Solid Story and Supporting Cast
Recently, a reviewer said my newest book, Coming Back for Drew, was very good and the story was filled with fascinating supporting characters. When I stepped back and looked at the core of the story this reviewer was spot on.
Coming Back for Drew is not just about having a second chance at love. It’s proving you deserve it. When each of us reflects about our lives, we know there are people along the way who impacted the choices we made, the successes and failures we had and the people we became.
In Coming Back for Drew, Luis needs help from others to help him see where he’d gone wrong and why choosing Drew is the only thing that’ll make his life right. When Luis is challenged to put his money where his mouth is, he steps up in a huge way.
Teak and Kevin from the Camera Never Lies, play strong supporting roles in this book. Kevin and Teak love Drew deeply, and they want to be sure that when Drew and Luis reunite, it’s for real. They are instrumental in showing Drew and Luis what real love looks like. When Luis goes through the worst weeks of his life, he has their support and help.
Drew isn’t blameless in the reasons he and Luis had been apart for six years. His inability to communicate clearly and put his foot down with Luis caused him to make a huge mistake in the past with Teak. There are others who influence Drew – an ex-lover and a wannabe lover. A cross-dresser who can’t keep his eyes off Drew adds great comedic relief to a sometimes very angsty storyline. These people, plus Teak and Kevin, help Drew stand on his own two feet. He’s making good decisions that matter to his relationship with Luis, even when the choices are unclear at first. When Drew is nearly killed, Luis provides the hope and help Drew needs if he’ll take it.
I hope you’ll pick up Coming Back for Drew. Although it’s the sequel to The Camera Never Lies, it’s written as a stand-alone story. Men and women will enjoy this dramatic, suspenseful story set in New Orleans and laced with police drama.
Blurb – Coming Back for Drew:
Separated by bitterness and mistakes, Luis and Drew have tried to forget the love they once shared. Neither has done a good job.
When the former lovers accidentally meet in a French Quarter gay bar, six years of regret, anger and pent-up emotions erupt—but their passion is hotter than ever. Deciding their relationship is worth fighting for, the couple rekindles their romance, determined to find their way back to a lasting happiness.
Until a tragic event changes their lives irrevocably.
Now, with Drew desperately in need of someone to lean on, Luis has to decide if he’s strong enough for the job…strong enough to be there for Drew forever.
EXCERPT: Drew took a long drink of whiskey then pressed the sweaty glass against his neck. The icy chill sent a shiver through him, making him wish the air conditioning did a better job.
Kyle worked his fingers up Drew’s ribs. “I’m shocked you took off your shirt. I know it’s one of your favorites.”
“I never seem to leave here wearing what I arrived in, or without bringing home something I didn’t own going in.” Drew gave him an easy smile. “I’m feeling extra horny tonight, and I figured losing the shirt was a small price to pay for making you happy.”
Kyle’s face lit up. He put his fingertips under Drew’s chin. “Let me thank you properly, Senior Agent.”
Drew wiggled his eyebrows and grinned. “Oh, so that’s how we’re gonna play it tonight?”
“Is it my turn to be cuffed or yours?” Seduction laced his voice.
“You’re the one wearing the hot leather ass chaps. I think I should arrest you. After you take off those useless jeans, of course.” Drew kissed him lightly.
“And then what?”
“I’m certain I’m going to fuck you, all trussed up and angry about being restrained. And when you magically break loose, I suppose turnabout’s fair play.”
Kyle grabbed Drew by the back of the neck and pulled him into a deep kiss. With his other hand, he twisted Drew’s nipple to painful proportions.
Drew didn’t mind. A little white-hot pain was part of their fun. His cock begged for release from his tight jeans. He couldn’t think straight when Kyle became the aggressor. If Drew didn’t stop now, he might lose control. He broke from their torrid kiss. His chest rose and fell with each gasping breath.
“Whoa. We need to slow things down here a little.” Drew reached for his whiskey.
Kyle clamped onto his other nipple with his teeth.
