My Turn To Write

RJ's Autism Awareness Blog Hop Stop

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 02:21:00 +0000

RJ was nice enough to include me in her month-long autism awareness campaign, and I'm honored to support her. My life hasn't been personally, intimately touched by autism, however, I have many friends who live with it in their families, and I've seen how it can be both a challenge and a source of victories and rewards.

RJ, TA Chase, me and Amber Kell at GRL

I started my family in the early 2000s, when the news about autism was starting to become more frequent in the media. So when my first daughter had reached her second birthday without saying a single word, and liked to do things like line up her diapers in a row (Elmo, Big Bird, Ernie, Cookie, Elmo, Big Bird, etc), I was concerned enough to talk to her pediatrician about it. Rather than it being autism, however, it was a sign of her later personality. She began speaking about two weeks after she turned two--in full sentences. And the pattern traits have morphed into a very strong organizational sense and love of order.

So I was fortunate in that my worry turned out to be unfounded. However, many parents with mounting suspicions or instincts that something isn't quite right come away with quite different news and it changes the way they must parent for the rest of their lives. And I have the utmost respect for those parents.

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Autism Fact #21: Hypersensitive hearing can make you particularly sensitive to sound - for example, able to hear conversations in the distance.

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As a final thought, as an ally, there are some things you can do to support friends and neighbors in an autism family:

Educate yourself about autism
Teach your children about autism and foster inclusion and empathy
Listen when they just need a friendly ear
Take social cues from the parents, or ask ahead of time how best to support their parenting
Don't give up on the relationship

Thank you so much for visiting and much love to RJ.<3 br="">

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I'd like to give out two prizes to commenters. Just leave a comment with your name, email and which prize you are interested in!

For US and Canada only, a print pack consisting of:

RJ Scott's Ellery Mountain Volume 3 (includes The Barman and The SEAL and The Agent and The Model)
Winner's choice of one of my available print books, personalized.

Open worldwide: Grad School Guys series in ebook, choice of Kindle delivery or other format

Remarkable Restraint
Naughty By Night (new release this month!)

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Naughty by Night blurb

Normally, finding the hot neighbor in bed with your boyfriend would be the end—not the beginning—of a wonderful relationship.

Marty can’t catch a break. Unable to confess to his neighbor Kevin that it’s Kevin he’s interested in, he ends up using advice to make a move on Jason instead. He moves too slowly, though, and Kevin and Jason end up dating each other, leaving Marty out in the cold.
Everything changes the morning Jason wakes up to find Marty in bed with him and Kevin. Jason wonders whether he’s made a big mistake in committing to Kevin. Marty’s mortified—he’s wanted Jason from afar for ages, but never had the courage to act on it. And Kevin is plotting something naughty that will give all three men what they’ve wanted all along.

Pre-order at Amazon: http://amzn.to/1WIZgNL

Excerpt and early download at Pride Publishing: https://www.pride-publishing.com/naughty-by-night

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Make sure to leave a comment for your chance to win one of the prize packs! :)

Thankful to still be a daughter

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 07:19:00 +0000

Note: This was originally posted as a guest blog on November 24th, 2009, so I've added date references in places for proper context. This is the seven year anniversary of Mom's transplant, so for lucky #7, I wanted to repost it. :)

Fall has always been my favorite season of the year, the colors, coolness in the air, what's not to love? It was Dad's fave as well, which made it especially difficult when he passed away unexpectedly at 61 in late October, six [twelve] years ago. Every Thanksgiving since then has been bittersweet, with happy reminiscences comingled with the memories of the raw shock of that first holiday season without him.

A year ago [2008], my remaining parent was literally fighting for her life. She had been diagnosed with leukemia in May, fought a losing battle with chemotherapy over the summer, and nothing was helping to stem the advance of the cancer in her blood and bone marrow. With the classification that she fell into, her prognosis at the time of diagnosis was less than a year.

Then a miracle happened...her doctor was able to convince the insurance company to approve a bone marrow transplant despite her age (63) being beyond their normal range. That was followed closely by a second miracle...she didn't have to wait for a donor match. Her brother, who lived 4 miles away from her and was still in good health at 65, tested to be a perfect match for donation. Sibling donations have the highest success rate, and we crossed our fingers that Mom could hold out long enough to stabilize for and undergo the god-awful pre-procedure chemo and radiation.

So on November 25th last year, she was given the transplant, and we waited while her body fought both the cancer and the 'invading' new bone marrow cells. That Thanksgiving was filled with worry and hope.

As December began, she started slipping away. Her counts were proceeding 'normally', but she was becoming delirious and eventually unresponsive. An unexpected allergic reaction to her anti-rejection medication sent her into a coma due to fluid buildup in the brain called PRES syndrome. 2000 miles away, I could only wait for news. She was moved to intensive care and the second week of December I received a call needing permission to place her on a ventilator as a respiratory infection set in.

At that point I could wait no longer, and scheduled my flight to South Dakota. I hadn't seen her since August, and barely recognized her; her hair was gone, she was 30 pounds lighter, and all the medical support equipment... I walked into her empty house alone that night and it was the strangest sensation, as if she were already gone.

I sat by her bed for nearly a week with no response. I'd had the irrational thought that once there, she'd hear my voice and open her eyes, but that only happens in fiction I suppose. I lotioned her feet, tried to keep her bloody tears from drying on, and tried to talk. It was hard to know what to say, again where the movies and fiction have it wrong. Her hand was warm but dead in mine. During this time, her only movements were occasional gagging motions, and I asked, begged, pleaded, and finally demanded they remove the breathing tube. Their response was that she'd met every protocol except one; she had to be responsive before removal.

I was stymied by ICU staff and resp therapists at every turn until one day I finally spoke to the Pulminologist on the phone and reminded him that she's been unresponsive for days before insertion. After securing my permission to reinsert if she went south, he approved the removal, much to the dismay of the resp therapist who'd smugly handed me the phone in the first place, sure that the doc would support her instead of me.

She and the ICU nurse went through the shut-down and pulling of the tube. It was awful watching my mom's body fighting and gagging. But it was finally out. Then her eyes opened...

After weeks in a coma, when that tube came out, she just...woke up. The nurse asked if she knew who I was, and she said in a raspy, but clearly disgusted voice, "Of course! That's my daughter." Oh, that's my mama. You tell 'em, Mom.

While she'd been laying there, her body had been accepting the transplant. They moved her back up to oncology the next morning (that was a jolt, coming into her ICU bay and having it be empty!), and I flew home the day after, on Christmas Eve, to be with my girls for the holiday. And only two weeks later, she went home. Her mom, my grandma, who was 87, moved out to the farm to spend the rest of the SD winter with her and take care of her 'little girl' during her recovery.

Tomorrow is the one [seven] year anniversary of her transplant, and she is 100% donor cells and cancer-free. Her vision is still recovering, so she can't read...a huge blow for the person I inherited my bookishness from. [She's able to read again now!] And her hair has been slow to start growing again. But she is back driving again and doing for herself. Moreover, she's still herself, still Mom, still Mimi to my two girls and my brother's new baby boy, something that I almost gave up hope on during my vigil last winter.

Back 'round to Thanksgiving again, I am so thankful that my small family is not one person less this year. We had every reason to expect that she could be gone by now, but a few miracles later and I have something very real and concrete to be thankful for...my mom's future.

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Six Years Down the Published Road...

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 08:33:00 +0000

I had Facebook to thank for reminding me. A random message of congratulations from 2009 popped up on their On This Day feature from my friend Kris. I had to think about it--what had happened in August of 2009 to warrant a congrats? Then I turned to Gmail and searching my messages for that month...and bingo.

I got my first contract offer six years ago yesterday from Dreamspinner Press, setting me on the road I've been barreling down ever since. It was for a short story in an anthology. But I didn't care--it was a contract! And I loved that little short story and the two guys in it. Just this year I took that short, Remarkable Restraint (got the rights back last year after the anth went out of print), expanded it to novel-length and republished it.

Here's my blog post from back then. I was a little excited, lol!

But that's not the entire story of how I started out. My karma game was strong that week, because exactly one week later, I got another contract offer for another story, A Pint Light, from Total-e-Bound (now Totally Bound and Pride Publishing).

Here's that blog post too. :)

So within a week's time, I suddenly had two books on release schedules. And I had to choose a pen name.

Pen names are interesting things. Some people don't bother to use one, but for me, my real name just ain't that sexy. LOL. Plus I wanted to honor my dad, who had been gone several years before I realized my dream of being an author. So after polling some of my industry friends and thinking long and hard--Oh, and doing many searches for available domain names!--I decided on Devon Rhodes. The Rhodes part was easy--my maiden name. :) I'd spent most of my life answering to it and signing it, so that seemed like a natural choice. And Devon came from the last street I lived with Dad on.

Just today I signed my thirty-eighth contract. 38!! Wow--when I went back and counted the books, I was shocked, especially since there have been a couple of those six published years where I just couldn't write and barely put anything out. But I'll tell you...number 38 was just as exciting as the first and second. :)

Now. Back to work on number 39 and counting. ;)

Hottest Hero Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 09:57:00 +0000

I don't usually ask for votes, but All Romance eBooks is having their Hottest Hero contest, and I'm in it. :) Pretty cool. :)

Lots of competition and of course, right off the bat I'm up against a best-selling heavy hitter, but I'd appreciate a vote in round one if you want to support MM romance and my sexy Marine, Owen, from A Ring and A Vow and A Ring and A Promise.

