K-lee Klein's Blog: Chaos in the Moonlight , page 19

May 28, 2012

Music Mondays - Great Big Sea (kitchen party, anyone?)

Great Big Sea is a Canadian treasure, another band on my top 5 list and one I've seen them at least 5 times, as well. They're from Newfoundland, formed in 1993 and are still going strong. They've been described as folk-rock and rock-celtic and are known for their interpretations of traditional Newfie sea shanties... BUT they are so much more than that.

Over the years GBS has explored different kinds of music from folk to rock to more poppier tunes, and of course, beer-drinking kitchen-party music. They're songs inspire fun and hope and just plain inspiration. They are an absolutely awesome band to see live no matter how big the venue but the smaller ones are more suited to some of the a capella songs they like to sing.

Alan Doyle does the main vocals but they all take a turn or two at the mic, especially when it comes to the raucous, teasing banter that always sounds so natural and unforced. These guys have known each other since they were young so there's a lot of stories to be told, a lot of ribbing to be done (lately it's been about Alan's starry-eyed appearance in the movie Robin Hood with his bff Russell Crowe) and a lot of caring in everything they say to each other. And may I mention the amount of instruments involved in a Great Big Sea concert? The norms like drums, acoustic and electric guitars, but also mandolins, fiddles, tin whistles, bouzouki, bodhran, bones, accordions, concertinas and hell, even bagpipes on occasion.

All these instruments mixed with the voices and most especially (only my opinion) Alan's fabulous vocals, and the heart-felt or sometimes funny lyrics make for wonderful and unique songs.  I was lucky enough to catch Alan's solo show this week and I was blown away by the strength and precision of his voice, even with all his banter in between songs. Just like a normal GBS concert, he sang for almost 2 hours and put on one hell of an awesome show. And he also assured us there would be a new GBS album out in 2013 to mark their 20th anniversary. Can you tell I'm a fan? Give them a chance, guys, they'll entertain you. :) (as always I've posted far too many videos but then I always know where to find them right? Though I'd never admit I have most of them on my iTunes anyhow :D)







Love this cover. :)



Live concert video - fabulous.



Just a really cute video.


One of those "sea shanties". :)





Alan has his "Robin Hood" beard in this one - lol - I'm not a fan of it. :P



From their last album - live - there's a long intro for the song but it's actually really interesting. It's a song that makes me cry every time.



And since I've totally hooked on Alan's solo album, not to mention I've been crushing on him or years (and I have this strange obsession with watching his lower body when he's singing - it fascinates me - and no, not his crotch cuz that's usually covered by the guitar - his GBS bandmate has described Alan's movements like he "always has to pee" lol - but alas, I find him sexy as hell) And it's not even that he's like rockstar hot, he's just got this boundless, addicting energy and smile and voice, and a normal man body. Lol.

At the gig the other night, it was a small theatre of about 500 people - fabulous acoustics for his voice - and he was in the lobby after signing autographs, taking pics and just chatting. He called me "love" and tried to use my crutch (really he's not that much taller than me) and I definitely gushed a little bit inside. Lol. TMI I know. :)  Anyhow here's a couple songs from his new album "Boy on Bridge".  Enjoy.






And yes, poor man even did a little performance at a couple Costcos in Canada - why are those people not gushing all over him???



Gratuitous Alan pics. :)
Alan Doyle, Sean McCann, Great Big Sea








In Robin Hood (he was Alan A'Dale (left) - the minstrel, played by the fox in the Disney version. :)

Russell has also sang on stage with Alan and GBS a few times

(they also both appeared in an episode of The Republic of Doyle (Canadian tv series) together
I swear this could be a pic of Alan and Russell's love child. :P

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Published on May 28, 2012 12:04

May 27, 2012

A little ranting and rambling for a Sunday

I've neglected this blog again, so what else is new right? I just can't seem to get the hang of posting every day or even every other day with all the writing I'm trying to do and all of the RL crap that I'm dealing with. And to be perfectly honest, sometimes I don't see a lot of point in taking the time to blog at all.

In whining news ~ I generally have a congregation of one - thank you Lisa - and sometimes two - thank you Diane - and though I guess I write this mostly for myself, it gets discouraging. I know I'm whining, maybe even being a self-righteous bitch, but venting is part of blogging, is it not? Anyhow, my mood is low and RL is busy at the moment, both of which would explain the maudlin tone of this post so far.

In writing news ~ I'm stuck in a world of revising, adding and editing at the moment. My latest manuscript - Domestic Relations - is in the final stages of being completion before being submitted and it's driving me up the freaking wall. It seems when I get to this stage in all my longer stories, I end up wanting to throw my laptop or iPad out the window so I never have to look at those damn words and those stupid characters (that I know I still love) anymore.

