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Zara's Bois - Gracie C. McKeever
Zara’s Bois
Gracie C. McKeever
ISBN: 9781606011652
Siren Publishing
Reviewed By Josee Morgan
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Zara’s Bois is an intriguing collection of three different, yet equally compelling stories, all united by one common factor: Zara Benjamin. A flighty, self-centered ne’er do well, Zara prematurely leaves this earth after a sudden tragic accident ends her brief life – but her departure soon proves to be short-lived. Relegated to the confines of spiritual limbo, she is given a series of difficult assignments by her appointed angelic handlers, and her ultimate redemption in the eyes of her Creator depends on her completion of the challenging tasks.
In “Zack And The Dark Shaft,” Zara finds her disembodied spirit able to occupy the person of her twin brother, Zack. The reason for her reincarnation? To win the heart of the successful and sexy Quincy Powers, for whom she’s always carried a fierce flame – but who also just happens to be Zack’s object of affection. As badly as she wants Quincy all to herself, Zara must contend with the fact that Zack wants him just as much, and the ultimate test of her love for her beloved twin brother may just prove too much for her to handle…
In “Ingenue’s Choice,” Zara finds herself playing spiritual matchmaker for the most unlikely of couples: Keir Monroe, a humble bartender by night and undiscovered creative genius by day, and Patryk Andrews, a workaholic accountant from the far opposite side of the tracks. In addition to their obvious differences, Zara’s task is made even more difficult by both Patryk’s past and present: his heart has still not healed from being shattered before, and his snooty family – for obvious reasons – would never approve of his coupling with Keir. Somehow, Zara must find a way to get the men to break down the barriers impeding their shared destiny…
Lastly, in “Bouncer’s Folly,” Zara awakens in the body of Trevor Carmichael, drug-addicted party-hopper and all-around bad boy. When Trevor OD’s on the bathroom floor of a popular nightspot one evening, he’s resuscitated by luscious hunk of a bouncer Ramsey Logan – only his spirit has forever departed his body, and Zara’s is its new occupant. As Zara and Ramsey grow closer, she has the chance to show the world that Trevor can reform his old ways and strive to repair the considerable damage left in the wake of his self-destructive past – a lesson that, for Zara, hits quite a bit close to home…
In Zara’s Bois, Gracie C. McKeever undauntedly tackles the issue of closeted homosexuality, compelling the reader in vicarious fashion to experience the ultimate freedom and liberation embraced by her eclectic assortment of characters. With Zara serving as a not-so-innocent bystander, each of the men are brought face-to-face with their deepest fears, as well as the enduring pain that keeps them shut off to the world at large. Parallel to her own stint in spiritual limbo, the depths of their emotional limbo are finally exposed, and they are presented with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to break the chains of their literal and figurative oppression once and for all.
As has become her trademark standard, McKeever presents each character in holistic, three-dimensional fashion – not as stereotypical caricatures – allowing the reader to confront his or her own personal prejudices regarding the often-miscast world of homosexuality. By presenting the men in the universal light of humanity, McKeever does ultimate justice to them and their ongoing struggles, which are no different than anyone else’s – regardless of sexual orientation. Furthermore, her emphasis on the redeeming power of love is a reassuring, comforting theme sure to touch the hearts of readers from every ethnicity, nationality, and background imaginable.
Kudos to McKeever for taking a strong stand and delivering a powerful, much needed message on the healing power of redemption.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Gracie C. McKeever (Zara's Bios)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Gracie. We're looking forward to learning more about your latest book.
Gracie C. McKeever: As always, I’m happy to be here and look forward to chatting and discussing “Zara’s Bois”.
AR: What inspired you to combine the three different, yet connected stories into a singular volume?
GCM: As most of my series do, “Zara’s Bois” started out as a single title. The first story, “Zack and the Dark Shaft,” was a loose send-up on a fairy tale (Jack and the Beanstalk). After “Nine Inches of Snow and the Ebony Princess,” my first adult fairy tale for Siren Publishing, did so well (still is doing pretty well, actually) I was asked to write another fairy tale, but with an m/m theme. Chomping at the bit to write a full-length m/m novel since my first m/m short story, Breaking and Entering, I was more than happy to oblige, and I started throwing ideas around for ZATDS. As the popularity of NIOS grew, my publisher asked if I could turn ZATDS into a series, so I started looking at my plot and characters to see where I could tweak and expand them to include future stories. It was a natural progression to center the series around the bar, Zara’s, where an assortment of people - both staff and customers - come and go. Once I had the location and theme down, I started focusing on who I could people the stories with. And the rest, as they say, is history.
