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| This website is intended for use by consenting adults and mature readers only. It is not intended for any unmarried individual under the age of 18. Subject matter deals with the consensual sexual practices of adults in the forms of romance novels, gay fiction and gay literature including gay males, gay love, and gay sex. Copyright KC Kendricks All Rights Reserved. Piracy is a crime. To change the background and text colors in IE and Firefox, click here. |
| I didn't set out to write a series. I set out to write a story that included a main character who had a long history with his friends. It was a short step from the original concept to series. Each story stands alone -none are sequels in the strictest usage of the word. But if you like reading a series in order, start with A Hard Habit to Break. As I write this I can't say how many more stories will be set in Marionville. I do know there will be more. |
A Hard Habit to Break
(Men of Marionville I)
As the reigning stud of the local gay club scene, every guy in the county knows
Travis Templeton, and vies for his attention. Travis wears his crown lightly, careful not to break
any hearts. He knows what it’s like to you want.
Heath Kelley made the biggest mistake of his life the night before his best friend Travis left for
college. One small action snowballed into years of silent misunderstanding and empty distance.
When Heath accepts a transfer that sends him to his hometown, he doesn’t know Travis has
moved back home, too. It doesn’t take long for the men to reconnect.
Admitting they never stopped thinking of each other as “best friends” is easy. Forgiveness of
past sins is easy, but confessing their secrets comes harder. When Heath discovers the truth
about Travis’ private life, the newly repaired bonds of friendship are stretched taut.
It’s time for Travis to choose – the love of his best friend, or a life of settling for second best.
Read an excerpt from A Hard Habit to Break here.
(Men of Marionville I)
As the reigning stud of the local gay club scene, every guy in the county knows
Travis Templeton, and vies for his attention. Travis wears his crown lightly, careful not to break
any hearts. He knows what it’s like to you want.
Heath Kelley made the biggest mistake of his life the night before his best friend Travis left for
college. One small action snowballed into years of silent misunderstanding and empty distance.
When Heath accepts a transfer that sends him to his hometown, he doesn’t know Travis has
moved back home, too. It doesn’t take long for the men to reconnect.
Admitting they never stopped thinking of each other as “best friends” is easy. Forgiveness of
past sins is easy, but confessing their secrets comes harder. When Heath discovers the truth
about Travis’ private life, the newly repaired bonds of friendship are stretched taut.
It’s time for Travis to choose – the love of his best friend, or a life of settling for second best.
Read an excerpt from A Hard Habit to Break here.
Open Roads
(Men of Marionville II)
Tyler Phillips enjoys his small-town life. He’ll never get rich working the family business,
but he knows there’s more to a man than the size of his bank account. Easing into mid-life, Tyler’s
restless for something he can’t find in the little borough of Easton—male companionship.
Noel Springs got caught up in the economic downturn. With his job gone, and
retirement many years in the future, Noel decides to take a long drive and see
some of the country before dedicating himself to finding new employment.
The open road is just what he needs.
When Noel's car overheats outside the little town of Easton, he discovers the local
mechanic is far hotter than his radiator, and just as eager to blow off some steam...
Read an excerpt from Open Roads here.
(Men of Marionville II)
Tyler Phillips enjoys his small-town life. He’ll never get rich working the family business,
but he knows there’s more to a man than the size of his bank account. Easing into mid-life, Tyler’s
restless for something he can’t find in the little borough of Easton—male companionship.
Noel Springs got caught up in the economic downturn. With his job gone, and
retirement many years in the future, Noel decides to take a long drive and see
some of the country before dedicating himself to finding new employment.
The open road is just what he needs.
When Noel's car overheats outside the little town of Easton, he discovers the local
mechanic is far hotter than his radiator, and just as eager to blow off some steam...
Read an excerpt from Open Roads here.
What You Don't Confess
Men of (Marionville III)
Bright and beautiful, Cassidy Barlow is one of Marionville’s new breed of movers and
shakers. Outspoken on political and social issues, Cass draws a lot of media
attention, and knows how to use it. Out and proud, Cass makes no apologies for what
he, and he wants Dylan Donoghy. The only thing is, from where Cass stands, Dylan
seems to be involved with two different men.
