Andrew Grey's Blog, page 44
August 25, 2011
5 Cherry Review for Dutch Treat
Whipped Cream Reviews gave Dutch Treat their coveted 5 Cherry Rating!!!!!
Myrtle said: The emotional pull was strong and the story was great It was definitely worth reading, and will become a permanent addition to my library for sure. Truly a beautiful love story but not without a “homophobic weasel”, plus fear, tears, heartaches, and laughter that kept me reading late into the night.
Read the entire review: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/2011/08/dutch-treat-by-andrew-grey.html
August 22, 2011
Great Review for A Shared Range
Ronda at Queentutt's World of Escapism reviewed A Shared Range and write a wonderful review giving it four stars.
Ronda said: Dakota and Wally’s romance was so tender and sweet that I found myself falling in love with them too, they just made the perfect couple. The M/M erotic scenes were written with great taste and mouthwatering hot. The playfulness between them was very entertaining and I loved the fact that even though Wally was a smaller man, he could hold his own and was a force to be reckoned with when it came to fighting in self-defense – the old saying is true, Dynamite comes in small packages.
Read the entire review
August 20, 2011
Bottled Up
On September 23, Legal Artistry, the next Bottled Up story will be released. To celebrate I thought I would publish excerpts of all the previous Bottled up stories. I'm going to start with Bottled up itself. This particular story was inspired when I attended by brother's wine store opening in Ellicott City Md a few years ago.
Blurb:
Sean Bielecki has built a new life, leaving an infamous identity and painful past behind. Now Sommelier Wines is Sean’s dream. And after taking in Bobby, a homeless teenager who was attacked in the alley behind his store, parental instincts wake in him that didn’t know he had, giving him new courage and direction.
Officer Sam Davis has been watching Sean for a while—not because of his past—but because Sam wants to be a part of his life now. Sam finally asks Sean out, and they seem to click, but Sean is haunted by his memories.
It all comes to a head when the man who attacked Bobby returns, awakening Sean’s buried fears, which are compounded by a hateful ex and a new lover who puts his life on the line for others. Can Sean come to terms with his past and present to move into the future? Or will his dream of love end before it starts?
Purchase from Dreamspinner Press
Excerpt:
“Morning Katie … looks like you’ve got things ready to open.” Katie was a great worker and he felt lucky to have her. The customers loved her, and she could get more done that anyone he’d ever seen.
“We just need the front shoveled.”
Sean was about to say something when Bobby spoke up, “I can do that.”
“Thanks, Bobby. I’ll show you where the shovel and salt are.” Sean was still walking a little gingerly, his back still a little sore.
Having gotten the supplies, Bobby walked purposefully through the store and started shoveling away the snow from the front door and sidewalk. Sean watched him for a few seconds and then went into the office to get the register ready for opening.
Promptly at ten, Sean unlocked the front door, opening the store for business. Bobby had finished the shoveling and was spreading salt on the now clear pavement. “Looks good.”
Bobby beamed at him, “Thanks, I’m almost done.”
Sean turned and went back into the store, Katie was behind the counter, scowling. He knew that look … only one person caused that look … his boyfriend, Ted. Sean tried to keep from grinning; those two hated each other, “Where is he?” Katie tried to look innocent, but failed, “You know, Miss Cranky-face, where’s Ted”
“He came in the back and poked his head in, so he’s probably in your office.” Sean smiled because Ted was more than likely hiding from her.
Sean went back into his office to find Ted waiting for him. “You need to do something about her; she’ll scare away your customers.” Sean ignored the comment and bent forward for a kiss, which he received, just barely. Ted continued almost without interruption, “I’m going to make the reservations for our ski trip next month, do you want to go to Telluride or Park City ?”
Sean released his held breath, they’d had this conversation before, “I can’t go ... I’ve told you before, the store just opened two months ago and I can’t leave right now.” He was just starting to build a clientele and get some regular customers. “And Katie can’t run the store on her own for a whole week.”
Ted huffed snidely, “I told you not to open your little store—it would cramp your lifestyle. Now what are we supposed to do?”
A knock on the door interrupted their discussion, “Yes …”
The door opened and Bobby stuck his head in, “I finished the walk, do you want me to carry those cases we didn’t finish yesterday to the front?”