It makes it harder to immerse myself in what I'm doing and what I need right now is to just get the damn thing done and out of my hands. One of the issues is not having had anyone look it over for me, except near the beginning, so my insecurity rises sending my confidence crashing to the ground and all I'm left with is what-the-fuck am I writing and who-the-fuck wants to read this anyway. ~~big dramatic sighs~~

In publishing news ~ Countdown to Daddies comes out June 15 (I think) and Lucius' Bite (Family of Misfits 1) on the 22nd from MLR. Both of which I will be away for - great. I'm thinking about doing a give-away but not sure there's a point to that either. Yeah, I'm not what you'd call a sparkling example of an enthusiastic writer at the moment which is really too bad because it's a big jump for me - two releases in one month, one of them my first novel-length and print edition. My free read for LIAW ~Lazy Sundays~ is due out on July 5 and I have a pretty cover courtesy of Megan Derr. Still love characters boys so hard.

In RL news ~ I leave on the 5th for London to board the ship for our 12 day Northern European cruise and unfortunately, I'm not excited yet. I know I will be and maybe getting this book finished and out of my hands for a while, will let me relax enough to freak out and get excited. I also know part of the issue is figuring out what to wear when you're so used to messing around in your pjs and sweats all day, and completely loathe having to put on real clothes everyday, especially when I hate how I look in everything. ~stops whining~

Also in RL, I saw Seether a week and a half ago. Awesome as usual though they never get true credit for what they do. Also went to baby boy's gig this past week ~til 2 in the morning may I add~ watching him always makes me happy.

AND I got to live out a bit of a fangirl moment this week as well.
Not sure how many people outside of Canada know of Great Big Sea but they are an absolute favourite of mine and I got to meet, get a pic and autograph after seeing Alan Doyle (lead singer) on his solo tour. The venue was under 500 people, a theatre actually, and it was the most awesome show ever. His voice is amazing and when he sings without instruments, I get total goosebumps. Wasn't going to post the pic with me in it but what the hell - don't judge, just had my hair did that day and hadn't fixed it my own way though (and it's a horrible as fuck pic of me). Alan is sweeter than pie, called me "love' and even tried out my crutch. Lol. Love him. Check out his album. :)

Finally something else much less appreciative - unfortunately this could be considered a self-righteous rant as well. I was one of the organizers of the Hop Against Homophobia and though it went far better than expected, one incident has put a damper on the whole thing for me. One of the participants, who put themselves out there in their post, received a comment so vile and unnecessary it made my skin crawl. The commenter slammed the blogger's way of life, character, profession and even their family under the guise of religious belief. It was an atrocious mix of words from a person clearly looking for attention, completely delusional in their thinking, someone so homophobic I wanted to crawl through the screen and wrap my hands around their neck. Yes, I know violence will not solve the problem but the over-the-top road rage I feel when I'm stuck in traffic has nothing on what I felt when I read that comment. I'm not looking for answers or advice. I just needed to vent about an issue that despite not being something that personally affects to me, makes me seriously question the thoughts, words and actions of people who claim God guides them. No offence to anyone with religious beliefs or anyone who believes in God, but that boat sailed for me a long time ago and at the moment I'm really glad to not be on it.

 In closing, I'll make myself happy with some Thor (Chris Hemsworth) pics (update - I've seen The Avengers 4 times now - don't judge)
:)








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Published on May 27, 2012 11:23

May 22, 2012

Tattoo Tuesday - Vinnie Woolston

Vinnie Woolston - from New Zealand, 6 feet tall, brown hair, blue/green eyes. That's about all I've found information-wise on this stunner but the pics just speak for themselves. I found a lot of black and white shots and you have to agree, he's stunningly beautiful and totally rockstar-inspirational for me.










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Published on May 22, 2012 06:00

May 21, 2012

I have winners! (Hop Against Homophobia)

I want to thank everyone for participating in the Hop Against Homophobia - I think we can all pat ourselves on the back for a job well done. Although I never made it to every single blog, I'll still be stalking them now that the hop is over.

When we started this, we never really knew what to expect or how to proceed and one of the things I know I'd didn't anticipate was the beautiful variety of posts. We had emotional, personal experiences, facts and information about how homophobia affects different parts of the world, quirky posts, interviews, etc., all that made the hop even the more interesting and important. I think we also learned that there is no "right" way to tackle the issue just as there is no right way to love except with your heart.

I was a little worried that my interview post with Patrick and Tyrell would be seen as too fluffy and not serious enough for the true purpose of the hop. But the boys and I received so many lovely comments about how the interview showed a hopeful side to the issue of homophobia - a light at the end of the tunnel, perhaps. Anyhow, thank you again, for taking the time to meet them and for honouring William Neale's memory with me.

