Andrew Q. Gordon's Blog, page 62
August 8, 2013
PITCH; By Will Parkinson – Book Blog Tour
Today I have the privilege of being allowed to host part of Will Parkinson’s PITCH blog tour. Will has brought a few things to share in addition to his giveaway. First there is a prequel of sorts. Will shares a short story that introduces us to one of the main characters, Jackson Kern. The story takes place before the event in PITCH.
Next you’ll get to read an interview with Jackson. This gives us a bit more insight into the person who captives Taylor Andrew’s every waking - and some sleeping – moment.
Last there is an excerpt from the book. This is a nice introduction to the book itself.
Oh yes, there is a giveaway. Read on to the end and you’ll find a link. It’s easy to enter, so don’t forget to do that after you’ve read all that WIll has sent along.
Before PITCH:
Jackson Kern wiped the sweat from his brow as he looked to the runner on first base. If Nick hadn’t bobbled an easy out, the inning would be over already. Jackson gave a mental shrug. It didn’t matter, it was just gym class and not like anything important. He gave Luke a quick glance before pulling his arm to his chest, cocking back and hurling the dusty white orb toward the plate. Vic swung hard, trying to drive the ball over the fence. Instead he whiffed, striking out and ruining the skin teams chance to get caught up.
“Kern! You’re the man. Where the hell did you learn to throw like that?”
Jackson ducked his head. He wasn’t used to being in the public eye and considering some of his past experiences and the troubles that they brought him, he found it to be much easier to keep out of the limelight.
He gave a one-shoulder shrug. “Dunno. Just like the game, I guess.”
“You should see about joining the team next year,” someone called out.
Jackson’s shoulders slumped. He longed to be a part of something, to erase his past and build a future. Baseball might be just the thing to give it to him. It wouldn’t be this year. They were only going to be here for a few more months before his dad’s job pulled them to yet another town. He hated they were moving. He loved Chicago. After the activity in the Windy City, Milwaukee would pale by comparison. Would they even have a team at the school he’d be going to?
“Let’s head inside,” the teacher shouted. “And don’t forget to shower. I don’t wanna be smelling you when you’re done.”
Jackson trudged across the diamond, intent on the lockers. A few more days and this school would be history. That would make—what? Eleven schools in the last two years? His dad had promised Milwaukee would be their last transfer until after graduation. Maybe baseball was something he could build on. His teachers had often told him he was something special when he pitched. He smiled to himself as an idea came to mind.
“Yes,” he thought, “Milwaukee is going to be very different.”
Meet Jackson Kern:
Jackson Kern had just stepped out of the locker room after tryouts when he was besieged by a perky young redhead.
“Hi,” she squeaked. “I’m Cate Ashwood. I’m on the school’s newspaper. I wanted to interview you.”
Jackson’s brows knitted, confusion etched on his face.
“I saw you play. You were amazing. Could I ask you a few questions?”
Jackson nodded. He’d never encountered anyone this…bubbly before.
“Okay, great. Thanks! Where were you born?”
A grin played over Jackson’s face. “In a hospital.”
Cate sighed heavily and rolled her eyes.
“Sorry,” Jackson replied, the grin on his face indicating otherwise. “I was born in Phoenix, Arizona.”
“What’s it like being the new guy in school?” Cate wondered.
Now it was Jackson’s turn to sigh. “I’m used to it,” he said quietly. “We travel a lot because of my dad’s job, so I’m the new guy quite often.”
“What do you want to accomplish while you’re here?”
Jackson perked up. “I want to play baseball. I want to help take the team to State. I’m grateful I got here when I did. I’d also like to be a part of something bigger than just me. I haven’t decided what just yet, but I have a plan in mind. If it all works out, everyone will know who I am.”
Cate opened her mouth to ask another question when a voice called out. “Jackson. You were amazing!”
Becca Monroe flew through the gym and wrapped her arms around Jackson, giving him a solid kiss on the cheek. “We should celebrate. Maybe go to have some pizza or something. What do you think?”
Jackson gave a small smile. “Becca, do you know Cate?”
Becca turned and eyed Cate. “No.” She glared at Cate. “ I’m sure I don’t. Should we go?”
She put her arm through Jackson’s and started toward the door.
“Thanks for your time, Jackson. Best of luck this season. I hope I get the chance to interview you when you make it to State.”
Jackson turned and gave Cate a goodbye wave before his attention shifted back to Becca.
“I can’t believe how well that went. I’m not sure what to do next.”
“Don’t worry,” she purred. “I have plans for you.”
* * *
Andrew was kind enough to allow me on his blog. I’m grateful for the opportunity. :)
Blurb
The day Jackson Kern walks into Taylor Andrews’s classroom is a momentous day in Taylor’s life. He’s had crushes before, sure, but as time goes on, this is starting to look a whole lot more serious. Still, Jackson doesn’t return Taylor’s feelings.
Taylor has his own admirers, though. Kevin Richards is used to getting what he wants, and what he wants right now is Taylor, so when Taylor rejects him, Kevin retaliates. At first Taylor’s entourage rallies around him, but then Kevin takes his deception one step further and Taylor sees his support dwindle, teaching him the valuable lesson about who he can truly consider a friend.
Excerpt
PG only – YA so it doesn’t get explicit
TAYLOR ANDREWS glanced toward the door and noticed a young man, shoulders hunched, waiting outside the classroom. As he continued to stare, the newcomer took a deep breath, threw back his shoulders, and lifted his head before he stepped into Mrs. Wagner’s homeroom. He walked with purpose toward the front of the classroom and handed the teacher a sheet of paper without saying a word.
After a brief moment of studying the paper, Mrs. Wagner smiled at the young man before turning to the students filling the desks of her classroom. “Class, this is Jackson Kern. It’s his first day here, and I need a volunteer to help him get acclimated.”
Taylor looked at the new guy and felt his face heat. He grabbed his ever-present sketchpad from his backpack, his desire to capture this stranger’s likeness overwhelming. The guy was… well, gorgeous. Taylor’s hands flew over the paper as he took in Jackson Kern’s beautiful well-sculpted face, rich chocolate-brown eyes, and dark, thick hair. He had a toned body, maybe a swimmer? God, what he wouldn’t give to….
“I’ll show him around, Mrs. Wagner,” Becca Monroe offered brightly, interrupting Taylor’s wayward thoughts.
“Thank you, Becca,” Mrs. Wagner said with a smile before turning to the newest addition to the class. “Jackson, please take a seat. Becca will walk with you and show you the building and where your classes will be. If you have any questions, just ask her.”
“Yes, ma’am, thank you,” the new kid replied. Taylor noted how polite Jackson was, unlike most of the guys in his tenth-grade class.Jackson parked his tall, lanky body in the seat next to Becca and started talking. Taylor watched as Becca’s eyes roamed over Jackson’s frame, and she licked her lips. He could tell she was already on the prowl. She was a pretty enough girl, if you liked them. Long reddish-brown hair, big green eyes, and a big… ego.