You'll have to sign in to your account in order to vote, and Round One voting goes until Friday, August 7th.

Have fun, and happy Monday! :)

VOTE in ARe's Hottest Hero contest

Portland Pride this weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 19:30:00 +0000

Gay Romance Authors Northwest

For the second year of many to come, a bunch of Northwest authors of GLBTQ fiction and romance are coming together this weekend under the riverfront canopies at the Portland Pride Festival! Can't wait to see everyone, experience the love of the awesome crowds and, of course, hear our headliner The Original Weather Girl, Martha Wash.

It's raining men...hallelujah!

Our hostess with the mostest, Anne Tenino, who is the superpower pulling us all out from behind our computer screens into the bright of day, set us up with adjoining booths this year so we can better accommodate the crowds we had come by last year!

We had non-stop crowds last year!

Thankfully, the forecast is gorgeous, so we won't have to shelter from the rain this time--just the sun!

None of the wet stuff this year...unless you count sunscreen and lube samples!

Many of last year's authors are back--me, Anne, Ethan Stone, Daisy Harris, David Holly, Amelia Gormley and LC Chase (who is bringing our mascot--Cowboy James).

Brad and I thought he was worth a fondle.

In addition to our veterans, we have some new faces joining us to better represent the full spectrum, including Jove Belle, Karen Baker and D. Jordan Redhawk.

The turnout should be great, but it's organized and spread out nicely along the Tom McCall Waterfront between Pine and Morrison. We'll be in C11-12 near the north end Pine Street entrance.

Ethan Stone and organizer Anne Tenino kicking back before we opened.

Daisy Harris showing her true colors!

Our local NW authors are bringing tons of free swag as well as books for sale, and we can accept cash, Paypal and Square credit card payments.

Most of all, though, we can't wait to talk to Portland's book lovers, so stop by between 12-6 both Saturday and Sunday. Look for Cowboy James!! See you there, and HAPPY PRIDE!!

Y'all come on down to see us, y'hear?

More info on the Pride Portland website: http://pridenw.org/

Authors' Websites:
Karen Baker: Karen Baker
Jove Belle: http://jovebelle.com/
LC Chase: http://www.lcchase.com/
Amelia Gormley: http://ameliacgormley.com/
Daisy Harris: http://thedaisyharris.tumblr.com/
David Holly: http://www.gaywriter.org/
D Jordan Redhawk: http://djordanredhawk.com/
Devon Rhodes: http://www.devonrhodes.com/
Ethan Stone: http://www.ethanjstone.com/

Anne Tenino: http://annetenino.com/

Top Ten Worst Things About the RT Booklovers' Convention

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Tue, 19 May 2015 09:25:00 +0000

Among all of the RT recaps out there, I thought I'd put voice to the dark side of the romance convention.

Be warned: this gets real!

Packing! Between professional looks for the presentations, business casual for panels, workout clothes (that I used once), and costumes and formals for the evening events, I have to pick out no less than fourteen complete outfits, including shoes and accessories...then get it all into my suitcase(s). Lots of sweat and heartbreaking shoe decisions involved. My red Fidji's still aren't speaking to me.

Oh, and I also brought a dress and a corset along for TA.
Getting To Your Room: This year we were in Narnia. Seriously. We hauled our incredibly heavy bags around the fourth floor for about 20 minutes before we found we needed to pass through fire doors to a staircase, then through another door to the random back hallway with our room. The upside was that if the zombie apocalypse happened while in Dallas, they wouldn't have been able to find us. Last year, we had crazy elevators without floor buttons--you had to punch it in before you got on and trust the machine...no changing your mind!

Yay! We finally found it!
Trying to keep your swag and books straight: It seems like every time you leave your room people are giving you stuff. Then you need to either haul it around or dodge the zombies on the way to Narnia with it and put it in piles. Eventually the piles blend together with stuff you brought, usually on top of the one thing you have only a few minutes between events to find. Multiply times ten for every roommate you have.

Chris Rice practically forced his books on us.
Missing people: And I don't mean missing your kids or partner or barista or pets. I mean, not seeing your absolute favorite author/blogger/model/editor you didn't realize was at RT until you're surfing social media at the airport going home and see that they were hanging around all the same places you were all week.

Who knew when I used to read her books as a teen that I'd ever take a selfie with Mary Balogh? Not that I knew what a selfie was back then. Or a cell phone for that matter.
Choosing between conflicting events: Murphy's Law comes into effect here. That's why the developers of the RT mobile app gave each other secret, evil high fives when they added the function that says, "This amazing panel conflicts with another equally amazing event. Are you sure you want to schedule? Maybe you should just go cry in the corner."

At least the evening events like the Wild West Steampunk night didn't have conflicts.
Keeping your stomach happy: You either have zero time to eat or you fill up on a delicious meal that then expands in your stomach like Gorilla Glue, causing you to rub it, cursing silently as you field questions from nosy strangers in the elevator about when you're due.

Yes, I had the tempura green beans at Five Sixty, the Wolfgang Puck restaurant in the "big ball", four times. Don't judge me. They were that good.
Which books? All the books! Every year I wince as I try to lift my bags, hoping I don't have to do the airport luggage walk of shame for being overweight. I practice at home on the scale so I know about how much upper forties feels like. And I say to myself as I kneel in front of the airline check-in counter to shove a pair of shoes, three books and that weirdly heavy wool pencil skirt into my carry-on, "I'm not going to pick up any books next time. Maybe two, tops." Yeah, right.

Ariel enabled my Mary Calmes addiction this year even though Mary herself wasn't there.
Breaking the gravitational pull. There is a world out there beyond the hotel walls, but it can be hella difficult to actually leave and go experience it. I was proud to have gotten out three times this year--once for an off-site reception for ARe, once for breakfast with Amber Kell and her husband, and once to go out with friends who live in Dallas. Full disclosure: last year in NOLA was a little different, and I imagine Las Vegas will be too.

Actually went far enough away on Saturday night to need Uber to get back.
Saying goodbye: I know that if I actually did live in a small town somewhere with all of my fellow con-goers that they'd drive me crazy in less than a fortnight. But that doesn't stop me from being emotional and hugging every single person I see in the last 36 hours before I leave. It's a special hell, though, to say goodbye to my "con wife", TA. We have a process for it, including tandem packing, sharing a ride to the airport even if our flights are half a day apart, and sad selfies to punctuate an album full of smiling pictures.

Airport farewell.
Waiting for next year: Thank you, RT people and Las Vegas hotel people and whoever had a hand in moving RT to April next year, thus knocking a month off the wait time. Happy to say that there are only 328 days until I have to start this list of the worst things about RT all over again. See you in Vegas, baby!

Watch out, Sin City! RT is coming!

Hop Against Homophobia, Bi- and Transphobia Post, Excerpt and Prize

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Mon, 18 May 2015 21:12:00 +0000

#HAHABT

I'm a super lucky mom--I have two wonderful, smart and kind daughters, ages 12 and nearly 9. And I'll freely admit that up until I had children of my own, I was a bit out of touch with the younger set and the challenges they face. Now, of course, I'm all too touched by some of the all-too-frequent heartbreaking tales you see, in the news, yes, but especially on social media.

I'm a positive person, so one of my ways of dealing with situations that touch me deeply--but are out of my control--are to write through the emotions. So when I was trying to think of what to say for this post, I decided to let my writing speak for me.

In one of my co-authored books with TA Chase, I introduced a secondary character (much to her surprise and mine) who has become one of our most asked after characters--Xavier. Xav is a young man who was stunned to be rejected from his family in his mid-teens, and the reader meets him a couple of weeks after he'd been thrown to the streets. I know that far too few kids in that situation are fortunate enough to be helped by someone out of the kindness of their hearts. But I'd like to think that perhaps my characters could make someone think twice the next time they're in a position to do some good.

In honor of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (May17th), here is the scene where Lukas meets Xav in At First Touch, an e-copy of which is the prize for this post (or maybe a few copies). This especially fits since not only is Xav a victim of homophobia, but one of his rescuers is bi.

“Hi there.” This was accompanied by a not-so-subtle nudge to his side and Lukas glanced over…and down. “Buy you a drink?” A dark-haired beauty was working the angle, looking up at him through his glammed-out lashes. Rather than the sexy vibe Lukas would have expected, though, he seemed brittle—uncertain and maybe even a bit scared.

Lukas barely kept himself from shaking his head—not at the offer, but at just how young the young men were looking these days. He was barely in his mid-twenties and he felt ancient next to this cute little thing. “I appreciate it, but I’m all set.” As his admirer’s face dropped dramatically and the seemingly genuine look of disappointment tugged at his heart, he felt the need to add, “I’m just not drinking tonight.”

That intent gaze flicked from his face to the bottle of water and back. “I can buy you another water.” His eyes begged for acceptance in a way that went way beyond a normal pick-up.

