Andrew Grey's Blog, page 47
June 11, 2011
Personal Training Cover and a Bit of Eye Candy
Positive Resistance just came out and already I have the cover for the next gym story. Personal Training is coming out in the August timeframe and I thought I'd share the cover. He is yummy!!! I'd also like to ask all my fans of the series whose story they'd like next. I'm planning a few more and thought I'd see who you'd like to hear about. Please let me know, I'd love to hear from you.
June 10, 2011
Philly Pride
June 9, 2011
Positive Resistance available for Kindle
For all you Kindle lovers (like me) Positive Resistance is now available at Amazon. Here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/Positive-Resistance-Work-Out-ebook/dp/B0054ZGU3W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1307615069&sr=1-1
June 8, 2011
Positive Resistance - Now Available
Positive Resistance, the fifth story in the Gym Series is now available. It can be purchased at
Dreamspinner Press
Rainbow eBooks
I'll be sure to post when it becomes available on Amazon as well.
June 7, 2011
Positive Resistance - Releasing tonight at Midnight
Blurb: Blobby Bobby and Lane the Pain. A thousand years ago, Lane spent his time in high school tormenting Robert Stephen Phillips to the point of tears. Stephen thought he’d left all of that behind, including his extra weight and his horrid nickname, when he came out to his parents. But now Stephen’s been transferred back to his hometown and will once again have to face his disapproving parents and childhood nemesis.
Imagine Stephen’s surprise when Lane turns out to have changed from school bully to persistent, attentive suitor. If Lane the Pain can hear Stephen’s most painful of intimate details and still want to pursue a relationship, is it possible that Stephen can reconnect with the family that turned on him years ago?
Add to you Dreamspinner Press Wish List
June 6, 2011
Chatting Tomorrow
Hello all!!! Tomorrow evening I'll be chatting at Beth Wylde's Yahoo group. I'll be talking with readers and sharing excerpts of my currect as well as upcoming work. Some of my fellow authors will be joining me as well.
Here's a link to the group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bethwylde/
I hope you can join us.
June 5, 2011
Excerpt of Positive Resistance - Releasing Wednesday
Positive Resistance releases Wednesday June 8. Here's a sneak peek excerpt. I hope you enjoy it.
Blurb: Blobby Bobby and Lane the Pain. A thousand years ago, Lane spent his time in high school tormenting Robert Stephen Phillips to the point of tears. Stephen thought he’d left all of that behind, including his extra weight and his horrid nickname, when he came out to his parents. But now Stephen’s been transferred back to his hometown and will once again have to face his disapproving parents and childhood nemesis.
Imagine Stephen’s surprise when Lane turns out to have changed from school bully to persistent, attentive suitor. If Lane the Pain can hear Stephen’s most painful of intimate details and still want to pursue a relationship, is it possible that Stephen can reconnect with the family that turned on him years ago?
Add to you Dreamspinner Press Wish List
Excerpt:
Chapter 1
The plane landed, taxiing to the terminal as Steven peered out the window at the concrete, grass, and terminal buildings that looked so familiar and yet so different. He’d never thought he’d be returning to the Harrisburg area to live, not after all these years, but fate must have had a sense of humor and the old bitch was certainly laughing now. Pulling up to the gate, the whine of the small plane’s engines seemed to lower and then die away, replaced by the sound of air rushing through the ventilation systems. Steven stood up and pulled down his carry-on, waiting for the doors to open so he could exit. Taking his turn, he descended the stairs and walked across the tarmac and into the terminal. At least this was new and different, not like the old airport where he’d gotten on a plane after he’d graduated from high school and never looked back. And he’d been grateful, until now, fifteen years later, that he’d never been back, either.
Walking through the terminal toward the baggage claim, Steven stopped in the men’s room. Passing by the mirrors at the sinks, he half expected to see the kid he’d been when he’d gotten on that first flight to take him away for his first semester of college, but “Blobby Bobby” was gone, never to return. He’d even stopped going by his first name altogether. Years ago, after he lost all that weight, he’d started using his middle name in an effort to truly change his life. Washing his hands, he looked at himself in the mirror again, wondering just why coming back here was so hard for him. He hadn’t seen nor talked to his folks since he’d left for college. His father, the minister, preferred it that way, and after all this time, it didn’t really matter. Taking a deep breath, Steven smiled, almost laughing. He was being completely silly. No one would recognize him, and he was making a big deal over nothing. A lot had changed in fifteen years, and it wasn’t as though anyone would remember him.
