V.L. Locey's Blog, page 45

Throwback Thursday Tune

Hello and happy April! Since April is the month of rain showers I thought a rainy theme for the month would be groovy. So here's our first rainy tune - Buddy Holly's Raining in my Heart.

Author/Book Spotlight - Vikki McCombie's A New Beginning for Nancy

A New Beginning Blurb & tagline
Loglines:
When grief pulls her life apart, will she seek a new beginning, or will fear keep her from finding a forever kind of love?
Can her new infant son and a friendship with a naval officer offering more, give her the chance for a new beginning?
Taglines:
A new beginning or a life stuck in the past?
Dare she risk her heart to find a new beginning?
Blurb:
On the day Nanci discovers she’s going to have a baby, she receives the devastating news every Navy SEAL’s wife never wants to hear. Her husband’s death sends her into the depths of despair. As she struggles to accept, she’s grateful for the support from the officer assigned to her.
Will she turn to God letting Him show her the path to a new beginning, or will fear of loving and losing keep her locked in the past?
When Lt. Daniel Foster’s appointed to assist a SEAL’s widow, the last thing he expects is a woman who can break through the barricade guarding his heart. As he helps her with the aftermath, he offers her a shoulder to lean on, but would like to offer more.
Should he allow their friendship to blossom and trust God will show him lowering his defenses is the only way to love?
Author Note:

Buy Link:
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AC7V0EK
Add to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28504804-a-new-beginning-for-nanci
metadata: Contemporary, romance, military, inspirational, SEALs, Navy, sweet
Tweets:
 A new beginning or a life stuck in the past?
Dare she risk her heart to find a new beginning?
Will fear rule her heart, or will she grab a second chance for love? #Contemporary #romance
Will she turn to God or stay locked in her grief?

Excerpt:
After setting Tiger on the slate floor, Nanci checked her voice mail on the home phone, but still no call from Bryan. Of course, his mission was a secret, as usual. She had no idea what time zone he was in. It could be the middle of the night for him. After feeding the cat, she settled on the couch with the paperback she’d purchased earlier in the day. Tiger curled beside her, and she became engrossed in the book, especially the part concerning the first trimester of pregnancy.The doorbell rang. How odd. She couldn’t imagine who it could be. Probably some kids selling something. But a rush of anxiety flooded her system as icy prickles raced along her arms.The doorbell rang again. She laid her book down, went to the door, and used the peep hole to look out. Three men in Navy uniforms stood on her front porch. Her heart caught in her throat. Three men usually meant bad news, especially naval officers. No, maybe they have the wrong house. Maybe they’re collecting money for some type of charity. Anything but what it might mean. Her body began to shake. Her knees grew weak. No, no! She would not allow those terrifying thoughts to enter her consciousness even for a moment.Nonetheless, her hand trembled as she opened the door. Her voice shook as she said, “Hello. W-what can I d-do for you?”The older officer removed his cover, tucking it under his arm. “Good afternoon, we’re here to see Mrs. Bryan Bowman.”“I’m Mrs. Bowman. Please, c-come in.” Terror gripped her as she showed them into the living room. Her mind screamed—Oh, God, please don’t let Bryan be hurt.