Lukas frowned, wondering what was going on with his new friend. His curiosity was going to kill him one of these days. He hoped he wasn’t making a huge mistake in opening a dialogue with this one. “Why don’t I buy you something? I’m Lukas,” he introduced himself.

Sheer relief crossed the young man’s face and his whole frame seemed to relax at once. It made him look tired. “Xav. Well, Xavier, but I go by Xav. And, um… A drink…”

Lukas took the decision out of his hands by catching the bartender’s attention, waggling the water bottle and holding up two fingers. When the drinks had been delivered, he handed a bottle to Xav and scanned the room for a seat. He wanted to talk to the young man and see if he could get him to open up. But the club was filling and about every available space was occupied. So instead he bent down close to Xav’s ear.

“Xav, how old are you?”

“Twenty,” came the immediate and obviously false answer as Xav drew himself up, as though standing straighter would add years to his appearance.

“Try again. I just want to know the truth, okay?” Lukas persisted and Xav’s false bravado wilted a bit.

“Um…”

“Truth,” Lukas reminded him.

“Sixteen.”

Jesus.

“Sorry to have bothered you.” Xav sounded so down that Lukas made a snap decision. Any desire he’d had to find someone to take the edge off with tonight had been extinguished by their encounter.

“Tell you what,” he began, choosing his words carefully to make sure the young man had no illusions about what was on offer. “Let me take you out for a bite to eat and you can tell me about yourself. And you can stop with the cute, enticing looks,” he added as Xav brightened up at the invitation. “I’m not interested in more than a dinner companion.”

“Oh.” Xav’s gaze flicked around the room before he sighed. He looked back at Lukas soberly. “I’d like to, but… I really need to go home with someone tonight.”

Something in the way he’d worded that started things ticking over in Lukas’ head. “You actually want sex? Or you need a place to stay?” he asked as gently as he could.

He knew he’d hit the nail on the head when Xav’s lower lip trembled before he pressed his lips together tightly. “A place to stay,” he admitted quietly, his eyes huge in his face. “But most of the time you have to do the first to get the second.”

Lukas’ insides twisted in a gut-roiling combination of sympathy and anger. He thanked whatever deity existed that Xav had come up to him tonight instead of some other, less moral guy. He tried not to think of previous nights and what Xav might have gone through.

“Not with me,” he said firmly. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.” Xav didn’t move right away, and Lukas tried to reassure him. “No pressure. Just dinner and a place to crash tonight if you need it. Okay? Seriously—no offence, but I have zero interest in a kid your age.”

Conflicting expressions of curiosity, wariness and hope flickered across Xav’s face in rapid succession. “Why are you being so nice? You don’t even know me.”

Lukas wasn’t even sure himself. He began walking, cupping Xav’s elbow to usher him along and to his relief, he gave no resistance. “You seem like a good kid who’s had to grow up too fast.” He shrugged. “I had it easy. Maybe I just want to help.”

There was no response and he looked down at Xav walking willingly by his side. He dropped his grip from his elbow as they approached the exit then was startled when Xav moved closer and slid his hand into the crook of his arm, as though Lukas was escorting him. He pressed even closer as they neared the bouncer, and Lukas got the impression that he was nervous about the man. He deftly moved Xav across in front of him until he was walking on the opposite side as they passed.

Another question to add to the list of what he needed to know from Xav.

But first, dinner.

Just as they were almost out of the door, Lukas spotted Sergio coming in, dressed in clubbing clothes very different from what he wore to work. ‘Dressed’ might be stretching the description a bit. His pants—either leather or some facsimile—looked painted on, and Lukas had a feeling that his unbuttoned shirt would be coming off in about five seconds. He spotted Lukas and made a beeline for him.

“Lukas! You did come. I’m sooo glad.” He swooped in for a brief kiss and grope of his ass. Then he did an almost comical double-take as he finally realised Lukas had company. Sergio frowned at Xav before shooting Lukas a questioning ‘What the hell?’ look.

He beckoned Serge to follow them back out of the door, keeping an eye on Xav’s reaction. He was eyeing Sergio warily but didn’t budge from Lukas’ side.

“Um… He’s a bit…young for you, isn’t—?”

“Yes, which is why we’re just going to grab a bite to eat,” Lukas interrupted Sergio’s incredulous statement of fact. At Serge’s sceptical expression, he added, “You’re welcome to join us if you like.”

Sergio narrowed his eyes shrewdly, studying Xav. Lukas felt him grip his arm even tighter. He pointedly raised his eyebrow at his friend, who finally nodded. “Sure. I was planning on drinking my dinner, but I know calories from food would probably make you happier with me.”

Xav looked like he had no idea what to do now, and Lukas could sense that he was about a second away from calling the whole thing quits and disappearing on him.

“Come on, let’s go then. I have a feeling this one’s really hungry. Still growing. You remember those days, don’t you?”

Sergio’s expression softened a tad. “Like they were yesterday. Which they were. I’m not that much older than you. Okay. Just across and down a block is a good café that’s open late. We can probably still get a table if we hustle.”

He turned word to deed by leading the way at his customary fast clip along the sidewalk to the corner, then crossed the street. Lukas and Xav trailed along in his wake as he wove easily in and out of late night revellers in the nightclub-laden part of town.

Sergio breezed into the café’s entrance and was already being led to a table by the time they’d caught up with him.

“Thank you, beautiful,” he said to the hostess who’d seated them, adding a wink for good measure. Her gaze dropped to his nearly bare chest as she turned away and he grinned wider before buttoning up. To Lukas’ knowledge, Sergio had zero interest in females—he was just a consummate flirt and no one was safe from being on the receiving end of his wiles. Except, hopefully, Padraig.

“Do you know what you want to eat, Xav?” Lukas asked. The young man hadn’t said a word since before they’d left the club and he was beginning to become concerned.

Xav parted his lips as though to answer, then shrugged, toying with his menu but not really looking at it.

Lukas began to regret inviting Sergio to join them. Xav seemed incredibly uncomfortable in his presence and the barriers had gone way up. Sergio continued to watch Xav closely, and Xav squirmed under his regard. He glared at Serge, wishing he’d cut out the examination.

Xav finally tossed his menu aside. “I don’t want to get in the middle of you two. I mean, I don’t want to cause trouble. I’d better go.” He pushed back in his chair and made to rise, but Lukas stopped him with a gentle but firm grip on his arm.

“Stay. I promised you a meal at least. Serge, be nice.”

“I am,” Sergio protested. “Just wondering what the story is here. Seriously, you do not need the kind of publicity getting photographed alone with this boy would give you. Which is why I came with you as a chaperone. You’re welcome.”

“Photographed?” Xav asked with a confused expression. “Are you someone famous or something?”

“Or something,” Lukas muttered before answering Sergio. “I doubt anyone recognised me anyway.”

“You’d better hope not, especially not with club-baby on the make here.” Serge cocked his head and looked at Xav. “You’re not a pro, are you?”

Xav furrowed his brow, then his eyes widened dramatically and he shook his head.

The server arrived, so they decided on their meals, with Lukas ordering more than he needed in case Xav’s appetite really exceeded his modest request. Once they were alone again, Lukas turned to Xav.

“What exactly did you mean about getting between us?”

Xav shifted in his seat. “Well… Aren’t you like a couple or something? I mean, you fight like one and he kissed you, so I thought…” He trailed off as Sergio and Lukas both laughed.

Sergio leaned in and patted Xav’s hand. “First of all, no. We’re just friends. Well…for the most part. And since I don’t think that Lukas will be doing anything with you that would affect a relationship anyway, it wouldn’t have really mattered.”

Xav’s relief was evident in his expression and he relaxed again.

Lukas felt a pang of empathy at how close to the surface all of Xav’s emotions seemed to be. He hadn’t yet developed a hard skin, which might be a good thing. Maybe things hadn’t been as bad as Lukas had feared. “Thank you for being concerned, but there’s nothing to worry about. We’re all friends here. So why don’t you tell us a little bit about you?” Lukas encouraged.

The young man paled a bit and avoided eye contact. Lukas could almost see him trying and discarding different answers.

“Truth,” Lukas repeated his warning from earlier in the evening, and to his gratification, it seemed to have the same effect as it had then.

“I’m just…on my own now. My parents… They didn’t want a gay son, so when they found out a couple weeks ago…” He paused and let that thought go unfinished. “I thought I’d be able to get a job, find a place to live, but it’s hard when you don’t already have a place. So, well, I go to the club each night and, you know…” He shrugged, looking down at his hands on the table miserably. “I picked you tonight because you seemed nice.”

Lukas met Sergio’s horrified gaze. He swallowed past the lump in his throat, wishing that Xav had had parents like his own, who, while they hadn’t been thrilled to learn of their athletic son’s ‘unusual’ bent, had at least continued to claim him as their own and supported him in their own slightly bewildered way. That involved a great deal of avoidance of the topic, which was just fine with Lukas.

Their food arrived, and Xav didn’t waste any time in tearing into his. Lukas’ meal was bitter on his tongue, considering everything, and he ended up giving half of his plate to Xav. He noticed that Serge, who had ordered the same thing as Xav, had surreptitiously given him part of his meal as well.