“Would you, please? I’ll be right out to help.” Bobby’s head disappeared.
“Who was that?”
“Bobby.”
“Where’d you find him? He looks like a street person.”
“He is. He was attacked in the alley yesterday morning.”
“Where’s he staying, and don’t tell me with you?”
“Well as a matter of fact …” Sean didn’t like where this conversation was going.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. You’ve got some homeless waif living with you and working here. He’ll steal you blind. Jesus … Are you that gullible?” Ted looked like he was going to explode. “You won’t go on our ski trip like you promised,” He was actually sticking his lower lip out like a five-year-old, “But you’ll take in some homeless kid.”
Sean felt his own anger rise to the surface, “First thing, I never promised I’d go. I told you repeatedly I couldn’t, but you didn’t listen … you never listen. And secondly, Bobby’s staying with me because he has nowhere else to go and the man who attacked him was trying to rape him.” Tears welled in Sean’s eyes, but he pushed them back, trying to keep them from falling. “I think you’d better leave now.”
“Oh baby, I’m sorry,” Ted put his arms around him, but Sean pushed them away.
“Every time you don’t get your way, you ‘I’m sorry, baby’ me and then get cuddly, but nothing changes, Ted. You don’t listen and you don’t care about my feelings or what I think.”
“That’s not true.” Ted protested, but not very strongly.
“Yes it is. You don’t listen, and you don’t support me or my dreams.”
“What dreams …,” Ted looked around, “You mean this little wine store?” The condescension was palpable.
“Yes, Ted, among other things …” Sean stopped talking, his anger melting, replaced by clarity that he’d been lacking for a long time. “I think you’d better go.”
“I’ll stop by tonight and we’ll talk some more.”
“No, Ted, I meant permanently. Besides, I’m busy tonight. I need to get Bobby some clothes.”
“You’re breaking up with me?” It seemed beyond his comprehension. “For some homeless kid!” He was shouting now. “You really are weird.”
“He’s sixteen, Ted! I’m trying to help him, not sleep with him. Unlike you, I do have some scruples!” Sean stood up, “I’ve got work to do; I assume you can let yourself out.” He left the office and entered the stock area. Before he could say anything, Ted stormed out of the office, took one look at Bobby, and then marched out through the store while Sean stared at the door that Ted had passed though.
“I’m sorry.” Sean turned and saw Bobby standing rigid next to the wall, looking like he wanted to melt into it. “I cost you your boyfriend.” Bobby raced back to the office, and when Sean got there, he saw him pulling on his coat. “I’m no good to anyone.”
Sean put his hand on Bobby’s shoulder, “Stop, you didn’t do anything.”
“I heard him, he was mad at you about me.” He sounded more hurt than Sean felt at Ted’s departure from his life.
“No, he was mad at me because he didn’t get his own way, and he used you as an excuse. Besides, it’s been over for a while; I just wasn’t brave enough to end it … until today.” Bobby looked at him skeptically. “I mean it … you didn’t do anything wrong and it’s not your fault.” Bobby took off his coat and followed Sean back in the stock area where he loaded the last cases on the cart. Together they wheeled the cart into the store.
“Is it true?” Katie looked happy, radiantly happy, “Is Teddy Weddy the big baby gone for good.”
“Yeah, he’s gone.”
“Good, I heard him yelling all the way out here; thank goodness no one was in the store.” She looked at Bobby and held up her hand. Bobby looked confused and then gave her a high-five. “I’ve been trying to get rid of him since they first met and you did it in a day.” Then she hugged him, “I’m proud of you, kid,” Then she turned, still grinning, and went back to work. Sean just shook his head as he and Bobby went to work, spending the rest of the morning filling the shelves for the weekend.
Sean took Bobby to the deli again for lunch, and this time ordered extra food, which Bobby wolfed down, only slightly more slowly this time. When they returned to the store, Officer Sam Davis was waiting for them. “Hey, Sam, did you get the guy who attacked Bobby?”
“Not yet, but your description of the guy was good, so I’m hopeful.” Sam shifted to look at Bobby, “How are you, Bobby?”
“Okay. Sean’s been real nice to me.”
That made Sean smile. “Bobby, could you sweep up before it gets busy?”
“Sure, Sean.” Then Bobby was off to the back room, returning quickly with a broom and getting to work.
