Love and chocolate are great and together they create romance! That’s why I’ve decided to create the Magical Love Series that merges the two. And that led to the idea of a website based around the series that brings the two together. I’m currently working on building the Magical Love Chocolate website, a virtual chocolate site that will combine various contests, book clubs and recipes centered around—what else…love and chocolate.
So stay tuned…with luck (and it will take a lot given my techie handicaps) the site will be available later this week. And I’ll post the link here for you to check out.
Also, tune in here for upcoming blogs that will focus on chocolate and/or romance. Suggestions on vacations, foods of love (besides chocolate) and anything else I discover on the subject that tweaks my interest.
Lizzie
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Come Meet a New Publisher & Share Their First Release!
We have the pleasure today in sharing the launch of a new publishing house, 5 Prince Publishing and Books, LLC. Congratulations Bernadette Marie!
To celebrate the first book release, The Executive's Decision, the publisher will draw a winner from posted comments to receive a signed copy.
Join me now in welcoming 5 Prince Publishing and Bernadette Marie!!!!
The Executive’s Decision will be released in March 20, 2011. This is the first book being published by 5 Prince Publishing and Books, LLC and is book one in a series of at least five. (3-20-11 will also be my 18th wedding anniversary!)
Bio:
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I started my first book at the age of thirteen. I submitted it at the age of sixteen and continued to try an perfect it for the next twenty-two years. In June of 2007 I picked up a Nora Roberts book to read on the treadmill at the gym (I’d given up the pleasure of reading so that I could write, what a mistake!) and I knew I wasn’t writing where my heart was. I finished that book I’d been writing, giving it an ending I could feel good about, and shelved it. Since June of 2007 I have penned sixteen books.
In late 2009 I received my first publishing contract for my The Matchmaker Trilogy, available from Snowy Creek Books.
In 2011 I opened my own publishing house, 5 Prince Publishing and Books, LLC. I found very quickly that my creative side does not play well with others. I want my hand in all aspects of the creative process and the only way to do that was to be the “boss” of the project from start to finish.
I have the most fabulous editors so I know that the quality of my books will be first rate all the way.
When I am not writing, which is rare that I’m not, I am focused on my family. I have been married for almost eighteen years and we have five wonderful little boys ranging in age from 12-6. In October 2010 I also received my Black Belt in Tang Soo Do/Tae Kwan Do. Being a Martial Artist has taught me so many great things about discipline which I have carried over into my writing career. (As well as a great plot for a book you will be seeing in the near future.)
My website is www.bernadettemarie.com. I have an online bookstore opening up where we will sell my books (and the books of others). We will also offer a Reader Review Panel where authors can have their books reviewed by everyday Readers and not just Literary Reviewers. This site is http://www.5princebooks.com/. I can also be found on Facebook under Bernadette Marie.
I am a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), Colorado Romance Writers (CRW), and the Colorado Fiction Writers.
THE EXECUTIVE’S DECISION:
Regan Keller fell in love with a wealthy and powerful man once. He was her boss. When that turbulent relationship ended, she swore she’d never again date someone she worked with. That was before she literally fell into her new boss’s lap.
Zachary Benson is a successful man running an empire and used to getting what he wants in the boardroom and outside of it. He is determined to convince Regan that even though he is her boss they can share a life together.
However, when Regan’s past threatens Zach’s business he will have to make an executive decision whether to choose his business or fight for the woman he loves.
www.bernadettemarie.com
To celebrate the first book release, The Executive's Decision, the publisher will draw a winner from posted comments to receive a signed copy.
Join me now in welcoming 5 Prince Publishing and Bernadette Marie!!!!
The Executive’s Decision will be released in March 20, 2011. This is the first book being published by 5 Prince Publishing and Books, LLC and is book one in a series of at least five. (3-20-11 will also be my 18th wedding anniversary!)
Bio:
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I started my first book at the age of thirteen. I submitted it at the age of sixteen and continued to try an perfect it for the next twenty-two years. In June of 2007 I picked up a Nora Roberts book to read on the treadmill at the gym (I’d given up the pleasure of reading so that I could write, what a mistake!) and I knew I wasn’t writing where my heart was. I finished that book I’d been writing, giving it an ending I could feel good about, and shelved it. Since June of 2007 I have penned sixteen books.