Author Bio:
Vikki McCombie started her writing career when a story invaded her mind and would not leave. Ever since then, the stories keep coming and writing is now her passion. Over the last five years, she has written well over a half dozen romances and is presently working on her next, while fighting off the other future characters shouting my turn!
Whether Vikki’s stories are contemporary or historical, she’s a romantic at heart and gives all her heroes and heroines a “happily ever after.” Her contemporary romances also have a strong inspirational element to them.
Vikki writes her historical romances under the pen name Vikki Vaught. Miss Kathleen’s Scandalous Baron released on February 22, 2016Vikki lives in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with her beloved husband, Jim, who is the most tolerant man in the world to put up with her when she is in a writing frenzy. When she isn’t writing or working her day job, you’ll find her curled up in a comfortable chair reading her Kindle, lost in a good book with a cup of tea at her side.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.vikkivaught.com/home.htmlEmail: mailto:vvaught512@aol.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VikkiVaught?ref=bookmarksTwitter: https://twitter.com/vvaught512Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+VikkiMcCombie/postsPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vaughtmccombie/Amazon Author Page: http://smile.amazon.com/Vikki-Vaught/e/B008EE7TG2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1433778387&sr=1-2-entGoodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5208041.Vikki_Vaught
Author Note:As a Navy wife for many years, I know how hard it is to put fears at bay and go on with your life when your loved one is far from home. I want to thank all the military men and women who serve and protect our great country, along with their families who support and love them. I spent over twenty years in Hampton Roads, Virginia and grew to love the area. I love the ocean and enjoyed its beauty almost every day as I traveled from Hampton to Virginia Beach where I worked. When this story came to me, I had to make Virginia Beach the setting.What Nanci goes through in A New Beginning for Nanci is what countless military wives have faced since the creation of our nation. What I want to show in this story is that there is always a new beginning out there. We just have to go after it and not allow tragedy to keep us frozen in fear.
There are lessons learned in this love story. Nanci could have easily stayed locked in her grief instead of seeking God’s help. Both she and Daniel were brought up in faith-based homes, but they had drifted away. Fortunately for them, they chose to return to their childhood faith which helped them move forward into God’s light, depending on Him to guide them to a new beginning that will stand the test of time.

While this is definitely an inspirational romance, it does have a couple of scenes with minimal sensual touches and kissing. Nanci and Daniel have a strong physical attraction between them, so it is hard to resist, but never fear, they do not fully give in to temptation.

Silent Sunday

Since I'll no longer be sharing snippets on Sundays, I thought perhaps just a simple image that I've taken  would be a nice way to fill in on a relaxing day like Sunday.

Throwback Thursday Tunes

And to wrap up this windy month of songs, how about a little Christopher Cross? I sure hope he reached that Mexican border.

Tuesday Tales - Swallow

Hello! It`s time for Tuesday Tales.


Today we have the last issue in my historical M/M romance, Dear Jon, which is set in 1945. Every issue of this serial will be under 1500 words so they're quick reads.  Our word prompt today is 'Swallow'. This story contains mature language and gay sexual situations. If that offends now would be the time to move onto another Tuesday Tales offering. 
Don`t forget to visit the other talented Tuesday Tales authors. Thanks for stopping by!