She was hot and she knew it. She was also the kind of girl who was only out for one thing. Herself. She was junior varsity head cheerleader, something his best friend, Benny Peters, always had a lot of fun commenting on. She’d dated the captains of most of the sports teams, always switching to a new guy at the beginning of the season.
“Damn lucky girl,” Taylor muttered. If he hadn’t been enjoying the sight of the new boy, he’d have volunteered for guide duty. Oh, the things he wanted to show him… not that he had any experience; he’d never even kissed another boy. He worked hard at trying not to look at other guys. The thought of being outed in high school scared him, so much so that he’d sometimes have panic attacks when he thought about it—clammy skin, problems breathing, feeling faint. He hated those, really hated not being in control. It always made him feel weak and needy.
The bell rang, startling Taylor out of his reverie, and the students moved like cattle, heading off to their next class. Taylor scowled when he saw Becca take the new guy by the arm and lead him from the classroom. As they passed he heard Jackson ask, “Do you know who I talk to about the baseball team?”
“What position do you play, Jackson?” Becca asked excitedly, ignoring Jackson’s question.
“I’m a pitcher.”
Taylor could hear the excitement in Becca’s voice, and he knew the reason. Baseball tryouts would be in the next week or two, and she needed a new ball-playing boyfriend since her ex, Cody Daniels, graduated. It was as if she’d won the freaking lottery.
Jackson was hot and he played sports. For Becca that was definitely the best of both worlds.Taylor chuckled. Oh, how he’d love to be that boy’s catcher.
But damn, Becca was probably going to be all over that anyway.
Not that he’d ever have a shot with someone like Jackson.
According to Benny, he wasn’t bad-looking. Benny often said he was jealous of Taylor’s curly blond hair, which he himself despised.
Besides, Taylor thought, Benny’s straight. What does he know?
Jackson was probably three inches taller than Taylor’s five foot eight, but it wasn’t his height that bothered him as much as the extra weight. He was no one special, and someone like Jackson Kern would never give him the time of day. That’s just how things went.
Over the next week, Taylor would see Jackson throughout the school. Other than homeroom they didn’t have any classes together, but he noticed him in the hallway or heading to the gym. Taylor’s heart fluttered every time he caught a glimpse of Jackson. He loved the way his lip curled when he was amused or the way he arched an eyebrow when he seemed to be curious about something. The thing that struck him most, though, was the fact that Jackson was so poised and confident when he was with a group. People hung on his every word. It almost seemed like he was holding court. People just tended to gravitate to Jackson. His rich baritone voice had a soothing, hypnotic effect on Taylor from a distance. He couldn’t help but wonder what it did to the people Jackson was actually talking with. He watched Jackson in the school’s weight room one afternoon and stood transfixed as the muscles in Jackson’s chest and arms strained with every repetition. Taylor began to sweat and unconsciously licked his lips as he watched Jackson working his leg muscles. His pulse raced when Jackson pulled off his shirt, the dusting of dark hair across the expanse of his chest matted from sweat. Taylor swore he could smell Jackson’s scent, musky but sweet. He wanted to get closer but knew it would seem weird, so he reluctantly tore himself away and went back to class.
Taylor was envious of Jackson’s build. He studied his own body in the mirror and sighed. He was plump. That was the only way to describe it. There was no muscle definition. He tried to maintain his weight but couldn’t resist pizza. He’d tried to work out with Benny, who seemed obsessed with his body, but it just wasn’tfor him. Taylor sighed heavily. He was so far out of Jackson Kern’s league, he’d never have a shot with someone like him, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy the view.TAYLOR glanced over at Benny, comfortably stretched out on the sofa, thumbing through Taylor’s latest sketches. At six foot one and weighing in at nearly 215 pounds, Benny had always been one of Taylor’s favorite sketch subjects. His eyes were the coolest brown color with small flecks of gold in them. His sandy hair was always cut short, but not like a buzz cut, which Taylor had to admit was his favorite kind of haircut.
Benny had always stood up for Taylor and it was that fact which made Benny the only one Taylor had come out to. No matter what else happened between the two, Taylor was sure Benny would always be there for him.
“Benny, what would you say if I told you I was crushing?”
Taylor asked, sitting up on his bed and tossing a rolled-up pair of socks into the laundry basket.
Benny met Taylor’s eyes as he laid the sketches across his chest. “I’d say who this time? Already over… what was his name?
Mason? Dixon? Something southern.”
“His name was Caleb,” Taylor groaned, rolling his eyes. “And he was a jerk. Remember how he humiliated and made Toby cry when he came into the locker room and found Caleb throwing his clothes into the shower?”
“Yeah, I remember. I was the one who got him something to wear for the rest of the day. I can’t stand bullies,” Benny snarled.
“So who has your undies in a bunch this time?
“I’m talking about the new guy, Jackson Kern. There’s just something about him. He’s… I dunno, different. He’s not loud or annoying. He seems really laid-back. And he’s totally hot. He just seems… perfect.” Taylor sighed wistfully. “I can’t imagine him ever doing a mean thing to anyone.”Benny tried to suppress a snort. “And how long is this one going to last? A month? Two tops. You go through crushes faster than I go through underwear.”
“When you change them twice a year that’s not too difficult,”
Taylor snickered.
Taylor was surprised when Benny hit him with a pillow, and the fight was on. He grabbed the other pillow and swung at Benny, who dodged and laughed. For such a big guy, Benny was surprisingly agile. They smacked each other around, laughing all the while, until Taylor cried uncle.
After they were exhausted, Benny turned to him and said with a sympathetic smile, “Taylor, talk to the guy. Pretty much the worst that could happen is he’s not interested.”
Taylor stared glumly up at the ceiling, his thoughts turning once more to Jackson. “No, the worst that could happen is he’s a homophobic asshat who wants to kick the crap out of me.”
“Yeah,” Benny observed thoughtfully, “but at least he’d touch you. That’s more than you’ve ever gotten before.” He gave Taylor a gleeful grin, as if waiting for the comment to sink in fully.
And as soon as it did, Taylor lunged at Benny, and the fight was back on. Once Benny succeeded in pinning Taylor, his expression turned serious as he said, “Look, just be cool. Don’t obsess. If you want to impress him, show him the pictures you drew of him. You’re really good at doing these.”
Taylor’s cheeks heated. He could never show his work to Jackson. He didn’t think they were good enough to share with anyone other than Benny. He’d been puttering around with drawing for years. He had several sketchpads full of various things that caught his eye. He loved to do drawings of nature scenes, people, and animals. He’d done several of Trip, his Siberian husky, before the poor dog died that still brought tears when Taylor looked at them. It was just a hobby, though. His father always told him he needed a real career and constantly reminded him that art wouldn’t amount to anything in the real world. He shook his head sadly. No, there was no way Jackson would ever see his work.STANDING by the bleachers near the dugout, Taylor couldn’t help but wonder why he was there. Baseball tryouts held no interest for him. In fact, he’d always found the game kind of stupid, yet here he was. His gaze landed on Jackson Kern. Yeah, that was something he really wanted, to see Jackson play the game.