Finishing in the bathroom, Steven strode out of the gate area and onto the escalators, riding down to baggage claim, where he picked up his suitcases. He walked to the Hertz counter to get the keys to his reserved rental car, and soon he was outside in the warm spring afternoon. Loading his bags in the trunk, Steven got in the car and started driving toward town, arriving at his hotel an hour later.
Checking in and unpacking didn’t take long, and Steven found himself at loose ends on a Saturday afternoon. Picking up the phone book, he thumbed through the yellow pages, looking for a health club nearby. That was a great way to spend a few hours and maybe work away the blah feelings he kept having. Seeing that there was one nearby, Steven opened his suitcases and repacked his carry-on for the gym before heading out.
Walking through the doors felt comfortable. Even though he’d never been there before, the place sounded and felt like a gym, with the clang of weights and the sounds of music, talking, and the hum of treadmills.
“Can I help you?” the big-eyed blonde girl behind the desk asked cheerfully, her smile growing as he saw her look him over. Girls always seemed to, which was fine with him—not that he was interested, but it was always a nice compliment.
“I’m moving to the area and wanted to check out the club,” Steven answered, looking around the building. This had to be one of the newest and cleanest health clubs he’d seen; everything from the floors to the desk seemed to shine.
“Let me get you with one of our salesmen. He can give you a tour and set you up with a guest pass.” Picking up the phone, she made a call, and a large, well-built man walked to the desk.
“Are you Steven?” The man asked offering his hand, Steven knew there was something familiar about him. “I’m Lane Parkinson. Come on over to the desk, and I can get you set up.”
Steven nearly dropped his bag in surprise, but managed to hold on to it, smiling since Lane didn’t recognize him. Not that Lane had ever paid much attention to him other than to pick on him all through high school. If he remembered correctly, it was Lane who’d originally coined the nickname “Blobby Bobby,” along with a number of others that Steven didn’t want to remember. Still smiling, he followed Lane to a desk and sat in one of the chairs . “I’m just interested in trying out the club for now,” Steven explained.
Lane gave him a basic rundown on the prices of memberships and the specials they were running before taking him on a tour of the club. “Stop by my desk before you leave, and I’ll set you up with a two-week pass,” Lane told him before walking out of the locker room and leaving Steven to change. Checking the lockers, Steven found an empty one and began to change as people moved around him.
“Fruitbag,” a voice zinged over the wall, and Steven looked around, wondering where that was coming from. “Are you and Gene going to dinner, or are you gonna be a prick all your life?”
Steven relaxed when he realized the comment wasn’t directed at him.
“I’ll ask him, but you really know how to issue a sweet invitation, Lonnie,” the man changing next to him answered, and things got quiet until a naked man walked around the lockers and up to the man next to him. “I’ll be nice to you and let you suck my love hammer.” Steven could barely believe what he was hearing and jumped when he heard a smack and saw this Lonnie guy flinch, rubbing his butt. “Hey, what was that for?”
“You’re being an ass,” the man next to him said with a grin. “Besides, you liked it, you pervert,” he added with a smile as the naked guy walked back around the lockers, and Steven continued to change, wondering what kind of place this was.
“Don’t pay any attention to him,” the guy next to him explained. “He’s a complete pig who didn’t get the gene that censors speech. I’m Dan, by the way, and the loudmouth is Lonnie. He’s harmless except for his mouth.” Steven slipped off his shirt before pulling on a T-shirt and changing into his workout shorts. “Are you new to the club?” Dan asked as he finished dressing.
“Yeah. I just got into town for a new job and thought I’d check out the place.”
Lonnie poked his head around the corner. “Work out with us, then,” he offered. Steven wasn’t too sure about that, but Dan seemed nice, and Steven agreed before giving it too much thought. Working out was better with a partner, so he figured it couldn’t hurt.
“If you’re sure—” Steven started to say, but Lonnie interrupted.