            "Why don`t you and Aunty Charlotte go see what those noisy birds are up to?" Charlotte asked, rising from her seat to take Andrew by the hand. The boy looked at me. I nodded at him. Out they went as Corporal David Brooks held the door open for them as gallant as any man could be. Andrew peeked back once through the dirty screen. I smiled to put the lad at ease.             "Are you two queer?" David asked as soon as Charlotte and Andrew were out of hearing range.             "Yes," I said as strongly as possible. Ross squeezed my fingers. I have never felt as vulnerable as I did at that moment. The radio was nothing but white sound now. I couldn`t tell you who was riding the airwaves for all I could hear was my pulse pounding in my ears.            "I just wish to say that while we may be homosexual that does notmean that we are pedophiles. Those are two vastly different--"            "I`m well aware of the difference," David said then came back over to sit across from me. "My brother is queer. I suppose I was just shocked to hear that two queer men were going to raise a boy in such a backwoods county."            Ross had to speak. I was too overcome with emotion to form a coherent thought. His brother was queer. Oh, thank you God or whoever looks down on men like Ross and me.             "We had the secret well hidden," Ross explained. I nodded along as the whole story unfolded. I even smiled a bit when David choked on his bite of pie when the revelation about Charlotte was made. "I would have never guessed," he said after washing down the pie with some fresh coffee. "Betty never mentioned the fact that you were a homo. She just said you and her had harsh words the day your father died. She mourned the loss of your relationship, Jon. I can tell you that."            "Yes, I do as well," I said timidly. "So, David," I began as Ross sat down on my left. We could hear Charlotte scolding the geese for splashing her dress on the hot summer wind blowing through the screen-door. "You said you had family in Boston? Is that . . ." I had to pause to force the query out. "Is that where you and Andrew will be going?"            He nodded. My heart broke into several large chunks.             "Yes, my family owns a large foundry that will employ over a thousand men. Most were off serving but now they`re slowly coming back. I have a managerial position waiting for me. My mother and father, they`ve opened up their home for Andy and me. I think, well, I think we`ll take them up on the offer. I had planned to buy a nice little house for Betty and me but . . ." he swallowed down his own ball of grief. Was it possible that this man, this shell of a soldier, this gaunt willowy man could need the uncompromising sort of love that only a child could give? Could he need Andrew now more than I did?             "Would your mother take care of Andy while you were working?" I enquired. Ross now had my hand under his. Being open about our love made this a little easier.             "Yes, she would. She`s looking forward to having us both back home. She, uhm, she said she feared she would never see her youngest son again, and now she has a son and a grandson to coddle."            Corporal David Brooks blushed. I could not help but like the man no matter how I wanted to hate him. And believe you me, I was trying to hate him to beat the damn band!             "Your parents sound like fine, upstanding people," Ross said. "I know this is very forward of me, but do you think it would be possible for Jon and I to come see Andrew once in awhile?"            David lowered his mug from his thin lips. "I should hope so. Actually, I was hoping you and Jon would come along. I think if you two were there - people he knows and is obviously close to - well, it would make things easier for the lad, don`t you think?"            "Yes," I grinned, "Yes, I think it would make things much easier for him. Thank you, thank you so much," I said then began to cry despite all my efforts not to. Ross handed me his hankie.             "Betty would never forgive me if I cut off her Jonny. Tell me, did she leave any kind of letters for me with you?"            I shook my head as I blew my nose. "No, there was only one letter. I`m ashamed to say that I haven`t read it yet. Life has been quite a whirlwind since I learned about Andrew."            "Ah," David said, looking rather crestfallen. "Well, if you should ever come across any addressed to me that she wrote while she was ill I`d be glad to have them. How much is it like her to not share that sort of news with those she loved?" he asked with a wistful smile. "Damn, she was one strong woman."            "Yes, she was."            "I can see that same kind of strength in you. I mean, moving out here to raise my boy alone, knowing how much the people here resent your kind. You gave up everything for Betty`s son, and that takes courage. I`m really glad Andy will have men like you in his life."            I began sniffling again. I was glad Andy would have men like us in his life as well. And a father that was so open-minded. And an aunt who wore pumps and pin-striped frocks like no other woman.
            *~*~*
Dear Jon,I know this is going to come as a terrible shock, given how we ended things. You have no idea how many times I wrote letters to you, only to crumple them up. Pride. It is certainly a blessing and a curse and something you and I, and yes, Father, have in abundance.  Jon, no matter how you may feel about me, and the stand that I took that day, please do not let your hatred for me spill over onto Andrew. He is my darling baby boy. You are his uncle. He is all the family you`ll have left once this cancer takes me. His father is presumed dead, and that dream I had of marriage and a family is now gone. All that is left is sickness, hospitals, and a lost little boy with his uncle`s eyes and laugh.
Love him. Raise him well. Teach him about acceptance and forgiveness. Hold my baby close to you and never let anyone say that a man like you can`t be a good role model. I don`t care if you`re queer, Jon. I never did. Daddy did, I know, and I can only guess how much his disgust hurt you. But when I said those things about trying to be more like the rest of us, I only wanted to see you happy and safe. You took it to mean I was against your being a queer. I wasn`t. I was terrified of you being a dead queer.
Funny how when your time is near you see things with so much clarity, isn`t it?
Love,            Your sister,
Betty
             I laid the letter on the counter. The sun was falling behind the trees. George and Gracie were resting beside the creek with their heads tucked under their wings. Andy and his father were sitting on the bank, talking to each other. The setting sun cast them in brilliant orange. I drug the back of my hand under my eyes. Someone big, firm, and kind slipped his arms around me.             "I hear they have lovely landscapes in Massachusetts."            My lips pulled up at the corners even though the tears weren`t dried yet.             "I hear they have lots of wood there as well," I replied soaking all the strength I could from his embrace. "She never hated me for being queer," I choked out. Ross held me tight as father and son began to laugh out by the creek. We stood there in silence for several minutes.  "Will you come to Boston with me? With us?"            "Just try to stop me," he whispered teasingly as a redhead called out that the hot dogs were sufficiently burnt.            
           
