Month: November 2016

Flash Fic Friday

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**A little more with Spencer and Alex as they celebrate the holiday. Hope everyone who celebrated had a lovely day yesterday. And enjoy this this little scene from Alex and Spencer’s life.**

“Leave them.”

Alex looked up from where he was stacking dishes and gave me a scandalized stare. “I can’t just leave them!”

I nodded, reining in my mirth. “Yes. They’ll be there later. Besides, don’t we have a housekeeper?”

Alex glared. “To do the everyday stuff. I can’t dump seven thousand dishes on him without notice. That’s unfair and rude.”

“Fine. We’ll do them later. Just…” I blew out a breath and then held up a hand. “Everyone is finally gone, and it was so chaotic I feel like I haven’t really seen you all day. Just come sit with me for a little bit, baby. Please.”

He abandoned his stack of dishes, wiped his hands on a towel, and crossed through the dining room to get to me where I was lounging on the couch. I loved the wide open spaces in this house. It made it simple to find my man wherever he was. And damn, but did I love looking at him. From the very first moment I met him, I’d wanted him. And now I had him. It certainly hadn’t been easy, but we were in a good place and had been since last February. We worked hard to keep it that way.

Alex snuggled into my side the instant he sat down. My extra few inches made just enough difference that he could tuck his head under my chin. We liked to hold each other whenever we could, but that he burrowed in so fast clued me in to his state of mind. He needed some decompressing. The whole day had been a bit stressful, and I hadn’t made it any easier by springing it on him at the last minute. Of course, his dad and I had made a strategic move there. Because if Alex had more time to worry about it, it would have been a thousand times worse. But I had him in my arms now and that was the very best place for him.

I reached down and tipped his chin up so I could look into those beautiful blue eyes. I could see the stress, so I bent and kissed him. Softly, tenderly, but with as much heat as I could manage. Alex instantly melted against me, that tension he’d been carrying disappearing.

When I pulled back, he was panting hard, and I made sure to keep his gaze. “I am thankful for you. I am thankful you gave me that first chance and took me to bed. I’m thankful you gave me that second chance and let me back in. And I’m beyond thankful you have worked at this thing with me, made it amazing, and we have this to come home to, to rely on. I love you.”

For a long moment, Alex didn’t speak. But I could see a touch of wetness in his eyes, and he swallowed hard a few times. I smoothed his hair back from his forehead–it was darker than normal for a role he’d just filmed, and I wanted his auburn back–and waited for him to speak.

“I love you. And ditto to all that. Thankful for you and that I did that and…” He shook his head and grinned. “I love you.”

I chuckled softly. Alex often lamented the lack of script writer in his everyday life but while he wasn’t the most eloquent when his emotions were high, I thought he expressed himself just fine. I pushed him down beneath me on the couch, and Alex spread his knees so I could fit in the vee of his hips. His eyes rolled back as he pushed up, rubbing the best parts together, and I lowered my mouth to bit at his outstretched neck.

“So,” I murmured against his skin. “Where we going to put the tree?”

His bark of laughter, echoing in the large room, was music to my ears.

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The Thrill of Finishing

Kristbethke

There’s a particular kind of thrill when I’ve finished writing a story. It comes from more than just actually putting the last words on the page. From more than just being able to take that breath and relax, have a celebratory drink, having something done.

I’ve finally gotten to see how my MCs’ story unfolds, see how it all ends.

My characters are with me all the time. When I’m actively writing a story, they take up part of my brain function constantly. I know them well. They live in my head. And even though I’m creating their story, there’s a certain unknown factor that reveals itself during the process. So even though I know the larger plot points, it’s the salient details that come to me while I’m writing.

This is the biggest thrill for me. To see my guys have their HEA.

Hearts and Hazelnuts is done. All the words are on the page. I’ve gone through and polished it up. Now I’ll get a little feedback and polish it some more before I send it in to the publisher. Yes, there’s work to be done still. Of course there is. But the drafting stage is complete. I have an entire story.

And Beckett and Jordan have their HEA.

And I’m thrilled about it.

