V.L. Locey's Blog, page 60

Throwback Thursday Tune

Today we have another great lady of country music- the beautiful, blonde and buxom Dolly Parton!

Tuesday Tales - Writing

Hello! It`s time for Tuesday Tales.


Today we have the first issue in my historical M/M romance, Dear Jon. Every issue of this serial will be between 1000 and 1500 words so they're quick reads.  Our word prompt today is 'Writing'.
Don`t forget to visit the other talented Tuesday Tales authors. Thanks for stopping by!




Greenwich Village
Caffe Wastrel Coffee House
1945

One never expects life altering news to be delivered over coffee and Danish. Maybe it`s the assumption that cherry, cream cheese, and flaky crust will somehow protect you from the hand of fate slapping the shit out of you. That somehow the sweetness of the tart and the richness of the coffee can envelope you in a cushion of false security. Hell, maybe I just didn`t think anything from the family would dare to come find me in Greenwich Village. Lord knows my father certainly wouldn`t have stepped a foot in this section of the great metropolis.
Leave it to Betty to be the one to flip my world upside down. She was always one of those elder sisters that could make you feel like a king one moment and a pauper the next. It had been ten years since I had heard from my sister. Ten years is a long time. A lot can happen in ten years. A world war for instance. I think I may have been caught up in the glorious aftermath of V-J Day, like every other red-blooded American. We had just celebrated our victory over Japan a month ago. We – and I mean we as in the singular individual and a country – were so hopped up on our own godliness that we – and I mean me now – couldn`t imagine a kick in the shins coming in the form of a Western Union telegram.
However, it had. Now here I was sitting in my favorite coffee shop in my favorite part of New York a scant two blocks from my studio/apartment. The boy who had pedaled across the Village in search of me was antsy. He couldn`t have been older than fourteen but he was prouder than Punch of the official cap and uniform, even if his tie was a little off center of his pronounced adams apple. The two-cent tip brought a wide grin to his gaunt face.
“Thank you, Sir!” He ran off with exuberance. I, with far less exuberance, flipped the envelope over and looked at Charlotte. She lit a cigarette, eyed the missive with her large grey eyes then stood up and left. Her behavior wasn`t odd. At least not for Charlotte. She`s one of the most superstitious people I have ever met.
“It might not be bad news,” I called over my shoulder.
My friend waved my words away like an annoying mosquito and swayed out onto the sidewalk, the door of the coffee shop drifting closed behind her. I smiled at her well-clad back. Charlotte Duvall - aka Charles Goodrich- was one of the best female impersonators I had ever had the pleasure of meeting or seeing perform. The woman was pure vamp.
 I had come to Greenwich after the death of my father to find a place where a person could be who and/or what they wanted to be. For me that was an artist who slept with other men. For Charlotte it was looking better than ninety-nine percent of the other women in New York. For my friend Patty it was making a home for herself and her gal Ronnie while she worked on her writing. The Village is the most welcoming neighborhood for the odd balls of society on the east coast. Greenwich is bohemian and open-minded, rich in art and music, and particularly respectful of those who live within its invisible walls of acceptance.
I watched Charlotte going past the front windows, looking damn sharp in a black calico dress with pink pin striping and a jaunty black cocktail hat with a pink flower. Straight men and gay alike turned to admire her. The redhead knew she had it and boy did she flaunt it. I ran my sight up to the fan spinning lazily overhead, my fingers growing clammy. I could see my name and the address of my studio typed out neatly through the skinny window. Somewhere behind the counter, Les Brown was playing My Dreams Are Getting Better All the Time.The other patrons had returned to their coffee and their own private melodramas.

Mr. Jon Porter 18 Barrow St.