"Coming out." The most difficult phrase in Dylan Donoghy’s vocabulary. He’s made it
this far in life with only his closest friends knowing he’s gay. Dylan, however, has a
good reason for that to change – his deepening attraction to Cassidy Barlow. It doesn’t
come easy, but Dylan takes a few first steps
out of the closet. It’s his only choice if he wants to be with Cass, even though he
knows Cass has some secrets of his own.
Every man has a private past, and an unwritten future. What he won’t confess stands
between the two.
Read an excerpt from What You Don't Confess here.
Men of (Marionville III)
Bright and beautiful, Cassidy Barlow is one of Marionville’s new breed of movers and
shakers. Outspoken on political and social issues, Cass draws a lot of media
attention, and knows how to use it. Out and proud, Cass makes no apologies for what
he, and he wants Dylan Donoghy. The only thing is, from where Cass stands, Dylan
seems to be involved with two different men.
"Coming out." The most difficult phrase in Dylan Donoghy’s vocabulary. He’s made it
this far in life with only his closest friends knowing he’s gay. Dylan, however, has a
good reason for that to change – his deepening attraction to Cassidy Barlow. It doesn’t
come easy, but Dylan takes a few first steps
out of the closet. It’s his only choice if he wants to be with Cass, even though he
knows Cass has some secrets of his own.
Every man has a private past, and an unwritten future. What he won’t confess stands
between the two.
Read an excerpt from What You Don't Confess here.
Your Whisper in the Dark
Men of Marionville IV)
Kenzie Zahn is starting over as a single man. Left with few immediate options, he
accepts a friend’s invitation to visit and house sit. It’s the perfect opportunity for
Kenzie to put a little space between the past and present while figuring out the
best path for his future.
Mason Hall enjoys the carefree single life. He works hard, plays a little harder, and
doesn’t think much about settling down. The right man will come along – or not – and
he’s content to wait. A night out to enjoy a little dancing leads to a hook-up with Kenzie,
the kind of man Mason has only ever fantasized about. Mason can’t let him get away.
Kenzie’s smitten. Mason is irresistible, but home is a thousand miles away and a long-
distance romance isn’t workable. A strange twist of identity brings a linked past to light.
Kenzie and Mason are brought to the realization that even when Fate arranges a man’s
destiny, he still has to take a leap of faith, or lose out on love.
Read an excerpt from Your Whisper in the Dark here.
Men of Marionville IV)
Kenzie Zahn is starting over as a single man. Left with few immediate options, he
accepts a friend’s invitation to visit and house sit. It’s the perfect opportunity for
Kenzie to put a little space between the past and present while figuring out the
best path for his future.
Mason Hall enjoys the carefree single life. He works hard, plays a little harder, and
doesn’t think much about settling down. The right man will come along – or not – and
he’s content to wait. A night out to enjoy a little dancing leads to a hook-up with Kenzie,
the kind of man Mason has only ever fantasized about. Mason can’t let him get away.
Kenzie’s smitten. Mason is irresistible, but home is a thousand miles away and a long-
distance romance isn’t workable. A strange twist of identity brings a linked past to light.
Kenzie and Mason are brought to the realization that even when Fate arranges a man’s
destiny, he still has to take a leap of faith, or lose out on love.
Read an excerpt from Your Whisper in the Dark here.
A Cat Named Hercules
(Men of Marionville V)
New in town, Shiloh Rudy joins a group of civic-minded volunteers to better acquaint himself
with his recently adopted community. It’s a good way to make friends, network, and help make
a difference, not to mention perhaps meet someone interesting - in a romantic sort of way.
The one thing Shiloh didn’t expect was a love to rival all others to come with four white paws.
Gale Widmyer is on his feet and moving forward after piecing his life back together following a
series of wrong choices. In his darkest moments, the one bright spot in his existence was the
fulfillment of his dream to become a veterinarian. Gale’s making
good on a promise to himself when an abandoned kitten leads him to Shiloh Rudy and
a chance at the happiness he never hoped to have.
