K.C. Kendricks's Blog, page 95

V is for Victory (series)

2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
It's All About the Books
Day 22April 25, 2013
Welcome to the final days of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge, and V is for Victory and The Victory Series, which we’ll get to in a moment, but mostly it’s pure personal victory.
Everyone likes to win. Win the game, win the guy, win the Powerball lottery…. I need a moment to focus on the numbers.....…. Whether it’s public or private, winning is, on the whole, considered a good thing. I happen to think private victories are much sweeter than public ones.
It’s not that I don’t appreciate the big blowout celebrations because I do. It’s great fun to join a group and whoop it up! I do it when the opportunity arises. But in my day-to-day life I find savoring the small victories to be more rewarding.
Those small victories are celebrated in The Victory Series. A man comes out. A father is accepted by his son. Cancer is beaten. A man risks his heart. A life is rebuilt. Parents embrace a son. Love wins the day. These are victories that matter.
And for me the victory was that of writing my first stories in a genre I loved to read. There’s something a little special about those stories because of it. I was feeling my way, much the same as my characters, and I shared in their victories as they created mine because writing is a symbiotic relationship between author and character.
So here’s a bit about The Victory Series. If you haven’t read it, I hope you will. And if you’ve read it, I hope you’ll re-read it and experience the victory love brings again.
KC
_*_*_*_*_*_
Surrendered Victory, Passion's Victory, and Shining Victory are available by individual download, or in the paperback, A Taste of Victory. Follow the links for excerpts or visit my website.
Surrendered Victory 2008 Amber Heat Wave Contest WinnerISBN 978-1-60272-283-5 (ebook)Contemporary gay romanceNow available at Amber Allure http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/SurrenderedVictory.html
Dalton makes Reed tingle in all the right places. Now Reed’s ready to answer the question that’s haunted his every failed relationship. Is he really gay?
Reed walked into Dalton’s life and everything changed. This time, Dalton won’t hide the fact he’s gay from anyone, even his son.
Together they surrender all to each other and claim the ultimate victory - love.

*****
Passion's Victory
2008 CAPA Nominee
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-330-6 (ebook)
contemporary gay romance now available at
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/PassionsVictory.html

When passion is the prize, it’s time to change the rules….

Micah Souther is young, talented, and gay. As the junior owner of the family business, he knows better than to look for love “on the clock.”

Jonas Chadwick is the new guy at the firm. Older, wiser, and a survivor of the school of hard knocks, he’s not in the market for an office romance, even if he knows for certain his young boss is gay.

One kiss is all it takes to send Micah and Jonas on a collision course, and when bodies collide, the friction gets hot...

****

Shining Victory
ISBN 978-1-60272-422-8 (ebook)
contempoary gay romance
now available at
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/ShiningVictory.html

Stacy James survived a life-shattering accusation to become a successful businessman with a lot to offer a partner. At forty,he's finally put his ghosts to rest, and is ready for someone in his life, if the right person comes along.

Young and wild, ace mechanic Levi Wright builds engines made for speed. When Levi's volatile temper lands him nose-to-nose with trouble, Stacy ignores his own rules and steps in to save Levi from making a big mistake. But Stacy can't ignore Levi's smoldering sexuality as the younger man then pursues him.

And Levi has made it clear, he's out to get his man.

********
A Taste of Victory
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-898-1 (Paperback)
All three Victory stories in one paperback edition available at

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/187-0777424-5465613?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=a+taste+of+victory


KC Kendricks
Website: http://www.kckendricks.com
Blog: http://kckendricks.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kckendricks
http://pinterest.com/kckendricks
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
Mailing List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys

U is for Ubiquitous

It's All About the Books
2013 A to Z Blogging ChallengeDay 21April 24, 2013

Only five days to go after today! We’re fast approaching the finish line! This year I’ve been blogging about the books and doing a little promo, but today is for more ubiquitous things.
I love the word “ubiquitous.” The root word, “ubiquity” is a noun from the Latin and means a presence everywhere simultaneously. Ubiquitous is the adjective form and is defined as existing or being everywhere at once. The sky is ubiquitous. Noise is ubiquitous. Most importantly, love is ubiquitous. Ubiquitous is not a word often used to describe love, but maybe it should be. I can’t think of one bad thing that would happen if love were everywhere at once.
Language is valuable tool in the writer’s arsenal. We love and embrace words, but where to we draw the line with using words such as ubiquitous? Or myriad? Or enigmatic? I happen to love all three. They’re just so darned descriptive! As a writer, I feel it’s my responsibility to pen my stories using language everyone will connect with. Is that enough? Do I not also have a responsibility to expand my reader’s knowledge of language?
I don’t want to come across as being super smart and condescending because I’ve read some authors who really are and I didn’t like it. On the other hand, I don’t want my readers to believe I think they don’t understand multi-syllabic words. It’s a quandary (another word I like) and something every writer addresses on a word-by-word basis.
So here near the end of this year’s A to Z Blogging Challenge, I have a challenge for you the reader. I challenge you to use the ubiquitous in conversation today just for fun. You’re sure to get a smile or two.
KC

T is for Taming Triton - KC Kendricks

2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
Day 20
April 23, 2013
It's All About the Books
One week to go in the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! Hasn’t this been a fast month? It seems like it to me. Even with the prep work out of the way prior to April I haven’t made it around to as many blogs as I’d hoped, but I’ve managed to hit a few each day and I think that’s pretty good.