I laid the envelope on the table, tapping the three-cent stamp for luck before ripping the end off and tugging the folded dispatch out. I knew before I even opened the telegram that the line about this possibly being good news I had fed Charlotte was a just that, a damned line. Betty never contacted me after that showdown the day dad died. What was there to say to each other? I think we pretty much said it all that icy cold afternoon in January. What could she want? There wasn`t anyone left to die aside from a few distant relatives who no one cared about, cold as that sounds. If they knew about me they`d be glad not to have the queer nephew coming to call, rest assured. But, I could have been putting the cart before the horse. Maybe this message wasn't from my estranged sister at all. There was only one way to tell.
Running a hand through my hair, I peeked at the mirror on the wall. Yeah, I was stalling. I was also scared. It was obvious. Worried green eyes stared back at me. I patted down the sandy blonde hair that was scandalously skimming over my collar. Yeah, I looked normal enough. Brown gabardine slacks with a short-sleeved tan shirt. No tie, no hat, no jacket. Still rebelling at twenty-eight, ey Jon?
Finding the guts, I unfolded the telegram, found my coffee, downed a good pull, and then read.

Mr. Jon Porter18 Barrow St.Greenwich Village, New York
Sister Betty Porter passed away. Stop. Your presence required home immediately. Stop. Of utmost urgency you return ASAP. Stop. To do with your nephew. Stop.
Theodore Bartlett Esq.Law Office of Bartlett & BowenHannity Hills, PA
I found my reflection again. I looked stunned.
Nephew?








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!

Parties and Blog Tours and Pinterest Pages! Oh My!

Now that Clean Sweep is out and skating on its own, I have just a few more tidbits of interest to pass along to y'all. Next week we'll get back to our Sunday Ramble posts with my August Blogletter which will fill everyone in on the latest buzz. Today I'd like to share a few things that I think might be interesting for my readers.




Clean Sweep Facebook Release Party

Tomorrow over at Facebook I'm celebrating the release of Clean Sweep by throwing a party! The event will run from 12-8 and is chocked full of great authors stopping by to celebrate the Venom's first book. Check out this roster--

12-1-V.L. Locey

1-2 - Elley Arden

2-3 - K.T.Hicks

3-4 - Tricia Andersen

4-5 - Jean Joachim

5-6 - Katie Kenyhercz

6-7 - Evelise Archer

7-8 - Nikki Belaire

This event is being hosted by Author Classifieds and promises to be a great time! There will be tons of games and giveaways so drop in often during the day for more chances to win!

****


Beginning Sept. 7 and running through Sept. 18 will be the Clean Sweep Blog Tour hosted by My Family's Heart. I'll be visiting some wonderful blogs every day with excerpts and personal posts. You can get all the info on the various stops on the tour by checking out their Facebook page and looking in the photo section. 
My Family's Heart Facebook Page
****
Last but not least, is the link to the Clean Sweep storyboard over at Pinterest. There you can see who the inspiration for Tore was, what I pictured Coach Jane looking like, as well as lots of great images of the supporting cast and other hockey-related goodness!

Clean Sweep Pinterest Board

Holly J. Gill's Innocence Tour

HTML post     Innocence by Holly J Gill  Book 1 in the Innocence Series  Buy Links  Amazon UKAmazon US        Quote: ‘Don’t make promises you cannot keep!’  Calvin Edwards, has everything he could dream about, perfect lifestyle, running the family real-estate company back in London. He takes a holiday up North to visit his parents, only when out walking on his parents land, he finds a young pregnant woman attempting to take her life. Calvin wishes to help, becoming a friend through her troubles, only fears he’s out of his depth, let alone discovers his past comes back to life, sending his life crashing.  Kacey is pregnant and her life is out of control, with nowhere left to go. She descends on her mum for one last chance for help, only the door is slammed in her face. At her wits end, alone, scared and helpless until Calvin comes along. He becomes a dear friend giving her kindness. Only what she’d pushed to the back of her mind through selfish pain, is back. Her past has come back to life! Teasers:                 5 Star review     Well I've enjoyed all of Holly 's previous books ,but this one was written in a completely different direction to her others . I wasn't sure what to expect . Well what can I say other than 'when is book two out' . Loved it from beginning to end , you could feel both of their pain on the decisions life had put in front of them .not sure where to go who to turn too, yet she came through it all and is still fighting. What a roller coaster ride she had ,then after all those years she meets a man who seems to care about her ,like no one has for such a long time ,only to find he was the someone she had to run away from ,frightened he would disown her like her mother did . Bringing her mother to mind as someone I would like to disown , treating her daughter the way she did ,leaving her homeless , helpless on the streets vulnerable .while she carries on leading a normal life .. what amazes me is they all feel there suffering more ! They haven't lived the life of hell she has ,quitting her family ,giving something precious up ..well without telling you the whole story , this was a book I enjoyed from beginning till end .... About the Author     I’m a wife, mum of three all grown up and fleeing their nests and I’m a proud nana to twins. I live in England a town called Grimsby where I work as a care assistant in a residential home. I enjoy spending quality time with my family. Me and hubby have a secret hideaway for peace and quiet in a sweet idyllic campsite were we like to pitch a tent close to York one of my favourite cities. I enjoy touring around the UK, sight-seeing, visiting stately homes and castles. Hobbies I like to read and write. I have been writing since being a young girl, always having a wild imagination which never ceases to amaze me. When writing I am not committed to one genre I like to move around wherever my mood takes me. I currently have an erotic series out called Desires about a sex club. And finally I have a terrible sweet tooth especially when it comes to treacle sponge. Stalker Links for the Author http://www.facebook.com/hollyjgillauthor http://hollyjgill.blogspot.co.uk/ http://hollyjodygill.blogspot.co.uk/ https://twitter.com/HollyJGill On behalf of bookpimpers and Holly J Gill we want to say a massive thank you for taking part in the release blitz . 