Drew reacted spontaneously, by holding Kyle’s head right where it was. He guzzled the last of his drink and pressed the glass, wet with condensation, against his forehead.
“You’re going to make me come if you don’t let go, Kyle.”
He looked up, and even in the dim lighting, Kyle’s desire clearly smoldered in his eyes. “Can’t have that.”
Drew handed Kyle his drink. “Goddamn it’s hot in here, in more ways than one.”
Effeminate laughter carried over the murmurs in the room, making Drew turn to see who’d arrived. The low-light conditions prevented him from clearly seeing the couple, one of whom was in drag.
Drew squinted as they came closer. One of the men was almost six feet tall. Dark-haired and barrel-chested, he had his arm around his date. A mid-thigh-length, tight skirt hugged the cross-dresser’s long, shapely legs. Drew had often wondered if tucking in his junk to wear a skirt like that would be worth the pain.
His date escorted the man in drag to a chair at an open table. “I’ll get you a drink.”
Drew’s head nearly snapped off his neck. What the fuck?
“A white wine for your Ronnie, please. And hurry back, Daddy. I’ll miss you.”
The man Ronnie had called Daddy turned toward the bar to leave.
Drew’s heart thundered in his chest. His mouth turned as dry as cornstarch. Could it be him?
“Luis?” He could hardly choke out the man’s name.
Kyle clasped his hand, preventing Drew from walking away. “Drew, do you know him?”
Luis stopped in mid-stride. He turned, as though in slow motion.
Drew removed Kyle’s grip and covered the distance between himself and Luis in a few long strides.
Ronnie rose from his chair.
Drew held up his hand, signaling for him to stay put. “Luis?”
Luis cleared his throat then inhaled, drawing himself to his full intimidating height. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d holed up in Minnesota permanently.”
Drew couldn’t believe who he was seeing. He scoured every inch of Luis’ face with his gaze, searching for the small changes that indicated Luis had gotten older and wiser. “I live in New Orleans—Metairie, actually. I moved here two years ago.”
Luis snorted.
Ronnie slipped an arm around Luis’ waist and gave Drew a look. “Do you know this guy?” Jealousy oozed from Ronnie’s voice and posture.
Know him? Drew wanted to laugh. What an understatement.
Kyle showed up at the same moment and put an arm around Drew’s shoulders. “This is Luis?”
Drew gave Kyle a sidelong glance. “Yes.” He hoped the wonderment he felt hadn’t manifested itself in his voice.
Luis reached out and ran his index finger down Drew’s chest. “You’re even prettier than in your pictures.”
Drew knew he was going to either throw up or punch Luis. How dare you touch me? Pictures? Has he seen the Woodlands photos? His brain sputtered out remarks that evaporated before they reached his tongue.
Ronnie clasped his upper arm. “Let’s go, Luis. Obviously this guy has some issues.” He turned his nose up at Drew in an arrogant huff, dismissing him.
Drew glared at Luis’ date. “Since when do you go for the beauty queens?”
“Since when do you prance around in front of the camera for a living?”
The sneer in Luis’ voice infuriated Drew. He glared back. “I think it’s time for the old man to go to bed.”
Ronnie shot Drew an eat-shit-and-die look.
Luis’ eyebrows rose. “I seem to recall many nights you loved going to bed with the old man.” He turned his attention to Kyle, gazing at him like a turd on the sidewalk. “You look like a poor substitute.”
Drew put his arm around Kyle’s waist. “Let’s get out of here, Kyle. I had no idea this place had turned into a tourist trap.”
Luis let out a deep chuckle as they walked past. “I’m no tourist, my dear. I live here too.”
A burst of heat flared in Drew’s chest. He squeezed his eyes shut and let his brain absorb the information.
Kyle’s voice was low and comforting. “Come on, let’s go.”
He nodded, letting Kyle steer him through the crowd, past the bouncer and onto the sidewalk. That’s not how I envisioned our reunion would go. Six years apart, and we take potshots at each other’s dates?
A Romantica® GLBT erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
Publisher’s Note: This book was previously published elsewhere under the title Krewe Daddy.