Jackson took the center thingy… the mound or whatever it’s called. Taylor had spent a good deal of time reading about baseball.
He figured he should know something about it, just in case Jackson ever spoke to him. Still, he was having a hard time wrapping his head around all the rules and terms. Didn’t mean he wasn’t going to try, though. He pulled out his sketchbook and did a few rough outlines, wanting to fill them out later. Jackson threw a few pitches to the catcher, loosening up. Mitch Daniels, Cody’s younger brother, stepped up and tapped his bat on the ground. Jackson brought his arms up near his chest, struck a pose, and shook his head slightly.
After a moment he leaned back and threw the ball. It went straight across the plate at blinding speed. Mitch swung at it and missed completely. When Jackson finished the inning, allowing no hits, he marched back to the dugout; the coach’s jaw fell open as he rushed out to meet Jackson.
“Kid, what’s your name?”
“Jackson, sir. My friends call me Jax.”
“Well, Jax, if you can throw like that with consistency, you’re gonna be our ace. I can tell,” the coach said, practically drooling over the young prospect.
Taylor thought he saw Jackson… Jax blush. By the end of the tryouts, not one person had hit anything Jackson threw. When the coach told him he had a spot, Jackson smiled so big and wide, Taylor was sure his heart would stop. Then Becca came running over and threw her arms around the team’s new pitcher. Taylor turned in disgust and started shuffling away, pausing to take a last look at Jackson. He was all hot and sweaty, and it looked really, really good on him. Taylor knew that’s what he was going to be thinking about when he went to bed.TAYLOR found himself drawn to watch the practices. He kept trying to tell himself it was stupid, and he knew it was, but he really enjoyed watching Jackson. He’d been going to watch practice every day for two weeks when he saw Jackson turn in his direction. For just a second he thought, more like hoped, that Jackson was looking at him. His eyes locked on Jackson, and his mouth went dry, wishing that he’d come over to him, put his arms around him, whisper in his ear… but then the guy turned and walked over to the rest of the team, clearing the field for the next inning. Taylor’s heart sank, realizing it was all wishful thinking on his part.“COME on, Taylor, crack a book. I came over to study, not to watch you stare at the ceiling,” Benny huffed, pushing a pile of laundry off the chair and parking himself at the desk. “And would it kill you to clean up a little bit? This place is a sty, man.”
Taylor never even registered the reproach in Benny’s voice.
All he could think about was Jackson.
“Benny, I’m going nuts. I know it’s never gonna go anywhere, but I can’t stop going to see him,” Taylor groaned.
Benny stared at him, eyes wide. “Wow, never saw you this bad before. You’d always crush for a few weeks and then see some new hottie that made you forget the old one. Maybe you really do have it bad for this guy,” Benny muttered.
Swinging his legs over, Taylor sat on the edge of the bed, grinning with excitement. “You’ve got no idea. Yesterday morning I saw him with a smear of toothpaste in the corner of his mouth. I swear it was one of the hottest things I’d ever seen, and I just wanted to lick it off.”
Benny’s lips tightened into a grimace. “Toothpaste is hot?
God, you’re so weird, Taylor. I hope you won’t be upset if I don’t admit to knowing you when we’re in public.”Taylor smirked, remembering everything with vivid detail. “It was hot! If it wasn’t for the fact that Becca rubbed it off for him, which really pissed me off, by the way, I’d have stared at it all day.”
“So he and Becca are together?” Benny asked, putting the book down and finally turning to face Taylor.
“Yeah, I guess. She’s always hanging on him and hugging him. It’s totally disgusting,” Taylor sneered.
“Because it’s what you want to be doing?” Benny wondered aloud, keeping his voice low.
“Maybe.” Taylor sighed. “Either way, this just reinforces my dislike of public displays of affection.”
“So when are you gonna finally talk to him? How hard can it really be?” Benny asked patiently.
Taylor could see the look of pity on his friend’s face, but he snapped, “Well, you get a girl to notice you and then come back and give me some pointers, okay?”
Taylor knew it wasn’t fair. Benny was all about his schoolwork. His parents were always so strict about everything, and the schoolwork had to come first.
Benny quirked an eyebrow
and stared at Taylor
condescendingly. “I don’t need a girl to notice me, Tay. I’m not the one who needs validation. Maybe you should just join the monks.
I’m sure then you’ll get plenty of hot action,” Benny chuckled as he opened his math book. There was going to be a stupid quiz tomorrow, which, naturally, Benny was going to ace. He always aced them. Benny’s grades were important to him. As it stood Benny had a near-perfect GPA and would likely be valedictorian as a senior.
He and Benny had been the best of friends since kindergarten.
Taylor knew Benny would do almost anything for him, even if it included telling him things about himself he really didn’t want to hear, especially when it was the truth. Taylor knew he was a chicken, but he also knew unrequited love would be better than being humiliated in front of or by Jackson.
Will’s Bio:
WILL PARKINSON believes that no matter what obstacles are thrown in the path of young love, it will always find a way to win in the end. He wants his characters to have their happily ever after, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to come easily.
None of this would have happened if he had followed the advice he was given many years ago. “What are you wasting your time on that for? It’s never going to amount to anything.” He believed it for the longest time, abandoning characters he’d created in his childhood.
He picked up his very first m/m story by a writer named Eden Winters, who was an absolute joy when they corresponded. She asked him if he wrote and he told her the story. Eden explained to Will that the voices in his head would never go away and how he needed to let them out. With that thought in mind, Will put e-pen to e-paper once more. It was truly a liberating experience and one he has no intention of giving up again.
Buy Links:
Dreamspinner Press e-book
Prize Information:
Will is giving away – Grand prize: Signed copy of Pitch and a $25 gift card to the winner’s choice of online book reseller. Enter here:
PITCH Tour Schedule
8/5/2013
Magnolias and Men
True Colorz
Hearts on Fire
8/6/2013
Cate Ashwood’s Blog
Guilty Pleasures
8/7/2013
My Fiction Nook
Madison Parker
8/8/2013
Cody Kennedy, author
The Risque Redhead Reads
8/9/2013
Book Reviews & More by Kathy
The Land of Make Believe
8/12/2013
Author Susan Mac Nicol
N.R. Walker
8/13/2013
Iyana Jenna
Dawn’s Reading Nook
8/14/2013
Wild Wordy Women
Mary Calmes Books
A Bear On Books
8/15/13
House Millar
Joyfully Jay
8/16/2013
Elisa – My Reviews & Ramblings
Mrs. Condit & Friends Read Books
August 7, 2013
Guest Author: Anne Tenino
Today’s post is a bit different. I approached Anne about her coming to be a guest a few weeks ago. At the time, I don’t think either of us expected what I’m posting today. Although this is a bit of a soap box post, it is timely, relevant and extremely well said. I’d say more, but that would take away from the brilliant post Anne wrote so, I’ll let her do the talking.