Clean Sweep Release Day!

It's here and sooner than I had thought! Today you can pick up your copy of Clean Sweep, book #1 of the Venom series. There is nothing more exciting for an author than release day and knowing that your book is now in the hands of readers. I hope that you all enjoy the beginning of what I hope will be an incredible series filled with humor, heartache, hockey and friendship! 






You can pick up your copy of Jane and Tore's book at these fine retailers:


Amazon-http://tinyurl.com/qzfpp5v
Secret Cravings Store-http://tinyurl.com/oyb4teuBookstrand-http://www.bookstrand.com/clean-sweetKobo-https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/clean-sweep-5

Throwback Thursday Tune

Who out there doesn`t have at least one song that they love from the Man in Black? There are too many for me to count, but this classic from Johnny Cash ranks right up at the top of my favorites!

Tuesday Tales - Picture Prompt

Hello! It`s time for Tuesday Tales.


Today we have the final chapter of Wind in White Birch. Since this is the last chapter of Dana and Jonah`s romance, my gracious fellow Tuesday Tales authors have given this issue a special pass on the 300 word limit that usually accompanies our picture prompts. You gals are the best! *Hugs*
Don`t forget to visit the other talented Tuesday Tales authors. Thanks for stopping by!
For this final issue, I wanted to include a link to the Seneca- Allegheny Nations Veterans Pow Wow for you to listen to as you read. If you recall, Jonah mentioned he participated in the drums earlier in the story. This link adds a great feel to this last chapter as well as shows some of the native culture of our leading man. If you've never been to a pow wow you're in for a treat when you listen to the drumming and song in the video below! But, feel free to wait until you are done reading if you wish. 



            The summer sun was brutal. I had found a nice cool tent to relax in. It had been a long, glorious July day. One that Rhett and I would never forget. I sucked on a bottle of raspberry water while peeking at the ceremonial dances now taking place. Rhett had been thrilled beyond words to be allowed to dance with Jonah`s nieces and nephews. Granted, his costume was rather lacking compared to the stunning ones that we saw among the seasoned participants, but Rhett didn`t mind his hastily thrown together ensemble.I glanced at my watch, rather anxious to find Jonah and perhaps do some shopping. I had promised I would send gifts down with Rhick for the Clairton Corp when he returned to Pittsburgh. It would have to suffice until we got down at Christmas. I would have to take roses and chocolates to my grandmother as well as holiday presents when we visited. She was quite distraught over losing her baby boy and I.




