Tuesday Tales - Rose

 It`s time for Tuesday Tales.

Today we have an excerpt from Shake the Stars, my current MM contemporary romance WIP. This story centers on a summer romance between Dane, a recent high school graduate, and Keenan, who will be a junior in college come fall. They meet at a lodge in the Pocono’s where Dane and his family are guests and Keenan’s employed as a lifeguard. This is a first love, second chance to find love book that spans ten years in Dane's life. 

Our word prompt today is “Rose”. In this scene Dane meets Keenan for the first time.

This story may have gay erotic scenes, strong social issues addressed and mature language. If those things offend now is the time to move onto another Tuesday Tales blog. Thanks for stopping by!

The only person I saw was on the other side, running at full speed, his upper body bare to the sun. He thundered across the bridge, his sandals in one hand and shirt in the other. I danced back out of his way, bumping into the signpost.

“Tell me they haven’t started serving yet,” he panted as he neared. His voice was deep and rich with a subtle British accent. It was quite pleasing, and I smiled despite myself at the horrible scowl on his face. When he returned the smile, I grabbed tight to the sign post behind me. He was incredibly handsome with thick black hair, a rather long but proud nose that looked perfect on him, and a forehead that was higher than most. His eyes were darkest brown and his skin the shade of a roasted cashew. Around his thick neck was a necklace with a crescent moon and star dangling from the gold chain. “Bloody hell, they have started serving, haven’t they? Damn Kurt is always late to relieve me.” He slid his feet into his sandals as he spoke.

“About ten minutes ago.”

“Well, won’t be the first time I’ve been late to the kitchen. Won’t be the last either. You a lodger?” He pulled his shirt on and then held out a large hand. I gently placed mine into his, my palm a little sticky but he didn’t seem to mind. “Foods up that way,” he jerked his head over his shoulder. “Keenan Novak. Lifeguard by day, celery chopper by night.”

His joke kind of hung there in the air until I snorted in a loud, piggish way that made my ears burn.

“Yeah, I just uh…was walking to build up my appetite.”

His teeth flashed white. My fingers gripped the sturdy old wooden pole tighter. God but he was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen. Tall, lean, dark, and handsome. He dropped my hand after a long shake, his gaze holding mine amiably.

“Place is a bit dingy, but they do put out some good food. Better get in there before they come looking for me.”

I didn’t want him to leave. I’d never spoken to a man quite like him before. He was beautiful and foreign and filled with the wonders of the world that I had only dreamed of. “Are you British?”

Wow, Dane, that was stellar. Maybe you could ask him if he breathes air next. Moron.

“What gave me away? Was it my Union Jack socks?”

I glanced down at his bare toes wiggling around in his battered sandals.

“You’re not wearing socks,” I pointed out as heat rose up my neck.

Keenan winked at me, his lips twitching with mirth.

Copyright 2018 ©by V.L. Locey & RJ Scott

*~*~*

Click on the link below to return to the Tuesday Tales main blog for more great reads from the Tuesday Tales authors.

Tuesday Tales

Pucks & Percentages #9

Sit back and enjoy your Sunday morning coffee while you catch up on a new issue of Pucks & Percentages.

Issue #9

Story Spotlight - Heir Apparent (Part of the Blue Line Collection)

Universal Link

#MM #Hockey #Romance #MayOctober #Goalies 


Superstar Cam Evans is fighting to climb out of a slump that`s growing worse with each day of living in denial. Fresh from the minors, Jacobi Neal is hungry for this chance to play back-up for the legendary goalie. Can two men battle each other, their inner demons, and the sizzling attraction building between them?


Excerpt:

Turns out the Kaufmann Clock was this old, gold clock with naked Grecian men on either side of it. It’s a damned impressive clock that is a Pittsburgh landmark, I would learn later. It seems that it is quite the thing to meet someone under this over one-hundred-year-old clock. It was where I found Cam, bundled up in a thick blue parka, sipping a hot beverage. The corner of Fifth Avenue and Smithfield Street was pretty quiet. I pulled up in front of Macy’s, parked, then jogged over to Cameron.

"You could have picked somewhere warmer to meet," I said.

Cam began walking. I fell in beside him.

