QSFer Edward Kendrick has a new MM paranormal erotic romance out: “A Man of Many Parts.”
To some who know him, Jax — under the name Jackson Martin — is a reputable restorer of antiquarian books. To others, in various guises, he’s a man who double-crosses thieves, relieving them of what wasn’t theirs to begin with … although he doesn’t return the stolen goods to their original owners. That isn’t his thing.
When he’s hired by Donovan, a book collector, to restore a damaged atlas, Jax meets the young man who runs Donovan’s side interest, a no-kill animal shelter. Noel is wary of Jackson for reasons he can’t explain. It doesn’t stop him from finding Jax interesting … an interest Jax returns despite knowing it will go nowhere.
Then Keegan, Jax’s mortal enemy, appears bent on killing him. Will Jax be able to stop him before that happens? And will what he and Noel learn about each other end their budding relationship before it can become something more?
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Giveaway
GIVEAWAY
Excerpt
Early the following morning, Jax went to find Donovan, who had already left the house. Unsurprisingly, the man was at the shelter. He and Noel were standing in front of a cage that held a dog Jax was certain had been abused.
“He was dropped off at the vet’s two days ago,” Donovan explained when Jax asked.
“Tied to the railing on her front porch,” Noel added angrily as he knelt and opened the cage door. The dog cowered back into the corner, shivering in fear. “Hey,” Noel said softly. “It’s okay, boy. I’m not going to hurt you.”
Susan joined them, kneeling beside her brother. She reached into the cage very slowly, obviously ready to pull her hand back if the dog tried to bite. As she did, she cooed encouraging words to calm the dog. It took time, but finally she was able to stroke its head.
Donovan smiled, whispering, “She’s the best when it comes to getting mistreated dogs to start trusting again.” He beckoned for Jax to follow him outside before asking in a normal tone of voice, “Were you looking for me?”
“I was. I’m going to have to put restoring those books on hold for a few days, I’m afraid. Something’s come up that I have to deal with.”
Donovan didn’t look happy, but he nodded. “Personal?”
“Yes. Family.” Jax shook his head. “Sometimes I think being an orphan would be a nice alternative. Not really, but…”
“There are times when I might agree with you. All right. It’s not like the books will disintegrate without your tender mercies while you’re gone. Call before you come back, please, so I can plan accordingly.”
“I will.” Jax glanced past Donovan when he saw movement. Noel was standing in the doorway, watching him speculatively…again. And again, when he was aware Jax had noticed, he turned away and went back inside.
Something’s going on with him. Jax had a thought. One that amused him on some level.Maybe he’s got a thing for Donovan and thinks I’m trying to cut in? Of course that would presume both he and Donovan are gay, and from what I’ve seen of Donovan, I seriously doubt he is. Okay, that’s presumptive, but I’m usually pretty good at sensing when a guy is, or isn’t. Noel? I haven’t been around him often enough to figure it out one way or the other.
For the moment he wasn’t going to worry about it. He had other things on his plate that took precedence. Returning to his room, Jax booked a flight home. He decided there was no reason to pack everything he’d brought with him as he planned on returning, so he didn’t.
Two hours later, he was standing in line at the airport’s security check point, showing the man his ID—which was in a name that wasn’t his, with a picture that was not his real face but matched what he looked like at the moment.
Author Bio
Born and bred Cleveland, I earned a degree in technical theater, later switched to costuming, and headed to NYC. Finally seeing the futility of trying to become rich and famous in the Big Apple, I joined VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America—ending up in Chicago for three years. Then it was on to Denver, where I put down roots and worked as a costume designer until I retired in 2007.
I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then, and for the last seven years, I’ve been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely ‘romantic’. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.