K-lee Klein's Blog: Chaos in the Moonlight , page 6

Update - A new release, new contracts, & new WIPs!

It's been a while...as usual. In the past, February has proven to be a horrible month for me and this year has been no different. I've been struggling with my mental health and physical health issues, as well as my lack of mobility, new mode of transportation (my #$!@##$$##$ Walker), and blah, blah, blah. You know the story. :)

But I have managed to get a little work done.

I signed two new contracts with MLR Press today. One is for the third instalment of my Family of Misfits series - Manny's Heart. I have the cover already, but will wait until I see how the edits go before I reveal it. The story is as long as Lucius' Bite and Ali's Intuition put together. It's quite angst and involves a lot of hurt/comfort. Like I always say, I have to break them a little before I can put them back together.

The other contract I signed is for a story to go into a collection called Storming Love: Earthquake, and will obviously have something to do with an earthquake. I have no title, no characters, and no ideas yet, but there's time. I have a few other things to get out of the way first.

I've been working on a book with the theme Second Time Around which is set in San Diego at a veterans' hospital. It's going to be called Love Me Two Times and there's no release date yet because it's not done, but I had a couple of wonderful friends on Facebook name the characters - Jackson and Robert. So I hope that comes together as well as it is so far, considering February and March are like being sunk into a grey cloud for me.

Speaking of Facebook, I have a new author/reader group on there called K-lee's Krazies. It's fun and I've been doing some giveaways and will soon start having theme days. So if you're interested, search K-lee's Krazies on FB or give me a shout and I'll sign you up. ;)

Last but certainly not least, I have a new release on March 22 from Amber Quill - Love Between Peace & War. No blurbs yet, but I can tell you it's about a young hippie and an air force cadet, sort of a friends-to-lovers and opposites attract thing.

Here's the beautiful cover. I found the pic myself and just knew it was my Dusty. That's the pretteh on the front's name and his partner is Philip. Isn't it lovely? I adore it. I'm also working on a story with a Second Time Around theme for Amber Quill as well. It was supposed to be a PAX story but I think I'll be too late for that. If that happens, it will be released as a stand-alone which is okay too.

I hope you've all had a good month since I've been here and continue to do so. I'm going to try to post a little more regularly, and if worst comes to worst, I can post about the 4 concerts I have coming up in the next few months. You know I love my live music, despite having to lug this walker around with me. Cheers. <3

New Release Giveaway - Tender is the Knight

Hi guys. I'm very happy to say I have a my new book, Tender is the Knight, being  released tomorrow, January 18. It's part of a Amber PAX theme of Knights and will be sold separately or with the rest of the collection.
Tender is the Knight is my first stab into a historical world. It was interesting to do the research that has to be done when you're dealing with a different era, and I quite enjoyed it. Of course, there is also a little fantasy involved in the plot so I could play with the reality of the time period a little bit, too.
The story revolves around two characters, Tristan and Clayne, and I really hope you find something to love about them because I sure did when I was writing it. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say it involves one of my favourite tropes that I had no idea was even a fave - friends to lovers. It was only after I'd taken a good look at the stories I've written that I realized I tend to write this particular trope a lot. 
I do enjoy the thrill of new relationships as well, the ones that find the characters meeting, getting to know each other, and falling in love. But for some reason the familiar backgrounds of two men who've known each other a long time has just as many possibilities. They can be familiar with each other's habits, quirks, family, etc, but how that all converts into the different platform of being intimate can be just as appealing as new love, at least in my opinion.
Just a random fact - the cover photo for Tender is the Knight is by the fabulous Dan Skinner. Isn't it gorgeous? I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. Didn't know what I'd use it for but now it's perfect for Tristan and Clayne. :)
***Okay, now for the good stuff. I'm doing a giveaway for an ebook copy of Tender is the Knight. All you have to do is leave me a comment about your favourite trope along with your contact information. I'll pick a winner at random next Friday, January 23. For those of you who don't win, I hope you'll give this new genre (new in my writing world) a chance, and if you do, I hope you enjoy. Cheers and good luck. :)
Blurb
Tristan is a skilled knight, sworn to defend the Kingdom of Leadon. He’s devoted his life to being the best he can be, and he’s as steadfast and loyal as his knighted father was before him. But when the king of Leadon informs Tristan he’s arranged a marriage for him in order to unite Leadon with a neighboring kingdom, Tristan, for the first time, balks at an order. He cannot and will not marry the princess because his heart already belongs to another.Clayne is the poor assistant to the village blacksmith, and content with his station in life. Especially since he has the love and support of a very special man...his very own tender knight. He and Tristan grew up together, forging a bond first of friendship, and then of love, and even when Tristan became a knight of the kingdom, nothing could shake them apart. But the king’s command that Tristan marry a princess just might.When the king threatens Clayne’s life to get his way, Tristan is forced to choose between following the dictate to save the man he loves, or a riskier plan that will endanger them both and challenge everything in which they believe...
Genres: Gay / Fantasy / Witchcraft / MagicHeat Level: 3Length: Novella (29k words)Link: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/211...
Excerpt
...“My life is how I like it.” Tristan finally raised his gaze, eyes narrowing in the opposing way he’d been taught not to behave in the presence of royalty. “I mean no disrespect, but I cannot go through with such an arrangement. I don’t believe your offer is the right one for me.”The king lowered himself to his chair again. “You are your father’s son,” Garrick said, jutting out his chin in disregard of the statement. Tristan fumed but held strong. “He said the same when he disrespected me,” the king continued. “Would you say his fate turned out as he had hoped after his treason?”“My father? What do you…my father died defending you. He died with honor and loyalty to you.” “His loyalty faltered when he disagreed with my orders. You do not wish to join him in his treasonous conduct, do you, Tristam?”Tristan was on his feet so fast his head spun. His mouth dropped open and he was instantly freezing. One plus one suddenly added up to two. “Why would…how could you? My father was a good man. Surely you don’t mean what you’re saying?”“If you do not wish to hear the truth, that is your choice. Consider it all water under the bridge now. It is you we are talking about, not your father. I am offering you freedom to go about your life on an easy path, while at the same time having status and a wife to please you. What more can a man want?”Shallow intakes of air slurred Tristan’s words. “I’m not that man. If that’s the life you deem me fit for—you order me to have—then I’ll give up my knighthood or join my father in the ground before I obey your orders.”The king laughed again, heartily but disrespectfully. “Do not be ridiculous. I’ve never met a man who would give up his own life to not marry.”“I’m not most men.”“So it appears. And what of the man in the blacksmith’s shop? Does he rank as most men? Will you order his death as well, young Tristam? Do you believe him so devoted to you that he’ll give his own life for your stupidity?”Red hot rage mixed with ice cold fear in Tristan’s veins. “Don’t…you wouldn’t dare. He has nothing to do with this.”“I believe he does, and have you forgotten who I am. I would most certainly dare if you do not do as I’ve declared, as I have already promised. Your little friend means nothing to me or anyone else. Pull up your hose, boy. Do as you are told, and he will remain as he is and you may do with him what you choose.”Tristan stood speechless, all the bluster slowly seeping from his body. “I can’t,” he said, his voice raw, throat and eyes burning with unspent emotion. “Please don’t…”“I believe we’re done here. The wedding is in seven days. Get your affairs in order and prepare to become a wedded man. This is a high honor. Remember it as such. Now leave me.”There was clearly nothing else Tristan could say, at least not in that moment. His emotions were heightened, itching just under his skin, tugging at his mouth, his eyes, but the last thing he could do was reveal any breaks in his composure in front of his king.His king.Those words no longer held the meaning they had upon waking that morning. He suspected they never would again...
***Don't forget to leave a comment about one of your favourite tropes and your contact info. ;)

