Can Aaron bridge the gap and convince Jonah to take a leap of faith? Or will they have to give up their desire for a future together? #teaserTuesday #preorder #gayromance #MMromance #holidaystory from @GaleStanley and @changelingpress

 

 

Passages, Book 1

Holiday, Gay, Romance, New Adult

Date Published: December 01, 2023

Publisher: Changeling Press

 

Is it possible to be both a good Jew and a gay man? Jonah Dillon doesn’t think so. He can’t reconcile his faith with his attraction to men so he turns his back on Judaism. Away at college for the holidays, he plans to lose his virginity to Christian, the blue-eyed, blond, goy of his dreams.

But fate intervenes when Jonah meets Aaron Beck, an observant Jew, and they end up celebrating Hanukkah together. Aaron tells Jonah they're beschert—meant to be. Jonah’s not sure he believes it, but he's lonely and welcomes Aaron's company even if he has to celebrate Hanukkah to get it.

Can Aaron bridge the gap and convince Jonah to take a leap of faith? Or will they have to give up their desire for a future together?

Excerpt

Copyright ©2023 Gale Stanley

The man’s image in the mirror, framed by small twinkling lights and swags of spruce and holly, appeared to be just the sort of ornament Jonah had been looking for all his life -- or at least the part of his life that spanned the years since puberty. The phrase “objects in the mirror are closer than they appear” came to mind, making him smile. I should be so lucky.

Unfortunately, Jonah’s plan to remain on campus for the holidays and lose his virginity to a non-Jew, a goy, wasn’t going according to plan, although he’d gone to great lengths to make it happen.

The worst part had to be when he told his parents that he wouldn’t be coming home for Hanukkah. None of the excuses he came up with felt right and he procrastinated for a long time.

Finally, he could wait no longer. Working up the courage, he called his mother and blurted out the dreaded words, before he lost his nerve. “I’ll be staying on campus for the holidays.”

Dead silence followed his announcement, followed by a worried, “Why?”

Jonah had never been good at lying. He struggled to sound believable. “I have so much to do. The workload in grad school is much heavier and the holidays are the best time to catch up.”

“Bring your work home.”

Also not good at asserting himself, Jonah hemmed and hawed. “I’d be way too busy. No time to interact.”

Unfortunately, his mother was way too good at guilt-tripping him.

Her voice wavered, and she sounded on the verge of tears. “We just want to see you. We don’t ask for much. And we’ve always spent Hanukkah together. I’m making your favorites, latkes and sweet kugel.”

A knife pierced his heart, but Jonah thought fast and stayed firm. “One of my friends is stuck on campus, too, and I promised him we would study together.” Another lie.

“Bring him home.”

“I can’t, Mom, He’s… it’s just that…”

“He’s a girl, isn’t he? Well, if it doesn’t work out, you can always change your mind and come home.”

“Sorry, Mom. I’ll talk to you soon.”

Jonah hung up before his mom could ask any more questions. Damn, she sounded like her world had come to an end. If only he wasn’t an only child. If he had a sibling to pick up the slack, it would make his life a whole lot easier. Taking a few deep breaths, he calmed himself. There would be other holidays.

Now, sitting alone at a bar, he wondered if all the grief he’d caused his mother had been for nothing. Not many students or professors had remained on campus, so Jonah had ventured off campus to find a hook-up. Happy Hour at a bar seemed the best option, but Jonah didn’t have an ounce of gaydar in his body, and gay guys didn’t go around wearing sexual ID tags. Luckily, he’d found a gay watering hole in the small college town. The rainbow flag flying out front had been a dead giveaway, and the name, The Rainbow Room. Could it be any gayer? When he first saw it, he wanted to take off like a scared rabbit, but he’d been doing that for far too long.

Jonah had forced himself to open the door and go inside. It was a gay bar, so what? Nothing remarkable, nothing to be scared of, just a neighborhood bar, a place where a guy could have a conversation without screaming over loud dance music. Actually, there was no dance floor, and that was all good too. Jonah Dillon didn’t dance, especially with other men. The only thing that differentiated The Rainbow Room from any other corner dive was the fact that it was devoid of women.

Wooden stools butted up against a foot rail at the bar and the mirrored wall behind the bar threw back his reflection. A bearded bartender, sleeves rolled up over hairy forearms, filled orders. Holiday decorations were minimal. Other than the lights around the mirror, there weren’t any, and that was okay because he’d been born and raised Jewish, and a man assimilated a lot of attitudes and beliefs in twenty-one years. Ridding himself of them would take a lifetime. At least.