“Of course.” His head disappeared, and Steven heard shuffling from behind the wall of lockers. “You ready?” Lonnie’s voice drifted over. Steven tied his shoes and grabbed his workout gloves before closing his locker, following Dan out of the locker room.
Lonnie had already scoped out one of the bench presses and had loaded a single plate on each end of the bar. Seeing them approach, he held out his hand to Steven. “I’m Lonnie.”
“Steven,” he said, shaking the offered hand.
“So, are you a butt pirate like Dan here?” Lonnie asked with a huge grin that lasted until Dan swatted at him. “What? I was just asking,” Lonnie said with a laugh as he lay down on the bench before lifting the bar and pounding out a quick set. Dan looked a little uncomfortable, and Steven said nothing as Dan did his set. Then he took his turn, easily doing fifteen reps. “So are you?”
“What?” Steven retorted, rolling his eyes. “Are you afraid for your virtue?”
Dan hooted as he added a quarter to each end of the bar. “Lonnie doesn’t have any virtue left to lose,” Dan chided, and then it was his turn to jump back from a good-natured swipe. Amazingly, Steven felt himself relaxing. When it was his turn, he pounded out a set of ten before he and Dan stripped off the twenty-five-pound weights and added a second set of plates.
“How are you doing?” Steven saw Lane standing off to the side. “I see you’ve met Lonnie and Dan.” Steven nodded, and another man joined them. Steven couldn’t help staring a little. This guy was huge and sexy as hell. When he walked to Dan, slipping an arm around his waist, Steven felt a twinge of disappointment.
“Steven, this is my partner, Gene,” Dan said, introducing him before turning to Gene. “This is Steven. He’s trying out the club.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Gene told him, shaking his hand.
“So, what do you think of the club?” Lane asked from behind him.
“It’s very nice,” Steven answered, watching as Lonnie did his set, and inwardly smiling at Lane as he saw Lane’s eyes dart down his body. When it was his turn, Steven did his set, pushing out a set of ten, with Gene stepping behind to give him a spot, helping him slightly on the last rep as the others talked. Getting up, he saw Lane looking at him, arms folded across his chest, pushing the muscle forward, biceps straining his shirt. The man was handsome—hell, the man was freakin’ hot. Normally, when he was being looked at like that, Steven would have said something, but he held back, reminding himself who this guy was, but he still couldn’t stop himself from looking.
Adding more weight to the bar, they took turns once again. “Stop by my desk when you’re done,” Lane told him with a smile just before his turn came, and Steven watched him walk away.
“It’s your turn,” Dan told him, and Steven noticed that Gene had left the group to continue his workout. Performing his set, Dan spotted him, and after six reps, he clinked the weight back into the rack. Sitting up, Steven took a few deep breaths, his chest pulsing with blood from the exercise.
“It looks like someone is interested in you,” Dan told him, keeping his voice low. “If you’re not interested, that’s cool, but I thought I saw you looking at him too.”
Steven looked at Dan for a second, trying to size the guy up. “He’s attractive,” Steven told him cautiously, “but I knew him in high school. He obviously doesn’t know who I am.”
“Why wouldn’t he? You gave him your name when you met with him. You’d think he’d remember.”
Steven shook his head, wondering just how much to tell Dan, but it really didn’t matter. “Steven’s my middle name. As a teenager, I was really overweight, and the kids used to call me Blobby Bobby. Lane,” Steven said as he looked toward the front desk area, “was the chief instigator.”
“Well, it looks to me as though that kid is long gone,” Dan told him. “None of us is who we were then.” Dan looked to where Lane sat talking on the phone. “But I do know that Lane has a reputation as a bit of a player. I’m just saying, not judging,” he clarified quickly.
“Lane’s a good guy,” Lonnie interjected. “For a fruitbag—no offense,” Lonnie added with a grin. “You two ready to move on, or you gonna stand around exchanging recipes? You know, if you were real friends, you could jerk me off.” Dan just shook his head at Lonnie as he ducked when Steven took a swipe at him.
June 1, 2011
Positive Resistance - Coming June 8
The fifth Gym Series story releases June 8 from Dreamspinner Press.
