Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Getting Back Into The Groove

Hello to all! I hope the new year has been kind to you thus far. I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I plan on getting back into the groove soon. I have two more classes and I will have completed my MBA. Meanwhile, I'm putting together some little swag bags for those who visited me at GRL's Author Signing and signed my book to receive the goodies.

I do apologize for the lengthy waiting period, but I have been pretty busy as many of you may know; so, thank you all for your continued support and patience. It'll only be a short while longer before you receive the swag. I promise *wink*.

Just to keep you up to date, I can tell you I have several WIPs currently in progress and I work on them primarily between classes and even during class when I have the means to do so.


So, in the meantime, be on the lookout for a little package in the mail (if you signed my notebook at GRL).


I hope this message has found you well. I wish you all a wonderfully joyous new year. Great things are sure to come your way.

Warmest regards to all,

JR Boyd

Friday, August 24, 2012

Breathless Press Birthday Blog Hop



Breathless Press Birthday Blog Hop
Scavenger Hunt
August 24 – 27th 2012

Welcome booklovers to the Breathless Press Birthday Scavenger Hunt Blog Hop!



I'm tickled pink to have the opportunity to play a part in the Birthday Celebrations for Breathless Press! While I am somewhat of a newbie when it comes to the publishing scene, Breathless Press has been a valuable instrument in my learning process.  I am grateful for the opportunity Breathless Press gave me by publishing my story Off the Beaten Path. The story is a contribution to Story Orgy's anthology titled Word Play. And speaking of Word Play, how would you like to own your very own copy? Well, simply leave a comment for a chance to win. One person who comments here will win a copy of Word Play! 


Word Play at Breathless Press


BUT...It's Breathless Press's Birthday!

And we've got a gift for one lucky reader! Visit every blog in the hop, and locate the eighteen clues- blue letters. Create a list of each author whose blog you visit (Don't forget to leave a comment so your visit can be verified!) and the blue letter you found on their post, unscramble the message, and email the whole list to Olivia.ventura@breathlesspress.com .

(Note: You are only eligible to win if you visit & comment on ALL blogs!)

Your email makes you eligible to win a 50 BOOK LIBRARY! Fifty books of your choice from Breathless Press! That's approximately a $150 dollar value!

Participating Authors:

DC Juris                Gayl Taylor          Em Woods          Havan Fellows
Hank Edwards   Leona Bushman                LB Shire                JR Boyd  
Dianne Hartsock               Lee Brazil             Carrie Pulkinen Korts
Raven McAllan                  SJ Thomas           Yazmin Subha
Kiru Taye             Doris O'Connor                 Jamieson Wolf-                 Story Orgy Blog

Friday, May 25, 2012

Anniversary Poem for My Love


"My Soul's Song"

Since the day I met you,
I've always known
That you are my lifeline
 Sent from beyond.
There's no denying
 The way I feel,
For the chambers of my heart
 Are no longer chilled.
Your love is
Greater than any I've known,
And I often look back
To see how much we've grown.
Because of you
 And the love you've shown,
The depth of my soul
Rejoices –
For neither of us
Will never again be
 Alone.

                                              ~JR Boyd~                       
May 25, 2012

Monday, April 23, 2012

Story Orgy Monday - "Soar" with JR Boyd


Hey there! Happy Story Orgy Monday to each of you. I hope you enjoyed Earth Day, as well as the rest of your weekend. I sure miss you all. I was thinking to myself, You really need to post something and let everyone know you're still around... *sigh*. Yeah, it stopped right there...when my brain was overtaken by some kind of "Accounting" crap *rolls eyes*. Anyway, what I'm really trying to say is I miss the hell outta y'all! I wrote a little poem for the prompt this week to show I still care.  

But, before we go there, I would like to say how very proud I am of my wonderful muse. Graham's Gift is now on the market. Em Woods', Graham's Gift, is now available at All Romance e-books (ARe). Don't hesitate getting this little gem. You'll be glad you did *wink*. 

Now, moving on to my special contribution to this week's prompt:  There are the things we don’t know about love. Be sure to admire the yummy illustration Story Orgy's Jade Basier shared this week.




"Soar"

by

JR Boyd


Sometimes paled in a world of gray,
It seems I'm adrift with little to say.

I press on and soar.

Press your heart to mine,
And my words you'll find.

Press on and soar.

Carry hope in your mind;
And my spirit you'll find.

Soar some more.