Having to stare at a Christmas tree or a Nativity scene while flirting with a blond goy would have made him feel even guiltier. Ironic, that the thought of sucking an uncut cock didn’t inspire quite the same guilt. Or maybe he was just too fucking horny to care anymore. Lost in thought, Jonah wondered if he was normal. Between waking up with morning wood and masturbating before bed, it seemed like he was always thinking about sex.

When he got to college, he’d settled for hurried blowjobs with other students. It took the edge off, but Jonah wanted more. It was time to let someone put their dick in his ass so he could lose his anal virginity. Finding a willing partner who made him feel comfortable was primary. One thing he was sure of, he wouldn’t be comfortable having sex with another Jew.

So here he was, trying to fit in with the goyim, to the point of actually shopping for one of those ugly red and green Christmas sweaters with prancing deer. Seeing himself in the dressing room mirror shocked the hell out of him, but he bought it anyway, and ran out of the shop before he could change his mind. He wore it like a costume, thinking it would make him feel less inhibited and able to take some risks.

But as Jonah discovered, the sweater didn’t help him blend in. His appearance in the bar had triggered a few snickers, and after glancing around at the jeans-and-sweatshirt crowd, he’d regretted his choice.

His inner voice told him he was trying too hard and he looked like an asshole. At the time, it’d seemed like a good idea. Now, he just felt dumb, but he forgave himself for not getting it right and toughed it out. Fuck it.

Jonah ordered a beer. The bartender set down a mug wet with condensation, and a bowl of peanuts. Jonah took a few and cracked them out of their shells. He tried to look like he belonged, but nobody looked like him and everybody seemed to be with friends. Ignoring the conversations around him, he glanced at his watch every so often, as if he were waiting for someone. It made him feel less alone. Pathetic.

What would his mother say if she could see him now? Come home, boychik. You don’t belong there. Thank goodness, she was miles away and oblivious. He’d never told his parents he was gay. Hell, it had taken years to admit it to himself.

He concentrated on today’s goal -- find a guy to have sex with. How hard could it be? Pretty damn hard, even in a place that was user friendly.

Jonah took another swallow of his beer. God, he hated this time of the year. The holidays always made him feel more alone than ever. His back was to the room, but he could still see the crowd in the mirror -- guys of all shapes and sizes, pairing up like animals ready to board Noah’s Ark, while he was mooning over a stranger. It was damn depressing.

Finishing his beer, he scanned the mirror for the blond. Yep, still there, but focused on the two men who framed him like bookends.

Hooking up with the man in the mirror didn’t seem likely. Jonah would not, could not, make the first move, and for sure he didn’t expect the hot blond to hit on him. Why would he? Jonah was a man who didn’t stand out in a crowd, unless it was for all the wrong reasons. After a lifetime of doing stupid shit, he’d become an expert at sabotaging himself. Too bad State College didn’t offer a course in How Not to Embarrass Yourself.

The hot blond was exactly the type of man he could see himself with. He had the sun-kissed good looks of a surfer dude -- blond, blue-eyed, and cherub-cheeked -- a nice contrast to Jonah’s dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and stubbled jaw. The nerdy guy and the goy. Pitiful. More than the width of the bar separated them.

But looking couldn’t hurt.

 

About the Author

Gale Stanley grew up in Philadelphia PA. She was the kid who always had her nose in a book, her head in the clouds, and her hands on a pad and pencil.

Some things never change.

 

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Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

 

Pre-Order Today

Magic on the #MMromance blog for October's first #supernatural visitor as we meet enigmatic and frankly gorgeous #warlock Indigo Vaughn from #gayromance #fantasy The Dreamboat @evernightpub @parr_books #teaser

 

Welcome to Indigo Vaughn the famous warlock head of security in Queen Lissabella’s Court

 

(The warlock walks toward me and after a little bow, he sits on the chair opposite mine.)

 

May I call you Indigo? I know the custom in your world is to use a more formal address.

 

(Indigo smiles.)

Yes, of course. I know here people often greet each other with only one name.

 

Thank you for agreeing to visit. I must say you’re a hard man to get hold of. It took weeks. You must be very busy.

 

Ahh, yes, I am busy. It is a busy time of year. The Queen’s birthday is next week and I have much to prepare. Of course, I also live far away from here.

 

It’s summer where you live.

 

We are in high summer, but it never becomes very cold even in our other season. Wet, but not cold as it does here in your part of this world.

 

I’ve recently read the book, The Dreamboat. It’s a sizzling story. How do you feel about your … personal life being available for anyone to read about?

 

(He grins.)

That’s the nature of being featured in a book. I agreed to have the story of Darian’s and my meeting and falling in love told, so I can’t complain. I understand by sizzling you mean our lovemaking is told in detail. On my world sex, and lovemaking, isn’t seen as needing to be a hidden and unspoken of activity. We don’t go around shouting about it but everyone accepts, in fact expects it to be an important part of everyone’s life.