In late 2009 I received my first publishing contract for my The Matchmaker Trilogy, available from Snowy Creek Books.
In 2011 I opened my own publishing house, 5 Prince Publishing and Books, LLC. I found very quickly that my creative side does not play well with others. I want my hand in all aspects of the creative process and the only way to do that was to be the “boss” of the project from start to finish.
I have the most fabulous editors so I know that the quality of my books will be first rate all the way.
When I am not writing, which is rare that I’m not, I am focused on my family. I have been married for almost eighteen years and we have five wonderful little boys ranging in age from 12-6. In October 2010 I also received my Black Belt in Tang Soo Do/Tae Kwan Do. Being a Martial Artist has taught me so many great things about discipline which I have carried over into my writing career. (As well as a great plot for a book you will be seeing in the near future.)
My website is www.bernadettemarie.com. I have an online bookstore opening up where we will sell my books (and the books of others). We will also offer a Reader Review Panel where authors can have their books reviewed by everyday Readers and not just Literary Reviewers. This site is http://www.5princebooks.com/. I can also be found on Facebook under Bernadette Marie.
I am a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), Colorado Romance Writers (CRW), and the Colorado Fiction Writers.
THE EXECUTIVE’S DECISION:
Regan Keller fell in love with a wealthy and powerful man once. He was her boss. When that turbulent relationship ended, she swore she’d never again date someone she worked with. That was before she literally fell into her new boss’s lap.
Zachary Benson is a successful man running an empire and used to getting what he wants in the boardroom and outside of it. He is determined to convince Regan that even though he is her boss they can share a life together.
However, when Regan’s past threatens Zach’s business he will have to make an executive decision whether to choose his business or fight for the woman he loves.
www.bernadettemarie.com
Friday, January 21, 2011
Stylish Blogger Award Nomination
Received an email for K.C. Kendricks and she nominated Lizzie's World for the Stylish Blogger Award! Wow and double Wow!!!!!!
Blog and Award are two words I never thought to see linked to my
name!
Thank you, K.C.Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Welcome Sloane Tayor & Robert Appleton!
Today, let's give a big welcome to the ever 'hot' Sloane Taylor and her writing cohort, Robert Appleton. They have created a sizzler for us to share with us! So sit back and keep the fan close.
CLAIRE DE LUNE
Robert Appleton & Sloane Taylor
ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-011-5 (Electronic)
ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-995-8 (Paperback)
Amber Quill Press – Amber Heat
Genres: Science Fiction / Futuristic / Action / Adventure / Mystery / Detective / Voyeurism
Heat Level: HOT
Length: Novel (70k words)
Buy Link E-book http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/ClaireDeLune.html
Buy Link Paperback http://www.amazon.com/Claire-Lune-Robert-Appleton/dp/1611249953/ref=sr_1_3_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292945266&sr=1-3
EXCERPT:
Evelyn’s self-esteem soared like a rocket as she gazed into Gerry’s eyes. All the need and desire that filled him shone through. She liked him, maybe more if she were honest, and had wanted him from the moment his pompous ass walked into her hotel room. Being with him and initiating sex tonight was the right thing for her to do.
Gerry wrapped an arm around her waist, tugging her closer. Damn, his hard chest felt good against her achy boobs, but not as good as his rigid cock nestling into her belly.
“Evie—"
“Don’t talk.”
He nodded and traced his index finger along her bottom lip. She nipped the tip, then sucked it in, tonguing the pad until he groaned.
“Ah, Ev—” He caught her face in his hands and kissed her with a passion that ignited her.
His tongue toyed against the seam of her mouth, then delved in, a beautiful taste of wine and herbs, lapping and swirling until her knees trembled. With a regretful sigh, she pulled away.
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No talking. It’s my little quirk.” She tapped his mouth, then took his hand and led him to the sand. After she stooped, she patted the ground, inviting him to join her.
Evelyn rose up on her knees and combed her hands down his chest, flicking his nipples until they sprang to life. Intrigued, she swiped her tongue over her dry lips and leaned into him, licking and sucking the copper-colored discs.
