Andrew Grey's Blog, page 40
November 9, 2011
Whipped Cream Reviews Gave Legal Artistry 5 Cherries
When I got home from work today I saw that Whipped Cream Reviews had given Legal Artistry 5 Cherries. Myrtle said: Mr. Grey's brilliant passion and energy come through in his writing and this book is no exception to his ability to create an intriguing plot. He has a way of hooking a reader and keeping them mesmerized until the end.
What I found so tantalizing about this story was the touch of World War II history, and how many families lost everything they own when they fled Germany before and during the war, only to have family portraits and other priceless possessions turn up in museums after Germany was defeated.
Read the entire review: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
November 8, 2011
Amazing Review for Artistic Appeal
Lyssa at Lyssa Reviews gave Artistic Appeal a great review. Lyssa said: This ability totally kept this read enthralled with this story and there was nothing to throw me out of the characters point of view, and if a sound did intrude from life around me, it really made me look around to see where I was. Mr. Grey you have a true winner, a true pure love story in Artistic Appeal and you have managed to top all your other stories in this series. Thank you so much for taking the time with book to give a look into Nicolai’s life.
Read the entire review: http://lyssareviews.wordpress.com/2011/11/08/artisticly-appealing/
November 7, 2011
Love Means... Freedom
Continuing my excerpts of the Love Means... series, here is an excerpt of Love Means... Freedom. This story was inspired by a colleague who found himself in wheelchair after an accident. There are many differences between him and my character, but he was someome I saw every day and it wasn't until we happened to talk that I became inspired.
Blurb:
Spurned by his father and driven from his home, Stone Hillyard is struggling to find shelter in the Michigan winter when he lucks upon the horse farm run by Geoff Laughton and his partner Eli. They take him in, warm him up, and give him a job working with their No Boundaries therapy riding program.
A drunk driver left Preston Harding unable to walk, and after months of hard work, his therapist recommends Geoff and Eli’s program. But Preston’s anger and arrogance nearly get him kicked out until Stone intercedes on his behalf, despite Preston’s insults. It’s a small act of kindness that helps open Preston’s eyes.
Stone and Preston will support each other as they face their families’ disapproval and fight old secrets. They’ll learn—sometimes the hard way—just how love can mean freedom for them both.
Purchase from Dreamspinner Press
Excerpt:
“Take it easy. You shouldn’t overdo it,” the therapist warned, as he watched Preston maneuvering himself between the bars.
“I want to walk!” he yelled, as he gritted his teeth and grunted. “The fucking doctor said I’d never walk again,” he grunted as he forced his legs to work. “I intend to walk up to that asshole and shake his hand,” he said through gritted teeth as he moved again, “or punch the fucker’s face!” He reached the end and turned around, collapsing into the wheelchair. “I do intend to walk again.” He looked at the therapist and grinned, “Sorry, Jasper, I didn’t mean to take it out on you.” The anger and frustration slipped away as he wheeled himself toward the door. “I just want this so badly.”
“I know you do, and so do I, but injuring yourself isn’t going to make it happen faster.” Jasper held the door open. “You’ve come a long way in a short time.”
“Not far enough.” Preston was determined and naturally impatient.
“Pres,” his physical therapist and friend began, “Your muscles are just now starting to get the blood they need to function. Sometimes, you need to let things progress on their own, and they just won’t be rushed.”
Preston whipped the chair around, “I thought therapists were supposed to be sadistic.” A huge grin broke onto his face.
“I may be a sadistic therapist, but I’m also your friend. I want you to walk again; I just don’t want you to hurt yourself doing it.” Jasper led the way back into the lobby where Preston’s mother was waiting for him.
Preston hated that at twenty-six, he was back living with his parents and dependent upon them again. A drunk driver had not only taken away the use of his legs, but also his freedom, and he was determined above all else to get it back. Feeling had returned, and after numerous surgeries, some movement had returned. As soon as he could lift his legs, he’d started exercising when no one was around. “I’m ready to go, Mom.”
“Okay, honey.” She got to her feet and walked over to him, stepping behind the chair to push Preston to the car.
“I don’t need any help,” he said snappily. She handed him his coat and he shrugged it on before gripping the wheels and propelling himself forward, the doors opening automatically in front of him. “I just need to do things for myself.” He jetted through the parking lot, stopping near the car and waiting for her to unlock the doors. Positioning the chair near the seat, he shifted himself onto his shaky, but strengthening legs and onto the seat. He then folded the chair and maneuvered it behind his seat. Strapping himself in, he closed the door and fastened his seatbelt. “I’m sorry I yelled. It’s just important that I do it myself.”
“I know.” She turned to him and smiled. “I just forget and want to help.” She started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. Preston had to admit that his mom had been as good and supportive as he could have hoped. She’d carted him wherever he needed to go and took time off work so he could get to his therapy appointments. “Your father called. He’ll be home in a few days.”