Laying the cornerstone for a developing relationship comes easy for Shiloh and Gale.
But the wounds of the past often remain unhealed at their deepest point. A few careless words
erects a wall of silence between the two men, one Shiloh has to breach if he
hopes to win Gale back. It will take more than apologies to win Gale’s forgiveness
and put old fears to rest. It’ll take a cat named Hercules.
Read an excerpt from A Cat Named Hercules here.
(Men of Marionville V)
New in town, Shiloh Rudy joins a group of civic-minded volunteers to better acquaint himself
with his recently adopted community. It’s a good way to make friends, network, and help make
a difference, not to mention perhaps meet someone interesting - in a romantic sort of way.
The one thing Shiloh didn’t expect was a love to rival all others to come with four white paws.
Gale Widmyer is on his feet and moving forward after piecing his life back together following a
series of wrong choices. In his darkest moments, the one bright spot in his existence was the
fulfillment of his dream to become a veterinarian. Gale’s making
good on a promise to himself when an abandoned kitten leads him to Shiloh Rudy and
a chance at the happiness he never hoped to have.
Laying the cornerstone for a developing relationship comes easy for Shiloh and Gale.
But the wounds of the past often remain unhealed at their deepest point. A few careless words
erects a wall of silence between the two men, one Shiloh has to breach if he
hopes to win Gale back. It will take more than apologies to win Gale’s forgiveness
and put old fears to rest. It’ll take a cat named Hercules.
Read an excerpt from A Cat Named Hercules here.
Leather Jackets
(Men of Marionville VI)
Jude Thatcher needs a life fix. He walked away from a serious love affair, lost the job he
worked years to get, and his severance pay is dwindling. A little dancing is in order to help
clear his head, so Jude takes a stroll to the local nightclub and gets a surprise.
Wynn DeRocher’s talent and ambition catapulted his band to the top of the charts,
but he paid a steep price to achieve success. He needs a flesh and blood man, one who
understands the demands of his music. He needs the man he let get away - Jude Thatcher.
Wynn pitches a proposal - a lucrative job modeling the band’s new line of logo’d leather. Jude
accepts, but both men know it’ll take more than fancy dinners and limo rides to convince Jude
to risk his heart again.
To covet might be a sin, but Jude needs a gesture of good faith. And he wants Wynn’s leather
jacket as much as he wants Wynn. Almost.
Read an excerpt from Leather Jackets here.
(Men of Marionville VI)
Jude Thatcher needs a life fix. He walked away from a serious love affair, lost the job he
worked years to get, and his severance pay is dwindling. A little dancing is in order to help
clear his head, so Jude takes a stroll to the local nightclub and gets a surprise.
Wynn DeRocher’s talent and ambition catapulted his band to the top of the charts,
but he paid a steep price to achieve success. He needs a flesh and blood man, one who
understands the demands of his music. He needs the man he let get away - Jude Thatcher.
Wynn pitches a proposal - a lucrative job modeling the band’s new line of logo’d leather. Jude
accepts, but both men know it’ll take more than fancy dinners and limo rides to convince Jude
to risk his heart again.
To covet might be a sin, but Jude needs a gesture of good faith. And he wants Wynn’s leather
jacket as much as he wants Wynn. Almost.
Read an excerpt from Leather Jackets here.
Station to Station
(Men of Marionville VII)
Scott Thomas welcomes the assignment when he’s is tagged to oversee the new
commuter rail line from Easton to Marionville, a high profile project that demands
expertise. His love of trains makes him a natural for the job. When a friend invites him on
a Mystery Train Dinner Adventure, Scott’s onboard for an evening of fun. Scott gets more
than he ever dreamed
about when he meets his ideal tall, dark haired stranger on the train.
Dakota Reece views the new commuter rail as the opening he’s needed for him and his
brother to build their own firm and future. Planning a start-up company while working on
the commuter rail project is hard work and Dakota takes an evening off to relax on the
Mystery Train. When the train stops to serve dinner, Dakota is boldly cruised by a fellow
passenger.
