September 23, 2013
A little over a week ago I stumbled upon the My Sexy Saturday blog hop. Now I love simple to the inth degree so I signed up, and I'll probably continue to do so for the near future. It's fun going around to the different blogs and seeing what everyone else is working on AND finding some great new-to-me authors. That's the up side. The down side is boy did I discover I'd made a huge mistake by omission on my blog.
Of all the incredibly stupid things to not do, I didn't have my name at the top of my blog. Okay it was one tiny scroll down the page, but I know better! Heck, when you go to my website my name jumps off the page at you.
And even worse, I didn't realize this until I clicked onto another author's website and had to search to see whose site it was. That's when it hit me. I needed a simple block at the top of the blog with a welcome. You know, you are here and here is at KC Kendricks' Between the Keys. Simple.
On my travels to the other My Sexy Saturday blogs I noticed so many things I really liked. There are a lot of really creative people at there. I like the look of Between the Keys so I don't know how many of those ideas I can build on, but there may be a few.
Live, learn, improve. That's just the way it is.
KC
follow KC on Pinterest
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Cover up! Station to Station
Station to Station is out in a second edition. The new cover at the left is one I did. I think it came out pretty good! - KC
Station to Station is now available at Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other online book sellers.
KC
Saturday, September 21, 2013
My Sexy Saturday - Desert Snow by KC Kendricks
September 21, 2013
**updated 4/2/21 - The My Sexy Saturday blog hop is no longer operating**
Welcome to the My Sexy Saturday blog hop! I'd like to thank everyone for the warm welcome last Saturday. I'm looking forward to making my way around to everyone's blog and Twitter feeds. (Follow the #mysexysaturday on Twitter.)
My Sexy Saturday is easy. Each author selects seven words, sentences or paragraphs from one of his/her books, and posts it on Saturday morning. Then everyone can hop around the blogs and check them out.
This week I've chosen seven sentences from Desert Snow. Enjoy!
- - - - - - - - - -
His gaze flicked to my lips as I licked the tart drops. “I wouldn’t want to come across as easy.”
His left eyebrow lifted. “Not a word I’d use to describe my take on you. I think I’ll get a few more drinks into you and see if you’re more agreeable to some fun.”
I grinned at him. “You give a guy my age too many drinks and the only fun you’ll get will be listening to him snore.”
- - - - - - - - - - -
DESERT SNOW
Contemporary gay romance
Welcome to the My Sexy Saturday blog hop! I'd like to thank everyone for the warm welcome last Saturday. I'm looking forward to making my way around to everyone's blog and Twitter feeds. (Follow the #mysexysaturday on Twitter.)
My Sexy Saturday is easy. Each author selects seven words, sentences or paragraphs from one of his/her books, and posts it on Saturday morning. Then everyone can hop around the blogs and check them out.
This week I've chosen seven sentences from Desert Snow. Enjoy!
- - - - - - - - - -
His gaze flicked to my lips as I licked the tart drops. “I wouldn’t want to come across as easy.”
His left eyebrow lifted. “Not a word I’d use to describe my take on you. I think I’ll get a few more drinks into you and see if you’re more agreeable to some fun.”
I grinned at him. “You give a guy my age too many drinks and the only fun you’ll get will be listening to him snore.”
- - - - - - - - - - -
DESERT SNOW
Contemporary gay romance
For more about Desert Snow, visit
https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/desert-snow-by-kc-kendricks.html
Laird Bennett accepts a friend’s invitation for a vacation with his eyes wide open. His buddy is pimping for him - in a sneaky sort of way. Why else set up his business meeting in Palm Springs the week of the annual White Party and ask Laird to go along? Laird goes with every intention of enjoying the eye candy, the weather, and behaving himself. Those plans change his first night out while waiting to cross the street and a younger man in white leather greets him.
Haydn Rinehart is at a crossroads. His pilgrimage to the White Party is to keep a promise before moving into the next phase of his life. Haydn strikes up a conversation with an attractive party-goer while waiting for a traffic light to change and invites him for a drink. When he discovers Laird is one of his favorite authors, Haydn volunteers to assist in some hands-on research in his hotel room.
After all, they are at the White Party and some fun is in order.
Laird Bennett accepts a friend’s invitation for a vacation with his eyes wide open. His buddy is pimping for him - in a sneaky sort of way. Why else set up his business meeting in Palm Springs the week of the annual White Party and ask Laird to go along? Laird goes with every intention of enjoying the eye candy, the weather, and behaving himself. Those plans change his first night out while waiting to cross the street and a younger man in white leather greets him.
Haydn Rinehart is at a crossroads. His pilgrimage to the White Party is to keep a promise before moving into the next phase of his life. Haydn strikes up a conversation with an attractive party-goer while waiting for a traffic light to change and invites him for a drink. When he discovers Laird is one of his favorite authors, Haydn volunteers to assist in some hands-on research in his hotel room.
After all, they are at the White Party and some fun is in order.
KC Kendricks
My home on the web- Between the Keys:
Visit my bookshelf at:
Social media links:
My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com
Life through the eyes of Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
It was a long time coming
September 17, 2013
Five years ago I rolled the dice and submitted a contemporary gay romance in the 2008 Amber Heat Wave Contest. I figured I had nothing to lose. The congratulatory email came - Surrendered Victory was one of the winners. I was off and running.