“Oh, goody.” Preston actually whirled his finger in mock excitement. In stark contrast to his mother, Preston’s father had seen his accident as yet another way he’d imposed himself on their lives. His father was the main reason he wanted to be out of the house. The man tended to be overbearing and self-centered on his best days.
“Pres, your father works hard.” His mother soothed as they continued their drive toward west, turning on Lake drive.
“Don’t defend him, mom. Not to me.” Preston’s father had nearly had a stroke when he’d told him he was gay. After about a week, he began parading every girl he could find through the house because Preston “just hadn’t met the right one yet.” It was embarrassing for him and the girls when he told each one that he was gay. Eventually his father had stopped, but Preston knew he hadn’t given up. Milford Harding the Third never gave up; he just bided his time before he struck again. It was only Preston’s accident that had called a truce between them. “At least we have a few days of peace left.”
His mother didn’t respond, and they rode in silence until she pulled the car into the circular driveway before parking in the three-car garage. Preston opened the door and slid out his chair, opening it before climbing on and making his way to the back door where a ramp led into the house.
Blurb:Spurned by his father and driven from his home, Stone Hillyard is struggling to find shelter in the Michigan winter when he lucks upon the horse farm run by Geoff Laughton and his partner Eli. They take him in, warm him up, and give him a job working with their No Boundaries therapy riding program.
A drunk driver left Preston Harding unable to walk, and after months of hard work, his therapist recommends Geoff and Eli’s program. But Preston’s anger and arrogance nearly get him kicked out until Stone intercedes on his behalf, despite Preston’s insults. It’s a small act of kindness that helps open Preston’s eyes.
Stone and Preston will support each other as they face their families’ disapproval and fight old secrets. They’ll learn—sometimes the hard way—just how love can mean freedom for them both.
Purchase from Dreamspinner Press
Excerpt:
“Take it easy. You shouldn’t overdo it,” the therapist warned, as he watched Preston maneuvering himself between the bars.
“I want to walk!” he yelled, as he gritted his teeth and grunted. “The fucking doctor said I’d never walk again,” he grunted as he forced his legs to work. “I intend to walk up to that asshole and shake his hand,” he said through gritted teeth as he moved again, “or punch the fucker’s face!” He reached the end and turned around, collapsing into the wheelchair. “I do intend to walk again.” He looked at the therapist and grinned, “Sorry, Jasper, I didn’t mean to take it out on you.” The anger and frustration slipped away as he wheeled himself toward the door. “I just want this so badly.”
“I know you do, and so do I, but injuring yourself isn’t going to make it happen faster.” Jasper held the door open. “You’ve come a long way in a short time.”
“Not far enough.” Preston was determined and naturally impatient.
“Pres,” his physical therapist and friend began, “Your muscles are just now starting to get the blood they need to function. Sometimes, you need to let things progress on their own, and they just won’t be rushed.”
Preston whipped the chair around, “I thought therapists were supposed to be sadistic.” A huge grin broke onto his face.
“I may be a sadistic therapist, but I’m also your friend. I want you to walk again; I just don’t want you to hurt yourself doing it.” Jasper led the way back into the lobby where Preston’s mother was waiting for him.
Preston hated that at twenty-six, he was back living with his parents and dependent upon them again. A drunk driver had not only taken away the use of his legs, but also his freedom, and he was determined above all else to get it back. Feeling had returned, and after numerous surgeries, some movement had returned. As soon as he could lift his legs, he’d started exercising when no one was around. “I’m ready to go, Mom.”
“Okay, honey.” She got to her feet and walked over to him, stepping behind the chair to push Preston to the car.
“I don’t need any help,” he said snappily. She handed him his coat and he shrugged it on before gripping the wheels and propelling himself forward, the doors opening automatically in front of him. “I just need to do things for myself.” He jetted through the parking lot, stopping near the car and waiting for her to unlock the doors. Positioning the chair near the seat, he shifted himself onto his shaky, but strengthening legs and onto the seat. He then folded the chair and maneuvered it behind his seat. Strapping himself in, he closed the door and fastened his seatbelt. “I’m sorry I yelled. It’s just important that I do it myself.”
“I know.” She turned to him and smiled. “I just forget and want to help.” She started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. Preston had to admit that his mom had been as good and supportive as he could have hoped. She’d carted him wherever he needed to go and took time off work so he could get to his therapy appointments. “Your father called. He’ll be home in a few days.”
“Oh, goody.” Preston actually whirled his finger in mock excitement. In stark contrast to his mother, Preston’s father had seen his accident as yet another way he’d imposed himself on their lives. His father was the main reason he wanted to be out of the house. The man tended to be overbearing and self-centered on his best days.
“Pres, your father works hard.” His mother soothed as they continued their drive toward west, turning on Lake drive.