Now back to the matter at hand... winners. *drum roll*

The winner of the Home series by William Neale is EMILY (tiger-chick)
AND
The winners of a $10 gift cert to All Romance or Amazon (if I can figure out how to do that) AND an ebook of their choice from my backlist or upcoming releases are KIMBERLYFDR and DANNYFIREDRAGON.
Congratulations - I'll be notifying all of you by email.

Enjoy your week and I hope if you have just discovered my blog through the hop, you'll stick around.

:)
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Published on May 21, 2012 08:53

May 16, 2012

HOP AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA blog post


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Welcome to my Hop Against Homophobia blog post. I have a special interview with two very cool Canadian men who'll talk a little about growing up as gay men in Canada and about how they do their part to keep the issue of homophobia, fear and hate from becoming, excuse the pun "closeted". The instructions for my give-away are at the bottom - I'll be choosing two winners at random from the comments -- winners' choice of an ebook from my backlist (even though I don't have much of one) or one of my two new releases for June (Lucius' Bite or Countdown to Daddies).


* * * * *

I welcome Patrick Levesque and Tyrell Witherspoon to Chaos in the Moonlight today on International Day Against Homophobia. Thank you for being here guys. I appreciate the Canadian support, eh. Lol. Sorry. 

First of all, can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?
PATRICK: I'm 31-years-old, an entrepreneur, have two dogs (minature dachshund-chihuahua crosses) and am a kid at heart. I live in the beautiful city of Vancouver and I am the co-founder of Masc (shopmasc.com), a men's skincare & grooming product store and webstore, as well as the co-founder of Homroazzi.com, an gay info-tainment site boasting 30,000 visits a day.

TYRELL: I am 25-years-old and kind of a jack of all trades. I have a day job working for a transportation company but I am work on pursuing a full-time career in arts and entertainment. I am a musical theatre performer about to head to Winnipeg for a short run of Footloose and I also dance in film and TV here in BC. I am currently working on my second studio EP for release at the end of the summer. Oh ya, and I write for Homorazzi somewhere in there. 


I hear congratulations are in order. Would you tell us a little about how you met, how your current status happened and whether you have any definitive plans yet?
PATRICK: When we first met over two years ago, Tyrell was living in Winnipeg and I was here in Vancouver. I guess he was a Homorazzi reader and had added me on Facebook as a result. Some time had passes and I looked through his Facebook a bit and saw the he was a dancer - a really good one and was auditioning for SYTYCDC.  I thought it'd be great to highlight a dancer on our site and sent him a message to ask him. He was all over it, so I sent him a list of questions… One of which was if he "played for our team". That's right, based on his FB profile, I didn't even know if he was gay or not. 

After we got to know each other through the interview process, we started messaging more, texting, then calling. While doing a show in Edmonton, he decided to come visit me while on a long weekend break and we hit it off. He ended up moving here, booking a job on Hellcats and the rest was history. I'll let Tyrell talk 
about how the engagement went down.


TYRELL: Patrick pretty much nailed how we met so I’ll go into the engagement. You the saying “when you know, you know?” That’s totally how it was with Patrick. Last summer, we started talking a lot about marriage and I was ready to pop the question. I had all these big plans to ask him during one of my live shows and even during Britney Spears’ show here in Vancouver. When all of those fell through, I was a little discouraged. One day while talking in bed, I mustered up the courage to ask Patrick to marry me. He said yes and we immediately began the process of telling our friends and family who were ecstatic for us! Wedding plans are underway and we are hoping to get married next summer!

Congratulations! That’s so exciting. J 
Patrick, you grew up in Terrace, BC, and Tyrell, in small town Manitoba? (I was born in Virden, Man by the way) Can you tell me a little about growing up as gay young men in Canada? Did you come out when you were still in school? If not, what stopped you?
PATRICK: Growing up gay, I definitely was very afraid of anyone knowing and didn't come out while at school. In fact, the first time I told someone was two years after graduating from high school, the summer I was going to move away to finish my last year of University.  When I had moved away to Victoria, I felt more liberated and that I could really be who I wanted to be. That being said, I was still hesitant in telling classmates and even my roommate at first.   

When I fell in love with my boyfriend (who I was with for 6 years after that and who I started Masc with), I had to tell my parents. When I went home for Spring Break, I forced myself to tell them. I was tired of lying and keeping things from them. "It got better" after that. I didn't come out in high school because I didn't feel like I would be accepted. I was definitely not ready myself anyway and that's a very important part. Also, I feel like the world has changed so much since I was in high school (in good and bad ways) but overall find that there is much more support and more awareness in terms of gay issues through the various campaigns that have been executed in the past couple years.