The End



I hope you enjoyed Jon, Ross, and Andrew`s story. It has been a joy for me to write. I hope it has shown, in some small way, the steps that we have made in learning acceptance. Even today the war wages on but as Jon and Ross can attest to, love is love. It does not matter what gender or race those in love are. Let`s knock down those last remaining walls of intolerance once and for all.
Next week I'll begin sharing snippets from my current works-in-progress. Hope to see you then!

Click on the link below to return to the Tuesday Tales main blog for more great reads from the Tuesday Tales authors.
Tuesday Tales
See you next week!

Happy Easter

Throwback Thursday Tunes

 A great song from one of my favorite singers, Neil Young, singing about winds and keeping with our theme.

Full Strength Release Day!

What a bittersweet day this is for me. While I'm thrilled to have Victor's last book finally released, it breaks my heart to say goodbye to "The Venomous Pole" and the man who loved him though lots of ups and downs. I know lots of readers hated Vic, but plenty loved him as well. He certainly won my heart and I hope he wins yours with this last novella.

If you're interested in reading some exclusive excerpts, visit the following blogs during the Full Strength tour!




Blurb:

What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, Victor Kalinski was one of the best and most controversial ice hockey players in the pros. This year he’s playing in the minors, has a paternity case pending, and has just been vindictively outed to the world by one of his own teammates.
But he seems to find life in the tiny town of Cayuga to his liking. A large part of that is Dan Arou, the Cougars’ alternate captain and the man who now holds Victor’s heart. Surely venomous, viper-tongued Victor hasn’t been mellowed by love!

Well, perhaps a little. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t intend to get swee


Buy Links:

Amazon-http://amzn.to/1U7oENq
iBooks-http://tinyurl.com/hut7pu3All Romance eBooks-http://tinyurl.com/jaajm50B&N-http://tinyurl.com/j58u9br

Tuesday Tales - Mirror

Hello! It`s time for Tuesday Tales.


Today we have the next issue in my historical M/M romance, Dear Jon, which is set in 1945. Every issue of this serial will be under 1500 words so they're quick reads.  Our word prompt today is 'Mirror'. This story contains mature language and gay sexual situations. If that offends now would be the time to move onto another Tuesday Tales offering. Since I made a tiny boo-boo last week, I'm using the same word prompt two weeks in a row. I'm so silly at times! =D
Don`t forget to visit the other talented Tuesday Tales authors. Thanks for stopping by!