"Like where?" the man asked, his face nearly concealed by the huge hood over his head. "Tell me one damned place in this town that we could meet to talk without someone knowing it was us."

I padded along beside him with no reply for his comment. He was right. Everyone knew his face in “The Burgh.” The longer we walked, the more I accepted that I would freeze to death. We made two complete laps in total silence. Cam stopped to drop his empty coffee cup into a trash can. We stood under a streetlight, our breath twin clouds of steam hovering in front of us.

"You have to understand that this…I don’t know how to go about…shit." He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his parka. Again, we started walking.

"Look, man, if I knew for sure what we were dealing with, maybe I could help a little better.” A biracial couple hurried past us. I burrowed into my flimsy coat until all that stuck out of the collar were my eyes.

"I have a daughter. She’s a senior in high school."

"Awesome,” I mumbled into my coat. My forehead was extremely cold. Like ice cream eaten too fast cold. We kept walking that block.

"She is awesome." I peeked over at him. I wished he would drop that fucking hood so I could see his face. "And not aware of how things were with her mother and me."

"How things were, or how you were pretending they were?" I chanced it. What the hell? He would either slug me, call me a motherfucker, or stalk off. Whatever happened it had to be better than roaming around this fucking city block when the temperature was a balmy four degrees. "I mean, that is what you’re dancing around, right? That you’re so far back in the closet you just discovered Narnia? Why not just admit that much to yourself before we both succumb to fucking hypothermia?”

I should have known that Cameron Evans was a man of action. I mean, I followed his career all though my school years. He was fast. My back was against the wall under that old clock before I could register the shove. Cam then got all sorts of in my face. I did not raise my hands. His angry exhalation was flavored with vanilla.

"Are you calling me a queer?"

I shrugged one shoulder. "I call them as I see them. Now, you can either step off or you can kiss me." I threw the challenge out without a second thought. I stared into the shelter of his hood, finding his dark eyes in the shadows. They flickered down to my blue lips. "Whatever you decide to do, do it fast. I’m cold, tired, and hungry."

He did. He captured my mouth with a kiss so aggressive my teeth ground into my lips. Yeah. This was it. This was what I had been pushing him to do…hoping he would do. His hands slapped to the wall on either side of my head. I grabbed his hooded head then ran my tongue over his bottom lip. The tempting taste of his latte lingered on his tongue. Then he lost the fingertip hold he had found on the slippery slope of sexual honesty. Cam stumbled backward. I remained flat to the wall, my lips warmed nicely. He threw horrified looks up then down the street.

"Cam, man, it’s okay. It is okay to kiss a dude on the street. It is totally acceptable."

"No one knows." He pulled his hood even farther over his face.

"Then tell them. Go to your daughter, tell her. Tell your ex-wife, unless she already knows?"

"No, she doesn’t know, but she suspected. I need more time to…think this through."

"Cam, don’t you think you’ve lived a lie long enough, dude?" I asked as he retreated farther into his parka.

"It’s so much easier to hide in the dark," he murmured then left me under the clock, back flat to the wall, lips tender from our kiss.

$0.99 Sale Alert - Open Net (Cayuga Cougar #2)

Grab your copy of this passionate May/December hockey romance for only $0.99 until April 30th. 

Universal Link

August Miles has the world on a string professionally.

Augie, as his friends and teammates call the unassuming young goaltender, is on the fast track to the pros. The starting goalie for the Cayuga Cougars, he has a year or two in Cayuga to hone his skills and all his career dreams will have come true. Pity his personal life isn’t riding the same high. He’s the only one among his group of friends without that special someone to call his own.

Until he meets Salvatore Castenada at a lakeside party. The attraction is white-hot and more than a little wonderfully overwhelming for the romantically inexperienced goalie. August quickly discovers that Sal is everything he’s dreamed of in a man: mature, settled, sinfully handsome, and filled with gentle humor. Sal is also HIV positive. 

Will Sal’s revelation about his status end this budding relationship before it can even begin? Or will the two men be able to handle the challenges life—and a championship run for the Cougars—throws at them?

Tuesday Tales - Wash

 It`s time for Tuesday Tales.