Today T is for Taming Triton, the second book in the Southern Cross series and touches on bisexuality. Apparently some people don’t believe it’s for real, but I do. I think there are those who have a more complex sexuality and the rest of us are monochromatic by comparison. Anyway, in Taming Triton our hero Steve is aware of the shades of gray in his orientation and without that knowledge of self, he’d have missed out on the love of his life. So if Taming Triton has any sort of message beyond that of tolerance and love, it’s that it’s a good thing to know and accept yourself.

Taming Triton is the sequel to Netting Neptune and Colby and Theron make appearances in this story and in Poseidon’s Pleasure. Writing the original trilogy start to finish was both a challenge and great fun. I really need to get another trilogy plotted and go for it to keep my writing skills sharp. And I think I have an idea, so stay tuned.

KC
_*_*_*_

Taming Triton

Contemporary gay romance
#2 Best Seller, Amber Allure, October 2009
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/TamingTriton.html


Austin Michaels accepts his brother’s standing invitation for a Caribbean vacation at his island resort. Some time in the sun is just what he needs to map out a plan for his future. He gets lucky and meets a handsome teacher willing to have a little vacation fling with, as long as they can keep things fun.

Steve Guthrie’s secret longings have haunted him all his life. It’s time to face his questions and find the truth of who he really is beyond a staid college professor. His love of the sea prompts him to take a vacation at a Caribbean hide-a-way for relaxation and reflection. A sexy stranger with a tattoo tempts Steve to abandon his plans, enticing him to share a vacation romp.

Now Steve’s the student in a high stakes class of one, and to pass the course, he has to tame his very own Triton.

EXCERPT

There was a soft knock on the door. I didn’t need a rocket scientist to tell me who it was.

What did I want from him? An explanation? Or did I want to tell him to go have a nice life? I opened the door and took in his worried face. Austin stared at me, and his expression shifted to wariness.

“Steve, what’s wrong?”

Men lie to men all the time. Well, not me. I wasn’t sliding into that gutter. Ever.

“I saw you being very cozy with Colby Denton’s boyfriend.”

He flinched at the accusation, at my sharp voice, but his hand snaked out and grabbed my wrist.

“It’s not what you think. Let me come in…”

“Men lie to men--isn’t that what you said? Should I let you in so you can lie to me?”

"Babe, you should let me in so the neighbors on their terrace don’t get a good laugh, or call the front desk and complain.”

I hesitated a half-second too long, and Austin pushed past me into my suite. “Call Colby and tell him what you saw. Go ahead. Let him tell you didn’t see Theron and me sneaking around.”

Austin jumped as I slammed the door shut behind him. I rounded on him. “I fucking saw what I saw, Austin!”

“Yeah? You saw my brother give me a kiss. Is that really a big deal to you?”

The hot rage of his betrayal died in my belly, cooling as if it had never even existed. His brother? He’d mentioned a brother. My knees threatened to give out on me and I plopped down on a dinette chair. Austin took the seat next to mine and held out his hands, palms up.

“Steve, I’m sorry. I’d have gotten around to explaining how I know Theron and Colby tonight. I didn’t think…I mean I didn’t see any reason to tell you my total life story right away. There’s a lot we don’t know about each, and most of it won’t make any difference while we’re having vacation fun.”

I wanted to believe him, I really did. “So tell me about your brother now, and don’t leave anything out.”

That wary look he had teased at his features, a clear indication he had something to hide. If this Theron were his brother, there shouldn’t be any problem, but the trapped look on his face said more than words ever could. Anger licked at my guts again.

“Lie to me, Austin.”

He shook his head. “No. I won’t. Theron is my foster-brother. Let’s walk over to the main building and you can ask him to verify it. Just don’t cross-examine him because you don’t have the right, and his nerves can’t take it.” Austin reached out and took my hand. I yanked away.

Damn him. “Let’s just go our separate ways, Austin. I can’t trust you.”

Very slowly, he reached for my hand again, wrapping his fingers around mine. This time, something in the earnest way he looked at me, his posture, kept me from pulling back. He took a deep breath.

"I don’t remember my mother. She’s just a name on my birth certificate. I was put into the child welfare system early. So was Theron. We ended up with the same foster family, one that understood gay teens.”

“That’s the real short version, isn’t it?”

To his credit, he didn’t deny it, merely nodded. I had a choice to make. Accept his explanation, or ask him to leave. I knew I didn’t have the right to know every detail of his life story based on our short acquaintance, sex or no sex. The other side of the coin--I’d not told him anything about my life, either. I looked down at our hands. His grip tightened for an instant.