TYRELL: I don’t think I really realized I was gay and what being gay really meant until the beginning of high school or grade 9. I had a few gay experiences throughout high school but never really opened up about them or told anyone. The summer after graduation, I finally came to terms with my sexuality and started telling close friends. I kept it from my family but unfortunately, was outed to them. I really wish I would have had the chance to tell them myself. It took a long time for them to really understand and my dad especially. After my mom passed away and met my stepmom, she really helped him understand that love is love and if I’m happy, that’s all that matters. What probably stopped me from coming out was the stigma that came along with growing up in a small town and the fact that they wouldn’t understand. (I grew up in Glenboro and Killarney, MB FYI)

As gay men and a gay couple in the public eye, what have your experiences been with homophobia in Canada? Do you believe it’s changed in the last few years? In a good or bad way?

PATRICK: I believe homophobia is changing rapidly in Canada. I personally haven't experienced it much if at all (thankfully), but I get the sense that it has become "not cool" to be homophobic, when in the past it was the opposite. Because there are so many rural cities and towns I know this isn't the case everywhere, but I believe it's heading in that direction.

TYRELL: Like Patrick as well, I haven’t had too much experience with homophobia however in the theatre industry, it is very accepted so I was lucky in that regard. In the music industry, it’s crazy how openly gay artists still don’t seem to get the recognition they deserve. Artists like Ricky Martin and Adam Lambert are really helping pave the way. It’ll take more artists like that to help everyone out.

Howdo you feel about Canada’s view on gay marriage in comparison to the rest of the world?


PATRICK: I think with all of the campaigns and celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and the likes that have stepped forward to voice their opinions on bullying and gay marriage, with even President Obama making history by endorsing gay marriage, more and more people are opening their eyes. 

TYRELL: We are very fortunate to have the laws for gay marriage that we do in Canada and I know sometimes, it’s easy to take it for granted, especially when we watch what happens in the US sometimes. I think with Obama and Biden stepping up and saying they endorse gay marriage along with big celebrity names, times will change. We just have to keep fighting for what is right.

You’re both been involved in the website Homorazzi.com (Patrick, you’re one of the founders ) - would you please tell us a little bit about the website and what it’s all about?

PATRICK: Homorazzi is your source for the latest in music, movies, television, gay news & issues, eye candy, and more. Each of the writers on the site write from their own perspectives and opinions, and even readers are encouraged to send their own articles in. We've also recently debuted a 'Homorazzi' show on OUTtv (Canada's LGBT TV network) where a panel of four (including myself) discuss the same types of topics that we do on the site.
TYRELL: Patrick pretty much covered it all.
The International Day Against Homophobia is a very global way for people to reach out to each other and raise awareness. Do you take on gay and homophobic issues on Homorazzi.com? 
How important do you think it is for anyone - young, old, man, woman, gay, straight - to be aware of the issues involved with homophobia?



PATRICK: We absolutely do take on homophobic issues on Homorazzi.com and we try our best to do what we can in getting important messages and stories out there. It is important for all people to be aware of issues with homophobia because it affects everyone. Chances are everyone knows someone, works with someone, is related to someone and homophobia kills. It can only be stopped when people are more aware and when people speak up.

TYRELL: Definitely. I like to write about these issues as it drums up a good amount of discussion. The more people that are talking about it will help make it move forward. Homophobia has affected us all at some point – if not directly, to someone we know and it’s our job in the position we are in to help combat these issues and bring light to situations.

Patrick – you did a post on Homorazzi.com last year about online bullying. What was the reaction to that and have you and Tyrell experienced online bullying being that you’re both very public?

PATRICK: Yes, I'm glad you got to read that post! It's interesting, I didn't get bullied growing up (thankfully) and it wasn't until we first started the site that I had received some pretty hateful, and awful messages and comments. Since people can be anonymous online, they feel they can say whatever they want and there's no accountability or respect for the person on the receiving end. 
It took some getting used to, but I realized that this was the unfortunate nature of the world I had ventured into. I have found that if you don't engage in it, they go away. I should also note that it got better… Since Homorazzi is still around after three years, I think the haters that wanted us to fail have been proven wrong and they've more or less silenced.

TYRELL: On Homorazzi, we definitely experience online bullying on a daily basis. The saying “everyone’s a critic” definitely becomes true when you put yourself out there. For the 4 people that like you, there are going to be 8 that don’t. You have to learn to have a thick skin and let it roll off your back or it will destroy you. Haters will be haters and every day, I work hard to prove them wrong and be the best I can be. Period.

Finally, you both just did a NOH8 photoshoot. How was that? You got to meet Adam Bouska? When do we get to see the pics?
PATRICK: Yes, we both did a NOH8 photoshoot with Adam Bouska himself! We were thrilled to be a part of it and also to help promote the event with Mary Zilba of RHOV and Fiona Forbes of Urban Rush.It was great to see so many people of all ages there to make a statement. The photos aren't available until 6 weeks after the shoot date, so we still have some waiting to do. 

