Take a Peek Tuesday~Does Age Matter? #amwriting #romance #teaser

03/28/2017 by 2 Comments

picture courtesy of  pixabay,com

Welcome back to Take a Peek Tuesday. Each week I will post a little tease from what I am currently working on. Right now I am doing a self-edit on a story I wrote during NaNo 2015.  I am hoping to release it this summer.  Baseball Bats and Cowboy hats is a contemporary sports/cowboy romance. It is sweet and spicy with a touch of humor.

Remember this is very raw, not having been beta read or edited.

This week I take up where I left off last week but in TJ’s view.

Baseball Bats and Cowboy Hats Copyright 2016

picture courtesy of pixabay.com

I don’t think Annie realized Caleb was in love with her. It was clear as a bell to me. I didn’t plan to kiss her. I guess it was another one of those strange ‘the moment is right’ things. She seemed so sad. So vulnerable. I bet very few people had ever seen this softer side of Annie. I’ve kissed a girl before, but it had never felt this amazing. My body thrummed with excitement. Every muscle, every nerve, yearned for more. I could feel myself shaking with desire. She melted into my arms, her hands slid up cupping my face, fingers entwining in my hair, pulling me in closer. Her lips parted allowing me entrance, giving me control. Control. Damn. Now is not the time. I want her with every fiber of my being, but I have to prove to her that I want more than a quick roll in the hay. I reluctantly pull back gazing into those warm, chocolaty eyes. Her lips are puffy and swollen. My body aches with want. I reach up and brush my finger over her mouth tracing it over her lips, sliding it into the long windblown curls. I expected a slap or at least her running like a frightened rabbit.

“Please don’t apologize.” She whispered.

“I have no intention of apologizing. I’ve done nothing I’m sorry about.”

“I shouldn’t want you so much.” She stepped back, gazing at the floor.

“Why? Because of my race? Afraid your friends will find out about me being from a poor family with a drug lord for an uncle? That I won’t ever amount to anything or be worthy of you?” I can’t believe I’m saying these things. All my fears seem to pour from my mouth. Talk about spoiling a moment.

“Heavens to Betsy, no. If anyone isn’t worthy of anyone, it’s me not being worthy of you. You are the strongest young man I have ever met. Young is the problem. I have a son older than you.”

“Age shouldn’t have any bearing on your feelings. If you feel anything for me at all, it is worth exploring. What’s in your heart is all that matters.” I saw the worry and fear begin to cloud over her eyes, trying to shut off her feelings. I take her face into my hands and kiss her forehead. “I don’t want a one-night stand or even a summer fling. I want you. I knew that from the moment we first met. Mama always told me I would know when the time was right, to not jump in with every girl I date, to wait for that woman. She was right. I felt it in my heart the moment we touched. I can wait until you are ready.” Reluctantly I stepped back. She stood staring at me in shock. “TJ…”

“Don’t. Please. We have the summer to get to know each other. Let’s let time, destiny, fate, whatever you believe in decide our future.”

***

Do you like May/December Romance? What do you think about TJ and his values?

Filed Under: #am Blogging, #amediting, #amwriting, #awriterslife, #‎romance‬, #takeapeektuesday, #tuesdayteaser, contemporary romance, Cowboy Romance, May/December romance, sports romance Tagged With: , , , ,

Take a peek Tuesday

03/14/2017 by 2 Comments

 This week I am going to share another snippet from my current WIP. I am nearly done with this read through making notes and getting ready for fixing it to send to my beta. Remember it is very rough yet and still going through rewrites and edits.  I am skipping down to a heartfelt story from TJ grabs a tissue.

Baseball Bats and Cowboy Hats Copyright 2016

TJ

I had barely dozed off when the door slammed open in the back of the house.  I jumped up not knowing what to expect. Grabbing a baseball bat  I slowly slink to the back. Peering in the mudroom door, I saw Annie throwing her boots into the pile like a bowling ball. Boots and shoes flew every which direction. She continued to kick and curse under her breath.  I suppressed my giggle as she bent to pick up the boots then suddenly tossed them again. She was like a mini tornado kicking, twirling, cursing. And the team calls me Taz? Finally, she dropped to the bench and panted breathlessly.

