Sending you gay romance gifts for Valentine's Day
Feb 13, 2022 5:01 pm
This morning my ChinPoo Ally and I went for a long walk. We do a half-hour every weekday morning but aim for an hour on the weekends. I’ve been meaning to walk to Starbucks since I moved in (three months ago, I realized with chagrin), but we’ve never made it. This morning we did, and I indulged in my English Breakfast Tea Latté to sip as we walked home. Ally was dragging this morning, but as we crested the hill, the first tendrils of dawn appeared. I checked my phone. 6:15. I felt a secret thrill. The days are lengthening. Eventually I’ll be able to start my workday in daylight. Eventually our walks with be in the light. Eventually I’ll have to tilt my blinds so the sun doesn’t shine in my eyes.
I can’t wait.
I’m a pasty white girl who doesn’t do well in the sun. But I love the sun, and after a dreary British Columbia winter, I’ll embrace the sunshine. Now, I’m also cringing, knowing with the long days comes the heat. After last summer’s heat dome, I fear the sun as much as revel in it. My new beautiful condo? No a/c. Ah well. When I bought in presales last winter, it never dawned on me to ask about a/c. I still would’ve purchased, but I would’ve at least hesitated.
Okay, enough ruminations about the sun. I also contemplated Valentine’s Day – especially knowing I’d be sending you an email this morning. I’ve had one great love affair in my life and it ended catastrophically. I’ve never found the courage to try again. These days, I look at relationships and think it’s too much hassle. A little cynical, I admit. With COVID, though, I haven’t even attended a munch in two years. So if I’m not out meeting people, how could I possibly encounter someone who might be compatible? I guess online, but that’s not really my scene. I’m old school that way.
Yet I write romances. All kinds of romances. Men loving men. Women loving women. Men and women loving each other. And a ménage thrown in for good measure. Even in my darkest days after the relationship ended, I never once considered giving up writing happy endings. So as we head into the most romantic day of the year, I extended my best wishes to you, my readers. If you’re in a relationship, I hope it brings you joy. If you’re solo like me, I hope you’re finding happiness in your own way. Know that I’m reaching out and sending you the best. Feel free to email me back and let me know how you plan to spend tomorrow. For me? More writing on my current project and a full workday. (Check below for my current reading and recommendation.)
Okay, I promised some freebies! You know I love to deliver! In honor of Valentine’s Day, a group of m/m authors have put together a great selection!
More awesome free m/m books? I’m grabbing these!
How about a mix of romance? 50 talented authors, including some m/m got together on this one!
Looking for sizzle? Burn For Me – Erotic Romance Giveaway – More mixed romances with plenty of heat (including some mmf).
Finally, I’m sure you’ve already heard about this amazing giveaway, but just in case you haven’t – over 100 great m/m books available all year! Your Book Boyfriend’s Boyfriend
What I’ve been reading
Ali Velshi, an anchor on MSNBC, has begun a Banned Book Club. I hate that’s a thing. We don’t see it as much here in Canada, but I cringe as I watch people south of the border wanting to take away so many great books. Today’s book was All Boys Aren’t Blue, a profound YA memoir by George M. Johnson. Johnson is a gay Black person who has struggled with those identities. Their memoir hit me with all the feels as I followed them on their journey. I’m truly glad I listened to the story – I can recommend the audio which Johnson narrates. It’s great they felt confident enough to share their story in such a personal way. I highly recommend. Personally, I was fortunate that my library had both the ebook and the audio available for me to borrow. I’m so grateful to my progressive librarians.
Ally needs a haircut again.
Take Care. Stay Safe. Stay Sane.
Love, Gabbi
And don't forget to pick up the free mm romances.