K.C. Kendricks's Blog, page 76
January 17, 2015
Loving the old dog
January 17, 2015
If we are very, very fortunate old age comes to us all. It should be our reward for living a long and useful life. Many of the older folks I know worry about being a burden to those they love. Old folks - get the hell over yourself. You're not a burden.
These days I'm dealing with an old dog. He's not a burden, either. We're facing the challenges as they come but it's worth the effort. HE'S worth the effort. The old guy brings me joy every day.
When he was young, he taught me how to put my shoes in the closet every time I took them off. Bedroom slippers, too. You know that's a good habit to form. He taught me how to make a perfect Frisbee toss and that a little peanut butter on a Meaty Bone is just the thing after a bath.
We don't go for long walks these days. His poor, arthritic feet can't tolerate much walking. But he'll sometimes prance a bit for a biscuit which reassures me the good days are at least equally as frequent than the bad days.
I know the day is coming when I'll make that final hard decision for him. And it will be FOR HIM and not for me. If it were for me, I'd never let him go. I'd do whatever necessary to keep him with me, but maybe that wouldn't be fair to him. Dogs are so very courageous and he'd suffer through anything and everything to please me. I can't ask that suffering of him.
I'll get up in the night when he barks and let him out, make sure he gets a baby aspirin, buy special and expensive dog food, haul his black ass to the vet once a month for a doggie pedicure, and vacuum up copious amount of fur every day.
I knew when I got my little black puppy with the odd-for-his-breed white toes he'd bring a lot to my life. He certainly has. He's been a constant in my life for thirteen years.
So here's to the Old Dog. Long may you dream of past glories.
KC
http://www.kckendricks.com
If we are very, very fortunate old age comes to us all. It should be our reward for living a long and useful life. Many of the older folks I know worry about being a burden to those they love. Old folks - get the hell over yourself. You're not a burden.
These days I'm dealing with an old dog. He's not a burden, either. We're facing the challenges as they come but it's worth the effort. HE'S worth the effort. The old guy brings me joy every day.
When he was young, he taught me how to put my shoes in the closet every time I took them off. Bedroom slippers, too. You know that's a good habit to form. He taught me how to make a perfect Frisbee toss and that a little peanut butter on a Meaty Bone is just the thing after a bath.
We don't go for long walks these days. His poor, arthritic feet can't tolerate much walking. But he'll sometimes prance a bit for a biscuit which reassures me the good days are at least equally as frequent than the bad days.
I know the day is coming when I'll make that final hard decision for him. And it will be FOR HIM and not for me. If it were for me, I'd never let him go. I'd do whatever necessary to keep him with me, but maybe that wouldn't be fair to him. Dogs are so very courageous and he'd suffer through anything and everything to please me. I can't ask that suffering of him.
I'll get up in the night when he barks and let him out, make sure he gets a baby aspirin, buy special and expensive dog food, haul his black ass to the vet once a month for a doggie pedicure, and vacuum up copious amount of fur every day.
I knew when I got my little black puppy with the odd-for-his-breed white toes he'd bring a lot to my life. He certainly has. He's been a constant in my life for thirteen years. So here's to the Old Dog. Long may you dream of past glories.
KC
http://www.kckendricks.com
January 9, 2015
It's Ace, Deuce, Trey for the first MSS of 2015
January 10, 2015
Welcome to the first My Sexy Saturday of 2015! It's hard to believe the new year is underway when I have so many 2014 projects I need to complete. But that's the way of writing - every book is finished in its proper time.
Ace, Deuce, Trey - book three in Ian Coulter's Amethyst Cove series. Ian and Rick are just plain fun to write. They're opposites in many things but that makes them a good team. And of course you know they're sexy together. I hope you enjoy today's seven sexy paragraphs.
_*_*_*_
“I’m game if—” I stopped and held my index finger up to keep him from speaking. Someone was outside the main door. I heard it open and then bang closed.
Rick reached up on the desk and snatched his Glock, while I made a fruitless attempt to get my pants up and zipped. The voices in the lobby were clearer now. Rick rolled his eyes and laid his weapon aside.
Oh, fuck. And me with my dick still hanging out.
I looked up at Sheldon and Saylor as they stared down at us through my open office door. Sheldon’s eyes were big as saucers. Saylor cackled with glee.
“Well, just look at the two of you!”
Rick flipped his jacket over my lap. “I know you’ve seen it before, Blackwood, but I’ll thank you to turn around while Ian gets decent.”
Decent? I’d let him suck me in my office, on the floor, and he tossed out the word “decent”? I thought it was funny, but refrained from commenting.
*_*_*_*
About Ace, Deuce, Trey:
Ian Coulter has his hands full with a sexy office assistant, a favorite movie star client and a drag queen determined to save the world one lost runaway at a time. He can juggle all of it because he and his lover, FBI agent Rick Mohr, are finally together.
Rick’s transfer to Amethyst Cove puts him in charge of multiple operations. When one of Ian’s clients is targeted, it doesn’t take long for Ian to suspect the con artist is on an FBI watch list. With their cases overlapping, Ian and Rick are short on time. Together they set a trap and spring it before their suspect escapes.
Doing the job is easy but figuring out the relationship is tougher. Fitting their lives together isn’t without obstacles, but one thing is certain. On or off the case, Ian and Rick always get their man.
ACE, DEUCE, TREY is available now at Amber Allure
http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/208...
KC Kendricks
visit my bookshelf at KC Kendricks.com
Welcome to the first My Sexy Saturday of 2015! It's hard to believe the new year is underway when I have so many 2014 projects I need to complete. But that's the way of writing - every book is finished in its proper time.
