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🌟 Please join me in welcoming author Genevive Chamblee to Stories That Make You Smile! Genevive is here today celebrating the recent release of Ice Gladiators, the third book in her popular Locker Room Love series. She’s kindly brought along both an excerpt and a generous giveaway, and sat down for a discussion about which famous author she would most like to have dinner with! 🌟
Ice Gladiators by Genevive Chamblee
Do Taz and Liam dare cross the line?
Series: Locker Room Romance (book #3)
Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing
Cover Artist: BookSmith Design
Release Date: February 15, 2020
Length: Short Novel / 42k words / 177 pages
Pairing / Genre: M/M Contemporary Gay Romance, sports, own voices, LGBTQ, ice hockey, opposites attract
Blurb
Dalek “Taz” Tazandlakova is the epitome of a hockey player—tall, broad, and powerful. As a forward for the Lafayette Ice Water Moccasins, he’s also the physical embodiment of domination and intimidation.
He’s everything Liam Jolivet isn’t.
Liam possesses an inner strength and confidence Taz has never mastered. On the surface, Liam appears to be a perfect match for Taz. The problem is, Liam is dating Taz’s roommate. It’s not the only problem, either. Taz is a “playa” and has commitment issues—along with a pain-in-the-ass coach who’s threatening to ruin his career, and a second roommate who wants to dictate his social life for his own personal gain.
Nevertheless, Taz wants Liam, and Liam appears to want to reciprocate. Do they dare cross the line?
Excerpt
(Contains explicit language)
“Actually, you’re more likely to get jabbed in the ribs or guts than beat over the head. That’s too obvious a penalty.” Taz reclined on the sofa. “The entire point of sticking is to move someone out of your way or send a message without getting caught. Hockey’s physical and intense, but it isn’t vicious. We respect each other, even if we don’t always like each other. We hit hard, but it’s without malice. At the end of the day, it’s our job. Besides, I thought this kind of thing turned you on. At least, that’s what Jackson said.”
“I said what?”
“You said he liked hockey. Obviously, he doesn’t.”
Spencer’s brows furrowed. “I’m right here. You can talk to me.”
“I said no such thing,” Jackson, Taz’s other roommate, rebutted, picking through the mixed nuts.
Victor set the bowl on a table. “And that’s my cue to leave.”
“What did I miss?” Liam Jolivet questioned, carrying three beers and two soft drinks.
“Nothing,” Victor answered. “Hand them their drinks. You and I are watching the rest of the game in my bedroom.”
“Pfft.” Jackson snorted. “You’re leaving to fuck.”
At least someone’s getting lucky tonight, Taz thought. And with a hottie like Liam, why not?
Victor frowned. “And what’s it to you?”
Taz shook his head. “Wow, Jack, that was tacky, even for you.”
“Calling them like I see them.”
“You must have cataracts in both eyes, then,” Taz huffed.
“What did you mean by sticking sending a message?” Liam asked, distributing the drinks.
“Not that kind of sticking,” Jackson interjected before Taz replied. “But if you have to ask, Vic must not be handling business.”
“Fuck you, Jack,” Victor barked.
Jackson smirked. “That’s what I meant.”
“Shut up and drag your mind out of the sewer. Come on, Liam.”
“Okay, just a minute. I want to hear Taz’s answer.”
“Suit yourself,” Victor snapped, storming down the hallway and slamming a bedroom door.
Twisting the cap off his beer, Taz stared after Victor for a moment before turning his attention to Liam. “You’d better go.”
“I will, but I’m interested in what you were saying.” Liam plopped on the couch, his soulful brown eyes genuinely intrigued. He bore a meet-your-parents smile with a hint of danger that stirred Taz’s curiosity. “I know you probably get sick of all my questions every time I come over, but search engines only tell so much—computer-compiled facts. You give not only the human aspect but spill an inside scoop. It’s not like Victor ever tells me this stuff.”
