Pimping Friday....

okay...I'm not really pimping any particular book. Though I did read two good ones this week. Haunted by Mike Shade and Living In Fast Forward by BA Tortuga.

But since Yvonne asked so nicely, I thought I'd give you a sneak peek at Tony's story. This will be sort of a double sneak peek because in this scene, you also get to meet Derek St. Martin, one of the heroes from His Heart's Home. The man who has been writing all those songs you read on Mondays. ;)

To set the scene up, Tony is flying back to Wyoming from Hawaii where he'd been for two weeks, competing in a bull riding event. He's enjoyed a great night of hot sex with a luscious big blond. (Very important to remember the blond) Tony's just received a phone call from Randy, letting him know that his brother-in-law is at the ranch, waiting for him. (for those of you who've read No Going Home...remember Tony doesn't have anything to do with his family.) So he's not a happy camper. He's getting ready to board the plane.

Excerpt:

Tony heard his flight number called and grabbed his stuff. He boarded, put his bag away and sat. Shutting his eyes, he sighed. Maybe he and Mac should have done a little more sleeping and a little less fucking last night. He was glad he upgraded to first class. More room and drinks.

A nap would help settle his nerves. The memories only served to remind him anyone could hurt him, even those who should have loved him. Someone bumped his arm. Opening his eyes, he saw a tall lean man sitting next to him.

“Sorry about that. Jackass was in a hurry to get to his coach seat, I guess.”

The smooth southern drawl stirred something in Tony’s mind. He studied the man. A blue baseball cap and sunglasses hid the man’s eyes. His instinct told him he knew the man.

“Honey, when you get a chance, can you bring me a whiskey on the rocks and a beer for my friend here?” The man flagged down a flight attendant.

“Shit. You’re…”

“Yeah. Don’t say anything. I just want to survive this flight without someone asking for my autograph or a picture.” That famous smile flashed at him. “Though I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to take one. It’s not often such a handsome man recognizes me.”

Tony’s mouth dropped open. There was no way Derek St. Martin, country music superstar, was flirting with him.

“If I ask for a picture, wouldn’t it blow your cover?” He managed to say.

Derek thought for a moment, his thin lips pursed and then he nodded. “Fuck. Should have known something would spoil it.”

“Here you are, sir.” The flight attendant handed Derek two glasses. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

“No, sugar. This is just fine.” Derek waved her away with a casual gesture.

“Don’t you have your own jet?” Tony kept his voice low. He could respect the man’s wish for privacy.

“Sure I do, but sometimes I just want to get away from all that bull shit. The entourage. My agent. It all gives me a headache. On good days, I pop a couple of pills and let them take me away. Yet there are times when it all builds up and there’s nothing I can do, but run.” Derek leaned in close to Tony, so close he could see the man’s electric blue eyes peering over the top of the sunglasses. “What do you do for a living? You look like a cowboy.”

“I ride bulls.”

“Mmm…if only that were true, it’d prove there is a benevolent God and he loves country singers.”

Tony looked around him. None of the passengers seemed to be paying attention to them. He moved closer to Derek. “I like bulls better than cows, but since I’ve never heard even a whisper about you, you might want to be careful what you say in public.”

A look passed over Derek’s face and Tony wondered if the singer hated hiding who he was because of his fans. “I know. I’ve been yelled at by everyone around me. If I promise not to out myself to anyone else, will you talk to me about what you do? Treat me like a real person. Not the stud you see dancing on stage in tight jeans and a t-shirt.”

Tony touched Derek’s hand holding on to the armrest between them. “I’d talk to you all day.” He pressed his lips to the man’s ear. “I’ve had a hard-on since I first heard you talk.”

Derek’s eyes widened and he shot a look at Tony’s crotch. “Man, what I wouldn’t do to have a private plane right about now.”

Tony winked, settling back in his seat. “I do ride bulls. I was in Honolulu for the special all-star event.”

“Wow. A gay cowboy? So those stereotypes really do exist.” Derek laughed. “Are you any good?”

“I finished fifth at the Finals this year.” Tony sipped his beer. “Where are you headed?”

“Got a fucking concert in Dallas.” Derek drained his drink and waved for the attendant to get him another one. “I got a two week vacation and then it’s back to work. Not even time off for Thanksgiving. It sucks. I planned on going to Edmund’s house for the holiday, but nope. Have to go entertain the masses.”

