K.C. Kendricks's Blog, page 96
April 13, 2013
L is for Leather Jackets
A to Z Blogging Challenge
It's All About the Books
April 13, 2012
Day 12
We’re almost at the halfway mark on the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge - yea! It’s so far, so good on my end. I’m keeping up, thanks mainly to the little “schedule” feature the blog program has. Is that cheating? Nope. It’s never wrong to use all the tools at your disposal to reach a goal or fulfill a commitment. That’s why we have tools - to help us succeed.
Today is all about Leather Jackets. Where did the inspiration for the title come from? If you know me, you might immediately say Elton John. Well, not this time. I credit my BFF for this one.
We were out shopping and stopped into a clothing consignment store. We love looking through the racks because you can find new clothes with the original sales tag still on them at rock-bottom prices. Seriously! Don’t pass up the chance to really save some money, folks. Case in point - I got a great leather jacket for fifteen bucks. That’s right - $15.00. So I was all about leather jackets when I started the story and the title ended up being Leather Jackets.
Although Elton’s line, “look at them boys in leather jackets” is very apropos.
_*_*_*_*_
LEATHER JACKETS
Contemporary gay romance available
now at
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/LeatherJackets.html
Wynn DeRocher’s talent and ambition catapulted his band to the top of the charts, but he paid a steep price to achieve success. He needs a flesh and blood man, one who understands the demands of his music. He needs the man he let get away - Jude Thatcher.
Wynn pitches a proposal - a lucrative job modeling the band’s new line of signature logo'd clothing. Jude accepts but both men know it’ll take more than fancy dinners and limo rides to convince Jude to risk his heart again.
To covet might be a sin, but Jude needs a gesture of good faith. And he wants Wynn’s leather jacket as much as he wants Wynn. Almost.
INTRO:
Wynn held the hip-length coat for me as I slipped my arms into the sleeves, then he let the weight of it come to rest on my shoulders. The jacket was light, but incredibly warm. I flipped open the left side to check the lining.
“Don’t bother. You’d have to cut the cloth to see what the insulating layer is.”
I stretched my arms out in front of my chest. The jacket moved with me, giving just enough to remain comfortable.
“This is a nice jacket. I see why you liked. Does he make bombers?”
Wynn reached in the closet and pulled out a black bomber complete with silver studs and chains. He caressed a front panel. “This is so you, Jude. Take it.”
For a moment, I was tempted. “I can’t accept this. It’s hand-stitched so I’m sure it was expensive.”
“Nine large. But take it. Call it a signing bonus.”
“Wynn, I don’t know the first thing about modeling. You need a professional, or better yet, model this yourself. Your fans will go wild.”
His fingers trailed down my leather-clad arm until they found mine. He hesitated, then stroked his thumb over my knuckles. His voice was so low I had to strain to hear it.
“I knew you were here. I came back to Marionville to find you, Jude.”
EXCERPT
...“C’mon on over here.” He lifted his arm, and I nestled in against him like I did it every day of my life. “Jude, where do you want to go from here?”
I could play coy—something neither of us had ever liked—or I could be upfront with him. I chose the latter.
“Wherever you’re sleeping, I’m sleeping, and you know it. Now we can try to find a bar where the clientele won’t mob you, or we can find a nice quiet—private—place and say some things that need to be said to each other.”
He grinned at me. “Damn, Mary, you should be out of breath after all that.”
I growled and turned on him. “Don’t. Call. Me. Mary!”
Wynn held up his hand in mock surrender and it was the opening I needed. I dug my fingers into his ribs. He yelped and twitched, and the next thing I knew, we were rolling around on the floor of the limo, choking with shared laughter.
We rolled left, and I rose over him. Wynn’s long legs wrapped around my waist, squeezing me. I feigned defeat so he’d release me. The ploy worked for about a second and a half and then I was on my back looking up at him. The smile faded from his face and his hand cupped the back of my head.
“I’ve thought about you so much, Jude. I was wrong not to find you years ago.”
It would do no good to argue. Too many years had gone by for either of us to resurrect blame. Nothing would be gained and all the steps we’d taken in the last day would be erased. I didn’t want that. He’d only be here for such a short time. I had to make the most of every moment.
LEATHER JACKETS
ISBN 978-1-61124-283-6
Contemporary gay romance availble
now at http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/LeatherJackets.html
Book 6 of The Men of Marionville 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
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
It's All About the Books
April 13, 2012
Day 12
We’re almost at the halfway mark on the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge - yea! It’s so far, so good on my end. I’m keeping up, thanks mainly to the little “schedule” feature the blog program has. Is that cheating? Nope. It’s never wrong to use all the tools at your disposal to reach a goal or fulfill a commitment. That’s why we have tools - to help us succeed.
Today is all about Leather Jackets. Where did the inspiration for the title come from? If you know me, you might immediately say Elton John. Well, not this time. I credit my BFF for this one.
We were out shopping and stopped into a clothing consignment store. We love looking through the racks because you can find new clothes with the original sales tag still on them at rock-bottom prices. Seriously! Don’t pass up the chance to really save some money, folks. Case in point - I got a great leather jacket for fifteen bucks. That’s right - $15.00. So I was all about leather jackets when I started the story and the title ended up being Leather Jackets.
Although Elton’s line, “look at them boys in leather jackets” is very apropos.
_*_*_*_*_
LEATHER JACKETS
Contemporary gay romance available
now at
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/LeatherJackets.html
Wynn DeRocher’s talent and ambition catapulted his band to the top of the charts, but he paid a steep price to achieve success. He needs a flesh and blood man, one who understands the demands of his music. He needs the man he let get away - Jude Thatcher. Wynn pitches a proposal - a lucrative job modeling the band’s new line of signature logo'd clothing. Jude accepts but both men know it’ll take more than fancy dinners and limo rides to convince Jude to risk his heart again.
To covet might be a sin, but Jude needs a gesture of good faith. And he wants Wynn’s leather jacket as much as he wants Wynn. Almost.
INTRO:
Wynn held the hip-length coat for me as I slipped my arms into the sleeves, then he let the weight of it come to rest on my shoulders. The jacket was light, but incredibly warm. I flipped open the left side to check the lining.
“Don’t bother. You’d have to cut the cloth to see what the insulating layer is.”
I stretched my arms out in front of my chest. The jacket moved with me, giving just enough to remain comfortable.
“This is a nice jacket. I see why you liked. Does he make bombers?”
Wynn reached in the closet and pulled out a black bomber complete with silver studs and chains. He caressed a front panel. “This is so you, Jude. Take it.”
For a moment, I was tempted. “I can’t accept this. It’s hand-stitched so I’m sure it was expensive.”
“Nine large. But take it. Call it a signing bonus.”
“Wynn, I don’t know the first thing about modeling. You need a professional, or better yet, model this yourself. Your fans will go wild.”
His fingers trailed down my leather-clad arm until they found mine. He hesitated, then stroked his thumb over my knuckles. His voice was so low I had to strain to hear it.
“I knew you were here. I came back to Marionville to find you, Jude.”
EXCERPT
...“C’mon on over here.” He lifted his arm, and I nestled in against him like I did it every day of my life. “Jude, where do you want to go from here?”
I could play coy—something neither of us had ever liked—or I could be upfront with him. I chose the latter.
“Wherever you’re sleeping, I’m sleeping, and you know it. Now we can try to find a bar where the clientele won’t mob you, or we can find a nice quiet—private—place and say some things that need to be said to each other.”
He grinned at me. “Damn, Mary, you should be out of breath after all that.”
I growled and turned on him. “Don’t. Call. Me. Mary!”
Wynn held up his hand in mock surrender and it was the opening I needed. I dug my fingers into his ribs. He yelped and twitched, and the next thing I knew, we were rolling around on the floor of the limo, choking with shared laughter.
We rolled left, and I rose over him. Wynn’s long legs wrapped around my waist, squeezing me. I feigned defeat so he’d release me. The ploy worked for about a second and a half and then I was on my back looking up at him. The smile faded from his face and his hand cupped the back of my head.
“I’ve thought about you so much, Jude. I was wrong not to find you years ago.”