~~

Well, that 's my little poem. I hope you like it. I feel that the best of love is felt, not seen. Have you checked out the other SO authors' blogs? You can go with me if you like. I'm going there now. C'mon, you'll be glad you did. 


Monday, April 2, 2012

Story Orgy Monday: Even Steven part 13 (The Final Chapter)

 
Hidy hidy, e'erbody! Are you ready for your April showers? I say, "Bring it on!" 

Okay, I'm going to be totally honest here. I have been extremely busy trying to keep my head above water with classes and deadlines and blah blah blah. So, I'm stealing my introduction from my muse, Em Woods.  Yep, that’s right. I'm copying and pasting right from her blog. What? I told her I was goin' to. Besides, she has a terrific blurb that goes with her new release! Thank you, my sweet muse! See? Now it's not so bad, huh? Check it out!

Her new release The Scared Stiff Collection: Flying High. You can go here to find it…

Blurb:

Sometimes mate bonds can be damned inconvenient. And sometimes they can be the lifesaving when a murderer sets his sights on one of the pair. 

As if life isn’t tough enough for a half Butterfly-half Fae shifter, Tate is thrown for a loop when his mate turns out to be a reclusive Lynx shifter. 

Cain is focused on tracking his brother’s killer, so stumbling across his mate at the same time he finds the murderer isn’t in his plans. 

 Sparks fly between the two men but neither wants to cave too soon to a fated-mate bond. When a serial murderer who targets shifters comes after Cain, the halfling must call up powers he rarely uses to save them both.

And of course Lee Brazil has his new release, Mark’s Opening Gambit, coming out on Friday…you can hop over to our Story Orgy blog to find out all about it! You can go here…

So, now on to the prompt of the week: “One thing I have to say.” And of course the delicious bit of man-candy that Jade dug up for us! {I even stole that from my muse too. Thank you, Princess Jade!}



Even Steven

(the final chapter)

 

by

 

JR Boyd 


Steven chitchatted outside with his dad while firing up the grill, occasionally trying to catch a peep of Braden through the kitchen window. But the glare from the sun shot that all to hell. “When is Mom going to be home?” Steven asked, scraping the burnt drippings off the rack as the flames threatened to burn him. 

“Anytime now I’d imagine. The store is just around the corner.” His dad replied with a smirk. “How’re you and Braden doing?” 

“Ouch!” Steven jerked from the lively flames.

“Watch it, son. Hot.” 

“Very funny, Dad.” Warmth spread through Steven’s cheeks as they flushed. 

“C’mon son. It’s obvious you boys are close. You both shine like brand new light bulbs when the other enters the room. Always have.” 

Steven walked around the grill, avoiding the smoke and shifting breeze. He sighed. There was this one last bit of something that kept him a little held back. “Honestly, Dad? He deserves so much more than I can ever give him.” 

“Bullshit!” His dad's tone emanated on a harsh whisper. “Don’t ever believe that for one damn minute.”

“But–”

“But nothin’. Now, go get them steaks.” Dad ordered. 

Steven’s stomach knotted, but he knew his dad was right. Braden loved him for whom and what he was. That’s all that mattered. He nodded and headed into the kitchen, passing Braden in the door.

“One thing I have to say.” Braden leaned in close and looked deep into Steven's eyes. “Everyone deserves love. Even Steven."

<<The End>>

I hope you liked the story. I know it needs a bit of work, but I have some great plans for it in the future. Keep your eyes peeled for up and coming attractions! Wonder what the others wrote about? You can find them here...nice and easy like...c'mon, I'll go with you. CLICK...

Monday, March 26, 2012

Story Orgy Monday: Even Steven part 12

 
Hello and Happy Monday, Story Orgy enthusiasts! Did you have a good weekend? Mine was busy busy busy! And it ain't over yet...I have lots more to do. Whew! Gimme some Wheaties!

Okay, this week's prompt, Even Steven part 12, is brought to you by...oh...wait...that's not right. Where am I? Oh, yes...yes, this week is my week for a full 1500-word prompt. I fell short by a few inches...erruh...hundred words I mean. But, I think it will serve its purpose. The prompt used to inspire my words is a quote – "I can't protect you from that." And that purty pic? Yay, you guessed it. Story Orgy's very own Princess of the Pics found that. Sure revs my motor, how 'bout you? *grin*

And now, I present to you...