Since then I've published thirty books, most of which placed on the monthly Amber Allure Bestseller list. But I didn't have a number one until now.
Yep. That's #1.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
*_*_*_*_*_*
AMBER ALLURE / August 2013
1. Kentucky 98 Proof - KC Kendricks (Gay / Contemporary)
2. Make Mine A Bad Boy - Carolina Valdez (Gay / Contemporary)
3. Unbreak My Heart - K-lee Klein (Gay / Contemporary)
4. Different - Kim Dare (Gay / Contemporary)
5. Simply Irresistible - Christiane France (Gay / Contemporary)
6. Knave Of Hearts - Adrianna Dane (Gay / Contemporary)
7. Snow Drive - A. J. Llewellyn (Gay / Contemporary)
8. Summer Of Love - Heidi Champa (Gay / Contemporary)
9. Sparring With Shadows - Erin O'Quinn (Gay / Mystery)
10. Raw Cut - K. T. Forbes (Gay / Contemporary)
***UPDATE January 7, 2017*** Amber Quill ceased operations but that doesn't negate the fact Kentucky 98 Proof was one of their #1 sellers.
*_*_*
Five years ago I rolled the dice and submitted a contemporary gay romance in the 2008 Amber Heat Wave Contest. I figured I had nothing to lose. The congratulatory email came - Surrendered Victory was one of the winners. I was off and running.
Since then I've published thirty books, most of which placed on the monthly Amber Allure Bestseller list. But I didn't have a number one until now.
Yep. That's #1.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
*_*_*_*_*_*
AMBER ALLURE / August 2013
1. Kentucky 98 Proof - KC Kendricks (Gay / Contemporary)
2. Make Mine A Bad Boy - Carolina Valdez (Gay / Contemporary)
3. Unbreak My Heart - K-lee Klein (Gay / Contemporary)
4. Different - Kim Dare (Gay / Contemporary)
5. Simply Irresistible - Christiane France (Gay / Contemporary)
6. Knave Of Hearts - Adrianna Dane (Gay / Contemporary)
7. Snow Drive - A. J. Llewellyn (Gay / Contemporary)
8. Summer Of Love - Heidi Champa (Gay / Contemporary)
9. Sparring With Shadows - Erin O'Quinn (Gay / Mystery)
10. Raw Cut - K. T. Forbes (Gay / Contemporary)
***UPDATE January 7, 2017*** Amber Quill ceased operations but that doesn't negate the fact Kentucky 98 Proof was one of their #1 sellers.
*_*_*
Kentucky 98 Proof
Contemporary gay romance
Available at
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Barnes & Noble/Nook
Rakuten/Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kentucky-98-proof-1
Universal link to additional booksellers: https://books2read.com/u/bp8BXb
Kentucky 98 Proof webpage:
_*_*_*_*_
KC Kendricks
My home on the web- Between the Keys:
Visit my bookshelf at:
Social media links:
My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com
Life through the eyes of Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com
Monday, September 16, 2013
We drank the whole thing!
September 16, 2013
For the record, I am not a lush. I just enjoy a glass of wine from time-to-time. Recently I posted about our road trip to some Maryland wineries and the purchases we made. This is a follow-up to that blog. Yes, we guzzled enjoyed the whole bottle. It was only two big glasses each.
This past weekend started off like many others. I was up early, writing, and after a sufficient amount of daylight infiltrated the bedroom, Himself shuffled to the coffee maker and then to his chair. After he'd had a chance to get his eyes open, I joined him.
We putzed around the house and yard for awhile but in due course, it had to happen. Someone had to say the words.
"What are we going to do today?" can be almost the most annoying words in the English language after "What's for supper?".
We decided to make lasagna. It's a great cook-once-and-eat-four-times plan and the first plating calls for a good wine. We consulted the wine rack and decided, by default, to pop the cork on the Elk Run Annapolis Sunset. I say by default because we didn't have Merlot. But hey - it worked!
And it was sooooooo good. And for us, that's what makes the wine. We don't care about awards and critical acclaim, we go for the taste.
Light and slightly sweet, Annapolis Sunset is definitely on our "buy again" list. It's perfect for supper on the patio on a crisp September evening. Give it a try if you get the chance.
KC
website
twitter
pinterest
For the record, I am not a lush. I just enjoy a glass of wine from time-to-time. Recently I posted about our road trip to some Maryland wineries and the purchases we made. This is a follow-up to that blog. Yes, we This past weekend started off like many others. I was up early, writing, and after a sufficient amount of daylight infiltrated the bedroom, Himself shuffled to the coffee maker and then to his chair. After he'd had a chance to get his eyes open, I joined him.
We putzed around the house and yard for awhile but in due course, it had to happen. Someone had to say the words.
"What are we going to do today?" can be almost the most annoying words in the English language after "What's for supper?".
We decided to make lasagna. It's a great cook-once-and-eat-four-times plan and the first plating calls for a good wine. We consulted the wine rack and decided, by default, to pop the cork on the Elk Run Annapolis Sunset. I say by default because we didn't have Merlot. But hey - it worked!