 

It’s intriguing to meet someone who has magic. Were you born so?

 

Oh yes. I’m descended from Elven peoples. In ancient times, my former world was filled with magical people.

 

I’ll make the rest of this interview fun if that’s okay with you?

 

I don’t mind. I do have a playful side even though I might come across as fierce and authoritarian in my role as head of royal security.

 

Before I move on to some fun questions could I ask you if many people are afraid of you?

 

(He laughs.)

I probably instill fear in a few people, usually those who have done wrong, but I’m not cruel even to the most unpleasant criminals. I think some fear me because of my magic, because I take my work extremely seriously, and, though I say it myself, I am highly competent and few if any perpetrators of felony escape me.

 

You are an imposing figure, so tall, muscular and well, frankly, beautiful.

(He smiles at me, and yes he’s gorgeous. There’s no point in pretending otherwise.)

Do you think the way you look has any bearing on how people regard you.

 

Regard me? If you mean my being tall and muscled might add to peoples’ fear of me, if indeed they do fear me? Maybe. I don’t know. As for being beautiful, thank you for the compliment.

 

(My turn to smile.)

Okay I’ll try to make the rest of the questions fun.

 

If you were a dessert, what would you be?

 

(Laughs) A dessert … something sweet … we have a fruit pie in my world. It’s delicious. I’d be that. Of course, the choice is easier because Darian loves that pie.

 

What do you do to relax?

 

I walk, usually with Darian, along the lake paths. We swim, too. Darian sings and plays his guitar to me.

 

What do you look for in a man?

I don’t look. I’m absolutely in love with Darian. He’s my perfect man. He’s described in the book if anyone wants details.

 

What is in your refrigerator right now?

 

Right now … I don’t know. (Shakes his head.) That’s a question for Milan, my wonderful assistant.

 

What’s on your bedroom floor?

 

A blue and gold patterned rug. I bought it in the East of my world. It’s beautiful and in an ancient traditional pattern handed down through generations of the Eastern people.

 

What do you wear in bed?

 

Nothing.

 

What’s your biggest fear?

 

Oh, well, I have to think about that for a second. Not that I take him for granted, I doubt it would happen, but losing Darian’s love. It would break my heart.

 

What is your most treasured possession?

 

Darian is not my possession but I treasure him. I treasure my assistant, Milan. He’s not a possession, either. What material thing do I treasure? (He frowns.)

You know, I don’t take my wealth for granted, nor my magic, but material things, possessions, I can replace, buy, even conjure, so I don’t think in terms of possessions. I treasure other ‘things.’ My Queen, my world, nature around me… (He looks at me.)

 

I understand.

 

Indigo, what clothes do you like to wear?

 

I prefer dark clothes and of course, I do have to wear some items of uniform as I belong to the Queen’s security service.

 

What do you like to see Darian dressed in?

 

Anything he likes, (his piercing blue eyes mist a little) although I do like him in a particular shirt he wore when I first set eyes on him. It shows off his muscular chest, but also, it reminds me how lucky I am to have met him. It always makes me smile to see him in that shirt.

 

Do you have a favorite piece of music?

 

Darian wrote a song for me when he thought he’d lost my love. He hadn’t, but he’d done something he regretted and thought I wouldn’t want to see him anymore. The song is wonderful. He sang it at court and everyone was captivated by it.

 

Tell the readers something you’ve never told anyone before.

 

(Frowns)

You mean a secret. I have many because of my work as a warlock and as head of security. I can’t tell any in case it puts someone in danger. (Takes a deep breath) I have nothing for you, not a thing.

 

I know you feature in another story about Queen Lissabella’s court and your world. Can you tell us a little about that story?

I make a few appearances in my capacity as head of security. I could inadvertently gave away too much of the plot so I can’t say much more than it’s another love story, but also a mystery, a suspense. I can safely tell you the title, which is String of Pearls.

 

Thank you for being here. Will you choose an excerpt from The Dreamboat for our readers before you go?

I will. I’d like it to feature Darian. He’s been through a lot in his life and those experiences are what led him to believe I wouldn’t want him. I’ll leave you with a passage that shows his turmoil when he’s discovered how wealthy I am.

 

Goodbye then, Indigo, safe journey home.

 

Thank you, good day.

(He stands, gives a little bow and strides out of the room.)

 

Read the blurb for The Dreamboat

 

Gorgeous, powerful warlock, Indigo Vaughn, sells his magic spells to people looking to make a dream come true. One night, as he gazes down on the city below from his sky barge, The Dreamboat, he wonders why, in centuries, his own wish for a man to love hasn’t materialized.