Ace, Deuce, Trey - book three in Ian Coulter's Amethyst Cove series. Ian and Rick are just plain fun to write. They're opposites in many things but that makes them a good team. And of course you know they're sexy together. I hope you enjoy today's seven sexy paragraphs.
_*_*_*_
“I’m game if—” I stopped and held my index finger up to keep him from speaking. Someone was outside the main door. I heard it open and then bang closed.
Rick reached up on the desk and snatched his Glock, while I made a fruitless attempt to get my pants up and zipped. The voices in the lobby were clearer now. Rick rolled his eyes and laid his weapon aside.
Oh, fuck. And me with my dick still hanging out.
I looked up at Sheldon and Saylor as they stared down at us through my open office door. Sheldon’s eyes were big as saucers. Saylor cackled with glee.
“Well, just look at the two of you!”
Rick flipped his jacket over my lap. “I know you’ve seen it before, Blackwood, but I’ll thank you to turn around while Ian gets decent.”
Decent? I’d let him suck me in my office, on the floor, and he tossed out the word “decent”? I thought it was funny, but refrained from commenting.
*_*_*_*
About Ace, Deuce, Trey:
Ian Coulter has his hands full with a sexy office assistant, a favorite movie star client and a drag queen determined to save the world one lost runaway at a time. He can juggle all of it because he and his lover, FBI agent Rick Mohr, are finally together.
Rick’s transfer to Amethyst Cove puts him in charge of multiple operations. When one of Ian’s clients is targeted, it doesn’t take long for Ian to suspect the con artist is on an FBI watch list. With their cases overlapping, Ian and Rick are short on time. Together they set a trap and spring it before their suspect escapes.
Doing the job is easy but figuring out the relationship is tougher. Fitting their lives together isn’t without obstacles, but one thing is certain. On or off the case, Ian and Rick always get their man.
ACE, DEUCE, TREY is available now at Amber Allure
http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/208...
KC Kendricks
visit my bookshelf at KC Kendricks.com
January 4, 2015
Winter Winds
January 4, 2015
Right on schedule the winter wind has arrived. From now until mid-April, the wind will be a constant companion here on the mountain, giving weather clues to those of us who would listen. Today it's gusting and that means rain or sleet. A constant strong wind brings sunshine. If I wake in the night and the wind has stilled, I won't need to look out the window to know it's snowing.
I left the wind chimes hang on the patio this past autumn for no particular reason other than, well, no reason. I woke this morning to sound of the wind blowing through the trees and loud chimes. Now it occurs to me if I don't take the chimes down and put them in the shed, the wind might just beat them apart.
The winter wind brings work, too. Looking out the window I see several tree branches on the ground. The first sunny Saturday, we'll venture out and start the never-ending task of clearing deadwood. The larger branches we cut for the wood stove, but most of what falls is small and we add that to the brush pile for burning. Sometimes the wind will bring down an entire tree. It's nature at work, culling the weak.
I need to get to work, too. Just a few days ago I turned in a manuscript which has a tentative March 1 release date. I have March 1 and June 1 deadlines for a couple of stories. There's another Sundown story on the back burner, and I'd like to find another case for Amethyst Cove.
Maybe I should see if the wind will push me along.
KC Kendricks
http://www.kckendricks.com
http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
Right on schedule the winter wind has arrived. From now until mid-April, the wind will be a constant companion here on the mountain, giving weather clues to those of us who would listen. Today it's gusting and that means rain or sleet. A constant strong wind brings sunshine. If I wake in the night and the wind has stilled, I won't need to look out the window to know it's snowing. I left the wind chimes hang on the patio this past autumn for no particular reason other than, well, no reason. I woke this morning to sound of the wind blowing through the trees and loud chimes. Now it occurs to me if I don't take the chimes down and put them in the shed, the wind might just beat them apart.
The winter wind brings work, too. Looking out the window I see several tree branches on the ground. The first sunny Saturday, we'll venture out and start the never-ending task of clearing deadwood. The larger branches we cut for the wood stove, but most of what falls is small and we add that to the brush pile for burning. Sometimes the wind will bring down an entire tree. It's nature at work, culling the weak.
I need to get to work, too. Just a few days ago I turned in a manuscript which has a tentative March 1 release date. I have March 1 and June 1 deadlines for a couple of stories. There's another Sundown story on the back burner, and I'd like to find another case for Amethyst Cove.
Maybe I should see if the wind will push me along.
KC Kendricks
http://www.kckendricks.com
http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
December 29, 2014
Cruising in the Neutral Zone
December 30, 2014
The days between December 23 and January 2 are, for this author, a writing neutral zone. With Christmas successfully celebrated it's time to examine the year ending and plan for the year coming. If you're a regular here at Between the Keys, you know I believe the past is an important tool for planning for the future. That is to say a person needs to know where they've been to know where they're going.
Every year I feel like I'm spinning my wheels and then I pull up my contract information spreadsheet and discover I actually did accomplish a few things. It's amazing on some levels and a bit alarming in others. Did I in 2014 accomplish all I'd hoped? Nope. Did it all turn out the way I planned? Nope - but I won't dwell on that.
My love affair with the American muscle car came to the forefront in 2014. First up in March - Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted. This story of a mechanic meeting the guy who happens to own the car of his dreams was very well received. Thank you all! Apparently I'm not the only person out there who knows what "bored, stroked and blueprinted" means. (Hint: it's not about sex although the book is pretty sexy fare.) And the 1969 Camaro on the cover? My first car.
Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted was followed by Moon Dances in June. Moon Dances is the fourth book in the Sundown saga. The entire series is, in order, The Back Stairs, Beneath Dark Stars, River Walk and Moon Dances. I love writing this series because of the world building. Sundown is not your average shapeshifter. His people are alien, from another world. The challenge is not divulging everything about the Chal too fast. Once it all comes out, the series is over and I'm likely to get weepy emails when that happens. So if all goes well, book five will be out sometime in 2015.