“Okay. So I’m an ass to jump to conclusions and have a little fit.”

Austin’s other hand gripped my knee. “No, you’re not. Theron and I are pretty close. The first time I came for a visit, I thought Colby’s head was going to explode when he caught us…You don’t wanna know yet.”

“The hell I don’t! You’d better spit it out now, Austin.”

“We, um, got a little drunked up. Colby came up to my suite and found us flopped on the bed together, giggling like fools, talking about old times.” Austin flashed me a sheepish look. “Babe, he was not pleased.”

A thought formed, growing stronger as a flush stained his cheeks. I closed my eyes, then opened them slowly. "Jeez, Austin, you and Theron were each other's first, weren't you?"

I didn't attempt to deny it. It wouldn't have worked on me if he had.

"Steve, it was a long time ago. We were two lonely teenagers with the same big secret-we were queers. Somehow the universe gave us to each other to take care of and made us brothers. He and Colby are all the family I have."

I let out a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding. “I get it, Austin. I really do. I’m sor…”

His fingers pressed to my lips. “Don’t say it. Not for this. You don’t know me, so you’re right to question me.”

“For what it’s worth, I just learned a lesson about jumping to conclusions. Never too old, right?”

He leaned forward and kissed me, a tender pressing of his lips to mine. I kissed him back, more relieved than I should be.

This was a vacation thing. I needed to keep it that way.

TAMING TRITON
Book Two of the Southern Cross series
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-586-7
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/TamingTriton.html



NETTING NEPTUNE
Book One of the Southern Cross series
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-573-7
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/NettingNeptune.html

POSEIDON'S PLEASURE
Book Three of the Southern Cross series
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-599-7
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/PoseidonsPleasure.html


KC Kendricks
Website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Kendricks/1439574042
Blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
 

S is for Sundown

2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
It's All About the Books
Day 19April 22, 2013
Happy Earth Day!
Welcome to my little corner of the blogoshere and the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge. Have you been visiting the different bloggers? I know there are too many to get to every one, but it’s great fun to pick a couple every day and go meet the blogger.
We’re rapidly approaching the home stretch and I’m pretty pleased I’ve kept up for a third year in a row. It would be easy to do a little backsliding, but I signed up for it and by golly I’m gonna do it!
Today S is for Sundown, my mischievous shapeshifter. He got a bit miffed when I interviewed Fallon and I had to promise him equal time. So last night, much to my surprise, he knocked on the door. Yes, it was the knocking that surprised me. He usually comes right into my study and makes himself at home.
Here’s an excerpt of our conversation that I hope you’ll enjoy. I’ve used the initials from his real name, Czun Dun Nhunfi and not the name he gave for Fallon to call him.

_*_*_*_*_*_


KC: So you’re out running about the woods this evening? Please tell me you’re not leaving Bigfoot tracks around here. (He looked a little bashful at this point.)

CDN: Have you not seen the show on television where they seek the Sasquatch?

KC: Okay, you did, but please stop it. And if you can’t help yourself, you need to leave bear tracks, or maybe cougar tracks.

CDN: Very well.

KC: I’d want to change the subject, too, if I were you. Fallon told me you’ve learned to drive.

CDN: It was fun, although I must confess Lt. Roxbury was not very enthusiastic about the process.

KC: I think because you scared him, Sundown.

CDN: I have been a passenger in his car many times. This would be what you refer to as “turn about is fair play” would it not?

KC: In all probability. I heard you enjoyed running through the woods on four paws on your vacation.

CDN: I was informed vacations are where one has as much fun as one can handle. Is this not true? Fallon and I had a great deal of fun. By the way, you should make sure your cat is inside at night. I have seen several coyotes very near here, although they would not approach me.

KC: Because they know you’re different. Be careful, Sundown. We have a lot of hunters here on the mountain. Do any Chal still live up here?

CDN: Only three, but they are not members of Clan Nhunfi and I do not know them well. They are old ones and seek solitude so we do not intrude on them.

KC: You’re a mystery to a lot of the Chal, aren’t you?

CDN: I am a direct descendant of one who died long ago. My existence was kept secret for many years.

KC: What made you… hmm. I’m not sure how to ask this since the Chal don’t actually give birth. What made you join your fellow nestling when you did?

CDN: I am a catalyst, a mirror image, of most Chal. Even while I remained within a host Chal, I learned many things. The Chal verge on a new era and I came to help guide them into it.

KC: What new era? I’ve not heard of this before.

CDN: The Chal are many. Our presence on your world is becoming known. Already many live as I do with a human companion. Technology exists that makes it possible to identify our DNA. We must adapt, and we must find new ways to protect ourselves until we are accepted.

KC: And I’m part of educating the humans that we’re not alone and the Chal are not a threat.

CDN: Yes. We appreciate your help. But not all feel as you do. To some we are evil and must be destroyed. These are the ones we must reach and the hearts we must change. Once they are sure in their hearts we mean harm to no one, that we can in fact protect this world from the Others, more will accept us.