Beautiful, sexy, Darian O’Harr has suffered his fair share of misery. He’s a musician and learned long ago to sing for his supper. New to the city, he comes to Indigo seeking a spell that will bring him the love of a handsome man.

As soon as he sets eyes on Indigo, his heart races and his body betrays his pent up needs.

Here is the man of his dreams. What can Darian do as the warlock gathers his magic to cast a spell that will bring him another man?

 

Read the excerpt Indigo choose

 

Darian waited until Milan couldn’t see him from the skeeter, and then he circled the grounds and took the back gate to the path that would lead him away from the royal quarter of the city. He sped home, walking at a pace, his cloak wrapped around him, and all the time his thoughts spun. When Indigo had asked to see him again soon, he’d somehow invited his lover, his love, to visit his home. Darian didn’t know if he’d extended the invitation so that if Indigo was going to leave him because he was poor, it would happen fast and save him severe heartbreak, or if he hoped Indigo would accept his poverty, and his anxiety would diminish leaving him free to love Indigo. I’ve fallen in love with him. I never saw it coming. I wonder if he did? If he loves me, that is…

Darian passed one of the better apartment buildings. Less ancient and better kept than the one he currently lived in, the turrets gleamed lilac in the sun and willow trees draped over low white walls surrounding the building. Huge pots of jasmine stood at the bottom of the stoop. The sign he’d noticed a few days previously still hung from the wide pillared porch. ‘Apartment vacant, apply within.’

He paused. It can’t hurt to look. He walked up the path. The rich scent of jasmine wafted over him. He rang the bell.

The concierge showed him the apartment. It had a long balcony overlooking a bend in the stream that wound past the castle and fed the half-moat. Wild roses blossomed on the bank. The morning breeze played with pale pink petals, lifting them and scattering them gently into the sparkling water.

Darian fell in love with the apartment. It was clean and bright with light from long windows. The pale floors of polished wood added to the charm. It sat close to the border delineating the royal quarter so would only take him minutes to walk to work.

“Yes, I’ll take it.” Surprise widened his eyes as he heard the words falling from his mouth.

“Two moons’ rent up front is required before you move anything in—one for the rent, one for security. You’ll need to sign a contract. Any nonsense, noise, bawdy behavior, litter, damage, and you’re out. I don’t give warnings. I don’t give back the security money.”

Darian cringed under the suspicious gaze of the concierge. He’d expected a less alarming transaction. He only paid weekly for the place he currently lived in. The landlord there was kinder in manner. He thought about the invitation he’d given to Indigo. How wonderful it would be to meet Indigo at the castle and bring him here instead of to his dusty little rooms in the poor area of the city. “I need to bring the money later today after I’ve collected payment for my work.”

The concierge smirked. “Work at Temptations do ya, pretty boy?”

Darian recoiled and shook his head. “I do not. Not that anyone who does is … is inferior. I’m a musician.”

“Right then, if you’re not back with payment by fifteen hundred hours the place goes to the next applicant.”

Darian nodded and backed away. He left the building. By the time he arrived at his current dwelling he wondered how he could amass two moons’ rent in so little time. The sum amounted to an entire wage period. He made coffee and gazed from his pitted window at the people passing on the boardwalk that raised them from the unmade dirt track. People in this area still used ground transport and a vehicle sped by kicking up a cloud of dust and small gravel.

Darian had showered in the sky barge. Indigo had left him alone so that they didn’t fall on each other and have sex, which they’d enjoyed all night, but would have been unable to resist again, naked and close to each other in the cascade of water. He pictured his lover laughing and his heart contracted with emotion. I must rent that apartment. I can’t bring Indigo here. I wonder if the treasurer would pay me wages in advance. I’ll ask. The queen expected him at the castle by noon to sing and play as she entertained guests for lunch.

Darian possessed only three sets of clothes and he put on the last clean shirt from his armoire. He gathered the items that needed cleaning—two shirts and a pair of pants along with two pairs of undergarments and a cotton jacket. He stuffed them in the blue canvas bag to drop them to the laundry at the end of the street. The woman there was good at her job and inexpensive. A deci-coin would buy her services. He took one from the tiny pouch of money secreted in the inside pocket of his cloak and slid it into his pants pocket so that he could pay without showing he had other coin. It was a trick he’d learned as a young man living on the streets of the neighboring world’s capital.

Darian rushed to the castle early. He sought out the treasurer and pled his case for advance wages. The keeper of monies laughed at him. Darian slunk away. He went to the cavernous room where the musicians practiced, rehearsed, and wrote new material. The dance troupe filled the room with choreography, spinning, diving, and jumping, in readiness to entertain the queen that evening.

The viola player came to him as he stood at the door.

“Queen Lissabella is using the southern long-room for lunch today. Since you’re new here I’ll take you.”