“Seems like you made an impression on him,” There was a weird look on Sam’s face that Sean couldn’t quite place.
“He’s a good kid who’s had a hard life.”
Sam looked over at Bobby who was diligently sweeping the far corner of the store. “I did a records search on Bobby and found that he’s run away from multiple foster homes.”
“Yeah, I know.” Sam raised his eyebrows, “Bobby told me. He says he won’t go back.”
“Where’s he staying?”
“With me.”
Sam looked concerned, “Do you know what you’re getting yourself in for?”
“Probably not, but he needs help and I won’t turn him out onto the street,” The thought of Bobby at the mercy of someone like Big Mike made his skin crawl.
“You’re a good man Sean. I’ll let you know when we have anything.” Sam turned to leave, “See ya, Katie.”
“Later, Sam.”
“Bye, Bobby.” Sam waved at Bobby, who was looking at them from the corner.
“Bye.” Bobby waved tentatively as Sam left the store.
As soon as Sam was gone, Bobby raced up to Sean, “He likes you.”
“What?” Sam had never given him any indication he was interested in him.
Katie chimed in, “Yeah, I know.” Sean looked at both of them like they’d grown extra heads. “When you’re not looking, he gets this really gooey expression on his face.”
“Yeah … right.”
Bobby chimed in, “He did—I saw it just now. Maybe you should ask him out.”
“Let’s get back to work; we’ve got plenty to do.” Bobby and Katie exchanged a knowing look as a pair of customers entered the store.
August 18, 2011
Caption the Cover Contest
http://lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/2011/08/caption-contest-with-andrew-greywin.html?zx=b697d347cbb9bbb5
August 15, 2011
Caption the Cover
Hey everyone. Here's your chance to win a copy of Personal Training. Stop by Dawn's Reading Nook and caption the cover for Personal Training. Dawn and I will each choose our favorite and the winners will be awarded a free copy of Personal Training.
Here's a link and have fun. http://lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/2011/08/caption-contest-with-andrew-greywin.html?zx=1789c6bc9d551605
August 12, 2011
Work Me Out Anthology Available September 9
I just got the date for the release of the print compilation of all my work out stories, September 9 2011. If you're a orint reader, here's your chance to get a copy of these six stories. Dreamspinner will also have signed copies available. Simply request one when ordering.
Add to your Dreamspinner Wish List
Spot Me: Breaking a sweat takes on a whole new
meaning when Dan sees Gene, a professional bodybuilder, in the mirror. Does he
allow Gene to elbow his way into his life, or will he give up on the idea of a
new relationship before it even starts?
Pump Me Up: Maddoc meets Ivan, a hunky, silver-haired
ex-Marine who gives him a ride home from the fitness center, and finds himself
with a new friend, a workout partner, a protector... and maybe something more.
Core Training: Hugh Douglas isn’t thrilled about his
birthday but gets an unexpected present when the much younger Max Pierce flirts
hard with him at the gym. Starting a romance won’t be easy, but they might make
a life together work.
Crunch Time: George Higgins agrees to help
soon-to-be-former professional football player Darren White when the first
rehearsal for Talking Sports is looming, and they’ll have to work together if
they want Darren’s guest appearance—and their budding relationship—to turn into
a full-time gig.
Positive Resistance: Lane spent high school
tormenting Stephen to the point of tears. Imagine Stephen’s surprise when years
later Lane turns out to have changed to a persistent, attentive suitor who
supports him during a family trial.
Personal Training: Holton’s quest to improve his
health drives him to the gym, where he meets Marcus, a trainer with the body of
a demigod, who to Holton’s surprise, asks him out. Despite several common
interests, they’ll have to prove that what really matters is the man inside.
August 7, 2011
Just Finished An Unsettled Range
Legal Artistry - September
Artistic Appeal - October
Artistic Pursuits - TBD.
I should get the cover for Legal Artistry soon and I'll be sure to share it with you.
August 6, 2011
KindleGraph
Hello all you Kindle users. A new service has been created called KindleGraph. Its a way to get a personalization for you kindle copy of some books. All you need is a Twitter account and you're ready to go. I have made all my books available on the site and will be happy to 'personalize' them for you.
Go to: http://www.kindlegraph.com/ and create an account to give it a try.