Guest Author: Anne Tenino
Originally I wrote a highly opinionated piece for today that began something like this:
“Hello there! I’m here today posting to you all because something’s been on my mind. I anticipate I’ll raise a little ruckus, pass some judgment, and maybe ruffle a few feathers.
Oh yeah, and plug my new book, Sweet Young Thang.
What’s been on my mind? Heteronormativity.”
Yeah. I didn’t write that post. I mean, I did write it, four times, but no matter where I went with it— anecdotes from real life, including my friend’s adventures in a bear bar in Paris; and the night Edmond Manning advised me to create a fake profile on Adam4Adam for research purposes (sorry about referring to you as “a gentleman of a certain age” in that one, Edmond)—I kept ending up in the same place. I’d start out talking about heteronormativity and conformity, which led me through prejudice, bullying, and the evolutionary imperatives to procreate, be monogamous and fit in with the rest of our herd. And of course I took a wander through religion (as opposed to spirituality) and other social institutions that enforce our psychological (and biological?) need to be alike.
But no matter what, it all came back to one issue for me: Russia.
If you aren’t sure what I’m referring to, here’s an op-ed that’s rich in facts and lays the crisis out succinctly: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/22/opinion/russias-anti-gay-crackdown.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0 Even more succinctly, I’ll say this—people are losing their children, being arrested, being assaulted and being murdered in Russia just on the suspicion of being gay.
What’s happening there (which I don’t believe for a second is only happening in Russia, but that’s where it’s heating up and hitting the media) is sucking all the humorous proclivities right out of me. I could get all up on my high (yet comedic) horse and poke some fun at this ideological backlash to marriage equality that may (or may not) be having a negative impact on the LGBTQ community, but it all seems a bit privileged when I compare it to the brutality of what Putin and the Russian government is allowing. (I’d go so far as to say they’re encouraging it.)
Which leaves me with very little to say about my new, romantic comedy. It leaves me with a lot of icky, unhumorous and unromantic feelings, actually, and it leaves me not particularly interested in picking apart my abstract notions.
What I am interested in is what I can do about the situation in Russia.
My first thought was to donate money to an organization that is working against Russia’s homophobic laws, but what organization that will be is still up in the air—I haven’t researched enough yet to determine where my money is best spent.
When I started looking around at what others are doing about this situation, one biggie comes up right away—the 2014 Winter Olympics will be in Sochi, Russia, and there’s a movement underfoot (on more than one front) to pressure the International Olympic Committee to condemn Russia over these laws. Here’s a slightly anemic article which gives an overview of what’s happening with the IOC, Russia, and activists—be assured this fight isn’t over, and while the petition campaigns asking the IOC to take stronger action will have closed by the time this is posted, I’m sure there will be other opportunities. http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2013/08/01/ioc-russia-anti-gay-law-sochi-olympics/2609765/
While looking into it, I also found this story, where the only out, gay Olympian, Blake Skjellerup, shares his thoughts on what to do: http://espn.go.com/olympics/story/_/id/9522393/olympians-speak-anti-gay-laws-russia. I think the dude has a point. In my experience, the best way to convince people that gay is okay is to introduce them to some real and actual rainbow people.
But the most important thing I can do is tell people about it, and that’s what I’ve done here today. This is my first step, but it’s not the only one I’ll be taking. I’d urge everyone who cares about this issue to do the same. It may seem like a drop in the ocean, but with enough drops we can create our own current, and maybe sweep some old garbage out to sea.
About The Author:
Raised on a steady media diet of Monty Python, classical music and the visual arts, Anne Tenino rocked the mental health world when she was the first patient diagnosed with Compulsive Romantic Disorder. Since that day, Anne has taken on conquering the M/M world through therapeutic writing. Finding out who those guys having sex in her head are and what to do with them has been extremely liberating.
Anne’s husband finds it liberating as well, although in a somewhat different way. Her two daughters are mildly confused by Anne’s need to twist Ken dolls into odd positions. They were raised to be open-minded children, however, and other than occasionally stealing Ken1′s strap-on, they let Mom do her thing without interference.
Wondering what Anne does in her spare time? Mostly she lies on the couch, eats bonbons and shirks housework.
Check out what Anne’s up to now by visiting her site. http://annetenino.com
Links:
Dreamspinner Press http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2446
Riptide http://www.riptidepublishing.com/authors/anne-tenino
Chicks & Dicks Blog http://www.chicksanddicksrainbow.com/?zx=aff20b3ddd9f3961
Twitter https://twitter.com/AnneTenino
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4831235.Anne_Tenino
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/anne.tenino
I’m July’s Author of the Month on Mrs. Condit and Friends
And if you haven’t read Purpose, maybe this will be convince you it is worth the read.
-AQG
And the winner is… Our July Author of the Month is Andrew Q Gordon for “Purpose”Posted by Becky Condit on August 7, 2013
Congratulations to Andrew Q Gordon,
winner of our July, 2013, Author of the Month poll!
August 5, 2013
TRIO TREASURE HUNT!!! FOURTH CLUE can be HERE!!!
THE RACE IS ON
BOOK 2 of HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN
is being released by
9th AUGUST, 2013
OF THE
TRIO TREASURE HUNT!
Keep reading and leave a comment and you could win an OPEN VOUCHER redeemable with Dreamspinner Press valued at $6.99.
Winner will be drawn on the 9th August (Aussie time, so the 8th for just about everyone else!)
Lily's TRIO Treasure Hunt, is winding down. Enter now for a chance to claim one of two gift cards.
The winner from last weeks contest held on my site is JBST. Congrats and thank you to everyone who entered and commented.
August 4, 2013
New Releases: Monday August 5, 2013
All authors face the same daunting task – how to get their book noticed. In an effort to help some of my fellow authors, every Monday I’m going to post some of the numerous new books that have been released. For the most part these will be M/M Fiction with a heavy bias on Romance. That will probably evolve over time, but for now that’s were it is.
I’ve not read everything that is listed, though I’ve probably read or will read many. Which means inclusion on the list isn’t an endorsement or suggestion. You should read the blurbs provided to see if you’re interested. I’ll post reviews to books I recommend under the ‘Books I Reviewed’ tab. This is just a partial list of what’s new for visitors of my site to check out. That said if you end up reading something listed here and want to comment – please do. I reserve the right, however, to delete nasty or personal comments.
If you’re an author and want to include a new release, email me your blurb, cover image, buy links and any personal links you want included. No excerpts, interviews, giveaways etc. Those are welcome, but can be discussed separately.