TYRELL: The NOH8 shoot with Adam was awesome. It’s such a great cause and Adam does such a great job working the hundreds of people that show up to these events. He’s done great work to spread the word on this with his images and I am so thrilled so see so many people come out to participate. 

One last question since I’m obsessed at the moment - I must ask you the very important question… who is your favorite Avenger?

PATRICK: Haha, well I haven't seen the movie yet (although heard great things), but I'm going to have to say Iron Man.

TYRELL: We haven’t seen it yet, but I do like Thor a lot. (Tyrell just got extra, extra, extra Brownie points in my eyes :P)

Thanks guys. I appreciate you stopping by and letting me grill you. I hope to run into you in Vancouver sometime when I’m visiting my daughter – maybe at Pride. 
Go check out Homorazzi.com - it's a very entertaining, thought-provoking site. You can find both Patrick and Tyrell on Twitter. 
* * * * *


Instructions:1. Leave your name and email address.I'll be picking two winners of something from my backlist or one of my two new June releases. Winners' choice.I'll also post the winners May 21 on my blog, as well.

2. If you have any questions or comments for Patrick and Tyrell, I'll be glad to pass them along, or any comments in general are always appreciated.



3. If you haven't been to the William Neale - In Memory Of - post here on my blog, here's the link.  
4. Keep on hopping - there's lots to discover
HOP AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA LINKY PAGE
5. Join the cause in your own personal way to make homophobia, hate and fear a thing of the past.
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Published on May 16, 2012 18:47

Hop Against Homophobia - In memory of William Neale

In the memory of the passing of a good friend and highly-respected member of the m/m romance community, this post is in memory of William Neale. I've talked about Bill before in various ways and his passing is still fresh and teary in my mind. 
Bill's books are emotional and thought-provoking, and the perfect example of how a man can write with his heart and not just his brain. I only say that because controversy still exists in the m/m community over whether the difference between male and female authors can be clearly defined by what and how they write. 
As far as I'm concerned, Bill and others like him, JP Bowie, Ethan Day, Andrew Grey and others, shoot that theory all to hell. JP has even told me that many suspected he was female because of the romanticism of his stories. I'm not trying to start any more controversy, but on a day designed to throw some light on the issue of homophobia, hate and fear, I believe I can state my opinion without cause for attack. One person's opinion may be another person's need to judge, hate or even fear, but for today I choose to believe we can all get along and come together for a good cause.
Bill passed away in March just after finishing the last in his Home series and he was proud of hell of what he'd accomplished. The final book is called Hope and that's exactly what William Neale's writing is to me ~~ hope that one day the issue of homophobia and the hate, fear and bullying that comes with it, will not be an issue at all.
Comment on this post to win ebook copies of the entire Home series. I'd love it if you'd also comment on how Bill's books affected you if you've read any. Basically this is a William Neal lovefest post. Enjoy and good luck.

* * * * *
From the website of William Neale:


~~William Neale lived in Cleveland, Ohio with his partner of over a decade, Marty. He passed away unexpectedly in March 2012. 
~~Relatively new to the world of contemporary m/m romance, he spent over thirty years as a successful corporate communications executive, ad man, and PR "spin doctor."
~~Knowing how to "make up the truth" prepared him well for his next career as an author. William made no apologies for the fact that his books and characters are often larger than life. A William Neale novel invites you to a fantasy - to a place where you can dream and hope that indeed, happily-ever-after can and does exist.
~~Those who seek brutally "real," gritty, and angst-ridden life stories probably won't find them in a William Neale book. "That's okay," said Neale. "Not everybody wants or appreciates a feel-good story. As for me, reading has always been a wonderful escape from reality. Even as a child, I loved the fantasy of becoming Peter Pan, Huck Finn, or one of the Hardy Boys."
~~William greatly appreciated every email, comment, suggestion and most of all the support of his readers and fellow authors. He treasured the interaction that he had with all.


* * * * *The Home series:
HOME

Lucas Reed is a Cleveland advertising executive who returns to his southern hometown to deal with the sudden death of his estranged homophobic father. There, he unexpectedly encounters Rogan James, the former high school bully and now local deputy chief of police who had once made Lucas's life miserable.