Even Steven part 12
by

JR Boyd


The urgency in Braden's tone of voice was the only thing that disengaged Steven's blind fury. Not even the random outbursts of rhetoric from the gathered guests were enough to stop Steven's mental pain and anguish. As far as Steven was concerned, Antonio would never hurt anyone again. 

By the time Braden had reached Steven, Antonio was lying on the ground choking. Steven's mind was stuck somewhere between the satisfaction of seeing his abductor in pain and regret of him still breathing when Braden called again, forcing him to realize his foot was on Antonio's throat. A final yell from Braden, "Steven!" and he snapped back to reality, quickly drawing his leg back and stepping away. Just in time too. If he hadn't have moved, he would've been brought down by Antonio's reaching arm.  

"Steven, what do you think you're doing, sweetie?" Nora's concern was apparent in her inflection. She stepped forward in an obvious attempt to make peace before things got any worse. She always hated chaos. Why she was with that goon she was with was beyond Steven; but, he didn't hold that against her.

"I'm not sure, Nora." Steven responded, quickly following up with, "All I know is why." Walking around the length of Antonio's body, Steven spoke as if he'd prepared a speech. But, what he had to say was none too nice. Antonio didn't move a muscle. And Steven knew he didn't hurt that thick neck and hard head so much Antonio couldn't get back up. It was humiliation. That's what kept him down.
As Steven commenced to speak his mind, sharing his own embarrassment helped him over the final hump. Steven talked for at least twenty-five minutes, airing out his dirty laundry with his foot planted in the middle of Antonio's back. 

Braden stepped forward, taking Steven's hand. He said, "C'mon, babe," then guided him several yards away from Antonio. The aroma of the meat on the smoker floated on the breeze, reminding Steven of how hungry he was, and how Braden must've also been just as hungry. Steven's mind stopped entertaining the thought of Antonio as quickly as it had started. "We should really be going now." Steven turned to the small crowd with a raised hand, feeling proud as he curled his arm into Braden's awaiting stance.

Steven heard Antonio's taciturn grunts and mumbles as they walked off arm in arm. "I'm so proud of you." Braden said as he leaned in, touching his head to Steven's.  

Unsure of what he'd just accomplished, if anything, Steven slipped his fingers into Braden's back pocket, content in fact that he was tucked securely into Braden's side, and his heart.

***

Braden peered over the rim of the coffee cup, his eyes telling Steven everything he wanted to hear, but nothing that wasn't already known. 

"Steven honey, where have you been? I've been trying to get a hold of you for days. Been worried sick. Worried sick I tell ya." Steven's mother walked through the dining room doorway, her finger waving in the air. 

 So, that's where I get it from. Steven cringed at his realization. "Hi, Mom. How're you and Dad?" 

"We're good. Just worried about you, dear."

 "Good afternoon, Mrs. Malone." Braden chimed in, tipping his head for Steven's mother. She has been kissing Braden's forehead since he was knee high to a grasshopper. 

"Worried sick–" 

"Alright, Mom. I'm sorry I didn't call. Please stop saying that. I'm okay." Steven interrupted, his stomach knotting as agitation rattled through his bones. 

"Oh, sweetie. Don't be disconcerted with me for caring." Mrs. Malone walked the long way around the table to greet Steven, her tennis shoes squeaking on the beige linoleum flooring. "You have dark circles under your eyes. You're not taking care of yourself. Braden? Do you know anything–"

"Mom, I did not come by so we could be put on trial. Where's Dad?"

"Don't you be curt with me, young man. You're not too old for me to bend over my knee you know." 

Mrs. Malone thwacked Steven on the back of the head. "I suggest you straighten it up. I didn't raise you to disrespect your mother like you're doing." 

What the hell? She's treating me like a teenager. "I thought maybe we could cook steaks on the grill this evening. Do you and Dad have dinner plans already?" Steven gave his best attempt to salvage the afternoon. 

"He went around the house after walking me to the front door. Oh, there he is." She smiled and waved at Steven's dad through dining room bay window. 

Braden chuckled as Mr. Malone walked by rolling up the garden hose. Not that Steven blamed him. His dad did have the cheesiest smile when he wanted to; his very own trademark. But what stole the show was when Mrs. Malone trotted across the floor yelling, "Yoo hoo," trying to wave down her husband."

"Okay, I've got to ask. Am I on Candid Camera?" Steven said with a breathy whisper. 

"I can protect you from a lot of things; but, I can't protect you from that." Braden snorted then disguised his laughter behind a fake cough. 

Steven waited until his mom closed the back door behind her before saying anything, but then he couldn't help himself. "Okay. What was that? Is she on medication or something?" 