AR: Where did you get the concept for "Zack And The Dark Shaft," specifically the idea of both Zara and Zack occupying the same body at the same time?
GCM: I already had a couple other books that dealt with reincarnation and the dynamics of and relationship between twins - two pet themes of mine. I also liked the idea of drastically reversing a character’s fortune - bringing a black male character back as a white female, for example, something I handled in “New Life Incognita”. In “In Plain Sight” I handled two female souls briefly occupying and sharing the same body while having sex with one of the women’s boyfriend (the boyfriend was, incidentally, an identical twin, and the love scene involving him and the “two” women was probably my first experience with writing a ménage). With “Zack and the Dark Shaft,” I saw the opportunity to expand on this plot device when I brought Zara back - to get in the reincarnation, sex-switch and body-sharing theme all in one book again and deal with the same sex (m/m) sex issue. That the souls sharing the body were opposite-sex twins who were in love with the same man added a nice dimension of internal conflict to the story and the possibility for future stories when one of the twins (souls) finally “loses” the battle and has to vacate Zack’s body. What happens with and to the vacating soul was the basis for the rest of the series.
AR: As powerful as their mutual attraction is, why is it so difficult for Zack and Quincy to pursue one another until Zara intervenes?
GCM: Though Quincy is gay, he knows how Zara feels about him. And, though he knows nothing romantic can ever come of their relationship, he’s a loyal friend and a good guy in general and doesn’t want to do anything to hurt Zara. He sacrifices his own pursuit of possible happiness with Zack in order not to hurt Zara. The same is true for Zack, though his feelings of protectiveness for and loyalty to Zara run on a much deeper level than Quincy’s. He’s her big brother and has always been there to help and take care of her. Acting on his feelings for Quincy would hurt Zara and be a betrayal of his sister, in Zack’s eyes. Even after Zara’s death, there is still a level of guilt and angst for both Quincy and Zack that gets in the way of their feelings for each other, and herein lie some of each character’s internal conflict, and also Zara’s purpose for being sent back. Though she has her own agenda, she’s the catalyst - both in life and in death - that brings Zack and Quincy together.
AR: As our reviewer mentioned - at least on the surface of things - Keir and Patryk make for quite the unlikely couple. What is the source of the attraction between them?
GCM: Each character sees in the other what he wants and needs. Certainly their relationship starts out as a physical and sexual attraction, but the attraction goes much deeper than that. Keir is a natural Dominant, and Patryk is a Submissive who’s been hurt by a Master in the past. Keir is naturally drawn to the void he senses in Patryk and wants to fill it. Both men have had dysfunctional and painful relationships in their past; they are kindred souls, and, despite Keir’s being black, a talented artist from a blue-collar, working class family, and Patryk’s being a white, white-collar stock broker from a well-to-do family, the universality of their past pain and relationships is what brings them together.
AR: In "Bouncer's Folly," Zara is finally given her own personal shot at redemption. Was that always the plan for her, according to the heavenly designs of her angelic handlers?
GCM: Not initially, no. I had no idea how I was going to bring Zara back after the end of “Zack and the Dark Shaft” or how I was going to redeem her. But I knew that, after everything she had gone through (and after everything she had put her brother through), she needed redemption, and I wanted to see her get her own happily ever after. As “Ingenue’s Choice” progressed and Zara started to grow as a character and become less self-absorbed, I (and Zara’s angels) began to see the potential for further redemption and the inkling of an idea of how to bring her back and what the plot of the final story would be. I really enjoyed the idea of bringing the story and characters full circle in “Bouncer’s Folly.”
AR: Our reviewer mentioned just how well you develop each of the characters in your stories. Is it difficult for you to craft them into holistic, three-dimensional beings?
GCM: Once I outline my characters’ goals (what they want), motivations (background), and internal and external conflicts that are keeping them from reaching their goals, it’s easy to think of my characters as real people with the same wants and needs that we all have. Once the characters are real to me, I can make them real and three-dimensional to my readers.
AR: In the Dedication of the book, you give a special shout out to those who are living their lives openly as homosexuals, refusing to closet their lifestyles. Is there something in particular that makes this issue one that's especially close to your heart?
GCM: I have gay relatives and gay friends whom I care about and who live their lives openly and proudly. I admire their courage to be whom and what they are. So, in that way the issue is close to my heart and personal. Also, and I guess being a minority, I understand the need for equality and the civil rights issues that many gays are struggling for, the same way African Americans struggled in the 60’s and are still struggling today.
AR: The city of New York - of which you are a proud native - tends to hold special sway in most of your tales. What is it about the city that makes it so appealing to you?