“Don’t defend him, mom. Not to me.” Preston’s father had nearly had a stroke when he’d told him he was gay. After about a week, he began parading every girl he could find through the house because Preston “just hadn’t met the right one yet.” It was embarrassing for him and the girls when he told each one that he was gay. Eventually his father had stopped, but Preston knew he hadn’t given up. Milford Harding the Third never gave up; he just bided his time before he struck again. It was only Preston’s accident that had called a truce between them. “At least we have a few days of peace left.”
His mother didn’t respond, and they rode in silence until she pulled the car into the circular driveway before parking in the three-car garage. Preston opened the door and slid out his chair, opening it before climbing on and making his way to the back door where a ramp led into the house.
November 6, 2011
Love Means... No Boundaries
In celebration of the release of Love Means... Healing, I'm publishing excerpts of all the other books leading up to a sneak peek preview of the new release. In Love Means... No Boundaries, I introduced Robbie, one of my favorite characters of all time.
Blurb: Joey Sutherland has found a home with Geoff Laughton and his partner, Eli, living and working at the farm that has become a refuge after a motorcycle accident left him with a scarred face and a lot of insecurities. When Geoffs aunt Mari convinces them to take in a musician from the National Youth Symphony, Joey is reluctantly roped into picking him up, already anticipating the disgust hell see on the mans face.
But Robert Edward Jameson surprises him: hes outgoing and friendly, hes willing to try just about anything around the farm, and hes blind, which goes a long way toward easing Joeys nerves.
Joey and Robbie become inseparable and discover the beginnings of love. But summer is coming to an end, and Robbie will return to his home in Mississippi, where his family and servants see to everything he could want or need. Joey can only hope Robbie will take a chance on love and escape the boundaries that have shaped his sightless life.
Purchase from Dreamspinner Press
Excerpt:
Well, we should get started. Geoff pushed back his chair and walked with his mug through the house to his office, disappearing inside. Geoff was an accountant, and it still took him a lot of time to keep the books of an enterprise of this size and scale up to date.
Joey got up and put his cup in the sink, looking through the house to the stairs.
Eli seemed to read his mind. Dont worry. Ill be here when he gets up.
Joey nodded and left the kitchen, going to one of the farm trucks. A few hours later, the last of the fields inspected and checked, he pointed the truck back toward the farm.
Walking inside, he found Eli and Robbie in the kitchen. Robbie stood at the counter, up to his elbows in bread dough, grinning from ear to ear. Is that you, Joey?
Yup. Joey chuckled. Youre covered in flour. Robbie shrugged and kept working the dough.
Is that good? Robbie asked Eli.
Eli checked the texture. Sure is, now form the dough into two equal hunks and place them in the bowls. Theres one to the left and one to the right. Eli went back to work, letting Robbie finish up.
Joey almost asked Robbie if he needed help, but stopped. Robbie would ask if he did. I was wondering if youre feeling adventurous.
Robbie split the dough and held a hunk in each hand, balancing the weight. Setting them down, he located the bowls and placed the dough in each. What did you have in mind? Eli handed him two towels, and he set the bowls aside carefully and covered each one. The movements were slow and methodical but accomplished with confidence.
I need to check on some fences, and I was wondering if youd like to go with me. I can saddle Twilight, and you could ride with me.
You mean really ride, like behind you?
Yeah, if you want.
Robbie really seemed to like the idea, smiling and nodding.
Then lets get you cleaned up, and well get going. Can you find your way to the barn or do you need help?
Eli spoke up. You get the horse saddled, and Ill bring Robbie out when hes ready.
Joey touched Robbies shoulder and went to the barn whistling happily. Inside, he brushed Twilight and got her saddled and ready. He was tightening the girth as he heard Eli and Robbie enter the barn.
You met Tiger yesterday. Eli told Robbie. This is Kirk, hes a headstrong one, but its all just show. Joey peeked out and saw Eli feeding the midnight stallion a few carrots. This is Belle, short for Tinkerbelle. Shes great with the kids and loves attention. Joey went back to work, listening as Eli continued showing Robbie around. He knew that noses and necks were being petted and scratched. A few times he heard Robbie laugh and croon at the big babies. The man may not be able to see, but he saw better than most people, and the man had no fear or guile. The horses loved him for that.
Thats when it hit him: Robbie trusted them. He tried to imagine not being able to see, always reliant on what others told him or showed him, clues to reality and deception coming only from sound or the slight inflection in others voices. Hell, Robbie was about to trust him while they were both on the back of a half-ton animal. What a responsibility and turn-on at the same time. The level of trust was incredibly sexy, and his pants got tight thinking about it. He actually had to think unsexy thoughts to get things to go down.
He continued getting Twilight ready and heard Robbies phone ring. He shook his head when he heard the now familiar electronic tune. Robbies voice droned softly as Joey finished saddling Twilight. As he finished, Robbie hung up. Are you ready?