The Race Is On: By Lily Velden
Hollywood heartthrob Jaxon Moncrieff and Liam Lassiter are finally on the same page: committed and in it for the long haul. Now they just have to prepare for the inevitable fallout when they reveal their relationship. Between Jaxon’s career and Liam’s need to prepare for a life in the limelight, they decide to wait until filming of Jaxon’s latest project has wrapped.
Unbeknownst to them, the relentless paparazzi photographer Rafael Cacciatore, aka the Hunter, notices a change in Jaxon and is determined to be the first to break the story of who has captured Jaxon Moncrieff’s heart. In the meantime, Liam and Jaxon have enough on their plate working out the not-so-little issue of how and when Jaxon will come out to his family. The paparazzi aren’t even on their radar. The race to out Jaxon is on, and Liam and Jaxon don’t even know it.
Available August 9, 2013
Pre-order Link :
Dreamspinner Press
Author links
Website: http://www.lilyvelden.wordpress.com
Email: lilyvelden@live.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lily.velden
Twitter: @LilyVelden
Tumblr: http://www.lilyvelden.tumblr.com/
Beyond Duty: By SJD Peterson
The repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell didn’t come soon enough for Gunther “Gunny” Duchene and Macalister “Mac” Jones, career US Marines who met at boot camp in the 1990s. They’ve been somewhere between best friends and lovers in peacetime and wartime both, but as the clock ticks toward Mac’s and Gunny’s retirements, the guys have much more to worry about than coming out.
Whether their relationship will survive outside of the closet they’ve had to shove it into for over two decades is a big question mark. Gunny questions why a hot military man like Mac—who could get any guy he wanted, including a younger, sexier one—would want him. But as Gunny and Mac navigate emotional waters as choppy as any they saw on duty, they just might learn Semper Fi applies to more than their careers.
Buy Link:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4097
Bio:
SJD Peterson, better known as Jo, hails from Michigan. Not the best place to live for someone who hates the cold and snow. When not reading or writing, Jo can be found close to the heater checking out NHL stats and watching the Red Wings kick a little butt. Can’t cook, misses the clothes hamper nine out of ten tries, but is handy with power tools.
You can find her at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJD.Peterson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SJDPeterson
Tumblr: http://sjdpeterson.tumblr.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4563849.S_J_D_Peterson
Email: sjdpeterson@gmail.com
Blog: http://sjdpeterson.blogspot.com
Dreamspinners Page: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=55_424
Pitch: By Will Parkinson
The day Jackson Kern walks into Taylor Andrews’s classroom is a momentous day in Taylor’s life. He’s had crushes before, sure, but as time goes on, this is starting to look a whole lot more serious. Still, Jackson doesn’t return Taylor’s feelings.
Taylor has his own admirers, though. Kevin Richards is used to getting what he wants, and what he wants right now is Taylor, so when Taylor rejects him, Kevin retaliates. At first Taylor’s entourage rallies around him, but then Kevin takes his deception one step further and Taylor sees his support dwindle, teaching him the valuable lesson about who he can truly consider a friend.
Available August 8, 2013
Pre-order Links:
Dreamspinner Press e-book
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4077
Dreamspinner Press – Print
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4078
Bio:
WILL PARKINSON believes that no matter what obstacles are thrown in the path of young love, it will always find a way to win in the end. He wants his characters to have their happily ever after, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to come easily.
None of this would have happened if he had followed the advice he was given many years ago. “What are you wasting your time on that for? It’s never going to amount to anything.” He believed it for the longest time, abandoning characters he’d created in his childhood.
He picked up his very first m/m story by a writer named Eden Winters, who was an absolute joy when they corresponded. She asked him if he wrote and he told her the story. Eden explained to Will that the voices in his head would never go away and how he needed to let them out. With that thought in mind, Will put e-pen to e-paper once more. It was truly a liberating experience and one he has no intention of giving up again.
August 3, 2013
Spent The Day at DC OutWrite LGBT Book Festival
Everyone has to start somewhere, so today was the first book festival I attended as an author – remind me when I introduce myself not to use my real name. DOH! Several other authors who’s book are published by Dreamspinner Press were also there; Shira Anthony, Marguerite Labbe, Ken Murphy and H. B. Pattskyn.
First a shout out to the DC Center for putting this together. Not knowing what to expect, I’m glad my ‘first’ was with a group and not on my own. Having other people to talk to instead of just starting out into space waiting for people to stop by was a bit help. The festival was centered around the reading from various poets and authors and the attendees would wander around in between sessions.
In the end, I didn’t sell very much, but since I’m local it was just the cost of a metro ride into town for me so it was worth it. Here’s shot of the five of us at the start of the festival.
July 30, 2013
Wednesday Briefs: Second Shot – The Senior Year – 19
Blake’s body tensed and he could feel Ethan’s hand reach for his. He put his left hand on the table and twisted to face his tormentor. His face scrunched up when he noticed Matt staring at Ethan.
“You finally got him to be himself?” Matt smiled at Ethan who quickly turned toward Blake.
“I…Blake…I don’t know what he means. I haven’t talk to him since before you and I met.”
“Easy there, Ethan.” Matt stepped back and scanned the table. “I figured it out when I saw you two last week. Getting him to bring you here just made it official.”
“I didn’t make him do anything.” Ethan pushed his chair back and let go of Blake’s hand. “He asked me to come with him.”
The smirk on Matt’s face slowly faded. “Okay, fine. I was just saying I’m glad he finally decided to be….”
“Who cares what you think?” Despite being at least four inches shorter and a good forty pounds lighter, Ethan stood up and got in Matt’s face. “You almost broke his ankle because you didn’t like how he lived his life? How did that have any thing to do with you?”
“Look….”
“No, you look. You don’t get to make a joke and suddenly it’s all better. You were a major dick. You have no idea how hard any of this is, and yet you think Blake has to live up to your fucked up standards.” Ethan swallowed loudly, but before Matt could speak, he continued. “He should have reported you and had you tossed from school, but he’s better than you. But don’t think because he didn’t turn you in you can just say, ‘shake’ and everything’s fine….”
“Yes, he can.” Blake grabbed Ethan’s hand and pulled him gently to the seat. The look on Ethan’s face waivered from shocked to annoyed and back.
“Blake. He’s….”
“My teammate and my friend.” Pulling Ethan’s fingers to his lips, he felt his heart beating so hard he thought it might burst. Ignoring everyone else in the room, he lightly kissed the fingers and let them go. “But I appreciate the help.”
When Blake stood up, Matt’s swagger had disappeared. “Look, Blake. Ethan’s right in a way; trying to hurt you like that was a dickish move. I’m really sorry about that.” With a sheepish look, Matt held out his hand.
Blake ignored the peace offering. “Until you did that, I thought we were friends.”
“We were…are friends, Blake.”
“Maybe, but if you ever do that to me again, I swear, someone’s gonna need to pry me off of you or haul me away on a stretcher ’cause I’m not taking that shit from you or anyone. Understood?”