In June, A Friendly Neighbor was released. It's a short story that touches on voyeurism. Turn on any television and you'll see that we've become a nation of voyeurs. Realty TV is on every network, even The Weather Channel. We're fascinated by what crazy thing the neighbors might be doing. I wasn't sure how deeply to delve into the subject and in hindsight I've discovered I'm not as squeamish about voyeurism as I believed. How's that for a scary revelation about the author?
The Men of Marionville series was up next. How far can I go with Marionville as a backdrop for the story? Dreams to Sell is number eight in the series. Dylan and Cass are revisited when Dylan invites an old friend to join him in a business venture. The friend, Keith, jumps at the chance and meets the man of his dreams who happens to be a realtor with a listing for the house of Keith's dreams. The trouble is, Terry is a widower and Keith keeps putting his foot in his mouth. Keith does manage to pull himself together and get both his man and his house. We may not return to Marionville until 2016, but we will go back.
A Perfect Hire was released in September. By this time the Internet had exploded with posts about this publisher. I stayed out of the fray, and I'll continue to stay out of it. Anytime an author signs with a publisher it's a risk, one that's inherent to this industry.
A Perfect Hire is a shorter work - guy falls off ladder and twists his knee so he hires a sexy night clerk who ends up getting a few perks. It was fun to figure out how this poor guy with the bum knee was going to work out having hot, sweaty sex with his helper and not make the knee worse. Lucky for him all the extra attention his perfect hire gives him helps his knee heal faster. Go figure.
And speaking of fun, Ace, Deuce, Trey was absolutely the most fun I had in 2014. I love, love, love writing Ian and Rick's story. Rick is so serious and Ian is not. They're perfect for each other. Both have their fair share of insecurity about being in a "relationship" but they're working on it. Saylor Blackwood is back in this book and he and Rick are forced into the same room. Ian has to make them behave. Ace, Deuce, Trey is the third book in Ian Coulter's Amethyst Cove series. I'm running out of "deuce" title ideas so it's difficult to say what the next installment will be titled. Hopefully title inspiration will strike one more time. Ace, Deuce, Trey will also be a stand alone paperback at some point in time.
When I wrote the first m/m story and signed with Amber Quill/Amber Allure, I was welcomed as an AQP author by Christiane France. At the time no one knew I was already published under another pen name, and I wasn't ready to enlighten them. It may sound strange but I had so many people telling me I was good that I stopped believing them. I needed to re-invent myself and see if that "new" writer would have the same success. Amazingly, I've had more!
Anyway, Chris welcomed me and we struck up a friendship. We decided it would be fun to co-write a few stories. So we did and the Parker Linn Project was hatched so we could learn how to co-write with each other. Now we've gone public with our collaborations with The Ghost Wore Denim. Currently we're in the early stages of the sequel. Yes, we will conclude the story in book two.
Speaking of Parker Linn, Chris and I finished Parker's series, The Escort, in March with the release of The Escort: At the Lake House. The Escort is about Ryan James, a male escort, and a few of his adventures. All five of The Escort books are available at Amber Allure and also in a single paperback for those who prefer.
Wow. I really DID do something in 2014!
Here's to a happy, healthy and equally productive 2015!
KC Kendricks
http://www.kckendricks.com
The days between December 23 and January 2 are, for this author, a writing neutral zone. With Christmas successfully celebrated it's time to examine the year ending and plan for the year coming. If you're a regular here at Between the Keys, you know I believe the past is an important tool for planning for the future. That is to say a person needs to know where they've been to know where they're going.
Every year I feel like I'm spinning my wheels and then I pull up my contract information spreadsheet and discover I actually did accomplish a few things. It's amazing on some levels and a bit alarming in others. Did I in 2014 accomplish all I'd hoped? Nope. Did it all turn out the way I planned? Nope - but I won't dwell on that.
My love affair with the American muscle car came to the forefront in 2014. First up in March - Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted. This story of a mechanic meeting the guy who happens to own the car of his dreams was very well received. Thank you all! Apparently I'm not the only person out there who knows what "bored, stroked and blueprinted" means. (Hint: it's not about sex although the book is pretty sexy fare.) And the 1969 Camaro on the cover? My first car.
Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted was followed by Moon Dances in June. Moon Dances is the fourth book in the Sundown saga. The entire series is, in order, The Back Stairs, Beneath Dark Stars, River Walk and Moon Dances. I love writing this series because of the world building. Sundown is not your average shapeshifter. His people are alien, from another world. The challenge is not divulging everything about the Chal too fast. Once it all comes out, the series is over and I'm likely to get weepy emails when that happens. So if all goes well, book five will be out sometime in 2015. 
In June, A Friendly Neighbor was released. It's a short story that touches on voyeurism. Turn on any television and you'll see that we've become a nation of voyeurs. Realty TV is on every network, even The Weather Channel. We're fascinated by what crazy thing the neighbors might be doing. I wasn't sure how deeply to delve into the subject and in hindsight I've discovered I'm not as squeamish about voyeurism as I believed. How's that for a scary revelation about the author?
The Men of Marionville series was up next. How far can I go with Marionville as a backdrop for the story? Dreams to Sell is number eight in the series. Dylan and Cass are revisited when Dylan invites an old friend to join him in a business venture. The friend, Keith, jumps at the chance and meets the man of his dreams who happens to be a realtor with a listing for the house of Keith's dreams. The trouble is, Terry is a widower and Keith keeps putting his foot in his mouth. Keith does manage to pull himself together and get both his man and his house. We may not return to Marionville until 2016, but we will go back.