It's New Release Day for Unwrapped Hearts & there's a Giveaway!

Good morning, everyone, and happy start to the holidays. I began mine with a BANG! 

Today is the release of Unwrapped Hearts - an Unbreak My Heart story, and I've very excited to have another small part of Brett & JT's lives exposed. Lol.

These men are still my favourites to write, and I think most readers know that Brett is my favourite character of all those I've written, too. It's not like I don't love my other boys, but when I wrote Brett, I suffered along with him. You can even say he destroyed me in some ways, but then I put us both back together, kind of like Humpty Dumpty I suppose. Brett is also the character that talks the most inside my head. If he wants something said, he's damn persistent and I love him for it. It doesn't hurt that he's modelled after one of my fave singer/actors, too. ;)

This is the third book in the series starring Brett Taylor and JT Campbell, and it's also the shortest one. It's a small, sweet and fluffy glimpse into Brett & JT's Christmas so I hope y'all like it.  I'll be giving away one ebook copy so make sure you leave your information and a comment below. I'll leave the contest open until Tuesday, December 16 - so it's a quickie. ;) 

Below you will find all the pertinent information. :)


~*~*~

Blurb
Brett Taylor and JT Campbell have been together for over a year, and Brett is like a little kid when it comes to Christmas morning. He has plans for the two of them to have some quiet time, open gifts, and maybe even share some sweet loving before relatives descend on them for dinner.
Brett has on his Santa hat and his sexy surfer-boy lover right where he wants him, until a certain whirlwind of a pup takes matters into his own hands. Whiz isn’t about to be left out of the Christmas celebration, and he’ll do whatever it takes to demand his daddies’ attention...
~*~*~
Now an excerpt…
…JT cocked his head farther to the side as Brett grazed teeth, then tongue, over the mark he’d sucked into JT’s skin. “I could have helped with the chores.”
“Did all my chores, thank you very much, and I even started the coffee,” Brett said with a nip to JT’s ear.
Truth be told, Brett had been happy to let JT sleep. The morning was crisp and clear when he and Whiz had trotted outside. The kind of morning that didn’t freeze the end of your nose but cold enough to see your breath, and just right for making rare Texas snow hang around long enough to make the trees real pretty-like for Christmas Day.
“Besides,” he said between kisses. “You were a little feisty last night. Thought you might need a little extra shut-eye.”
JT’s chuckle was almost swallowed up into his pillow. He turned his head then, reaching back to pet Brett’s hair again. “Feisty sounds like something Millie would say.”
“You prefer horny?”
“Only if you’re going to do me with that hat on.”
Brett nodded with a laugh. He rubbed slow circles with his tongue and lips down JT’s backbone again, trailing fingers and mouth lower with each rotation. “I’d be much obliged.”
JT writhed against him, head tipping back suddenly. “Did you hear that?”
“What?” Brett asked. He stayed true to his task but listened carefully. “No.”
“Sounded like something fell—where’s Whiz?”
“Oh shit!…”
~*~*~
I was a bit late with deciding to publish this short so it will only be available at my publisher, Amber Quill/Allure, until the new year so you'll have to scoop it up there. They offer it in all ebook formats so if you're worried about getting it onto your Kindle, it should be easy peasy. While you're over there, check out Amber's new website and gift certificates that are now available.

The buy link is here --> Unwrapped Hearts at Amber Quill/Allure AND it's even on sale. :D

Don't forget to comment with your email address - maybe tell me what your fave part of Christmas is - for the giveaway. Happy holidays, everyone.

PS I'm trying a new font colour. Is it better than the white? The problem is I don't know how to change my blog format so I can have a white background. It'd have to have someone do it for me. Ugh. I'm very tech-challenged.

Flash Fiction Holiday Blog Hop - "Baby, it's cold outside."

Well, I'm dusting this old thing off again. Can't believe I fail so hard at updating...but that whine is not why I'm posting today. 