KC: I know, but it’s not easy. The best thing you can do is life your life honestly. It’s the best proof you can offer that the Chal deserve to live here. And I'd be careful telling too many people about the Others. It will frightend them. 

CDN: As long as the Chal are here, we will protect this beautiful planet. Even though the Others brought us here as slaves so long ago, we embraced this world. We share in it's bounty. Should we not all share in protecting and maintaining it so our nestlings can prosper?  

KC: You sound like an environmental activist, Czun Dun Nhunfi.
(He blinked his emerald green eyes at me here and I thought for a moment he thought I'd insulted him, but I didn't mean it like that.)

CDN: Fallon said once we should leave the polictal nonsense for others and simply do what we can do when we can do it and not expect a pat on the back for doing what is right.

KC: Well, Fallon's a smart guy.

CDN: I am fortunate he choose me.

KC: I had a little to do with that, you know.

CDN: And we both thank you.

*_*_*_*_*

We chatted a little more, but he was eager to get home. It seems he didn’t tell Fallon how far afield he planned to come this night. He told me a few more things which will be in an upcoming book after I’ve had time to sort it out and write the story. Stay tuned!

KC Kendricks

website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1989106.K_C_Kendricks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Kendricks/1439574042
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks

R is for River Walk

It's All About the Books
2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
Day 18April 20, 2013
For this A to Z Blogging Challenge, I’ve been concentrating primarily on the books which leads us straight to R is for River Walk.
River Walk is the third installment in the Sundown series, and it cuts a wide path to delve into the Chal and their shrouded past. What are the Chal? The short answer is they are shapeshifters who have lived on Earth for at least a millennium. Where’d they come from? What are they doing here? Are they a threat to humans? River Walk touches on some of that as Fallon is forced to ask his Chal lover Sundown some hard questions.
Sundown gives up a few of his secrets in River Walk. Some he’s happy to finally be able to share with Fallon - others not so much. River Walk takes a serious turn but in the end shows the strength of Fallon’s relationship with the two most important beings in his life - his lover Sundown and his cop partner, Sgt. Juny Mack.

River Walk also shows the depth of Fallon’s commitment to protect Sundown and his people. Fallon is first and foremost a cop. “Protect and serve” are more than words to him, and he makes some hard choices to protect and serve both the humans and the Chal.

The saga of Fallon and Sundown has endless possibilities for the singular theme that love overcome all odds. I hope you’ll enjoy the series, beginning with The Back Stairs, then Beneath Dark Stars, and then River Walk. With any luck book four, Moon Dances, will be available late 2013 or early 2014.

*_*_*_*_*

RIVER WALK
Gay romance with paranormal shift
available now at Amber Allure
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/RiverWalk.html
Book three of the Sundown series

Detective Fallon Roxbury has a big problem. A twenty-year old cold case turned hot threatens to expose his secret - shapeshifters exist and they’re living in Montgomery Circle under his protection. Between a new witness and a group of fanatical alien watchers, Fallon’s scrambling to uphold the law and keep his promises intact. He already knows no power on earth can keep his shapeshifter lover from stepping into the mix.

Sundown has come into his own with his human lover by his side. Fallon is his compass, and shield, as he seeks to keep his Clan united and teach them most humans can be trusted. A catalyst, Sundown is rare among his kind, a descendant of heroes. The status of his Clan rests on him and he’s determined to see his people prosper on this world owned by humans - without the humans knowing shapeshifters walk among them.

Secrets have a way of being exposed. Fallon’s not the only one who knows about Sundown’s kind. A cop used to right and wrong being black and white, Fallon struggles to learn shades of gray. Their relationship is tested as Fallon and Sundown race against the clock to find a kidnapped shapeshifter before the Clan takes matters into their own hands. Because if they fail, Fallon knows his lover will be forced to stand with his people and act against him.

INTRO


“So when do you teach me how to change shape?”

His eyebrows shot up to his hairline. “Fallon, wearing a different skin is not possible for you.” Sundown blinked rapidly, looking more and more shocked. “You would wish it?”

I shook my head. “No, I do not wish it for myself. It’s not normal for a human, Sundown. Come sit on the couch with me.”

I picked up my coffee cup and eased down on the brightly colored scarves covering his sofa. I loved his room with its red and gold brocades, bead curtains, and bright cloths. It made me nostalgic for the days of Woodstock even though I’d not been born until nine months after the Summer of Love changed the world. I lifted my arm and Sundown nestled in against my side.

“Are you angry with me, Fallon?”

Was I? Some inner knowledge assured me he’d not harmed me in any way.

“I’m concerned. That’s different. What happens if I get hurt and some doctor discovers weird little cells dancing around inside me?”

Sundown sipped his coffee. He licked his full lips and took another drink. He was trying to stall me in the hopes I’d ask something else and give him the opportunity to bypass giving me an answer. I wasn’t going to allow him to get away with such a ploy, not this time. I waited. Sundown finally sighed.

“It hasn’t happened yet, Fallon.”

His answer didn’t surprise me. The Chal used every means at their disposal to protect themselves and the clan, whether or not we humans would approve their actions.