She continued lower to the blond tuft cradling his cock. Gently, she glided her thumb over his swollen head, teasing the drops of pre-cum from the slit to the sensitive underside. Her other hand cupped his balls, rolling the tight sacs with her fingers, taking pleasure in her teasing.
His hips jerked with each touch. Through hooded eyes, he watched, but did as she had requested and maintained silence.
On a rush of air, she gave his lips a quick peck and eased over him, holding her thighs tight against his frame. Heat emanated from his body, soothing and stimulating, a new awareness she longed to experience more than once.
Her breasts swayed close to his mouth. He stretched up and tweaked her pebbled nipples with his thumbs and index fingers. Cuddling them together, he licked and suckled the sensitive tips, first one, then the other. A deep shiver rocketed through her, increasing the ache low in her belly.
She teased his cock along her nether lips, loving the feel of his hot flesh grazing against her clit. In slow motion, she edged onto his shaft, savoring the inches that penetrated her wet vagina.
He rocked into her, clutching her hips, holding her in place. She locked her hands around his wrists and pulled them away, the need to set the pace paramount.
“This is so sexy I don’t want to come,” he bit out through clenched teeth.
“I do.” She slapped his hip. “Again and again.”
LINKS:
Robert Appleton http://www.robertappleton.co.uk/
Sloane Taylor http://www.sloanetaylor.com/
CLAIRE DE LUNE
Robert Appleton & Sloane Taylor
ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-011-5 (Electronic)
ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-995-8 (Paperback)
Amber Quill Press – Amber Heat
Genres: Science Fiction / Futuristic / Action / Adventure / Mystery / Detective / Voyeurism
Heat Level: HOT
Length: Novel (70k words)
Buy Link E-book http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/ClaireDeLune.html
Buy Link Paperback http://www.amazon.com/Claire-Lune-Robert-Appleton/dp/1611249953/ref=sr_1_3_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292945266&sr=1-3
EXCERPT:
Evelyn’s self-esteem soared like a rocket as she gazed into Gerry’s eyes. All the need and desire that filled him shone through. She liked him, maybe more if she were honest, and had wanted him from the moment his pompous ass walked into her hotel room. Being with him and initiating sex tonight was the right thing for her to do.
Gerry wrapped an arm around her waist, tugging her closer. Damn, his hard chest felt good against her achy boobs, but not as good as his rigid cock nestling into her belly.
“Evie—"
“Don’t talk.”
He nodded and traced his index finger along her bottom lip. She nipped the tip, then sucked it in, tonguing the pad until he groaned.
“Ah, Ev—” He caught her face in his hands and kissed her with a passion that ignited her.
His tongue toyed against the seam of her mouth, then delved in, a beautiful taste of wine and herbs, lapping and swirling until her knees trembled. With a regretful sigh, she pulled away.
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No talking. It’s my little quirk.” She tapped his mouth, then took his hand and led him to the sand. After she stooped, she patted the ground, inviting him to join her.
Evelyn rose up on her knees and combed her hands down his chest, flicking his nipples until they sprang to life. Intrigued, she swiped her tongue over her dry lips and leaned into him, licking and sucking the copper-colored discs.
She continued lower to the blond tuft cradling his cock. Gently, she glided her thumb over his swollen head, teasing the drops of pre-cum from the slit to the sensitive underside. Her other hand cupped his balls, rolling the tight sacs with her fingers, taking pleasure in her teasing.
His hips jerked with each touch. Through hooded eyes, he watched, but did as she had requested and maintained silence.
On a rush of air, she gave his lips a quick peck and eased over him, holding her thighs tight against his frame. Heat emanated from his body, soothing and stimulating, a new awareness she longed to experience more than once.
Her breasts swayed close to his mouth. He stretched up and tweaked her pebbled nipples with his thumbs and index fingers. Cuddling them together, he licked and suckled the sensitive tips, first one, then the other. A deep shiver rocketed through her, increasing the ache low in her belly.
She teased his cock along her nether lips, loving the feel of his hot flesh grazing against her clit. In slow motion, she edged onto his shaft, savoring the inches that penetrated her wet vagina.