It wasn’t until Xav had started to slow down that Lukas returned to their conversation. “Where have you been sleeping?” he asked, and got an arched eyebrow in response. He winced as he realised that was evident from his story, at least the club pick-up part of it. “Every night?” he tried to clarify.

“Well, no. If I strike out or get asked to leave before morning”—his voice was nearly a mumble at this point—“I bench-surf in the park.”

“Jesus, kid. You could get killed!” Sergio burst out, looking extremely upset. “Can’t you go to a shelter, or—”

Xav was shaking his head. “It’s sometimes worse in there, from what I hear. Especially since I don’t have anyone to watch my back. Plus, they give priority to families.” He sighed. “And I’m a minor…” He took a sip of water.

Lukas had heard enough. “Xav, I want you to come stay at my place.” Sergio turned his way, but Lukas didn’t look at him, instead watching Xav intently. “I want to help you get on your feet and give you a safe place to live.”

Xav, completely still, stared at him for a long time then switched his gaze to Sergio. He dropped his eyes then raised them to meet Lukas’. “Do you want—?”

“I think I’ve clarified that I don’t want a damn thing from you, and I especially don’t want you offering ever again,” Lukas growled then eased up when he noticed Xav’s unease. “I just want to help you out. Pure and simple.”

“I don’t know. I mean, he thinks you might get in trouble…” Xav nodded towards Sergio.

Sergio interjected, “Oh hell, kid, take his offer. If it comes right down to it, I’ll vouch for the fact that there was nothing but altruistic intentions.” He waved the server down for the bill. “So where do you stash your stuff?” He impatiently threw down some bills and rose.

Lukas hadn’t even thought of that, but Sergio was right. Xav must have more than the clothes on his back. He stood to join Sergio and Xav followed suit.

The beginnings of a smile hovered at the corners of Xav’s lips. “Inside a tree,” he confessed.

Lukas laughed, relieved to see the stress on the young man’s countenance easing the longer he spent in their company. “Well, let’s go retrieve it. This I’ve got to see. Then we’ll head to my house. All right?”

Xav looked at him with something like gratitude before he averted his gaze, his eyes suspiciously shiny.

Sergio didn’t look unaffected either. He roughly cleared his throat. “Yes, well, I think I’ll call it a night after all. Too full to dance. Lukas, I’ll see you tomorrow at the stadium, okay? Let me know if you need anything,” he finished with a meaningful emphasis on the last word and a quick cut of his eyes to Xav.

Lukas nodded. “Thanks, man. I think we’ll be just fine.” He gave Xav a quick side-arm hug then released him to give Sergio an embrace.

“Thank you,” Lukas whispered quickly.

“Just be careful,” Serge returned just as quietly then stepped away and left with one last wave of his hand.

Lukas smiled at Xav and got an actual smile in return. “Okay, let’s go grab your things and then head home.”

******

Please leave a comment before the end of the day on the 24th, including your email, then head to the next participant's blog! Here are the links to the other participants:

http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=644125FF-AACF-4A13-A08A-696A562D8FB3

Catching Up: Death Valley, Vegas Baby, #1 Bestseller and RT!

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Fri, 08 May 2015 04:22:00 +0000

Where should I begin? We're on the downhill slide into RT right now, and I'm working hard to get books done. Like, four of them, on the brink of being finished. That can be my only excuse for not blogging in such a long time!

What's been happening? I had a fun trip to Death Valley and Las Vegas with the fam over spring break. Believe it or not, I'd never been to Vegas before (and that's saying something since I've been to 48 out of 50 states!). Here are a few pics (and one short video) from my trip:

Lowest point in North America. Speaking of which, 12yo is now taller than me!

View in the evening from our hotel in Vegas. Beautiful weather.

Well, it's Road instead of Rhodes, but close enough! :)

The Silver Queen in Virginia City.

**************

I got a text from TA Chase while I was in Vegas, and she told me I was nearly at the top of ARe's Bestseller list for the release I had the Friday I left on the trip (I was staying offline mostly because the wifi at the hotel was horrible). And before I got home, I'd actually made it to #1! Wow!

That's getting a little ahead of myself. So--yes! I had a release while I was in the no-blogging zone! :) It's the start of a new series called Grad School Guys. The first book is actually the expansion of a short story I had in an anthology over five years ago. I added a whole bunch to it and rereleased it to kick off the series.

Blurb:

When Justin gets fed up with his best friend Chaz avoiding him, he decides it’s well worth sacrificing his favorite T-shirt to try to save their relationship.

Chaz is finding it impossible to hide his attraction for his straight roommate, so he tries avoiding Justin until he leaves for the summer. He just has to get through a few more days, then he’ll be home free—at least until Justin comes back in a couple of months. Still, he firmly believes that space between them is the best answer for now.

But Justin is not a man to be ignored. He’s known Chaz for almost a decade, and can tell when something is weighing on his mind. And being shut out is not acceptable, especially just when he’s finally ready to commit to more than friendship. When closer than usual proximity just before his trip to Central America turns up the heat between them, he takes matters into his own hands by restraining Chaz’s hands—and feet—until he gets some answers.

The results are explosive and more than either could have dreamt, but the abrupt shift in their relationship is almost impossible to reconcile in the short time they have left together. It will take remarkable restraint from both to find a way to weather the separation, to stay friends…and to grow into something more.

Reader Advisory: This book contains light BDSM elements and bondage.

Excerpt:

Chaz Warren groaned with frustration as he removed his hand from his cock and gave up his fruitless quest for orgasm…yet again.

Two months, he thought with mingled disbelief and pride, turning over onto his stomach on his bed. The comforter abraded his tender flesh in a beguiling way, but he resisted the urge to thrust. He knew from experience that it was useless to try to get off that way and it would just serve to exacerbate his arousal. The thick black plug in his ass shifted as he moved, and he pushed backwards with his hips and bit his lower lip until it settled.

It wasn’t even noon yet, and a light sheen of sweat covered his naked body, the ceiling fan doing little to combat the brutal August heat wave. It had been hard to get to sleep, then he’d ended up oversleeping. He must have had a sexy dream he didn’t remember, because his morning wood had been almost painful. So after he was done in the bathroom, he’d decided to have a little fun.

He swiped at a trickle of sweat running down his neck then ran his hands over his head, alternately tugging his short blond hair and scratching his scalp. He was still weary, having been unable to sleep well all week knowing that Justin would be back any day now. He was actually supposed to have been back four days ago, but according to the fuzzy message Justin had left on his voicemail, some road had washed out in flooding and put the bus behind schedule, so he and some other guys had missed their original flight. He hadn’t heard from him since, and the waiting was driving him crazy.

Warring emotions were tying his stomach in knots. Chaz was nearly dizzy with excitement at the prospect of finally seeing the man he had secretly been in love with for years—and been with almost daily just as long—after the summer-long separation. But he was uncertain how Justin would feel about him after two long months with their only contact being a few hurried phone calls and voicemails. At this point, he hadn’t spoken to him in weeks, which made his mind go to unpleasant places, especially given the emotional state of confusion they had parted in in the aftermath of the farewell party in June.

Chaz and his best friend and roommate Justin Travers had spent that warm, early summer weekend at the beach at a friend’s beach house party, blowing off the built-up stress of getting through the spring semester of their master’s program and finals. It had been a sort of combination end of term party for a couple of friends and a send-off for Justin, who was heading away for the summer to do volunteer work before returning to continue his master’s degree work in the fall.

Chaz hadn’t even wanted to go to the beach house. Though he knew the group of guys who was going to be there, they were more Justin’s friends than his. He didn’t really feel a part of the group, and the partying atmosphere wasn’t his scene. But Justin, in his usual forceful style, had bullied and nagged him into it, and in the end, had simply taken matters into his own hands, literally herding Chaz into the car. It was the story of their long friendship—Justin deciding for the two of them and Chaz inevitably trailing in his wake.

The Twins, their mutual friends called them—completely ironic, considering that they didn’t have a single feature in common. Justin, with his dark, riotous curls over sapphire blue eyes, was the polar opposite of Chaz, who had close-cut straight blond hair, plain brown eyes and pale, occasionally freckled skin. But you never saw one without the other, at least until this summer. Chaz shook his head and flipped onto his back again, stifling a gasp as the breeze from the ceiling fan caressed the taut, overheated skin of his shaft like a physical touch.

Giving up any pretense of trying to get some sleep in the suffocating warmth of the bedroom, Chaz rose and walked toward the kitchen of the apartment he and Justin had shared. Officially, Justin still lived there, even though he had been gone all summer, volunteering at a worksite in Central America. His bedroom held all his belongings—he hadn’t bothered to pack up, declaring that he’d rather continue to pay his half of the rent than store everything. That had been fine with Chaz, who had been dreading the thought of interviewing potential new roommates. The thought of living with anyone else besides Justin, even just for a summer, gave him a strange, sickening feeling inside.

Chaz glanced by unconscious habit into Justin’s quiet and tidy room as he passed the open doorway, then stopped short, his gaze sharpening as something caught his eye in the dim light cast from his own room. A package lay squarely in the middle of the bed—an item that he knew for certain hadn’t been there earlier today...