I'm taking part in the Flash Fiction Holiday Blog Hop with 39 other fabulous writers. We each had to write a short piece, 500-3000 words, using the photo below as inspiration. We had to include a winter holiday, a "bad boy", and some kind of gift.

Unfortunately, my bad boy is mostly reformed and I totally failed my hoped 1000 word count with exactly 3000 words. That does not seem very Flash to me. Apologies. I believe I have caught Kage-itis. Lol.

Anyhow, I hope you like what I've written, leave me a comment either way because you know how writers are...always looking for comments. I also urge you to check out what everyone else did with the same prompt by clicking this LINKEDY LINK LINK. Happy holidays.



 He was late. The store was just about to close, the crowd finally beginning to thin out so Miles didn't feel quite so claustrophobic. They'd agreed on 5:15, the soonest Jeremy would be able to get there after work. Of course, that was contingent on whether Jeremy still had a job after blowing it off the day before. Miles was pretty sure his boss wouldn't consider a trip to the ER because of a fight as a good excuse, especially since Jeremy's injuries and the fight itself had been Miles fault..


Miles sighed, careful to not meet anyone's gaze as he peered around the department store. Crowds weren't his thing and neither was Christmas. The garish decorations and over-blown holiday posturing made him more than a little nauseous, and didn't everyone start celebrating and prepping earlier and earlier every year?
He might be only twenty-one but that didn't mean he couldn't long for the good old days when Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas didn't merge into one clusterfuck of holiday overload.
Jeremy ate it up though, and that made their trips to brightly lit malls and suburban neighborhoods also decked-out in decorations, not quite so bad. But this visit, this foray into the ultimate commercial madness on Christmas Eve, had not only been Jeremy's idea—was all Jeremy's fault, too. He was the one trying to find a last minute gift. Miles' presents had been finished a couple weeks back.
Being an art student meant his budget was in the negatives so he'd relied solely on homemade projects for gift-giving again this year. His part-time job at the gallery didn't bring in enough to even get a place of his own which he really, really wanted. He didn't suppose the next few years would get any better financially, at least that's what his father never failed to remind him.
"Art's a great hobby, son, and you have a knack for it. But getting a business degree will put food on your table and money in your pocket."
His dad tried to be supportive but the charcoal drawings his mom swooned over just never had the same effect on him. And his installation art just made his father's forehead wrinkle like he'd suddenly been subjected to a very bad smell. He didn't criticize but he didn't understand either.
"Hey, sexy. Come here often?"
Miles couldn't help but smile with elated relief when strong arms wrapped around his waist and Jeremy buried his nose under all his layers so he could breathe warmth into Miles' neck.
"You're frowning. No frowns allowed at Christmas."
"You're late." Miles was happy to see his boyfriend but that didn't mean he couldn't also give him a hard time.
"The train was packed. Didn't know so many people shopped the night before Christmas."
Jeremy smelled great. It distracted Miles from why he'd been so frustrated and impatient only moments before. He also felt unbelievably good with his body pressed to Miles' even if they were in a very public place. Miles loved how comfortable Jeremy was with things like that. He was gradually working his way into being okay with it, too.
He twisted in Jeremy's arms, winding one arm around his neck, taking another quick peek around for any over-interested or critical bystanders before brushing a kiss to his mouth. The reward for his bravery was a contented smile against his lips.
"You're an idiot. Everyone knows this is the worst time to shop," he said as he released his hold and wiggled out of Jeremy's arms. "You're cutting it kind of close. Better get what you need cuz I gotta go soon."
Jeremy let go but stayed close at his side. "Oh, yeah. The Carter family Christmas sing-a-long, right?"
Miles dipped his head, sliding his hands into the pockets of his coat. He knew Jeremy was just messing with him but it was a sore spot. He'd been struggling with himself all week to invite Jeremy along. His parents had even been the ones to bring the idea up, but he was worried it was too much, too soon for them to be that open, or more precisely, too soon for Jeremy to want to hang with Miles' family. He also had doubts that Jeremy would even want to go to something so lame where everyone might just gawk and stare. Of course, Miles had no facts to back that up, but it might be embarrassing for Jeremy all the same..
Having a boyfriend was new to him and kind of scary. Having a boyfriend with a former drug habit and juvey record was even more intimidating. Jeremy was Miles' first in a whole lot of ways—first kiss, first touch, first time he'd felt his heart flip flop in his chest. He'd also been the ultimate reason Miles had finally come out to his parents.
They'd been together almost five months, and it had been a period of ups and downs, just as Miles assumed all relationships went. But the positives far outweighed the negatives and although he'd never admitted it to anyone—especially Jeremy"Is there anything I can help you boys find?" The saleslady smiled at them but it was overly sweet and definitely forced.
Miles was suddenly flustered. "We're just…um…just looking."
Jeremy saved the situation with a big grin of his own, reaching inside Miles' pocket to grab his hand. He squeezed it then proceeded to use his ridiculously effective charm on the woman. "We're good, thanks. That's a great shirt, by the way. It really brings out the colour in your eyes.
Her smile immediately turned warm and real. "Thank you. You make an adorable couple. We're closing in twenty minutes but just let me know if you need anything."
"Merry Christmas." Jeremy said, tipping an invisible hat in her direction. He was such a ham.
"To you too." She walked away, leaving soft laughter in her wake.
Miles shook his head and stopped gnawing on his bottom lip. "You're so good with the ladies sometimes I wonder which team you bat for."
"Both sides. You know that, but just yours now."
It always amazed Miles how Jeremy could just randomly say stuff like that. He appreciated it but was envious at the same time. Jeremy's bisexuality was no secret, as was his experience with both sexes. He was only four years older than Miles, but being on his own since he was fifteen had given him life experiences Miles couldn't even fathom.
"So are we going to get this over with or what?" Miles asked, looking into Jeremy's sweet gaze. "I thought we could grab dinner after. My relatives aren't showing up until about eight."
Jeremy wrapped an arm around his shoulders, long fingers tickling in the collar of Miles' coat.
"I kind of lied."
Jeremy's smile was too cute to let Miles worry about the possible seriousness of his statement.
"How?"
"The only one I have left to shop for is you, babe."
"I thought you needed to get something for your sponsor? Wait, me? So you want me to pick out something myself? I already told you I don't need anything."
Jeremy chuckled and pulled Miles a little tighter to his body. "Just trust me, okay?"
And Miles did. Despite the differences in their backgrounds, their temperaments, their experiences, and Jeremy's reputation as a troublemaker when he was younger, Miles trusted him completely. The night before had been the first time there'd been any trouble stirred-up, and even though Jeremy had settled the altercation with fists and a little too much gusto, Miles had been at the root of the problem. The guy Jeremy had slugged had been far too handsy with Miles and in the end had even had the nerve to grab his crotch right there in front of everyone. Jeremy had taken the brunt of the beating though since the other's guy's friends had decided to get involved and changed the odds to a three-on-one difference.
It had been a long night, one spent in the emergency room. Miles had stayed with Jeremy, held his good hand while they waited for x-rays for the other and stitches for a cut on his head. He'd even apologized to Miles for losing his temper that way, told him he should go home and get some sleep. But Miles had been right where he wanted to be.