Darian needed a lute that day. He still smarted from the treasurer’s laughter and denial of an advance on his wages. He shook his head at the viola player. “I know where it is. I need to collect instruments from the storage chamber,” he lied, wanting time alone.

The other musician shrugged and left him.

Darian edged around the dancers. He checked his guitar in its ornate leather case. I wonder if this would fetch much at the pawnbrokers. Then he put it back on the shelf where it was safer than in his apartment. He took a castle lute from the stand and wandered out to the corridors.

Copyright E. D. Parr, Evernight Publishing

Read the blurb for String of Pearls.

Handsome, elite space pilot, Tobias Mars is completing a special mission, when on a water planet, recently ravaged by space pirates, he discovers Dreft Hann hiding and injured in the sand dunes.

There’s instant attraction between the two men, but honorable Tobias believes the fact Dreft is in his care precludes him from showing his growing love for the young man. What’s worse is his shocking discovery of Dreft’s real identity. Even so, Tobias can’t deny his feelings for Dreft.

When head of royal security, powerful warlock, Indigo Vaughn discovers Dreft’s secret, he anticipates trouble.

As beautiful Dreft falls in love with Tobias and dreams of joining the elite pilot squad, trouble is brewing from someone in Dreft’s past.

Will love finally win with so many obstacles in Tobias and Dreft’s path?

BUY links for both books

https://www.evernightpublishing.com/the-dreamboat-by-e-d-parr/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077TB36FS

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B077TB36FS

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B077TB36FS

https://www.bookstrand.com/the-dreamboat-mm

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dreamboat-e-d-parr/1127562856

https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-dreamboat

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/762797

 

https://www.evernightpublishing.com/string-of-pearls-by-e-d-parr/

https://www.bookstrand.com/string-of-pearls-mm

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/string-of-pearls-e-d-parr/1129854008

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/906343

All Amazon sites http://mybook.to/StringofPearls

Available on KOBO

As an added bonus, read a deleted scene from String of Pearls

Tobias Mars glanced across at his co-pilot, Dante Pepper with a grin. “Hey, look at it this way, it might be a nuisance, but on the way something great might happen.”

“Such as?” Dante frowned as he set the craft on course for Garrus.C

“Well as we touch down on each planet we’re greeted with gorgeous guys offering refreshments.” Tobias laughed aloud as the craft soared into the sky.

A derisive grunt escaped Dante. “Viridian Kaa is the only gorgeous guy I want greeting me.”

“You’re lucky to have found love, Dante. I’m glad for you.” The craft shot into the stars and Tobias engaged the autopilot. “At least we only have to planet hop on the way back with the package. Why so much subterfuge is my question?”

Dante’s voice dropped to a whisper. “The royal prince is afraid of assassins.”

An early morning mist shrouded Garrus as they landed and took their passenger on board their craft. The prince, fondly known by the pilots as, the package, in keeping with the subterfuge surrounding the journey home, settled into his quarters. 

Copyright E. D. Parr.

Falling Star Valentine #gayromance #MMromance with a twist #valentines story from @evernightpub and E. D. Parr

 

“When we get to my apartment, you’re telling me exactly who you are and what’s going on, or, even though you make me smile, and my heart wants you, I can’t be leaping into another relationship when I’ve only just gotten over Jack. I discovered too late he wasn’t exactly the man I thought originally.”

A smile formed on Valentine’s face as Dale spoke. His eyes filled with a loving expression. He nodded as he answered. “I will. Your heart wants me. That makes me so happy.”

Dale looked away. He smiled to himself as he stared out of the car window. Rain splattered against the glass. The cab slowed in traffic on the main street and brought into Dale’s line of vision shop windows full of hearts and Valentine’s Day gift ideas. They crawled past a candy shop with a huge red neon heart in the window. Light pulsed through the fat shape at intervals, as if beating. Is it coincidence that I meet a gorgeous but eccentric guy on Valentine’s Day, or weird? Yeah, it’s weird.

Copyright E. D. Parr, Evernight Publishing

https://www.evernightpublishing.com/falling-star-valentine-by-e-d-parr/

https://www.bookstrand.com/falling-star-valentine-mm

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/704019

Download files for your kindle or e-reader on the sites above

https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/falling-star-valentine

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/falling-star-valentine-e-d-parr/1125821358

All Amazon sites http://mybook.to/FallingStarValentine

Fashion photographer Dale Walker takes a train to his hometown, relocating there after nursing a broken heart for six months in another city. His train makes an unscheduled stop to take on a mysterious passenger.

For a long time, Valentine Steel has hoped to meet a man who will love him. When he sees Dale on the train, he’s overjoyed to find a vacant seat beside Dale.