"Your dad didn't look like he was hurting none too much neither." Braden added with a smile, "Which reminds me. Maybe we should freshen up before dinner."  

Steven watched Braden waggle his eyebrows, his eyes hinting with that certain I want you enthusiasm Steven has gotten accustomed to seeing over the years. It didn't take long for Steven to shift gears. 

Within a matter of seconds, Steven had stuck his head out the back door and told his parents he'd be back in a few hours with the steaks to throw on the grill, put the mugs in the sink and was jangling his keys.  

***

Braden unlocked the door to his apartment, put his arm around Steven's waist and guided him inside. With the shutting of the door, all remaining tension had vanished and Steven knew beyond a doubt that he would never be able to refute his love for Braden. His eyes locked with Braden's and the world stood still, silencing everything but the steady heartbeat pounding in his ears. Braden's lips moved to the words I love you as his hands attentively peeled away the pesky material that separated their skin. 

Steven mouthed the words I love you too, closed his eyes and pressed his lips to Braden's smooth chest, breathing in the sweet musky scent of his lover's skin. Steven melted into Braden, letting the moment take him over. Braden's body pressed tightly to his, guiding him to take a step. Steven walked across the living room and down the hall to the bedroom. The heat of Braden's skin against his set Steven on fire as his lover matched Steven's pace step for step, never letting their skin separate. 

Steven made love to Braden three times that afternoon before heading back to his parents' house for dinner. And he'd never been happier than he was then. Judging by the twinkle in Braden's eyes, he hadn't either. Braden emptied three drawers full of clothes onto the bed and said, "Let's go to dinner." 

"I'm ready when you are. But, why did you dump your clothes out all over the bed?" Steven asked. 

Braden said, "So, you'll have a place for yours."

H                                                                                          <<TBC>>

Well? What do you think about all this? I'm still ready to eat! But, I'm sure Steven and Braden got more than their share of chow time *ahem*. 

Wonder what the others wrote about? You can find them here...nice and easy like...c'mon, I'll go with you. CLICK...

Monday, March 19, 2012

Story Orgy Monday: Even Steven part 11

Hidy hidy, e'erbody! Happy Story Orgy Monday, folks. I hope you all had a big dose of Irish this weekend; or, at least a generous taste *grin*. 

Now, let's talk about prompts for a little bit. Have you all been keeping up with Even Steven? I swear, that story has more twists and turns than a rabbit warren. I have a lil ol' shorty for part eleven. This is my week for a Hook Up. 

Without further delay, here's this week's Story Orgy Monday installment - Even Steven part 11. This week's inspiration is based on the prompt, Write about memories underfoot. And that picture of that purty guy? Yep, you guessed it. Story Orgy's very own Jade Basier. Damn, she has good taste! Gotta love some Jade. 

Okay...here we go. Enjoy!


Even Steven part 11

by

JR Boyd




Steven sat quietly, gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. Resentment seethed in the pit of his stomach. His heart wrenched at the slightest thought of Anthony. But he had to shut the door to the past. He needed to let go of the shame Antonio had made him feel. The violation poisoning his mind.

"Damn them for letting him out of jail." Steven ranted. Now, I've gotta do what I've gotta do.

Without so much as a glance in Braden's direction, Steven exited the car, shifting in and out of the cars with a fluid like motion. Braden's calls didn't even slow him down. They only drove him faster.

I've just got to.


Each step was a flashback of Steven's living nightmare, memories that circled him like a pack of malign spirits. He went around the side of the house making a beeline for the noise, for Antonio.

He's sitting. This is good.

Apart from a few gasps and a single shriek, not a word was said. Steven stalked up behind Antonio. This was the moment where Steven came to the crossroads in his life, his defining moment.

Steven squeezed tightly, feeling warmth spread like wildfire down his arms, throughout his hands.

"Surprise." Recollections of Antonio's New Year antics burned up the last of Steven's self-control. The longer Steven clenched Antonio's windpipe, the better he felt. Each jaded memory flipped through Steven's mind like a CD changer, discarding the painful memories Antonio left in his wake.

"Steven!"

<<TBC>>

Way to go, Steven! I hope someone was recording that. Talk about memories underfoot...whew! Okay, now for the other SO stories. Ready to see what the others wrote this week? C'mon, let's go. And don't look at me like that. We do this every week. Now click... *chuckles* seriously though, if you want some really good reads, follow the links below.