And it was sooooooo good. And for us, that's what makes the wine. We don't care about awards and critical acclaim, we go for the taste.
Light and slightly sweet, Annapolis Sunset is definitely on our "buy again" list. It's perfect for supper on the patio on a crisp September evening. Give it a try if you get the chance.
KC
website
Saturday, September 14, 2013
My Sexy Saturday: Surrendered Victory by KC Kendricks
Saturday, September 14, 2013
**Updated 4/2/21 - the My Sexy Saturday blog hop has been discontinued.**
This is my first time participating in the My Sexy Saturday blog hop. I saw it on Twitter last week and thought I'd give it a try. Why not? It sounds like a great way to meet new people. Besides, it's easy and easy is a good thing in my world.
So like with all new things, let's give the creators of My Sexy Saturday a nod. You can follow along on Twitter by using @MySexySaturday. To visit the My Sexy Saturday to get info and to see the list of authors participating on any given Saturday go to http://mysexysaturday.blogspot.com. They also have the addy there for their facebook group so visit the page to snag that. Let me say thanks to the ladies hosting before I get to my post today - THANKS!!
As this is my first My Sexy Saturday post, I thought I'd go all the way back to the first KC Kendricks book and start at the beginning. Here are 7 sentences from Surrendered Victory.
"I’ve failed at a lot of things, but never at being me,” I said.
His face underwent a curious change, morphing from earnestly curious, to surprise, to something akin to pleasure, before turning sad.
“You’re one of the lucky ones then.” He trailed his hand down my torso to my belly button. I nipped his shoulder.
“Go lower, Dalton. Just a few inches lower.”
Have a great Saturday, everyone!
Surrendered Victory
www.kckendricks.com/SurrenderedVictory.html
This is my first time participating in the My Sexy Saturday blog hop. I saw it on Twitter last week and thought I'd give it a try. Why not? It sounds like a great way to meet new people. Besides, it's easy and easy is a good thing in my world.
So like with all new things, let's give the creators of My Sexy Saturday a nod. You can follow along on Twitter by using @MySexySaturday. To visit the My Sexy Saturday to get info and to see the list of authors participating on any given Saturday go to http://mysexysaturday.blogspot.com. They also have the addy there for their facebook group so visit the page to snag that. Let me say thanks to the ladies hosting before I get to my post today - THANKS!!
As this is my first My Sexy Saturday post, I thought I'd go all the way back to the first KC Kendricks book and start at the beginning. Here are 7 sentences from Surrendered Victory.
"I’ve failed at a lot of things, but never at being me,” I said.
His face underwent a curious change, morphing from earnestly curious, to surprise, to something akin to pleasure, before turning sad.
“You’re one of the lucky ones then.” He trailed his hand down my torso to my belly button. I nipped his shoulder.
“Go lower, Dalton. Just a few inches lower.”
Have a great Saturday, everyone!
Surrendered Victory
www.kckendricks.com/SurrenderedVictory.html
_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_
KC Kendricks
My home on the web- Between the Keys:
Visit my bookshelf at:
Social media links:
My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com
Life through the eyes of Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Number 1 for the publisher at All Romance eBooks - Kentucky 98 Proof
September 12, 2012
**Note**
I'm starting to feel a little sheepish about how well Kentucky 98 Proof is doing. Seriously. First it hit the All Romance eBooks Bestseller list. Then it was a really spiffy 5 Heart review. And now Kentucky 98 Proof is number one for the publisher - Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure - at All Romance eBooks. I had to take a screen capture of it for my files! It's better than pinching myself to make sure I'm awake, you know.
You'd think the follow-up story to this one would prove difficult, but it doesn't really work like that. Kentucky 98 Proof is really the follow-up to Seducing Light, Tango in the Night, Poseidon's Pleasure, The Back Stairs, What You Don't Confess, Double Deuce, Highway Nights, Desert Snow, Doors of Time. These are the books I think are my best works and the ones which set the stage for Kentucky 98 Proof.
And while this has been great fun I'm not losing sight of reality. The next book is submitted and the contract signed. Will it turn out to be a fun ride like Kentucky 98 Proof? Who knows? If it does, I'll enjoy it every bit as much as I've enjoyed this story. If it doesn't, it'll still be a book I'm proud of. I think that's what really matters.
Thanks to everyone who bought a copy of Kentucky 98 Proof!
And while this has been great fun I'm not losing sight of reality. The next book is submitted and the contract signed. Will it turn out to be a fun ride like Kentucky 98 Proof? Who knows? If it does, I'll enjoy it every bit as much as I've enjoyed this story. If it doesn't, it'll still be a book I'm proud of. I think that's what really matters.
Thanks to everyone who bought a copy of Kentucky 98 Proof!