Flash Fic Friday

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**Something Like Want is out! And now, here are Alex and Spencer to show us a snippet of their life. This takes place after the epilogue. Enjoy!**

I stared at my boyfriend in utter shock.

“Excuse me, what?”

Spencer just grinned. God, I loved his smile. It was the first thing that caught my attention, and there had been many times over the past year I’d been glad my punch to his face had not damaged it. It was all heat and charm, and really, all he had to do was flash it and I was at his mercy. I’d do anything for that smile.

Well, really because I loved him completely. But I blamed his smile.

“We’re going to host Thanksgiving here.”

Nope. It didn’t make any more sense the second time he said it. I shook my head. “Why?”

“Because it’s our first holiday since we moved in together. And we have this big gorgeous house. That you bought just because the kitchen and dining room were one huge open space, I might add.” Spencer sauntered closer, swagger in his walk, and his grin grew even wider. “So it makes sense to invite your family up. And a couple members of mine. And just celebrate here.”

“But…no. That’s not how it goes. My dad hosts. He does it. We go there. My dad would never allow it.”

“He already said he’s fine with it.”

I narrowed my eyes. “When?”

“A couple of weeks ago when I asked him what he thought of us doing it here.”

“What?”

Spencer grew concerned, and wrapped himself around me from behind, pulling me back to rest against him. I relaxed almost immediately, settling into his embrace. He kissed the side of my head and I let out a sigh.

“What’s the matter, baby?”

I took a breath. “Nothing, exactly. Just…you know. There’s a tradition. And my dad was big on it, so I’m just surprised.” I let out a laugh and turned around. “Plus, you know, Thanksgiving is fucking tomorrow and you haven’t said anything!”

Spence laughed, and smoothed a thumb along my jaw. His eyes were warm and soft as he looked at me and I couldn’t help but melt under his gaze. He loved me and that’s all I needed.

“I knew you’d freak out, so your dad and I decided to keep it quiet. And since you just proved me right, well….” He waggled his eyebrows and I laughed. When he pulled me back into his embrace, I let him. I breathed him in, soaking in his scent. He always smelled so good.

“There’s nothing for you to do, Alex.” His voice was soft in my ear. “The house is clean. Your dad and I are cooking. Let’s create our own tradition, hm?”

“Well, when you put it like that…” I pushed into his arms and kissed him.

***

I walked red carpets in designer tuxes. Kissed my boyfriend in public. Starred in a Steven Spielberg film and met Martin Scorsese without embarrassing myself. And never had I been as nervous as I was watching my boyfriend and father laugh and cook together in the kitchen. Dad was a practiced cook. He’d been creating meals for longer than I’d been alive. Spencer was much better at ordering take out than he was boiling water. A meal as big as this was something far beyond his abilities. But that never stopped Spencer from asserting himself. And this meal, more than any others, was my father’s pride and joy.

My sister, Rachel, had warmed up to Spence, though like a good sister, she still held a bit of a grudge. I’d forgiven him completely, and took responsibility for my part in it. Rachel said she didn’t have to let it go. I secretly kind of loved that she was still a little wary. But my dad and Spencer hit it off the moment they met. Once Dad had established that Spencer wasn’t going to hurt me, that is. I liked that they got along.

So despite their camaraderie, and in the midst of the chaos of our combined families, I hovered just out of sight and kept an eye on things in the kitchen. Because even though it was my house, I didn’t want my father to think that I, or Spencer, was trying to take away the holiday from him.

“Was…was that laughter?” Rachel’s voice was barely a whisper as she popped up beside me. She peeked around the corner, then quickly ducked back. “I’m pretty sure that was laughter.”

I nodded solemnly. I couldn’t believe it. “Go steal an olive or something. See what’s going on in there.” The space was huge, even if it was open concept, so I couldn’t exactly hear what was being said without risking getting too close.

“Okay.” Rachel nodded good-naturedly “You cause a diversion and then I’ll run in and–”

“Alexander!”

“Oh shit,” I whispered. My dad’s bellow never failed to get my attention and make me come running. It was ingrained.