“Man, if you don’t like what you’re doing, why are you doing this?” Tony loved riding bulls. He’d already made up his mind that the day he didn’t enjoy it, he’d retire.

“I love to sing. Performing is an unhappy side effect of singing. To be honest, I wouldn’t be so tired of performing if I didn’t have to deal with all the other bullshit.” Derek shrugged. The singer shifted and faced him. “So where are you from? It sounds like Texas to me.”

“I’m originally from Texas. I live in Wyoming now.” He realized they had talked through take-off and the plane had reached cruising altitude.

Their flight attendant brought them another drink and they kept talking.

***

Stepping off the plane, Tony noticed a group of people with disapproving frowns on their faces. Derek squeezed his shoulder.

“Where the hell have you been?” An older man walked up to them, glaring at Tony while gripping Derek’s arm.

“I took a different flight.” Derek shook off the man’s hand and turned to face Tony. “Thanks for making it an interesting ride. I’ll be watching for you when your circuit starts up again.”

Tony ignored the man who must have been Derek’s manager and hugged the singer. “I hope you find some happiness somewhere,” he whispered in the man’s ear.

Derek pulled his sunglasses down so his blue eyes met Tony’s. “Someday I will. It just depends on how much more shit I can take. Thanks.”

Tony didn’t say anything as Derek kissed his cheek.

Hope you enjoyed a sneak peek. maybe I'll post another one this weekend. Give you a glimpse at Tony's hero, Brody MacCafferty.

Have a great Friday.

Wednesday Update...

So Rhian awarded me a Rockin' Guy Blogger award. (As you can tell, it was originally a Rockin Girl Blogger, but she didn't want to leave half of us out...lol) I've been posting some song lyrics the past couple of Mondays for the Poetry Train. They're really poems that I'm using as songs in one of my WIPs, His Heart's Home. One of the heroes, Derek St. Martin, is a country music star. He writes his own songs, so I thought it would be neat to include some in the story. I hope they help tell their story as well.

Thank you so much, Rhian. Now do I have to award someone else with this? Or five someone elses? lol

Also, I've gotten another review for Stealing Life. Bella of TwoLipsReviews gave SL four kisses and had this to say:

" T.A. Chase wrote a compelling story with many surprising plot twists that will hold your interest. If you enjoy m/m romances Stealing Life is a great addition to your library."

Click here for the rest of the review. Thank you, Bella for another great review. :)

Getting closer to finishing the re-write on Out of Bounds to re-submit to Samhain. Hopefully by the end of the week. But by focusing on this story, it pushes my deadline for finishing Tony's story back a little. I'm hoping to send Home of His Own to my cps no later than the middle of July. So a little bit of good and bad news.

Hope everyone has a great day. :)

Poetry Train...

This is part of a poem. I was interrupted before I could finish it, so I only got the first two stanzas written. When I finish the whole thing, I'll make sure to post it (someday) for everyone. :)

Words have been lost

Sweet songs you sang are silent

With my eyes shut,

I’ve lost the memory of your face.

My arms are empty.

My soul is lonely.

I wish for night to fall

Hiding my missing heart.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday and stop by Rhian's blog for a list of other people joining in the Poetry Train today.

Gone today...

I'm going to be gone all day today. :)

Have a great Saturday and enjoy the little list of what we should all ask for in a man.

Pimping books....

Today, I'm pimping books by B.A. Tortuga. I love her books, especially the ones about cowboys. She has a special touch with those rugged myths. This book, Old Town New, is one of my favorites by her. Stop by Torquere Press and check it out. It's available in ebook and print form.

Also, Amanda Young has a new book out at Loose-Id titled Man Candy. I haven't read it yet, but I'll be picking it up to enjoy over the weekend. It looks good.

Did some work on Tony's story. Getting closer to the end. So the deadline of the end of the month is more realistic now. Though it might take until the middle of July for it to be ready to submit. :)

Hope everyone has a great Friday.

Hop on to the Wednesday Poetry Train

Since I missed Monday's Poetry Train, I thought I'd make up for it by posting something today.