New Release Personal Training
Personal Training, the sixth gym story, released on Wednesday and I've already gotten a number of wonderful comments from readers. They really seem to like this story. For me, it's one of the most autobiographical stroies I've written. Enjoy!!!
Blurb:
Determined not to end up like his seventy-year-old diabetic father, Holton knows he needs to make a change. His quest to improve his health drives him to the gym, where he meets Marcus, a trainer with the body of a demigod. For three months Holton works hard, watches what he eats, drops a few pounds—and catches Marcus's eye not only for his slimmer body but for his dedication.
Holton can barely believe it when Marcus asks him out, but he isn’t about to say no. Despite several common interests, though, Marcus and Holton have some roadblocks to overcome. A harrowing event from Holton’s past has made him gun-shy, and Marcus has insecurities of his own. If their relationship is going to work, they’ll have to get past their hang-ups and prove that what really matters is the man inside.
Purchase from Dreamspinner Press
Excerpt:
Marcus watched the door of the club. He knew the guy
he’d signed up months ago should be in just about now. He came in at the same
time every weekday, and over the past few weeks, Marcus had found himself
watching for him. He’d just barely remembered the man mainly because of how shy
he’d been when Marcus had signed him up. What had really gotten Marcus’s
attention was the man’s transformation. The change was so dramatic ,
and not just in the way the man looked, that Marcus had actually checked the
club records to determine when Holton had joined the club. Holton had become
more confident. He actually talked to people now, and Marcus admitted to
himself as he looked toward the door once again, the man was damned cute and
getting sexier by the day.
Marcus hated that he thought that way. He knew that he
should have more depth—that a person’s looks were only on the outside and what
counted was who they were on the inside. He knew that, and though the man he’d
signed up for a membership three months ago wouldn’t have turned his head, the
man who’d just pulled open the door to the club captured his attention like no
one he’d ever met before. Marcus remembered how Holton had looked at him during
the one workout session they’d shared the day Holton had joined. Marcus knew he
was good-looking, but Holton had looked at him like he was the hottest man on
earth, and Marcus hadn’t given him a second thought, until a few weeks ago.
Catching Holton’s eyes as he scanned his card, Marcus
waved him over, pleased when Holton walked over to his desk. “I noticed that
you’ve been doing a lot of cardio,” Marcus began, hoping he wasn’t
overstepping. “Have you given any thought to lifting?”
“Yeah, but I don’t know very much about it,” Holton
replied, and Marcus saw him fidget nervously as he looked toward the
free-weight area with a touch of fear. “The guys over there seem so big.”
“They’re really nice guys. If you want to go change
first, I’ll introduce you to some of them, and I can show you some basic
exercises so you don’t get injured.” Marcus flashed Holton a smile as he looked
the smaller man over. “You’ve lost a lot of weight, and if you want to start
building muscle now, you need to cut down on the cardio and start some strength
training.”
“You’ll show me how?” Holton asked, and for a second,
Marcus saw that look he’d seen a few months ago.
“Sure. Go get changed, and I’ll meet you over there.”
Marcus flashed another smile, watching as Holton walked toward the locker room
with what looked like a bit of excitement in his step. Standing up, Marcus
wandered through the club, greeting members as he waited for Holton to come out
of the locker room. When he saw him, Marcus felt a flutter in his stomach. Gone
were the long pants and big shirts. Holton wore a simple pair of shorts that
showed off his legs, and a white tank top. His legs weren’t
long, but they were thick and strong.
“Do I need anything special?”
Marcus shook his head. “Not for today, but you might
want to get yourself a pair of lifting gloves. They’ll protect you from the
knurling on the bars. We won’t go heavy today, so you’ll be fine.” Marcus began
to walk toward the weight area. “The machines in this area use real weight and
are built to handle hundreds of pounds. I thought we’d start with a chest
exercise.” Marcus pointed toward one of the Hammer Strength machines. “These
will help you maintain good form while getting your muscles used to the work.”
August 4, 2011
Rainbow eBooks is having an Andrew Grey Sale
Now through August 7th, buy a copy of Personal Training from Rainbow eBooks and get 25% off any other Andrew Grey titles you choose. This is a great opportunity to get those back titles you've always wanted. Here's a link and happy shopping.
http://www.rainbowebooks.com/store/index.php