Remarkable Restraint is out everywhere. :) Totally Bound, Barnes and Noble, Amazon/Kindle US, Kindle Canada, Kindle UK, Kindle DE, Kobo, and of course, AllRomance eBooks where it hit #1! :)

**********

In less than a week, I'll be in Dallas at RT, the 2015 Romantic Times Booklovers' Convention! I'm really looking forward to hanging with readers, reviewers, bloggers and authors that I only see in person once or twice a year, if that!

Flashback to RT 2013

I'm not doing the booksigning this year, but if anyone wants to track me down, the best place to find me (beside the obvious places: ie, next to TA Chase, at the bar, on the dance floor...lol) will be at Dreamspinner's version of romance-themed Apples to Apples on Friday at 11:15am! There will be a LOT of LGBTQ authors, book giveaways, prizes, and I'm sure a great deal of laughing involved. :D

I'll also be at the much larger FAN-tastic Day Party on Saturday somewhere between 6-7:45pm. :)

Hope to see you there!

Top Seven Reasons Why Online Superbowl Parties Are Better For Writers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 20:02:00 +0000

I do like watching football, but nope--not going anywhere today. Seems like everyone has someplace to be on Superbowl Sunday, but the glaring exception I've found is with writers I know.

But really, that makes a lot of sense to me...and here's why.

Top Seven Reasons Why Most Authors Would Rather Rock Online Superbowl Parties Instead of IRL Ones:

You always have a place to sit. This is a thing--I don't think I've ever found comfortable seating at a Superbowl party. You either end up standing by the food table the whole time while the outgoing people get prime recliner and couch positions, or you're squeezed in between people getting pummeled...and not in the good way.

Superbowl parties are really bad for food choices. Some people embrace it like they do Thanksgiving Day--hey, it's only one day a year! But for people who spend the majority of time on their ass, this isn't a selling point.

Day drinking makes it pretty impossible to write later that night, no matter how much coffee you drink when you get home. Trust me, I've tried.

You retain control of the remote. So if you want to fast forward, mute or rewind, it's all yours, baby.

Live tweeting your opinions on crazy stuff that happens or opinions on the commercials makes you engaged rather than antisocial.

You can work on your WIP in between plays. Multi-tasking at its finest. No one except a bookie can get away with being glued to a laptop during real life Superbowl parties.

And last but not least:

The variety of photo coverage on social media is much more to your taste than on the television:

THIS:

INSTEAD OF THIS:

Or worse, THIS:

Whatever you end up doing today, have a great time. And if you're at loose ends, I'll be partying on my laptop with TA Chase. Message us! :)

New Reader Newsletter and $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 21:24:00 +0000

You still have time to sign up for my new reader newsletter before I send out the very first one! :)

I'm FINALLY doing something I've planned for a long time--starting a reader newsletter. It seems like it's increasingly hard to know who is seeing my updates and news on social media, so I thought a monthly email would be more of a sure thing for my readers. :)

If you would like me to add you to my subscription list, either leave your email address in a comment below or send it to me at devonrhodes at hotmail dot com, and I'll be sending the first newsletter out very soon!

As a special treat for my readers, in that first newsletter will be instructions on how to enter to win a $25 gift card to either Amazon or ARe! Subscribe now so you can be part of the giveaway. :)

A Look Forward to 2015: My Coming Soons and To Be Writtens!

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 01:16:00 +0000

I did my look back at 2014 earlier this week, so how about a look ahead at 2015?

I have two books scheduled to come out early this year. The first is a sequel to A Ring and A Promise, titled A Ring and A Vow. It will first release in the Semper Fidelis anthology this month, then late spring it will come out as a single. Here are the covers and the blurb:

Every promise must someday be fulfilled, and the best way Owen knows how to reward Cary’s faith is with a vow.

It’s been nearly five years since Owen went down on one knee with his Academy ring and promised Cary he’d someday do it for real. With Cary being a Naval aviator and Owen a Marine officer serving in Iraq, they’re rarely on the same continent, let alone together.

About time for them to fill out paperwork to re-up, Owen realizes that if they were married, they’d have a much better chance of being stationed nearby. But time is not on their side so he’s forced to compromise on his proposal in order to make it work.

Cary has been waiting for Owen for years—there was no chance he’d ever say anything but yes. Owen is coming home at last, and wants to make a home with him. However, between the chronic nightmares he’s been fighting and the ever more complicated wedding plans, the next month could be anything but a dream.

********

I also expanded my very first story from years ago, Remarkable Restraint, from a short story to a novel and I'm re-releasing it next month as the first book in a new series called Grad School Guys.

When Justin gets fed up with his best friend Chaz avoiding him, he decides it’s well worth sacrificing his favorite T-shirt to try to save their relationship.

Chaz is finding it impossible to hide his attraction for his straight roommate, so he tries avoiding Justin until he leaves for the summer. He just has to get through a few more days, then he’ll be home free—at least until Justin comes back in a couple of months. Still, he firmly believes that space between them is the best answer for now.

But Justin is not a man to be ignored. He’s known Chaz for almost a decade, and can tell when something is weighing on his mind. And being shut out is not acceptable, especially just when he’s finally ready to commit to more than friendship. When closer than usual proximity just before his trip to Central America turns up the heat between them, he takes matters into his own hands by restraining Chaz’s hands—and feet—until he gets some answers.

The results are explosive and more than either could have dreamt, but the abrupt shift in their relationship is almost impossible to reconcile in the short time they have left together. It will take remarkable restraint from both to find a way to weather the separation, to stay friends…and to grow into something more.

********

I've already worked out my writing schedule for the year. It took some time consulting with TA Chase, my frequent co-author, and looking at my Ideas list while figuring out how many words I can comfortably commit to writing each week. Here are the books that I plan to get written:

Four more International Men of Sports books with TA. We are on "clean up" for the series, meaning, we are writing the stories for characters we've already introduced in past books rather than writing all new worlds--and don't worry, there are at least eight books left! This year you will see stories completed for Neel from A Sticky Wicket in Bollywood, Jan from Chasing the King of the Mountains, Sergio from At First Touch (and also seen in A Grand Prix Romance) and Leon from Blindsided.

Two MF books in a new series (tentatively called Women of the World) set in the Int'l Men of Sports world, which we'll write under our het pen names, Stacey Lynn Rhodes and Tiffany Aaron. We've created some great female characters while writing that series, so we decided to give a few of them their own stories. The first two books will be Caroline (from Blindsided) and Chelsea (from Burning Up the Ice).

TA and I have also planned out a brand new MM fantasy series and want to get the first two novels done this year.

I showed you Remarkable Restraint in the Grad School Guys series above. So I'll be writing at least the next three books in the ongoing series.

I had every intention of continuing my Vampires and Mages and Weres, Oh My! series last year, but didn't get to it, so I'm making it a priority this year. The next two books will be for Jones and for Killian.

And of course, we'll be doing another Unconventional anthology this year before GRL. This year we'll be writing a paranormal anth with all the original writers back once again (and yes, that includes Carol Lynne!).

That may sound like a lot, but since many of them are co-written, I have a little more free time. Some other books on my short list (I may or may not get to all of these!):

Tomas' book from An Unconventional Chicago. He was part of TA's story, No Bravery, and my story, Bonfire Heart, so we always planned to co-write his book.
Buzz's book from the One Wish series
A sequel to Making His List
Brady's story from Pride and Joey
A book about a cancer survivor who meets a man supporting his sister through the same disease.

********

Any thoughts on the list? Any you'd hoped to see that aren't on it, or one you want first? I'd love to hear some feedback to motivate me, and who knows? Your comment might push your choice to the top of the list! xoxo

My 2014 Month by Month--A Look Back in Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 13:06:00 +0000

2015 is quickly coming this way--19 hours and counting in this time zone--so here is a short peek back at 2014 as it was in my world.

January

I kicked off the New Year working hard on multiple writing projects. Winter is always a productive time of year for me, writing-wise. Also took a last-minute, surprise family trip to Oahu and lolled around on the beach.

I was also surprised to have my picture in the RWA magazine I got that month...twice!! :)

February

I turned 40-something and basically watched the Winter Olympics all month. :)

Speaking of which, I also finished and had a book come out with TA Chase, our Canada, curler/hockey player, International Men of Sports book, Burning Up the Ice.

March

Decided to drive south on spring break to So Cal seeking warmth, and enjoyed the beach, Disneyland and spending time with the girls. <3

In time for Carnivale down in Rio, we released Serving Love in Carnival, our Brazil book about a carnival dancer and a pro beach volleyball player.

April

I got to show off my city to the Dreamspinner gang when they held their annual authors retreat here in Portland. Had a fab time seeing everyone, though it was a bit weird going from checking on the kids to people from my "other life" each day. :) Spent quality time with a lot of people I rarely see, including Paul Richmond.

May

Of course, May is RT month and this year it was in New Orleans! I went down a bit early and did some sightseeing with TA before the conference.

In May, we lost a friend and fellow dance mom to breast cancer, and it hit me harder than I ever imagined. She left behind two young teenaged girls. Not much to say on that except:

June

School's out for summer! Which means my whole month getting to that point is taken up with end-of-the-year activity after activity. It's amazing I get anything done. But thanks to the organizational efforts of Anne Tenino, I went to my first Pride and shared a booth with other gay romance authors in the region.