A Perfect Hire was released in September. By this time the Internet had exploded with posts about this publisher. I stayed out of the fray, and I'll continue to stay out of it. Anytime an author signs with a publisher it's a risk, one that's inherent to this industry. A Perfect Hire is a shorter work - guy falls off ladder and twists his knee so he hires a sexy night clerk who ends up getting a few perks. It was fun to figure out how this poor guy with the bum knee was going to work out having hot, sweaty sex with his helper and not make the knee worse. Lucky for him all the extra attention his perfect hire gives him helps his knee heal faster. Go figure.
And speaking of fun, Ace, Deuce, Trey was absolutely the most fun I had in 2014. I love, love, love writing Ian and Rick's story. Rick is so serious and Ian is not. They're perfect for each other. Both have their fair share of insecurity about being in a "relationship" but they're working on it. Saylor Blackwood is back in this book and he and Rick are forced into the same room. Ian has to make them behave. Ace, Deuce, Trey is the third book in Ian Coulter's Amethyst Cove series. I'm running out of "deuce" title ideas so it's difficult to say what the next installment will be titled. Hopefully title inspiration will strike one more time. Ace, Deuce, Trey will also be a stand alone paperback at some point in time. When I wrote the first m/m story and signed with Amber Quill/Amber Allure, I was welcomed as an AQP author by Christiane France. At the time no one knew I was already published under another pen name, and I wasn't ready to enlighten them. It may sound strange but I had so many people telling me I was good that I stopped believing them. I needed to re-invent myself and see if that "new" writer would have the same success. Amazingly, I've had more!
Anyway, Chris welcomed me and we struck up a friendship. We decided it would be fun to co-write a few stories. So we did and the Parker Linn Project was hatched so we could learn how to co-write with each other. Now we've gone public with our collaborations with The Ghost Wore Denim. Currently we're in the early stages of the sequel. Yes, we will conclude the story in book two.
Speaking of Parker Linn, Chris and I finished Parker's series, The Escort, in March with the release of The Escort: At the Lake House. The Escort is about Ryan James, a male escort, and a few of his adventures. All five of The Escort books are available at Amber Allure and also in a single paperback for those who prefer. Wow. I really DID do something in 2014!
Here's to a happy, healthy and equally productive 2015!
KC Kendricks
http://www.kckendricks.com
December 21, 2014
It's What You'd Expect
December 21, 2014
It's what you'd expect for the days leading up to Christmas. The hustle and bustle of the holidays, the last-minute rush for the last-minute gift replacement when something arrives via a shipper damaged. It's the Christmas card that somehow slid between the passenger seat and the console in the Charger. You know all those things are likely to happen. Then you get surprised in a good way.
Yesterday was the annual Christmas gathering at the sister-in-law's house. Word must have gotten around, most likely from the lips of my beloved, that I want a new mixer. Christmas seemed like the time to tell the man of the house that if he wants to continue to eat cookies, mama needs new equipment. Besides, he owes me. Long story short, there was some collusion happening. I received gift cards totaling $170 all for the same store, and that would be the store that sells the mixer I want.
I think I have new respect for the sneakiness of the spousal unit. We're going to town this afternoon.
On other fronts, I have to show up at the day job Monday and Tuesday and then I'm off until the following Monday. I'm happy to report the work is done. I just have to commune with the copier for a short while, then I'm free for my own devices. I think I'll dial up the plan for the 2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge and get serious about setting the daily topics.
There's also a manuscript which needs to be turned in. I promised it by the end of the year so I need to fill out those dratted forms and get it all in. I've got another manuscript hanging in limbo and it can just hang. If I paid any attention to gossip at all it wouldn't be hanging, but that's for another blog. Gossip ain't my thing and my aversion to it bit me in the ass but I'm not about to become a gossip monger.
Then there's the writing plan for 2015. I need to get that in order. I have deadlines for March 1, June 1 and September 1. What the fuck was I thinking? The deadline is not my friend. I get far too lazy with a deadline. When I know I have time, it slows me down. Not. A. Good. Thing. Anyway, I need to work out a flexible plan for the coming year.
So there it is. Like most of my "personal" blog entries, putting my thoughts into words has crystallized what I need to do. It's like talking out loud to myself with my fingers. It's all part of my planning and organizing process and I'm happy to let you share in it here at Between the Keys.
Have a healthy, safe and happy Christmas!
KC
http://www.kckendricks.com
It's what you'd expect for the days leading up to Christmas. The hustle and bustle of the holidays, the last-minute rush for the last-minute gift replacement when something arrives via a shipper damaged. It's the Christmas card that somehow slid between the passenger seat and the console in the Charger. You know all those things are likely to happen. Then you get surprised in a good way.
Yesterday was the annual Christmas gathering at the sister-in-law's house. Word must have gotten around, most likely from the lips of my beloved, that I want a new mixer. Christmas seemed like the time to tell the man of the house that if he wants to continue to eat cookies, mama needs new equipment. Besides, he owes me. Long story short, there was some collusion happening. I received gift cards totaling $170 all for the same store, and that would be the store that sells the mixer I want. I think I have new respect for the sneakiness of the spousal unit. We're going to town this afternoon.
On other fronts, I have to show up at the day job Monday and Tuesday and then I'm off until the following Monday. I'm happy to report the work is done. I just have to commune with the copier for a short while, then I'm free for my own devices. I think I'll dial up the plan for the 2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge and get serious about setting the daily topics.