*_*_*
Kentucky 98 Proof
Contemporary gay romance
Available at
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Barnes & Noble/Nook
Rakuten/Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kentucky-98-proof-1
Universal link to additional booksellers: https://books2read.com/u/bp8BXb
Kentucky 98 Proof webpage:
_*_*_*_*_
KC Kendricks
My home on the web- Between the Keys:
Visit my bookshelf at:
Social media links:
My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com
Life through the eyes of Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com
Saturday, September 7, 2013
It's Five Hearts for Kentucky 98 Proof
September 7, 2013
Hearts on Fire Reviews has given Kentucky 98 Proof a 5 Heart rating! My thanks to reviewer Diane for her kind words. In these times of nastiness, it's so very refreshing to get a straightforward book review from someone who actually read the book.
Here's a snippet from the review:
If you like romance, men in uniforms and smart guys, cabin settings and seemingly opposites attracting, you’ll like this story – and there are quite a few hot scenes, as well as straight ahead romantic and funny ones. Great story that I would recommend! - Diane, reviewer
Check out the entire review at http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=22867
It's been great fun watching this book take off. Some books do, and some don't, so I think it's important a writer keep it all in perspective. Enjoy the ones that do, and don't angst over the ones that don't. Just tell the story, send it out into the world, and move on to the next one. So I'm enjoying the ride.
Hearts on Fire Reviews has given Kentucky 98 Proof a 5 Heart rating! My thanks to reviewer Diane for her kind words. In these times of nastiness, it's so very refreshing to get a straightforward book review from someone who actually read the book.
Here's a snippet from the review:
If you like romance, men in uniforms and smart guys, cabin settings and seemingly opposites attracting, you’ll like this story – and there are quite a few hot scenes, as well as straight ahead romantic and funny ones. Great story that I would recommend! - Diane, reviewer
Check out the entire review at http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=22867
It's been great fun watching this book take off. Some books do, and some don't, so I think it's important a writer keep it all in perspective. Enjoy the ones that do, and don't angst over the ones that don't. Just tell the story, send it out into the world, and move on to the next one. So I'm enjoying the ride.
*_*_*
Kentucky 98 Proof
Contemporary gay romance
Available at
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Barnes & Noble/Nook
Rakuten/Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kentucky-98-proof-1
Universal link to additional booksellers: https://books2read.com/u/bp8BXb
Kentucky 98 Proof webpage:
_*_*_*_*_
KC Kendricks
My home on the web- Between the Keys:
Visit my bookshelf at:
Social media links:
My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com
Life through the eyes of Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Kentucky 98 Proof confirmed Bestseller
August 30, 2013
It's been a very special Labor Day holiday so far. We hit the Maryland Wine Trail (fun!), the bowling season started (fun!), and Kentucky 98 Proof was confirmed a Bestseller at All Romance eBooks (FUN!!). Oh, yeah - and there was a small flock of wild turkeys in the west woods. I think that means the fox family has finally moved on. But back to the business of writing...
I got a nice email from the lady who owns and operates All Romance eBooks telling me Kentucky 98 Proof was an ARE Bestseller. Yea! She even sent me the little button for on my website and blog. I think I can take a few seconds and brag a bit here at Between the Keys. Not every story a writer pens turns out the way they intended. As the story unfolds, the characters speak and directions change and new ideas are incorporated. Sometimes it's difficult to find the finish line. Sometimes you can't wait to get there. Sometimes, although rarely, it's a struggle. When it gets tough, I simply set the story aside for a week or two and work on a different project and allow my subconscious to simmer the problem. Works every time.
And then there all the stories that come to the writer in a flash, complete and ready to go. You can't get the words on the page fast enough! It's all THERE and you're connected to it in ways that make anything and everything that takes you away from it an unwelcome intrusion. Kentucky 98 Proof was that kind of story for me.
So I'm delighted it's doing well and I thank each and every one of you for reading it.
**UPDATE** All Romance eBooks has closed, but that does not negate the fact Kentucky 98 Proof was a best seller at the store.
It's been a very special Labor Day holiday so far. We hit the Maryland Wine Trail (fun!), the bowling season started (fun!), and Kentucky 98 Proof was confirmed a Bestseller at All Romance eBooks (FUN!!). Oh, yeah - and there was a small flock of wild turkeys in the west woods. I think that means the fox family has finally moved on. But back to the business of writing...
I got a nice email from the lady who owns and operates All Romance eBooks telling me Kentucky 98 Proof was an ARE Bestseller. Yea! She even sent me the little button for on my website and blog. I think I can take a few seconds and brag a bit here at Between the Keys. Not every story a writer pens turns out the way they intended. As the story unfolds, the characters speak and directions change and new ideas are incorporated. Sometimes it's difficult to find the finish line. Sometimes you can't wait to get there. Sometimes, although rarely, it's a struggle. When it gets tough, I simply set the story aside for a week or two and work on a different project and allow my subconscious to simmer the problem. Works every time.
And then there all the stories that come to the writer in a flash, complete and ready to go. You can't get the words on the page fast enough! It's all THERE and you're connected to it in ways that make anything and everything that takes you away from it an unwelcome intrusion. Kentucky 98 Proof was that kind of story for me.
So I'm delighted it's doing well and I thank each and every one of you for reading it.
**UPDATE** All Romance eBooks has closed, but that does not negate the fact Kentucky 98 Proof was a best seller at the store.