Today we have an excerpt from Goal Line, Harrisburg Railers #6, coauthored with RJ Scott. Our word prompt today is “Wash”. 

In today’s scene things are about to heat up for Gatlin and Bryan.

This story may have gay erotic scenes, strong social issues addressed and mature language. If those things offend now is the time to move onto another Tuesday Tales blog. Thanks for stopping by!

I sat there like a drunken frog on a log, staring, my ears hearing the words but my brain unable to get them lined up so that they made sense. I wasn’t sure who this Mitch was, but he seemed to be talking some good talk to Bryan.

“Are you saying that you want to try to make a thing here with me?”

He nodded and bit down on his lower lip. “If you want to try to make a thing with me, yeah. I mean, I totally get that you’d be sick of my shit. How I keep bolting when we get close. If you don’t want me then I—”

“Bryan, maybe we should put our wine down.” His expressive brows dropped down in confusion. “I’d really like to take you into my bedroom and show you just how much I want you, but I’d hate to spill the wine. It’s too tasty to end up on the floor and I don’t feel like washing wine out of the rug right now.”

A slow, brilliant smile was his reply. He put his wine glass on the coffee table. I did the same. Then I stood up and offered him my hand. When he stood up he slid his fingers between mine. He ducked his head down to taste my mouth. I lapped at his lips, eager to spread the taste of that cheeky zinfandel all over his tongue.

Our progress to the bedroom was slow. We had to stop and kiss, touch, peel off clothing, and locate ELP’s masterpiece, Brain Salad Surgery, before we could fall into my freshly made bed. Which was another thing on the list. Make that two things.

Clean sheets. Check.

One of the hottest men ever to grace my life lying naked on those clean sheets.

            Big check.

Copyright 2018 ©by V.L. Locey & RJ Scott

*~*~*

Click on the link below to return to the Tuesday Tales main blog for more great reads from the Tuesday Tales authors.

Tuesday Tales

Pucks & Percentages Issue #8

Happy Sunday! Another issue of Pucks & Percentage awaits you over at the MM Hockey Romance site.

Issue #8

Charity MM Anthology Release Day!

You can grab your copy of Love for all Seasons, a charity MM romance anthology with 5 established authors and 3 brand new authors who have worked with us on their first publishing journey. That’s 8 stories of love and romance to make you smile!

Established authors are V.L. Locey, RJ Scott, Annabelle Jacobs, Chris McHart, DJ Jamison. Our newbies are Cathy Brockman, EJ Smyth, and CM Valencourt.

The cost is only $2.99 with ALL PROCEEDS going 50/50 to The Albert Kennedy Trust and the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

Universal Buy Link

Life is a Stevie Wonder Song Release Day!

#MM #Contemporary #Romance #MayDecember #SelfDiscovery 

My re-released May/December contemporary romance novella, Life is a Stevie Wonder Song, is live today! This lovely little story of sexual self-discovery takes place in the Catskill Mountains of New York. It’s a short but sexy read with a new cover and a brand-new epilogue! Kindle Unlimited members will be able to read it for free but those who aren’t in KU can pick it up for only $0.99 exclusively at Amazon for three months.

Universal Link

 Blurb:

Authors know that their muse is a fickle creature. Best-selling spy novelist Steven Ramsey has been in a hate-hate relationship with his inspiration for months. When Steven's publisher lays a legal ultimatum upon him, with a rapidly approaching deadline, he knows he must do something to kick-start his creativity or face the unemployment line. His daughter comes up with a possible answer: a summer camp for the creative soul. With nothing to lose, Steven packs up his laptop, phonograph, and beloved record albums and heads from Greenwich Village to the Catskill Mountains.

There, among a horde of college students attending for extra credits, is Declan Pomeroy, a photographer of fey creatures who is twenty-two years younger than Steven. The woods are a magical place, and he quickly finds himself falling under the spell of the free-spirited photographer. Confusion wars with desire as Steven succumbs to the feelings welling up inside. But, sadly, summer camp always must end. Can a man who has just found himself really leave the person that makes his heart sing?

Tuesday Tales - Picture Prompt

It`s time for Tuesday Tales.