Dale’s immediate attraction to Valentine has him on edge. He doesn’t want another broken heart, and yet Valentine is so magnetic Dale’s frozen heart begins to thaw.

Valentine sets out to charm and capture Dale in his sparkling aura. He can’t let the chance to have Dale’s love slip away. 

Not even the pouring rain can dampen the hot stuff going on in #bestseller #MMromance #holidayromance Night Song #teaserTuesday #gayromance #LGBTQ

 

Twenty-five year old Oliver Honeycutt has no idea how handsome he is. He’s creative, brilliant at his job, and underused in the designer fashion store where he works. Behind the scenes, Oliver takes special care with orders for customer, rock star, Zane Highwood. When Zane is to be the main attraction in the store’s Christmas party, fashion show, Oliver hopes Zane will notice him.

 

Multi-millionaire, twenty-five year old, Noah Somersby, made his first million before he was twenty-one and now owns a number of casual-chic menswear stores. He’s a designer, gorgeous, and desperate to find a man who will love him for himself and not see dollar signs as they kiss.

 

Noah doesn’t often take the train into the city, but one rainy day he does, as he settles into a seat opposite Oliver, the two men exchange interested glances.

In fact, Noah is super attracted to Oliver and Oliver thinks Noah is gorgeous.

 

As the store holiday season party approaches, can serendipity bring them together?

Read the Teaser

Oliver gazed at the handsome man who squatted by him, pressing the towel of ice to his bruise. He’s gorgeous, gentle…

Noah applied the ice. “There’s no swelling yet. That’s good. It shouldn’t take long to heal if you ice it a couple of times.” He stood, leaving the towel-wrapped ice on Oliver’s ankle, and pulled Oliver’s t-shirt away to look at his shoulder. “Let’s check the other bruise. Hell, Oliver, this one stretches down your muscle.”

Oliver looked. “Yeah, I saved myself from hitting the side of the building with my head using that arm.”

Noah stared at him obviously worried and a little frown creased his forehead. “I’ll get more ice.” Then he bent and kissed Oliver’s shoulder.

Oliver closed his eyes as Noah’s lips touched his skin. “It’s okay. I’ll get it. You’re going to think I’m a big baby.”

“Nope, stay here and ice the ankle.”

Oliver let him go.

With Noah back and another towel full of ice on his bruised arm, Oliver smiled at him. “I can’t remember when I last felt so cared for. I put coffee on, but there’s bourbon in the cupboard, too, if you want some—you will stay for a while?”

Noah’s eyes filled with emotion. “I’ll stay all night if you need me.”

Warmth rose through Oliver. A strong urge to kiss Noah gripped him. He struggled up, trying to hold the ice on his arm, and let the towel wrapped around his ankle fall a little. “I do … need you … in, in my life.” He brought his face close to Noah’s and placed a gentle kiss on his mouth.

Noah slid his arms around Oliver’s waist. He returned the kiss, lingering to prolong the touch, breathing against Oliver’s lips and kissing him again. When he drew away, he closed his eyes, then took a satisfied breath and smiled before he gazed at Oliver with attraction beaming from his blue eyes.

“The moment I saw you on the train, I hoped we’d meet and that you’d be as attracted to me as I am to you. It’s been a long time since a kiss could do what yours does to me.”

As if to emphasize the emotion, Noah brushed his lips on Oliver’s with a sigh.

Oliver’s breath caught as pleasure rushed over his body. He could take any amount of Noah’s tenderness. Happiness streamed through Oliver. “I can’t even remember my last kiss, aside from yours, I mean.”

Noah raised his eyebrows for a second. “Really? Mine was in the summer. It was just a kiss. I haven’t been in a relationship for a year—just never met the right guy.”

Oliver let the tingle of sensation and comfort from Noah’s touch travel through his body for a moment. “I gave up looking even though I wanted to meet someone.”

“I’m lucky, then, to have met you before another guy came to his senses and snapped you up. You are gorgeous.”

Copyright E. D. Parr Evernight Publishing 

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Halfway through November hunky Nathan Bloom is tasked to begin installing the #holiday season lights around town not knowing that this year he's going to meet mysterious, sexy Jamie Snow #MMromance #gayromance #eroticromance #teaserTuesday

 

Hunky Nathan Bloom works late for the company putting up the town Christmas lights and decorations.

Gorgeous, enigmatic, Jamie Snow works late forecasting the weather from his desk in the meteorology office.

Nathan sighs over the prospect of a holiday season with no one to love.

Jamie wonders if he’ll ever find a man to love who will accept his mysterious origins and talents.

One cold night, as Nathan finishes hoisting the wreath lights up the building where Jamie works, they meet.

The brilliant festive lights aren’t the only things to sparkle as the two men connect on a deep level.