Kentucky 98 Proof
Contemporary gay romance
Available at
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Barnes & Noble/Nook
Rakuten/Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kentucky-98-proof-1
Universal link to additional booksellers: https://books2read.com/u/bp8BXb
Kentucky 98 Proof webpage:
_*_*_*_*_
KC Kendricks
My home on the web- Between the Keys:
Visit my bookshelf at:
Social media links:
My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com
Life through the eyes of Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Maryland Wine trail - A visit to Elk Run and Catoctin Breeze Vineyards
August 29, 2013
Anyway, she warmed up to us just fine and we had a lovely chat and tasting of six wines plus a swig of a Sangria they made for a special occasion thrown in for good measure. We tasted Chardonnay, Red Door, Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Friday Vineyard, Gewurztraminer Cold Friday Vineyard, Annapolis Sunset and Sweet Katherine. We liked each one, even the Chardonnay which as a general rule we're not too fond of. I found their pricing acceptable, and if we weren't diligently saving for a bathroom renovation, we'd have gotten a bottle each of all six. We settled on a bottle of Annapolis Sunset and Sweet Katherine, a dessert wine that had both of us oohing and ahhing.
Labor Day weekend is the traditional farewell to summer. Back in my school days, the day after Labor Day was the first day of school. Now they start school in August and run the buses just to close early for the day because of excessive heat in air conditioned facilities. I don't have that one figured out. I guess I don't have to since it's not my gig any longer, just my taxpayer dollar hard at work.
Labor Day weekend also means vacation days. I like to extend every paid holiday a bit and this holiday is a six-day stretch. For Day One, my partner and I hit the road in search of Maryland wines. We headed east into Frederick County, traversing the winding Route 77 through Catoctin Mountain Park. It's not a road I'd like to travel in winter, but my Charger corners on a rail and it was fun on a sunny day.
Catoctin Breeze Vineyard & Winery is just a stone's throw north of Thurmont, Maryland. We knew when we headed there they wouldn't be open on a Thursday, but we wanted to at least find the place. The day was more about the journey than the destination. We wanted to enjoy the drive and the countryside, not to mention play with my partner's navigation app. But back to Catoctin Breeze -
It's newer and I must say very - very - accessible to people with canes. Nice level parking lot and NO steps to enter their patio area. A definite plus. A friendly young man with colorful tats on his arms greeted us and chatted for a few minutes. We were impressed with him, his big smile, and his genuine friendliness. He could have just as easily snapped at us that they weren't open and invited us to leave. Instead, he invited us to come back and we will eagerly do so.
From Thurmont we headed farther east to Liberty Road in Mt. Airy, Maryland, and Elk Run Vineyards and Winery. Again, we took the scenic route instead of I70. Neither of us are too familiar with the highways and byways in that area and we drove through small communities we'd never heard of such as Graceham, Maryland. Very picturesque.
The first thing I noticed about Elk Run was it's not handicapped friendly at all. I don't know if I was really allowed to park my car where I did, but when it comes to my partner being able to enjoy the little things in life, do not get in my way. I think I established that in my last wine trail post a few months ago. BUT....
We were able to slowly and cautiously make it up the rise and the steps with NO HANDRAILS to enter to the tasting room. We were greeted by a friendly black and white cat whose name we never learned.
Hey. We're cat people. Didn't you hear us making over the kitty? And didn't you hear the cat talking back to us? He/she knew we understand cat-speak.
I suppose the owners aren't used to people stopping on Thursdays. My initial impression was the woman figured us as time-wasters, but she connected to us as our tasting progressed. I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and say she might have been unhappy with where I parked. Or maybe my honey sitting there tapping his cane on the floor annoyed her. It annoyed ME so I took it from him, an option she didn't really have. (Yes, I gave it back instead of hitting him with it.)
Anyway, she warmed up to us just fine and we had a lovely chat and tasting of six wines plus a swig of a Sangria they made for a special occasion thrown in for good measure. We tasted Chardonnay, Red Door, Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Friday Vineyard, Gewurztraminer Cold Friday Vineyard, Annapolis Sunset and Sweet Katherine. We liked each one, even the Chardonnay which as a general rule we're not too fond of. I found their pricing acceptable, and if we weren't diligently saving for a bathroom renovation, we'd have gotten a bottle each of all six. We settled on a bottle of Annapolis Sunset and Sweet Katherine, a dessert wine that had both of us oohing and ahhing.
The other cool thing the lady at Elk Run turned me on to is the Maryland Wine Passport. For $2 you get a passport the different wineries listed can stamp when you visit them. Best of all you get the addresses of the wineries for the navigation app on your smart phone! I'm ready for the next wine road trip!
KC
Thursday, August 22, 2013
The Kendricks 400 - it's not NASCAR
August 22, 2013
It took another five years of reading blogs before I got started, and I started small. KC Kendricks was about enter the 2008 Amber Heat Wave Contest and roll the dice. Then I got to blog Surrendered Victory had won. Then the cover arrived, quickly followed by the book, and I had more and more things to blog about. It got easier and easier and pretty soon I was hooked on blogging and here we are at The Kendricks 400.