Robbies excitement rang through the barn. You bet!
Ill meet you two out front.
When Joey brought Twilight around, he saw Robbie bending down, Rex jumping for some attention. Hey, boy.
Lets me get on first, and Eli will help you. Joey mounted and scooted forward, slipping his feet out of the stirrups. Robbie mounted behind him. Put your arms around my waist and scoot close to me. Thank goodness they were both thin. The saddle was tight, but at least the pommel wasnt pressing against his bits.
He felt Robbies arms slink around his waist, hips pressed against his butt, thighs against the back of his legs. Have fun, you two. And call if you find anything, and Ill send someone out. Lumpy and Pete are just itching to mend fences. The sarcasm was almost funny. It was the one chore those two men hated above all else.
Clicking his teeth, he bumped Twilights side and she began walking across the yard. Well head out across one of the fields and then down a wooded path to the south pastures. Ill let you know to duck if we encounter any low branches.
Okay. What should I do? They rode quietly across the field.
Just enjoy the ride. Are your sunglasses on?
He felt Robbies chuckle. Yes, mother.
Joey returned the laughter. Im not that bad.
No ones that bad. She always worries, but shes called me three or four times a day since I left on the tour. I thought I was going to be away from her for a while. Boy, was I wrong.
Blurb: Joey Sutherland has found a home with Geoff Laughton and his partner, Eli, living and working at the farm that has become a refuge after a motorcycle accident left him with a scarred face and a lot of insecurities. When Geoffs aunt Mari convinces them to take in a musician from the National Youth Symphony, Joey is reluctantly roped into picking him up, already anticipating the disgust hell see on the mans face.
But Robert Edward Jameson surprises him: hes outgoing and friendly, hes willing to try just about anything around the farm, and hes blind, which goes a long way toward easing Joeys nerves.
Joey and Robbie become inseparable and discover the beginnings of love. But summer is coming to an end, and Robbie will return to his home in Mississippi, where his family and servants see to everything he could want or need. Joey can only hope Robbie will take a chance on love and escape the boundaries that have shaped his sightless life.
Purchase from Dreamspinner Press
Excerpt:
Well, we should get started. Geoff pushed back his chair and walked with his mug through the house to his office, disappearing inside. Geoff was an accountant, and it still took him a lot of time to keep the books of an enterprise of this size and scale up to date.
Joey got up and put his cup in the sink, looking through the house to the stairs.
Eli seemed to read his mind. Dont worry. Ill be here when he gets up.
Joey nodded and left the kitchen, going to one of the farm trucks. A few hours later, the last of the fields inspected and checked, he pointed the truck back toward the farm.
Walking inside, he found Eli and Robbie in the kitchen. Robbie stood at the counter, up to his elbows in bread dough, grinning from ear to ear. Is that you, Joey?
Yup. Joey chuckled. Youre covered in flour. Robbie shrugged and kept working the dough.
Is that good? Robbie asked Eli.
Eli checked the texture. Sure is, now form the dough into two equal hunks and place them in the bowls. Theres one to the left and one to the right. Eli went back to work, letting Robbie finish up.
Joey almost asked Robbie if he needed help, but stopped. Robbie would ask if he did. I was wondering if youre feeling adventurous.
Robbie split the dough and held a hunk in each hand, balancing the weight. Setting them down, he located the bowls and placed the dough in each. What did you have in mind? Eli handed him two towels, and he set the bowls aside carefully and covered each one. The movements were slow and methodical but accomplished with confidence.
I need to check on some fences, and I was wondering if youd like to go with me. I can saddle Twilight, and you could ride with me.
You mean really ride, like behind you?
Yeah, if you want.
Robbie really seemed to like the idea, smiling and nodding.
Then lets get you cleaned up, and well get going. Can you find your way to the barn or do you need help?
Eli spoke up. You get the horse saddled, and Ill bring Robbie out when hes ready.
Joey touched Robbies shoulder and went to the barn whistling happily. Inside, he brushed Twilight and got her saddled and ready. He was tightening the girth as he heard Eli and Robbie enter the barn.
You met Tiger yesterday. Eli told Robbie. This is Kirk, hes a headstrong one, but its all just show. Joey peeked out and saw Eli feeding the midnight stallion a few carrots. This is Belle, short for Tinkerbelle. Shes great with the kids and loves attention. Joey went back to work, listening as Eli continued showing Robbie around. He knew that noses and necks were being petted and scratched. A few times he heard Robbie laugh and croon at the big babies. The man may not be able to see, but he saw better than most people, and the man had no fear or guile. The horses loved him for that.