It would do no good to argue. Too many years had gone by for either of us to resurrect blame. Nothing would be gained and all the steps we’d taken in the last day would be erased. I didn’t want that. He’d only be here for such a short time. I had to make the most of every moment.
LEATHER JACKETS
ISBN 978-1-61124-283-6
Contemporary gay romance availble
now at http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/LeatherJackets.html
Book 6 of The Men of Marionville 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
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
April 12, 2013
K is for Kendricks
April 12, 2013
Day 11
2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
It's All About the Books
For day eleven of the 2013 A-Z Blogging Challenge we’re taking a short departure from talking about the books to talk about who’s behind the books.
Arguably, the author is the most vital ingredient of any novel. Without his/her passion, imagination, creativity, knowledge and skill, there wouldn't be anything for the world to read except text books and political manifestos. We’d lack the vast scope of shared experiences expressed and documented by the writer. We writers can create worlds, and we can change the world. Writers have changed the world. I don't think the growing acceptance of the LGBT community would have developed so rapidly without the support of writers showing it's not about sex, it's about people. We in the romance genre add a little sex because people are people and they like to see the relationship between two people develop that special romantic bond.
But there are also times the writer has to change themselves. There are no hard and fast rules, no guidelines to reinvent oneself as a writer. It’s a gut thing. Something instinctual. You just know. It’s not an easy thing as it follows a period of self-examination, and personal growth is not always without pain.
I began writing under another name just to see if I could actually write a novel. Apparently the answer is “yes, I can.” That other persona made all the newbie mistakes and learned valuable lessons. When it was time to move on, to reinvent myself, I didn’t hesitate for long. I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do, and so it has been.
I’m addicted to the flow of words and the freedom of self-expression and creativity of pulling pure thought from the air and setting it on the page. Once written, the words take on a life of their own. We use the words to create our stories, like children, and then we send them out into the world.
There is not one thing in my writing career or my writing life I would do differently even if I had the chance. The things I’ve learned about the craft, and myself, truly have helped form me into who I am today. Why would I want to change that?
The heading of this blog invites the reader to come with me into a world where visions, my visions, live. But it’s also an invitation to get to know the writer behind the name KC Kendricks. Because here at my blog is where you will find me - the real me - and where you will get to know me, down in the spaces between the keys.
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
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kckendricks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Kendricks/1439574042
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
April 11, 2013
J is for Jonas, Jubal and Jude
It's All About the Books 
April 11, 2013
Day 10, 20132013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
Welcome to the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge, and I hope to once again make it through on time. It’s not easy - it takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.
This year, my challenge is all about the books and what’s behind the story. Some days that’s easy. A book title starts with the letter of the day. But other days, like today, force me to dig a little deeper into a story. For “J,” I needed to look at several of the characters: Jonas, Jubal and Jude.
*_*_*_*
Jonas Chadwick - Passion’s Victory
Jonas embodies several things. He’s the older man in the pairing with Micah, as well as Micah’s employee. Jonas is the black sheep of his family, and he’s a cancer survivor. Jonas is smart and talented, plus good-looking. One would think he’s perfect.
But there’s a reticence about Jonas. He buried a partner and then faced his fight with cancer alone. Jonas has reached the point in his life where he refuses casual relationships. Micah is younger, with no first hand experiences to match those of Jonas, and so Jonas wonders if this younger man has what it takes to stand with him if his health takes another bad turn.
With Jonas, it’s all about whether or not he can take a leap of faith.
Jubal Graham - Tango in the Night
Agent Jubal Graham. A good man. A good agent. Jubal’s been on his own since his teens, having run away when he father found out he was gay and beat him because of it. He found the love of his life, then that lover was ripped away, and Jubal blames himself. The gunmen were after him because he was too close to exposing their crimes. After a sabbatical to heal both physically and emotionally, Jubal goes back to work and runs into young Agent Ellis Banks who reminds him a lot of himself ten years ago.
Jubal wears his slain lover’s ring, more to honor the memory than to hold on to the past. He understands life is for living, and he's at the age where he knows himself and understands his immediate attraction to Ellis isn’t a passing fancy. It’s a first for Jubal - he’s suddenly the older man in the pairing, but being pragmatic, he accepts it as the way it is.
With Jubal, it’s all about reconciling his feelings for Ellis with the dangers of the job, and proving to Ellis he has his own place in Jubal’s heart regardless of the ring Jubal wears.
Jude Thatcher - Leather Jackets
Jude is stuck in his life. He’s intelligent and capable, but he’s made a few rather big mistakes and those mistakes rule his life. He let go of the man he loved, and he screwed up on the job so badly he was dismissed. Jude’s living in the past, drifting, and a bit depressed. But fate, in the form of the man Jude loved, intervenes.
Not even being a big rock star could make Wynn forget about Jude. Wynn blew it with Jude when they were still college age, but now the band is playing in Jude’s hometown. Wynn discovers Jude could use a little help and offers a solution.
For Jude, it’s all about trusting a man who broke his heart. It’s about believing he still has options available to him. He’s got to find a way to risk his heart because that’s the only chance he has to be happy.
*_*_*_*
So there are my “J’s” - Jonas, Jubal and Jude. Three men with decisions to make before they can get on with their lives. I enjoyed getting to know each of them and I hope you will, too. 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
April 11, 2013
Day 10, 20132013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
Welcome to the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge, and I hope to once again make it through on time. It’s not easy - it takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.
This year, my challenge is all about the books and what’s behind the story. Some days that’s easy. A book title starts with the letter of the day. But other days, like today, force me to dig a little deeper into a story. For “J,” I needed to look at several of the characters: Jonas, Jubal and Jude.
*_*_*_*
Jonas Chadwick - Passion’s Victory
Jonas embodies several things. He’s the older man in the pairing with Micah, as well as Micah’s employee. Jonas is the black sheep of his family, and he’s a cancer survivor. Jonas is smart and talented, plus good-looking. One would think he’s perfect.
But there’s a reticence about Jonas. He buried a partner and then faced his fight with cancer alone. Jonas has reached the point in his life where he refuses casual relationships. Micah is younger, with no first hand experiences to match those of Jonas, and so Jonas wonders if this younger man has what it takes to stand with him if his health takes another bad turn.
With Jonas, it’s all about whether or not he can take a leap of faith.
Jubal Graham - Tango in the Night
Agent Jubal Graham. A good man. A good agent. Jubal’s been on his own since his teens, having run away when he father found out he was gay and beat him because of it. He found the love of his life, then that lover was ripped away, and Jubal blames himself. The gunmen were after him because he was too close to exposing their crimes. After a sabbatical to heal both physically and emotionally, Jubal goes back to work and runs into young Agent Ellis Banks who reminds him a lot of himself ten years ago. Jubal wears his slain lover’s ring, more to honor the memory than to hold on to the past. He understands life is for living, and he's at the age where he knows himself and understands his immediate attraction to Ellis isn’t a passing fancy. It’s a first for Jubal - he’s suddenly the older man in the pairing, but being pragmatic, he accepts it as the way it is.
With Jubal, it’s all about reconciling his feelings for Ellis with the dangers of the job, and proving to Ellis he has his own place in Jubal’s heart regardless of the ring Jubal wears.
Jude Thatcher - Leather Jackets
Jude is stuck in his life. He’s intelligent and capable, but he’s made a few rather big mistakes and those mistakes rule his life. He let go of the man he loved, and he screwed up on the job so badly he was dismissed. Jude’s living in the past, drifting, and a bit depressed. But fate, in the form of the man Jude loved, intervenes.
Not even being a big rock star could make Wynn forget about Jude. Wynn blew it with Jude when they were still college age, but now the band is playing in Jude’s hometown. Wynn discovers Jude could use a little help and offers a solution.
For Jude, it’s all about trusting a man who broke his heart. It’s about believing he still has options available to him. He’s got to find a way to risk his heart because that’s the only chance he has to be happy.
*_*_*_*
So there are my “J’s” - Jonas, Jubal and Jude. Three men with decisions to make before they can get on with their lives. I enjoyed getting to know each of them and I hope you will, too. 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
April 10, 2013
I is for In the Limelight
2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
It's All About the Books
April 10, 2013
Day 9
Welcome to my third year of participation in the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This year is all about the books and where the stories come from. So read close between the key stokes and you may find a few secrets about the author.