He hadn’t meant to sound so angry, but remembering the incident set him off again.
“Yeah. I gotcha, but no worries, it won’t happen again.” Matt pulled his hand back and shrugged. “I know it’s not an excuse, but at that practice after I saw you two together, all I could see was when you called Jason a fag at the start of last season. It irritated the shit out of me when you said it, but finding out you’re gay too? That made me mad.”
“Yeah, well.” At first, Blake avoided looking at Jason, but then stole a quick glance at his friend. “I’m not exactly proud of that moment either. So I guess if you can forget that, I can forget what happened between us.”
Matt’s lip twisted into a smirk. “Can do.”
“Cool.” Blake offered his hand, which Matt accepted. “So we’re good?”
“We’re good.” Matt nodded to his left. “You two enjoy yourselves.”
His heart still racing, Blake watched Matt amble back to his seat. No one said anything, which made him more uncomfortable. Self-conscious that everyone was staring at him, he wished he had Ethan’s gift for knowing the right joke to tell.
“Well,” Ethan’s voice seemed to echo around in the silence. “Now that you two have made up, can we get something to eat? Dean looks ready to eat someone’s arm.”
Nervous laughter filled the space, almost drowning out Dean’s whine. “How come I’m always the butt of everyone’s jokes?”
“You’re a freshman, Little Tellerman.” Eric said, rubbing Dean’s blond hair. “Someone has to be the team butt.”
“Whatever.” Dean shifted his from Eric to Ethan. Before he could say anything, Blake pushed Ethan into his seat.
“Don’t worry, Dean. I’ll keep him on a short leash for the rest of dinner.”
“Leash?” Ethan’s fake surprise told Blake he’d started trouble for himself. “I didn’t see any leashes in your room. Have you been holding out on me?”
As Blake’s face turned red hot, the room erupted around him. Between the laughter and the comments, he knew the team would probably tease him about it for the rest of the season. For once his semi-shy nature served him well and he didn’t tell Ethan he’d pay for what he said.
Instead he shook his head and rolled his eyes. Before he could speak, Ethan leaned closer. “Sorry, but I figured I owed Dean.”
“It’s cool.” He winked and when Ethan’s lips inched upward, Blake knew his message had been received.
“Okay.” Darryl’s voice broke into the commotion. “Now that we’ve had the family drama and they’ve made up, can we order dinner now. Please?”
When his teammates turned their attention to Darryl, Blake mouthed, “Thank you.” Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes. He expected the team would accept him; what happened next concerned him more. Before he went too far down that path, he felt a hand on his knee.
Opening his eyes, he found Ethan starting at him. “You’re welcome,” he whispered and gave Blake’s knee a quick squeeze before he pulled his hand back.
For the rest of the night at least, Blake decided to do his best not to worry. Especially since Ethan owed him and he knew just how he intended to collect.
Make Sure To Check Out The Briefs Of These Flashers:
Lily Sawyer
A.R. Von
J.A. Harmon
Nephylim
MA Church
Cia Nordwell
Renee Stevens
BL Morticia
Tali Spencer
Julie Lynn Hayes
July 29, 2013
Guest Post – Lily Velden’s Trio Treasure Hunt – Clue #3
Today Lily Velden brings her The Race Is On Blog tour to the Land of Make Believe. Read on to find out how to enter the drawing to win one of two $25.00 Dreamspinner Press Gift Credits. [And be sure to tell Lily that I was a true and proper curmudgeon.]
Hi, Everyone! Lily Velden, here, haunting you again!
As warned on my blog, I’m popping up everywhere again as I go on the Pre-Release Promo Tour for THE RACE IS ON, BOOK 2 of HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN!
Being the kind soul I am I didn’t want to inflict more information about myself on you all, deciding, instead, to host the TRIO Treasure Hunt.
For those of you who are gluttons for punishment you can find out more about me and the How The Light Gets In series, get links to interviews and/or reviews etc., on my blog.
I hope those that are here having participated in Clues # 1 & 2 are enjoying the Hunt!
The curmudgeon Andrew Q. Gordon (you are SO never going to live that description of yourself down with me, Andy!!!) was kind enough to say yes to hosting the third stop of the Hunt – Thank you, Andy!
(For those stumbling across the TRIO Treasure Hunt for the first time Stop #1 was at WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE SCARF PRINCESS, and Stop # 2 was at THE FUZZYY, FLUFFY WORLD OF CHRIS T. KAT, and yes, you can still participate – the TRIO Treasure Hunt is open until 9th August, 2013)
I’ve kept the rules and clues simple as I want it to be fun and not a chore, and I’ve tried to make the “treasure” worth pursuing!
There are mini prizes along the way as well as two major prizes at the end.
PRIZES
Mini Prizes: At each stop on the hunt you can enter the draw to win an open voucher redeemable with Dreamspinner Press of $6.99.
All you have to do is leave a comment!
Winner will be drawn within 7 days of my visit!
Major Prizes: By participating in the TRIO Treasure Hunt, collecting all four answers and logging them in on my blog by the 8th August you will be in the draw to win a $25 open voucher redeemable with Dreamspinner Press. There are two up for grabs!
COME AND JOIN THE FUN!
Okay, here goes!
TRIO TREASURE HUNT
There are only four stops on the Treasure Hunt.
16th July: Here at WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE SCARF PRINCESS!!!
23RD July: THE FUZZY, FLUFFY WORLD OF CHRIS T. KAT
30TH July: Here at: ANDREW Q. GORDON’S LAND OF MAKE BELIEVE
6th August: My Blog! LILY VELDEN GIVE ME FICTION. REALITY IS OVERRATED!
At each stop you will be given an excerpt to read from THE RACE IS ON (TRIO)
Contained within the excerpt is the answer to a question / clue which will be asked at the end, and don’t worry, I will make it easy!!!
Each answer will only consist of ONE word.
Each word/answer is part of a four word sentence that relates to THE RACE IS ON. By the end of the Hunt you will have the entire sentence!
Write that sentence in the comment box provided on my blog and you are in the draw!
Winners drawn and notified 9th August, 2013
(If anything is unclear or ambiguous, please make contact, and I will do my best to explain in plain English!!!!)
THE RACE IS ON: BOOK 2 HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN
SUMMARY
Hollywood heartthrob Jaxon Moncrieff and Liam Lassiter are finally on the same page: committed and in it for the long haul. Now they just have to prepare for the inevitable fallout when they reveal their relationship. Between Jaxon’s career and Liam’s need to prepare for a life in the limelight, they decide to wait until filming of Jaxon’s latest project has wrapped.
Unbeknownst to them, the relentless paparazzi photographer Rafael Cacciatore, aka the Hunter, notices a change in Jaxon and is determined to be the first to break the story of who has captured Jaxon Moncrieff’s heart. In the meantime, Liam and Jaxon have enough on their plate working out the not-so-little issue of how and when Jaxon will come out to his family. The paparazzi aren’t even on their radar. The race to out Jaxon is on, and Liam and Jaxon don’t even know it.