I slipped into the kitchen and started loudly opening cabinets, getting a glass, opening the fridge. Trying to make enough noise she would hear someone was in the next room. My plan was to bring her to me, hoping she didn’t take off out the back door.

My plan worked. In a few minutes, a slightly more composed Annie walked into the kitchen.

“Hi. I didn’t expect you back so soon. I was just getting a glass of tea.  Do you want  one?” I asked.

“No.Thanks.” She said through clenched teeth.

Her face was still flushed from her beating up the boots in the mudroom.  She clenched and unclenched her fists as she watched me.  I wasn’t sure if I should ask her what was wrong or not.

“How long have you been in the kitchen?” She asked warily.

“I just walked in. Why?” I lied.

Then she spied the ball-bat I had leaned on the workstation.

“Someone left their bat out. I guess I need to address this tomorrow.” She walked toward the bat.

“It’s mine. I’m sorry. I thought I might go out and practice some swings.” I lied again. Now I backed myself into a corner and will have to go out and practice. My shoulder twinged at the thought of more work.

“You have worked enough for one day. Chores this morning, your workout, plus your practice. You can practice your batting tomorrow.” She took the bat and placed it back into the small closet designated for our equipment.

Suddenly she turned to me her eyes glossy. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound bossy. I have this bad habit that I get a little protective over people I care about.”

Does that mean she cares about me? I want to jump for joy and shout Yes! But I compose myself.  Don’t  want her to think I am a lunatic.

I stepped close placing my hands on her shoulders. “It’s nice to have someone looking out for my wellbeing. It’s been a while.” I pull out one of the stools at the workstation for Annie. She looks at it a moment then hops up. I pour her a glass of tea even though she said she didn’t want it, top mine off and joined her.

“Don’t you hear from your mom? I am sure she worries about you.” She picks up the glass swirling the caramel colored liquid around before taking a long drink. I figured she would be thirsty after her little outburst in the mudroom.

I swallow back that knot that rises every time I think of mom or my family.

“Mama passed away a few months after I started college.  She hadn’t been right since Papa’s death.  I think she hung in there for me, but once I was out on my own, she let go. I wasn’t even there. She died alone. She didn’t answer the phone when I called. I called my aunt that lived across town from us. I waited and waited for her to call me back.  She called back a couple of hours later and told me mom was in bed sleeping with the angels.  She had a heart problem I didn’t know anything about, and that night she left me to join Papa and Enrico. The Dr said she went peacefully.”

“I am so sorry TJ. You have had such a rough life for such a young man.” She slides off the chair, pulls me up and wraps her arms around me.

I suddenly found myself in heaven. It smells like flowers, leather, and horses. Exactly how I would want it. She is only a few inches shorter than I am. We fit perfectly. I felt a warm tear on my shoulder. I lifted her face, brushing the tears with my thumbs. Her skin is silky smooth.

“Don’t cry for me, Annie. Mama always said ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’”

“You must be Ironman or the Hulk already.” She whispered. Her breath whispered across my lips. My mouth began to water. I must channel this superhuman strength she thinks I have. Parts of me certainly felt like iron. I shift my hips back a little. I don’t want her to get freaked out over my reaction to her,  Yet I don’t want to break the hold she has on me. I could stand here in her arms forever.  I run my hand through her hair. My body thrums with need. Now is not the time. One last stroke of her cheek and feel of her hair and I channel that inner strength and gently move away.

“Would you more tea?” I grab both glasses, turning my back to her. Then it hits me. The reason I sat up waiting for her.

“Wait what are you doing back so soon? I thought you had a date with Caleb?”

That’s one way to break a mood. But I wanted to know why she was back so early and madder than a hornet.

***

So what do you think of TJ? Is he totally swoon worthy? Do you like Older women younger men romance?