I’ve been writing for ten full years, and it’s been an adventure. I started writing under a different name, which turned out to be a really good, albeit unplanned, move. I made every mistake imaginable when I started out and I learned a lot. So when the KC Kendricks brand debuted, I had better skills. Not that I’m perfect - just improved by virtue of the mistakes I made.
One “mistake” I frequently make is I forget to mention the paperwork versions of my books that are available through Amazon. Don’t get me wrong. I love ebooks! I love having ALL my books live in pocketbook and go with me wherever I travel. It’s like toting all my children with me. But I did grow up with paperback books, and I get a real kick out of having books on the shelf with MY name on the spine. Oh, yeah.
To find out more about the paperbacks, visit the bookshelf page of my website and scroll down to the proper section. In the interim, here’s a bit about In the Limelight, our “I” for the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge.
*_*_*_*_*
Shining a light into darkness seduces love into the open. In the Limelight delivers two bright stories of love found while living in the limelight. In the Limelight contains the two ebooks Seducing Light and Shine A Light in one paperback edition.
SEDUCING LIGHT
Asher Myles struggled to put his life back together after an identity thief striped him of everything but his talent for capturing light and shadow with a camera lens. With a new job and a new start, Asher’s on his way to Montana – and a meeting with the man he’s fantasized about since he first saw him on the silver screen.
Nick Light, actor, director, and Hollywood royalty, doesn’t like paparazzi. When he agrees to have his Montana ranch photographed for a style magazine, the unexpected happens – he falls for the man with the camera. Nick’s secret comes out when he realizes Asher is also gay.
If there’s one thing Nick can’t resist, it’s a man with a talent for seducing light.
SHINE A LIGHT
After being viciously outed by his spiteful ex-lover, Van MacKenzie, fallen Hollywood and Broadway star, lands on stage in a small town community theatre - and in the arms of set designer Shane Hollister. Van knows his attraction to the talented young man could seal the fate of his career, but he can’t resist having a ‘summer thing’ while performing at The Globe. When an act of violence catches them unaware, Van recognizes the message was really meant for him. Walking away from Shane might be the smart thing to do to keep him safe.
Shane Hollister had established himself as a Broadway set designer before his father’s accident forced him to move home to St. Charles. Needing work, Shane accepts a job at The Globe. To his surprise, the small operation equals any big city production. When Donovan “Van” MacKenzie signs on for the new show, Shane grabs the chance to have a summer fling with his big screen idol, refusing to allow Van’s past to intrude.
Shane knows he has only one chance to catch a fallen star, and keep him for his own.
IN THE LIMELIGHT
A collection of erotic gay romance
now available in paperback at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Limelight-KC-Kendricks/dp/1602728046/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269312549&sr=1-14
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
It's All About the Books
April 10, 2013
Day 9
Welcome to my third year of participation in the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This year is all about the books and where the stories come from. So read close between the key stokes and you may find a few secrets about the author.
I’ve been writing for ten full years, and it’s been an adventure. I started writing under a different name, which turned out to be a really good, albeit unplanned, move. I made every mistake imaginable when I started out and I learned a lot. So when the KC Kendricks brand debuted, I had better skills. Not that I’m perfect - just improved by virtue of the mistakes I made.
One “mistake” I frequently make is I forget to mention the paperwork versions of my books that are available through Amazon. Don’t get me wrong. I love ebooks! I love having ALL my books live in pocketbook and go with me wherever I travel. It’s like toting all my children with me. But I did grow up with paperback books, and I get a real kick out of having books on the shelf with MY name on the spine. Oh, yeah.
To find out more about the paperbacks, visit the bookshelf page of my website and scroll down to the proper section. In the interim, here’s a bit about In the Limelight, our “I” for the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge.
*_*_*_*_*
Shining a light into darkness seduces love into the open. In the Limelight delivers two bright stories of love found while living in the limelight. In the Limelight contains the two ebooks Seducing Light and Shine A Light in one paperback edition.
SEDUCING LIGHT
Asher Myles struggled to put his life back together after an identity thief striped him of everything but his talent for capturing light and shadow with a camera lens. With a new job and a new start, Asher’s on his way to Montana – and a meeting with the man he’s fantasized about since he first saw him on the silver screen.
Nick Light, actor, director, and Hollywood royalty, doesn’t like paparazzi. When he agrees to have his Montana ranch photographed for a style magazine, the unexpected happens – he falls for the man with the camera. Nick’s secret comes out when he realizes Asher is also gay.
If there’s one thing Nick can’t resist, it’s a man with a talent for seducing light.
SHINE A LIGHT
After being viciously outed by his spiteful ex-lover, Van MacKenzie, fallen Hollywood and Broadway star, lands on stage in a small town community theatre - and in the arms of set designer Shane Hollister. Van knows his attraction to the talented young man could seal the fate of his career, but he can’t resist having a ‘summer thing’ while performing at The Globe. When an act of violence catches them unaware, Van recognizes the message was really meant for him. Walking away from Shane might be the smart thing to do to keep him safe.
Shane Hollister had established himself as a Broadway set designer before his father’s accident forced him to move home to St. Charles. Needing work, Shane accepts a job at The Globe. To his surprise, the small operation equals any big city production. When Donovan “Van” MacKenzie signs on for the new show, Shane grabs the chance to have a summer fling with his big screen idol, refusing to allow Van’s past to intrude.
Shane knows he has only one chance to catch a fallen star, and keep him for his own.
IN THE LIMELIGHT
A collection of erotic gay romance
now available in paperback at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Limelight-KC-Kendricks/dp/1602728046/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269312549&sr=1-14
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
April 9, 2013
H is for Hercules
April 9, 2013It's All About the Books
Day 8A to Z Blogging Challenge
Welcome to day eight of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This year, my third, I’m blogging on the wide range of topics that tie into my books.
*_*_*_*_*
Elton John has laid down the soundtrack of my life. From the first crystal notes of Tiny Dancer, I was hooked. While Tiny Dancer remains my absolute favorite EJ song even to this day, there have been other songs with equal impact for myriad reasons. A Cat Named Hercules was one but not for the music as much as for the tiny tan kitten that came into my life in 1979.
Back in those days I had introduced a buddy to Elton’s music and he loved it as much as I did. We made the trip to the city to see EJ live every time he was in town between 1976 and 1990. Citizen band radios were also the rage in the late 70’s and our “handles” reflected our love of Elton’s music. So when this tiny, starving kitten somehow wandered into my grandparent’s yard needing a loving home, it was a natural he was Hercules. From there, jump forward to 2011 and a publisher’s call for stories in which our heroes are brought together by pets, and A Cat Named Hercules was the only story I could write.
The fictional Hercules is a combination of several felines I’ve had over the years, and in character most closely resembles my current furball, the black and white tuxedo that posed for the cover photo. But there are pieces of the original Herc to be found - he was abandoned and he loved his ball with the bell inside.
I tried to find a photo of my Hercules only to discover time degraded my old pictures from that era. His marking were classic tabby with the distinctive side whorls which set him apart from every other tabby I’ve ever personally known. The rest have all had mackerel shadings. Being unable to find a picture of him, I resorted to the Internet and came up with a cat of his color, but not the markings. It will have to do to show you his coloring though not his markings.
Sadly, I lost Herc at a young age. I think the early starvation always worked against him even though he matured into a rather large boy. And if I ever come across a creamy tan tabby with similar markings, I’ll give him home and love him just for himself, as the unique individual he’ll surely be.
But I won’t give him a ball with a noisy bell in it. History doesn’t need to repeat some noisy things.
*_*_*_*_*
A CAT NAMED HERCULES
contemporary gay romance available now at
New in town, Shiloh Rudy joins a group of civic-minded volunteers to better acquaint himself with his recently adopted community. It’s a good way to make friends, network, and help make a difference, not to mention perhaps meet someone interesting—in a romantic sort of way. The one thing Shiloh didn’t expect was a love to rival all others to come with four white paws.