“It’s an intimidation tactic,” Taz answered. “If guys know you hit, they don’t hit you or your teammates.”
Spencer clicked his tongue. “As I said: barbaric.”
Taz waved his hand. “It’s part of the game—not a nice part, but there it is. And it’s a lot tamer these days with league regulations than several years ago. Back in the day—”
“Liam!” Victor yelled from the bedroom.
“You’re being summoned, fuck boy.” Jackson laughed.
A flush swarmed up Liam’s throat to his face as he rose and trekked to the bedroom.
“He’s too easy.” Jackson chuckled.
Taz rolled his head across the back of the couch to face his roommate. “Why do you do that?”
Jackson shrugged and took a swig of beer.
☆ Guest Post / Exclusive Excerpt / Interview ☆
The Author I’d Most Like to Have Dinner With
I bet anyone can guess the author I would most like to have dinner with. It would be the phenomenal Anne Rice. I discovered her work in seventh grade when a close friend told me to read Interview with a Vampire. He lent me his copy, and I was hooked. For Christmas, I asked my parents for the set of the Vampire Chronicles. I’d already checked them out from the library and read them, but I wanted my own copy to reread. I think I wore them out I later moved on to the Lives of the Mayfair Witches series and then to her Beauty series when I was much older. To me, Anne Rice doesn’t hand readers a story quickly on a platter. She makes the reader work a little, and that is what I about her books. I’m such a fangirl, I enjoy when I must stop and think about a passage.
Being from New Orleans, Anne Rice writes about the Louisiana Cajun and Creole cultures. Of course, I can relate to and appreciate the nod to the diversity of NOLA. I especially appreciate that her work acknowledges that there is a difference between Cajun and Creole.
What I admire about Anne Rice’s work the most is that is has never been afraid to take a risk with her writing. She goes for it. She goes in dark places that many are frightened to venture. I remember reading her books with all the lights on because there was no way I’d read them in the dark. Furthermore, she pays so much attention to detail. When her characters enter a room, the reader’s view is the same. She creates a world that one could absolutely get lost.
If I could ask her anything, my first question would be what I think most would ask her. I would ask what inspired her to write and how does she come up with her ideas for plots. I would ask her if there are any characters that she regrets creating or would change. Finally, I would ask how she became such a prolific writer.
I’ve always envied authors who could published three or four books a year. Of course, some have teams who help research and a gaggle of editors ready to pounce the second the first draft final period is typed. Still others have ghostwriters to help fill the bill. But some authors are talented enough to do it all themselves. I’m curious of the secret.
One author (forgive me that I forgot who) said that writers need to make every word count during a writing session. As a newbie, the most frequent bit of writing advice I received was to write every day. And I would hear people speak of word count writing goals. Although I can’t remember which author said it, I know the he/she has sold millions of books and is world famous. In any case, the author expressed that writing is sole source of income. She writes to live and pay her bills. As a result, she does not have the time to spend an entire day writing only to have to throw it all away because it is not it is not up to par. She stressed that quality is far more valuable the quantity. Well written short works can gross more than poor written longer ones. I completely agree with this.
As someone who is unable to write full-time, the time I do set aside for writing must be productive. Otherwise, it’s spending hours making a cake from scratch only to burn it to a crisp in the oven. All the time and ingredients have been wasted. Yet, I do believe there are secrets as to how a writer can prepare or train himself/herself to be more copious in their output. It’s apparent by the body of work Anne Rice has accumulated, she knows a thing or two about writing.
For more of how I write, my stories, and my shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou. If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors.
And also, don’t forget to check out my new steamy, sports romance, Ice Gladiators, guaranteed to melt the ice. It’s the third book in my Locker Room Love series.
Missed the two books in my sports romance series? No frets. Out of the Penalty Box, where it’s one minute in the box or a lifetime, out is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. Visit www.books2read.com/penalty. Defending the Net can be ordered at www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.
Until next time, happy reading and much romance.
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