Add to your Dreamspinner Wish List
Blurb:
Blobby Bobby and Lane the Pain. A thousand years ago, Lane spent his time in high school tormenting Robert Stephen Phillips to the point of tears. Stephen thought he’d left all of that behind, including his extra weight and his horrid nickname, when he came out to his parents. But now Stephen’s been transferred back to his hometown and will once again have to face his disapproving parents and childhood nemesis.
Imagine Stephen’s surprise when Lane turns out to have changed from school bully to persistent, attentive suitor. If Lane the Pain can hear Stephen’s most painful of intimate details and still want to pursue a relationship, is it possible that Stephen can reconnect with the family that turned on him years ago?
May 23, 2011
A Serving of Love Released Today
It also got it's first review at Dawn's Reading Nook. Dawn said: A Serving of Love delivers hours of reading enjoyment, delightful characters to root for and a romance that will leave you aching for more. If you haven't read A Taste of Love, I highly recommend reading it first but this can be read as a standalone story if you haven't. Mr. Grey delivers another perfect story to enjoy and I cannot wait to see what else he has up his sleeve for his beloved readers. If you love character rich stories that make you feel like you are home, then pick up one of this author's books. You won't be disappointed. Read the entire review: http://lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-personal-review-for-serving-of-love.html?zx=fb2b145c766a8806
May 20, 2011
Releasing Monday - A Serving of Love
Blurb:
Sebastian Franklin has waited a long time to prove himself as front of the house manager at Cafe Belgie, but his first night in charge while Darryl, his boss, is on vacation is less than a success. The restaurant is robbed at closing time, and the Good Samaritan who foiled the robber comes with his own complications.
Robert Fortier is the county’s newest judge, and a reluctant one at that. He is well aware that a public life is not always easy, especially when your personal life makes you the target of a media frenzy. Still, Robert enjoys Sebastian’s company, and Sebastian is never without a serving of happiness and flair for his favorite public figure. But Sebastian is not without his issues either—family chaos and an ex in trouble will put the pressure on as they struggle for even footing in this new romance.
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Excerpt:
The afternoon was quiet as they got the dining room ready for the dinner service. Customers trickled in all afternoon, keeping them reasonably busy, but by the time the dinner service was ready to start, the restaurant was clean and ready. They were nearly booked solid, and the customers kept Sebastian and the servers busy for hours. Sebastian was never so happy as when he checked his watch and saw it was already nine o’clock. He felt sweaty and exhausted.
Walking to the front to lock the doors, the last customers lingering, servers already cleaning up, he saw a man in a hooded sweatshirt hurrying in, and Sebastian approached him to see if he wanted a table. Instead, the man pulled a knife, and Sebastian backed away. “Where’s the cash?”
Sebastian felt his legs shake. “In the server’s station,” he answered, taking a deep breath, looking around the nearly empty dining room.
“Don’t move,” the man growled, grabbing Sebastian’s arm, nails digging into his skin, dragging him toward the register. Sebastian opened the drawer and backed away while the man grabbed the larger bills from the drawer. “Is that all?” the man asked, voice rushed and throaty. Sebastian nodded slowly, and the man let him go, hurrying back toward the restaurant door. Sebastian didn’t move, hoping no one else did, either. Darryl had told everyone if they were ever robbed to let them have the money. Watching the man go, Sebastian tried to memorize any details he could.
As the thief reached the front door, it seemed to open for him, and then he seemed to fly through the air, and Sebastian heard a loud thunk. “Call the police,” Sebastian told the nearest server, not even stopping to see who it was before hurrying to the door. Sebastian saw the sweatshirted man lying on the sidewalk with another man kneeling near him.
“I’m sorry,” the kneeling man was saying. “Are you okay? I didn’t see you coming.”
“That man robbed us,” Sebastian said, pointing, and the other man immediately backed away. “We’ve called the police,” Sebastian explained as sirens could already be heard, getting louder and louder. The thief started to move, and as Sebastian backed away further, the other man scrambled to his feet, and Sebastian’s eyes widened as the man towered over him. The sirens got closer, and Sebastian backed further away as the man on the ground began to move, groaning more loudly. Police officers hurried up the sidewalk, and Sebastian backed up even further.
“No one move!” the first officer commanded.
Sebastian froze and began explaining. “That man robbed the restaurant,” Sebastian exclaimed as the man on the ground actually tried to get on his feet. One of the officers forced him back onto the ground and cuffed him while the other walked to where Sebastian and the other man stood watching.