TA and I had a release in time for the Formula One race in Monaco, A Grand Prix Romance.

It was after Pride that I decided to cut off my hair again and donate it to charity, in honor of Karen's memory. This was my fifth time donating hair: over the course of fifteen years I've donated my height in hair--63"!!

July

Road trip! I always take the girls back to the Midwest to see extended family in July, and we always drive from Oregon. It's over 1600 miles each way to our destinations of SD and NE, so it's a true road trip and a time that I really get to focus on the girls. :)

August

We've really enjoyed putting out the GRL Unconventional anthologies, and this year we took a slightly different approach, setting our stories in an alternate reality Chicago where mobs rule the city.

September

Back to school and September is also my treat to myself--a trip to Seattle to spend time with Rick and Bruce (and Lily) while I go to GRNW. Love them!

October

GRL month! Before that, though--literally a day before--I got in a car accident that tried to put a damper on my trip, but I wouldn't let it! Always so great to spend time with the tribe, especially TA and Jared.

We also had a release that week, our tennis story, An Ace in the Tiebreak.

In October, we ended up adopting the kitty we'd found and sheltered for a few days last fall. Ron turned out to belong to neighbors down the street, but he obviously liked us because he'd come back and hang out here. Finally, they offered him to us since he seemed happier here, and we were happy to accept. :)

November

I always come back from GRL renewed and ready to write. This year, in addition to that fire, while I was at GRL, I met with my bosses and they offered me a new job, which I was thrilled to take on. So, most of November was transitioning between jobs and getting to know my new roles.

I had a lot to be thankful for this year. <3
December

The holidays are always fun with the girls, and this year was no exception.

So as the year winds to a close, I thought I'd take one thoughtful look back before focusing on 2015. It was a meaningful exercise for me to look back over 2014, and I hope you enjoyed seeing a little of it from my point of view.

See you in 2015!! Happy New Year!!

Interview With One of the Mockettes from The Twelve Gays of Christmas video

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 19:46:00 +0000

Here I'm reprising my annual interview with Brad and The Twelve Gays of Christmas video, aka the Mockettes! (**I did this interview two years ago and it's unedited as originally given, so references to time are two years out of date. :) )

You've seen it, you love it! It's become a holiday icon. And today, I'm actually interviewing one of the flexible men making your holiday merry!

If you been a follower of my blog, you've seen my annual Twelve Gays of Christmas post, or maybe you've watched it elsewhere around the internet. This year, I wanted to do something a bit different, so I'm very excited to share that I have my very dear friend, Brad--one of the original Mockettes!--here on my blog with me today!

Hi, Brad. Kiss-kiss. So glad to have you!

Thanks, Devon, for asking me to be a part of your blog!

Thanks for indulging me! :) Can you tell us a little bit about how this routine came to happen?

I can't believe it was 6 years ago that the chorus boys of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular performed 12 gays of Christmas.

It all came about one day when we were nearing the end of our run of the show. That year the Rockettes had learned a new number called 12 Days of Christmas. It felt like it went on for 12 days. So that year the girls would comment on how hard the dance was, but loved performing it. The chorus boys would be backstage getting ready for the next number watching them and, of course, trying to do the dance moves. I'm sure the last thing the Rockettes wanted was a bunch of dancing boys backstage doing a kickline:)

Anyways, one day one of the boys decided we should surprise the girls with our version of the 12 Days of Christmas. We would present it to them on our last show day. So, in between shows, we would go up to the rehearsal hall at Radio City and put together 12 Gays of Christmas.

I must've watched this video about 100 times, and I smile every time I do. Describe for the nice people what your outfit is like so they can gawk at you when they watch it. ;)

I was in a white t shirt and blue pants [note from Dev: and a long scarf]. I'm the guy on the left in the beginning.

Who did the choreography?

Drew Franklin did the choreography and staging.

It was fabulous! What was it like being a part of the Rockettes show?

Being a part of the Radio City Christmas show is an amazing experience. It is one of the hardest productions I have ever been apart of. We would have 2 to 4 shows in a day. Every move had to be perfect and performed like it was opening night. We had dance captains and directors watching every show letting you know if you didn't hit your mark.

There is nothing like being on that stage having the orchestra playing the overture and up goes the curtain. The energy is amazing and I will never forget it.

One of my favorite memories is when my family came to NY to see the show. Now, I have been performing and in the business for a long time and my family always came out to support the shows that I was in. However, I came out to meet my family and here is my dad who grew up in a small town in Oregon (kinda a country boy) sitting there in the theatre with a tear in his eye giving me a big hug and saying congrats.

I don't know why that memory sticks with me but I love it!!

That's so sweet. No wonder that stick with you. And two to four shows a day! Wow! Can you describe a typical day during the run of the show?

Oh a typical day. Well, we would get there about an hour before the show. Go to the dressing room to check in. Then go up to the green room and warm up, watch some TV and, of course, gossip about drama with in the cast. :) Just kidding--we always got along. :) Then we would have notes at half hour, start to put on makeup and get into our first costume. We would always push it to last second to get our costumes on. Our wardrobe dresser would get so anxious with the boys. "You better not be late." Then we would run to the stage hit our mark and up goes the curtain.

During the show we would be focused...however I was kinda known for putting on a side performances in between numbers.

After the show, we would be tired so we would get food and rest to start it all up again.

That doesn't surprise me in the least that you'd be making a side-show of yourself. :)

Okay, so there are Twelve Gays. What number is yours and why? LOL!

My favorite number would be 2. I don't know why. I love the number 2!

What was your favorite move? Most difficult?

Well, the most difficult would be the jump splits. I think I'm still recovering 6 years later! My favorite move would have to be the Fosse walk, with our arms swaying from side to side while we walk.

Back to the serious questions. Tell the truth: Did you date anyone in the show? And were they cute, hot, fun, or sweet?

Cute, hot, fun AND sweet--yes!!!! There nothing like being a chorus dancer and being gay. :)

Did I date anyone? Well, let's just say I think he is the one I let get away.

Aww. :( So, are you still in touch with any of the cast members?

I'm still in touch with the cast. Some of them are my very close friends. It is hard because we all have moved on. Some still performing in the show others, like myself, retired and started something new.

There had been talk about getting the boys back together for a reunion for the Gypsy Awards in NY. We couldn't get our schedules together. I think we are hoping for next year.

What do you think about this being a viral video so many years later?

I love it that it became something that people enjoy. I didn't even know it went viral until you mentioned it to me a few years ago. :)

You had an amazing career in New York! Tell us about what you moved on to after this show wrapped.

After the show was done, I had decided to make a change in my life. I was ready to slow down and move closer to family. I had a couple of projects to be apart of, but once I finished those, I moved back to Portland. I now direct a dance academy in Oregon.

Are you single?

Yes, single. :(

Hear that? What's wrong with you guys? Okay, Brad, so indulge us and describe your dream date for us. :)

LOL, my dream date? Well, a guy who has a passion for something, who isn't afraid to do a heel kick once and a while:)

Look at that blush! Okay, I'll let you off the hook for now. Thank you so much for coming on and making this video that much more enjoyable for us!! *air kisses*

And to all my readers, thank you for stopping by! If you have any follow-up questions for Brad, just leave them in the comments and I'll do my best to get them answered for you!

Wow! Three Men of Sports books are Finalists in the Rainbow Awards!

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 07:23:00 +0000

Very excited that THREE International Men of Sports books with TA Chase have been announced as Finalists in the 2014 Rainbow Awards! :) All are in the Gay Contemporary Romance category, and we're in pretty heady company there...so, as the joke goes, it's just a thrill to have been nominated. :)

Here they are!

Blindsided (our Australia book where lonely rugby player meets outgoing lifeguard):

When Liam is transferred to Melbourne, he’s blindsided by his growing feelings for the hottest lifeguard on the beach. Luckily Matty knows mouth-to-mouth…

How did alone turn into lonely? Rugby player Liam Holmes is forced to ponder that when he’s transferred from Canberra to Melbourne, away from his cousin and all that’s familiar. It’s part of playing pro, adjusting to a new team and teammates, but Liam finds himself searching for something more than his career.

Matty loves the beach and being a lifeguard is all he’s ever wanted to do. He notices the new hottie at the beach right away and wonders what his story is. When he encounters him at the pub, he takes the reserved league player under his wing and into his group of mates, and they soon become fast friends.

Friends isn’t all they want to stay, however. And once they give in to their attraction, the two are blindsided by the emotions that come with their deepening relationship. Can two men without any experience at relationships both navigate their way to steady ground?

Serving Love At Carnival (our Brazil book where a pro beach volleyball player meet a carnival dancer):

Anything goes during Carnival, and two men are about to discover just how hot the nights can get in Rio.

A long-time member of a samba school, Pablo knows that Carnival in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro is always hot, and the tall, sexy man he hooks up with during the festivities is even hotter. He usually doesn’t go back for repeats, but something about Diego has him working harder than he ever has to try to meet up again.

Diego travels all over the world on the pro beach volleyball tour, but has found that the sexiest man he’s ever met lives right there in Rio. After a few false starts, they finally seem to hit a groove, but as time goes on, ghosts from Pablo’s past begin to affect their present.