There's also a manuscript which needs to be turned in. I promised it by the end of the year so I need to fill out those dratted forms and get it all in. I've got another manuscript hanging in limbo and it can just hang. If I paid any attention to gossip at all it wouldn't be hanging, but that's for another blog. Gossip ain't my thing and my aversion to it bit me in the ass but I'm not about to become a gossip monger.
Then there's the writing plan for 2015. I need to get that in order. I have deadlines for March 1, June 1 and September 1. What the fuck was I thinking? The deadline is not my friend. I get far too lazy with a deadline. When I know I have time, it slows me down. Not. A. Good. Thing. Anyway, I need to work out a flexible plan for the coming year.
So there it is. Like most of my "personal" blog entries, putting my thoughts into words has crystallized what I need to do. It's like talking out loud to myself with my fingers. It's all part of my planning and organizing process and I'm happy to let you share in it here at Between the Keys.
Have a healthy, safe and happy Christmas!
KC
http://www.kckendricks.com
December 7, 2014
Ace, Deuce, Trey by KC Kendricks
Ace, Deuce, Trey – the sequel to Deuce of DiamondsBook #3 in Ian Coulter’s Amethyst Cove series
Available now at Amber Allure at http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2086-Ace-Deuce-Trey.aspx
About Ace, Deuce, Trey:
Ian Coulter has his hands full with a sexy office assistant, a favorite movie star client and a drag queen determined to save the world one lost runaway at a time. He can juggle all of it because he and his lover, FBI agent Rick Mohr, are finally together.
Rick’s transfer to Amethyst Cove puts him in charge of multiple operations. When one of Ian’s clients is targeted, it doesn’t take long for Ian to suspect the con artist is on an FBI watch list. With their cases overlapping, Ian and Rick are short on time. Together they set a trap and spring it before their suspect escapes.
Doing the job is easy but figuring out the relationship is tougher. Fitting their lives together isn’t without obstacles, but one thing is certain. On or off the case, Ian and Rick always get their man.
*_*_*_*_*
An excerpt from Ace, Deuce, Trey
The description of the Harmon con man was a good match to the pictures we had of Saylor’s accuser. I checked the name of the detective on the Harmon case. I didn’t know him but I’d take the chance and call him to let him know I had a client with a similar situation and see what he said. I’d do what I could to ensure this con artist didn’t make Amethyst Cove his permanent home.
The air around me changed, expanded. I froze and listened into the quiet office. The outside door snicked closed. I drew my Sig Sauer P228 and held it in my lap.
“Hello?”
“It’s me, Ian.”
I laid the gun on my desk. “You should have yelled first.”
It was so quiet I wondered if my mind had played a trick on me.
“What the fuck are you doing, Rick?”
He swaggered into my office. His hot green gaze slammed into mine. “Making sure the blinds are closed.”
I leaned back and put my feet up on my desk. “I have a gun, bucko. What are your intentions?”
Rick reached behind his back, pulled out his Glock .9mm and laid it beside my pistol. “Mine’s bigger than yours.” He leaned over and kissed me. I pulled back.
“Dream on. That must have been one hell of an arrest and booking to get you so worked up.”
“Oh, it was. Law enforcement agents in three countries are going to dance in the street when word gets around.”
I grinned up at him. “And your name is going to be on the report.”
He shook his head. “Not mine, no. I have an alias, you know.”
That was news to me. “Because you’ve done undercover work for the Treasury?”
Rick grasped my ankles and lifted them off my desk. I set my feet on the floor and he went to his knees in front of me.
“And I might have to do it again so my team second gets the credit and the public glory on this one.”
I spread my knees and he slid his big, warm hands up the inside of my thighs to my balls. “You have something in mind here, Mr. FBI man?”
“You don’t have anything to say about the fact I might have to go undercover again?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Something you need to fill me in about?”
“No, no. I’ve let it be known I’m the last option for those assignments.” He pulled my shirttail out of my jeans. “I even told them why.”
“That’s a good career move. ‘I’m gay and I’m shacked up so don’t call me.’ I bet your boss loved that.”
My cock swelled as Rick eased my zipper down. “He laughed at me. In my face. So I beat the shit out of him.”
I snorted. “Right. On the shooting range. What do you think you’re doing?”
He yanked my pants down and all but dragged me out of the chair to the floor. “I’m going to do you in your office, darling. It’ll be a fantasy come true.”
“I’ll scream.” I wiggled my ass to aid him in getting my jeans down and out of the way.
“Yes you will before I’m done with you.”
*_*_*_*
Ace, Deuce, Trey – the sequel to Deuce of DiamondsBook #3 in the Ian Coulter’s Amethyst Cove series
Available now at Amber Allure at http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2086-Ace-Deuce-Trey.aspx
*_*_*_*
Also available –
Double Deuce Book #1 in the Ian Coulter’s Amethyst Cove seriesAvailable at Amber Allure at http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/1195-Double-Deuce.aspx
Deuce of DiamondsBook #2 in the Ian Coulter’s Amethyst Cove seriesAvailable at Amber Allure at http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/1763-Deuce-Of-Diamonds.aspx
Available now at Amber Allure at http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2086-Ace-Deuce-Trey.aspx
About Ace, Deuce, Trey:
Ian Coulter has his hands full with a sexy office assistant, a favorite movie star client and a drag queen determined to save the world one lost runaway at a time. He can juggle all of it because he and his lover, FBI agent Rick Mohr, are finally together. Rick’s transfer to Amethyst Cove puts him in charge of multiple operations. When one of Ian’s clients is targeted, it doesn’t take long for Ian to suspect the con artist is on an FBI watch list. With their cases overlapping, Ian and Rick are short on time. Together they set a trap and spring it before their suspect escapes.
Doing the job is easy but figuring out the relationship is tougher. Fitting their lives together isn’t without obstacles, but one thing is certain. On or off the case, Ian and Rick always get their man.