            Looking out of the tent filled with beautifully made blankets I spied my ex and his wife talking with Andy Big Deer. My son was with his dad at the moment, his cheeks flushed with exertion from his dance. Rhick had insisted on coming up to see Rhett perform and photograph the boy`s participation. He was handling our move to the Finger Lakes region much better than I had thought he would. The news that he was going to be a dad again might have taken some of the sting out of it. Time would tell how his second marriage fared with the new addition adding to the strain. I wished him well. Rhick and Jonah had kept themselves at a peaceable distance today, and while the two of them would never be bestest buddies, they were keeping civil tongues for the sake of the boy they both loved dearly.            I was swishing some ice-cold water over my tongue when some fool grabbed both my butt cheeks. Water spewed over the side of the tent and a pretty gold and blue blanket. I spun around and slugged Jonah as hard as I could in his arm. The owner of the tent was not amused and I apologized profusely to the elderly Native American woman. Jonah quickly purchased the blanket that I had spit on, told the woman we`d be back for it, and then led me out the back of the tent.             “I should keep an eye on Rhett,” I said, glancing over my shoulder at my child.            “He`s with his dad, he`ll be fine.”            I didn`t have time to argue. Soon we were behind the bleachers that were packed with people. The gathering was always a huge draw with dancers and drummers coming in from all over the United States. Jonah had opted not to dance, but he had entered the drum competition, which was still going on. I followed behind the man in the white tee, leather vest, and worn jeans. His wrists were covered with beaded bracelets his sister and nieces had gifted him with. Feathers dangled from his plaited hair. His grip on my wrist was tight but not painful. The sounds and smells of the gathering began to wane slightly as we slid into the woods. The air was delightfully cooler under the pines. We stopped after walking for another five minutes or so.             I padded around a small area letting the pine-scented air move through my cotton top. Jonah was leaning against a huge white pine, one moccasin-clad foot resting on the trunk, the other on the ground, his arms folded over his chest. I lowered my eyes from the boughs and quirked an eyebrow at him.            “What?” I asked, wondering if I had globbered something on my yellow blouse or denim skirt. I wouldn`t be surprised. I had eaten enough here to sink the Lusitania.             “You know you`re the most beautiful woman at this pow-wow?" I fluttered my lashes at him, but he didn`t smile or wink, he just continued to stare. I stopped playing as the serious mood he seemed to be in now overtook the tiny space in the woods we occupied.             “Is there something wrong?” I inquired. I began ticking off things mentally. I had gotten June`s books done and sent to the CPA. Payroll was done. We had two guides now: Jonah and a highly skilled man by the name of David Crow Wing. The reservations for the rest of the month were in, booked, and confirmed. That we had this weekend to play was amazing. Not that we didn`t want White Birch Lodge booked all year round, but a day off was greatly appreciated, let me tell you.             His hand coming to rest on my shoulder shook me from my list of potential problems.            “Did I forget something?” I asked. He shook his head slowly, keeping those dark, dark eyes of his glued to my face.             “No, you didn`t forget anything. You`re the best bookkeeper, reservation person, personal assistant, and runner of my life I could have asked for. I just was wondering if you`d like to move up on the employee scale?”            I made a face. “What did you have in mind? I don`t know if I can take on any more mantles to be honest. I`m still trying to find us a cook and then there`s all that paperwork with the state game commission that will have to be done. And don`t forget we have to apply for specialty tags for the guys booking for fall hunts and . . .”            “I was thinking something more along the lines of co-owner of White Birch Lodge." My mouth dropped open for a second.             “I don`t have that kind of money,” I muttered, a very odd feeling settling deep inside of me.            “I`m not looking for a business partner, Dana, I`m looking for a life partner,” Jonah whispered while holding a small velvet box out to me. “Marry me.”            It felt as if the world slowed down. I glanced down at the tiny blue box, my hands beginning to shake violently. Then I looked into his eyes. That was all it took. My whole world – my future – was right there in those obsidian eyes of his.             “Are you sure you want to wed a cougar?” I asked, tears welling up despite my resolve not to cry. Jonah smiled and flicked the box open with his thumb. The round diamond sparkled in the late afternoon rays of sun that snuck through the boughs. The glittering gem was set in silver and the band was inlaid with turquoise.             “I`ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” the man said earnestly.             “If you`re sure, then yes, I`ll marry you.”            He slid the ring on my finger and then kissed me until we were both short of breath.             “Take us home,” I whispered, clinging to Jonah tightly. “This is wonderful, but it can`t compare to the wind moving through our white birch.”            “Our white birch . . . I love hearing you say that.”            I planned on saying that to him until the day the wind ceased blowing and the trees stopped singing their plaintive lover`s song.