It’s tough being the partner of a professional athlete, competing with travel, fans and training for their limited time. Pablo’s always been let down by people who found it easy to leave him behind. Is he prepared to accept what Diego can offer?

A Grand Prix Romance (our Monaco story involving a Formula One driver and a soccer goalie):

Two men who share a passion for speed find out what can happen if they slow down enough for a Grand romance.

Paolo’s more than just a football player—he plays at life. But underneath the party boy image, he’s well aware that his career is stagnating and a big move might be needed. Before anything like that can be decided, though, he’s going to enjoy his annual trip to Monte Carlo for the Grand Prix.

The only thing Johann loves more than his Formula One racing is gambling in the glittering atmosphere of Monaco. This year, he finds that high stakes applies to more than just cards—his heart is going all in and if he bets it all and loses, it could cost him everything.

Reader Advisory: This books contains characters from At First Touch but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

***************

You can find excerpts and more information on the series at Totally Bound and on our websites. :)

Congratulations to all of the other Finalists, who are listed HERE, and I'm very proud to be involved with the wonderful Elisa Rolle's annual awards that do so much to support LGBT charities.

Reintroducing Paolo...

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 02:08:00 +0000

Paolo Lancaster was a character we first introduced in At First Touch, the Germany Football (Soccer) story in the International Men of Sports series with TA Chase. Since we work together on our books, it's really helpful (and damn near required!) for us to find photos of the characters as we envision them in our heads to help out the other author. It was pretty easy for me to choose a real life person (in this case Thyago Alves) who fit my mental image of our highly paid, partying, prima donna of a goalie.

Here's an excerpt from At First Touch where he begins to grow from a two-dimensional background character into a secondary character who ended up needing his own book:

“King’s right, Paddy. You gotta watch what you say. Kids out there look up to you and when they hear you say shit like that, they think it’s okay for them to say it.” Paolo rested his hand on Padraig’s shoulder. “Then those kids treat other kids like that. It’s a vicious cycle, man, and we have to figure out how to break it.”

Blinking, Ewansiha wondered where this Paolo had come from and who had switched them. Whatever Paolo’s opinions had been before this, the man had never expressed them, and he was Padraig’s best friend, so he should’ve been the one to say something earlier.

“But why would they think that?” Padraig looked puzzled. “And anyway, why shouldn’t I speak up when I think something’s wrong?”

“Because the way you do it encourages anger and hatred against people who aren’t any different from you.” Paolo took a deep breath then said, “If I told you I was gay, would it change how I play football? Would it change how you think of me, and what you thought you knew about me?”

Shocked silence reigned while Padraig’s eyes widened. Ewansiha saw him pale.

“Are you?” Padraig whispered, and only Paolo and Ewansiha heard his question.

Paolo licked his lips, then shot Ewansiha a quick glance before he smiled slightly. “Nah, but see? My question got you thinking, didn’t it, Paddy? That’s all I’m asking at the moment. Just think before you speak.”

Right now we're working on A Grand Prix Romance, in which Paolo heads to Monaco at the end of the season for the Grand Prix. He loves high performance cars and all of the glitzy party atmosphere that goes on in Monaco, both at the casinos and having to do with the race. But he's needing the annual trip more than usual this year because he's beginning to wonder what the point of his current lifestyle is.

********

Paolo glanced at his phone and grinned before answering in German, “Hey, kid.” He’d been about to get out of his car but settled back into the Ferrari’s driver seat to be comfortable for the conversation.

The animated voice of Xav, his teammates’ teenage foster son, came across the line. “Oh my God, I just read online that you got called up to the national team. What does that mean? Are you moving? I didn’t even get to see your last game with our team--”

At the growing disappointment in Xav’s voice, Paolo cut in and soothed, “Whoa, whoa. Slow down. It wasn’t my last game here. It’s pretty common for players to get called up to fill a hole for a game or two, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to be a permanent member.” Not unless the fantastic goalkeeper Germany had either got injured or retired--unlikely to happen anytime soon, maybe not even in his career since they were the same age. He inhaled to try to rid himself of the familiar and gnawing sense of futility, that he’d reached the pinnacle of his career without any future advancement in sight...unless of course he moved to a different country and started over.

“Oh. Does that mean you aren’t going to be on the World Cup team then?”

“No.” He strove to keep the bitterness out of his voice. The kid didn’t deserve his drama. “Not this time.” And with four years between World Cups, he’d be lucky to still be playing for two more, much less make it onto the German national team’s roster.

“Huh.” Xav sounded deflated. “I’m not sure if I’m happy or disappointed.”

Paolo had to smile. Nothing like a young person to lay it all out there and keep things in perspective. “Yeah, I know what you mean.”

“Okay, well, I know you’re probably late to practice as usual, so I won’t keep you.”

“Brat.” It was true, though, so Paolo couldn’t be mad about the tease. “I’m already at the stadium.” Technically. He was in the parking lot. “Don’t worry. You’ll be seeing plenty of me. Can’t get rid of me that easy.”

They said their goodbyes then Paolo reluctantly got out of his beloved sports car--the latest in a long line of favorite high performance cars. His previous Ferrari had been totalled by a one-week stand who had taken it for a joy ride while Paolo had slept off the late nights and too much alcohol. Thankfully the woman hadn’t been injured, but his baby’s frame had been irreparably damaged, so he’d been forced to replace her--the car, not the woman.

********

Sergio rose and walked with Paolo to the door to the corridor leading towards the field. “I…” He cleared his throat, and Paolo glanced down at the usually self-assured trainer in surprise.

“What is it?”

Sergio evidently changed his mind about what he’d been about to say because his expression went from ill-at-ease to his usual humor. “It’s time you stopped with the Greta Garbo ‘I vant to be alone’ bit. We’ve missed seeing you at Lukas’. Maybe you could stop by sometime. Like tonight.”

Paolo knew a command when he heard one. He supposed he was just lucky they’d let him get away with it this long. “Fine,” he sighed. “Gotta go or practice will be over before I get there.”

“Go on then.” Sergio patted his ass then headed to his office.

Paolo just shook his head and jogged out to the field. Lukas and King each gave him a wave from across the pitch as he ran towards the far goal. He glanced at Paddy, but no change there. He was doing a great job of pretending Paolo didn’t exist.

While he warmed up, he put his game face on and pretended he didn’t care. The season would be over soon and he’d be heading away from everything and everyone to indulge in his favorite treat--Monaco during the Grand Prix. The high performance machines, casinos, glitz and glamor, constant parties. He was ready to leave behind the disappointing stagnation of his life here and lose himself in the hedonism that combined everything he loved. Maybe he’d even get his libido back and find someone to have a holiday ‘romance’ with.

Paolo put his gloves on and clapped them together several times, giving the player facing him a cocky nod. “Bring it!” he shouted. Time to do what they paid him for.

Here's hoping Paolo finds some answers--or at least a little bit of fun--in Monaco... I have a feeling he will. :)

WIP Excerpt--Untitled (with Andy from RR and Jesse from Silver and Gold)

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 20:21:00 +0000

Happy New Year! Going to be better about posting--it's a resolution. *nods*

Here is a short scene I put together in November for Amber's birthday blog party, and it got a really nice response, so I'm planning to write the book this year. On her blog I had challenged her readers to name what story Andy is from, and eventually someone remembered him as Chaz' best friend and neighbor from Remarkable Restraint.

Meanwhile, Blue is Jesse, the old flame from Silver and Gold, and Red and White are his twin sons who he's moving in to their first off-campus apartment.

Enjoy!

********

“Triplets? Oh, happy birthday to me,” Andy breathed as he pressed his eye so closely to the peephole blinking became a problem, his hands and chest flat against the door.

He tried every possible angle and even switched eyes to try to get the best close-up view of the activity outside his front door, growing increasingly frustrated with his inability to confirm his suspicion. But no way was he going to go out and have their first impression of him be at his least primped.

The fish-eyed view only allowed Andy to see one blurry face at a time, but the three tall, jeans-clad, yummy men hauling furniture and boxes into his friend’s old apartment looked enough alike that the only difference Andy could see was their shirt color. And their hairstyles. All were the proverbial tall, dark, and handsome with identical builds and height. But the guy in the tight, white tee had his hair loose, just brushing the tops of his broad shoulders; the man with the red tee might have the same length as his brother, but he wore it tied back at the nape of his corded neck; and the beauty in marine blue wore his in a short, conservative cut.

Sweat freely rolled down their tanned faces and necks, darkening their shirts at the typical places, their muscles flexed and bunched, passing by too quickly as they moved in and out of Andy’s limited view. He could hear deep masculine voices alternately griping and teasing as they worked together with easy familiarity. At one point, they had a huge leather sofa stuck halfway in the door at a funny angle, with Mr Red Hot yelling at Tight-White as they argued about whether to pull it out or push it in to loosen it.

Muffled expletives and names were flying as Blue Boy came up the stairs to the landing and said something in a low, authoritative tone which quieted the other two down in a hurry. Andy squinted and looked more closely as a blurry Blue lingered obligingly in his line of sight. Not triplets then. Probably an older brother or something. The way he carried himself bespoke a maturity that was beyond college-aged. Just as well. College-aged was getting a bit young for him.