He rocked into her, clutching her hips, holding her in place. She locked her hands around his wrists and pulled them away, the need to set the pace paramount.
“This is so sexy I don’t want to come,” he bit out through clenched teeth.
“I do.” She slapped his hip. “Again and again.”
LINKS:
Robert Appleton http://www.robertappleton.co.uk/
Sloane Taylor http://www.sloanetaylor.com/
Monday, January 17, 2011
Beyond Magic has released!
Beyond Magic, the first novel in the Magical Love Series released in eBook January 15th. The print version will be out in a couple of weeks.
Stay tuned for fun contests on this book, but also a contest that could get your chocolate recipe featured in the 2nd book of the series.
Blurb:
Following the Powers directive to unite soul mates, a Scottish Cailleach's magic will have repercussions in several realms.
Mixed-blood Ian McCabe, grandson of Fae and gods tries to deny his powers.When he discovers mortal, Emma Grant unconscious at the bottom of the steps to his castle, his world starts to change.
Tour director Emma Grant's bus breaks down and her effort to find help results in a fall that knocks her unconscious.She awakens to find the man of her dreams staring into her eyes.
But will his secrets and her distrust of men tear them apart?
Following the Powers directive to unite soul mates, a Scottish Cailleach's magic will have repercussions in several realms.
Mixed-blood Ian McCabe, grandson of Fae and gods tries to deny his powers.When he discovers mortal, Emma Grant unconscious at the bottom of the steps to his castle, his world starts to change.
Tour director Emma Grant's bus breaks down and her effort to find help results in a fall that knocks her unconscious.She awakens to find the man of her dreams staring into her eyes.
But will his secrets and her distrust of men tear them apart?
Read and Excerpt: http://www.passioninprint.com/AllExcerpts.php?name=excerpt/Excerpt-Beyond_Magic.inc
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Beyond Magic releasing soon!
Beyond Magic, the first book in the Magical Love Series will release soon. Don't have the exact date yet, but thought I'd share the cover with you since I received word the final had been up loaded.
The series is based around the love matches generated by magic a Scottish Cailleach sets into motion with repercussions in numerous realms.
In Beyond Magic, she unites Ian, a cross-blood immortal with Emma, who believes she's mortal, but in for a surprise! How do you like the cover?
Lizzie
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
December's Winner
Yep, I'm asleep at the wheel this month...just realized I forgot to draw a winner for December from my Followers!
To celebrate the release of Beyond Magic later this month, the prize is a Fairy Statue. The lucky winner of the Wee Fairy is JENNIFER MATHIS!
Jennifer, email me at lizzietleaf(at)comcast(dot)net
Thanks,
Lizzie
To celebrate the release of Beyond Magic later this month, the prize is a Fairy Statue. The lucky winner of the Wee Fairy is JENNIFER MATHIS!
Jennifer, email me at lizzietleaf(at)comcast(dot)net
Thanks,
Lizzie
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Welcome KC Kendricks
Joining us today is the "hot" KC Kendricks. Her male/male romances will blister the paint on any surface and her characters come to life with her rich descriptions. Welcome, KC! So glad you made time to share with us today.
Lizzie
About KC
Best selling author KC Kendricks makes her home in Maryland with her partner of almost twenty years. A 2008 Amber Heat Wave Winner, and a 2008 CAPA nominee, KC writes contemporary gay romances that while are adult in nature, celebrate love and hope for maturer readers.
Living in a rural area, KC enjoys most outdoor activities except for those that require snow.
I came to writing contemporary gay romance by a circuitous path. I’d been published in the world of erotic romance under a different nom de plume for several years. It was fun, and rewarding, and I enjoyed it immensely. For those reasons, it came as quite a surprise to me to wake up one morning and know that if I wanted to continue to write, I had to change direction. I’d grown through my writing, now my writing had to grow with me. But what path to take?
No, slash fiction wasn’t my first thought, but the universe works in mysterious ways. A few days later, I sat down at the computer and opened my calendar, and the reminder, “J-s birthday,” popped up. My friend would have been fifty that day, had he not died so young. I decided to write a contemporary gay romance short story for him. I didn’t think about getting it published, but once written, it snowballed from there. That story, Surrendered Victory, is still one of my favorites.