The End
Copyright 2013 ©by V.L. Locey

*~*~* 

Thank you so much for reading along. This serial has become one of my favorite stories for so many reasons. I hope you grew to love Dana, Jonah, and the supporting cast as much as I did. We may return to White Birch Lodge sometime in the future, as there is a new romance that might blossom given time.
Next we`ll be doing something a little different but just as romantic. I`ll be taking you back in time for an M/M romance set in nineteen forty-five. World War 2 has just ended when Jon Porter gets a telegram that will change his life forever. Western Union`s friendly service doesn`t soften the blow of finding out that his estranged sister has died leaving him to care for a nephew Jon never knew existed.
Jon returns to the small rural town of Hannity Hills, Pennsylvania, fully prepared to do what he must to set up a quick adoption for his nephew, Andy. Once he`s back home though, things go awry for the artist. First on the derailment of John`s neat plans is four year old Andrew himself. Secondly, he meets Ross Coleman, a local woodworking artisan, and the flames of attraction flare up instantly.
How can a man leave when he`s finding so much to stay for? How can he stay when his livelihood is screaming for him to go? There are no easy answers in my M/M romance Dear Jon, debuting next week.
Click on the link below to return to the Tuesday Tales main blog for more great reads from the talented Tuesday Tales authors.
Tuesday Tales
See you next week!

Monday Author/Book Spotlight - Kenzie Mack's Moon Secrets

Please welcome Kenzie to our little literary cupboard under the stairs. She`s here to share some information about her novel, Moon Secrets. 




Moon Secrets Media Kit
Amazon buy link:  http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Secrets-Readers-Choice-Tale-ebook/dp/B00WLP4DRI/
Amazon Author page:  http://www.amazon.com/Kenzie-Mack/e/B00LK2QXIU/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1433528814&sr=8-1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsKenzieMack?ref=hl
twitter:  @mskenziemack
Website: http://www.kenziemack.com/blog




Blurb ~
In order to secure his future with Ebony’s pack, John must bond with Nathan.  He joins the gruff and prickly shifter on a secret outing and learns there’s more to his skunk-haired pack mate than a bad attitude.  Nathan’s a skilled tracker.
A misty red trail leads them to the evil red-eyed Deceiver, haunting John’s nightmares since his bonding with Daniela.  Deceivers infiltrate shifter packs intent on wiping out this magical species.  The red trail leads to a shocking revelation—a deceiver lives among them.
John stands witness to a battle with the pack mate who betrayed them. The fight brings chaos, death and the early emergence of John’s special shifter talent.  Can his bond with Ebony and the remaining pack members survive the devastation?
Once again, the heat level of this adult tale and the decision to continue the story with Ebony in the form of a She-Wolf or He-Wolf is left in your hands.  Stick with your preferred character or twist things up.
Reader’s Choice offers you the best of both world
EXCERPT ~ 324 words            The front door opened and Anna fluttered in, offering a ray of hope and joy that only she could.  She scanned the pack’s tense faces and asked, “What’d I miss?”
            Nate stepped forward and kissed her cheek.  “Nothing, Anna, I’m just heading back out on an errand.”            John reached out to stroke Ebb’s cheek, placing a soft kiss on it before walking to the door where Nathan waited.            Ebony followed and whispered, “Don’t let him get to you, Lover.”            John stopped and embraced Ebony.  “I’ll try, Ebb, I promise I’ll try, but he’s had it in for me from the start.”            Ebony’s hands moved over the two-week’s worth of stubble on John’s scalp.  Apparently after his first shift, anything more substantial than face shaving would re-grow within the hour.            His true love nibbled his lips, leaving a slight barbeque kick behind and melting his annoyance.  He sucked in Ebony’s tongue and slid his hands to cup Ebb’s fine ass.  Damn, he never tired of kissing his gorgeous mate.            “Cha-ca,” Aaron coughed.            “Later, everyone,” said Nathan, opening the door and exiting.            Ebony pulled back, holding John’s face and searching for something in his eyes.  “You are strong.”            John’s heart swelled.  He leaned in, pressing forehead to forehead with the love of his life.  “Nothing and no one could ever keep me from you.  You are mine.”            Their lips met in a gentle kiss.            “Nate’s heading south,” Anna announced like the most chipper newscaster in television history.            John sighed and left the restaurant, scanning the sidewalk for old skunk-head.  To his right, thirty feet away and moving fast, Nathan walked with purpose.            A sudden muscle spasm caused John to stretch his neck before jogging to catch up.            How bad could an outing with Skunky really be?            At Nate’s side, he matched his pace.  Skunk-head gave him a cold sideways glance through slitted lids.
            Okay, it could be pretty damn bad.