            Dinner arrived with flair. Pity that pizzazz wilted as soon as Charlotte sashayed into my sister`s humble cottage. Andrew was on my lap, stuck to me like a dry burdock. Ross was filling a plate with some pie I had purchased at the diner. Coffee was percolating. Andrew`s father sat in one of the rickety chairs looking lost. His eyes would not move from his son. And damn me for being a bastard, I held onto my nephew as if he were my life. Well, he was.  Half of it anyway.            "It`s not homemade, Corporal, but I wager even store-made might be tasty," Ross said as he placed the plate with the thin slice of cherry pie in front of the soldier.            "Isn`t that just my luck?" Charlotte said brightly. Our guest glanced over at the stunning redhead and his mouth dropped open an inch. "A good-looking man in uniform drops in and I`m off fetching meals!"             David stood up so rapidly his chair raced across the kitchen. He whipped his hat off his head.            "My name is Charlotte," she announced after depositing our meals on the table. He took her gloved hand gently. "Imagine a lady having to introduce herself."            "Sorry," Ross said as he moved to stand behind me. "We were still trying to recuperate from the pleasant surprise of Andrew`s father showing up."            Charlotte`s smoky eyes went wide. She allowed the soldier to bow over her hand then tugged free, her usually composed features mirroring her shock.             "I didn`t mean to cause hard feelings," David said. I pulled Andy closer. Ross placed a hand to my shoulder where it joins the neck.            "There are no hard feelings, Corporal," Ross said kindly as his fingers worked on the steel cords in my neck. "We are beyond thrilled to have our boys coming back home to their families."            Charlotte took the seat next to me. She stared at our guest openly, trying, I was sure, to find the similarities between Andrew and David. She didn't have to search long. I met her worried look with one of my own. Ross continued kneading the knot in my neck.             "I just want you to know that I am thankful beyond words for what you`ve done for Andrew. Taking care of him as if he were your own son. I - well, when I was recuperating all I could do was worry about him and his mother. She never mentioned any illness at all. The letters . . . just stopped suddenly. Then when I got into town and started asking around . . . I am so sad that the good Lord took her," he said, his eyes growing dewy.             Charlotte handed the G.I. a frilly pink handkerchief from her clutch. He politely declined the offer.  I turned my head so no one could see my tears welling up. I could not cry. Not in front of Andy. He had to know that his father coming to get him was a good thing. Ross rubbed harder to counter the emotional train wreck I was about to become. "We had planned to get married after the war and move to Boston where the family business is. Damn my stupidity for not insisting she marry me before I shipped out!"             "Don`t berate yourself, Corporal," Charlotte whispered to the distraught man. "We all think that we have lots of time."            "You`re very kind, Ma'am," he said thickly. I went to stand up. Ross kept me seated, fearing I would bolt. He was getting to know me rather well.  The geese were at the back door. Andrew wiggled free.             "That`s George and Gracie," he informed the stranger with the same chin as his. My stomach cramped. Ross now had two hands on my neck. "They eat bread. You want to feed them?"             David smiled weakly at his son then nodded. The two went outside, each with a slice of  bread in hand. As soon as the rickety screen door closed, I buried my face in my hands. Charlotte began whispering platitudes. Ross worked on my neck to the point of pain. I welcomed the harsh fingers deep in my knotted muscle. It kept me from breaking down into a blubbering blob completely. Ross bent down, his thick arms wound around my shoulders. I leaned back, sucking in rapid breaths to try to regain some control. The radio was playing a song from that movie that Bogie released a few years ago.             "I know," Ross said as his rough cheek rested against mine. "I know how hard this is for you, but the boy has to be with his father, Jon. I will be right at your side. You know I love you, right? We`ll get through this together."            I nodded. Ross placed his lips to my damp cheek. The door opened with a slam. I jerked sharply as did the man holding me so intimately. Andrew bolted up to the table with mud on his nose. Corporal David Brooks stood in the doorway, the smile he had been wearing slowly slipping as he spied me in my lover`s embrace. If not for the gentle music falling from the radio, the moment would have been unbearable. As it was, I knew any thought I might have entertained about asking for visitation was now gone.             I took one of those strong, rough hands on my shoulder in mine and held on tight.
Copyright 2013 ©by V.L. Locey
*~*~*
Click on the link below to return to the Tuesday Tales main blog for more great reads from the Tuesday Tales authors.
Tuesday Tales
See you next week!

Snippet Sunday

Howdy! 

Today I'm sharing a snippet from Finding the Edge, the first book in the Brighton Woods Blades LGBT hockey romance series. Our leading men are a retired defenseman, Corbin Hancock, and a young forward, Dance Coldecott. 
For this week's snippet we move back to Dance's point of view. This book is just flying along so it's going to be a bit jumpy at times and I apologize for any confusion that causes. Generally I write quickly, but this story is one of those that will not let me rest! And I am loving every minute of it.  In this snippet we get a good peek at how things are progressing relationship-wise between our two leading men. 
This excerpt is hot off the presses and has not been professionally edited. I've done my best to make it as tidy as I could but there may be some misplaced commas or other mistakes. Please be kind about any flubs you may find. When you're done reading today's snippet, skate on over to Cathy Brockman, Misty Harvey and Ellie Mack's blog to see what they've been up to recently. 