“He pulled a knife and made me give him the money from the register,” Sebastian said in a rush of words as he started to shake.
“It’s okay, sir, just take your time. He’s not going anywhere,” the police officer said before turning to the other officer. “Did you find a knife?”
“Yeah, already secured it, and I found the money as well. Backup’s on the way too,” he added before tugging the guy to his feet, helping him into the back of the police car, none too gently. Another car arrived, as did a third.
“If you gentlemen could step inside, I’ll be with you in a few minutes,” the police officer told them, and Sebastian nodded, now feeling the cold. Opening the door, he held it for the other man, who walked inside. Sebastian noticed that he had to duck slightly so he wouldn’t hit his head on the overhead door closer.
The dining room still had a few customers lingering at their tables, watching the happenings outside. “Would you like anything?” Sebastian asked when the man had settled at a table.
“I was coming in to get some dinner, but it looks like you’re closing,” he said, looking around.
Sebastian handed him a menu. “Order what you like. Dinner’s on the house.”
The tall man smiled, his face changing instantly from ordinary to incredible in a second. “That’s not necessary,” he answered, looking over the menu. “Can I have the steak frites, medium, and a cup of coffee?”
“No problem. I’ll be right back.” Sebastian hurried to Jane, who was clearing a table. “Bring a cup of coffee to the gentleman near the door.” She nodded, and Sebastian hurried to the kitchen. “Kelly, I need a steak frites, medium.”
She paused in her cleaning. “What the hell happened?”
“We were robbed,” he answered, heaving a deep breath to try to calm himself. “The police have the guy, thanks to a customer.” Sebastian forced himself to slow down. “That’s his order, by the way, and could I get one of the special salads too? Oh, and set aside one of Maureen’s mousses for him.” Excitement coursed through him, and he tamped it down, regulating his breathing.
“One thing at a time.” Kelly started going to work with practiced ease. “We were robbed?”
“Yeah.” He gave Kelly the abbreviated version as she finished the salad. “He tripped the guy or something, and the robber hit his head on a parked car. There was a dent this big in it,” Sebastian said, demonstrating with his hands before picking up the salad. “I’ll probably need to meet with the police because I saw the guy.”
“Then take the salad out and meet with the police. I’ll bring out the order when it’s ready.”
“Thanks, Kelly, you’re the best.” Leaving the kitchen, he carried the salad to the table, where a police officer was seated along with the tall man. Sebastian set the salad in front of the man before asking the police officer if he’d like anything.
He declined and motioned Sebastian to a seat. “I’m Officer Cloud. I’d like you to tell me what happened.”
Sebastian told the officer what happened, doing his best to keep his voice level and remain calm, but his heart still pounded in his chest. “It happened so fast,” he added at the end, “I barely had time to think.”
“You did the right thing, sir,” the officer said. “Just give them the money and call the police. Your life isn’t worth a few dollars.” The officer consulted his notes. “We’ve had a few of these snatch-and-grab-type robberies in the last few weeks, and I’m hoping we’ve got our culprit,” the officer said before asking for Sebastian’s name, phone number, and address, as well as the address and phone number of the restaurant. Kelly joined them at the table with the steak frites, placing the plate on the table, along with the mousse, and thanking the man for his help before returning to the kitchen. “Thank you both,” the officer said, pushing his chair back. “I’ll be in touch in the next few days. We’ve got the money he stole and should be able to get it back to you in the next few days. I’ll drop by a receipt for it tomorrow.”
Sebastian stood up as well, shaking the officer’s hand. “Thank you for all your help,” Sebastian said, walking the officer to the door, then closing and locking it behind him before returning to the table. “Is everything okay?”
The tall man swallowed before answering. “It’s perfect, thank you. You really didn’t need to do all this,” he said again, setting his utensils on the plate before taking a sip of his coffee.
“It’s the least we could do after all your help.”
“I really didn’t do anything except trip over my own feet and manage to unbalance him as well. The car he hit his head against did the rest.” The man smiled again, chuckling lightly. “There are some things in this world that were definitely not designed for someone as tall as me. Like doorways,” he added, his smile brightening.
