Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Cock and Bull Blog Hop Stop -- Freddy MacKay

The Cock & Bull Blog Hop is in full swing, and today, the hop stops here!

Before I turn it over to today's guest, just a quick note to let everyone know the authors participating in the blog hop will be chatting today at the Love Romances Cafe Yahoo Loop from noon until 5:00 eastern time. C'mon over and hang out!

And without further ado, Freddy MacKay is taking over my blog, so Freddy, take it away:
Hello all, this is Freddy MacKay. If you’re wondering, LA Witt has been nice enough to let me be a guest blogger today to help celebrate my new release Finding Peace 1: Beginning Again on January 21st.

*Smiles*

So, how is everyone doing on this wonderful day? I hope it is for you anyway. We’re still dreaming of a White ‘Something’ around my parts. We even have the sleds and toboggan down just in case the weather decides to listen to our heartfelt pleas.

We want this.

And basically have this.

And no we don’t want the warm weather - we’re not fans of insects.

What about you? 2012 has just started and already we’re on a wild ride for the Cock and Bull Blog Tour, any big plans already? Wishing for snow like us?

For me, I have the release coming up - the whole reason I’m hanging on for my dear life on this blog hop - and I have my volunteer work.

My family has always been involved in a lot of different organizations, some more than others, but we’ve been raised to always give back.

Now you may be wondering why I’m talking about any of this...it’s understandable, but there is a reason.

Volunteering actually ties back to my December ‘11 release, Sheltered 1: Tears for Christmas and my new release this January.

My main characters Gabe and Danny, volunteer at the OCVAC shelter in that series and one of the side characters, Bobby Daniels, becomes a main character in my new series, Finding Peace. In both series, there are characters that are need a reminder of what it means to be loved or have people care about them and know that it’s okay. And each series, the characters go about it in their own ways.

Now I know, since we’re in the ‘Dark Ages of Misinformation and Technology’ (my own view *shrugs*), people think volunteering can take up a lot of time.

Time they don’t have, but it doesn’t have to and even a little bit of kindness can change a person’s life.

For instance, one of the things my family does every Christmas is ‘The Giving Tree’ that our local high school hosts.

You go, pick a name, and the person in need has a ‘wish list’ attached to it. Then you can go buy as many or little Christmas gifts you want and return with them to the school. The school then has the students help deliver the presents to the children or adults.

We try to pick someone older - 70s or 80s - or a young kid - around 9 or 10 - to help because these gifts may be the only ones they get.

It’s a nice thing to do and doesn’t require a ton of time on our part. Thinking back on how the economy is, there are many people who could use a reminder that they matter, and could use a little TLC. So take some time, look around and there may be something small or big you can do for someone today.

Thanks to LA Witt for letting me blog today and thank you for taking the time to stop by, you can find an excerpt, from Finding Peace 1: Beginning Again, for your viewing pleasure. And don’t forget to stop by my blog (address below) tomorrow to read my interview with Marie Sexton tomorrow!


Excerpt - Prologue

Junnosuke Ito stared at the young man sitting in front of him, asking to work in his Biochemistry lab at the university, dumbfounded and confused but would never admit to such a thing. If it wasn’t for the fact Jun’s drivers license stated he was fifty-two, and that his friend Abby would be the same age, he would swear up and down that his interviewee, David McCourt, was Absalom. The bright blue eyes. David’s thick, and wavy, dirty blond hair. The lithe build, his average height – all of it, a perfect carbon copy of the friend Jun lost so many years before.

His heart ached and his fingers twitched, he wanted to call Henry and tell him about the young man in front of him. But he couldn’t not before David left. Only Henry would understand. Henry, Jun’s best friend and confidante since Abby’s disappearance, the only other person who went through the same loss and pain he did, would understand. Jun’s friend carried the same gnarled wound that dug into Jun’s chest, the one that flared incessantly as a reminder of his mistakes as he looked at David sitting across from him. They were so similar Jun almost caught himself calling the young student Abby.

The professor listened as David talked about his research and why he wanted to be in Jun’s lab, nodding at all the right intervals, but he struggled underneath his cool façade. Flashes of Abby slammed into him, making Jun think about how he didn’t do as much as he could of when his best friend’s relationship status was repeatedly rejected by Neil. And how his blond friend went from the smiling and loving, and slightly clumsy when they were undergraduates, to the quiet and reserved young man in graduate school. All of it, the whole transformation, just so Abby could hang onto Neil.

But their friend Neil, now the university’s president, never acknowledged Abby as the love of his life. Henry and Jun blindly believed that things would change. And they did, Abby and Neil’s relationship got to the point where Abby just up and disappeared one day. Not long after an incident at some nightclub, an event that left Abby with broken ribs and a black eye.