Gale Widmyer is on his feet and moving forward after piecing his life back together following a series of wrong choices. The one bright spot in his existence, even in his darkest moments, was the fulfillment of his dream to become a veterinarian. Gale’s making good on a promise to himself when an abandoned kitten leads him to Shiloh Rudy and a chance at the happiness he never hoped to have.
Laying the cornerstone for a developing relationship comes easy for Shiloh and Gale. But the wounds of the past often remain unhealed at their deepest point. A few careless words erect a wall of silence between the two men, one Shiloh has to breach if he hopes to win Gale back. But it will take more than apologies to win Gale’s forgiveness and put old fears to rest. It’ll take a cat named Hercules...
INTRO:
…The abrupt weaning I understood, but the other? Who would do that to such a helpless creature? “Then I’m keeping him.”
“In that case, your kitten has fleas, ear mites, and a touch of conjunctivitis. He’s also under nourished and almost surely has worms.”
My heart pounded as I snatched the kitten from Galen’s hands and tucked him safely against my chest. “Is he going to die?”
Galen pushed his sunglasses up to rest on top of his head and grinned at me. I fell into his gorgeous hazel eyes as he stared into my sky blue orbs with open curiosity. Damn, the man had long eyelashes.
“He’ll be fine. Do you think we can finish our chores here this morning, or do we need to go straight to my clinic so I can treat him and fix you up with what you need?” He poked the kitten’s paw and those tiny, wicked claws popped out again. “You’re in for a real treat with this little guy.”
I’d go anywhere he asked me to go, but I didn’t want to appear too eager. “Oh? Why is that?”
“They call cats with these black and white markings a ‘tuxedo’ because, obviously, they look like they’re wearing one. This fellow has the added bonus of white ‘gloves.’ Tuxedos tend to have a lot of personality.” Galen squeezed my elbow. I thought his hand lingered a moment too long, but perhaps it was just wishful thinking.
“C’mon. I’ll tell the other work crew they’ll have to finish pulling up these bricks and we’ll go to the clinic.”
“Thanks, man. I owe you.”
I knew I was in two kinds of trouble when he nodded and grinned. “I’m afraid you will…”
A CAT NAMED HERCULES
ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-234-8
contemporary gay romance available now at
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
April 8, 2013
G is for Give Me One Night (2013 A to Z)
It's All About the Books
April 8, 2013
Day 7 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
Welcome to day seven of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is my third year as a Z participant, and while it takes a lot of organization, it’s worth all the effort. While I've resisted a major promo blowout during the past two years, in 2013 it’s all about the books.
One of the things you may have noticed in the world of romance fiction are “themed” books. You know - Christmas and Halloween stories. We get them every year and we enjoy them every year. It’s all good. But there are other “special” days throughout the year and St. Patrick’s Day is special to me, and not because it gives me a reason to wear green.
Family history: An aunt by marriage was Irish and every year she made corned beef and cabbage and made sure I received a generous portion from the pot. It was nice to have dinner show up via personal delivery and know she cared about me enough to go out of her way for me.
This year, my cousin, her daughter, brought me a large crock of corned beef and cabbage when she heard we'd opted for my aunt's version of Potato & Eggs for our St. Paddy's dinner. So this year we celebrated both our traditional Irish meals but more importantly the bonds of family.
More recent history: I became more active in my genealogy research and connected with a cousin I didn’t know I had. This cousin has documented my maternal grandmother’s family back to 1600’s Ireland. I’m certifiably Irish! Or at least part of me is Irish. So why wouldn’t I write a story that begins with St. Patrick’s Day?
*_*_*_*_*
GIVE ME ONE NIGHT
Contemporary gay romance
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/GiveMeOneNight.html
When passion changes the rules, one more night can alter the future...
Brody O’Connor joins the revelry of the yearly St. Patrick's Day pub crawl, hunting a like-minded man for a night of fun and frolic with no strings attached. When a mystery man in an emerald green shirt engages Brody’s interest, it doesn’t take long for the hunter to become the prey.
Well-matched with his mystery man, Brody regrets his "no strings" approach to a night of shared passion that leaves him hungry for more. The morning after, Evan is gone, as agreed. Brody knows it was a mistake to let him go, and vows to find him.
Evan also never expected to meet someone like Brody. Now Brody wants to change the rules, and Evan decides he’ll give Brody one more night to convince him to stay...
EXCERPT: (from Brody's point of view)
My quarry stood at the bar, sipping what appeared to be a soda. I stepped into the whirling lights, planted my feet, squared my shoulders, put my hands on my hips, and waited for him to spot me. It didn’t take long.
He looked me up and down, a slow, lazy appraisal that focused my attention on his face. Then he smiled and lowered his eyelids with a slight nod of his head.
In that instant I knew something about him there are no flowery or romantic words for – only gut instinct. He wanted me to fuck him.
My body responded to the knowledge. Arousal snapped through me, sending shivers down my spine. My nipples, sensitive as any girl’s, tingled to the point that the fabric of my sweater rubbing against them became deliciously painful. My cock swelled to its full seven and three quarter inch glory in a single pounding heartbeat.
I’d fuck him until he was limp as a rag doll in less time than that if I could get my hands on him.
His chin lifted, the knowledge of the game joined in his eyes. I gestured for him to join me on the dance floor. He smiled and weaved his way through the crowd in my direction. A dancer whirled between us and I bolted for the door, no doubt in my mind he’d follow.
I made it to my car in time to see him step out the door, pause, and look around. He handed something to the bouncer cum doorman. His keys? He allowed others to drive his Jaguar? The man held stunning, hidden possibilities.
Sure enough, the burly attendant loped across the street and out of my line of sight. Within a minute, the Jag whirled into view and Blue Eyes reclaimed his ride. When he pulled out into the center lane, I steered my car in behind him.
The next stop, according to the pub crawl itinerary, was Rumours, and that was good for me. Blue Eyes turned left onto Potomac Street and his turn signal stayed on. I made a sharp left into the alley and the Rumours private rear parking lot.
Rumours was part of my regular circuit. I breezed through the kitchen door like I owned the place, which I did. I held a very modest, and quiet, ten percent of the business and the real estate.
Several of the wait staff yelled friendly profanities at me – and made a few offers. I smiled and waved as I hustled my way through, exiting the kitchen beside the bar. A buddy had the barstool on the end and I shooed him off it with the promise of imminent entertainment.
Thank heavens the chair was right in front of an air vent and a breeze blew from it to cool the mob of revelers. I was sweaty, sticky, and not because the night was at all warm. The bartender handed me a glass of ice water with a lime twist and I gulped down a few swallows.
No more alcohol for me until I got Blue Eyes home.
And speaking of, there he was, just on the other side of the dance floor, smiling at me, one eyebrow cocked up and looking amused. He gestured to me to join him with the same palm up wave of the arm I’d used at Tully’s.
I shook my head, lifting my glass to indicate I was thirsty. He clasped his hands over his chest and feigned heartbreak.
Right.
The dancer behind him was rubbing his butt, without any protest from Blue Eyes, so how crushed could he be? I finished my water and walked towards him, my gaze never leaving his. He stepped into the throng of dancers, meeting me halfway.
We moved easily to the music, our movements mirroring each other. I’d worry about the stupid grin on my face, but his expression matched mine. Our hips swayed closer. Our hands brushed. Blue Eyes turned, shaking his very well-shaped ass at me. I laughed in his ear, pulling him back against me. I was so achingly hard that my resolve to taunt him, to wear him down to a begging blob of gel, almost cracked. He grinned over his shoulder when I licked the rim of his ear.
“Are you going to tell me your name?”
I flashed my pearly whites at him. “Just before you come for the first time.”
“Cocky bastard, aren’t you?”
“You’ll have to wait a while to find that out.”
GIVE ME ONE NIGHTISBN-13: 978-1-60272-490-7 http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/GiveMeOneNight.html
KC Kendrickswebsite 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
April 8, 2013
Day 7 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
Welcome to day seven of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is my third year as a Z participant, and while it takes a lot of organization, it’s worth all the effort. While I've resisted a major promo blowout during the past two years, in 2013 it’s all about the books.