Thats when it hit him: Robbie trusted them. He tried to imagine not being able to see, always reliant on what others told him or showed him, clues to reality and deception coming only from sound or the slight inflection in others voices. Hell, Robbie was about to trust him while they were both on the back of a half-ton animal. What a responsibility and turn-on at the same time. The level of trust was incredibly sexy, and his pants got tight thinking about it. He actually had to think unsexy thoughts to get things to go down.
He continued getting Twilight ready and heard Robbies phone ring. He shook his head when he heard the now familiar electronic tune. Robbies voice droned softly as Joey finished saddling Twilight. As he finished, Robbie hung up. Are you ready?
Robbies excitement rang through the barn. You bet!
Ill meet you two out front.
When Joey brought Twilight around, he saw Robbie bending down, Rex jumping for some attention. Hey, boy.
Lets me get on first, and Eli will help you. Joey mounted and scooted forward, slipping his feet out of the stirrups. Robbie mounted behind him. Put your arms around my waist and scoot close to me. Thank goodness they were both thin. The saddle was tight, but at least the pommel wasnt pressing against his bits.
He felt Robbies arms slink around his waist, hips pressed against his butt, thighs against the back of his legs. Have fun, you two. And call if you find anything, and Ill send someone out. Lumpy and Pete are just itching to mend fences. The sarcasm was almost funny. It was the one chore those two men hated above all else.
Clicking his teeth, he bumped Twilights side and she began walking across the yard. Well head out across one of the fields and then down a wooded path to the south pastures. Ill let you know to duck if we encounter any low branches.
Okay. What should I do? They rode quietly across the field.
Just enjoy the ride. Are your sunglasses on?
He felt Robbies chuckle. Yes, mother.
Joey returned the laughter. Im not that bad.
No ones that bad. She always worries, but shes called me three or four times a day since I left on the tour. I thought I was going to be away from her for a while. Boy, was I wrong.
November 5, 2011
Love Means... Healing Coming November 23
Love Means... Healing is the story of how Len met Chris and found love again. This story takes place between the end and the epilogue of Love Means... No Shame. This is also the only time I have written two stories about the same character finding love. To celebrate, I'm offering an excerpt of Love Means... Courage, the story of how Len fell in love the first time.
Blurb: Len Parker is laid off during the recession in the early eighties and decides to go back to college at home in rural Michigan, where he reconnects with his best friend from high school, Ruby. He's overjoyed when she marries Cliff Laughton and overcome with sorrow when she dies an untimely death, leaving behind her husband and two-year-old son.
Out of work again, Len finds a job at Cliff Laughton's sorely neglected farm. Cliff is still mourning his wife, struggling to raise his son, and has little enthusiasm or energy left for work. Len immediately begins to whip the farm—including the two Laughtons—into shape. Working side by side, Len and Cliff grow ever closer, but loving another man takes a lot of courage. They'll have to stand together as they face faltering business, threatening drought, misguided family, and Midwestern prejudices to protect what might be a lifelong love.
Purchase from Dreamspinner Press
Excerpt:
Len’s mother dropped him and Ruby at the party on Saturday, but not after grilling them like a CIA agent would. “If there’s alcohol, you both stay away and call me. I’ll come right back and pick you up.” Len’s mother could be formidable, and neither of them had any thoughts about crossing her. “I’ll pick you both up at eleven.”
“Okay, Mom.” Len helped Ruby out of the car, “We’ll be fine.” He deliberately kept himself from rolling his eyes; she’d pick up on that. The woman picked up on everything.
The party was obviously in the yard. A fire had been lit, and there were tables with food and drinks nearby. Most of the cast was already there, and they walked up and said hello. He knew everybody. Mason County Central High School wasn’t big enough for you to not know everyone.
“Hey, Len. Hi, Ruby.” Cliff greeted them both and showed them where everything was with Sheila sticking to him like glue.
The school musical had been a huge success, with every performance nearly sold out, and during those weeks of rehearsal, the cast members had become quite close. “Are you two going to prom?” Len turned around and saw Brenda, one of the Pink Ladies, asking as she approached.
“No, I have to work.” Len knew that Ruby was disappointed, but he hadn’t wanted her to miss it. “But Ruby’s going with Brad.” Brenda giggled and pulled Ruby away, leading her over to where the girls were talking. It never ceased to amaze Len that they all went to school together every day, sat in the same classrooms, and ate lunch together, but put them in a social setting, and the girls and boys separated like milk and cream.
Len wandered over to where the guys were talking, hearing Cliff’s voice over the rest. “She’s driving me crazy, thinks I’m her boyfriend or something. Is she delusional? I’m not Danny, and she’s not Sandy. The play’s over.”
“So break it off with her. Tell her you’re not interested, because she sure thinks you are.” Cliff was about to say something when one of the other guys chimed in. “I heard she puts out.”
