Genevive Chamblee has a new MM sports romance book out: "Ice Gladiator."
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?
Giveaway
Genevive is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour. Enter via Rafflecopter:
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47106/?
Excerpt
“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.
I think how I came about the idea for Ice
Gladiators is likely the most popular question I’m asked about the story.
Well, sit back and I’ll tell you.
When I wrote Out of the Penalty Box, the
first story in my Locker Room Love series, I had no intention of writing a
series, let alone a sports romance. Actually, I had no intentions of writing a
book at that time, but the stars had aligned strangely. I found myself in a
peculiar position. I’d written a string of short stories for various calls for
submissions (all rejected), and now they were hogging space of my hard drive.
I’d struggle to write them, because I tend to be wordy. I felt a better
investment of my time would be spent on longer works.
One day I came across a submission for a sports
romance. At the time, I was in the middle of another project, but the idea of a
sports romance intrigued me enough that I discontinued the current project. I
read the guidelines and thought, “Hey, I can do this.” I considered the various
sports, and it was a no brainer to write about hockey.
Most would think my first instinct would be to go
with football. It did cross my mind because I do love it as well. But there’s
something romantic about hockey. Maybe because many times hockey players come
across as being overly aggressive, and a tender side them rarely is shown. I remember
watching one game, and the camera panned a closeup of the bench. Several
players were smiling up at the screen. I don’t think they had a full set of
teeth between them. But their smiles looked so genuine and endearing that my
heart melted. Behind the players were men allowing their bodies to be
brutalized for a job.
About half way through Out of the Penalty Box,
I developed a subplot that didn’t quite fit in with the rest of the story. So,
I had to cut it. One evening while in my critique writing group (after Out
of the Penalty Box had been published) and being stumped on the story I’d
set aside, a member in the group suggested I clear my head by setting the
project aside again and working on something else. As I began to write, I
realize I was writing another sports romance. Since I’d already established a
team, I thought why not put my two new characters on the same team. That way I
could use the same city. That turned out pretty okay and developed into Defending
the Net.
Honestly, I thought that would be it for me. I’m
all out of story. However, when I started to get feedback, readers were saying
they wanted more—more of everything. More speed. More romance. More heat. More
hockey. Challenge accepted. I thought about it, and that idea of a subplot that
I’d squashed came flooding back. The story that didn’t fit the first time had
everything readers were asking me to write. All that needed to be done was for
me to go for it. And I did. The result, of course, is Ice Gladiators.
After I’d written Ice Gladiators, it made
sense that it was a series. I’d created a world (or rather the city of St.
Anne) of characters, each with unwritten backstories but ones that I’ve already
mapped in my brain. Each is written as a standalone, and I wouldn’t have it any
other way. It allows readers to pick up any book and enjoy the story without
being lost (and without spoilers—well, maybe just a few small ones).
Truthfully, writing this series has been some of the best fun writing I’ve experienced, and I’m so happy readers are enjoying reading as much as I am
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.
Author Bio
Genevive Chamblee is a southern darling and resides in the bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that makes one go “hmm,” and preparing homecooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing.
Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.
Author Website: http://www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com
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