Today we have a snippet from Goal Line, Harrisburg Railers #6, written with RJ Scott. This week is our picture prompt and all snippets must be 300 words or thereabouts.

This story may have gay erotic scenes, strong social issues addressed and mature language. If those things offend now is the time to move onto another Tuesday Tales blog. Thanks for stopping by!

“Should I leave the door open for your cat?” Bryan asked as he side-stepped the cat snoozing by the door.

“He’s not my cat.” I shucked off my coat and flung it to my favorite old recliner. I took a deep breath and turned. Bryan was closing the door gently, as if scared he would pinch the slumbering cat. It was quite the endearing sight. And there it was again, that stupid, giddy feeling. For fuck sake. This was moronic. You’d think I’d never been kissed before.

“You want something to drink?”

“No, I don’t want to have a sloppy head, and we’re going to be opening the season soon.” He took his coat off and laid it right where it had lain before. I couldn’t help but check him out. His black jeans fit him well, as did the long-sleeved shirt he’d pulled a soft gray vest over. “Are you mad at me?”

“No, not at all. I’m feeling a little ratty to be honest,” I joked, tugging at my favorite sweater, an old rust-toned one that Rex - that prick – had given me. “This is pretty much dressing up for me.” An old sweater and worn Levi Strauss. Typical Gatlin Pearce.

“You look good. I mean…” he slapped a hand to the back of his neck. “Good like dressed good for a party. Casual. I always feel like I need to be…uhm – do more.”

Shit this was uncomfortable. I could feel the erotic pulses dancing between us but had no idea how to move on them. It felt like I’d run face first into a brick wall.

“Let’s sit down.” There, that was good. Sitting was better than standing. Christ on a saltine I was an idiot.

Copyright 2018 ©by V.L. Locey &RJ Scott

*~*~*

Click on the link below to return to the Tuesday Tales main blog for more great reads from the Tuesday Tales authors.

Tuesday Tales

Pucks & Percentages Issue # 7

The next issue of Pucks & Percentages written with Rj Scott is now live! Wonder what Taz and Mike are getting into this week? 


http://mmhockeyromance.com/pucks-and-percentages-post-7

MM Goodness Book Rec - Maybe This Time by Annabelle Jacobs

#MM #Contemporary #Romance 

Amazon

Moving into a new home starts with a bang when Ryan Blackwell celebrates turning thirty. Being hungover means he’s bleary-eyed and clumsy the next day, but even in that state, he can appreciate how sexy and fit his neighbour is.

Matt Thomas isn’t looking for anything long-term—one and done is usually his life rule. Why settle down early, like his sister, when casual relationships are so easy? With Ryan living in the same building, chance encounters are inevitable. When one night together becomes two, a friends-with-benefits deal seems a natural progression.

There’s only one problem: sex with no strings relies on matching expectations, so Ryan can’t help worrying. His huge heart always wants more, but Matt’s been clear about his limits. As passion leads to caring, they’ll have to make some tough decisions—maybe this time, breaking some rules will be worth it if that means they’ll get to share a future.

What a wonderfully romantic and sweet May/October book! I was pulled in right off with the cute but clumsy meet between our two leading men and I never stopped turning pages until I was done. It’s a beautifully told tale of two men who are in it for the sex at the beginning, but soon find themselves drawn to each other on a deeper level.

A lovely comfort read with common men who are perfectly suited for each other. Low angst, lots of rich humor and well-crafted secondary characters. The flow was soothing, the dialog crisp, and the sex scenes hot. Just a delightful read from start to finish!

Cover Reveal - Life is a Stevie Wonder Song

It's wonderful to have the rights back to several of my books! I'll be re-releasing them over the next year or two, one at a time, here and there, sprinkled among my new releases. 

This story is one that I made sure got back up first. I've always had a tender spot for Life is a Stevie Wonder Song for a few reasons. One is that it's May/December and I am a sucker for that trope. Secondly I adore Steven and Declan, our leading men. They're such a lovely couple, at least I think so! 

This book has new cover art, has been reedited, and has a brand new epilogue added just for this re-release. There will be no preorders and you'll only be able to find it in Kindle Unlimited. Release day is April 18th. 