*_*_*_*_*
An excerpt from Ace, Deuce, Trey
The description of the Harmon con man was a good match to the pictures we had of Saylor’s accuser. I checked the name of the detective on the Harmon case. I didn’t know him but I’d take the chance and call him to let him know I had a client with a similar situation and see what he said. I’d do what I could to ensure this con artist didn’t make Amethyst Cove his permanent home.
The air around me changed, expanded. I froze and listened into the quiet office. The outside door snicked closed. I drew my Sig Sauer P228 and held it in my lap.
“Hello?”
“It’s me, Ian.”
I laid the gun on my desk. “You should have yelled first.”
It was so quiet I wondered if my mind had played a trick on me.
“What the fuck are you doing, Rick?”
He swaggered into my office. His hot green gaze slammed into mine. “Making sure the blinds are closed.”
I leaned back and put my feet up on my desk. “I have a gun, bucko. What are your intentions?”
Rick reached behind his back, pulled out his Glock .9mm and laid it beside my pistol. “Mine’s bigger than yours.” He leaned over and kissed me. I pulled back.
“Dream on. That must have been one hell of an arrest and booking to get you so worked up.”
“Oh, it was. Law enforcement agents in three countries are going to dance in the street when word gets around.”
I grinned up at him. “And your name is going to be on the report.”
He shook his head. “Not mine, no. I have an alias, you know.”
That was news to me. “Because you’ve done undercover work for the Treasury?”
Rick grasped my ankles and lifted them off my desk. I set my feet on the floor and he went to his knees in front of me.
“And I might have to do it again so my team second gets the credit and the public glory on this one.”
I spread my knees and he slid his big, warm hands up the inside of my thighs to my balls. “You have something in mind here, Mr. FBI man?”
“You don’t have anything to say about the fact I might have to go undercover again?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Something you need to fill me in about?”
“No, no. I’ve let it be known I’m the last option for those assignments.” He pulled my shirttail out of my jeans. “I even told them why.”
“That’s a good career move. ‘I’m gay and I’m shacked up so don’t call me.’ I bet your boss loved that.”
My cock swelled as Rick eased my zipper down. “He laughed at me. In my face. So I beat the shit out of him.”
I snorted. “Right. On the shooting range. What do you think you’re doing?”
He yanked my pants down and all but dragged me out of the chair to the floor. “I’m going to do you in your office, darling. It’ll be a fantasy come true.”
“I’ll scream.” I wiggled my ass to aid him in getting my jeans down and out of the way.
“Yes you will before I’m done with you.”
*_*_*_*
Ace, Deuce, Trey – the sequel to Deuce of DiamondsBook #3 in the Ian Coulter’s Amethyst Cove series
Available now at Amber Allure at http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2086-Ace-Deuce-Trey.aspx
*_*_*_*
Also available –
Double Deuce Book #1 in the Ian Coulter’s Amethyst Cove seriesAvailable at Amber Allure at http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/1195-Double-Deuce.aspx
Deuce of DiamondsBook #2 in the Ian Coulter’s Amethyst Cove seriesAvailable at Amber Allure at http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/1763-Deuce-Of-Diamonds.aspx
December 6, 2014
Oh, Christmas Tree
December 6, 2014
There's something that strikes me as very wrong about putting up my Christmas tree.
I used to love, love, love to decorate for the Advent and Christmas seasons. The day after Thanksgiving was Decorating Day. Box after box after box of decorations were pulled from storage and chaos did ensue.
First on the list - Aunt Jane's bells. Always. Then it was time to hang the tinsel and balls around the great room. Even today the tiny tacks remain in the crown moulding. Hook the tinsel on the tack, hang the red ball, and move on to the next tack until tinsel adorned the room. Forty-four tacks holding forty-four balls. The (almost) first to go up and the last to come down.
After the tinsel, anything could happen. Maybe the reindeer herd migrated in or perhaps the elves and snowmen arrived before the deer. Candles and shiny baubles appeared. Snowflakes on almost invisible thread danced in the bow window. And then it was time to go get the tree.
Acquiring the perfect tree was a Big Deal in my family. My parents never bought a tree at the first place they stopped. It was more like the sixth or seventh place. A few of those places weren't about the trees, though. It was about the people selling the trees, namely farmers my dad went to school with. Anyway, we'd get a tree and take it home, and I carried on the tradition when I built my house thirty-odd years ago. Back to my story....
Setting the tree had to be done before sunset then the lights were put on after it got dark. Never forget to check the strings of lights BEFORE you put them on the tree. All the lights and lamps were turned off for this step so you make sure the bulbs were spaced correctly. Stringing the light brought out the fragrance of the pine. Oh, how I love the smell of fresh pine!!!
After the lights were on and working, every light in the room was turned on and the balls were hung. I'm not much for ornaments. I like balls. (Oh, don't go THERE.) The star topper went on, following by many, many, many balls. Then the whole tree was smothered in sliver icicles. When the tree is finished, all the room lights were turned off and we sat oohing and ahhing at the lighted tree.
The room was finished and it was beautiful.
But then the world turned, time marched on, and the spousal unit prevailed.
Just the idea of wrestling a box with a pre-lit artificial tree through the attic hatch and plugging it in sucks all the joy out of Christmas decorating. Why bother?
And that's my take on decorating for Christmas 2014.
Unless he agrees to a real tree. TODAY.
KC
http://www.kckendricks.com
There's something that strikes me as very wrong about putting up my Christmas tree.
I used to love, love, love to decorate for the Advent and Christmas seasons. The day after Thanksgiving was Decorating Day. Box after box after box of decorations were pulled from storage and chaos did ensue.