Filed Under: #amediting, #amwriting, #awriterslife, #‎romance‬, #takeapeektuesday, #tuesdayteaser, contemporary romance, Cowboy Romance, Snippets, sports romance, teaser, Tuesday Teaser Tagged With: , , ,

Take a Peek Tuesday~Who wouldn’t want a hot cowboy best friend?

03/07/2017 by 2 Comments

Welcome back to Take a Peek Tuesday.  This week I would like to introduce Caleb, Annie’s best friend. Who wouldn’t want a cowboy for a best friend? But is a friend all Caleb thinks Annie is?

Remember this is still rough and hasn’t been edited.

Baseball Bats and Cowboy Hats  Copyright 2016

Annie

Seeing Caleb was quite a surprise. Several evenings a week we take out the horses. I’ll cook dinner, or he will take me out. No, we aren’t dating. He is my best friend in the world. Well, him and Vicki.  The three of us spend most weekends together after finishing our morning chores.

I told him the boys would be arriving today, and we wouldn’t be able to ride or go out tonight. I guess he is going to spend some alone time with Loverboy.

He greets me with our usual embrace. His rigid muscles alert me to the fact that he isn’t happy. I was expecting a confrontation with him. Just not today.

“Hey, Caleb.” I pull back from his hug. “Bad day at work?” I ask. Knowing the reason he is upset.

“Not a great one Annie. You know how I feel about you taking on these men. It’s not right for a single woman to have six single, young men in her home.”

‘What do you mean not right? We went over and over this when I decided to become a hostess.” I can’t understand why he is so against it. I appreciate how much he looks out for me, but sometimes he seems to forget we are only friends. Plus, capable of making my own decisions. His controlling nature is one reason we could never be more than friends.

“Not only does it look bad for you to be out here alone with six strange young men but it may not be safe. You know nothing about them.”

“Caleb, they are not ex-cons on parole. For that matter, they are only kids. Most of them the same age as David or Christopher. They are college boys trying to better themselves, on baseball scholarships and hoping to get picked in drafts. Having a home nearby is necessary for them. I also need some help out here. The place is starting to fall apart, and I can’t do some of the things.”

“I told you I would hire some construction people and get your house and barn fixed for you.”

Here we go again. Caleb is smothering me with his help.  I can’t seem to get it through his thick skull that I need to do this on my own.  He isn’t my husband. My husband is no longer here.

“ I told you I don’t want that. I can’t pay you back.” Sometimes I wonder if I should break our friendship so that he might move on with his life. I’m too selfish for that. I need Caleb. Only not the way he wants me to need him.

“I never said anything about payback. I promised Steve I would take care of you and the boys.” The sadness in his voice almost makes me change my mind. Almost.I look towards the barn. The thought of the young man inside makes me wonder if he is right. Maybe this is a big mistake. I can feel the change in the air.

“I am not a kid Caleb. I need to take care of this myself. This arrangement is a win-win for the boys and me. What are you doing here this early anyhow?” As if I had to ask.

“I always come out on Friday for our ride. And date.” He added. The seductive smile on his handsome face could melt steel off a locomotive. That must mean I’m stronger than a train engine.

“Caleb we aren’t dating. And I told you I couldn’t ride tonight.” I contemplate grabbing my egg basket I sat on his truck and making a run for it.

 

“I don’t see why not. These men are old enough to take care of themselves.” He leans back against his shiny, navy blue pickup, long, slim legs encased in tight designer jeans cross over his boots.

I am not a train engine. I give in. Partially.

“Perhaps it would be good for you to join us and meet the boys tonight. I’m planning a get to know each other session.”

“They are not boys Annie; They are not your sons or foster kids. They’re grown men. You need to get that through that thick, cute skull of yours.”

Exhaling in exasperation, he pushes himself upright. “Fine, I will join you.” Clenching his jaw and rubbing the back of his neck he concedes.

“I’m on my way in to clean up and put dinner on the table. It will be half an hour or so if you want to visit Loverboy.” Then I realize my mistake. TJ is in the barn, and with Caleb’s death glare when they met I can see issues already.