Authors know that their muse is a fickle creature. Best-selling spy novelist Stephen Ramsey has been in a hate-hate relationship with his inspiration for months. When Stephen's publisher lays a legal ultimatum upon him, with a rapidly approaching deadline, he knows he must do something to kick-start his creativity or face the unemployment line. His daughter comes up with a possible answer: a summer camp for the creative soul. With nothing to lose, Stephen packs up his laptop, phonograph, and beloved record albums and heads from Greenwich Village to the Catskill Mountains.

There, among a horde of college students attending for extra credits, is Declan Pomeroy, a photographer of fey creatures who is twenty-two years younger than Stephen. The woods are a magical place, and Stephen quickly finds himself falling under the spell of the free-spirited photographer. Confusion wars with desire inside Stephen as he succumbs to the feelings welling up inside. But, sadly, summer camp always has to end. Can a man who has just found himself really leave the person that makes his heart sing?

Add to Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/…/36062350-life-is-a-stevie-wonde…

Excerpt:

"You look like you have too much on," Declan announced when I stood in front of him. I glanced down at my attire. Gym shorts, a T-shirt, and sneakers sans socks. "How would you feel about doing this nude?" My sight knifed back from my clothes to my guide into the Twilight Zone.

"You’re not naked," I pointed out once I could speak around the knot of desire clogging my throat.

"I usually am, but I figured you’d be far too uptight to not have clothes on, so, I fashioned a makeshift chiton to cover my goodies."

"Okay. Yes, I'm not comfortable with our goodies hanging out." He glanced up at the fat moon over our heads, then sighed dramatically. "I can do no shirt and no shoes, however."

Declan’s gaze returned to me from Madame Luna.

He made a sort of cooing sound then rose to his tiny toes to press his lips to mine. It was a soft peck, our mouths touching for a mere second, but it did things to my perceptions of who Steven Ramsey is that I still cannot fully explain.

"I think I'd like to see you without a shirt," he whispered over my lips.

"What are you doing?" I croaked. He shrugged a shoulder, then dropped back down to stand flat-footed. "Stop it, okay? I'm old enough to be your father."

He smiled then spun around, his bare back gleaming pure white. I wanted to touch his skin, trace the knobs of his spine with my tongue. This whole thing was pure insanity, yet I hurried to strip off my old T-shirt and kick off my sneakers. Declan glanced over his shoulder, smiled again, and then rushed off into the night, the coquette. I followed because what else could I do? Not traipsing after the kid was impossible. The grass was cool and wet under my bare soles. The high whine of a mosquito zipped past my ear. I would be nothing but a massive bug bite in the morning. I walked behind Declan, swatting at the air, hoping I didn’t step on something that would require stitches or a tetanus shot. We stepped into the woods. I debated going back for my shoes.

"We have to be as silent as possible," Declan, standing on my right, whispered.

"Shoes are quiet," I replied, my hand resting on the scraggy bark of an old pine.

"Shoes don’t allow you to touch the earth."

"They also don't allow thorns to penetrate your flesh," I parried. My guide grunted in consternation then set off once again. A million questions bounced around my head as I tenderly placed one foot down then the other. What kind of camera did he use? Was there a special ethereal film for capturing fey? Did I need therapy? Did I just step on a slug?

We walked deeper into the woods. The farther we traveled, the more I wanted to speak up or at least scoff. I was working on a good zinger when I ran into Declan’s bare back. He threw up a hand to silence me. My body tightened from a weird combination of fear and desire.

        The kid felt wonderful pressed against my chest, his clammy skin resting against mine. I peered over his head, my hand coming to rest on his left hip. Declan leaned back into me just the slightest bit. 

Tuesday Tales - Cart

 It`s time for Tuesday Tales.

Today we have an excerpt from Goal Line, Harrisburg Railers #6, coauthored with RJ Scott. Our word prompt today is “Cart”. In today’s scene Gatlin and Bryan meet. 

This story may have gay erotic scenes, strong social issues addressed and mature language. If those things offend now is the time to move onto another Tuesday Tales blog. Thanks for stopping by!

I peeked at the total for the shop’s phone usage, grimaced, and then looked up in time to see my work area fill with Russian goalie.