He has to get to know this smart, sexy man and asks Scott to join him for a drink.
Scott and Dakota hit it off and a quiet cup of coffee leads to unexpected possibilities - and
consequences. Their budding relationship could cause a multi-million dollar conflict of
interest charge. When Dakota makes a sudden decision to advance his timeline, Scott
will do whatever is necessary to keep them together, on track, and avoiding derailment.
Read an excerpt from Station to Station here.
(Men of Marionville VII)
Scott Thomas welcomes the assignment when he’s is tagged to oversee the new
commuter rail line from Easton to Marionville, a high profile project that demands
expertise. His love of trains makes him a natural for the job. When a friend invites him on
a Mystery Train Dinner Adventure, Scott’s onboard for an evening of fun. Scott gets more
than he ever dreamed
about when he meets his ideal tall, dark haired stranger on the train.
Dakota Reece views the new commuter rail as the opening he’s needed for him and his
brother to build their own firm and future. Planning a start-up company while working on
the commuter rail project is hard work and Dakota takes an evening off to relax on the
Mystery Train. When the train stops to serve dinner, Dakota is boldly cruised by a fellow
passenger.
He has to get to know this smart, sexy man and asks Scott to join him for a drink.
Scott and Dakota hit it off and a quiet cup of coffee leads to unexpected possibilities - and
consequences. Their budding relationship could cause a multi-million dollar conflict of
interest charge. When Dakota makes a sudden decision to advance his timeline, Scott
will do whatever is necessary to keep them together, on track, and avoiding derailment.
Read an excerpt from Station to Station here.
Dreams to Sell
(Men of Marionville VIII)
Keith Mitchell needs a new challenge in his life. When an old friend pitches
him a business proposition he agrees to pull up stakes and more to
Marionville. Keith decides his new house will be in the style he’s always
dreamed of having even if he will live in it alone.
Realtor Terry Stattler has one goal in mind for his clients: find and sell them
the house of
their dreams. Recently widowed, Terry’s not in the market for
companionship, or so he believes. His latest client is handsome, interesting
and his age, but is he really ready to love again?
Keith becomes an eager suitor, waging a persistent siege until Terry gives
into temptation. When Terry finds the right house for him, Keith redoubles his
efforts to win Terry’s heart. After all, what good is the perfect house if the
man of your dreams won’t share it with you?
Read an excerpt from Dreams to Sell here.
(Men of Marionville VIII)
Keith Mitchell needs a new challenge in his life. When an old friend pitches
him a business proposition he agrees to pull up stakes and more to
Marionville. Keith decides his new house will be in the style he’s always
dreamed of having even if he will live in it alone.
Realtor Terry Stattler has one goal in mind for his clients: find and sell them
the house of
their dreams. Recently widowed, Terry’s not in the market for
companionship, or so he believes. His latest client is handsome, interesting
and his age, but is he really ready to love again?
Keith becomes an eager suitor, waging a persistent siege until Terry gives
into temptation. When Terry finds the right house for him, Keith redoubles his
efforts to win Terry’s heart. After all, what good is the perfect house if the
man of your dreams won’t share it with you?
Read an excerpt from Dreams to Sell here.
The Right Brew
(Men of Marionville IX)
Hollis Milnor didn’t think twice about moving to Marionville. His ailing cousin needs
his help running his nightclub, Frolic, and Hollis needs to put some space between
himself and an ex-boyfriend determined to make his life miserable. Management
skills he has. Experience running a nightclub, not so much, but he’s a quick
learner.
Caleb Brewer is a steady, hard-working man establishing a microbrewery. He’s got
a great product and demand for it is growing. When a new manager takes over the
hottest nightclub in Marionville, Caleb is determined to maintain the arrangements
he made with the owner.