Cliff snorted and laughed. “Are you kidding? She’s some sort of nun.” Then Cliff made a face that Len couldn’t see, and everyone laughed. The girls made their way over, and the party shifted as couples paired off. Ruby was talking to Brad, and Len was pleased the two of them were getting along. Ruby was a friend, and he knew she would never be more than that. The mere thought of anything more than that scared him.
Len stayed near the food table, talking with the guys. He was having a great time. The night was cool but not cold, and everyone was friendly and sociable. Throughout the evening, he watched as the occasional couple snuck off onto one of the paths for a little private partying.
“Len.” He turned and saw Cliff coming over sans Sheila. “Do you have a minute?”
“Sure.”
Cliff motioned behind one of the barns, and Len followed, wondering what Cliff could want. “I wanted to ask you something.” Cliff shifted from foot to foot, his nervousness apparent. “The other day—” He stopped and then started over. “During dress rehearsal, when I knocked you over….”
Len was ready for the earth to swallow him whole. Cliff had felt him. How in the world was he going to explain it away? “Listen, Cliff, it was an accident….” He began to stammer and look around, trying to determine the best way to disappear.
“I know. I didn’t mean to knock you over. I felt bad that I might have hurt you. Mr. Stevens reamed me a good one the next day.”
Len slowly released the breath he’d been holding. “No, I just got the wind knocked out of me, but that didn’t last long.” He heard his normal tone return to his voice.
Cliff leaned close, his face near Len’s. “I’m glad. I thought I might have damaged something important, if you know what I mean.”
Len’s first and only instinct was to play dumb. “Huh?”
“I felt you.” Cliff’s eyes rose to meet his, and Len was surprised at what he didn’t see. There was no disgust, no condemnation, and no world coming to an end. Len swallowed and waited to see what Cliff would do. He braced himself for the worst. Instead, he saw Cliff looking at him, their eyes locked onto each others’. Len thought he saw Cliff getting closer and wondered if he was going to kiss him. Len’s lips parted, and he saw Cliff tilt his head just slightly. He closed his eyes and felt a light touch on his lips. Damn, he was kissing Cliff Laughton, or Cliff was kissing him. It didn’t really matter; this was like a dream come true.
“Cliff!” Sheila’s voice cut through the night like a knife. They pulled away and straightened up just as she rounded the corner of the barn. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” At that point she noticed Len. “Hey, Len.”
God damn it! Why’d she have to show up now? Len wanted to scream. He composed himself quickly, wiping the disappointment from his face. “Hi, Sheila.”
She latched onto Cliff’s arm and began walking him away, obviously unaware of what had almost happened, and what she’d almost seen.
Cliff tried to take control of the conversation. “Sheila, we need to talk.”
“I’ll say we do. There are some things we definitely need to get settled for after graduation.” The girl was driven; you had to give her credit for that. She knew what she wanted and went for it, no holds barred.
Len watched as they walked away, and he again saw Cliff turn to look at him. And this time, there was nothing in the way. What he saw surprised him, because it looked like disappointment.
Len got a hold of himself again and walked from behind the barn to rejoin the party. Ruby and Brad were still sitting together talking. He checked his watch; their ride wouldn’t be there for another half hour, so he sat quietly around the fire, making small talk with other people he knew. One of the girls whispered in his ear, “Are you okay with Ruby and Brad?”
Len turned and smiled. “Ruby and I are good friends.” He heard a car pull into the driveway and realized it was his ride. He’d been hoping to see Cliff again before he left, but he was nowhere to be seen, although Sheila had returned to the party, definitely looking subdued. Len said his good-byes and got Ruby, and the two of them climbed in the car.
His mother asked all about the party, and Ruby told her everything that happened. As they pulled out of the drive, Len craned his head, trying to see Cliff, until the farm disappeared into the night.
Blurb: Len Parker is laid off during the recession in the early eighties and decides to go back to college at home in rural Michigan, where he reconnects with his best friend from high school, Ruby. He's overjoyed when she marries Cliff Laughton and overcome with sorrow when she dies an untimely death, leaving behind her husband and two-year-old son.
Out of work again, Len finds a job at Cliff Laughton's sorely neglected farm. Cliff is still mourning his wife, struggling to raise his son, and has little enthusiasm or energy left for work. Len immediately begins to whip the farm—including the two Laughtons—into shape. Working side by side, Len and Cliff grow ever closer, but loving another man takes a lot of courage. They'll have to stand together as they face faltering business, threatening drought, misguided family, and Midwestern prejudices to protect what might be a lifelong love.
Purchase from Dreamspinner Press
Excerpt:
Len’s mother dropped him and Ruby at the party on Saturday, but not after grilling them like a CIA agent would. “If there’s alcohol, you both stay away and call me. I’ll come right back and pick you up.” Len’s mother could be formidable, and neither of them had any thoughts about crossing her. “I’ll pick you both up at eleven.”