Henry and Jun’s friendship with Neil splintered after their friend disappeared. Henry and Jun went their separate ways from Neil, promising to never speak with the man again, only to be thrust back together with him when he took the head position at CRU. A hiring choice Jun fought against, but lost. He did not want his one time friend coming back to his beloved campus. Reconciling with Neil would never happen. When Abby left, Jun, Henry and Neil’s friendship fragmented, permanently and irrevocably.

And now with David talking enthusiastically to Jun about his research, the past came up and hit him in the stomach, kicking him in the ass when he went down, laughing and taunting him as a world of renewed regret piled back onto him. Jun lost himself in his thoughts until the young man cleared his throat and looked meaningfully at him. Concern and resignation marred the young man’s clear blue eyes. Jun returned his steady gaze to David, attempting to clear his thoughts of a friend lost but never forgotten.

“I’m sorry, you said you’re a transfer?”

“Yes, I’m starting here as a sophomore after getting accepted from a community college in Flagstead.”

Jun looked down at the resume and transcripts David brought with him and nodded, hearing the young man but still struggling with containing his emotions. “So why did you pick CRU?”

A weak smile crossed David’s face, one Jun had seen on Abby many times, and Jun’s breathing nearly stopped. The slight curve on David’s lips weren’t ones of happiness, but of loss and misery. Even though the young man grinned, it never managed to reach his eyes. Blue eyes that desperately tried to keep up appearances and not let any emotion through them. But David wasn’t quick enough for Jun not to notice. He had first-hand experience with those kinds of feelings and the fact that they came from someone so similar to his missing best friend did a number on Jun.

“I’m not trying to pry, I was just wondering why our science program stood out to you over the other universities,” he said softly and pointed at the transcripts. “Your grades are excellent.”

David shrugged, wariness filling his face. “I like the Biology program here and the research the university is doing. The college in Flagstead is more of a liberal arts school that’s easy going and open-minded but I’m a science major, not an art major. Besides that, it was an economical decision. Paying in-state is a lot cheaper than going out of state.”

Jun had to agree. “Yes it is, but CRU isn’t exactly an open-minded school.”

“No, no it’s not,” replied David, a look of irritation crossing his face. “But this one was close to home and it has the specific program I wanted.”

“Yes, I’m sorry, you said that,” said Jun as he racked his brain, the shock of seeing an Abby-clone affecting him to his very core. Did he even make any sense at all at this point? “CRU is a wonderful school and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time here.”

“I hope so.” A pained expression flittered across David’s face. “My family was really excited when I got the acceptance letter.”

“Then you’ll have to make them proud won’t you?”

David visibly paled and pulled a tight grimace that was probably supposed to be a smile. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

“So, would you like to see the lab?” Asked Jun as he pushed back from his desk. Jun knew he should think the offer through a little more but couldn’t stop himself. He needed David close by, to be able to keep an eye on the kid, to make sure nothing bad happened to him, maybe then he could atone for the mistakes he made with Abby.

Shock filled David’s eyes before he stammered out an answer. “You mean I have the job?”

“Yes.”

“Oh! Uh, thanks!”

A grin tugged in the corner of Jun’s lips. He knew his reputation, what the kids said, about how hard it was to get accepted into his lab. Obviously David had heard the rumors too. The look of disbelief spoke volumes. David had not been expecting to get the lab assistant job offered to him on the spot or the job at all.

“No problem, I think I’ve seen enough to know a good thing when I’ve found it,” said Jun as he opened his office door and waved for David to follow him.

A faint tint of red appeared on the young man’s cheeks, making David feel like an even bigger remind of Abby to Jun. A sharp tug pulled in Jun’s chest. He very much missed his old friend, and with David around, a constant reminder would be walking around Jun’s lab daily. He shook his head, the minute that the boy walked through his door Jun knew he wouldn’t be able to let go. Abby was gone and this boy was so very much like his long lost friend.

Jun took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart, knowing he needed to call Henry once he showed David the lab. How was he going to explain Abby’s ghost showed up on his doorstep?


Excerpt End

As an FYI, my Sheltered Series is a M/M series while the Finding Peace Series has all relationship types.

For more information you can stop by:

freddysstereograph.weebly.com
or
freddymackay.blogspot.com

NEXT STOP on the Cock & Bull Blog Hop
Freddy Interviews Marie Sexton, January 5!

67 comments:

  1. This looks awesome. Thanks for the excerpt.

    Jase
    vslavetopassionv(at)aol(dot)com

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  2. On the one hand...the story sounds great!
    On the other hand...*sigh* another book for my distended TBR pile!

    Maya
    qbeeqt[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  3. I enjoyed Tears of Christmas and am looking forward to Beginning Again. And I'm not looking forward to snow. We've managed without it so far and would like that to continue.