GCM: It has a confident vibe and never sleeps! And, because of its diverse make-up - with people coming from all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, and religious and political beliefs - it’s a place that’s rife with conflict and colorful, larger than life characters, ripe for interesting storylines. I suppose the same can be said for most big cities, but New York and its people just seem to have a certain mystique about them (says the author in all modesty).
AR: You are quite the prolific author, and you don't appear to be losing any steam. What advice would you give to aspiring authors seeking to develop the same kind of illustrious career that you have?
GCM: Believe in yourself and your talent, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Keep writing. Never let an opportunity pass to learn, and improve your craft. Don’t be afraid to take risks. And, finally, keep writing!
AR: What have been some of the greatest highlights/achievements of your writing career thus far?
GCM: The positive recognition from peers and critical acclaim from reviewers are big highlights, but more when a fan reaches out, a paying customer and reader to say that they love my work - now that’s special. I also just achieved something earlier in the year that I never thought I’d achieve again: my Siren Publishing title, Eternal Designs, was named a 2008 Romantic Times Award Nominee in the Best Erotic Romance & Erotica Novel - Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi Erotic Romance Category. I had previously garnered an RT nomination in 2002 for my Awe-Struck E-Book title Flames Past (Best Small Press Paranormal), so getting another nod was an exciting and pleasant surprise and started off my New Year on a great positive note!
AR: What's next for you?
GCM: January 12, 2009, will see the release of my first ménage à trois story, “Sexual Healing for Three” (formerly “Bruised But Not Broken”), the fifth story in my The Matchmaker series. As I probably mentioned before, I have an erotica short story, Leap of Faith, due out in Zane’s Eroticanoir anthology, “Sensuality: Caramel Flava 2” in Summer 2009. And I’m also working on my second ménage à trois, a contemporary interracial romance.
AR: Please share your website address with our readers one more time, so they can learn more about you.
GCM: I’d be happy to. It’s http://www.graciecmckeever.com.
AR: Also, please share your contact information, just in case they'd like to reach you directly.
GCM: Certainly. I can be reached at gwiz10@optonline.net.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
GCM: I hope they’ve enjoyed my work so far, and, if they haven’t picked up one of books yet, what are they waiting for? If they want a taste of my writing with no obligation, they can check out my site for links to excerpts and free short stories, and then got out and buy one of my books.
AR: Thanks again, Gracie, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
GCM: Thanks for having me, Apex, and much success to you, too!
Gracie C. McKeever
ISBN: 9781606011652
Siren Publishing
Reviewed By Josee Morgan
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Zara’s Bois is an intriguing collection of three different, yet equally compelling stories, all united by one common factor: Zara Benjamin. A flighty, self-centered ne’er do well, Zara prematurely leaves this earth after a sudden tragic accident ends her brief life – but her departure soon proves to be short-lived. Relegated to the confines of spiritual limbo, she is given a series of difficult assignments by her appointed angelic handlers, and her ultimate redemption in the eyes of her Creator depends on her completion of the challenging tasks.
In “Zack And The Dark Shaft,” Zara finds her disembodied spirit able to occupy the person of her twin brother, Zack. The reason for her reincarnation? To win the heart of the successful and sexy Quincy Powers, for whom she’s always carried a fierce flame – but who also just happens to be Zack’s object of affection. As badly as she wants Quincy all to herself, Zara must contend with the fact that Zack wants him just as much, and the ultimate test of her love for her beloved twin brother may just prove too much for her to handle…
In “Ingenue’s Choice,” Zara finds herself playing spiritual matchmaker for the most unlikely of couples: Keir Monroe, a humble bartender by night and undiscovered creative genius by day, and Patryk Andrews, a workaholic accountant from the far opposite side of the tracks. In addition to their obvious differences, Zara’s task is made even more difficult by both Patryk’s past and present: his heart has still not healed from being shattered before, and his snooty family – for obvious reasons – would never approve of his coupling with Keir. Somehow, Zara must find a way to get the men to break down the barriers impeding their shared destiny…
Lastly, in “Bouncer’s Folly,” Zara awakens in the body of Trevor Carmichael, drug-addicted party-hopper and all-around bad boy. When Trevor OD’s on the bathroom floor of a popular nightspot one evening, he’s resuscitated by luscious hunk of a bouncer Ramsey Logan – only his spirit has forever departed his body, and Zara’s is its new occupant. As Zara and Ramsey grow closer, she has the chance to show the world that Trevor can reform his old ways and strive to repair the considerable damage left in the wake of his self-destructive past – a lesson that, for Zara, hits quite a bit close to home…
In Zara’s Bois, Gracie C. McKeever undauntedly tackles the issue of closeted homosexuality, compelling the reader in vicarious fashion to experience the ultimate freedom and liberation embraced by her eclectic assortment of characters. With Zara serving as a not-so-innocent bystander, each of the men are brought face-to-face with their deepest fears, as well as the enduring pain that keeps them shut off to the world at large. Parallel to her own stint in spiritual limbo, the depths of their emotional limbo are finally exposed, and they are presented with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to break the chains of their literal and figurative oppression once and for all.