"This doesn't have anything to do with what happened last night, does it? I feel bad enough with your hand all wrapped and that bandage on your head."
"Nothing to do with that. I swear you'll get the details if you hang tough for a few minutes. Deal?"
Miles nodded, finally noticing they'd left the department store and were heading to the entrance to the mall. "The black eye makes you look tough." He chuckled then, "But no more fighting, right?"
"Not even to protect your virtue?"
"You're so weird."
Jeremy grinned, leaning in to nudge Miles' shoulder as they slowed their pace. "Bundle up, babe. It's cold outside."
The next few minutes were spent buttoning-up shirts, zipping heavy coats, wrapping scarves around faces, pulling on mitts and hats. By the time they were outside in the chill neither of them were recognizable. Jeremy reached for Miles' hand, and even though he couldn't actually feel his touch through all the layers of material and stuffing, it made him warm inside.
They didn't walk very far and Miles had to trust that Jeremy knew where he was going because it was completely unfamiliar territory to him. Of course, speaking was out of the question behind the wool and cotton of too much fabric and frozen lungs. When they stopped in front of a house with a tiny pine tree decked-out in lights, Miles braved the cold, tugging his scarf away from his mouth.
"You're not taking me to some weird party, are you?"
Jeremy shoved his own mask out of the way. "Of course not. Just come with me?"
"There's not even a light on, Jer. What's going on?"
With a slow sigh, Jeremy gripped the sides of Miles's face, his bandage dragging rough and meaningful across Mile's stubbly cheeks. "Trust me. This is not another screw-up. I left that Jeremy behind when I met you, remember?"
There was no way Miles could refuse. Jeremy had been a mess the first time they'd met, strung-out on God knows what on top of too much alcohol and an attitude through the roof. Miles had turned down his offer of a stoned blowjob and they hadn't reconnected until six months later—six months after Jeremy had gotten himself clean.
So he nodded, gripping Jeremy's hand through the mitts and encouraging him up the path to the house with a gentle tug. Jeremy's eyelashes were almost white, flakes of snow and frost already settling in, but his eyes showed what was in his heart. They always did. It was kind of like that eyes are the window to the soul mumbo jumbo Miles had heard before.
Jeremy fished a key out of his pocket when they reached the door, and if that wasn't surprising enough, he opened it and just walked in.
"Jer. What're we doing?"
He didn't answer, just yanked one glove off with his teeth and took Miles' hand again. There were two flights of stairs, one in each direction. Jeremy led them down to the basement where another door blocked their path. He used yet another key to open it, grinning nervously at Miles before he shuffled him inside.
It was pitch black, definitely more foreboding than inviting, but it was warm. Jeremy steered Miles further inside, tugging scarves and mitts off as they went.
"Okay, now close your eyes," Jeremy said stepping away from Miles.
"I can't see anything in the dark anyhow."
Miles heard Jeremy snort somewhere off to the side.
"It won't be when I turn on the light, dumbass."
"Jerk," Miles replied with no heat behind his words.
Jeremy mock-gasped. "You can take some layers off too. My plan is to keep you warm myself."
"Promises, promises," Miles said with a laugh. When there was dead-air between them, he sighed and started taking off his jacket and outside clothes. "This better be good because you're acting really weird."
"Okay, cover your eyes."
"Don't trust me to just close them?"
"Nope."
Miles did as directed, forcing himself not to peek through his fingers or throw himself at Jeremy to find out just what the hell was going on. When he saw light leak through the cracks of his hands, he got even more anxious.
"Okay, go ahead. Open them."
He had no idea what he'd been expecting, but Jeremy with a big red bow wrapped around his chest was definitely not it. Then he looked around, behind Jeremy instead of just admiring and looking at him. There was a mattress on the floor in the corner, or maybe it was one of those futon beds. The blanket was familiar, dark blue and a little worse for wear, but having slept under it, Miles knew it was warm despite its age and appearance.
A reading lamp sat on the floor beside the bed and a desk in front of the only window. A chair was tucked underneath with a mug holding various regular and colored pencils on the desktop. There was also a black sketchbook that Miles recognized as the kind he liked to use. Folded clothes that Miles was also familiar with were piled up on another chair at the end of the bed and just a scattering of Jeremy's things here and there.
"What is this?" he finally asked turning back to Jeremy. "Do you live here now?"
"I know it's not much—" Jeremy began but Miles cut him off.
He cocked his head and flung his hand in front of his face. "You moved and didn't even tell me? Why would you do that? I thought you were all about being honest now, Jesus, Jeremy. Can you even afford this place?"
By the time Miles was finished with his rant, Jeremy looked completely deflated. He'd dropped the bow to the floor, stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jeans, his posture slumped and the complete opposite of moments before.
"My sponsor helped me find it, that's why I was late. He was helping me sign the lease and stuff, and setting up in here."
Miles reeled in his overblown emotions, physically calming himself by breathing deep and planting his feet so he stopped his fidgeting. "I'm sorry."
He took a few steps toward Jeremy, met halfway with a hug he really needed.
"Something's been bothering you. Wanna talk about it?" Jeremy asked. He eased back, skimming his hands down the sides of Miles' head. "You said you had time before the party, right?"
"No. I mean, yeah," Miles said. "I thought you liked it sharing with the guys at your place."
"I'd rather share just with someone else." Jeremy looked almost shy, a truly unusual look for him. He moved away from Miles, sliding a hand through his short hair. He walked a few steps then turned and walked back, repeating the processes like some caged animal before he spoke.
"What did you say?"
Jeremy ignored him or maybe didn't even hear him. He crossed to the bed, grabbing something hidden away under the pillow, holding it close to his body when he returned to Miles. "I know it's not Christmas yet but I really want to give you your gift now. That okay?" He smiled and every part of Miles that might have still been chilled, melted.
Miles accepted the blue-wrapped box, intrigued by the size since it almost shouted jewelry. But Jeremy wouldn't buy him something like that, and couldn't afford it even if he wanted to. So with Jeremy's persistent urging, Miles slowly untied the little red ribbon and unwrapped the paper.
"What did you get me?" He couldn't help asking before he'd even finished his task.
"Just do it."
There was key inside the box, just a plain silver key on a matching silver keychain. "A key?" Miles said, more a statement than question for Jeremy.
Jeremy spoke nonetheless. "The guy who owns the apartment is a friend of my sponsor so he's giving me a really good deal. I thought between the two of us we could, you know, manage the rent. Only if you wanted to do that, of course. I know we've never really talked about—"
"Wait." Miles grabbed Jeremy's wrist, his jaw falling open. "You want me to move in with you?"
"I gave you the key so you can come over anytime, but yeah, I'd really like us to be together here."
"Are you serious?"
"Of course." Jeremy's beautiful smile returned as he reached for Miles' hand. "I think it's kind of a serious thing, but if you just wanted to give it a try, kind of a trial run—"
Miles kissed him before he could ramble on. It was the best he could do to reply since he was a little tongue-tied, a little emotionally charged, a lot giddy inside. He thought his reaction must have felt like what happened to the Grinch when his heart grew three sizes.
After taking a few moments to breathe,, he stared deeply into Jeremy's eyes. "I'll make you a deal," he whispered against soft lips. "I'll move in and…" Miles paused to kiss him again.
Jeremy grinned into the kiss. "And?"
"And you and I will show my family with how awesomely we can sing The Twelve Days of Christmas…together."
~ * ~* ~