Contest time! Who believes in second chances? How far would you go to forgive that one thing you never thought you could? Is it worth it? What if you were the one looking for the forgiveness? Tell me your story and I’ll be handing out copies of Coming Back for Drew to a couple of you.
THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED
Can’t wait? Buy the book on Amazon
And please keep in touch!
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I think there are certain things that are unforgivable. However if it was a misunderstanding, I would definitely think a second chance is on the table. Thanks for the giveaway!
Welcome Waxapplelover – interesting moniker you have. :-) Hindsight is 20-20 isn’t it? Thanks for visiting and good luck!
I believe that sometimes giving a second chance is worth it and can make people realize what they have is special. But also, some things are not possible to forgive… or maybe with time they are. But that doesn’t mean you can give a second chance.
Congrats on the new release and thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Serena, yes, sometimes we just have to leave the past in the past. Just because we forgive doesn’t mean we have to also forget. I hope you’ll keep in touch.
I believe in second chances, though I think it is very difficult to know what you would be able to forgive and what not. My ex-boyfriend cheated on me. I thought I would never be able to forgive something like that, and when it happened I just did. But our relationship went down anyway, so I think some things are not meant to be. But I do think everybody can make a mistake and deserves forgiveness and a second chance… But not everybody is able to forget. That’s the main obstacle for second chances to be successful, I think.
The book sounds great. Thank you for the interesting post, excerpt and giveaway :)
Hi Susana, I applaud you for trying. Many would think you’re a fool. Yes, some things aren’t meant to be but you never know until you try. Good luck and I hope you’ll become a friend and a fan.
i believe in second chances as well as long as everyone agreees it is well deserved
All that matters is what’s in your heart. Good for you, Jodi. Thanks for coming by.
Everyone deserves a second chance. Some things can’t be forgiven but maybe you can forget and begin anew.
Or at least learn from the mistakes.
I definitely believe in second chances. Forgiving is a little harder. That person will have to work hard to earn my trust back. flutterfli01 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I think that’s a fair request..and I assume if you’d made the mistake you’d be willing to work hard, too. Thanks for stopping in!
I think that most people deserve a second chance. However, forgiveness of ourselves and that person are usually the hardest parts. I once forgave my boyfriend for something that was pretty much an emotional affair, not a physical one. It was really hard to forgive him and myself for the behaviors that lead to these feelings. It worked out really good as we are still together, married, with a child.
Good for you! There’s always two sides to every story. I’m glad you two worked hard and are happy together. Best wishes for a long happy life together.
I think everyone deserves a second chance. People are bound to make mistakes and it’s something to learn by.
You have a beautiful heart, H.B. I hope it’s never broken. Thanks for coming by.
It’s nice to say I’d believe in second chances, but forgiveness is often impossible. I think both people would have to honestly open themselves to talking things out, going to therapy and changing past behaviors in order to be forgiven.
Sage advice. Thanks for coming by. I like your name, BTW. We have Penumbra theater in Minneapolis and it’s so full of life and fun.
I’ve learned to give people a chance, but very few second chances. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. That’s been my motto for most of my life. And there’s one sin that every lover I’ve ever had has committed, one that I warned my husband I would never be able to forgive, before we married. Well, I have forgiven him twice, now, for that sin. And I feel ashamed for betraying myself, even as I feel I did the right thing for my kids. Be true to myself, or be true to my children? My children always come first. Now I’m trying to live with the consequences of my decision, because deciding to stay with him is only the first part.
You made a very hard choice, Kestrel. I hope that you’ll someday it was worth it. That your family was happy despite the pain your husband caused. I’m sending you good thoughts and strength.
Greetings, everyone, and many thanks to you for dropping by to enter Margie’s giveaway. The contest is now closed, and susana has been selected as today’s winner of an e-copy of Coming Back for Drew
Congratulations, susana! I’ve already emailed Margie with your contact information, so expect to hear from her soon.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by. This blog is truly outstanding and I appreciate every one of you. I hope you’ll invite me back in January when Boston Boyfriends comes out. In the meantime, keep reading!