He bent over to set down a large box, and on tip-toe, Andy almost killed himself craning up and around trying to see his ass, which was tantalizingly out of focus at the bottom of the peephole. He grimaced as he rotated his neck, finally noticing that he was painfully stiff, and not just his cock at this point.

“Is this really the impression you want to make on your new neighbors? Settle down, boys.”
Looking out in time to see Blue gesturing at his door, Andy revised his mental estimation of the man’s age up another half-decade or so, now into his thirties. Much older brother then. Or cousin? Uncle? This was getting better and better. Older guys knew what they were doing.

He flattened himself against the door, eye on Mr Blue, and playfully humped the door as he watched the three work to pull the couch back out and set it down on the landing. Fuck, it’d been a long time since he’d gotten laid. Almost a month. Maybe he’d get lucky and one–or more–of these three would be gay. Or curious. Yeah, curious was fine with him.

At a low command from the oldest, Tight-White clambered down the stairs and reappeared a minute later lugging a cooler, joining the other two seated on the couch.

Diet Coke break, sweaty boys. C’mon, someone lose a shirt already.

He almost laughed out loud as right on cue, Red Hot pulled his shirt over his head and used it to mop his face and neck while Blue took charge of distributing drinks.

Wow.

Finally motionless for the first time in the hour he’d been watching, Andy was finally able to appreciate the three. Good genes in this group, and they were definitely related. White and Red had to be twins, they were indistinguishable. And Blue was a slightly older carbon copy. He stifled a snort as it hit him.

Red, white, and blue, how patriotic. Making me salute. Oh yeah.

Damn fine, and built like brick shithouses, all three. Andy was ogling Red’s ripped chest and abs and actively rubbing himself through his pants when his phone rang. He jumped as if someone could see him, yanking his hand away from his crotch and racking his not-so-funny bone against the doorjamb with a loud thunk.

“Shit!” That fucking hurt. Andy struggled to get his cell out of the front pocket of his tight designer jeans, made even tighter by his star-spangled erection. Finally succeeding, he looked at the display and chanced a peek out the peephole again and all three men were staring right at him. Or rather, at his door.

“Hey,” he whispered, caught in the invisible stare-down with the trio.

“Andy?” His best friend Chaz sounded wary. “Why are you whispering? I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”

“Nope, just checking out the new neighbors.”

Blue looked away first, stretching his arms up over his head before rummaging through the cooler.

“And you’re whispering because…”

“No reason, babe.” Andy watched as the ringleader pulled out a handful of ice and started crunching it a cube at a time. The twins both lunged for the cooler at the same time, fighting for dominance before Red managed to shove his brother aside, grabbing his own handful of ice and shoving it down his brother’s tucked-in t-shirt.

“Hey!” Andy could hear White’s outraged yell clearly through the door.

“Well, you’ll have to tell us all about them at dinner tonight.”

“Dinner?” Andy echoed absently. The twins were wrestling in earnest, White laughing evilly as he took Red to the ground and thrusting a chunk of the freed ice from his shirt down his brother’s jeans, then sat on him, refusing to let him use his hands. Blue was laughing at their antics, and Andy was torn between watching the weirdly arousing fraternal wrestling and the breathtaking, laughing face of their sibling.

“Yes, you’re coming to dinner tonight.”

Andy stood up straight, abandoning his clandestine surveillance. “Wait a minute, since when?”

Chaz spoke gently. “Since we haven’t seen you since we moved. I miss you, we both do.” He sighed. “It’s your birthday, and I have a sneaking suspicion that you have no plans. You probably haven’t been out for weeks. Andy, you know…”

“Don’t go there, babe. And thanks. I’ll be over. You know me too well.”

They said their goodbyes then Andy took one last look out the peephole, before sighing and heading to get ready to actually join the real world, wondering if the boys would still be out there when he left for his command performance birthday dinner…

An Interview with Kim and Abe from Silver and Gold...

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 05:28:00 +0000

For Way Back Wednesday, here's a post that I originally did for another blog back in February of 2010, where I interviewed Kim and Abe from Silver and Gold. Check it out...

********

Me: Ah yes, Kim and Abe. Since they are close friends, I've decided to talk about both of them. Or rather, let them talk about themselves.

Kim: And just so we're clear, Abe and I are not together. He's into outies.

Abe: Or they're into me.

Me: Okay then. How did you guys meet?

Kim: Um. Why does he get a picture and I don't?

Abe: Sweetheart, you're a secondary character. That means you don't get on the cover. If it makes you feel better, it isn't my most flattering look. That shirt? Please. Grey is so not my color.

Kim: At least people get a visual of you! I'm just this nebulous image floating around.

Me: Would it make you feel better if I put up a picture that looks like you? I had an interviewer ask me this week if I could cast a movie of this story, which actors I would pick to play you guys.

Abe: *claps hands* Ooh, who did you pick for me?

Kim: *gasps* No you didn't. Now you want a second picture? You bitch.

Abe: Okay, okay, just curious, so shoot me. Who did you pick for Kim? There, is that better?

Kim: *pouting* Depends on who it is. Duh.

Me: Okay, here you go:

Abe: Now girlfriend, you've gotta be happy with Eva Mendes.

Kim: She'll do. But that's a bit tousled for me. I'd be into your salon like yesterday.

Me: And since we're on the topic, here's Abe. And Kim, he's the main character, so can you let the whole two-picture thing go?

Kim: You know, I hear her talking to me like I'm totally unreasonable, and I have no idea where the attitude came from.

Abe: Much better, and see? Look how much bigger yours is. And you call me the size queen.

Me: Let me give some examples of what great friends you are? Like from when Geoff still hadn't clued in to how lucky he was to have Abe fall into his lap, so to speak, and was still living in the past.

********

Abe gratefully accepted the huge latte from Kim and tried once more to convince her to leave. He had thought he’d been successful on the phone in persuading her not to come see him, but she had bribed him with an “extra” coffee that she just happened to have.

Abe, you’re such a slut for coffee, and apparently everyone knows it.

“I’m fine,” he repeated yet again. “Really.” And he smiled to emphasize how “fine” he was.

“Abe, get that ugly excuse for a smile off your face and tell me what’s wrong. What happened with you and Geoff?”

“Tenacious little thing, aren’t you?”

“Tenacious, yes. Little, hell no. Thing?” She gave him an arch look.

“Sorry, babe. You were the one who insisted upon seeing me before I’m caffeinated.”

“Meow. That actually almost sounded like the real you.” She softened her expression. “What happened, Abe?”

********

Abe: Yeah, that was a tough day. Kim about burst a blood vessel when I told her what happened with the phone call I overheard. She threatened to quit.

Kim: I knew right away that wasn't the best move. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. And, boss of ten years or not, he was so going down if he fucked you over.

********

“Well, all I can say is my former boss won’t be getting any ass from you if it takes having to duct tape you to my bedroom door.” She pulled out her phone and dialed, her eyes flashing.

“Shit, love, don’t quit on my account!” Abe was regretting ever picking up the phone this morning.

“Don’t worry, I’m not quitting. I’ve decided I’m going to stay and make his life a living hell while I run his business into the ground.” She gave Abe an evil smile and left a terse message saying that she would be using a sick day and hung up.

Abe watched her warily. “What are you doing?”

Kim smiled more naturally. “Just going to help you pack for your trip and keep you company until you leave.” She waited a beat. “And keep you from going to his office, and him from coming up here,” she admitted.

Abe gave her a hug. “You’re a good friend, my dear.”

She hugged him back. “You don’t hate me because I fixed you two up?”

********

Me: That was so sweet.

(They both look at me in horror.)

Kim: Sweet?

Abe: Let me take this one, babe. (To me) Kim doesn't do sweet. She's more scary, hell-on-wheels, true-blue. Loyal as shit, but evil. In a good way.

Me: Do you guys still hang out now that Abe and Geoff have worked through things?

Kim: Hell, yes. Closer than ever. *smiles dangerously* I've got his back, especially since I know everything that's going on with the boss.

Abe: And I've got hers. She was insultingly underpaid until I spoke up.

Me: A lot of readers want to see more of you two. Do you think there will be another book in the future?

Abe: Babe? Isn't that up to you? You're the writer.

Me: Well, yes, but I can only write the stories you guys share with me.

Kim: Oh, you want more? Abe, get us some coffee...

********

Read more about Kim and Abe in Silver and Gold, available in e-book from Dreamspinner Press, on and ARe, and on sale right now on Kindle at Amazon.

Revisiting My Interview With Brad, One of the Twelve Gays of Christmas Dancers!!

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 06:11:00 +0000

**I noticed this video is starting to go around, so here's my annual post a bit early! This interview was done in 2012.**

The Twelve Gays of Christmas video! You've seen it, you love it! It's become a holiday icon. And today, I'm actually interviewing one of the flexible men making your holiday merry!

If you been a follower of my blog, you've seen my annual Twelve Gays of Christmas post, or maybe you've watched it elsewhere around the internet. This year, I wanted to do something a bit different, so I'm very excited to share that I have my very dear friend, Brad--one of the Twelve Gays!--here on my blog with me today!

Hi, Brad. Kiss-kiss. So glad to have you!

Thanks, Devon, for asking me to be a part of your blog!