 Read the teaser

He surveyed the balance of bulbs that would pour silvery-white light down the walls on the second weekend in December.

“Looks good to me.” The man from the balcony had approached. He stood so close that the light fresh scent of his cologne filled Nathan’s head as a cool breeze drifted his way.

He smells delicious. Nathan turned carefully. Face to face, he gazed into the eyes of the man he’d seen on the balcony. Holy smoke, he is gorgeous. “Yeah, they’re good.” Nathan didn’t know what else to say. Instead, he soaked up the sight before him as the man smiled, and, to Nathan’s delight, shot beams of attraction at him.

A colder wind suddenly whirled along the street. It brought a fast food wrapper that flattened against Nathan’s calf. He gazed into the sky as icy rain pattered down. Shivers ran along his body. He rubbed his arms as he returned to gaze into the man’s eyes.

“Looks as if the weather’s turned—sudden, though, huh?” Nathan couldn’t tear his gaze away from the man’s perfect mouth. Hell, what would it be like to kiss him? He wondered how to keep the man talking just a few more moments even though huge raindrops splattered on his shirt. “I heard it might be a white Christmas.”

“Oh, it will be a white Christmas.”

A smile spread on Nathan’s lips. “How do you know?”

The man’s expression filled with kindness. “I’m a meteorologist and people like white Christmases, don’t they?”

The explanation had a ring of strangeness and Nathan wondered for a second if this man thought he could conjure a white Christmas. “I guess so, providing they’re not inconvenienced—providing they can drive to the comfort of a warm home and someone who loves them.” The words tumbled from lonely Nathan under the interested gaze of the handsome man.

“Do you have that—a warm home and someone who loves you?”

Nathan stared at him. He wanted to answer despite growing colder as the freezing rain trickled down his shirt collar. “Home, yes, lover no.”

Huge raindrops sparkled in the man’s dark hair under the streetlight like rainbow jewels. He held Nathan’s gaze with his own.

Nathan read hope there. Is he interested in me?

“I should leave. I’ve probably missed a train and will have to wait half an hour on a cold windy platform. You’re getting wet. Your jacket’s in the cab.”

The meteorologist flashed his lovely eyes at Nathan in a look that sent desire streaming along his body adding more goosebumps to those brought on by the icy rain.

He’s gay. Wow. It had been so long since a man flirted with Nathan, he couldn’t believe it was happening. “I could drop you somewhere.” He took the chance. I need to show him I’m interested.

“It might take you out of your way.” The guy’s expression radiated attraction.

He’s only being polite. He wants to accept. Nathan shook his head. “I’ve got nowhere to be. I need to load the little winder, secure the platform, and park the truck around the back of the store at the top of the street, but I can give you a ride then. Hell, I’d do it if you lived in Alaska. My car is parked up there. Hop in the cab.” Nathan strode to the passenger side door of the truck and opened it.

The man passed close to climb in. He gave Nathan a smile laden with promise.

Nathan allowed himself to enjoy the proximity of the hot guy, then he smiled, too, as he ran around to the driver side, and pulled on his jacket. 

Copyright Elodie Parkes, Encompass Ink an imprint of Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing.

Be delighted by a delicious, contemporary, gay erotic romance with an edge of fantasy this season. Sometimes being different is awesome.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L84BYKR

All other Amazon http://mybook.to/SnowflakeWine

Available Kindle Unlimited 

The dark past Will thought he escaped from is not quite done with him. Releasing June 10, #gay #darkfantasy Witch Wolf. Read the #teaserTuesday from guest author Alexa Piper @prowlingpiper

 

 

Paranormal Romance, Gay,  Dark Fantasy

Date Published: June 10, 2022

Publisher: Changeling Press

 

Will is a witch wolf, a werewolf who can do magic, but his life so far has been anything but magical. He was sold by his own pack and for four years, Will suffered as a slave to his captors -- who used him any way they wanted. Now, after a leap of courage has brought him to Colin’s doorstep, Will’s past should be just that, his past.            

Colin can see the new apprentice he’s supposed to teach magic has been hurt. Colin wants to comfort the young werewolf who takes to magic much more easily than he takes to human contact. Their attraction seems mutual, but how can Colin be certain Will even knows what he wants?

As slow affection grows between Colin and Will, Will’s magic does as well, and he allows himself a sliver of happiness. Except the dark past Will thought he escaped from is not quite done with him, and now, it’s not just Will's life on the line, but also Colin’s, the witch Will’s heart is beating for.

WARNING: Witch Wolf contains references to past sexual assault (with none of it happening on the page), which may be triggering for some readers.