One of the things you may have noticed in the world of romance fiction are “themed” books. You know - Christmas and Halloween stories. We get them every year and we enjoy them every year. It’s all good. But there are other “special” days throughout the year and St. Patrick’s Day is special to me, and not because it gives me a reason to wear green.
Family history: An aunt by marriage was Irish and every year she made corned beef and cabbage and made sure I received a generous portion from the pot. It was nice to have dinner show up via personal delivery and know she cared about me enough to go out of her way for me.
This year, my cousin, her daughter, brought me a large crock of corned beef and cabbage when she heard we'd opted for my aunt's version of Potato & Eggs for our St. Paddy's dinner. So this year we celebrated both our traditional Irish meals but more importantly the bonds of family.
More recent history: I became more active in my genealogy research and connected with a cousin I didn’t know I had. This cousin has documented my maternal grandmother’s family back to 1600’s Ireland. I’m certifiably Irish! Or at least part of me is Irish. So why wouldn’t I write a story that begins with St. Patrick’s Day?
*_*_*_*_*
GIVE ME ONE NIGHT
Contemporary gay romance
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/GiveMeOneNight.html
When passion changes the rules, one more night can alter the future...
Brody O’Connor joins the revelry of the yearly St. Patrick's Day pub crawl, hunting a like-minded man for a night of fun and frolic with no strings attached. When a mystery man in an emerald green shirt engages Brody’s interest, it doesn’t take long for the hunter to become the prey.
Well-matched with his mystery man, Brody regrets his "no strings" approach to a night of shared passion that leaves him hungry for more. The morning after, Evan is gone, as agreed. Brody knows it was a mistake to let him go, and vows to find him.
Evan also never expected to meet someone like Brody. Now Brody wants to change the rules, and Evan decides he’ll give Brody one more night to convince him to stay...
EXCERPT: (from Brody's point of view)
My quarry stood at the bar, sipping what appeared to be a soda. I stepped into the whirling lights, planted my feet, squared my shoulders, put my hands on my hips, and waited for him to spot me. It didn’t take long.
He looked me up and down, a slow, lazy appraisal that focused my attention on his face. Then he smiled and lowered his eyelids with a slight nod of his head.
In that instant I knew something about him there are no flowery or romantic words for – only gut instinct. He wanted me to fuck him.
My body responded to the knowledge. Arousal snapped through me, sending shivers down my spine. My nipples, sensitive as any girl’s, tingled to the point that the fabric of my sweater rubbing against them became deliciously painful. My cock swelled to its full seven and three quarter inch glory in a single pounding heartbeat.
I’d fuck him until he was limp as a rag doll in less time than that if I could get my hands on him.
His chin lifted, the knowledge of the game joined in his eyes. I gestured for him to join me on the dance floor. He smiled and weaved his way through the crowd in my direction. A dancer whirled between us and I bolted for the door, no doubt in my mind he’d follow.
I made it to my car in time to see him step out the door, pause, and look around. He handed something to the bouncer cum doorman. His keys? He allowed others to drive his Jaguar? The man held stunning, hidden possibilities.
Sure enough, the burly attendant loped across the street and out of my line of sight. Within a minute, the Jag whirled into view and Blue Eyes reclaimed his ride. When he pulled out into the center lane, I steered my car in behind him.
The next stop, according to the pub crawl itinerary, was Rumours, and that was good for me. Blue Eyes turned left onto Potomac Street and his turn signal stayed on. I made a sharp left into the alley and the Rumours private rear parking lot.
Rumours was part of my regular circuit. I breezed through the kitchen door like I owned the place, which I did. I held a very modest, and quiet, ten percent of the business and the real estate.
Several of the wait staff yelled friendly profanities at me – and made a few offers. I smiled and waved as I hustled my way through, exiting the kitchen beside the bar. A buddy had the barstool on the end and I shooed him off it with the promise of imminent entertainment.
Thank heavens the chair was right in front of an air vent and a breeze blew from it to cool the mob of revelers. I was sweaty, sticky, and not because the night was at all warm. The bartender handed me a glass of ice water with a lime twist and I gulped down a few swallows.
No more alcohol for me until I got Blue Eyes home.
And speaking of, there he was, just on the other side of the dance floor, smiling at me, one eyebrow cocked up and looking amused. He gestured to me to join him with the same palm up wave of the arm I’d used at Tully’s.
I shook my head, lifting my glass to indicate I was thirsty. He clasped his hands over his chest and feigned heartbreak.
Right.
The dancer behind him was rubbing his butt, without any protest from Blue Eyes, so how crushed could he be? I finished my water and walked towards him, my gaze never leaving his. He stepped into the throng of dancers, meeting me halfway.
We moved easily to the music, our movements mirroring each other. I’d worry about the stupid grin on my face, but his expression matched mine. Our hips swayed closer. Our hands brushed. Blue Eyes turned, shaking his very well-shaped ass at me. I laughed in his ear, pulling him back against me. I was so achingly hard that my resolve to taunt him, to wear him down to a begging blob of gel, almost cracked. He grinned over his shoulder when I licked the rim of his ear.
“Are you going to tell me your name?”
I flashed my pearly whites at him. “Just before you come for the first time.”
“Cocky bastard, aren’t you?”
“You’ll have to wait a while to find that out.”
GIVE ME ONE NIGHTISBN-13: 978-1-60272-490-7 http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/GiveMeOneNight.html
KC Kendrickswebsite 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
April 6, 2013
F is for Fallon Roxbury (of the Sundown series)
April 6, 2013Day 6
The A to Z Blogging Challenge
It's All About the Books
I recently had the opportunity to sit down for a discussion with one of my characters, Fallon Roxbury. Fallon recently returned from taking Sundown on his first-ever vacation since even shapeshifters need a break. We're collaborating on the events that occurred during that vacation for the next Fallon and Sundown story. This “interview” took place on a Saturday afternoon.
_*_*_*_
KC Kendricks: Today I’m pleased to have Lieutenant Fallon Roxbury in my study. Thanks for stopping by, Fallon.
Lt. Fallon Roxbury: I know where to come to find good bourbon. (laughs)
KC: Stop it before my readers begin to think I’m an alcoholic or something. Are you really alone today?
FR: Do you see anyone with me?
KC: Well, no, but we both know he could be lurking anywhere.
FR: (rolls eyes) He’d tell you he doesn’t lurk, but I’ll tell you he’s a sneaky sort. But no, Sundown didn’t come with me today. An Elder from a neighboring clan is visiting, so his presence is required in chambers.
KC: I guess being a prince has its drawbacks. Fallon, why don’t you recount for my readers how you met Sundown?
FR: I was called to a crime scene. There was this girl there who told me, very cryptically I might add, that I’d find what I needed at the Montgomery Boarding House. I went there looking for a witness, but she didn’t mean that at all.
KC: So instead of a witness to the crime, you found Sundown wearing a different skin. You said he was sneaky.
FR. He divined I was gay and being female wouldn’t draw my attention, so the next time he appeared to me it was as a slightly younger version of the man you’d see today if he were here. I didn’t understand, at first, what was going on. It was a bit of a scramble to catch up with him.
KC: And then you thought you’d lost your mind.
FR: Wouldn’t you if your new lover told you he was a shapeshifter? You can laugh. It didn’t happen to you.
KC: Okay, okay. But I know you look back on those days and laugh, too. So tell my readers how you met Juny? I don’t think you ever really told that part of your story.
FR: (laughs) I was a beat cop - a really green beat cop, and Juny was my lieutenant. I’m not sure why, but he took me under his wing. I think we recognized we’d have a friendship to last a lifetime. When he was busted back to sergeant, it was my turn to look out for him.
KC: What did he do to lose rank, anyway?
FR: Repeated insubordination. He called the captain out for being an idiot. I mean, he was right about the man, but you don’t stand up on your desk in the squad room and shout it out in front of God and all witnesses without repercussions, if you know what I mean.
KC: I do. He’s a smart guy, though. Surely he knew what would happen.
FR: He did. But the truth is more important to Juny than rank. So let me ask you a question. How are you doing on Moon Dances? Did I give you enough information about our vacation?
KC: (grins) I’m pretty sure you did. I’ve got it partially written, but I’ve got a June 1 deadline on a story, so I’m working on that one, too. But don’t worry - I wouldn’t miss telling everyone about Sundown learning to drive.