Never the Perfect Moment giveaway winners.

Woot! The random generator, AKA Bob, has drawn the numbers for the two winners of Never the Perfect Moment!

*drumroll*

Number 13 - Roger

and

Number 1 - Debra


Congrats! I'll be emailing you both for your format preference. Thanks for playing everyone and if you happen to buy Never the Perfect Moment, I really hope you enjoy it.

Oh - I almost forgot. I received my first review - 5/5 stars. That makes me very happy. :) Check it out here MM Good Book Reviews

Have a great week everyone.

Never the Perfect Moment giveaway!

NEVER THE PERFECT MOMENT GIVEAWAY!

*brushes off dusty old blog* 

I really need an intervention for my blog-phobia. 

But anyway...hey! I have a new release this coming weekend - Never the Perfect Moment will go live on July 20 at Amber Quill. :) I'm running a very short contest for 2 ebook copies so leave your name, a comment (you know that always makes me happy) and your email.

NEVER THE PERFECT MOMENT

Bryan Monroe has always catalogued his life in terms of moments—right moments, wrong moments, perfect moments. But when his partner on the police force, Chrys Delos, is shot in a raid gone bad, it's one of the worst moments of Bryan’s life.

He's been secretly in love with Chrys for years, and the shooting is a wake-up call that it might be time to tell Chrys the truth.  The problem is, Bryan’s never been with a man before, so in addition to worrying about Chrys’ injuries, he’s an indecisive wreck over the future.

But with the help of two unlikely matchmakers, Bryan knows it’s time to find the courage, and the perfect moment, to tell Chrys exactly how he feels.
***
Excerpt:
Bryan had always catalogued his life in terms of moments—right moments, wrong moments, perfect moments. He had the reputation of being tough and compassionate, resourceful and approachable, loyal to a fault, rough and ready when needed. But hidden inside the rugged, thick-brained exterior was a sentimental side as big as the sun, and almost as bright. He believed in moments that defined themselves, tiny sections of time that were made specifically for one event in his life.
***
John was immediately at Bryan’s side when he stumbled backward. He wrapped an arm around Bryan’s shoulders, escorting him through the broken door and out into the crisp morning. “I’m taking you to the other bus to get checked over. He landed pretty hard on you.”
“I said I was fine!” There was too much going on, too many things bouncing around in Bryan’s brain. “Sorry, Cap. I just, I think I need to sit down.”
He was quickly escorted to one of the ambulances, perching his backside on the edge of the tailgate, both hands flattened against the cool metal. How many times did he have to go through this with Chrys? Just how many goddamn times would it take for his partner to gain some control and lose his lone wolf attitude? 
This time was the worst. He hadn’t given himself over to the gunman to save a hostage or a child. Instead he’d stepped in front of a bullet that Bryan hadn’t even known was coming. Dammit, Chrys, you’ll be the death of me yet. How ironic was that?
The trip to the hospital took forever, or it sure seemed like it from behind the vehicle holding such precious cargo. Bryan rode in his captain’s car, John speaking loudly into the hands-free cellphone on the dash. He barked out orders to the others on the team, instructing them to take charge, to push back the group of civilians who had gathered to see what was happening. 
Bryan sat still, quiet, his hands fisted around the helmet in his lap.
The whole day would be filed under perfectly fucking awful.
~*~*~
Linky - don't forget to comment for a chance to win an ebook copy. :) Contest closes Monday. 
Never the Perfect Moment - Amber Quill - July 20

Tabby's Pride WINNERS!