EXCERPT

 

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2022 Alexa Piper

Will

Once upon a time, Will had sent wishes to the full moon with his howls, but what had come true for him were the slick slaps of skin against skin, stinking breath against his face, the taste of his own blood and other, unspeakable things. Will, instead of meeting a prince under the full moon, had been sold to beasts.

Will carefully turned away from the large form next to him in the bed. Everything seemed so loud in the darkness, the other man’s deep breathing, Will’s own, panicked heartbeat which had not slowed while he had waited for the small hours of the morning, refusing sleep. Will moved, inch by inch, away from the other man. Will refused to think what the other man -- Ed -- would do if he found Will sneaking out. What Ed had done was already more than Will wanted to think about.

Will had considered packing a small bag, but that would have been too dangerous. All he had dared was leave clothes under the bed, in such a way it looked incidental, forgotten laundry.

The floor was cold against Will’s naked feet. Carefully, he stood. He could say he’d just wanted to go to the bathroom if Ed woke now, but Ed was still sleeping, and so Will got his clothes, slowly pulling them up and onto his arms. He could not make too much noise. He had to get this right.

Will didn’t dare put the clothes on in the bedroom -- loup-garou hearing was sensitive. He walked through the dark house and to the kitchen, grabbing his shoes on the way. There were shards of a glass on the floor. Ed had thrown it in fury when Will had been too slow in getting Ed his beer. Will walked around the broken thing and quickly cleaned himself with a wipe. He gave one last look to the dirty dishes in the sink, then pulled on his clothes, more concerned with doing it as quietly as he could than about doing it neatly.

Before he turned the knob, he listened to the house, but it was quiet. Ed was still sleeping, and so was his pack of three, all of them loup-garous, all of them vicious. They might still hear the door, but if Will was ever going to run, then this was it.

He opened the door and crossed the threshold. Now, if they found him, they would know without a doubt that he had tried to run, and they would punish him.

Will closed the door as carefully as he could, but the mechanism made a small sound. Behind the house, the alley was dirty. Trash bags rustled in the wind, soda cans rusted and collected dirt. Will had to watch where he stepped so he didn’t make any more noise. His heart was thundering in his chest.

Out on the street, Will quickly broke into a run. He knew he had to put as much distance between himself and them, because they could shift and just hunt him down, and he couldn’t without the moon being full.

Winchester Boulevard, on foot, was quite a walk. It took Will an hour, and he ran most of the time, so when he finally got there, he was sweaty from running and trembling with the cold whenever he slowed down to catch his breath. The house he wanted had a large planter by the front door with a red and white plastic windmill in it. Ella had said the windmill would be there. It was such a silly thing, and there wasn’t even any wind to move its spokes, but Will nearly broke out in sobs with relief.

Will was scared to knock, but at this point, it was this or wait for Ed and his pack to hunt him down. And Will knew they wouldn’t just kill him. If it had been that -- if he’d known that would have been the worst he’d have to fear -- he might have given up at any point over the past four years, might have just accepted death. Everything else the loup-garous would enjoy doing to him -- that was what Will feared.

He was huffing when he stood in front of the door, but he didn’t hesitate to knock.

Will looked over his shoulder as he waited to be let in. This neighborhood was one of the nicer ones for New Elvenswood. The whole city tended to be largely clean and touristy, even if Will had never been allowed to see all that much of the place. The dilapidated house Ed and his pack had rented was the exception more than the rule as far as Will could tell.

Across the street, there was a light on in an upstairs room. Will imagined whoever was up was awake at this hour because of their own choosing. He imagined they were working late or maybe just reading. Just living their life. Will hadn’t lived in such a long time. All he’d been doing since he’d met Ed had been surviving.

The door opened, and Will flinched.

“Yes?” the vampire asked.

Will had known it would be a vampire, but still. This one, his sheer presence absolutely spoke to Will’s wolf nature, and the vampire’s demeanor made Will want to show his belly and submit. He was stunning to behold too, but in a sharp way: almost white-blond hair, icy eyes that had a hard darkness to them, a thin mouth set in a pale face.

With a last shallow breath, Will forced the words he’d prepared in his head out of his mouth. “Ella said you can help people in trouble. I… there’s a pack of loup-garous, and I need to get away from them. I can’t pay you, but I’ll do what you want. I’ll work for you.”

Will’s voice nearly gave out on the last part, because he started shaking violently. It occurred to Will that the vampire looked like a Viking, and his cold eyes were growing only more glacial in their regard. Will doubted the man had laughed for more than a minute in the last hundred years. And he wore nice clothes, really nice clothes. Will knew the vampire was a lawyer, but he felt silly now for asking for help. He expected the vampire to tell him to go and fuck off, just with nicer words.

“Come inside,” the vampire said instead and opened the door wider.

 

 

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