I entered the kitchen just as Spencer lifted the platter of turkey and headed toward the table. He gave me a wink as he passed. I would have grinned back, but I was making a beeline for my father. Because his expression was stern, and I was well trained.

“‘Sup, Dad?”

He held the scowl for a moment longer, then his face broke out in a grin. Relief surged through me. He only grinned like that when he was truly happy.

“Thanks for hosting this year. I get to cook, and then leave the mess.” He clapped me on the shoulder, and then leaned in a little. “It’s wonderful being here. Your man is a good one. I think you’ll be very happy for a lot of years to come.”

“I think so, too.”

He shoved a bowl of mashed potatoes into my hands, then reached for the corn. With a head tip, he led the way to the table. “Call everyone in. The food’s ready. And I think we all have a lot to be thankful for this year.”

I followed him with a nod and a smile. We sure did.

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Cover Reveal!

Kristbethke

X2!! With buy links!

So first up, we have His Needs, which will be available from Dreamspinner Press on December 14th. You can preorder it here.

hisneedsfs_v1When State Trooper Travis Kinslow is injured right before Thanksgiving, the only positive is that for once he won’t be working during the holidays. Since he has no family, Travis was absorbed into his best friend, Joe’s, and he considers them as good as his own. Everyone except Joe’s brother Noah. Travis has been in love with the younger man for much of his life, but he’s always kept his distance.

As an ER nurse, Noah is a caretaker by nature. When his brother’s best friend is hurt, he’s happy to help Travis while he heals. He’s only ever allowed himself to think of Travis as the next best thing to an older brother, but by the light of the Christmas tree, Noah finally sees Travis’s true feelings. And in that moment, everything changes.

When faced with opposition and a Christmas nothing like they imagined, will their hopes for the future be enough to carry them through? 

I’m so very excited about this one, because I just love it. Completely. And I really hope you do too. And this cover right? How beautiful is this cover from the amazing Angsty G! I love it a great deal. So that’s out on Wednesday, December 14.

But on Monday the 12th? That’s when the Love Wins Anthology hits shelves. As I’ve said previously 100% of the proceeds go to fund for the families of the victims of the Pulse massacre. I’ve got a story included and I’m proud to be a part of the antho. Hopefully it can do some good. And I hope the antho, and my story, gives you a little hope and happy. Preorder here.

With time comes healing, but Orlando and the LGBT community are still recovering from last June’s tragedy. To show our ongoing support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our lovewinsfs_v1authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this second benefit anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we reaffirm that no matter the obstacle, love always wins.

Free to Love by Kris T. Bethke

Henry is tired of hiding their relationship, but Shane is afraid to risk losing his job and his parents by coming out as gay. When his worst fears prove true, Shane finds that life outside his parents’ repressive control is so much better than anything he could have imagined.

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This Past Week

Kristbethke

There’s not much to say about the events of last week. Well, I mean there’s a lot to say, but nothing that’s going to change anything. It’s not what I wanted, what I voted for, and I’m heartbroken by the results. I’m worried and angry. And I’m legitimately scared. Yes, I’m scared for myself because while I have a certain level of privilege because of my skin color, I am not rich, and I am not straight, and I am not a man. But even more than that, I’m scared for those who are more marginalized than I am, who are more than just queer and a woman. POC, trans, Muslim, Jewish, so many more…they are all in danger.

I can’t change the outcome of the election. What I can do is fight for change in our society. Donating to agencies that will lose their funding, donating to ones who can take legal action, standing up in the face of hate.

Part of that is my writing, sure. I will continue to write boys falling in love with boys. It’s been tough this week to get into the headspace to do that, though. Because the hurt and anger and fear was so raw. It’s why I didn’t put up a flash fic this past Friday…the one I’d planned did not come true. It’s hard to be creative when you’re so upset.

But I will do my part, and part of that is writing. I’m just a drop in the bucket. But if all the drops get together, we can create an ocean.

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Release Day!

Kristbethke

Something Like Want is live on Amazon, where it will live happily for the next 90 days before going to a wider release. You can check it out here!