“Here’s a news flash for you, lover. Forensic medicine has come a long way in a short time, and it’s possible today’s technology can detect those cells now.”

Sundown sat up straight and twisted to stare at me. I saw Czun Dun Nhunfi, the pride of his clan, before me. His quick intelligence absorbed the information, considered the ramifications, and developed options. I stroked his smooth cheek with my knuckles, and gave his words back to him, gently.

“It hasn’t happened yet, darling. How many humans have you done this to?”

His chin lifted. “You once accused me of using you as my science project. In this, you’re correct. The knowledge handed down to me said it was indeed possible to blend with a human in this way and thus know their thoughts. I needed to know if this were true.”

“You’re avoiding giving me a number, Czun Dun Nhunfi.”

“What was handed down said it was possible for those like me. My ancestors who were catalysts did this to gain knowledge of their captors. It is said without doing this, the Chal could not have escaped slavery on this world thousands of years ago.”

If the folks at SETI only knew how right they were – and how late they were to the game.

RIVER WALK

ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-302-4 (Electronic)
ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-905-7 (Paperback)

Gay romance with paranormal shift
available now at Amber Allure
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/RiverWalk.html
Book three of the Sundown series


KC Kendricks
website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1989106.K_C_Kendricks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Kendricks/1439574042
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks

Q is for Quintessential

2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge It's All About the BooksDay 17April 19, 2013
This is the third year I’ve participated in the A to Z Blogging Challenge and this time around I’ve been concentrating on the books. But the letter Q is a stopper. Q means day seventeen is a bit of a departure. It’s time to get a little philosophical.
_*_*_*_*_*_
How would you define the quintessential writer? Maybe a better question would be CAN you define the quintessential writer? As the topic of our “Q” blog day, I thought I’d better start with the word itself.
Typing “quintessential” into the search box of the Merriam-Webster online dictionary got me to definition of the root word, quintessence.
1: the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies
2: the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form
3: the most typical example or representative
Ah… philosophy. You can debate with yourself and call it a philosophical discussion and no one will think you’ve tilted over the edge.
So is the quintessential writer one who is the most typical example of her/his craft? One whose writing is of the purest form? Should that writer produce perfect, flawless stories that appeal to a widest possible audience? Or is it one who cares not about fame, but about being part of a bigger whole?
I think the quintessential writer is one who loves and enjoys the craft. It’s an individual who constantly strives to improve herself/himself through the craft. It’s a writer who challenges the reader to learn, whether it’s a trivial fact presented in the text or the inspiration to search for and read available information. It’s a person who understands that through this thing we call the printed word, knowledge is shared and preserved, and people are inspired.
For myself, I like the idea of being an atypical individual who is a typical example of a writer. I don’t kid myself that I’m the consummate writer, or that my stories are masterly or superior. Don’t get me wrong - I think they’re good and apparently lots readers out there agree since they keep buying (and pirating) them. And while I do aspire to be the best writer I can be, but not necessarily the best writer of all time, maybe I’ll never be called the quintessential writer.
But then again perhaps one day someone will say, “she loved writing for the joy of it,” and I don’t think it could get any more quintessential than that.
KC

P is for Poseidon's Pleasure

It's All About the Books
2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
Day 16April 18, 2013
Welcome to my corner of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge. This is my third year and I’m not tired of it yet! The challenge is a lot of work, but I’m pretty good organizing projects. It’s preparation, preparation, preparation but it’s really worth it. It’s great to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends. Thanks for stopping by!
Poseidon’s Pleasure is the third book in the Southern Cross series. I doubt I’m the only writer who connects better with some characters than others. Brett Houston was one of those characters. I felt an instant affinity for Brett and I think it comes through in the story. He's a little older, settled, and yet he still longs to live life to the fullest - if he can get past his regrets. In the story, he gets a some help with that from the only man he regrets letting get away.

_*_*_*_*_*_
Poseidon's Pleasure
#8 Best Seller, Amber Allure, November 2009
contemporary gay romance available at
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/PoseidonsPleasure.html

Brett Houston triumphed over his life. Raised by an abusive father, Brett sacrificed his personal happiness to keep the ones he loved safe. Ready to make big changes in his life, Brett treats himself to a Caribbean vacation. To his surprise, he ends up at a seaside ball, wearing a G-string and presiding over the festivities as Poseidon, the God of the Sea.
Mark Matthews left behind his hometown, and his first love, to put down roots in California. With vacation time to use, or lose, Mark books a holiday on the island of St. Lucia, unaware of the surprise reunion Fate has waiting for him.
Brett cautiously examines the fractured bonds of the past, while questioning the possibility of a future with Mark. It’s simpler for Mark. He won’t settle for anything less than a future tending to Poseidon’s pleasure.

EXCERPT

“So how’d you get to be Poseidon, Brett?”

“Wrong place, wrong time, is my best guess. They cornered me.”