“Hello Mr. Gatlin gun man,” Stan boomed, throwing his arms wide then gathering me into his chest for a bear hug that nearly flattened my glasses into my nose. “I am still making fun joke about name.”

Stan pounded on my back. I coughed out a feeble reply then wiggled free. I wasn’t a small man by any means. Standing close to six-foot-tall no one ever called me shorty but in comparison with Stan I felt like a resident of the Shire.

“Still a funny joke,” I told the towering man with his arm resting on my shoulder.

“I know. I make many funny jokes. This is good one I make today for Tennant. How do make tissue dance?” I started to reply but Stan ran me over. “Puts boogie into it!”

I snickered. “That’s a good one.” My gaze caught a flash of blue material lingering in the doorway. There stood a young man in a Railers hoodie with brown eyes and a mouth that poets would write sonnets about. Tall and wide shouldered, his gaze touching on mine briefly before dancing away. Christ the kid was stunning, his long arms and legs adding to the gangly awkward aura surrounding him. Dark hair cut short accented a strong jaw. Those eyes though…

They were full of sad secrets.

“I have more jokes! Why is so windy inside sports arena? All many fans!” Stan howled at the truly terrible kids joke. I smiled then wiggled away from the exuberant Russian. “Adler buy me book full of funny jokes.”

“Did you bring a friend?” I asked, taking my glasses off so the kid didn’t think I was so old I needed glasses to read the phone bill. The fact that I did was really neither here nor there.

“Yes! Is new friend and good goalie back-up for Railers, Bryan Delaney,” Stan informed me, taking his arm from around my shoulders so I could step to Bryan and shake his hand.

“Right, we picked you up on waivers from the Raptors. Good move for the Railers,” I said as I extended my hand to the man. He glanced at me, my hand, the wall, Stan, and then finally slid his palm over mine. His skin was damp with nerves.

“You follow hockey?” Bryan enquired, his voice soft yet deeply masculine. Quite appealing to be honest.

“Not much else to do here in Harrisburg during the winter.” I pumped his hand a few times, curious about how a hockey player could be so timid. Didn’t they need to be outgoing and assertive to play such a violent and aggressive sport? This man was all kinds of contradictions in one sexy as hell wrapper. Not that I was interested in wrappers, of course. I pulled free from Bryan’s grip and put a foot or two between us. Standing by a rolling cart I turned my attention to Stan. “You two here for ink or just to visit?”

“We no make ink now. Maybe later when we train Bryan for Pokémon balls. Now we look for good artwork for making spifftastic mask like mine.”

Copyright 2018 ©by V.L. Locey & RJ Scott

*~*~*

Click on the link below to return to the Tuesday Tales main blog for more great reads from the Tuesday Tales authors.

Tuesday Tales

2018 Autism Awareness Month Blog Hop

Hi and welcome to my tiny corner of the interweb! My name is V.L. Locey and I’m an MM romance author. I write mostly gay hockey, but I do dabble in non-sporty genres like contemporary and paranormal MM romance as well.

 I am thrilled and humbled to be able to participate in RJ Scott’s Autism Blog Hop again this year. Not only is RJ a wonderful person, she’s also my coauthor on the Harrisburg Railers MM hockey romance series. She’s a dear friend and a warm and loving human being with a wicked sense of humor and questionable taste in hockey teams. I kid! Mostly. *winks and waves New York Rangers flag*

The theme of the hop this year is hopes and dreams. There are a million hopes and dreams that I have for my loved ones and the world, but I’ll simply pick one so that we’re not here for hours. One of my biggest dreams is that someday people will be judged on who they are not who they love.

To help celebrate that dream of mine, I’ll be giving three hoppers a chance to score one of the gay romance back-list book shown below in digital form.

 To be entered, just leave me a comment about your favorite gay romances. Make sure you leave your contact information (email address) as I won’t be able to contact you if you win without it.

Autism Fact:  Some autistic people are non-verbal and communicate through other means. However, autism is a spectrum condition, so everyone’s autism is different.

Make sure to return to the master post over at RJ’s blog to visit all the participating authors blogs. Thanks so much for stopping by and good luck!

http://rjscott.co.uk/autism-awareness-month-2018

Skate hard and love deeply,

V.L.