FR: You’d better tell them to get down on their knees and thank the good Lord they weren’t in the car with him. Jesus, what a menace behind the wheel!
KC: (laughing) It can’t be as bad as you said!
FR: No, it was freakin’ worse!
KC: You want a refill on that glass?
FR: Thanks, no. I’ve got to get going. He’s expecting me to bring dinner to the rooftop tonight. I just wanted to stop by and say hello since I was passing by this way.
KC: I’m glad you did! Stop in anytime. There’s always a bottle of Beam kept chilled in the fridge. Bring Sundown with you next time.
FR: I’ll do that. Hey, keep up the good work with the books, okay?
KC: You bet! And you keep catching the bad guys and solving cold cases.
FR: Thanks. We will. (kisses KC’s cheek) Later, doll.
KC: Bye, Lieutenant!
_*_*_*_*_
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
April 5, 2013
E is for Eye of the Beholder (KC Kendricks) A to Z Blogging
Friday, April 5, 2013
Day 5 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
It's All About the Books
What is in the eye of the beholder? Everything! Even to the A to Z Blogging Challenge. This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge, and although creating 26 blogs to post in 30 days isn’t any easier this time than last, I hope to once again make it through on time. It takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.
I’m not sure where my fascination with voyeurism came from. Maybe growing up with television played a part. It’s a media that turns us all into voyeurs of varying degrees. Anyway, I wanted to explore it a bit and see how it could fit into my writing and Eye of the Beholder sprang into being. I think I’ll delve into again before it’s all said and done, but for now, this story suffices.
What have you seen out your window?
_*_*_*_*_*_*_
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Contemporary gay romance
available now at Amber Allure
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/EyeBeholder.html
Some neighbors share more than others...
Andy Madison is city born and bred. Filling in for a friend at a coffee shop, Andy meets Ben Hardin and sparks fly. They spend a long, lazy Sunday afternoon together to get to know each other, and when they decide to let nature take its course, they go to Ben’s cozy apartment.
Ben’s taking his time becoming acclimated to his new life in the big city. He’s got a great job he loves, he’s making new friends, and his starter apartment has the most incredible views a young man could dream of. Ben’s discovered there’s more to admire than the arts, music and architecture. All he has to do is look out his window and across the narrow alley.
Andy thinks he’s seen it all living in the Big Apple, but what he spies through Ben’s window is something that can only be enjoyed by the eye of the beholder...
INTRO:
I'd chosen to sleep on the side of the bed beside the one and only window in the apartment. It might have made a different decision if the window faced east, but it didn't. I peered out through the streaky glass at the glow of the city lights and wondered if I'd someday make enough money to have a real view. The surprising, and scary, answer to that musing was I actually might. My employer recognized my talent.
I was just about to tuck my toes under the sheet when for no real reason a movement on the other side of the narrow alley drew my attention. I yawned as the lights in the apartment across the way and down a story went out. The lower half of the window rose about six to eight inches and a pair of male hands set a block to keep it from falling closed. The hands, now unseen, pushed the sheer curtains apart to allow what little breeze stirred this night entrance to his room. Naked, he flopped down on his bed, his back arched as he stretched his arms over his head.
Why I didn't crawl between the sheets and go to sleep will forever remain a mystery. I never aspired to be a peeping Tommy. I might watch a little gay porn now and again, but what poor deprived country boy hadn't resorted to the joys of the Internet to get by until they could find a real man? That didn't make me a pervert. Unlike a few of the tricks I'd had since arriving in lower Manhattan, I didn't even like to have sex in public places. But in the blink of an eye I became a voyeur.
EXCERPT:
...Andy was sorta cute. I could invite him to a movie this afternoon and see what he said. It was one sure way to find out which team he batted for. “When do you get off, Andy?”
A smile played at his lips as he cocked his head to the left and raised his eyebrow. “Usually about midnight every night, one way or the other.”
I bet I looked stupid with my mouth hanging open. A wide grin split his face, then he laughed, a low, happy sound that said he was pleased to have rendered me speechless. Andy sobered, at least a little.
“Are you attempting to ask me out?”
I gripped my coffee cup for dear life as I gathered my wits. “I’m not sure now. I think you might need to go home and get some sleep.”
He leaned forward and brushed his knuckles across mine. “I don’t like to sleep alone, Ben.”
The smooth, silky way he said my name made me shiver, but I’m sure he intended that I would. Heart thudding unevenly in my chest, I met his gaze.
“Me neither, Andy, and I happen to be free around midnight.” I didn’t add that if we went to my place I’d make damn sure my curtains were safety-pinned closed.
He leaned forward again. “Tell you what. Give me your cell phone number and I’ll call you when my shift is finally over.”
"That'll work. We can figure out what happens between now and midnight then.”
Andy smiled and shoved the rest of his muffin in his mouth as another customer hustled in out of the rain.
“Be right with you,” he called out as he stood. “I don’t know how long I’ll be, but I’ll call. Swear.”
“I need to head home to make myself all sexy, so you do what you have to do.”
He flashed me a parting grin and slipped behind the counter, then schmoozed with the new arrival. It was in my mind to wait a while before leaving, but the rain suddenly eased. Within minutes, the coffee shop was full of people. I cleared the little table and made a strategic exit. I saw no point in trying to distract him from his work just to say goodbye. A certain level of maturity was called for in these situations, or so I told myself.
On the other hand, I had a hookup for today that had a lot of potential. Andy was a friendly, charming fellow. Maybe I’d end up with a fuck buddy, which would be fine with me. What lonely fellow on his own in the big, bad city couldn’t use one of those from time-to-time?
As predicted, the rain kicked the humidity up yet another notch. Everything from the streetlights to the trees to building canopies dripped, but my trusty umbrella kept my newspaper dry. The apartment was stifling when I opened the door, but then the air conditioning cycled on. I toed off my shoes and settled at the table to finish my almost cold coffee and leaf through the paper. If Andy did call, I didn’t want to spend the entire day in bed.
Unless, of course, he could get it up more times in an afternoon than I was capable of doing. That would be a game changer, not to mention it would impress the hell out of me.
The paper yielded a few possible activities. I circled them, put on a fresh pot of coffee, and took a fast shower. It was almost eleven o’clock when Andy finally called. He wanted to dash home for a shower and suggested we meet at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on 42nd Street at one o’clock.
There was a movie he wanted to see, his treat, then we could get an early dinner, nothing fancy, my treat. After that, we’d see how the evening shaped up. It sounded like a perfect afternoon, and I quickly agreed.
It didn’t take long for me to get nervous. I liked Andy and I didn’t want to screw up a simple date, but what if he was the clingy sort? I wasn’t looking for forever, just a good time tonight. If I got a different vibe from him, I’d have to make my intentions clear without hurting his feelings.
Nothing like getting ahead of myself. Jeez. And to keep from doing it again, I decided to wear a white T-shirt and jeans. Simple, yet sexy, with the message today was about fun.
Or maybe something else was already in the cards.
Andy greeted me with a kiss...
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
ISBN:978-1-61124-243-0
Contemporary gay romance
available now at Amber Allure
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/EyeBeholder.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/between...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Ken...
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
Day 5 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
It's All About the Books
What is in the eye of the beholder? Everything! Even to the A to Z Blogging Challenge. This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge, and although creating 26 blogs to post in 30 days isn’t any easier this time than last, I hope to once again make it through on time. It takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.
I’m not sure where my fascination with voyeurism came from. Maybe growing up with television played a part. It’s a media that turns us all into voyeurs of varying degrees. Anyway, I wanted to explore it a bit and see how it could fit into my writing and Eye of the Beholder sprang into being. I think I’ll delve into again before it’s all said and done, but for now, this story suffices.
What have you seen out your window?
_*_*_*_*_*_*_
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Contemporary gay romance
available now at Amber Allure
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/EyeBeholder.html
Some neighbors share more than others...
Andy Madison is city born and bred. Filling in for a friend at a coffee shop, Andy meets Ben Hardin and sparks fly. They spend a long, lazy Sunday afternoon together to get to know each other, and when they decide to let nature take its course, they go to Ben’s cozy apartment.
