walker and Paige.
Dreams by Jon Connor: This song encourages people to dream and Paige struggles as she sees her acting dream slipping away. Also, Paige and her friend Jake are both originally from Flint, Michigan (where I was born) and so is Jon Connor.
This is Called “Me” by Marina: A song about staying true to yourself and being resilient. It fits the journey that Paige is on dealing with staying true to herself while life throws her curveballs.
Take Your Time by Pebbles: A song about resilience and to keep going and not giving up. Fits Paige and her journey so well.

About the Author

Krysten Lindsay Hager is the bestselling author of the Stars in the City series, the Cecily Taylor Series, Star Series, Landry’s True Colors Series, and the standalone, Dating the It Guy. Cecily in the City recently won the Readers’ Favorite award for Best YA romance. She is also a guest host on the Michigan Avenue Media podcast.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Krysten-Lindsay-Hager/author/B00L2JC9P2
Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/

I’m excited to share my new release, Falling for a Star in the City. It’s a standalone book that’s part of the Stars in the City interconnected series. Each book can be read on its own, but the characters all exist in the same world in New York City. Check out the blurb:

Paige thought she had it all: a job on the soap opera Charmed Lives and a boyfriend who was trying to get discovered as a singer/songwriter. Then her part on the show is reduced to reoccurring status and her family pushes her to leave her acting dreams behind to major in journalism—what they call a “real job.” Her relationship with her wannabe pop star boyfriend, Walker, ends only for her to find out he signed a recording contract right after their breakup. Then she reads online that his new album is about their relationship.

She gets an internship in the sports department at the TV station where she meets a college hockey player named Viktor who has trust issues from a past relationship. Now with Walker’s pop star dreams taking off, it leaves her questioning her own play-it-safe tendencies, her acting career aspirations, self-worth, and relationships. Everyone else seems to have it together but her.

Paige and Viktor begin to confide in each other, which soon leaves them falling for each other, but Paige worries their worlds are too different for them to work as a couple. Plus, there’s the issue of Walker trying to back together with her, but has fame changed him?

Meanwhile, Paige has a minor accident which leaves her questioning if she ever really wanted a flashy lifestyle or if it was what she felt she was supposed to want. Now she must figure out what she really needs to be happy and fulfilled in life. Can Paige find both her purpose & true love?

***Free in Kindle Unlimited ***
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Star-City-Hockey-Romance-ebook/dp/B0CVXHF8DL
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Falling-Star-City-Hockey-Romance-ebook/dp/B0CVXHF8DL
Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/Falling-Star-City-Hockey-Romance-ebook/dp/B0CVXHF8DL
Amazon Aus: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0CVXHF8DL
Add it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208865198-falling-for-a-star-in-the-city

New review: Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers’ Favorite

Falling for a Star in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager follows Paige, a young woman navigating the highs and lows of her acting career and personal life in a bustling city. Paige is driven by her dreams of acting success and haunted by a recent breakup with Walker. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she starts an internship at a TV station, initially performing menial tasks but eventually impressing the sports department. Paige faces professional and emotional challenges, encountering Viktor, a hockey player, and seeing her ex, Walker, whose music career was inspired by their split. The story captures Paige’s inner conflicts and resilience as she navigates her evolving relationships with Walker and Viktor, culminating in moments of personal growth and professional achievements. Falling for a Star in the City is rich with themes of love, career ambitions, and personal discovery.

Krysten Lindsay Hager carefully shows the ups and downs of Paige’s feelings and choices, helping readers understand her successes and failures. The writing is both engaging and straightforward and the use of humor and introspection maintains intrigue and emotional resonance. The descriptive language and relatable dialogue enhance the characters and their experiences. The setting is the vibrant backdrop of the city, and the tone is a blend of lightheartedness and emotional depth; both capture the protagonist’s optimistic yet sometimes uncertain outlook on her future. Paige is a well-rounded character. Her interactions with Walker and Viktor are key to the story, revealing different sides of her personality and helping her grow emotionally. The other characters, like her friends and coworkers, enrich the story by showing the importance of friendship and support. The title itself aptly captures the essence of the story. The word “star” hints at Paige’s acting career and her romantic interests, giving the title an intriguing double meaning. This sets the stage for the themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery that unfold. The book also gives a clear message of resilience and being true to yourself. It highlights the importance of real connections and having the courage to chase your dreams, no matter the obstacles. Falling for a Star in the City is a compelling narrative that resonates with its authentic portrayal of personal growth and relationships.

Are you ready? Hmmm. This sounds like the opening to an Ole Miss football game. (If you know, you know.) Let’s try this again.

Are you ready for something different?

Like many writers, I began writing because I could not find stories I wanted to read. That doesn’t mean they didn’t exist. It means they didn’t exist where I was searching. Regardless of the reason why, I didn’t have the desired reading material which prompted me to create my own. Turns out, writing is also therapeutic. It positively filled the downtime on the bayou. But even with wonderful books to get lost in, sometimes, I got a hankering for something different.

Romance books are a lot predictable, and there’s nothing wrong with that. There’s satisfaction in knowing that a HEA or HFN awaits. The true joy is the journey there, and every book takes a different route to the destination. That is why the romance genre has stuck around for so long. That being said, some voyages are similar. Well, if you’re a reader wanting a palate cleanser, hang onto your bootstraps. I have the story for you in Demon Rodeo.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking. “What kind of name is Demon Rodeo for a romance? It sounds more like…” If you completed that sentence with “something from a Louisiana bayou,” you’d be correct. But let me tell you about it and what makes it different.

1. Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle If you don’t like reading series, that’s okay, because Demon Rodeo can be read as a standalone. No cliffhangers, I promise.
2. It’s a mashup of several subgenres that aren’t typically seen together. I explain it as if Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild. It is a contemporary MM paranormal spicy, friends-to-lovers sports romance.
3. The story is about modern-day bull riders, but these cowboys aren’t on a ranch or a farm. This isn’t a “western.” These are Louisiana Cajun and Creole cowboys who are competing for a national championship. Their stories take place outside of the arena as much as inside of it.
4. The characters are diverse and inclusive. Readers will definitely get a taste of the Cajun and Creole cultures as well as others.
5. It has a heat level of volcanic. It’s not for the kiddies. This is an adult guilty pleasure. The main characters have sizzling chemistry. Yet, the plot doesn’t get lost in the steam and isn’t “smut” or erotica.
6. It also isn’t horror that isn’t going to keep readers awake at night. However, if readers like a little bit of spook that will bring them to the edge of their seats, they can check that box. Think about the stories of the peculiarity and eccentricity that is rumored to occur in New Orleans.
7. The story is fast-paced. For most readers, it feels like a quick read.
8. Demon Rodeo supports healthy, nontoxic relationships between consenting adults.
9. Not everything is predictable. As in life, sometimes things just occur, and they don’t always make sense. Adjustments must be made. Life is about swiveling and pivoting. So is this story.
10. A romance is at the center of the story. Is there angst? Yes. Is there humor? For sure. Is there drama? Most definitely. Will it keep readers on their toes? That’s the intention. But in the end, it’s all about love and friendship.

So, why did I decide to write this post? It’s reveal day! I’m happy finally to be able to share the Demon Rodeo book cover. Be sure to follow me on my social media platforms because I have lots of giveaways and goodies coming soon.

Preorder
⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852
⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

So, that’s it. What did you think? What is your take on the subject of creative freedom? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.

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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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.