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  4. I'm hoping for snow for at least Christmas or Old New Year*fingers crossed* it's snowing in some parts already!


    The to read pile grows! ;)

    Anzu

    anzumerlin(at)mail(dot)ru

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  5. Looks interesting. :)

    Midia
    midiamuniz@yahoo.com

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  6. Looks good! Happy New Year!
    OceanAkers@aol.com
    OceanAkers(at)aol(dot)com

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  7. Sounds great my tbr list keeps getting longer :-D

    Sarah S

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  8. I'm finding so many new authors with all this blog hopping. I don't know if I can afford all you new(to me) guys.

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  9. I really enjoyed this excerpt. I definitely have to put it on my TRL. And no I don't want snow. Too cold for me. Happy New Year and thanks for the post.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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  10. Very good excerpt. Adding to my need to read pile.

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  11. Freddy MacKay is a new author for me but not for long. The excerpt was great. I look forward in reading the entire novel.

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

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  12. The excerpt was excellent had me trying to turn the page LOL!!
    Thanks for sharing the story with us.
    Cinders

    crozzy67@nctv.com

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  13. I really enjoyed "Tears for Christmas". It was a very touching story. I like your views on volunteering. The Giving Tree is a great idea.

    Look forward to "Beginning Again".

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  14. Freddy-
    I really enjoyed Tears For Christmas so I'll definitely be buying Beginning Again. Thanks for the excerpt, it sounds great.
    -Nix

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  15. I *really* need to stop reading excerpts; the TBR/TBB piles are getting unwieldy again... :D

    tracykitn AT yahoo DOT com

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  16. Freddy - No, please God, no snow. When it snows in Chicago - it doesn't just dust the ground in pretty white fluff. :)

    Your cover is gorgeous!!

    JPBarnaby
    http://www.jpbarnaby.com

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  17. Thanks for the excerpt sounds interesting :)

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  18. I'm going to purchase both books,

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  19. Wow, sounds like a great story, thanks for the excerpt!

    Vicki
    vthompson182@gmail.com

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  20. Thanks for all the lovely posts so far everyone! For those who had nice things to say about 'Tears,' thank you.

    *Dances*

    And JP, if it snows in Chicago, um....yeah, you can blame me. ;)

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  21. The excerpt sounds great, Thanks.
    I'm wishing for snow too, not too much but a little would be nice :)
    talia628@yahoo.com

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  22. Never heard of Freddy before, but very interested in reading this story. Oh, and if you want snow, come here. It is melting away, but I am sure we will get more.

    Satori1977@msn.com

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  23. Freddie,

    What a great story! I've definitely added this to me TBB pile. I can see that my TBB/TBR pile will be getting more additions to it as this blog tour continues. LOL

    Danielle
    starshine31277@yahoo.com

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  24. This looks like a fun read, thanks for posting an excerpt. We to are wishing for snow. Up near Vail, where we live there is very little new fresh snow and the resorts are screaming. Have a great tour and hope that your "white" winter improves.

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  25. Sounds like a great story. Thanks for the excerpt. Have put the book on my wishlist. Thanks for the blog tour.

    e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

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  26. Beautiful cover and great excerpt!

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  27. "Dark Ages of Misinformation and Technology"--I'll have to remember that one! Lovely excerpt, too...

    --Trix (vitajex[at]aol[dot]com)

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  28. Thanks to LA for playing host site today and thanks Freddy for the excerpt - I have been following your blog story and I hope we'll get all of Abby's story eventually! I also got Tears for Christmas and really enjoyed it, looking forward to this release now!
    Take care...until tomorrow!

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  29. I am also waiting for snow, but I doubt I'll be getting much, if any, since I live in KY now. Living in MI spoiled me for winter.

    Your book sounds fascinating. Thanks for including such a long excerpt.

    Charlie

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  30. Looks great. I just got back to eastern WA after 3 weeks in Southern Cali. I miss the warm weather!

    wocaworld{at}gmail{dot}com

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  31. I think your story sounds great and I absolutey adore that you and your family help others who need it about the snow thing I live in fl and right now it's 40 degrees and I honestly can't comprehend how some people love this weather cuz I'm freezing thx for the experts come payday I will be broke after reading all these new release I wanna buy
    Joanie mills
    J_zam77@yahoo.com

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  32. I think what you do to help others is so great and we all need to give of our time for those less fortunate and maybe just a few minutes of OUR time gives them a WHOLE DAY of joy. I do alot for nursing homes and elderly people as I am one of the latest and know how I feel when some one does something nice for me. I love to return the favor. I also love the sounds of your book. Hope this enters me in the contest this month. susan Leech garysue@dejazzd.com

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  33. Freddy MacKay is a new author for me as well.