“Aw, come on. Don’t tell me you’re not having any fun at all.” Mark offered me some sort of meatball on a toothpick. I accepted it and chewed, its peppery, bourbon-tinged flavor made my mouth water for more.

“I can’t say that. Actually, I’m flattered they asked. How’d you get to be a member of my court?”

I’ve no clue. When I checked in, there was an envelope waiting for me at the front desk informing me I’d been selected, if I wanted to, so I said why not?”

I looked him in the eye. “That ‘why not’ used to get you in all sorts of trouble.”

Mark nodded, and met my gaze without flinching. “I know, but I’m more careful these days.”

It was my turn to roll my eyes. “Sure, you are, Mark. I believe you.”

He leaned in, his green eyes hot and serious. “I am, damn it! I grew up. Now stop trying to make me feel seventeen again.”

Why should he get off the hook? The years dropped away, and I regressed to seventeen again, too. I drilled him with my best stare, and kept my voice down.

“You gave me the clap!”

Mark’s fingers closed around my wrist. “Christ! I didn’t do it on purpose, you know.” He scanned the crowd, and so did I. No one was paying any attention to us.

"I don’t have it now, for your information. I don’t have anything.”

I really wanted to believe that, but I knew I couldn’t.

“Bully for you. I’m not going to be your fuck buddy for the next few days, so if that’s what this is about, you can get over it.”

“Fuck bu…? Have you lost your mind?”

Yes, I had, and I didn’t care if I got it back. I stared at him as he forged ahead.

“I wouldn’t fuck you again, Brett Houston, if you were the last man on the island! I loved you, man, and you just walked away like I was nothing more than dog shit you needed to clean off your shoes!”

“You told me you weren’t out fucking anyone else. That was a lie, you little twink. You tricked your way across town and back.”

Mark ripped off his mask and glared at me. “You were the older know-it-all, the one in too much of a hurry to put on a fucking rubber!”

He had me with the truth on that fact. “You weren’t the only one who was younger, Mark.”

“And that makes it all better?” He leaned back and blew out a long breath. “Okay, okay. Can we not do this? We haven’t seen each other in twenty years, and we’re going at it like it’s only been twenty minutes.”

He had me again, because he was right again. Nothing would be served by sniping back and forth. Seeing him thrust me back to an uneasy era in my life. It was time for me to act like the man I was if I wanted to stay in touch with him from now on, maybe even call him friend.

“I’m sorry, Mark.”

He gawked at me, then stuck his pinkie finger in his ear and wiggled it around.

“I’m going deaf. I would swear I heard Brett Houston say he was sorry.”

“Funny. See me laugh? I mean it, Mark. I’m sorry for a lot of things.”

But I’m not sorry about those times I had you.

He handed me another meatball. His eyes asked me to accept it as a peace offering.

“I was young, dumb and full of cum, Brett. If it was the wrong thing to do, it came naturally to me. But you know that.”

I accepted the meatball, making sure my fingers stroked his as I grasped the toothpick.

“Yeah, I know. And I forgot what it was like to be young and free. I remember it better now, for some reason.”

Mark’s hand touched my thigh. My whole body tightened, my balls drew up, my cock swelled. I didn’t want to react so strongly to him, but I was glad I did. I’d forgotten what it felt like to make love, to touch more than some man’s hard dick. I ached to feel alive again...

POSEIDON'S PLEASURE
Book Three of the Southern Cross series
#8 Best Seller, Amber Allure, November 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-599-7
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/PoseidonsPleasure.html

KC Kendrickswebsite at: http://www.kckendricks.com facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Kendricks/1439574042 Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks

O is for Open Roads - 2013 A-Z Blogging Challenge

A to Z Blogging Challenge

It's All About the Books

April 17, 2012
Day 15

Welcome to Between the Keys and my little corner of the 2013 A-Z Blogging Challenge. It’s been a lot of fun so far, and I’m happy to have all the readers along for the ride.

Every writer ends up with a few books that are special to them and Open Roads is one that is special to this author. Everything about the book flowed and that’s a rarity for me since I angst over details, many of which I don’t really need to in my quest to paint a picture for the reader. The end result, in Open Roads, is a story I’ve never reread and thought I missed a chance to add this, that, or something else. It still works for me just as it is.
Open Roads became the second book in the Men of Marionville series. I know I’ve said it before, but I was reluctant to admit I had a series going. A trilogy - yeah, maybe - but the whole thing took off with me. With six books in the series, I took a little hiatus, but I'm headed back to Marionville  before the year’s out (unless I simply wear out from trying to get all my ideas on the pages).