“Okay, Mom.” Len helped Ruby out of the car, “We’ll be fine.” He deliberately kept himself from rolling his eyes; she’d pick up on that. The woman picked up on everything.
The party was obviously in the yard. A fire had been lit, and there were tables with food and drinks nearby. Most of the cast was already there, and they walked up and said hello. He knew everybody. Mason County Central High School wasn’t big enough for you to not know everyone.
“Hey, Len. Hi, Ruby.” Cliff greeted them both and showed them where everything was with Sheila sticking to him like glue.
The school musical had been a huge success, with every performance nearly sold out, and during those weeks of rehearsal, the cast members had become quite close. “Are you two going to prom?” Len turned around and saw Brenda, one of the Pink Ladies, asking as she approached.
“No, I have to work.” Len knew that Ruby was disappointed, but he hadn’t wanted her to miss it. “But Ruby’s going with Brad.” Brenda giggled and pulled Ruby away, leading her over to where the girls were talking. It never ceased to amaze Len that they all went to school together every day, sat in the same classrooms, and ate lunch together, but put them in a social setting, and the girls and boys separated like milk and cream.
Len wandered over to where the guys were talking, hearing Cliff’s voice over the rest. “She’s driving me crazy, thinks I’m her boyfriend or something. Is she delusional? I’m not Danny, and she’s not Sandy. The play’s over.”
“So break it off with her. Tell her you’re not interested, because she sure thinks you are.” Cliff was about to say something when one of the other guys chimed in. “I heard she puts out.”
Cliff snorted and laughed. “Are you kidding? She’s some sort of nun.” Then Cliff made a face that Len couldn’t see, and everyone laughed. The girls made their way over, and the party shifted as couples paired off. Ruby was talking to Brad, and Len was pleased the two of them were getting along. Ruby was a friend, and he knew she would never be more than that. The mere thought of anything more than that scared him.
Len stayed near the food table, talking with the guys. He was having a great time. The night was cool but not cold, and everyone was friendly and sociable. Throughout the evening, he watched as the occasional couple snuck off onto one of the paths for a little private partying.
“Len.” He turned and saw Cliff coming over sans Sheila. “Do you have a minute?”
“Sure.”
Cliff motioned behind one of the barns, and Len followed, wondering what Cliff could want. “I wanted to ask you something.” Cliff shifted from foot to foot, his nervousness apparent. “The other day—” He stopped and then started over. “During dress rehearsal, when I knocked you over….”
Len was ready for the earth to swallow him whole. Cliff had felt him. How in the world was he going to explain it away? “Listen, Cliff, it was an accident….” He began to stammer and look around, trying to determine the best way to disappear.
“I know. I didn’t mean to knock you over. I felt bad that I might have hurt you. Mr. Stevens reamed me a good one the next day.”
Len slowly released the breath he’d been holding. “No, I just got the wind knocked out of me, but that didn’t last long.” He heard his normal tone return to his voice.
Cliff leaned close, his face near Len’s. “I’m glad. I thought I might have damaged something important, if you know what I mean.”
Len’s first and only instinct was to play dumb. “Huh?”
“I felt you.” Cliff’s eyes rose to meet his, and Len was surprised at what he didn’t see. There was no disgust, no condemnation, and no world coming to an end. Len swallowed and waited to see what Cliff would do. He braced himself for the worst. Instead, he saw Cliff looking at him, their eyes locked onto each others’. Len thought he saw Cliff getting closer and wondered if he was going to kiss him. Len’s lips parted, and he saw Cliff tilt his head just slightly. He closed his eyes and felt a light touch on his lips. Damn, he was kissing Cliff Laughton, or Cliff was kissing him. It didn’t really matter; this was like a dream come true.
“Cliff!” Sheila’s voice cut through the night like a knife. They pulled away and straightened up just as she rounded the corner of the barn. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” At that point she noticed Len. “Hey, Len.”
God damn it! Why’d she have to show up now? Len wanted to scream. He composed himself quickly, wiping the disappointment from his face. “Hi, Sheila.”
She latched onto Cliff’s arm and began walking him away, obviously unaware of what had almost happened, and what she’d almost seen.
Cliff tried to take control of the conversation. “Sheila, we need to talk.”
“I’ll say we do. There are some things we definitely need to get settled for after graduation.” The girl was driven; you had to give her credit for that. She knew what she wanted and went for it, no holds barred.
Len watched as they walked away, and he again saw Cliff turn to look at him. And this time, there was nothing in the way. What he saw surprised him, because it looked like disappointment.
Len got a hold of himself again and walked from behind the barn to rejoin the party. Ruby and Brad were still sitting together talking. He checked his watch; their ride wouldn’t be there for another half hour, so he sat quietly around the fire, making small talk with other people he knew. One of the girls whispered in his ear, “Are you okay with Ruby and Brad?”
