Brothers in Arms: Character Interviews Kendall McKenna

Brothers in Arms 

Today I have a special treat: two interviews by the heroes of Brothers in Arms by Kendall McKenna. I'm turning the blog over to her. Take it away, Kendall!

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I’ve written a story called Brothers In Arms. It’s not your typical m/m erotic romance, in that it’s pretty heavy on plot, action and mystery. There’s a romance, to be sure. And the times the guys do get together, it’s scorching! The two main characters are Jonah Carver and Kellan Reynolds. Jonah is an active duty Recon Marine. Kellan used to be Jonah’s platoon commander in the beginning of the war in Iraq. They’re a couple of smart, competent bad-asses.

As if serving in combat together wasn’t enough, these two found themselves at the center of an international mystery that they had to resolve, while staying alive, and rekindling their romance. When the bad guys made the mistake of snatching Kellan, you can imagine Jonah’s reaction.

First, I’d like to introduce you to each of the guys in turn, and then let them answer some questions in their own voices. I think you’ll find Kellan a little more forthcoming than Jonah, but that’s just how Jonah is.

Kellan Reynolds: CEO, author, retired Recon Marine Corps Captain.

What is Kellan like?

Kellan is an intellectual man of action. He’s thoughtful and methodical, but when the situation calls for action, he doesn’t hesitate. He’s ambitious, and focused, not afraid to actively pursue what he wants. Kellan belongs in a bygone era. He believes in, and actually lives by, words such as duty, honor, and integrity. Kellan is charismatic, very much a natural leader. He’s got a sense of humor he keeps under wraps, except with those closest to him, namely Jonah.

What would Kellan say is his strongest point?

His intellect. Kellan believes his ability to think through issues is his biggest strength. He’d even go so far as to say he’s able to think his way through the opposing side of an issue.

Does Kellan think he has a weakness?

Yes. He believes his weakness is his tendency to worry about his public image. But, if you catch him in a weak moment, he’ll jokingly tell you that his only weakness is Jonah.

What does Jonah think Kellan’s weakness is?

Jonah thinks Kellan is damn hear perfect. If pressed, he’ll tell you that if Kellan has a weakness, it’s that he’s too careful, that he doesn’t push back as soon as he should, when someone pushes him.

What drives Kellan to do the things he does? What makes him want to be the "good guy?"

The thing to understand about Kellan is that, he is the “good guy”. He truly believes it’s his duty to do the right thing. It would never occur to him to do anything else, or anything less.

What's your main character's favorite guilty pleasure?

Sex with Jonah.

Now, I’d like to ask Kellan some questions, directly. Let’s get his take on a few things.

A biography has been written about you. What do you think the title would be in six words or less?

I’ve already written it. It’s called ‘Brotherhood of Warriors’.

If money were not an object, where would you most like to live?

Wherever Jonah would want to live. I know he likes Southern California for the surfing, but Hawaii is even better for the kinds of outdoor sports he enjoys.

If you were a tool, what would people use you to do?

I’d be a measuring tape. People would use me to ensure everything fits the way it’s supposed to.

As a child, what was your favorite thing about school?

English class. English Lit. English Composition. Anything to do with reading and language.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

I don’t need a warning label. I’m pretty user friendly.

I love pizza with everything but anchovies.

I'm always ready for the unexpected.

When I'm alone, I text Jonah.

You'd never be able to tell, but sometimes I miss being a Marine.

If I had a halo it would be stuffed in a drawer under my socks.

If I could fly I'd take Jonah someplace he’s always wanted to go.

Next, I’d like to introduce you to Gunnery Sergeant Jonah Carver: Recon Marine.

What is Jonah like?

Jonah is a prickly son-of-a-bitch. He’s extremely smart and extraordinarily competent. He does not suffer fools gladly. He’s got a biting wit. He’s so good at being a Marine, he inspires awe in many, and intimidates others. And he could give a damn. He’s not overly social, but when engaged, is quite humorous.

What would Jonah say is his strongest point?

Jonah believes his strongest point is that he is the best damn Marine he can possibly be.

Does Jonah think he has a weakness?

Not that he would admit to out loud. If you catch him in a weak moment, he might admit that Kellan is his only weakness.

What does Kellan think Jonah’s weakness is?

His dislike of other people. Kellan sometimes wishes Jonah wouldn’t be quite so stand-offish, and would cut others some slack.

What drives Jonah to do the things he does? What makes him want to be the "good guy?"

Jonah is a Marine. Semper Fidelis. As far as Jonah is concerned, there is no other way for him to be.

What’s your main character’s favorite guilty pleasure?

80’s music. Tech gadgets. Kellan.

Now it’s time to ask Jonah a few questions, and get his unique take on things.

A biography has been written about you. What do you think the title would be in six words or less?

He Hated Incompetent People

If money were not an object, where would you most like to live?

Australia. New Zealand. Hawaii. Anywhere the sun and the surfing is good. Kellan can’t be out of D.C. for very long or he starts to get twitchy, so, I’d probably have to settle for Miami. Just so we could be on the east coast.

If you were a tool, what would people use you to do?

I am not a tool. I am a weapon. The right weapon for the job.

As a child, what was your favorite thing about school?

The first day of summer vacation.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Stupid people will be shot on sight.

Please Fill in the Blanks (as the character)

I love pizza with beer.

I'm always ready for sex.

When I'm alone, I text Kellan.

You'd never be able to tell, but if you can’t tell, why would I tell you? I lose the advantage that way.

If I had a halo it would be something my niece made for me from construction paper and glitter. Doesn’t mean I’d wear it.

If I could fly I'd take Kellan anywhere he wanted to go.

About the Author

Kendall McKenna’s first work of fiction was written at the worldly age of nine, and was a transformative work that expanded on the story told in a popular song of the time. She tried her hand at vampire and cowboy fiction, winning high school poetry and short story contests along the way. It wasn’t until she discovered the world of m/m erotic fiction and found her stride with cops, Marines and muscle cars, that she felt inspired to share her stories with readers who enjoy the same things. Kendall was born and raised in Southern California, where she still lives and works. A non-conventional relationship has kept her happy for the last decade. Her four dogs enjoy it when she writes, as she sits still long enough for them to curl up around her.

Books Coming Soon

Waves Break My Fall

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kendallmckenna

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kendallmckenna

Blog: http://kendallmckenna.dreamwidth.org/