Of course, we’ll see a few Friday Flash Fics featuring these guys, and I’m excited to bring those to you as well.

Hope you enjoy Alex and Spencer’s story. It’s been a long time coming, but they are finally here. And I couldn’t be happier!

Actor Alex Lockhart’s career is in a good place. The roles are coming in, the work is steady, and everything is falling into place. Even his sex life, since Alex finally hooked up with somethinglikewant_3dcoverlganother hot actor, Spencer Johns, and Spencer pushes every one of Alex’s buttons. Just when Alex is on the verge of landing an exciting role, he learns the part went to Spencer. And Spencer didn’t even bother to mention he was up for the part.
Feeling furious and betrayed, with one punch Alex takes their sudden feud public. Hollywood is abuzz with their rivalry. But when a chance at a great independent movie comes up, Alex can’t turn down the role, even if Spencer is also slated to be in it. Beneath his outward hate and loathing for Spencer simmers hurt and a desperate want Alex can’t seem to quell. But as he tries to hold onto the hurt and anger, Alex learns Spencer isn’t quite what he thought. Can burning desire and want be enough to put out the flames of Alex’s rage?

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Upcoming Releases!

Kristbethke

A lot is coming down the pipeline!

Something Like Want is ready and submitted to Amazon, and I’m hoping it won’t be long before it’s approved and live! I’m releasing it exclusively there with Kindle Unlimited for the first 90 days, so if you have a subscription, you can read it. If you don’t, then you can buy it out right. After three months, it’ll go live on ARe as well. But for now, check it out on Amazon!

On December 14th, His Needs hits shelves. I still love this story a whole hell of a lot. I love the cover. I love everything about it. Buy links will be live in just a couple of weeks, and I’ll share them then. It’ll be available on the Dreamspinner site as well as all major retailers.

And I have a story in a charity anthology which is slated for release in December as well. All the proceeds from the Love Wins antho go to benefit the victims of the Pulse massacre back in June. It’s a sweet story of love conquering fear, and I adore it.

And that’s it for this year, release wise. (And I’m working hard on a few things I hope will make next year just as good)

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Rough Start

Kristbethke

There’s been a lot of second guessing (dozenth guessing?) and restarting. A lot of questioning and deciding and hemming and hawing and mind changing. I have whined and moaned and whined some more about what I was going to do and how I was going to do it. A lot of things felt sort of right and nothing felt completely right. I was psyching myself out, making things more difficult then they needed to be. As per usual.

So yeah, I started writing Hearts and Hazelnuts and then…it fizzed out. I didn’t write anything more for weeks.

It was kind of a hot mess. Not gonna lie. Okay, not it. Me. I was a hot mess. I get into my head and things get difficult. I make them difficult. I worry about things I don’t need to worry about and I block my own creativeness.

But finally, I got over the wall.

What’s changed? Well, I started writing this one in third person. It’s not something I usually do. I have done it. Flash fics in particular, but a couple of shelved books too. I love first person a lot. I love reading it and I love writing it. And because I saw things clearly from both MC’s POVs, I was going to try my hand at alternating first for this one. But that was one of the things that wasn’t quite right, wasn’t’ quite working. And so I was at a loss.

In the end, I thought what the hell. Give it a go in third and see what happens. And it’s working. I’m actually making progress! Check the word meter. Those are all words I wrote this past weekend. And I’m enjoying it. It’s definitely taking a shift in my thought process, but it’s working and I love these guys all over again.

The next book on my docket needs to be in third as well. That one also has a publisher deadline, and since it’s for a specific line, I don’t have a choice for the tense. Which is fine, because I enjoy the crap out of that too. Maybe it’s not my preferred tense, but it definitely adds something to the story.

Will I switch to third permanently? No, I don’t think so. I love first person narratives too much. But now I’m a lot more comfortable writing in the tense that the story calls for. Hearts and Hazelnuts calls for it. Ghostwalker does too. And who knows what else will in the future.

But finally, after a very rough start, I’m making progress. And I’m loving it.