During our senior year of high school, J-‘s way of coming out of the closet to me, officially, was to hand me his copy of The Front Runner by Patricia Nell Warren, and tell me to read it. We’d been buddies for years and, back in 1975, I didn’t know why he thought he had to actually tell me he was gay. This older me understands the need for acceptance and to know the love of friends and family remains untarnished. Coming out is a theme I frequent often in my stories. It’s the main theme of my latest release, What You Don’t Confess. (http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/WhatYouDontConfess.html)
I’d like to thank Lizzie for hosting me on her blog today, and giving me the opportunity to introduce myself, and to do a little promo for What You Don’t Confess. Thank you all for reading.
KC Kendricks
Book Promo
What You Don’t Confess
Contemporary gay romance
available at http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/WhatYouDontConfess.html
Bright and beautiful, Cassidy Barlow is one of Marionville’s new breed of movers and shakers. Outspoken on political and social issues, Cass draws a lot of media attention, and knows how to us it. Out and proud, Cass makes no apologies for who he is, or who he wants – and he wants Dylan Donoghy. The only thing is, from where Cass stands, Dylan seems to be involved with two different men.
Coming out. The most difficult phrase in Dylan Donoghy’s vocabulary. Handsome, successful, and wealthy, he’s made it this far in life with only his closest friends knowing he’s gay. Dylan has a good reason for that to change – his deepening attraction to Cassidy Barlow. It doesn’t come easy, but Dylan takes a few first steps out of the closet. It’s his only choice if he wants to be with Cass, even though he knows Cass has some secrets of his own.
Every man has a private past, and an unwritten future. What he won’t confess stands between the two.
EXCERPT
“You do know those four watchdogs of yours were there the entire evening, don’t you?”
I nodded. “They like to keep an eye on me. Obviously, it didn’t discourage you at all.”
His hand gripped my shoulders again. His amber gaze drilled into mine. “Just so I don’t step in it, Dylan, how many of them have you slept with? And don’t lie to me.”
I fought back against of wave of anger. How dare he imply I’d not tell him the truth? Being astute, he knew he’d pissed me off. I saw the apology in his eyes as he touched his fingertips to my lips.
“That didn’t come out right, Dylan.”
“ Apology accepted. Before today, I might have told you it was none of your business, but now I think you should know. We’re no longer intimate, but I have a very close, special relationship with both Travis and Tyler. I’m very happy for them that they both found a partner.”
“That’s what I figured out Friday night when they spent all that time running in and out of an area marked ‘private’. Especially Templeton.”
“Don’t test me too often, Cass. I don’t like it.” I spoke sharper than intended, but he needed to know my boundaries. “There’s a lot of space between your age and mine. Be careful not to judge until you get to where I am.”
Those restless hands of his skimmed along my sides. “I’m not being judgmental, I swear. I just needed to know what the dynamics are between you and them so I don’t put both feet in my mouth.”
“Okay. I get it. And for what it’s worth, all four of them, especially Travis, is rooting for you.”
“Really? He’s in my corner, is he?” Cass tucked his fingers under my belt and tugged. I levered my weight off the door and stepped past him, capturing his hand to pull him into the casual space I used for informal gatherings.
“He’s using tough love on me when it comes to you, so don’t be shocked, or surprised, at his little quips. Have a seat.”
Cass eased down on the love seat and patted the spot beside him. I ignored him, and went to the bar. “What would you like to drink?”
“Ginger ale?”
I nodded and poured two, handing his to him with an apology it didn’t come in a brandy snifter as I settled in beside him. I stopped him when he moved to put his arm around me.
“You’re killing me here, Dylan.”
“No, I’m not.” I sipped my drink. “Cass, I don’t want to make a misstep with you. I know what you want tonight, but what do you want next week? Or next month? Christ, what do I want next week?”
He leaned back and watched me with those amber eyes. His cool, even regard gave little indication of his thoughts. Cass downed his drink in three fast swallows, then swirled the ice around in the bottom of the empty glass.