I've been posting songs/poems that I'll be using in one of my Home books...His Heart's Home which features Derek, a country music star, and Max, the foreman at Tony's ranch. What I'm going to post for you today is actually a scene from my WIP. Yes, I realize I haven't gotten Tony's story done yet, but this scene called to me and I had to write it down right when it popped into my head or I'd have forgotten it.

So tell me what you think of it. I will tell you it takes place closer to the end of the story. ;)

Their love making was slow and gentle. Hands roamed over chests and backs. Lips tasted soft skin at the small of the back and the crease of the knee. Fingers caressed cocks and asses.

No words were spoken. Each 'I love you' and every 'good-bye' was spoken with sighs and kisses. Their climax didn't explode from them. It flowed like all the tears they would never cry.

Afterwards, they held each other tight, savoring the strength in their arms and the warmth of their bodies. They fell asleep, at ease with their parting.

So I've done some work on HHH and also Tony's story. I promise. I'm really pushing to get it finished by the end of this month. I'm working on Out of Bounds to re-submit to Samhain as well. Who knows? I might have two books done by the end of the month and possibly both contracted by the end of July. Woo-hoo!

Oh Gina, if you stop by, Lisa posted a comment for you in my Three post. check out the comments. :)

Have a great Wednesday.

I'm back...

C and I decided to run away for the weekend. We left Friday and didn't get back until tonight. Where we ended up didn't have any internet access, so I couldn't post anything. :(

But there is good news....Three comes out tonight. Stop by the Liquid Silver site and check it out. It's not up yet but sometime between six and seven, it'll go live. :)

I hope you have a great Monday and I'll be posting a new installment of the Vanguard tomorrow. Also, I'll be back on the Poetry Train next Monday.

Funny Friday

hey everyone....been a crazy day and just flying by to give you some yummy eye candy.

It's been a crazy week. A lot busier than I planned on being.

Heard from Samhain about the Valentine's anthology for next year. Didn't get picked, but the editor did tell me that if I wanted to re-write it, adding to it, using the suggestions she made..she'd be happy to look at it again for consideration as a single title book. So I'll be working on that one this weekend, plus Tony's story.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Poetry Train...

Another Monday and another poem. This is another one I wrote for my third Home book. I think I'll have all of Derek's songs written before I start the book. Haven't thought of a title for this one yet. I'm terrible at naming my poems. I guess I think it gives what the poem's about away. :)

Song # 3

Your lonely eyes steal my soul

One piece at a time.

Your soft and brittle smile

Breaks and mends my heart.

With strong arms, you

Hold my body tight.

Trembling hands

Touch my heated cheek.

In dreams, I

See your face.

In streets, I

Call your name.

The world tells us

Love is wrong.

Especially when we’re

The ones in love.

Yet through the

Yelling and fighting,

I can still hear

The steady beat of your heart.

It leads me in

A dance

To find freedom in

Your lonely eyes.

It's still a little rough, but the feeling's there. :)

Hope everyone has a great Monday.

Pimping Books....

I'm pimping Laura Baumbach's books today. I've enjoyed all of them that I've read. Especially Details of the Hunt. She's got a bunch of books out along with writing screenplays, coordinating the ManLoveRomance author co-op and starting her own Man Love Press (yep..print books) Tell you what, I'm tired just thinking about what she's doing.

Stop by and see what else she has going. :)

Been working on several different stories at the moment. They're all coming along, so things look good.

I hope to get a chance to watch The Belmont today. The girl is getting a chance to beat the boys today. Rags to Riches has her work cut out for her. Only two fillies have won The Belmont since it was first run.

Have a great day, everyone.

Finally Friday...

I know I usually pimp books on Friday, but I have to admit I don't feel like it today...lol. Not that there aren't a ton of good books out there. Must be a lazy day for me. don't worry...pimping will resume sometime this weekend.

Also, the next installment of The Vanguard will be posted sometime this weekend as well. Last night was really busy and I didn't get a chance to write it yet...lol.