First on the list - Aunt Jane's bells. Always. Then it was time to hang the tinsel and balls around the great room. Even today the tiny tacks remain in the crown moulding. Hook the tinsel on the tack, hang the red ball, and move on to the next tack until tinsel adorned the room. Forty-four tacks holding forty-four balls. The (almost) first to go up and the last to come down.
After the tinsel, anything could happen. Maybe the reindeer herd migrated in or perhaps the elves and snowmen arrived before the deer. Candles and shiny baubles appeared. Snowflakes on almost invisible thread danced in the bow window. And then it was time to go get the tree.
Acquiring the perfect tree was a Big Deal in my family. My parents never bought a tree at the first place they stopped. It was more like the sixth or seventh place. A few of those places weren't about the trees, though. It was about the people selling the trees, namely farmers my dad went to school with. Anyway, we'd get a tree and take it home, and I carried on the tradition when I built my house thirty-odd years ago. Back to my story....
Setting the tree had to be done before sunset then the lights were put on after it got dark. Never forget to check the strings of lights BEFORE you put them on the tree. All the lights and lamps were turned off for this step so you make sure the bulbs were spaced correctly. Stringing the light brought out the fragrance of the pine. Oh, how I love the smell of fresh pine!!!
After the lights were on and working, every light in the room was turned on and the balls were hung. I'm not much for ornaments. I like balls. (Oh, don't go THERE.) The star topper went on, following by many, many, many balls. Then the whole tree was smothered in sliver icicles. When the tree is finished, all the room lights were turned off and we sat oohing and ahhing at the lighted tree.
The room was finished and it was beautiful.
But then the world turned, time marched on, and the spousal unit prevailed.
Just the idea of wrestling a box with a pre-lit artificial tree through the attic hatch and plugging it in sucks all the joy out of Christmas decorating. Why bother?
And that's my take on decorating for Christmas 2014.
Unless he agrees to a real tree. TODAY.
KC
http://www.kckendricks.com
November 28, 2014
An excerpt from Highway Nights for #MSS#70
November 29, 2014
The weeks go by fast. I went to sign up for the weekly My Sexy Saturday blog hop and discovered it had reached its 70th edition. It's been around longer than that but has had the occasional hiatus. That the blog hop came back stronger after the last one is a testament to its popularity.
So...for #MSS70 I finally settled on a seven paragraph excerpt from Highway Nights. I want to mention Highway Nights got a 4 Heart review at The Romance Studio in which the reviewer closed with, "I liked it a lot." I thought it simple, perfect praise.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*
“I’ll walk you to your car.” Oliver slid out of the booth and leaned over the counter. “Hey, Murf, I’m stepping outside.” He slipped his arm around Garrett’s waist and rested it on the small of his back.
Garrett shivered at Oliver’s warm touch. The action was so relaxed and easy, he’d not seen it coming, but the contact instantly felt normal, and he regretted the loss of it as Oliver opened the door for him. Garrett’s pulse quickened as they approached his car. Dare he risk a goodnight kiss? He dug his keys out of his pocket and pushed the button. The headlights flashed. Instead of opening the driver’s door, Oliver leaned against it. In slow motion, his hands lifted and reached for Garrett.
“Stop in again sometime, Garrett.”
Garrett took a step to close the distance between them. He slipped his arms around Oliver’s neck and pressed tightly to him, thigh-to-thigh. “I’ll do that.”
Heat flashed through him as he slanted his mouth across Oliver’s. His body responded forcefully. His groin tightened as his cock swelled. Part of his brain registered the man’s soft lips and wiry mustache, and the lingering taste of coffee. All higher function faded as Oliver kissed him back, his mouth moving gently under his. All too soon, Oliver pulled back. He ran his thumb over Garrett’s lower lip.
Garrett flexed his hips forward, testing. Enticing. Oliver shook his head. “Just because I’m hard and you’re hard doesn’t mean we’re going to go get stupid.”
Oliver was right, but stupid appealed to him at the present moment. “How about getting naked?”
*_*_*_*_*_*_*
Highway Nights is available at Amber Allure and other fine online booksellers.
A little more about Highway Nights:
Garrett Webb has a five-point plan for starting his own business. To keep it on track, he takes a second job and settles into the evening delivery run between Owensville and Mt. Franklin. The solitude of being on the road clears his head and enables him to chart a better future for himself. When a foggy night sends him to the safety of The Downshift Diner and its owner, Oliver Sanderson, that future takes an unforeseen turn.
Oliver Sanderson enjoys a quiet life along the lonely stretch of highway that’s home to his diner. The road brings all manner of interesting souls to his door. When Garrett Webb steps out of the fog seeking shelter, his openness and honestly draws Oliver’s interest. He’s ready to take the next step, but needs to be cautious. Trouble is coming to the diner, and Oliver wants Garrett clear of it.
Good intentions can’t hold out against their budding attraction. Garrett makes the diner a regular stop during his nightly run, and the men get better acquainted. But Garrett’s past isn’t done with him. In a single heart-stopping moment, Garrett is forced to a decision that risks Oliver’s life—one that could end forever their highway nights.
KC Kendricks
http://www.kckendricks.com
The weeks go by fast. I went to sign up for the weekly My Sexy Saturday blog hop and discovered it had reached its 70th edition. It's been around longer than that but has had the occasional hiatus. That the blog hop came back stronger after the last one is a testament to its popularity.
So...for #MSS70 I finally settled on a seven paragraph excerpt from Highway Nights. I want to mention Highway Nights got a 4 Heart review at The Romance Studio in which the reviewer closed with, "I liked it a lot." I thought it simple, perfect praise.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*
“I’ll walk you to your car.” Oliver slid out of the booth and leaned over the counter. “Hey, Murf, I’m stepping outside.” He slipped his arm around Garrett’s waist and rested it on the small of his back.