    Well as to the weather with plus 10°C I've lost all my hope for snow. :(

    Our weather looks like early spring, which is still cold and rainy, so I envy you the sun and the beach. ;)

    elaynelost(at)yahoo(dot)de

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  34. This sounds like an intense story. I can't wait to read it all!

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  35. I loved the excerpt. I can't guess if there will be some reincarnation involved or an unknown son, or just a second chance for love with another person, but either way it goes, it promises to be very emotional story. My kind of story.

    The January 21st can't come too fast :)

    0401romance AT gmail DOT com

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  36. Loved the excerpt! Thanks for the chance to win!
    brandon_savannah@yahoo.com

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  37. Im in love with the cover...and thank you for sharing the excerpt with us.
    constanzaloreto@gmail.com

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  38. Great excerpt must add the book to my TBB pile

    ShirleyAnn@speakman40.freeserve.co.uk

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  39. Great excerpt! Can't wait to read it!

    Alicia
    alleycat2468@hotmail.com

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  40. Lovely excerpt, I'll keep my eye out for that book. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  41. looks interesting :) I like the excerpt and will be sure to keep an eye out :)

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  42. Sounds good. Looking forward to reading it!

    Tiffany-bubbliemom@gmail.com

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  43. Love this blog tour, finding some great TBR's. I don't think there is much chance of snow down here in the south. Although if an inch hits the ground they shut everything down around here.

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  44. Thx for the Interview. It's nice to see what others do to help their communities.

    hankts AT internode DOT on DOT net

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  45. The cover for Beginning Again caught my eye a while ago, but after reading the excerpt, it is DEFINITELY going on my TBR/TBB list.
    Thanks for sharing a great excerpt, Freddie!

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  46. book sounds great. I definitely look forward to reading it.

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  47. I live in Florida, but until just six months ago, I lived in Northern Arizona (which is more what you'd think of when you'd think Colorado). It's all snowy there, and unbearably hot here most of the year, even in the winter. I miss the snow as well, so I understand your pain! XD

    Best wishes with the book!

    -Kris
    yventide@gmail.com

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  48. great excerpt - thanks. I'm loving the tour.

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  49. Looking forward to your book, will definitely be added to my TBR pile, which will probably be super long by the time I finish this blog hop. Best wishes on this and future books.

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  50. Thank you Freddy for your honesty and sharing of giving back. It is so rewarding to mind and spirit to give back simply as it is the right thing to do. Plus it just feel good to do it...*S*

    Thank you for the giveaway and being part of the blog tour...*S*

    Darcy
    pommawolf @hotmail.com

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  51. Thanks for all the nice comments and well wishes everyone! In about an hour and half, my interview with Marie Sexton will be up on my blog. See everyone laters.

    :)
    Freddy

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  52. A great post to read & I loved the excerpt thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  53. This looks really good. I love that cover! heh... yes, sometimes I love a tortured hero. lol..
    thank you for the excerpt!

    Judi
    arella3173_loveless(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  54. I haven't longed from snow since I was a kid. I do enjoy the first decent snowfall of the year when everything is all white and pretty, it quickly goes down hill from there.

    acm05atjuno.com

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  55. THIS *IS* AN ENTRY FOR THE GIFT CARD DRAWING!! Posting a comment for a reader whose computer isn't getting along with Blogger:

    Sounds like a great read! Can't wait to read it!
    Ashley A
    ash_app@hotmail.com

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  56. Count me in please. :)

    This books sound great!

    Jibriel.O(at)web(dot)de

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  57. Congrats on your new release! Sounds like a good book :-)

    smaccall AT comcast.net

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  58. I only want snow from about Dec 15 thru New Years, then I'm done with it, but unfortunately I live in SW Michigan, so winter is far from done with me until at least mid March.

    Enjoyed the excerpt.

    drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com

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  59. great exert!

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

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  60. Good excerpt. Thank you for sharing with us.
    Btw,I have to say that I do not want the snow and cold. I would much rather have warm weather. So far, where I live we have only had a little snow, that was gone quickly. But it continues to be cold.
    June
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  61. Enjoyed the excerpt. As a Florida girl, which I'll take warm weather any day.

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  62. I'm exited for your new book! I hope I win something on the hop! Good luck with the weather!

    Kyreadinggirl
    Kyreadinggirl@yahoo.com

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  63. Freddy MacKay is a new author for me too. Loved the excerpt :) Sounds like a good read.
    We have cold here and wind, so it's really freezing outside, but sadly no snow (but there's still some hope...)

    cayce006 at yahoo dot com

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  64. Thanks so much for the blog hop

    evelynmoly@yahoo.com

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