I did do some work on Tony's story along with the sequel to the short story I sent to Samhain for consideration and inclusion in their 2008 m/m Valentine's Day anthology. Haven't heard back from them yet about it, but I think I still have a few days left before they'll be notifying people. :)

Yesterday, Kimi from Texas asked if I was ever going to write a story for Shade from Angel's Evolution. I admit that when I wrote AE, I thought about doing a sequel and tell Shade's story. I'm not ruling the possibility out. I did add a clue or two at the end of the story about Shade. But at the moment, his story isn't on the schedule. I really want to get all the Home books done first and the Dragon books I'm planning as well. Though with the way things work for me, who's to say, that tomorrow I won't be inspired to write Shade's romance. :)

Hope everyone has a great Friday.

Dang Computer....

Due to computer issues (at work...a dead hard drive...), I'll be posting the next installment of The Vanguard a little later today. Sorry about this. Sometimes I think the computer gods hate me.

Slight Delay

There will be a slight delay in the release of THREE, from what I've been told. Liquid Silver had a computer problem and they couldn't publish this week's books. So it looks like those two will be pubbed next Monday and ours will be pushed back a week...meaning it'll be out June 18th. :( Sorry for the delay, everyone, but unfortunately these things happen.

Wrote some more on both The Vanguard and Home of his Own. Plus did some work on a couple other story ideas. My main focus remains Tony's story. Want to get it finished by the end of June.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday. :)

The Vanguard

The Vanguard copyright (c) 2007 T.A. Chase

Part Twenty-Five:

Stakel stopped, reluctant to knock on Antioc’s door. For the first time he could remember, he was worried someone might be angry with him. It was a strange feeling since he’d never cared before. His fellow Consorts loathed him and the feeling had been mutual.

“What are you waiting for?” Darius grumbled from where the page stood beside him. “This tray isn’t getting lighter.”

Stakel glared down at the page. “How do you know they’d even let me in? I’m the reason Antioc received his whipping in the first place.”

Darius rolled his eyes and sighed. The boy kicked the door twice. “You’re feeling guilty for something that wasn’t your fault at all. Odd because you don’t strike me as a martyr.”

Martin opened the door. A bright smile erupted on his troubled face.

“Who is it?” Antioc’s strained voice spoke of pain.

“Stakel and Darius.” Martin stepped back, waving them in. “Come in. What did you bring us?”

“Food.” Darius set the tray down on the table by the window.

“I came to heal you, Antioc. You shouldn’t have been disciplined. You didn’t do anything.” Stakel went to the bed where the auburn-haired soldier lay on his stomach.

The curtains had been opened to allow the afternoon sun in. He closed his eyes, blocking the wounds from his sight.

“Can you really heal Antioc’s back?” Martin brushed past him to sit beside Antioc.

You’ve seen worse. The voice reminded him.

I know, but it’s never been someone I liked before this.

So you’ve said. Could it be you’re learning what having friends is like?

Stakel wasn’t sure if that was the issue or not. He just knew that he didn’t like seeing Antioc hurt.

“Sir, can you heal the sub-commander?” Darius poked him.

“Yes, I can. The other men have received tonics’ and lotions that I’ve infused with heal properties. You get it straight from me.” He went around the bed to sit opposite Martin.

He placed his right hand on the nape of Antioc’s neck, his little finger touching the first lash mark. “Usually it works best for me to place my hand directly on the wound. Yours are such that as long as I’m touching one, they’ll all heal.”

“What would you like us to do,” Martin asked in a low murmur, not wanting to disturb him.

“Do you have a god you pray to?” Stakel wasn’t sure about Launioc gods.

“The Vanguard have always asked for guidance from Xasel, our High God. He’s the father of the new gods and has fallen out of favor with our temples now.” Antioc informed Stakel. “The men of the Vanguard know the miracles the High God preformed and we’ll always worship him.”

“Pray to Xasel then and hope he’ll answer.”

Stakel closed his eyes, steadied his breathing and imagined the wounds marring Antioc’s back. He sank deep into Antioc’s body, finding the paths through which blood traveled. He knitted those together. With pulses of energy, he encouraged the growth of new muscle and mending of the sliced skin.

He didn’t loosen his control on the healing until he was sure he’d found and treated every injury. When he felt the last one close, he opened his eyes and allowed the energy to slip away. Antioc’s back was marked with several faint pink lines. Stakel ran a finger over one and Antioc shivered.

“Your back will still be sore, but that’ll disappear over the next several days.” He stood up and his knees buckled.