Monday Author/Book Spotlight - Kenzie Mack

Please welcome Kenzie to our little literary cupboard under the stairs. She`s here to share some information about her novel, Moon Secrets. 




Moon Secrets Media Kit
Amazon buy link:  http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Secrets-Readers-Choice-Tale-ebook/dp/B00WLP4DRI/
Amazon Author page:  http://www.amazon.com/Kenzie-Mack/e/B00LK2QXIU/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1433528814&sr=8-1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsKenzieMack?ref=hl
twitter:  @mskenziemack
Website: http://www.kenziemack.com/blog




Blurb ~
In order to secure his future with Ebony’s pack, John must bond with Nathan.  He joins the gruff and prickly shifter on a secret outing and learns there’s more to his skunk-haired pack mate than a bad attitude.  Nathan’s a skilled tracker.
A misty red trail leads them to the evil red-eyed Deceiver, haunting John’s nightmares since his bonding with Daniela.  Deceivers infiltrate shifter packs intent on wiping out this magical species.  The red trail leads to a shocking revelation—a deceiver lives among them.
John stands witness to a battle with the pack mate who betrayed them. The fight brings chaos, death and the early emergence of John’s special shifter talent.  Can his bond with Ebony and the remaining pack members survive the devastation?
Once again, the heat level of this adult tale and the decision to continue the story with Ebony in the form of a She-Wolf or He-Wolf is left in your hands.  Stick with your preferred character or twist things up.
Reader’s Choice offers you the best of both world
EXCERPT ~ 324 words            The front door opened and Anna fluttered in, offering a ray of hope and joy that only she could.  She scanned the pack’s tense faces and asked, “What’d I miss?”
            Nate stepped forward and kissed her cheek.  “Nothing, Anna, I’m just heading back out on an errand.”            John reached out to stroke Ebb’s cheek, placing a soft kiss on it before walking to the door where Nathan waited.            Ebony followed and whispered, “Don’t let him get to you, Lover.”            John stopped and embraced Ebony.  “I’ll try, Ebb, I promise I’ll try, but he’s had it in for me from the start.”            Ebony’s hands moved over the two-week’s worth of stubble on John’s scalp.  Apparently after his first shift, anything more substantial than face shaving would re-grow within the hour.            His true love nibbled his lips, leaving a slight barbeque kick behind and melting his annoyance.  He sucked in Ebony’s tongue and slid his hands to cup Ebb’s fine ass.  Damn, he never tired of kissing his gorgeous mate.            “Cha-ca,” Aaron coughed.            “Later, everyone,” said Nathan, opening the door and exiting.            Ebony pulled back, holding John’s face and searching for something in his eyes.  “You are strong.”            John’s heart swelled.  He leaned in, pressing forehead to forehead with the love of his life.  “Nothing and no one could ever keep me from you.  You are mine.”            Their lips met in a gentle kiss.            “Nate’s heading south,” Anna announced like the most chipper newscaster in television history.            John sighed and left the restaurant, scanning the sidewalk for old skunk-head.  To his right, thirty feet away and moving fast, Nathan walked with purpose.            A sudden muscle spasm caused John to stretch his neck before jogging to catch up.            How bad could an outing with Skunky really be?            At Nate’s side, he matched his pace.  Skunk-head gave him a cold sideways glance through slitted lids.
            Okay, it could be pretty damn bad.

Clean Sweep Book Trailer

I am thrilled and tickled to be able to share this wonderful trailer, crafted by Carolyn Wren, with you today! It has been some time since I had a book trailer to pass along. Not since my first two Gods & Goats books if memory serves. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! It certainly captures the feel of the series. The music is upbeat to reflect the speed of ice hockey, and the sports template is amazing!

Clean Sweep is releasing on Aug. 17th exclusively from Secret Cravings Publishing.