I have winners!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my Tabby's Pride blog tour. I appreciate the support of my wonderful bloggers and everyone who took the time to comment and enter the giveaway so much I added a couple of extra copies to the mix. :) Winners have been notified - congratulations!

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Tabby's Pride - Book one Lion's Pride

~~Levi is ready to do anything to make his rock star—and hopefully, personal—dreams come true.
Levi Tabberton has dreamed of being a rock star ever since his brother's best friend, Alexander, showed him his guitar when he was young. But becoming a member of his boyhood crush's band, Lion's Pride, is even more important.
Growing up, Levi emulated Alexander Morrison and, years later, his feelings remain unchanged when he auditions for the band. Xan is laid-back, caring, gorgeous, and takes Levi under his wing—paw. But Levi's guilt and insecurity hold him back from letting Xan see the real him.
Levi needs to prove himself worthy of the band and deserving of Xan's attention, but the lengths he's gone to have left him reeling with anxiety and exhaustion. Levi's not sure how much longer he can pull off the charade he's been acting out to reach his goals and to keep Xan's affections.

Has he made the right choice or will his dreams fade in a catastrophe of lies and uncertainty?~~
For those of you who didn't win this time, Tabby's Pride (Lion's Pride 1) is available at

Amber Quill

Amazon 

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And check out this awesome fan art by Karrie Jax. :)

HAHAT 2014 - Jake Jaxson talks mentoring

Hey y'all. This is my last post for the HAHAT 2014, and I'm very pleased to have the second part of my Cockyboys 2014 interview on Mentoring. RJ has been swamped with filming and now the Grabby Awards in Chicago, but I did manage to wrangle Jake into answering some questions. So here we go.

~~Jake Jaxson ~ Filmmaker, artist, collector, hopeless romantic, and insatiable flirt. He lives in New York with his two loves and collaborators, R.J. Sebastian and Benny Morecock, & their four canine gaybies ~ Raif, Sebastian, Bailey & Jackson. Jake is also the owner/director of CockyBoys.~~