Darius was there to lend support as he made his way to a low couch close to the bed. Stakel settled down with a sigh. He’d need to rest soon.

A knock sounded and then Rathian came in. Martin and Darius saluted. Antioc struggled to sit up.

“Stay still, sub-commander,” Rathian ordered.

Stakel met the prince’s gaze and saw more peace than pain in them. He gestured to the cushion beside him. “I’d show you some form of respect, but I’m afraid I’m too tired to do so.”

“Too tired?” Rathian joined him. “Why? I see you’ve healed Antioc. Were his wounds so bad you had to use all your energy?”

He knew that thought upset the prince. He patted Rathian’s hand. “No. I made other medicines and sent them to the others. Any type of magic like that draws energy from me.”

“Here’s some wine and food, Sir.” Darius handed him a plate, setting his wine glass beside him. “Would you like something, your highness?”

Rathian shook his head and the page served the others. Stakel knew the prince hadn’t eaten at all since they’d missed breakfast. He broke off some crust from his bread and held it up to Rathian.

“You have to eat. With us, you may show weakness, but in front of the others, you have to stay strong.”

Rathian nibbled on the bread in Stakel’s hands, using his tongue to clean the crumbs from Stakel’s fingers. A moan threatened to slip out. His cock filled as desire flooded him. He was thankful for clothes. Rathian winked and sat back.

“Who was supposed to inform me about the attack on Stakel?” The prince’s gaze swept between Martin and Antioc.

Both men dropped their eyes. An obvious reluctance stiffened their bodies.

“General Excelsie, sir.” Antioc finally answered Rathian’s question.

The prince frowned, accepting another bite of food from Stakel.

“Maybe it slipped his mind,” Stakel suggested.

“Maybe, but Excelsie isn’t know for forgetting things.”

“He could have been on his way to tell you when you found out this morning.”

Why are you working so hard to erase the doubt from his mind?

He’s hurt that his friend would undermine him in such a way. Stakel gave a mental shrug. I don’t like it when he hurts.

One night together and already you want to ease his pain. Maybe you don’t need my help after all.

“He should have been waiting for me when I returned home last night.” Rathian shifted closer. “I stopped by my room before I came to find you. There wasn’t even a note.”

“We should have made sure someone was waiting for you.” Antioc scowled.

“No. Your commander told you he would take care of it. You trusted him and he let you down.” Rathian rested his hand on Stakel’s thigh. “I’ll deal with him. He seems to deserve more punishment than just a whipping.”

Stakel leaned over and curled into Rathian’s side. The warmth of the prince’s body combined with his deep voice lulled Stakel into a light doze.

Poetry Train....

Unicorn and King

It seems a foolish thing
To dream of unicorns and Kings.
To understand the voice of the clouds
As if they were talking out loud.

But what seems foolishness to some
Is ordinary life to one.
What dreams dance upon the air
Will allow only one to care.

Dare to hope that knowledge comes
With the rising of the sun.
Because with light, life might grow
Love might have a willingness to show.

Endlessly falling drops of rain,
Shower a heart with mists of pain.
Endlessly flowing icy breeze
Can cause a heart to freeze.

Mouth breaking into a welcoming smile
Can make up for that extra mile.
A being with a single horn
Can only be that faithful unicorn.

The King graces the palace of dreams,
While the unicorn sits and schemes.
What may seem foolish to some,
Is ordinary life for me.

TA Chase (c)2007

Have a great Monday.

Pimping Books...

Okay...it's time to pimp Sean Michael's books. All of them...lol. I can't pick one that's my favorite. I did see that the second book in his Guardian Angel chaser series is out, so I'll have to be picking that one up soon. I can't say enough about his Jarhead series. Hot men, lots of hot sex and great stories.

Stop by Sean Michael's website. Check out all his wonderful books. (Of course, you all have probably read his stuff)

Oh and stop by Samhain today, Ally Blue's short story, Catching A Buzz, is available now. Another book to add to my growing list of books to buy.

I'm almost halfway finished with Tony's story. So there shouldn't be a problem for me to finish it by the end of June...or maybe sooner. Got more written on The Vanguard as well. And started the sequel to Out ofBounds (which is the short story I submitted to Samhain) so no matter where it gets published by, there'll be a second book for it. :)

Have a great Friday and enjoy your weekend.