These days I blog about anything that strikes my fancy. My dog, the cat, my partner, family - they’re all blog topics (although I beg you do not tell the cat!). Then it was the A to Z Blogging Challenges. Now that’s fun, let me tell ya. It’s all part and parcel of who I am as a person and a writer.
Silly or serious, this is the life we have right now and we should celebrate each day for what it brings us, even during those low times. Life really is like a highway with twists and turns, hills and valleys and sunshine and shadow. The road is far more exciting with company, so I thank each and every one of you for coming along with me for the ride.
For several weeks I’ve pondered whether or not the 400th
blog entry here at Between the Keys should be an auspicious occasion or just
ho-hum routine. Now that the day is upon me, I find it’s a bit of both.
Blogging about blogging is a bit…what? Redundant? Self-serving? Fun?
Ridiculous? Yeah, it’s a bit of all that, too.
It’s been ten years since I first heard of blogging and at
first I didn’t think it sounded like anything I’d want to do. Besides, I was
too busy writing and learning all I could about this business. But the buzz
about it grew until, kicking and screaming, I checked it out.
I don’t remember whose blog it was I read first, but it was
interesting. The subject was what had inspired the author to write a particular
story. The second blog was about someone’s pet. Hmmm. That wasn’t so bad. I
could do that. But instead of doing, I kept reading and learning to get a feel
for what made me like a blog. (People who are honest and forthright without
being mean to others, in case you’re wondering.)
It took another five years of reading blogs before I got started, and I started small. KC Kendricks was about enter the 2008 Amber Heat Wave Contest and roll the dice. Then I got to blog Surrendered Victory had won. Then the cover arrived, quickly followed by the book, and I had more and more things to blog about. It got easier and easier and pretty soon I was hooked on blogging and here we are at The Kendricks 400.
In the beginning, I viewed Between the Keys as a promotional
tool. I needed to get the word out about new books and the blog was the perfect
vehicle for that. It didn’t take long for bits and pieces of my life to creep
into the posts and I decided that was okay. Like that famous sailor, I am who I
am.
These days I blog about anything that strikes my fancy. My dog, the cat, my partner, family - they’re all blog topics (although I beg you do not tell the cat!). Then it was the A to Z Blogging Challenges. Now that’s fun, let me tell ya. It’s all part and parcel of who I am as a person and a writer.
Silly or serious, this is the life we have right now and we should celebrate each day for what it brings us, even during those low times. Life really is like a highway with twists and turns, hills and valleys and sunshine and shadow. The road is far more exciting with company, so I thank each and every one of you for coming along with me for the ride.
KC
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Kentucky 98 Proof by KC Kendricks, and blog #399
August 18, 2013
Victor Carter knows his grandfather only from a handful of black and white photographs, so his surprise when the man’s will is read is genuine. What’s he going to do with seventy acres on the side of a Kentucky mountain? More importantly, how’s he going to survive living there for a year to satisfy the conditions of the will so he can sell the property? Even worse, it’s not like the hills of Kentucky are teeming with gay companionship.
This is blog entry #399 here at Between the Keys and it's one I'm very happy to make. Kentucky 98 Proof was released today and it's a story that I think turned out really well (if I do say so myself and I do!)
New releases are a great deal of fun, but a lot of work, too. There's so many places to spread the word - blog, twitter, mailing list, facebook, Pinterest, yahoo lists, review sites, myspace, wiki. The list is never-ending. And you thought writing was all wine and roses, didn't you? Well, there is some wine involved every now and then.
New releases are a great deal of fun, but a lot of work, too. There's so many places to spread the word - blog, twitter, mailing list, facebook, Pinterest, yahoo lists, review sites, myspace, wiki. The list is never-ending. And you thought writing was all wine and roses, didn't you? Well, there is some wine involved every now and then.
Here's an excerpt from my new release, Kentucky 98 Proof. Enjoy!
KC
*_*_*_*_*
KENTUCKY 98 PROOF
Contemporary gay romance
Victor Carter knows his grandfather only from a handful of black and white photographs, so his surprise when the man’s will is read is genuine. What’s he going to do with seventy acres on the side of a Kentucky mountain? More importantly, how’s he going to survive living there for a year to satisfy the conditions of the will so he can sell the property? Even worse, it’s not like the hills of Kentucky are teeming with gay companionship.
Boone Mosely is Kentucky born and bred with a proud family heritage he can trace back to his home state’s founding. Following in his uncle’s footsteps, Boone’s in his second term as sheriff of Four Points. He takes the job seriously and doesn’t suffer fools - or crime - in his town.
When city slicker Victor Carter arrives on Shepherd Mountain, Boone knows he’s got a whole new brand of trouble to deal with. And this time, the badge isn’t going to help him at all.
EXCERPT:
Boone dropped the pickup in gear, gave the powerful four-wheel drive some gas, and swung the nose up the hill before allowing the truck to coast back onto the surface of the lane. He knew better than to try to back out the lane in the snow. “Can you feel your feet?”
“I’ve got a few pins and needles in my toes, but I’m fine. Honest. And thank you for coming to my rescue.”
“It’s my job.” Boone hoped Carter wasn’t about to get all sappy. He hated sap. It wasn’t manly. He stopped at the end of the lane, glanced at his passenger, and froze.