As has become her trademark standard, McKeever presents each character in holistic, three-dimensional fashion – not as stereotypical caricatures – allowing the reader to confront his or her own personal prejudices regarding the often-miscast world of homosexuality. By presenting the men in the universal light of humanity, McKeever does ultimate justice to them and their ongoing struggles, which are no different than anyone else’s – regardless of sexual orientation. Furthermore, her emphasis on the redeeming power of love is a reassuring, comforting theme sure to touch the hearts of readers from every ethnicity, nationality, and background imaginable.
Kudos to McKeever for taking a strong stand and delivering a powerful, much needed message on the healing power of redemption.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Gracie C. McKeever (Zara's Bios)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Gracie. We're looking forward to learning more about your latest book.
Gracie C. McKeever: As always, I’m happy to be here and look forward to chatting and discussing “Zara’s Bois”.
AR: What inspired you to combine the three different, yet connected stories into a singular volume?
GCM: As most of my series do, “Zara’s Bois” started out as a single title. The first story, “Zack and the Dark Shaft,” was a loose send-up on a fairy tale (Jack and the Beanstalk). After “Nine Inches of Snow and the Ebony Princess,” my first adult fairy tale for Siren Publishing, did so well (still is doing pretty well, actually) I was asked to write another fairy tale, but with an m/m theme. Chomping at the bit to write a full-length m/m novel since my first m/m short story, Breaking and Entering, I was more than happy to oblige, and I started throwing ideas around for ZATDS. As the popularity of NIOS grew, my publisher asked if I could turn ZATDS into a series, so I started looking at my plot and characters to see where I could tweak and expand them to include future stories. It was a natural progression to center the series around the bar, Zara’s, where an assortment of people - both staff and customers - come and go. Once I had the location and theme down, I started focusing on who I could people the stories with. And the rest, as they say, is history.
AR: Where did you get the concept for "Zack And The Dark Shaft," specifically the idea of both Zara and Zack occupying the same body at the same time?
GCM: I already had a couple other books that dealt with reincarnation and the dynamics of and relationship between twins - two pet themes of mine. I also liked the idea of drastically reversing a character’s fortune - bringing a black male character back as a white female, for example, something I handled in “New Life Incognita”. In “In Plain Sight” I handled two female souls briefly occupying and sharing the same body while having sex with one of the women’s boyfriend (the boyfriend was, incidentally, an identical twin, and the love scene involving him and the “two” women was probably my first experience with writing a ménage). With “Zack and the Dark Shaft,” I saw the opportunity to expand on this plot device when I brought Zara back - to get in the reincarnation, sex-switch and body-sharing theme all in one book again and deal with the same sex (m/m) sex issue. That the souls sharing the body were opposite-sex twins who were in love with the same man added a nice dimension of internal conflict to the story and the possibility for future stories when one of the twins (souls) finally “loses” the battle and has to vacate Zack’s body. What happens with and to the vacating soul was the basis for the rest of the series.
AR: As powerful as their mutual attraction is, why is it so difficult for Zack and Quincy to pursue one another until Zara intervenes?
GCM: Though Quincy is gay, he knows how Zara feels about him. And, though he knows nothing romantic can ever come of their relationship, he’s a loyal friend and a good guy in general and doesn’t want to do anything to hurt Zara. He sacrifices his own pursuit of possible happiness with Zack in order not to hurt Zara. The same is true for Zack, though his feelings of protectiveness for and loyalty to Zara run on a much deeper level than Quincy’s. He’s her big brother and has always been there to help and take care of her. Acting on his feelings for Quincy would hurt Zara and be a betrayal of his sister, in Zack’s eyes. Even after Zara’s death, there is still a level of guilt and angst for both Quincy and Zack that gets in the way of their feelings for each other, and herein lie some of each character’s internal conflict, and also Zara’s purpose for being sent back. Though she has her own agenda, she’s the catalyst - both in life and in death - that brings Zack and Quincy together.
AR: As our reviewer mentioned - at least on the surface of things - Keir and Patryk make for quite the unlikely couple. What is the source of the attraction between them?