Ben’s taking his time becoming acclimated to his new life in the big city. He’s got a great job he loves, he’s making new friends, and his starter apartment has the most incredible views a young man could dream of. Ben’s discovered there’s more to admire than the arts, music and architecture. All he has to do is look out his window and across the narrow alley.
Andy thinks he’s seen it all living in the Big Apple, but what he spies through Ben’s window is something that can only be enjoyed by the eye of the beholder...
INTRO:
I'd chosen to sleep on the side of the bed beside the one and only window in the apartment. It might have made a different decision if the window faced east, but it didn't. I peered out through the streaky glass at the glow of the city lights and wondered if I'd someday make enough money to have a real view. The surprising, and scary, answer to that musing was I actually might. My employer recognized my talent.
I was just about to tuck my toes under the sheet when for no real reason a movement on the other side of the narrow alley drew my attention. I yawned as the lights in the apartment across the way and down a story went out. The lower half of the window rose about six to eight inches and a pair of male hands set a block to keep it from falling closed. The hands, now unseen, pushed the sheer curtains apart to allow what little breeze stirred this night entrance to his room. Naked, he flopped down on his bed, his back arched as he stretched his arms over his head.
Why I didn't crawl between the sheets and go to sleep will forever remain a mystery. I never aspired to be a peeping Tommy. I might watch a little gay porn now and again, but what poor deprived country boy hadn't resorted to the joys of the Internet to get by until they could find a real man? That didn't make me a pervert. Unlike a few of the tricks I'd had since arriving in lower Manhattan, I didn't even like to have sex in public places. But in the blink of an eye I became a voyeur.
EXCERPT:
...Andy was sorta cute. I could invite him to a movie this afternoon and see what he said. It was one sure way to find out which team he batted for. “When do you get off, Andy?”
A smile played at his lips as he cocked his head to the left and raised his eyebrow. “Usually about midnight every night, one way or the other.”
I bet I looked stupid with my mouth hanging open. A wide grin split his face, then he laughed, a low, happy sound that said he was pleased to have rendered me speechless. Andy sobered, at least a little.
“Are you attempting to ask me out?”
I gripped my coffee cup for dear life as I gathered my wits. “I’m not sure now. I think you might need to go home and get some sleep.”
He leaned forward and brushed his knuckles across mine. “I don’t like to sleep alone, Ben.”
The smooth, silky way he said my name made me shiver, but I’m sure he intended that I would. Heart thudding unevenly in my chest, I met his gaze.
“Me neither, Andy, and I happen to be free around midnight.” I didn’t add that if we went to my place I’d make damn sure my curtains were safety-pinned closed.
He leaned forward again. “Tell you what. Give me your cell phone number and I’ll call you when my shift is finally over.”
"That'll work. We can figure out what happens between now and midnight then.”
Andy smiled and shoved the rest of his muffin in his mouth as another customer hustled in out of the rain.
“Be right with you,” he called out as he stood. “I don’t know how long I’ll be, but I’ll call. Swear.”
“I need to head home to make myself all sexy, so you do what you have to do.”
He flashed me a parting grin and slipped behind the counter, then schmoozed with the new arrival. It was in my mind to wait a while before leaving, but the rain suddenly eased. Within minutes, the coffee shop was full of people. I cleared the little table and made a strategic exit. I saw no point in trying to distract him from his work just to say goodbye. A certain level of maturity was called for in these situations, or so I told myself.
On the other hand, I had a hookup for today that had a lot of potential. Andy was a friendly, charming fellow. Maybe I’d end up with a fuck buddy, which would be fine with me. What lonely fellow on his own in the big, bad city couldn’t use one of those from time-to-time?
As predicted, the rain kicked the humidity up yet another notch. Everything from the streetlights to the trees to building canopies dripped, but my trusty umbrella kept my newspaper dry. The apartment was stifling when I opened the door, but then the air conditioning cycled on. I toed off my shoes and settled at the table to finish my almost cold coffee and leaf through the paper. If Andy did call, I didn’t want to spend the entire day in bed.
Unless, of course, he could get it up more times in an afternoon than I was capable of doing. That would be a game changer, not to mention it would impress the hell out of me.
The paper yielded a few possible activities. I circled them, put on a fresh pot of coffee, and took a fast shower. It was almost eleven o’clock when Andy finally called. He wanted to dash home for a shower and suggested we meet at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on 42nd Street at one o’clock.
There was a movie he wanted to see, his treat, then we could get an early dinner, nothing fancy, my treat. After that, we’d see how the evening shaped up. It sounded like a perfect afternoon, and I quickly agreed.
It didn’t take long for me to get nervous. I liked Andy and I didn’t want to screw up a simple date, but what if he was the clingy sort? I wasn’t looking for forever, just a good time tonight. If I got a different vibe from him, I’d have to make my intentions clear without hurting his feelings.
Nothing like getting ahead of myself. Jeez. And to keep from doing it again, I decided to wear a white T-shirt and jeans. Simple, yet sexy, with the message today was about fun.
Or maybe something else was already in the cards.
Andy greeted me with a kiss...
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
ISBN:978-1-61124-243-0
Contemporary gay romance
available now at Amber Allure
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/EyeBeholder.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/between...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Ken...
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
April 4, 2013
A to Z Blogging Challenge: D is for Double Deuce
April 4, 2013
It's All About the Books
Day 4 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
D is for Double Deuce
This is my third year as an A to Z participant. It’s not easy - it takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends. While I've resisted a major promo blowout during the past two years, this time It's All About the Books. It could be pure promo or it could be the story behind the story. There might even be an interview with a character, or with the author. Maybe a character has the same hobbies or something like that. I’m not sure just how it will shake out, but I think I’m going to have a lot fun this year.
Welcome to Between the Keys and the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge!
_*_*_*_*_
One of the hazards of being a writer is falling just a little bit in love with a character. It’s easy to make big plans for them and then difficult to bring those plans to fruition. And it’s not because of fading passion for them - oh no! It’s time, or rather no time.
Every writer I know is busy, so it’s not just me. Family, friends and day jobs all take a big chunk out of everyone’s day which is more proof writers are just regular folk. Add in the shopping, the laundry, cooking, making sure we step away from the keyboard to get enough exercise sucks even more minutes out of our day. So when I say it's taken a long time to get back to Ian and Rick and the Double Deuce, it’s the truth! Is that a teaser? You betcha! The next installment of Ian and Rick's story is coming out in May - finally!
So to get you ready for Deuce of Diamonds (book 2), here's a look at their beginning - Double Deuce. Just perfect for our D-day of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge.
_*_*_*_*_
DOUBLE DEUCEContemporary gay romance available now at Amber Allure http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/DoubleDeuce.html
Free spirited Ian Coulter works hard and plays harder. An ex-cop turned private investigator, Ian enjoys meeting new men and making new friends. A night out ends up with one man on the floor at his feet, and another asking for his help. Big trouble’s brewing in little Amethyst Cove, and Ian’s a step behind. He’s quick to see Rick Mohr is the man holding the flare at the end a long, dark tunnel.
Undercover agent Rick Mohr walks a fine line, serving two masters. Insider trading, counterfeit printing plates, and a blown-up yacht have Rick stuck between two Federal agencies, one of which has been compromised. Rick has to discover the mole before it’s too late. When Ian Coulter walks into his life, Rick grabs the chance to salvage his assignment with both hands.
It doesn’t take Ian and Rick long to discover joining forces, and sharing resources, has definite perks - ones not found in any departmental manual.
INTRO:
“And yet, here you sit across from me.”
“For one thing, this is the first time I’ve actually gotten a look at you. No one ever said you were so…” He paused and blinked at me.
I helped him out. “Hot?”
Rick grinned. “The very word I was searching for.”
“You’re full of shit, Rick Mohr. What do you really want?”
“I’ve heard you like to have fun—safe fun. Was I misinformed?”
And they called me a slut. Rick had me beat for moving in on a guy fast. “I love to have ‘fun—safe fun,’ but I don’t know you. I haven’t seen you around at any of the local haunts.”