*_*_*_*_*
Open Roads contemporary gay romance now available at http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/OpenRoads.html
Tyler Phillips enjoys his small town life. He’ll never get rich working the family business, but he knows there’s more to a man than the size of his bank account. Easing into mid-life, Tyler’s restless for something he can’t find in the little borough of Easton – male companionship.
Noel Springs got caught up in the economic downturn. His job gone, and retirement a lot of years in the future, Noel decides to take a long drive and see some of the country before dedicating himself to finding new employment. The open road is just what he needs right now.
When his car overheats outside the little town of Easton, Noel discovers the local mechanic is hotter than his radiator, and just as eager to blow off some steam.
INTRO: (from Tyler's point of view)
“Nice car. How far back did the trouble start?”
He leaned inside and pulled the release lever. Little lines crinkled at the corners of his eyes as he smiled. “About forty-one years.”
I grinned at him, already liking his sense of humor as I lifted the hood. A wave of steam engulfed us. I hastily closed my eyes and stepped back to keep the antifreeze-laden vapor from leaving a film on my contact lenses. “Come inside. We’ll let that cool down so I can take a look at her.”
“You’re going to tell me it’s the radiator, aren’t you?” His clear tenor held just a trace of the west as he followed me into what passed as a reception area and office combined. I opened the soft drink case.
“What would you like, on the house? And don’t panic yet.” Based on the way the steam smelled, I suspected his radiator would be fine, but what was inside it was not.
“Too late. I panicked about five miles ago when the temperature gauge shot up. You can’t imagine how relieved I was to see your sign. I’ll take coffee, if you have it.”
I popped the cap and handed him a cola. “Sorry. It’s a little late in the day for any to be left in the pot.” I grinned at him. “And I hear that a lot about my strategically placed sign out there on the Interstate.”
His grey gaze held my hazel one captive as I held out my hand to him. “Tyler Phillips, owner-operator.”
Strong fingers closed around mine, holding my hand a moment too long for politeness. “Noel Springs, stranded motorist.”
OPEN ROADS ISBN 978-1-60272-731-1 http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/OpenRoads.html
KC KendricksVisit my website at: http://www.kckendricks.com Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks Join my mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys Read my personal blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com

N is for Netting Neptune (At the Southern Cross)

A to Z Blogging Challenge

It's All About the Books

April 16, 2012
Day 14

Yea! We’ve passed the halfway marker on this year’s A-Z Blogging Challenge and the finish line is in sight. Sort of. I know it’s out there waiting. But I can’t say it’s all downhill from here. I wouldn’t tempt fate that way - I know better.

Today is all about Netting Neptune, a story whose origins are a little fuzzy. I had a cousin go to St. Lucia on her honeymoon and it made me think about setting a story there. So couple that with watching too many nature shows and reading an article about mythology and how essentially the same being has different names, and I had a trilogy with Neptune, Triton and Poseidon.

No, the stories don’t have anything to do with mythology. All three are contemporary gay romance. But as Colby gets his first look at Theron as he rises out of the sea - yep. It was a short hop to “sea god” status for three lucky guys.

While Netting Neptune, Taming Triton and Poseidon’s Pleasure are individual stories, I think the reader will get maximum enjoyment if they’re read in that order. Netting Neptune starts the series, then Colby and Theron appear in Taming Triton although in “cameo” only roles. Then Colby, Theron, Steve and Austin appear in Poseidon’s Pleasure in cameo roles. So reading them in the order in which they were written helps add layers to all the characters. On a personal note, I really think the three stories came together well and I hope the reader finds it so, too.

All three stories are also available in the paperback, “At the Southern Cross,” available at Amazon.

Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea is book four of the Southren Cross series followed by the only direct sequel in the series Catching Fireflies. Both were featured previously in this year's A to Z Challenge for letters B and C.

_*_*_*_*_

Netting Neptune
Contemporary gay romance
http://www.amberallure.com/NettingNeptune.html


Theron Bowman is in the throes of a mid-life crisis. At forty, he needs to make some serious decisions about his future. He splurges on a two-week vacation in the Caribbean, and like everything else in his life, things go horribly awry and he ends up working to pay for his room.
Colby Denton came to rest on St. Lucia, and opened an exclusive resort. To celebrate his tenth year on the island, and his birthday, Colby arranges for a series of festive beachside parties. When a sexy sea god swims out of the ocean in front of him, Colby has a brand new plan – netting Neptune.
EXCERPT

“Listen, Colby, I’ll pay you once I get home. You’re trying to run a business here.”

“And I can afford to do a nice thing for a stranded traveler. Now give me the name of whatever official you spoke with, and I’ll make a few calls. Maybe your luggage will turn up.”

Theron pulled an envelope from his canvas duffle bag and handed it to me. The business card was stuck in the fold and I recognized the name listed. The man liked to make sure everyone knew he was in charge, but I groveled like a pro, when necessary, to get what I wanted.

“Thanks, man. I really owe you.”

I shook my head. “You really don’t, so let’s just forget it, okay? If we don’t, we’ll sit here all day and not get anything done.” I slid the cold crab dip at him. “Tell me what you think about this.”

Theron scooped up a healthy helping on a wheat cracker and shoved the whole thing in his mouth. I watched his pink tongue flick bits of dip off his lower lip. His gaze locked with mine. Very slowly he licked his upper lip. I squirmed in my seat. He didn’t even try to stop from laughing at me as he went for another cracker. I held his gaze.

“If you tease me like that again, babe, I’m gonna lick the extra off for you.”