“Do you always think everything to death, Dylan?”
“It’s a hazard one encounters in middle age.”
“I’m not some mistake you’ll regret when you’re ninety.”
I laid my hand on his thigh. The heat of his skin penetrated his jeans, and snaked up my arm. “You’re right, you know. I won’t regret meeting you, whether dinner is all we share, or we become friends, or if we become lovers.”
“Or? If? I don’t appreciate being jerked around.”
“Well, poor little you that I haven’t figured this out yet.”
Cass’s mouth dropped open, then snapped closed. He stared at me, blinked, and stared again. I reveled in private glee that I’d seen him speechless twice in one day, but that amusement was strongly tempered by the knowledge I had him too far off balance. I squeezed his knee.
“Look, Cass. I’m not jerking you around. Getting involved with someone isn’t easy for me. I’ve never been someone who gets a hard-on for a guy and loses my mind until I fuck him. I have to think things through, and consider the impact it may have on my life.”
He shook his head. “Babe, you’ve got to start living in the moment, and stop living in fear.” Cass set his empty glass down on the end table and stood. With angry, disappointed eyes, he met my gaze. A muscle moved in his clenched jaw.
My heart beat painfully. I knew what he was going to say...
WHAT YOU DON'T CONFESS
ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-020-7
Contemporary gay romance
available at http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/WhatYouDontConfess.html
This title is also available as part of the Stepping Out PAX available at
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/AP_SteppingOut.html
KC Kendricks
Visit my website at: http://www.kckendricks.com/
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
Join my mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys
Read my personal blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com/
Check out the MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
Best selling author KC Kendricks makes her home in Maryland with her partner of almost twenty years. A 2008 Amber Heat Wave Winner, and a 2008 CAPA nominee, KC writes contemporary gay romances that while are adult in nature, celebrate love and hope for maturer readers.
Living in a rural area, KC enjoys most outdoor activities except for those that require snow.
I came to writing contemporary gay romance by a circuitous path. I’d been published in the world of erotic romance under a different nom de plume for several years. It was fun, and rewarding, and I enjoyed it immensely. For those reasons, it came as quite a surprise to me to wake up one morning and know that if I wanted to continue to write, I had to change direction. I’d grown through my writing, now my writing had to grow with me. But what path to take?
No, slash fiction wasn’t my first thought, but the universe works in mysterious ways. A few days later, I sat down at the computer and opened my calendar, and the reminder, “J-s birthday,” popped up. My friend would have been fifty that day, had he not died so young. I decided to write a contemporary gay romance short story for him. I didn’t think about getting it published, but once written, it snowballed from there. That story, Surrendered Victory, is still one of my favorites.
During our senior year of high school, J-‘s way of coming out of the closet to me, officially, was to hand me his copy of The Front Runner by Patricia Nell Warren, and tell me to read it. We’d been buddies for years and, back in 1975, I didn’t know why he thought he had to actually tell me he was gay. This older me understands the need for acceptance and to know the love of friends and family remains untarnished. Coming out is a theme I frequent often in my stories. It’s the main theme of my latest release, What You Don’t Confess. (http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/WhatYouDontConfess.html)
I’d like to thank Lizzie for hosting me on her blog today, and giving me the opportunity to introduce myself, and to do a little promo for What You Don’t Confess. Thank you all for reading.
KC Kendricks
Book Promo
What You Don’t Confess
Contemporary gay romance
available at http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/WhatYouDontConfess.html
Bright and beautiful, Cassidy Barlow is one of Marionville’s new breed of movers and shakers. Outspoken on political and social issues, Cass draws a lot of media attention, and knows how to us it. Out and proud, Cass makes no apologies for who he is, or who he wants – and he wants Dylan Donoghy. The only thing is, from where Cass stands, Dylan seems to be involved with two different men.
Coming out. The most difficult phrase in Dylan Donoghy’s vocabulary. Handsome, successful, and wealthy, he’s made it this far in life with only his closest friends knowing he’s gay. Dylan has a good reason for that to change – his deepening attraction to Cassidy Barlow. It doesn’t come easy, but Dylan takes a few first steps out of the closet. It’s his only choice if he wants to be with Cass, even though he knows Cass has some secrets of his own.