GCM: Each character sees in the other what he wants and needs. Certainly their relationship starts out as a physical and sexual attraction, but the attraction goes much deeper than that. Keir is a natural Dominant, and Patryk is a Submissive who’s been hurt by a Master in the past. Keir is naturally drawn to the void he senses in Patryk and wants to fill it. Both men have had dysfunctional and painful relationships in their past; they are kindred souls, and, despite Keir’s being black, a talented artist from a blue-collar, working class family, and Patryk’s being a white, white-collar stock broker from a well-to-do family, the universality of their past pain and relationships is what brings them together.
AR: In "Bouncer's Folly," Zara is finally given her own personal shot at redemption. Was that always the plan for her, according to the heavenly designs of her angelic handlers?
GCM: Not initially, no. I had no idea how I was going to bring Zara back after the end of “Zack and the Dark Shaft” or how I was going to redeem her. But I knew that, after everything she had gone through (and after everything she had put her brother through), she needed redemption, and I wanted to see her get her own happily ever after. As “Ingenue’s Choice” progressed and Zara started to grow as a character and become less self-absorbed, I (and Zara’s angels) began to see the potential for further redemption and the inkling of an idea of how to bring her back and what the plot of the final story would be. I really enjoyed the idea of bringing the story and characters full circle in “Bouncer’s Folly.”
AR: Our reviewer mentioned just how well you develop each of the characters in your stories. Is it difficult for you to craft them into holistic, three-dimensional beings?
GCM: Once I outline my characters’ goals (what they want), motivations (background), and internal and external conflicts that are keeping them from reaching their goals, it’s easy to think of my characters as real people with the same wants and needs that we all have. Once the characters are real to me, I can make them real and three-dimensional to my readers.
AR: In the Dedication of the book, you give a special shout out to those who are living their lives openly as homosexuals, refusing to closet their lifestyles. Is there something in particular that makes this issue one that's especially close to your heart?
GCM: I have gay relatives and gay friends whom I care about and who live their lives openly and proudly. I admire their courage to be whom and what they are. So, in that way the issue is close to my heart and personal. Also, and I guess being a minority, I understand the need for equality and the civil rights issues that many gays are struggling for, the same way African Americans struggled in the 60’s and are still struggling today.
AR: The city of New York - of which you are a proud native - tends to hold special sway in most of your tales. What is it about the city that makes it so appealing to you?
GCM: It has a confident vibe and never sleeps! And, because of its diverse make-up - with people coming from all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, and religious and political beliefs - it’s a place that’s rife with conflict and colorful, larger than life characters, ripe for interesting storylines. I suppose the same can be said for most big cities, but New York and its people just seem to have a certain mystique about them (says the author in all modesty).
AR: You are quite the prolific author, and you don't appear to be losing any steam. What advice would you give to aspiring authors seeking to develop the same kind of illustrious career that you have?
GCM: Believe in yourself and your talent, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Keep writing. Never let an opportunity pass to learn, and improve your craft. Don’t be afraid to take risks. And, finally, keep writing!
AR: What have been some of the greatest highlights/achievements of your writing career thus far?
GCM: The positive recognition from peers and critical acclaim from reviewers are big highlights, but more when a fan reaches out, a paying customer and reader to say that they love my work - now that’s special. I also just achieved something earlier in the year that I never thought I’d achieve again: my Siren Publishing title, Eternal Designs, was named a 2008 Romantic Times Award Nominee in the Best Erotic Romance & Erotica Novel - Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi Erotic Romance Category. I had previously garnered an RT nomination in 2002 for my Awe-Struck E-Book title Flames Past (Best Small Press Paranormal), so getting another nod was an exciting and pleasant surprise and started off my New Year on a great positive note!
AR: What's next for you?
GCM: January 12, 2009, will see the release of my first ménage à trois story, “Sexual Healing for Three” (formerly “Bruised But Not Broken”), the fifth story in my The Matchmaker series. As I probably mentioned before, I have an erotica short story, Leap of Faith, due out in Zane’s Eroticanoir anthology, “Sensuality: Caramel Flava 2” in Summer 2009. And I’m also working on my second ménage à trois, a contemporary interracial romance.
AR: Please share your website address with our readers one more time, so they can learn more about you.
GCM: I’d be happy to. It’s http://www.graciecmckeever.com.
AR: Also, please share your contact information, just in case they'd like to reach you directly.
GCM: Certainly. I can be reached at gwiz10@optonline.net.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
GCM: I hope they’ve enjoyed my work so far, and, if they haven’t picked up one of books yet, what are they waiting for? If they want a taste of my writing with no obligation, they can check out my site for links to excerpts and free short stories, and then got out and buy one of my books.
AR: Thanks again, Gracie, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
GCM: Thanks for having me, Apex, and much success to you, too!