~~

What do ya think?  Do you think Caleb may be trouble?

 

Filed Under: #am Blogging, #amediting, #amwriting, #awriterslife, #‎romance‬, #takeapeektuesday, #tuesdayteaser, contemporary romance, cowboys, jealous best friends, sports romance Tagged With: , , ,

Take a Peek Tuesday~~Please don’t panic.

02/28/2017 by Leave a Comment

Welcome back to Take a peek Tuesday. This week I am sharing a bit from chapter three of my current WIP BaseBall Bats and Cowboy Hats. It is still the frist day and Annie is overwhelmed.  I am hoping this shows a bit of their personalities and how they also compliment each other plus the reason Annie thinks she shouldn’t be looking.

Baseball Bats and Cowboy Hats  copyright 2016

Chapter 3~Annie

My first instinct is to tell him to go inside and do as I say; then I remember these aren’t my sons. I have no right to order them around. Even though I came out here to be alone and catch my breath, I could use some help with the chores.

Checking the animals and talking to the chickens always calm me down. I don’t think I will speak to the chickens in front of this young man. I need to try to get my head clear and put names to faces, etc. Lunch was like a rock concert,  a din of noise. Well, maybe not that loud, but I didn’t get to talk to them one on one yet. At dinner, we may get more formal, and I’ll ask them all to tell me more about themselves. Heck, I don’t even know if they all like chili, and I have one vegetarian. And meat in my chili. Darn, what do I do? I start to freak out again.

“I can hear you thinking way over here” A voice soft and decadent as his eyes, shocks me out of thought.

“I’m sorry this is all so new to me. I just needed a few minutes to myself.”

“Maybe it’s a good thing I followed you. Looks like a panic attack to me.” He takes my arm pulling me close to him.

My breath becomes harsher. I can’t tell him that he is the primary reason for my panic. Luckily he doesn’t hold me. We begin walking. His arms still protectively around me. It feels so right. I know it’s so wrong.

When we reach the fence, he hauls me up and sits me on top. Man, he smells good. Manly. Clean. Minty. A soft hint of deodorant but not much cologne or aftershave. I always hated strong cologne. They seem to overwhelm the pure scent of a man. I don’t wear a lot myself.

“Now sit here and breathe in and out. Wanna talk about it?” His voice is hypnotic,  the small circles he is rubbing are mesmerizing. I could fall asleep right here. Gazing over my pasture, trees green, wildflowers blooming. Animals are braying and snuffing, the hottest man I’ve seen treating me so sweetly. I feel myself relaxing into his touch. Wrong. Wrong! Wrong! He is too young.

 

Chapter 3 TJ

Once she calmed down, she was very nice. It was cool that she listened to me and even seemed to like my ideas. I am going to like working here.

She leads me to the large barn. It’s a charming one. It’s clean, but I can see a few places it needs minor maintenance.  One side has a row of stables and a smaller section that is a pen. Behind the entrance doors on each side. I saw a door that looks leads to another room.

The other side has sections with hay bales, feed bags a work table, tools and stuff hanging neatly beside and above it, next to a large pen. This woman is very organized.

“As you see it’s not much. I have three horses right now. This is Sally.”  She rubs the mare’s nose lovingly.

“This one is Sam. He belongs to my youngest son though he never messes with him.” She gestures with her hand. This horse seems oblivious to us.

“This big stallion belongs to my friend Caleb. He pays me to keep him here. Well, he supplies the feed for all three horses, goats, and my cows in exchange for me taking care of him. I don’t think I could keep Lucy and Sam without his help. His name is Dream Lover. We call him Lover Boy. He may look big and bad, but he is a real sweetheart. Much sweeter than Sam.” Lover Boy comes over and nuzzled into Annie’s midsection. I wish I could do that.