~~*~~

           "Dance," he shouted then waved the collapsible fishing poles at the opening. "If one of Lem's cows gets out I'm making you chase the fucker!"            Knowing he would follow through on the threat, I threw the tackle box to the ground then unfolded myself out of the sidecar. I never even gave him a sideways glance when I stalked past him at the gate. A sound like an amused chuckle met my ear but I ignored it as well as the man who made it. The gate rattled shut behind me. My shoes had not been made for walking around the edge of a pond. They were nice suede boots made for city streets. By the time we arrived at a spot Corbin pronounced as suitable my feet were soaked as were my pant legs up to the knee.             "Sit down."             I gave the crooked tree behind us a look."I'd really rather stand."            "Suit yourself." He bent down, opened the tackle box, found a lure that looked like a frog, and attached it to his pole. I folded my arms over my chest. A sharp smack to my ass sent me into the air with a yelp. "Sorry," Corbin said and tried to flip his fishing rod out to its full length. "I told you to sit down."            With that, he dropped to his ass and leaned his back against a tree. Rubbing my backside where his pole had hit me, I stabbed him with dark looks. All he did in return was stretch out his legs, cross them at the ankle, and rest his pole over the tip of his black biker boots.             "Why don't we try opening up the dialog by saying that the next time you send someone an email under my name I'll be on you like ugly on a baboon's ass." The pond was nice, too many bugs, but nice. The red cows were now staring at us. A blackbird with scarlet epaulets landed on the top of a post nearly hidden by brackish pond water and called out a loud Okaleeeeee. "I'll take your silence as meaning you understand." He reeled his lure up and casted again. It hit the water with a soft plop! that startled the black bird. "Now why don't you tell me why a kid who wears a watch that cost more than my mother paid for her house twenty years ago turned white as a ghost when renovations to the rink were mentioned."            Dropping down into a crouch I watched his frog lure slowly coming back to shore leaving oddly shaped ripples in its wake.             "It just startled me is all," I lied then flopped down to sit on the damp bank. My hip rested flush against Corbin's thick calf.             "Uh-huh." Several long moments ticked by. My chin rested on my knees. Corbin must have cast out his lure at least a dozen times as I fought off a couple of persistent flies and tried not to feel the heat of that leg seeping into my hip. "You know that you can talk to me about any kind of shit that's going down in your life, right?"            My sight darted from the nosy red cows cooling their bellies in the pond to Corbin. His expression sure looked sincere.             "Yeah, right," I replied and then went back to watching cows skinny-dipping. His exhalation rolled over the low hum of flying insects. A dragonfly zipped by. Corbin's hand settled on my left shoulder. My body tensed. He squeezed, pushing his strong fingers deeply into my flesh. I wet my lips and glanced at the huge hand resting by my neck. Then my sight moved up his arm, over the cheap watch and tattoos in thick black ink, until our gazes locked. I'd never seen so many things in a man's eyes as I did that day. I wanted to take each emotion and extract it, analyze it, place it on a slide and study it under a microscope. Reading the things swimming in his gaze made a hunger rise up inside of me.             "You and me…shit…it's going to end in heartache I can tell. Damn my soul if I can stop thinking about kissing you." His voice was smoky and hot. His fingertips bit into my shoulder as he tugged me back and to the side. I thought about resisting just to prove something. Something like maybe I didn't want him to touch me or say shit like that. But I did, I really did. God how I wanted it.





Don't forget to drop by Cathy, Misty and Ellie's blogs-
Cathy Brockman Romances
Author Misty Harvey
Ellie Mack's Blog