Every man has a private past, and an unwritten future. What he won’t confess stands between the two.
EXCERPT
“You do know those four watchdogs of yours were there the entire evening, don’t you?”
I nodded. “They like to keep an eye on me. Obviously, it didn’t discourage you at all.”
His hand gripped my shoulders again. His amber gaze drilled into mine. “Just so I don’t step in it, Dylan, how many of them have you slept with? And don’t lie to me.”
I fought back against of wave of anger. How dare he imply I’d not tell him the truth? Being astute, he knew he’d pissed me off. I saw the apology in his eyes as he touched his fingertips to my lips.
“That didn’t come out right, Dylan.”
“ Apology accepted. Before today, I might have told you it was none of your business, but now I think you should know. We’re no longer intimate, but I have a very close, special relationship with both Travis and Tyler. I’m very happy for them that they both found a partner.”
“That’s what I figured out Friday night when they spent all that time running in and out of an area marked ‘private’. Especially Templeton.”
“Don’t test me too often, Cass. I don’t like it.” I spoke sharper than intended, but he needed to know my boundaries. “There’s a lot of space between your age and mine. Be careful not to judge until you get to where I am.”
Those restless hands of his skimmed along my sides. “I’m not being judgmental, I swear. I just needed to know what the dynamics are between you and them so I don’t put both feet in my mouth.”
“Okay. I get it. And for what it’s worth, all four of them, especially Travis, is rooting for you.”
“Really? He’s in my corner, is he?” Cass tucked his fingers under my belt and tugged. I levered my weight off the door and stepped past him, capturing his hand to pull him into the casual space I used for informal gatherings.
“He’s using tough love on me when it comes to you, so don’t be shocked, or surprised, at his little quips. Have a seat.”
Cass eased down on the love seat and patted the spot beside him. I ignored him, and went to the bar. “What would you like to drink?”
“Ginger ale?”
I nodded and poured two, handing his to him with an apology it didn’t come in a brandy snifter as I settled in beside him. I stopped him when he moved to put his arm around me.
“You’re killing me here, Dylan.”
“No, I’m not.” I sipped my drink. “Cass, I don’t want to make a misstep with you. I know what you want tonight, but what do you want next week? Or next month? Christ, what do I want next week?”
He leaned back and watched me with those amber eyes. His cool, even regard gave little indication of his thoughts. Cass downed his drink in three fast swallows, then swirled the ice around in the bottom of the empty glass.
“Do you always think everything to death, Dylan?”
“It’s a hazard one encounters in middle age.”
“I’m not some mistake you’ll regret when you’re ninety.”
I laid my hand on his thigh. The heat of his skin penetrated his jeans, and snaked up my arm. “You’re right, you know. I won’t regret meeting you, whether dinner is all we share, or we become friends, or if we become lovers.”
“Or? If? I don’t appreciate being jerked around.”
“Well, poor little you that I haven’t figured this out yet.”
Cass’s mouth dropped open, then snapped closed. He stared at me, blinked, and stared again. I reveled in private glee that I’d seen him speechless twice in one day, but that amusement was strongly tempered by the knowledge I had him too far off balance. I squeezed his knee.
“Look, Cass. I’m not jerking you around. Getting involved with someone isn’t easy for me. I’ve never been someone who gets a hard-on for a guy and loses my mind until I fuck him. I have to think things through, and consider the impact it may have on my life.”
He shook his head. “Babe, you’ve got to start living in the moment, and stop living in fear.” Cass set his empty glass down on the end table and stood. With angry, disappointed eyes, he met my gaze. A muscle moved in his clenched jaw.
My heart beat painfully. I knew what he was going to say...
WHAT YOU DON'T CONFESS
ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-020-7
Contemporary gay romance
available at http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/WhatYouDontConfess.html
This title is also available as part of the Stepping Out PAX available at
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/AP_SteppingOut.html
KC Kendricks
Visit my website at: http://www.kckendricks.com/
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
Join my mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys
Read my personal blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com/
Check out the MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)