Reacquainted 12 years later, the two finally acknowledge a long held powerful physical attraction that quickly evolves into an even stronger emotional connection

But all this becomes secondary when a local reporter's secret obsession for Rogan threatens not only the end of their newly found love, but their very lives
BUYERS' LINK MLR PRESS
SON OF A DITCH

Colby Dawson returns to his southern hometown after serving his country in the U.S. Air Force. Emotionally scarred by a broken relationship, the last thing he wants is another man in his life. But he doesn't count on falling in love with childhood best friend, Kyle McCoy, now a local deputy sheriff. Their relationship seems almost too charmed until a corrupt governor attempts to locate a state prison next door to Colby's family home. His prominent father and brothers organize an illegal protest effort that will force Colby to choose between loyalty to his family -- or to the partner and lover who may have to arrest them. Not only is Colby and Kyle's relationship in jeopardy, one of them will fight for his very life while the other must confront his guilt
BUYERS' LINK MLR PRESS
SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW

Grayson Wagner is a classical pianist who was unemployed, hungry, and on the brink of being homeless until he’s hired by a big-hearted former country music star as her new piano player. Gray loves his job but his new life is threatened when a near fatal accident delivers him into the brawny arms of Jacob Kent, a reclusive park ranger. Their physical attraction quickly turns into much more. But can their love survive Jacob’s secret? Or, a shocking revelation that threatens to tear down the very house that love built?
BUYERS' LINK MLR PRESS
HOPE

Dumped by his closeted lover only to fall for a man who’s already taken, Spencer Hawkins finishes up his fellowship to discover he doesn't have a job. For anyone on the outside looking in, it seemed Spencer was failing miserably at life in general, until one phone call changes everything. The prospect of pulling up stakes and relocating to a new city provides the one thing he needs most—Hope.

Hunter Harrison's partner has left, abandoning not only him but their adopted son whose heart defect has left them in limbo awaiting a heart transplant that may not come in time. It took meeting Spencer for Hunter and his son to find something new to hold onto—Hope.

Building a love that can last a lifetime will take strength and the one thing they found in each other—Hope.
BUYERS' LINK MLR PRESS
* * * * *Instructions:1. Leave your name and email address - the winner will be contacted by emailand there will be a post here, as well2. Any personal thoughts about William Neale and his books are greatly appreciated,but any negative feedback will automatically void your comment completely3. If you haven't been to my own personal blog post - hop on over there4. Keep on hopping - there's lots to discoverHOP AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA LINKY PAGE5. Join the cause to make homophobia, hate and fear a thing of the past
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Published on May 16, 2012 18:47

The good, the bad and the pretty

Yeah, that's how my life kind of feels like right now. This post is a whole lot of odds and sods, some pretties, etc, etc, etc.


Just a reminder that the Hop Against Homophobia starts Thursday, May 17 on the International Day Against Homophobia. There are over 230 authors, publishers and review sites involved in the hop, all with individual give-aways. We've encouraged all of our participants to acknowledge the International Day Against Homophobia in their posts on that day, whether it be in addressing the overall issue of homophobia, the relaying of personal experiences, the importance of getting the word out about bullying or helplines, etc. So join the cause, fight the fear and hate, and see some great m/m content. Click the icon for the link. And just a heads-up, I'll be giving away a set of William Neale's Home series ebooks in his memory on my site, in a separate post than mine, so make sure you check out both posts.



Next I have a couple of release dates for June - two in one month is still a little surreal, plus I'll be on my cruise for the first and flying for the second.



Countdown to DaddiesEVEN GAY DADS GET PREGNANCY PAINSAvailable June 15th from MLR Press - for Father's DayLink to GoodReads - Countdown to Daddies - page

Lucius' Bite - Family of Misfits 1TO BITE OR NOT TO BITE, THAT IS THE QUESTIONAvailable JUNE 22 from MLR PressLink to GoodReads - Lucius' Bite - page(cover by the fabulous LC Chase)

Lazy Sundays(free Read from the m/m romance group)Due out at beginning of JulyLink to GoodReads - Lazy Sundays - page
*****
Mother's Day was awesome for K-lee this year. Hubby got me an electric milk steamer thingy so I can learn to make Earl Grey Lattes myself. I say learn because I am not awesome at stuff like that. My kids were awesome though. My daughter got me these with a note that made me cry, of course. 


Middle boy made me a card and took me for sushi last night. :)

Baby boy got me the UnderWorld Awakening DVD and fed my Avengers/Thor addiction with this

And yes, it is a Thor bobble-head. :P
And speaking of Avengers... rather than dinner out I told my family I wanted to go to themovie - yet again. My youngest hadn't seen it yet. And except for the comment, "I don't get why you love Loki so much", he thought is was awesome. And it was just as great the third time for me.
*****
I'm going to vent a little. Hadn't planned on it but something happened to shoot my day to hell. Today someone left a comment on one of my new releases that was intended to slander me personally. She basically said she promised herself to not read anything by me BUT because of what the story was about... whatever. I'm sorry but as far as I'm concerned that is not a fair comment to leave on an author's page - it makes their reputation seem shady and puts questions out there that shouldn't be out there. It made me angry then of course, fall to tears. I'm sensitive, yeah, that's been established, but I don't understand the pettiness of some people - the overwhelming urge to harm. A simple comment can be the death of an author and since I'm just starting out anyway, it makes me depressed as hell. My retaliation would be "don't do me any favours" because that's what she made it sound like, she was doing me a favour by buying my book and leaving a snarky comment. No thank you. Now I need to try to compress these feelings and go on with my day. Not always easy for me - never easy actually.
*****
After all that, here's some pretty. (if you read my tumblr, you may have seem most of these http://kleeklein.tumblr.com/)Take care and remember to HOP tomorrow.