The blue lights of the dashboards danced in Vic’s glittering gaze as he studied him. That obvious speculation wouldn’t do. He’d prefer to battle his attraction to Vic without Vic correctly concluding he was gay. Getting involved with Carter was out of the question.
He was the sheriff here, with an image and a reputation to uphold. People in Four Points were in a lot of ways traditional - not intolerant, just old-fashioned. Boone wasn’t ready to come out even though he suspected his constituents wouldn’t bat too many eyes, but if he spent a year happily screwing this guy, people would notice.
His was a high-profile position. He respected the badge he wore and the people he served. It didn’t matter how attractive Victor Carter was or that his cock was so stiff it likely had zipper marks embedded in it right now. He’d be damned if he’d throw away a dozen years of hard work just to get his dick sucked. Boone pressed his lips together then snapped at Vic.
“But it’s not my job to keep hauling your ass out of trouble every time I turn around. If you’re gonna be here a year, you’d better figure out a few things, and fast.
And the first thing is, when I give you some advice, you need to fucking listen up.”
Vic stared at him for a few short heartbeats. “I’m sorry, Boone. You’re right.”
Boone glared at him. That was too easy. Carter was going to be in trouble every time he turned around. He checked to make sure the pickup was in four-high and third gear and drove forward into the swirling snow.
Give the man credit, Vic didn’t chatter at him while he drove through the squall. Visibility was low and he needed to concentrate. He knew the roads and where the intersections were and he still had difficulty seeing. Carter would have gotten himself well and truly lost driving around the mountain in this weather. Boone slowed as the lighted sign of the motor lodge glowed red in front of him.
“Which room are you in?”
“Last one on the end. Better for the dog.”
Huh. That made sense. Boone took his foot off the gas pedal and drifted into the parking space. Vic jumped out before he had the truck in park, slipped and landed flat on his ass.
The idiot.
Boone cut the engine and climbed out of the cab at a safer speed. With one gloved hand on the front end of the truck, he walked around to the passenger side and found Vic leaning against the front tire. “You okay?”
“My pride is severely bruised.”
“I can just imagine.” Boone reached out to give Vic a hand up. As Vic got to his feet he brushed his jeans off.
“Thanks, Boone.”
“You said that. Get inside before your dog starts to bark and the manager yells at me.”
Vic’s gaze seemed focused on the motel office. “I got a coffee pot if you want to come in and warm up.”
Holy mother of … Wouldn’t that be the stupidest thing he’d done in years?
“Sure, Vic. I could do with a cup.”
Who the fuck said that?
Vic looked surprised and straightened. “Ranger needs to…”
Boone recovered a bit of his equilibrium. “I’ll take him around the side of the building. You get your ass inside. I want a good look at your head, and if I say we’re going to the clinic and wake up Doc Martin, you’re not going to argue with me.”
“Yes, sir. I hear you loud and clear.” Vic opened the side door of the pickup and Ranger leaped to the ground. As soon as his paws hit the pavement, he jumped and hit Vic square in the chest. Boone lunged to catch him before he fell again, but ended up in the snow with him. Could this man be more trouble?
“I’m sorry, Boone! Ranger! Leave off!”
“Sorry my ass, Carter. Sorry ain’t good enough for this little misadventure.”
*_*_*_*_*
Kentucky 98 Proof
Contemporary gay romance
Available at
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01E7JEXJ8
Barnes & Noble/Nook
Rakuten/Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kentucky-98-proof-1
Universal link to additional booksellers: https://books2read.com/u/bp8BXb
Kentucky 98 Proof webpage:
_*_*_*_*_
KC Kendricks
My home on the web- Between the Keys:
Visit my bookshelf at:
Social media links:
My country life at Holly Tree Manor: hollytreemanor.blogspot.com
Life through the eyes of Greenbrier Smokey Deuce: deucesday.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Taking Crack to the family reunion
August 17, 2013
Today is the annual family reunion. I'm all showered with some Bath & Body Works Honey Autumn Apple (to smell good for the yellow jackets and other assorted bees), my hair is freshly colored, my legs are shaved - is this too much information? I'll stop.
Every year it's the same old thing. Do I take something? Do I not? I'm an in-law so the planning goes on around me without really including me. That's okay. Let the sisters duel it out. You know of what I speak. Besides, it's their gig. I have my own. Anyway...
I wanted to make a big batch of Crack to take. Really. Crack. We're addicted to the stuff and it's so easy and cheap to make, it's almost a staple at our house. I suggested this to my partner and he gave me "the look."
"The girls said we should bring two big bags of Doritos. We're taking Doritos."
Okay. Scratch the Crack - for this year. Why? Because like any addict, the man doesn't want to share his Crack.
Just in case you'd like to make some Crack and see what happens at your house, here's the recipe.
KC Kendricks
_*_*_*_
Don’t bother to freeze it. It won’t last that long.
Today is the annual family reunion. I'm all showered with some Bath & Body Works Honey Autumn Apple (to smell good for the yellow jackets and other assorted bees), my hair is freshly colored, my legs are shaved - is this too much information? I'll stop.