She giggles.” Sorry, big boy. I forgot to bring you out a treat. Later. I promise.” He snorts and tosses his head again, bringing it back down into her hand. “Ok Ok! I will pet you!” She strokes his head gently. I can’t keep my eyes off her hands wishing she was running her fingers through my hair. Oh shit. My jeans begin getting tighter. Without thinking I jerk my hat off and hold it to my midsection. She turns to me, her lips part as if she was about to say something, her face turns crimson. She quickly turns back to petting Lover Boy. I guess she must have an idea why I have my hat pressed to my groin.

Remember this is still a rough draft I am self-editing at the moment. It has not seen professional eyes(it will).

What do you think about Annie and TJ so far? 

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Tour it Tuesday~~Clinch by Charity Parkerson #m/msportsromance

06/14/2016 by 4 Comments

Clinch - Blast Banner

 

 

Clinch - Book Cover

TITLE – Clinch

SERIES – Low blow, #1

AUTHOR – Charity Parkerson

GENRE – M/M sports romance

PUBLICATION DATE – 5/16/16

LENGTH – 240 pages

PUBLISHER – Punk & Sissy Publications

COVER ARTIST – Aeturnum Designs with photography from Furiosfotog

Gunnar is one fight away from cruiserweight champion, and one flight of stairs away from true love.

When Gunnar left his ex, the current cruiserweight champion, two years earlier and moved back to his hometown, he knew he was passing up his chance to win the world. The last thing he wants is to meet his ex in the ring while the world dubs it a grudge match. For the most part, he’s content with traveling. Being known as the casino champ isn’t a bad gig. He doesn’t realize he’s missing anything. That is, until Gunnar comes to a stranger’s rescue in the rain.

Liam isn’t a stranger at all. Not only has he been living upstairs from Gunnar for the past two years, they went to high school together. Since Liam’s changed a lot in the past few years, he doesn’t hold it against Gunnar for not recognizing him.

BUY YOUR COPY

AMAZON KINDLE UNIVERSAL LINK – AMAZON PAPERBACK

BARNES & NOBLES NOOK – BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK – ITUNES

HOW ABOUT A LITTLE MORE CLINCH

Gunnar scratched his number out on a scrap of paper sitting on his end table. “Here. You’ll need this.”

Liam took it, but not without question. “I will?”

Gunnar smirked. “Yeah. You definitely will.” No one in their right mind could miss the sexual promise dripping from Gunnar’s every word.

Stuffing the paper in the front pocket of his jeans, Liam flashed an innocent smile. “You’re right. I’m always doing stupid shit like I did yesterday. It might not be a bad idea to have someone close by I can count on. I’d hate for Kaz to have to drive all the way in from Miami just to bring my keys again. Luckily, he was halfway between there and here yesterday, shopping.” He moved back toward the door. Gunnar watched it happen. His confusion made him slow to react. Liam baffled the hell out of Gunnar.

He chose a more direct approach since hinting obviously wasn’t working. “Of course, I’m here if you need a dry place again, but I’m even better at giving a wet place. I’d love for you to use my number for other reasons as well. Preferably for naughty pics. Yeah, I wouldn’t turn those down.”

“Oh,” Liam said, smiling. “I love those memes people post on Facebook. I’ll see if I can find something good for you.”

This was ridiculous. He had to know if Liam was fucking with him or genuinely uninterested. Gunnar didn’t think he was conceited or anything. Maybe he was. A little. Fuck, he worked hard on his body and tried to always be confident. People liked confident men, right? Something seemed wrong about Liam’s reaction to Gunnar’s every attempt at flirting with him. He focused on the vent in the ceiling above Liam’s head.

“Damn. What’s up with that vent? I keep opening it, and it keeps closing itself somehow.” Without giving Liam time to answer or figure out what he was talking about, Gunnar crowded Liam’s space, reaching above the other man’s head. He didn’t stop until barely an inch separated them, leaving Liam nowhere to go. Attempting to make his story look good, Gunnar toyed with the vent, opening it all the way and thanking God for the low ceilings in his apartment. He’d have to fix the vent later or it would be hotter than hell in his bedroom, but it was worth it if he could force Liam’s hand.