Garrett shivered at Oliver’s warm touch. The action was so relaxed and easy, he’d not seen it coming, but the contact instantly felt normal, and he regretted the loss of it as Oliver opened the door for him. Garrett’s pulse quickened as they approached his car. Dare he risk a goodnight kiss? He dug his keys out of his pocket and pushed the button. The headlights flashed. Instead of opening the driver’s door, Oliver leaned against it. In slow motion, his hands lifted and reached for Garrett.
“Stop in again sometime, Garrett.”
Garrett took a step to close the distance between them. He slipped his arms around Oliver’s neck and pressed tightly to him, thigh-to-thigh. “I’ll do that.”
Heat flashed through him as he slanted his mouth across Oliver’s. His body responded forcefully. His groin tightened as his cock swelled. Part of his brain registered the man’s soft lips and wiry mustache, and the lingering taste of coffee. All higher function faded as Oliver kissed him back, his mouth moving gently under his. All too soon, Oliver pulled back. He ran his thumb over Garrett’s lower lip.
Garrett flexed his hips forward, testing. Enticing. Oliver shook his head. “Just because I’m hard and you’re hard doesn’t mean we’re going to go get stupid.”
Oliver was right, but stupid appealed to him at the present moment. “How about getting naked?”
*_*_*_*_*_*_*
Highway Nights is available at Amber Allure and other fine online booksellers.
A little more about Highway Nights:
Garrett Webb has a five-point plan for starting his own business. To keep it on track, he takes a second job and settles into the evening delivery run between Owensville and Mt. Franklin. The solitude of being on the road clears his head and enables him to chart a better future for himself. When a foggy night sends him to the safety of The Downshift Diner and its owner, Oliver Sanderson, that future takes an unforeseen turn.
Oliver Sanderson enjoys a quiet life along the lonely stretch of highway that’s home to his diner. The road brings all manner of interesting souls to his door. When Garrett Webb steps out of the fog seeking shelter, his openness and honestly draws Oliver’s interest. He’s ready to take the next step, but needs to be cautious. Trouble is coming to the diner, and Oliver wants Garrett clear of it.
Good intentions can’t hold out against their budding attraction. Garrett makes the diner a regular stop during his nightly run, and the men get better acquainted. But Garrett’s past isn’t done with him. In a single heart-stopping moment, Garrett is forced to a decision that risks Oliver’s life—one that could end forever their highway nights.
KC Kendricks
http://www.kckendricks.com
November 27, 2014
Shiny!
November 27, 2014
Yeah, the Christmas tree lights are this cat's CRACK.
This is ten seconds away from disaster.
Yeah, the Christmas tree lights are this cat's CRACK.
This is ten seconds away from disaster.
November 26, 2014
First snow of the season - it's cold in a lot of new places
November 26, 2014
The day before Thanksgiving is not a day my corner of the world gets snow. Yet this year, we've been gifted with the white stuff. Being the day before the holiday, I'd planned to close the office at noon to avoid any problems on the road due to traffic. With the snow falling, I sent everyone home at eleven o'clock and quickly followed them out the door.
Now, I can admit here at Between the Keys I had some ulterior motives in leaving even earlier than planned. The edits came in for Ace, Deuce, Trey and the editor was a little passive-aggressive in spots. By that I mean she wanted the edit back as quickly as possible then did her level best to send me off on several irrelevant tangents.
Does the reader really want a technical explanation of the workings of our private investigators's sidearm? Talk about impeding the flow of the story. It's sufficient to know our PI knows how to safely handle all his weapons. Pun intended.
Does the reader really want a dissertation on how a home security system works? Seriously? What value would it add to the story? Go Google if you require paragraph after paragraph of information. That's what a jewel thief would do. What romance reader really enjoys it when the action is pulled off the primary character(s)?
On a happier note, my beloved decided that a snow day was a good day for chili. He loaded the Crock-Pot with burger, chipolte tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and some seasonings I wasn't made privy to before they were added. I think he's been reading recipe websites again.
My contribution to the meal will be opening a box of cornbread mix and getting it in the oven.
I think chili and cornbread will be a perfect supper for a snowy day.
KC http://www.kckendricks.com
.jpg)
The day before Thanksgiving is not a day my corner of the world gets snow. Yet this year, we've been gifted with the white stuff. Being the day before the holiday, I'd planned to close the office at noon to avoid any problems on the road due to traffic. With the snow falling, I sent everyone home at eleven o'clock and quickly followed them out the door.
Now, I can admit here at Between the Keys I had some ulterior motives in leaving even earlier than planned. The edits came in for Ace, Deuce, Trey and the editor was a little passive-aggressive in spots. By that I mean she wanted the edit back as quickly as possible then did her level best to send me off on several irrelevant tangents.
Does the reader really want a technical explanation of the workings of our private investigators's sidearm? Talk about impeding the flow of the story. It's sufficient to know our PI knows how to safely handle all his weapons. Pun intended.
Does the reader really want a dissertation on how a home security system works? Seriously? What value would it add to the story? Go Google if you require paragraph after paragraph of information. That's what a jewel thief would do. What romance reader really enjoys it when the action is pulled off the primary character(s)?
On a happier note, my beloved decided that a snow day was a good day for chili. He loaded the Crock-Pot with burger, chipolte tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and some seasonings I wasn't made privy to before they were added. I think he's been reading recipe websites again.
My contribution to the meal will be opening a box of cornbread mix and getting it in the oven.
I think chili and cornbread will be a perfect supper for a snowy day.
KC http://www.kckendricks.com