EXCERPT
I was beginning to believe being filled was to my ass what maple syrup was to waffles—necessary. After all, what was waffles without syrup? I smirked at the thought that I had a greedy butt.
I continued to pace, knowing I wasn’t doing myself any favors as each step I took made the plug teasingly massage my channel, but as much as I cursed it, I also wanted the exquisite torment. God, am I a masochist now?
Another glance at the clock had me leaping for my cell. Eight fucking thirty at last!
“Baby,” I breathed into the phone, not even giving Liam time to greet me. “I need you. I need you so fucking bad. I’m going stir-crazy here.”
“Who’s been a naughty boy and worn his plug all day,” he said, chuckling down the phone line at me. His voice dropped a notch as he asked, “Have you, Jaxon? Have you been naughty?”
“Yes,” I whispered, looking down and seeing I was already tenting my boxers, my dick as hard as a lead pipe. Three sentences. Three small sentences from his sweet, dirty mouth and I was raring to go.
“Do you want me to help you, Pretty Boy? Help you scratch that itch?” he asked, the whisky burn of his voice finding its echo in the heat rapidly building in my loins.
“Yes.”
*****
TRIO TREASURE HUNT CLUES # 3
I’m in the 1st paragraph
I’m on the Canadian flag.
I am 5 letters long
I am word # 13 in the paragraph
I commence with the letter ‘M’
HAPPY HUNTING
and I hope to see you on the 6th at my blog:
LILY VELDEN: Give me Fiction. Reality is overrated!
LILY VELDEN
The Race is On
Buy Link : Dreamspinner Press
Same Page
Buy Link : Dreamspinner Press
Gay as Mardi Gras
Buy Link: Dreamspinner Press
Author links
Website: http://www.lilyvelden.wordpress.com
Email: lilyvelden@live.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lily.velden
Twitter: @LilyVelden
Tumblr: http://www.lilyvelden.tumblr.com/
July 26, 2013
Review by Mrs. Condit and Friends Read Books of Purpose
Posted by Lucky on July 25, 2013
Someone died tonight. An innocent. Someone who should have lived. I felt their death. I feel the innocents who die. They call out for vengeance.
GENRE: M/M
RATING: 5 Sweet Peas!
“This is the beginning of an incredible adventure from the mind of Andrew Q. Gordon, who I first met when I did the review for (Un)Masked where he teamed up with Anyta Sunday. The blurb grabbed me and held me tight. The story did the same.”
Read the full review on Mrs. Condit & Friends Read Books:
July 24, 2013
Author Interview: Charley Descoteaux
Today I welcome Charley Descoteaux to the Land of Make Believe. Charley and I share the same President in office when we were born – but I’m not saying which one – but please don’t hold that against her. She has two new releases she is going to talk about besides telling us a bit about herself.
Author Interview: Charley Descoteaux
Welcome Charley.
Thanks for having me, Andrew!
Why don’t you start by telling everyone a bit about yourself. How long have you been writing?
I’ve had characters talking in my head as long as I can remember—I stashed character sheets and bits of stories in with my sheet music in grade school. But life happened and I didn’t start writing with the goal of being published until I was 29. It was my birthday and I thought, wow, in a year I’ll be 30 and what do I have to show for it? That was almost twenty years ago, and I’ve published fiction and non-fiction in print publications under three names since then.
Not regularly, but that last sentence sounds pretty good!
Talk a bit about your newest release, Directing Traffic.
It’s the story of Neil, who started living with his partner right out of high school and never really went through that period of finding
himself that a lot of people do in college. His partner was twenty years older, and a brilliant and all around great guy, so Neil never questioned that Lloyd had all the answers. After Lloyd’s sudden death Neil was left to find his own answers, but it took him a long time to even figure out the questions. The last thing he was looking for when he took that trip to the coast was a new love . . .
This has been a busy spring for you, besides Directing Traffic, you also had another Novella published recently – A Sunday Kind of Love. What’s that about?
A Sunday Kind of Love is about an aging jazz musician who’s been knocked around a bit by life and feels the best he can hope for in the future is to slip through it unnoticed. But then the boy who calls him Dad shows up the day after his high school graduation and forces him to open up a little, and that leads to a little more . . . It’s a story about taking your power back and making the life you want.
Tell us something interesting that is not in the blurb?
Well, I’m not sure how interesting it is but in Directing Traffic, Neil talks about a vacation ritual. He keeps trying to carry it out, because it’s what he and Lloyd did on visits to Long Sands Beach, but it doesn’t quite work out the way he’d planned. Parts of his ritual are based on the one I’ve developed over twenty-some-odd years of visiting Cannon Beach, Oregon. Even though it’s gone from a slightly artsy little burg to a wannabe-upscale retreat, I still love it there. One of its most photogenic landmarks is on Brooke Albrecht’s gorgeous cover—Haystack Rock!
Have you ever based characters on anyone you know?
Sort of, but not consciously. Main characters usually just show up in my head fully formed and telling stories, but sometimes I notice little things that could be people I know, habits or idiosyncrasies or something cool they said.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
I love it when a story’s just cookin’ along and something happens that I didn’t plan ahead of time but that fits perfectly with what’s already happened. That, and when it’s finished and someone says they like it, because my part is only half the story and the reader has to bring the rest.
What’s your least favorite?
Killing my darlings! Writing was so much easier when I didn’t know that just because I’ve written a lovely line or a cool plot twist—that doesn’t mean it belongs in the story. Ah, I’m so horrible at cutting something if it’s not crap! *lol*
Since there is always another story to tell, what are you working on now?
I actually have three stories I’m working on, but my main WIP has taken over my brain. It’s about a bass player and a photographer, but they’d both laugh at that description. Phil & Lee are two of the most vivid characters I’ve met yet, which means they keep surprising me and have woke me from a sound sleep more than once! The good news is I think their story will end up novel length, or at least close. It’s been a while since I’ve written anything that long so I’m a little nervous, but excited too.
What have you read lately that most people haven’t read but should?
I’m not one of those people who finds the cool books before everyone else has—I usually stumble on the hidden gems because someone’s talking about them on Goodreads or Facebook. Since I’m in school full time and usually end up reading 200-300 pages a week for classes, novellas are my D.O.C. lately! Aleksandr Voinov’s Skybound was wonderful, a hauntingly beautiful story told from a new (to me) perspective—I loved it, but I’m sure not the only one.
If you could meet any writer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Not original, but I’d choose Stephen King. I was lucky enough to grab a ticket when he came through town on a book tour a few years ago and he was a riot. I’d love to just listen to him tell stories for a while. And maybe we’d talk baseball too.
What’s a fun – non-writing – day for you?
Hmmm, not many of those! Between school and writing and keeping the fridge stocked . . . Kiddo & I enjoy movie marathons. We usually spend the major holidays with a few friends on Skype or IM and movies synced across the country. I’m pretty boring these days!