Len turned and smiled. “Ruby and I are good friends.” He heard a car pull into the driveway and realized it was his ride. He’d been hoping to see Cliff again before he left, but he was nowhere to be seen, although Sheila had returned to the party, definitely looking subdued. Len said his good-byes and got Ruby, and the two of them climbed in the car.
His mother asked all about the party, and Ruby told her everything that happened. As they pulled out of the drive, Len craned his head, trying to see Cliff, until the farm disappeared into the night.
October 31, 2011
Love Means... Healing Coming November 23
The next installment in the Fram Series, Love Means... Healing, Len and Chris's story, is coming from Dreamspinner Press November 23.
Seven months ago, Len Parker lost his partner of more than twenty years, and he isn’t sure how to feel about his blossoming attraction to Chris, one of his farmhands. Hesitant and still hurt, Len remains aloof and distant until he’s goaded into teaching Chris to ride.
Fresh out of a thirty-year career with the Marines, Chris can explore his sexuality openly for the first time in his life, but what he needs more than anything is peace. He’s convinced Len doesn’t like him until he digs a little deeper, and then, armed with hope, Chris sets out to prove that love can provide the healing he and Len so desperately need.
Add it to your Dreamspinner Press Wish List
Seven months ago, Len Parker lost his partner of more than twenty years, and he isn’t sure how to feel about his blossoming attraction to Chris, one of his farmhands. Hesitant and still hurt, Len remains aloof and distant until he’s goaded into teaching Chris to ride.
Fresh out of a thirty-year career with the Marines, Chris can explore his sexuality openly for the first time in his life, but what he needs more than anything is peace. He’s convinced Len doesn’t like him until he digs a little deeper, and then, armed with hope, Chris sets out to prove that love can provide the healing he and Len so desperately need.
Add it to your Dreamspinner Press Wish List
October 25, 2011
5 Star Review for Legal Artistry
Ronda at Queen Tutt's World of Escapism gave Legal Artistry 5 Stars. Ronda said in her stupendous review: Wow, what a fantastic story woven to capture the reader immediately right from the first page. Andrew Grey’s brilliant writing is smooth as it connects with the characters emotional feelings and brings the story to life as if you were watching a movie. The story was such a heartwarming, passionate, suspenseful, and deliciously hot romance story.
Read the entire review here: http://wwwqueentuttsworldofescapism.blogspot.com/
Read the entire review here: http://wwwqueentuttsworldofescapism.blogspot.com/
October 24, 2011
5+ Star Review for Artistic Appeal
Dawn's Reading Nook gave Artistic Appeal 5+ Stars. Here's an excerpt from this amazing review: I won't go into how the story ends but believe me, have the Kleenex ready as you finish this latest masterpiece by Andrew Grey. You are going to need it. With each story this author creaters, I get more and more addicted to. His stories are priceless and I can not tell you what specific one I love more. Each delivers something to me that I can't help but read over & over again. I have to recommend reading Legal Artistry before Artistic Appeal to get the full story on how the case for the 'The Lady in Blue' started.
Read the entire review: http://lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-personal-review-for-artistic-appeal.html?zx=9b4969f9b767019f
Read the entire review: http://lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-personal-review-for-artistic-appeal.html?zx=9b4969f9b767019f
October 23, 2011
Just Submitted - Legal Tender
Hey everyone. I just submitted Legal Tender a follow up to Legal Artistry and Artistic Appeal to Dreamspinner Press for their consideration. This is the fourth story in this subseries. The third story, Artistic Pursuits is scheduled for spring of next year.
If you haven't got your copy of Legal Artistry and Artistic Appeal, go to www.dreamspinnerpress.com to get your copy. I'm getting the most amazing reader feedback on these stories.
If you haven't got your copy of Legal Artistry and Artistic Appeal, go to www.dreamspinnerpress.com to get your copy. I'm getting the most amazing reader feedback on these stories.
October 22, 2011
Artistic Appeal is Available Everywhere.
Good morning everyone. It's an exciting day. I checked this morning and Artistic Appeal is available for Kindle as well as at All Romance eBooks and Rainbow eBooks. If you're interested, here are the links. Happy reading.!!!!
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Appeal-Bottled-Up-ebook/dp/B005Y0RX7E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1319259310&sr=1-1
All Romance eBooks http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-artisticappeal-624406-145.html
Rainbow eBooks http://www.rainbowebooks.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5207
Dreamspinner Press http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2581&osCsid=nke2ri6a8ui6og4loq25io5ro7
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Appeal-Bottled-Up-ebook/dp/B005Y0RX7E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1319259310&sr=1-1
All Romance eBooks http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-artisticappeal-624406-145.html
Rainbow eBooks http://www.rainbowebooks.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5207
Dreamspinner Press http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2581&osCsid=nke2ri6a8ui6og4loq25io5ro7