Every year it's the same old thing. Do I take something? Do I not? I'm an in-law so the planning goes on around me without really including me. That's okay. Let the sisters duel it out. You know of what I speak. Besides, it's their gig. I have my own. Anyway...
I wanted to make a big batch of Crack to take. Really. Crack. We're addicted to the stuff and it's so easy and cheap to make, it's almost a staple at our house. I suggested this to my partner and he gave me "the look."
"The girls said we should bring two big bags of Doritos. We're taking Doritos."
Okay. Scratch the Crack - for this year. Why? Because like any addict, the man doesn't want to share his Crack.
Just in case you'd like to make some Crack and see what happens at your house, here's the recipe.
KC Kendricks
_*_*_*_
Trisha Yearwood's Crack
This is incredibly easy to make but be warned - it lives up
to it's name - crack. If you make it, you WILL eat it.
You will need:
Saltine crackers - enough to cover a cookie
sheet
1 stick of butter
1 cup of brown sugar
1 cup (or the whole freaking bag) of your
favorite chocolate chips
Line the cookie sheet with foil. Spritz it with a butter-flavored cooking spray. Cover with a single layer
of saltines, salted side down. (Tip: don't add extra salt)
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar, stirring
constantly. When the mixture is liquid and bubbly and has turned into caramel, pour it over the
crackers, covering each one as evenly as possible.
Put the cookie sheet in a hot oven until the caramel begins to
bubble again. WATCH IT CLOSELY! Quickly remove from oven. Sprinkle with chocolate
chips. When the chips get really soft, spread the chocolate over the top. Chill, or even
freeze a few minutes, to set the chocolate. Break into pieces and store in an
airtight container.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Sew what on my tongue?
August 13, 2013
An article on Yahoo today hit my "enough" button. Apparently it is now okay to have hernia mesh surgically sewn onto your tongue to help you lose weight.
I've tried to make my face relax from a horrified grimace but it won't do it.
While I do write a some of these blog entries with my tongue firmly in cheek, this is not one of them. My tongue is in hiding.
I am not joking. The article is there. Google it because I can't bring myself to add the link and be associated with the article forever and ever google amen.
I'd love to lose, oh, maybe ten pounds, but no way in hell would I entertain the notion of sewing a foreign object onto my tongue.
Can't we just pretend we can't eat much food for a week? Wouldn't that be safer all the way around? Especially when you consider the reaction when you admit to your mother what you've just had done and what it cost?
Sure would be in my world.
KC
An article on Yahoo today hit my "enough" button. Apparently it is now okay to have hernia mesh surgically sewn onto your tongue to help you lose weight.
I've tried to make my face relax from a horrified grimace but it won't do it.
While I do write a some of these blog entries with my tongue firmly in cheek, this is not one of them. My tongue is in hiding.
I am not joking. The article is there. Google it because I can't bring myself to add the link and be associated with the article forever and ever google amen.
I'd love to lose, oh, maybe ten pounds, but no way in hell would I entertain the notion of sewing a foreign object onto my tongue.
Can't we just pretend we can't eat much food for a week? Wouldn't that be safer all the way around? Especially when you consider the reaction when you admit to your mother what you've just had done and what it cost?
Sure would be in my world.
KC
Saturday, August 10, 2013
The Visitor in the Backyard
August 10, 2013
We’ve had the wettest, coolest summer in many years. I blame myself since this was the year I finally got a little pool in which to relax at the end of the day. I’ve talked about getting one for years and this summer was the time.
It’s not very big at only ten feet in diameter, nor is it deep. Sitting down the water is only shoulder deep but that’s what we wanted. Something just big enough to cool off in with a glass of wine at the end of the day. We’ve invited the neighbors (my cousins) to join us, but so far we’ve not had many evenings without the threat of a thunderstorm in which to fully enjoy the water.
Living out on a mountain as we do, we see a lot of deer. We’ve watched this one particular buck for several years. He had a twin when he was a spike but now it’s only him and his little harem. This year, he’s an eight-point and quite the handsome fellow. Getting good photos of him has proven next to impossible. He didn’t get to be an eight-point by trusting us humans, and the best picture I've managed was through window glass.
He paid a visit one evening it was hot and dry enough to float in the pool. We were just about to get out of the water when a movement caught my eye. We stayed silent and watched him step out of the woods into the backyard and graze his way across and vanish into the trees on the other side. It was a rare gift to be able to observe this beautiful creature when he seemed to be unaware of us.
Of course, a few mornings later I called him everything except beautiful when I woke to discover he’d eaten all - as in every last, freakin’ one - of the August lilies on the terrace. One or two I’d forgiven him, but all of them? Get the gun, Pa.
Buck paid us another visit this morning. He was in the yard when I opened the door for the dog to go out and take care of his outdoor activities. Those two play a game. The old dog rushes from the house, barking, and Buck stands there and deer-laughs at him until the dog gets about ten feet from him then Buck makes a leap onto the stone fence and deer-laughs at my poor old dog a bit more. He knows the dog is now too old to climb the fence.
Come next year, if Buck makes it through hunting season again, he might get surprise. I just might have a younger, faster “wolf” on the premises. Who’ll be laughing then, big fella?
KC Kendricks
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