He broke the cracker in half and handed a portion to me. “I wouldn’t want you to go to any more trouble for me.”

I took the cracker. “You’re a slick one, Mr. Bowman, but I’m known for my persistence.”

He popped a melon ball into his mouth, and swallowed. “I sorta figured that out about you.”

Before I could reply, Josie tapped me on the shoulder. “Sorry to interrupt, but you’re needed at the front desk, Colby.”

“I’ll be right there.” I turned back to my guest. “Please. Finish your meal, then come inside and find either Josie or me. Josie, if you can’t find me, please take Mr. Bowman to my suite so he can get a shower and relax for a while.”

I didn’t linger. The sooner I took care of whatever problem had occurred, the quicker I could get Theron alone. After that, I was already too worked up over this guy and it wouldn’t be smart to speculate.

Right. I planned to cast a net over my Neptune and give him a Southern Cross night to remember.

The problem at the front desk was minor. The computer had pulled one of its usual tricks. I inputted my password, the software reset, and all was well. I slipped into my office and called the local airfield. Better to start with folks who were friendly. If they had off-loaded Theron’s suitcase, then I’d grovel.

They were certain Theron’s luggage had not been removed from the plane, and had no idea how it had been missed. It was likely back in Charlotte, North Carolina by now. I made another call, this one to the States to a travel agent friend of mine. He agreed to make a few stateside calls. The suitcase had to be somewhere, and I wanted to know where. Once I had the information, a decision based on my guest’s plans was possible.

Meanwhile, Theron could borrow some of my clothes for tonight. Maybe, just maybe, I’d manage to steal a kiss, or more, before the party started. I checked the patio and he was gone, so I headed for my suite with all due haste. The sound of the shower spray zinging against the tiles greeted me.

My knees quivered with the knowledge he was behind the door, naked. I had to let him know I was here. I couldn’t let him stroll out of the bathroom in his birthday suit, all clean, smelling fresh like soap, and dripping wet. Could I?

No, damn it.

I knocked on the bathroom door and told him I was in the living area. He called back to me, his voice muffled by running water and the wooden door between us.

“What?”

I raised my voice a few decibel levels. “I said I’m out here.”

“You could be in here, you know.”

Say…why the hell not?

Cock swelling, pulse skipping, I set a new “stripping world record” and opened the door. Through the clear glass enclosure, Theron’s gaze slammed into mine, wanting yet wary. I paused, shivering in the steam teasing my sweaty skin. His gaze flicked down to my erection, hanging heavy, and mine went to his.

“Are you coming…in?” 

NETTING NEPTUNE
Book One of the Southern Cross series
#6 Best Seller, Amber Allure, September 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-573-7
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/NettingNeptune.html

Also available:

TAMING TRITON
Book Two of the Southern Cross series
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-586-7
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/TamingTriton.html

POSEIDON'S PLEASURE
Book Three of the Southern Cross series
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-599-7
www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/PoseidonsPleasure.html

KC Kendricks
website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kckendricks
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1989106.K_C_Kendricks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Kendricks/1439574042
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks

M is for the Men of Marionville

A to Z Blogging Challenge
April 15, 2012Day 13
It's All About the Books
Today marks the halfway point of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge - whoohoo! It’s full steam ahead to the end from here! Thanks for stopping by Between the Keys and spending part of the challenge with me.
The Men of Marionville. If you’re a regular you probably know I never envisioned A Hard Habit to Break launching a series. Heck, I didn’t want to admit I had a series going for a while. I wanted standalone stories, which is what I wrote. It just works out that previous residents of Marionville provide the introduction for the new characters and the same nightclub and restaurant are places to set some of the scenes. So technically it’s a series.
The character that “anchors” each story is Dylan David Donaghy, or, as his close friends call him, “Dee.” Dylan appears in all the stories because he owns the finest restaurant in Marionville. Where else would you go on a first date when you want to impress a new man? Tyler Phillips of Open Roads also makes appearances throughout the series. Everyone needs a good auto mechanic, and Tyler is your guy. Farther into the series we meet Gale the Veterinarian. I guess when I get back to Marionville, some of the guys will be getting a puppy so Gale can care for it. All this community building takes a little planning, but it’s something I really enjoy. I think that’s how I ended up with a series - having too much fun creating my own community.

Today I’m going to simply refer you to the Men of Marionville page on my website instead of re-listing all the information. The Marionville series is presented in order on that page and the left side banner shows the corresponding paperback compilations.

I’m plotting my return to Marionville for later this year. Amber Allure has a PAX program for the reader and I signed up for one called All Aboard, the premise of the stories being meeting someone of a plane, train, or ship. My book is entitled Station to Station and my fellas meet on a commuter train and take it from there. And since Marionville should have public transportation, why not use the town as the setting?
Yep. This is what happens when you have a series like the Men of Marionville. It gets into your head and you keep trying to find ways to play with the characters you created. Because it’s FUN!


KC Kendricks
http://www.kckendricks.com
http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
http://www.pinterest.com/kckendricks