Yeah, Thoroki makes me feel a little better.






I'm completely crushing on this model - Marlon Teixeira~~ face, hair, body, he's got it all ~~







And some NOT Chris Hemsworth or Marlon Teixeira

The fabulous Brian Kinney (Gale Harold)






Have a good "end" of your week.






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Published on May 16, 2012 11:46

May 14, 2012

Music Monday - SEETHER!!!

I usually post new music here - try to expand your minds with bands you may not have heard but today has to go to one of my top 5 bands of all time. Seether. Plus my sis and I are seeing them for the 7th or 8th time on Wednesday and I'm stoked.

Seether was formed by lead singer and guitarist Shaun Morgan and his childhood friend Dale Stewart (bass). They started out with the name Saragon Gas in 1999, then changed to Seether in 2002. Current drummer John Humprey signed on is 2004 and the threesome was officially set. They've had other guitarists come and go but in general, it's the three of them that make up the band.

Seether's music has been described as post-grunge/alternative metal but I think that depends on who you talk to and who's listening. I love their harder stuff, Shaun is nothing but awesome when he lets out his killer screams but I also love the slower songs. Their lyrics run from angry to emotional to hopeful, and that's always the most important part of any band for me. I absolutely adore their acoustic songs too. (they did a cover of Careless Whisper that I was afraid to watch - being a *coughs* Wham fan in the 80's - BUT it was made of awesome)

They don't have the reputation as the most exciting or entertaining band on stage, at least not if you're looking for endless banter and special effects. It's just them on stage, and the music says it all. I've seen them in big venues, small venues and intimate acoustic sessions - at a record store in the mall, front and centre. Even stalked Shaun a little in the store and he was gracious and asked me what CDs i thought he should buy.

He looks like your typical bad boy lead singer (my daughter used to say he looked homeless lol) but he's totally squee-worthy to my sis and I. He was kind and funny and very friendly when we met him - all the guys were. And I've met other bands before so I know that is not always the case. He's had his issues but Dale and John stand by him and he's one of my favorite men of rock (bet you couldn't tell without me saying it) and they are definitely in the top for me. I could just go on and on but I won't. So here's some Seether for your Monday. :) (just ignore me in the pic)



Disclaimer II (2002)



Disclaimer II (2002)



Karma and Effect (2005)



Karma and Effect (2005)



From the acoustic album One Cold Night (2006)
(not the with Amy Lee version - better in my opinion)



Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces (2007)



Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces (2007
(a bittersweet album and song for Shaun - his brother committed suicide just before the release)



(2009)



Holding onto String Better Left to Fray (2010)
(Seether at their whackiest :D)



Holding onto String Better Left to Fray (2010)



And what the hell, I'm gonna share some pics from the acoustic show at the mall.






one last pic - again ignore me in the pic, and kind of ignore Shaun's goofiness too. :)

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Published on May 14, 2012 10:09

May 10, 2012

Flashback Friday - Rocker Chicks

Flashback Friday Rocker chicks you say with a question mark in your mind? Has K-lee lost her own mind perhaps?

Not entirely but if you know me well, you also know I'm not a fan of woman singers or rock bands but today I'm going to share a few that I do like - back from the old days of course. :) There is a trend towards ballads for me and I know there's a lot more I could have included, maybe next time.



Stevie Nicks - the queen herself as far as I'm concerned. She had the hair the clothes, the voice and the look (plus the once-stunning Lindsey Buckingham). I totally wanted to be Stevie Nicks.

Heart - I know they had more rocking songs but this is one of my faves. (1990)

Pat Benatar - "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" was more popular I think but I couldn't find a good video for that one. (1983)

Lita Ford - I had to include Ozzy in this because I just love this songand they both have awesome hair. (1988)


Berlin - definitely a feisty chick - you might also know the song "You Take my Breath Away". (1984)

Concrete Blonde - not really sure of any of their other songs but damn, I still love this one. (1990)

Lee Aaron - one of Canada's rocker chicks - she has a couple of hotties in this video. (1989)

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Published on May 10, 2012 21:43

May 9, 2012

WIP Wednesday and some non-spoiler Avengers babbling

Look at me - three posts in three days. Someone is going to accuse me of being organized or something but alas, no one should get used to it. I'll be back to my disorganized self probably as soon as tomorrow. :)

My WIP is a lawyer story that I've been writing for a while but have now gone back to. My goal is to have it done and submitted by the end of the month.