Hi Jake. Welcome back. 
Thank you for having us again -- I means so much to be asked back.
First of all, what does mentoring mean to you?
What mentoring means to me. I think most people think this is an older / younger dynamic. But I find that it's more of an energy dynamic, rather than age, profession, or skill set. It's more about a way of being.
A perfect example of this is, while I may have more life lessons than Ben, and I'm older, he often guides, pushes, and teaches me in how to quiet my mind and be more present to the ordinary everyday joys that often pass me by--he has the ability to help me slow down time.  So in that sense he is my mentor.  Did you have any specific mentors when you were growing up? Were you more apt to look up to people you knew and had actual contact with or were your mentors public figures that you looked up to? Do you still have mentors or is that something you outgrow?
Yes I did. I was very fortunate to have a great experience in The Boy Scouts. I had several scout leaders who have had an impact on how I developed as a leader.  Out of college I had the amazing opportunity to work with and be mentored by the late Brandon Tartikoff, president of NBC and television revolutionary. 
In the scheme of things, he had nothing to gain by working with me, but he was always quick to get on the phone, advise, sit in on an edit and give story notes. The key, and most important thing, about a mentor relationship is mutual respect, and as long as I did not waste his time and he was inspired by what I was doing, it worked. He eventually became a consulting producer on a TV special I wrote and produced in New Orleans called TRIBE TV, and it went on to win a Emmy award for our efforts.
Shortly after, I moved to LA to work more with him, and he passed away soon after.  It was devastating--it felt like I lost everything overnight -- but I eventually rebuilt and many of the things he taught me are still with me. 
But there was one piece of advice he gave me that I live by to this day: "Never be dull and never be desperate."
In your opinion, why is mentoring important in general, and more specifically in the gay community?
Specifically to the gay community, we have a shared experience in that we will confront issues related to being gay. But more and more I find gay youth today are not dealing with the same acceptance struggles that I did growing up. I actually marvel at the fact that many of our models were even "out" in high school. In fact their pride and acceptance was key and helpful to my becoming more connected to my sexuality. 
Most of what I find today in terms of advice or mentoring has to do with being able to process and understand reality as it's happening, and the results of individuals not being present to a more positive way of being and living!  We live in a cynical, negative world where everyone wants to believe the worst in one another before even trying to know and understand context or reality.  So by living in possibility and positivity It's my hope others can learn from my actions --  living in possibility and nothingness is a  mission of mine.
There are a lot of online support groups that could be considered mentoring programs. Do you think such programs or even just individual online contact in a mentoring relationship, are as effective as meeting someone in person? Is sharing your private life with the public, for example the dynamic of your relationship, a form of mentoring as well?
I think any forum that allows for positive and constructive interaction is a good thing. However, I firmly believe in human interaction and communication when it comes to mentoring and guidance. Presence and energy--seeing someone think, engage and acknowledge--is vital to building a trusting relationship. Body language is everything.  So many things can be lost, misinterpreted, manipulated and confused via virtual or electronic contact alone.
I find that the most successful mentorships occur between two individuals that have a shared experience, where one strives to achieve a level of success, knowledge, or being, something the other has already achieved. They see something of themselves in the other.  It's by teaching and sharing that BOTH grow and thrive in the success of one another. 
Also I'm weary of anyone who claims to be "a mentor" "mother" or "father figure" to anyone.  That is usually a selfish declaration that seems more necessary to fill a void  . Some refer to me in that context  -- but it's a label I avoid. Since I also share in the success of my performers and staff I prefer to think of myself as more of a coach. All working for shared goals. When we Win it's together as a team.  
I've read statements by some of the young men you employ who consider the three of you to be mentors to them. How does that make you feel? Do you consider yourself to be mentor in that capacity or is all just part of caring for others?
Good question.
It's humbling to hear that anyone would refer to me, RJ or Benny as their mentor.  However, an important distinction to make is none of us have set out to create that dynamic. At our core, Ben, Adrian and I first try and live our lives in mutual respect. We act and behave toward each other just as we would want to be treated in return. As such, we also hold one another accountable for our collective actions. This way of being is also how we run our business. It's something I love and admire about our relationship and work. I say admire because this accountability is something that comes from Ben's way of being and RJ is always quick to put others before himself. And together they cause me to WANT to be a better Man. 
This same approach has now become part of our company dynamic--the guys now work to hold each other accountable so that we can have as much of a safe, productive and creative environment as possible.
My approach to the guys we work with is to trust them, respect them, and encourage them. I WANT them to be the best they can be!  I want them to be good people! I want them to be creative and sexy! I want them to be confident and proud.  When they are... I succeed, my business success, and my family succeeds.
This question isn't asked from my personal point of view, but even good deeds breed negativity so I'm going to ask it. Do you get any negative feedback about being called role models considering the work you do?
First I don't think or refer to myself as a role model. In fact, the creative process is such that I find the two to be in conflict. But that's my feeling.
I'm living "a life", one that I am proud of, and if others want to explore and connect to my experience I 100% welcome that--it actually humbles me. I know and understand that some may be inspired and others disgusted by my life and how I live it. Some will want to celebrate the best parts of it and others gossip and manipulate their perception into a warped reality. That said, I will always stay focused on the positive energy, but I will also acknowledge and use the push-off of the negative energy that comes at me, but I will not attach myself to it.
From time to time, with those who follow and know our company, I have been criticized for having "favorites", but often people don't understand the reality or context. It's a very simple process for me: if someone is giving, trying, and working hard, I will give that person just as much energy in return. If you see someone in the spotlight, it's because they have worked hard in mutually respectful way! But if someone just wants to take, and have expectations, and not put in the work, then they will not see the results they expect.  It's a very simple equation for me and I see it so clearly: Expectations = upset. Upset ignites jealousies and resentments, and from that place one's mind can create so much chaos, fear and hate that it will consume them. In fact this is exactly what the next part of ANSWERED PRAYERS is all about. 
There have been many times we have given and trusted others only to have it used against us. I used to take it personality and felt hurt. Often these upsets are the result of my saying "NO". Especially if it's a situation that has become more enabling than supportive. There are many times I have to say "NO" because it's the most healthy response, and I will always side with the well-being of someone I work with, even when I know they may lash out or try and hurt my business because of it. 
When this happens, our natural instinct is to go into a bunker and build protective walls. I do my best not to because I have a responsibility to many others.
For this reason, I will gladly take the slings and arrows of misfortune if it means being a positive caring influence in the life of another.  More often than not it fuels me even more to be better, stronger, and more self-aware.
Finally, do you have any words of wisdom about mentoring? What can people do to help and support gay youth?
I will tell you what I often tell my boys. -
Be nice.
Don't punch down -- focus on climbing up.
Being famous is not a goal -- it's the result of hard work.
It's ok to have your head in the clouds -- but keep your feet on the ground.
Stay in your own lane.
It's never too late to apologize.
It might be best to leave your phone home tonight. (That's usually for Levi).

As far as advice to gay youth. Personally, I first approach them as your--Gay second. Gay is just one part of us and more and more, THANK GOD, seen as a normal part of how we are. And anything we can do to help one another, no matter how we identify, the better.
Thanks for being here, Jake, but just like last time, you're not quite done. How about a few choices to lighten the mood? PS – one of these is a repeat, I want to see if your answers have changed – no cheating. ;)
Books or films? Film
Black & white or colour?  50 Shades of Grey
Yoga or running? Running
Cher or Beyonce? Cher (that's RJs diva so I have to support him on that one.)
Beach or mountains? Mountains
Tattoos or piercings? Tattoos
 The sun or the moon? Sun! Love sitting in the Sun. I think I was a dog in a past life. (or a cat)

Kisses or hugs? Kiss•Hug•Fuck•Love. (Sorry I had to) 
Romeo & Juliet or Hamlet? Damn this is a Hard one!!! I guess I'm in a hamlet mood at the moment. (See above)

Thank you, Jake. It's also interesting to hear what you have to say and I appreciate you taking time out to visit. You can tell RJ, I'll be sure to catch him for a one-on-one soon. Good luck tonight at the Grabbys.

My giveaway is open until Monday the 26th so do your thing on Rafflecopter, and Jake and I would really love it if you left us a comment here as well.
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FIRST HAHAT 2014 POST WITH BENNY MORECOCK

MY SECOND HAHAT 2014 POST - MUSIC FOR THE CAUSE

MY THIRD HAHAT 2014 POST - BEING AN ALLY
This link will take you to the Hop Against Homophobia & Transphobia main page or you can click one of the links below to go to another blog. Thanks for stopping by. See you next year. 