Besides reading and writing, what else do you enjoy?
One of my favorite things, is to knit while watching NFL football—14 days until the 49ers start the pre-season! I’ve been a fan since the 1970s, so I’m really looking forward to this year but will be glad I don’t live in the Bay Area during Superbowl 50! During the regular season I watch every game I can get, but would call myself a 49er and Seahawks fan. Someday I’ll get up the courage to go up to Seattle when the 9ers are playing!
{Sorry, but as I’m from Maryland, I have to say – Go Ravens! Let’s win two!}
Thanks for being my guest, now it’s time to plug your work.
Blurb:
Directing Traffic, by Charley Descoteaux
A new love was the last thing on his mind . . .
Neil Sedwick expects to spend his vacation in a sleepy tourist trap mourning his late partner’s death. Instead, he puts his recently acquired CPR certificate to use and saves an elderly resident’s life. But it’s the survivor’s nephew, sexy middle-school teacher Ty Bigelow, who causes Neil to reevaluate his routine and consider reopening his heart.
Though the electricity between them is undeniable, Ty is struggling with his own feelings of inadequacy, and Neil is moored to the past. Even the healing peace of an old man’s garden and the ever-changing waters of the Oregon coast may not be enough to prepare Neil to overcome a crisis of the heart.
Buy Link:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3917&cPath=55_879
Excerpt:
Neil stood outside the little cafe and read the sign advertising burgers, beer, and fun. He thought that to be an overly optimistic—possibly even arrogant—claim, but went in anyway. Ty sat at a table in the far corner on the other side of a pool table. Two boys, who looked barely legal, did more laughing than shooting as Neil went to sit across from Ty.
“I didn’t know this place had a pool table,” said Neil after they’d said their hellos and thank-you-for-comings.
“Do you play?” Ty sat up a little straighter and smiled wider.
“Not for a while. And I never was very good.”
“Neither am I. We should play after lunch.”
The waitress came and took their orders. They chatted about the beach and how much the little town had changed over the past few years. It turned out they’d both taken their vacations there since well before the gentrification started and agreed the project had robbed the town of much of its charm.
“But we keep coming back anyway,” said Ty, dragging his last fry through the mixed ketchup and grease on his plate.
Neil wondered how he stayed so slender if he ate like that. He finished the last few bites of his Caesar salad and thought how unhappy Julius would be to see what this dive had done to his namesake entrée.
“Um, yeah, I guess. The beach is nice, though, and clears out pretty quickly once the kids go back to school.”
“How about a game?” Ty jumped up and started racking the table.
Neil wondered if he’d really seen a shadow pass across Ty’s face at the mention of kids and school. He was probably—straight, married, or both—worried about his uncle.
“I don’t want to keep you if—”
“You’d be doing me a favor. Once I leave here, I have no plans. Idle hands and all that.” Ty grinned and sauntered over to the rack on the wall.
Neil literally shook his head to remind himself where he was and that he really shouldn’t stare at this kid he’d just met, especially not his ass, and then forced himself across the little room to choose a cue. If that perfect round bottom had been created by burgers and fries, maybe he should reconsider his own eating habits. He was a little uncomfortable bending over the table with Ty standing right there watching, but his break probably wouldn’t have been any better had he been standing anywhere else.
Neil had felt a static tension in the room as soon as he reached the table, and as they played it only got worse. And all that bending over and thoughtful lining-up of shots that were missed by miles didn’t help.
They each had two balls left on the table, and Ty asked if Neil wanted to make it more interesting.
Neil laughed. “Not sure I can handle more interesting. But what do you have in mind?”
“Loser buys dinner.”
Ty bent over to line up his shot and his tank top draped over the table, giving Neil a prime view of Ty’s tanned chest and a tease of muscular stomach. Ty missed an easy bank shot.
“Or I can get it after I win.” Neil sank the two ball in the side, and then bumped a stripe in for Ty along with the six ball. As he lined up the eight ball, Neil realized what he’d done. He’d just asked this young guy out to dinner. He’d never asked anyone out before, not once, and this seemed as though he’d done it behind his own back. His hands shook enough to ensure the cue ball followed the eight straight into the pocket.
Ty laughed. His laugh made Neil grin, even through the burning blush he was sure encompassed his entire face, neck, and most of his chest.
“I warned you I wasn’t very good.”
Ty shook his head. “You weren’t kidding.” He replaced his cue in the rack, and maybe he was a little pale when he turned back around. “You don’t have to—”
“You’re suggesting I welch?”
Ty’s grin returned fast, forcing Neil to wonder again about his age. When he grinned like that, he looked almost as old as Neil himself, who wasn’t quite ready to admit he was pushing forty. But when he turned away from the cue rack, he seemed barely old enough to be in the bar. Ty raised an eyebrow, and Neil realized he’d been staring.
“Where would you like to eat?”
“You’re buying, so you decide.”
“My hotel has a restaurant next door. I’m not sure if it’s any good….”
“Sounds fine to me.”
Neil smiled and nodded, and they agreed on a time. When Neil left the cafe, Ty walked alongside him. They continued in a companionable silence to the end of the main drag. Neil expected him to drop away at any time, stunned by the realization he didn’t want that to happen. Ty kept walking with him, his flip-flops matching every step of Neil’s canvas deck shoes.
They reached the hotel, and Ty said softly, “Food’s good here.”
Neil glanced at Ty and then started up the weathered wood staircase to his room, holding his breath. He slowly let it out when he heard the slap of Ty’s flip-flops behind him. Neil’s hand shook the tiniest bit as he swiped his key card and opened the door. He hesitated, and Ty brushed past him into the room. Neil flinched away from the jolt he got when their arms touched.
Neil closed and locked the door and Ty was right there, his auburn curls shivering with his quiet laughter. Close up, his hazel-green eyes were even more beautiful than from across the table, and before Neil was able to think past them, Ty’s hands were on his chest and one snaked up into his hair.
Just before Ty’s mouth found Neil’s, he whispered one word that made Neil smile too.
“Electricity.”
Bio:
Charley Descoteaux has always heard voices. She was relieved to learn they were fictional characters, and started writing when they insisted daydreaming just wasn’t good enough. In exchange, they let her sleep once in a while. Charley’s a firm believer that everyone deserves a beautiful love story even, or maybe especially, the folks who would usually be in the supporting cast. Home is Portland, Oregon, where the weather is like your favorite hard-case writing buddy who won’t let you get away with taking too many days off, and in some places you can be as weird as you are without fear. As an out and proud bisexual and life-long weird-o, she thinks that last part is pretty cool.
Rattle Charley’s cages:
Blog: http://cdescoteauxwrites.com/
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/CharleyDescoteauxAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharleyDescote
Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/aqe7g7r
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/charleydescote/
e-mail: c.descoteauxwrites@gmail.com