“Well, you know how it is. Boy meets boy. Boy falls in love. Boy gets dumped after eleven years and has to work hard to get back into the swing of things.”
I tapped the wide silver band he wore on his left ring finger. “Hmm. I’ve heard of that. Some weird word that starts with an ‘R.’”
“Relationship?”
I snapped my fingers. “That’s the one! Can’t say as I have any first-hand experience with it.”
Rick sighed. “I actually liked it, although I thought it would have a longer shelf-life.”
I sipped the lemony drink I’d had such a craving for. That craving, and another stronger one, was about to land me in trouble, I just knew it.
“I’ll tell you something, Rick. I don’t like men who cheat on their partners.”
His level gaze met mine. “I don’t have a partner. I have an ex-partner.”
“Why not take off the ring?”
“Truth? I’m not quite ready to have guys hitting on me. Maybe you can help me get over the hump.”
Years of cruising men, of reading their body language and looking into lots of pretty eyes gave me a good read on him. He wasn’t being honest with me about something, but it had nothing to do with the ring, the ex-partner, or the fact he liked to have control of the situation. The little voice inside, the one that never steered me wrong when it was time to cut and run, was silent, and I wanted to learn more about him.
The bottom line was we both wanted to get laid, no strings attached. I could do that for him. Call me Dr. Love or whatever. He wanted over the hump, and I was more than happy to help him out with that.
“So, Rick, why don’t we finish our drinks, then blow this joint and go find a more private place?”
DOUBLE DEUCEISBN-13: 978-1-61124-185-3 Contemporary gay romance available now at Amber Allure http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/DoubleDeuce.html
KC Kendrickswebsite at: http://www.kckendricks.comblog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.comTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricksmailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeysGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1989106.K_C_KendricksFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Kendricks/1439574042MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
April 3, 2013
C is for Catching Fireflies
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Day 3 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
It's All About the Books
This the third year I’ve participated in the A to Z Blogging Challenge. It’s not an easy task to set for oneself. It takes a lot of organization, but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.
For this year’s challenge, It's All About the Books and today highlights a new release, Catching Fireflies . Catching Fireflies is the sequel to Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea . Both stories are set on Ocracoke Island, and if you read yesterday’s blog, you know the story of why I chose the island setting. Yes, that’s an unabashed ploy to get you to scroll down.
Whether you followed Between the Keys in 2011 and 2012, or you’re a 2013 newcomer to the A-Z Challenge, thanks for stopping by and getting to know me. I hope you’ll enjoy Catching Fireflies.
_*_*_*_*_
Dale Langley longs for some triple R time - rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. He accepts his cousin’s invitation to winter over on Ocracoke Island, far away from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland. He’s always loved being a rolling stone, traveling for his job without the worry of a place to call home, but it’s time for something different. Now Dale anticipates several blissful months to learn how to be still with no demands on his time while he prepares for the next phase of his life.
Aubrey Zimmerman came to Ocracoke to attend a friend’s commitment ceremony. Never one to settle down, Aubrey’s had enough of involvements that took him from man to man without a place to call home. He needs a break - and a little solitude. House sitting while his friend is on his honeymoon is the perfect way to clear his head and catch up on his sleep. At least it seemed that way until Dale arrived and Aubrey realized sleep is the last thing he needs.
Fate has changes in store for Dale and Aubrey, the sort neither one knew they wanted. Sometimes the more you wander the closer to home you get.
EXCERPT
His hand on my knee snapped me back to the here and now. I looked around to find everyone hovering over the steaks sharing grilling secrets, and paying no attention to us.
I tried not to notice the warmth of Aubrey’s palm on my skin, but failed miserably. At least if I got hard, I was sitting down and my T-shirt was loose enough to hide it if I leaned forward. Or maybe crossed my legs. Or sank beneath the glider - or the ground. Thankfully, the thought of how embarrassed I’d be kept an erection at bay. Barely.
“You know, hon. I like to walk along the water after dinner. Why don’t you join me?”
I must’ve had a stupid expression on my face. He tilted his head. “No hanky-panky, of course, being that we just met.”
No one even glanced in our direction so I leaned toward him. “Um, sure. A walk would be nice. If I try to hold your hand are you going to stop me?”
“That’s all you can hold tonight, sugar. I don’t know anything about you, and I have to make sure you don’t bite before we get to know each other better.” He looked down then slowly lifted his beautiful gaze back to mine. “And you’re hiding something.”
I shivered as the memories of the vicious blows I’d received at the hands of strangers taunted me.
“I only nibble the occasional earlobe, and my secrets are my own, Aubrey. There’s nothing in them to hurt anyone else.”
He studied me for a few moments, his fascinating blue gaze enigmatic. “Fair enough, Dale.” He sighed. “I do have my own. What?”
“I could stare into your eyes forever.”
Aubrey didn’t blink. “If I had a dollar for every time some tomcat said that to me, I’d be rich…”
CATCHING FIREFLIES
Available now at Amber Allure
http://www.amberallure.com/CatchingFireflies.html
KC Kendricks
website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.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
Day 3 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
It's All About the Books
This the third year I’ve participated in the A to Z Blogging Challenge. It’s not an easy task to set for oneself. It takes a lot of organization, but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.
For this year’s challenge, It's All About the Books and today highlights a new release, Catching Fireflies . Catching Fireflies is the sequel to Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea . Both stories are set on Ocracoke Island, and if you read yesterday’s blog, you know the story of why I chose the island setting. Yes, that’s an unabashed ploy to get you to scroll down.
Whether you followed Between the Keys in 2011 and 2012, or you’re a 2013 newcomer to the A-Z Challenge, thanks for stopping by and getting to know me. I hope you’ll enjoy Catching Fireflies.
_*_*_*_*_
Dale Langley longs for some triple R time - rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. He accepts his cousin’s invitation to winter over on Ocracoke Island, far away from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland. He’s always loved being a rolling stone, traveling for his job without the worry of a place to call home, but it’s time for something different. Now Dale anticipates several blissful months to learn how to be still with no demands on his time while he prepares for the next phase of his life. Aubrey Zimmerman came to Ocracoke to attend a friend’s commitment ceremony. Never one to settle down, Aubrey’s had enough of involvements that took him from man to man without a place to call home. He needs a break - and a little solitude. House sitting while his friend is on his honeymoon is the perfect way to clear his head and catch up on his sleep. At least it seemed that way until Dale arrived and Aubrey realized sleep is the last thing he needs.
Fate has changes in store for Dale and Aubrey, the sort neither one knew they wanted. Sometimes the more you wander the closer to home you get.
EXCERPT
His hand on my knee snapped me back to the here and now. I looked around to find everyone hovering over the steaks sharing grilling secrets, and paying no attention to us.
I tried not to notice the warmth of Aubrey’s palm on my skin, but failed miserably. At least if I got hard, I was sitting down and my T-shirt was loose enough to hide it if I leaned forward. Or maybe crossed my legs. Or sank beneath the glider - or the ground. Thankfully, the thought of how embarrassed I’d be kept an erection at bay. Barely.
“You know, hon. I like to walk along the water after dinner. Why don’t you join me?”
I must’ve had a stupid expression on my face. He tilted his head. “No hanky-panky, of course, being that we just met.”
No one even glanced in our direction so I leaned toward him. “Um, sure. A walk would be nice. If I try to hold your hand are you going to stop me?”
“That’s all you can hold tonight, sugar. I don’t know anything about you, and I have to make sure you don’t bite before we get to know each other better.” He looked down then slowly lifted his beautiful gaze back to mine. “And you’re hiding something.”
I shivered as the memories of the vicious blows I’d received at the hands of strangers taunted me.
“I only nibble the occasional earlobe, and my secrets are my own, Aubrey. There’s nothing in them to hurt anyone else.”
He studied me for a few moments, his fascinating blue gaze enigmatic. “Fair enough, Dale.” He sighed. “I do have my own. What?”
“I could stare into your eyes forever.”
Aubrey didn’t blink. “If I had a dollar for every time some tomcat said that to me, I’d be rich…”
CATCHING FIREFLIES
Available now at Amber Allure
http://www.amberallure.com/CatchingFireflies.html
KC Kendricks
website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.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