HOP AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA & TRANSPHOBIA

Final HAHAT 2014 post 1 of 2 - Being an ally

This was supposed to be my last post of the HAHAT 2014, but I received a surprise in my email this morning so there will be something else posted later on today. But first I want to talk to you about…me.
I'm a straight, married female and also mother of three who just happens to write gay romance. If you've ever watched Sesame Street, you may remember the game "One of these things is not like the others". That comes to mind a lot when people question why I write m/m romance with all my unsuitable qualifications.
The first thing I'm usually asked since I write what I do, am I gay? I honestly don't see how the two are correlated unless I was to write lesbian romance not m/m. But then again, I also know many lesbians who write what I do. So in that case, my answer is just no, I'm a woman who is attracted to and has relationships with men.
Another preconception is that because I am neither a man nor a gay man, how on earth did I become so deluded as to think I could write romances and relationships between men? To this I question the life experiences of other writers. Do paranormal authors (of which I am also one and unfortunately the answer to this questions is no) live with vampires or shifters? Have all crime writers been either serial killers or detectives in their past lives? What about historical or sci-fi writers? Have they lived in the shoes of their heroes or heroines?
I write romantic fiction but I like to think it's based at least a little reality. I have always had gay friends. I watch documentaries and films. I read books, fiction and non. I have immersed and opened myself up to the gay community. I go to Pride and I interview and talk to men in different walks of life, in different stages of their lives and in and out of love. I know how to research and I like to think I can also use my imagination in ways that brings out characteristics and situations that can be both fictional and real.
In short, I don't claim to write hardcore reality. I write contemporary and fantasy. I write cowboys and shifters, vampires and angels, rock stars, lawyers and accountants. And I write happily-ever-after because we all need a little of that in our lives, don't we? What does all this spew have to do with the HAHAT? Well, let me tell you.
When I was first published, I worried about questions regarding my nerve to be writing about things I neither knew nor understood. I admit to being a worrier and fretter anyhow, but putting a story into the universe for others to evaluate, critique and judge can be like throwing your baby to the wolves. And that's what my books are to me—my babies.
New reality came in the form of pieces of fan mail. I received long letters and simple notes from several men who thanked me for writing a book called Lazy Sundays. Some of them said reading about my OCD character (Scott the accountant) was like looking inside their own heads, and that in turn, made them feel less alone and more hopeful. These letters didn't come with any great revelations about falling in love with rock stars (Devon was a rock star) or flashes of lightning that life would suddenly be easier for them. But in their own words, they had renewed belief and validation that the way they handled life and the feelings they had weren't as unusual as they'd feared. They had a small glimpse of faith that they'd find someone to love them just the way they were.
This year I have received mail with regards to Unbreak My Heart, as well—some thanking me for making Brett's journey realistic and hard, others for giving JT the patience and stones to care enough about this broken man to wait for him. One that stands out to me was a thirty-something man who wrote that he'd suffered a great loss in his life. He said he didn't have the words to explain just how lost he felt, how emotions of anger and sadness and fear were wrapped up so tight inside him he could barely breathe, and how he questioned his feelings about himself and life in general. He gave the book to his mother to read and in turn, it opened up a conversation between them about grief and loss and renewal of spirit.

So in terms of grand revelations and lightbulbs going off in my head—I suddenly had a new reason for writing and creating and sharing. I started because it made me happy, it gave me validation that I could do what I always wanted to do, and it gave me a much-needed creative outlet to pour my emotions into. Being published has given me a voice, and my voice has enabled me to become an ally to the LGBT community.
Those letters and even reviews have given me a new definition for being an author or writer. I have taken on the new title of ally now and that's something that makes my heart happy. I don't have delusions of my writing changing the world or even altering the course of gay rights or homophobia, but if I can make one man feel better about himself, feel like he isn't alone, feel like there's hope in some of his dreams—well, then I'm making a difference.
I'm an ally for anyone who believes in love, who needs love in their lives, who needs validation that they matter and they exist. I don't judge on sexual preference, gender classification, life experiences or relationship status in my books or real life. I may not write non-fiction or even fiction without a romantic element, but my books carry a message
As one of the original organizers of the Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia, my purpose is that of an ally against these barbaric ways of treating and labeling others. My friends and I started the HAHAT because we believe it's very important to promote and encourage people to understand sexual and gender diversity, and in turn, abolish the discrimination and devastating effects of groups of people who have the same rights as anyone else.
That's what the HAHAT is all about—the coming together of a diverse community of writers, bloggers, reviewers, artists and publishers who just want to make a difference in the fight against homophobia and transphobia. I believe baby steps count just as much in the stairway to acceptance as a method of moving forward in a cause that shouldn't even be an issue in 2014. We can all make a difference—no matter how big or small.
Again, it's not changing the world but it's a small step that I can take for myself, and those I love, admire and respect—a small step we can all take and make our own in our own way. Thanks for participating in the HAHAT this year and I hope I'll see you again next year.

My giveaway is open until the 26th and so do your think on Rafflecopter and I'd really love it if you left a comment here as well. Everyone likes and needs feedback, right? Stay tuned for my final HAHAT post later today.
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FIRST HAHAT 2014 POST WITH BENNY MORECOCK
MY SECOND HAHAT 2014 POST - MUSIC FOR THE CAUSE
This link will take you to the Hop Against Homophobia & Transphobia main page OR you can click one of the links below to go to another blog. 

HOP AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA & TRANSPHOBIA

Tabby's Pride blog tour final post!

The tour is complete. Did you hit all the stops?
Giveaway closes on midnight May 21. 
Thanks so much for all the support. 

Links for tour stops(to be filled in as available)

May 12 - Chaos in the MoonlightMay 13 - L.Dean Pace-FrechMay 14 - Jade CrystalMay 15 - Joyfully JayMay 16 - Piper VaughnMay 17 - Cheekypee Reads & ReviewsMAY 18 - RELEASE DAY!May 18 - Rainbow Gold ReviewsMay 19 - Parker WilliamsMay 19 - Sue's Reveals & PromotionsMay 20 - GGR Reviews

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