Today's WIP Wednesday will also include non-spoiler squeeing about the freaking Avengers. I saw it Saturday, and yeah, again on Monday because it's just that awesome. There isn't one character that irritated me (psst, not even the girl Black Widow - lol - those who know me will say that is completely impossible).
So... my fave character of course was my Mighty God of Thunder, the fabulous, hunky-dunky Asgardian hottie, Thor. Lol. Okay that was a bit much but all the truth. He was his beautifully-coiffed, muscled-up adorable self with a little rage and some cute lines added in.

Second fave was Thor's brother-from-another mother (and father) Loki and I admit I just love that name too. I'm so gonna use it in some fic in the future. I won't tell you the plot or why Loki was there but as far as I'm concerned, (yeah, I'm biased) any scene Loki (the fabulous Tom Hiddleston) was in, he complete stole.


And the ones with both my boys -- let's just say I really need to write some Thoroki fanfiction SOON (and it's not like I haven't written brothers before - real or fiction). I do tend to get addicted to certain pairings in movies - Alexander the Great and Hephaistion are a perfect example - but I'm not sure where I'd post such a thing since I'm not in any Avengers fandom or anything like that. It shall be written eventually but I'm just not sure when or where.

The rest of the Avengers were cool, too, all using their powers or skills in the best way possible. I must say I was fascinated by Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and since I admit I was never a comic book fan before, I had no idea who he was until my God of Torture (physio guy) explained it to me. He's a fabulous character and hunky Jeremy Renner is always great in whatever role he plays. Ironman was as awesome as always (the funny and adorable Robert Downey Jr.), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) scary but shy at the same time, and Captain America (Chris Evans) staunch and nicely-suited.

My bff is all about the captain and she may kill me when I say that he didn't really do it for me except when he was punching that bag (but then again, I never saw the Captain America movie and my God of Torture had to explain him to me, too). I think he's just a little too clean-cut for me. I'm all about the scruffy and messy. Lol.

Anyhow - enough of that. It's a great movie - so worth all the hype and $207,000 it's made at the box office. Go see it and make sure you stay past ALL the credits. You'll be happy you did. :)

* * * * *
WIP - Original title: Opposing Counsel (will be changed if I can think of something)

Bzzzzz."
"Ri! Dinner’s here. Do you have any cash?”
Josh adjusted the short white towel around his waist, chuckling as he heard his lover grumble from the other room. He leaned back against the counter, waited as Riley shuffled down the hallway, rounded the corner and tossed his wallet at Josh with a glowering look.
“Why is it you never have any cash?” Riley sneered, threw himself down on the soft, leather sofa, iPad clutched tightly to his chest.
"Strategy." Josh grinned at the love of his life, admired the way his glasses sat sexily on his cute button nose. He took two steps toward Riley, one hand sliding down to palm himself through the towel. The knock on the door was the only thing that stopped him from his lusty contemplation of just how long it had been since he’d fucked his lover with those sexy-as-fuck glasses on.
“Door,” Riley reminded, cocking his head to the side, eyes traveling up and down Josh’s body. “You could have put some clothes on first.”
“You could have stayed naked,” Josh said. He tightened the towel again then purposefully eyed Riley’s worn, low hanging sweatpants and ratty old Metallic t-shirt that was actually Josh's. It turned him on when Riley wore his clothes. He smirked behind his shoulder once more at Riley before opening the door to the lovely wafting smell of melted cheese and pepperoni. “Hey, dude. How much we owe ya?”
The pizza delivery guy met Josh with an obvious nervous bob of his Adam’s apple. His lips moved for a moment but no sound came out. “Um… twenty… twenty-two eighty… sir.”
Josh heard Riley groan as he pretended to gag behind him. “Here’s thirty, kid. Keep the change.” He winked at the guy, handed him the money and grabbed the pizza box from his shaking hands. He snuck a peek at Riley while the kid’s eyes looked him up and down and his thin Adam's apple worked overtime. With a low chuckle, Josh let one hand slide slowly down his taut, bare belly. “Something else you need, kid?”
The teenager’s eyes widened and he stepped away, stumbling backwards in his haste. Josh laughed and shut the door, turning to the disapproving look behind him. “What? I didn’t do anything.” He wiggled his eyebrows at Riley. 
"No, you just traumatized the poor child and made him go back to work with a chubby. I guess I'm a big tipper, huh?" Riley asked.
“I’ve always been satisfied with the size of your tip." Josh snorted while Riley rolled his eyes. "Hungry, babe?”

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Published on May 09, 2012 07:00