Without moving away, Gunnar glanced down. Liam was craning his neck in an obvious attempt at inspecting the problem. His expression hadn’t changed in the least. But goddamn, his blue eyes were even more amazing up close. They were an odd shade of smoky blue.

“Something probably needs to be tightened.” Liam’s hands came to rest on Gunnar’s sides, as if the man had braced himself to see around Gunnar’s large frame and get at the problem. Nothing separated them. It was skin-on-skin, and Gunnar went hard at the sensation. He couldn’t stop staring at Liam’s face. Liam finally focused on Gunnar. The corners of his mouth lifted in a sweet smile before falling. Liam shrugged.

“Really. I’m just talking out of my ass. I know nothing about heat and air ventilation.”

Gunnar tried clinging to a brain cell. It didn’t happen. The words fell from his lips without his permission.

“Wow. You really are clueless, aren’t you?”

Liam opened his mouth. Gunnar could see him gearing up to argue. Without giving Liam a chance, Gunnar lowered his head and covered Liam’s mouth with his. He’d meant to make a point. That was all. In all honesty, he expected Liam to shove him away or knee him in the balls. Instead, Liam’s tongue touched his. Gunnar’s mind went blank. He moved an inch closer, intent on deepening their kiss. Liam snagged the back of Gunnar’s hair, beating him to the punch. Gunnar’s bottom lip stung as Liam’s teeth sank into it. He wanted the moment to last forever. The instant that thought hit, Gunnar pulled away. He already knew what his life lacked. The last thing Gunnar needed was another fantasy he couldn’t keep.

Liam didn’t miss a beat. “As much as I want to tell you how it isn’t nice to call someone clueless, I’m too curious to know why you’d say that.”

The confusion written on Liam’s face made Gunnar want to growl. Even now, after that hot-as-hell kiss, Liam didn’t seem to realize how he affected Gunnar. Gunnar pried Liam’s fingers from his hair before dragging Liam’s hand down his body, until Liam’s fingers shaped Gunnar’s erection.

“Because you do this to me, and you don’t even know it.”

MY REVIEW

5 meows  3 purrs

I have added several more of Charity’s books to my to read pile

Gunnar has lived below Liam for two years. He has always wondered why the man barely acknowledged him and put it off as him being straight or purely disinterest.
Liam had a thing for Gunnar since they were in school but when Gunnar moved below him and didn’t remember him at all, he didn’t want to get hurt again, so he avoided him. Then one night he locks his cell phone and keys in his car and its pouring rain. Gunnar comes to his rescue. Gunnar is smitten but the attractive man he rescued from the rain and determined to get to know him better. He is shocked when he finds out he is Liam, his high school sweetheart.

So as you see this is a sweet story of second chances, friends to lovers but wait! I didn’t give away spoilers. The story is about fighting ( pun intended since Gunnar is a boxer) to get back one you loved years ago and the other fighting to keep him. There are other exes involved and some cute kids.
If you love boxing, make strippers, bouncers, exes, second chances, friends to lovers, cute kids and a sweet romance that you can’t put down once you start… You will love this.
I received a copy for an honest review

AUTHORS PLAYLIST

Amnisia, 5 Second of Summer

What it Takes, Aerosmith

U Got it Bad, Usher

If You Could Only See, Tonic

Fight Song, Rachel Platten

Author Photo - Charity Parkerson

Meet Charity

Charity Parkerson is an award winning and multi-published author with several companies. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters.

*2015 Readers’ Favorite Award Winner

*Winner of 2, 2014 Readers’ Favorite Awards

*2015 Passionate Plume Award Finalist

*2013 Readers’ Favorite Award Winner

*2013 Reviewers’ Choice Award Winner

*2012 ARRA Finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance

*Five-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath

You Can Stalk–OOPs–Follow Charity

Amazon Author Page – Website/Blog – Facebook

Twitter – Google+ – Pinterest

Tumblr – Networked Blogs – Goodreads

Shelfari – Passionate Ink

Enter to Win

$5.00 Amazon gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by! I hope this sounds like a book for your TBR and good luck on the rafflecopter!

 

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