What starts out as business quickly heats up the summer nights. Hollis hesitates,
reluctant to step over the legal line. Caleb isn’t just a vendor. He works part-time at
the nightclub. Becoming involved puts them both in murky waters, waters that
become crystal clear when the past catches up with Hollis and puts everyone he
loves in danger.
Read an excerpt from The Right Brew here.
(Men of Marionville IX)
Hollis Milnor didn’t think twice about moving to Marionville. His ailing cousin needs
his help running his nightclub, Frolic, and Hollis needs to put some space between
himself and an ex-boyfriend determined to make his life miserable. Management
skills he has. Experience running a nightclub, not so much, but he’s a quick
learner.
Caleb Brewer is a steady, hard-working man establishing a microbrewery. He’s got
a great product and demand for it is growing. When a new manager takes over the
hottest nightclub in Marionville, Caleb is determined to maintain the arrangements
he made with the owner.
What starts out as business quickly heats up the summer nights. Hollis hesitates,
reluctant to step over the legal line. Caleb isn’t just a vendor. He works part-time at
the nightclub. Becoming involved puts them both in murky waters, waters that
become crystal clear when the past catches up with Hollis and puts everyone he
loves in danger.
Read an excerpt from The Right Brew here.
Where There's Smoke
(Men of Marionville X)
Leon McNamee successfully worked his life plan to a good job, his own home, and
the one thing he always wanted as a boy - a dog. He hasn’t had much luck in the
relationship department, but in Smoke he has all the company he usually needs.
Jeremy Cooke’s new plan is to stay clear of entanglements and not get hurt again.
He moves to Marionville to start over and decides to rescue a damaged dog. After
all, he’s well acquainted with abuse.
Leon and Jere get acquainted over their shared love of dogs, but Jere holds close
his secrets. When an argument escalates, disaster strikes. Leon has to fight to save
Jere’s dog - and the man’s trust. At the end of the day, his best ally is a black
Labrador Retriever named Smoke.
Read and excerpt from Where There's Smoke here.
(Men of Marionville X)
Leon McNamee successfully worked his life plan to a good job, his own home, and
the one thing he always wanted as a boy - a dog. He hasn’t had much luck in the
relationship department, but in Smoke he has all the company he usually needs.
Jeremy Cooke’s new plan is to stay clear of entanglements and not get hurt again.
He moves to Marionville to start over and decides to rescue a damaged dog. After
all, he’s well acquainted with abuse.
Leon and Jere get acquainted over their shared love of dogs, but Jere holds close
his secrets. When an argument escalates, disaster strikes. Leon has to fight to save
Jere’s dog - and the man’s trust. At the end of the day, his best ally is a black
Labrador Retriever named Smoke.
Read and excerpt from Where There's Smoke here.
Bourbon & Blues
(Men of Marionville XI)
Griffith Ernde missed his father’s funeral because he was drunk. When
he made it to the cemetery, the gates closed with him on the inside.
Griff ends up in a cell at the local precinct house charged with
trespassing with no way to salvage the day. No doubt about, it’s a
personal low in his life. Then his luck changed when Kory Watts joined
him in the cell.
Kory Watts has a knack for being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Stood up on a blind date at a local club, Kory gets swept up in a drug
raid and lands in a cell with an inebriated stranger. When his drug test
comes back clean, the duty sergeant offers Kory a deal: if he takes Griff
home, they both can go with no charges. It’s not a deal Kory will refuse.
When Kory and Griff meet again, they agree to have a drink - of ice
water. Neither man judges the other and it’s quickly apparent they share
an attraction. As their budding relationship heats up, Kory wonders if he’
s ready to get serious with a guy he just met no matter how well suited
to each other they are. When Griff is suddenly charged with the murder
of his father, Kory is ready to move heaven and earth to help prove him
innocent, but it might not be enough to save what’s between them.
(Men of Marionville XI)
Griffith Ernde missed his father’s funeral because he was drunk. When
he made it to the cemetery, the gates closed with him on the inside.
Griff ends up in a cell at the local precinct house charged with
trespassing with no way to salvage the day. No doubt about, it’s a
personal low in his life. Then his luck changed when Kory Watts joined
him in the cell.
Kory Watts has a knack for being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Stood up on a blind date at a local club, Kory gets swept up in a drug
raid and lands in a cell with an inebriated stranger. When his drug test
comes back clean, the duty sergeant offers Kory a deal: if he takes Griff
home, they both can go with no charges. It’s not a deal Kory will refuse.
When Kory and Griff meet again, they agree to have a drink - of ice
water. Neither man judges the other and it’s quickly apparent they share
an attraction. As their budding relationship heats up, Kory wonders if he’
s ready to get serious with a guy he just met no matter how well suited
to each other they are. When Griff is suddenly charged with the murder
of his father, Kory is ready to move heaven and earth to help prove him
innocent, but it might not be enough to save what’s between them.
Twice Removed From Yesterday
(Men of Marionville XII)
Chandler Beck is at a crossroads. To move forward, he has to take a
trip back to the biggest regret in his life. He discovers a man happily
settled down with a partner, both of who are ready to call him friend.
When they offer him a place to rest, Chandler ends up in their guest
room and with a job at the best restaurant in town.
Once a rising star on the pro golf circuit, a back injury forced August
Howard to give up the game. Swallowing his pride, he accepted a job
waiting tables and worked his way up to the manager of The Wharf, the
area’s premiere restaurant. He’s not happy when the owner does a
favor for a friend and hires the seemingly inexperienced Chandler
Beck as a bartender.
It doesn’t take Chandler long to win over the prickly August, but August
is a man with secrets. Their friendship heats up and when August’s
past comes calling, Chandler pays the price. The only option open is for
August to confess all and hope those around him, especially Chandler,
will accept he’s a different man from who he was in his yesterdays.
(Men of Marionville XII)
Chandler Beck is at a crossroads. To move forward, he has to take a
trip back to the biggest regret in his life. He discovers a man happily
settled down with a partner, both of who are ready to call him friend.
When they offer him a place to rest, Chandler ends up in their guest
room and with a job at the best restaurant in town.
Once a rising star on the pro golf circuit, a back injury forced August
Howard to give up the game. Swallowing his pride, he accepted a job
waiting tables and worked his way up to the manager of The Wharf, the
area’s premiere restaurant. He’s not happy when the owner does a
favor for a friend and hires the seemingly inexperienced Chandler
Beck as a bartender.
It doesn’t take Chandler long to win over the prickly August, but August
is a man with secrets. Their friendship heats up and when August’s
past comes calling, Chandler pays the price. The only option open is for
August to confess all and hope those around him, especially Chandler,
will accept he’s a different man from who he was in his yesterdays.
The Marionville Series
(series overview)
A Hard Habit to Break
(#1) Heath & Travis
Open Roads
(#2)Tyler & Noel
What You Don't Confess
(#3) Dylan & Cassidy
Your Whisper in the Dark
(#4) Kenzie & Mason
A Cat Named Hercules
(#5) Shiloh & Gale
Leather Jackets
(#6) Jude & Wynn
Station to Station
(#7) Scott & Dakota
Dreams to Sell
(#8) Keith & Terry
The Right Brew
(#9) Hollis & Caleb
Where There's Smoke
(#10) Leon & Jeremy
Bourbon & Blues
(#11) Kory & Griffith
Twice Removed From
Yesterday
(#12) Chandler & August
(series overview)
A Hard Habit to Break
(#1) Heath & Travis
Open Roads
(#2)Tyler & Noel
What You Don't Confess
(#3) Dylan & Cassidy
Your Whisper in the Dark
(#4) Kenzie & Mason
A Cat Named Hercules
(#5) Shiloh & Gale
Leather Jackets
(#6) Jude & Wynn
Station to Station
(#7) Scott & Dakota
Dreams to Sell
(#8) Keith & Terry
The Right Brew
(#9) Hollis & Caleb
Where There's Smoke
(#10) Leon & Jeremy
Bourbon & Blues
(#11) Kory & Griffith
Twice Removed From
Yesterday
(#12) Chandler & August
