Tuesday, December 4, 2018

“You’d be surprised how easily swayed I can be by a handsome face.” New release #MMromance from @LDBlakeley @evernightpub Read a #teaser


A few years ago I went sightseeing in my own backyard and fell in love with a beautiful area just a few hours outside of Toronto called the Kawarthas. It’s the kind of place where I could imagine buying a cottage, or even picture moving to on a more permanent basis one day. You see, it has a vibe. I know – how very woo. But it does. It’s magical, almost otherworldly. And I knew in an instant I was going to create a fictional universe based on this bewitching region in Ontario, Canada.

SHADOWY PINES by L.D. Blakeley

AVAILABLE: November 28, 2018
PUBLISHER: Evernight Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-77339-846-4
COVER ARTIST: Jay Aheer | EDITOR: CA Clauson

When an over-educated, underemployed millennial is called home to help with the family business, he jumps at the chance to leave his crap job, crappier love life, and the city behind.

But moving to Shadowy Pines isn't quite the idyllic life change Finn Parks imagined.
How the hell do you cope when you find out magic – actual magic – is real? Or that you also happen to come from a long line of powerful witches? And that handsome man with all the sizzle? Yeah, he might be trying to kill you.
FML.

WHERE TO BUY
Evernight Publishing $3.99 $2.99 until Dec. 12
Amazon | Apple iTunes | Barnes & Noble | Bookstrand | | Kobo | Smashwords

EXCERPT
“You’d be surprised how easily swayed I can be by a handsome face.”
Not for nothing, but Finn was fairly certain that was a come on. It had been a while, but he did remember what one sounded like. This one was … nicer, somehow. It still had the promising lilt of innuendo, but it didn’t sound like it had been rehearsed or lifted from bad porn dialogue.
“My aunt says you’re new in town, too. What’re you here for?”
“Business. Boring family business.”
“How vague,” Finn teased.
“Seriously. My father sent me back here to check out a vineyard. He’s interested in adding it to the wine brewing facility we already run, the Sharpe Wine Butler on the outskirts of town. You know it?”
“Can’t say I do, but it sounds more interesting than why I moved here.”
“Why are you in Shadowy Pines?”
“Jude and Poppy needed my help, I had nothing worth holding on to in the city, so—here I am.” Finn shrugged. “Now that’s boring,” he added with what he hoped was a charming smile.
“You don’t give yourself enough credit, Finn.” Owen pulled his chair closer and placed his hand on Finn’s knee. “Feel that?”
Of course he did. It felt as though a live wire had been placed against his bare skin.
“Yes.” Finn cursed the breathy, needy tone his voice had taken on. “What…” He wasn’t sure how to phrase his question so it wouldn’t offend. “What is that? I mean, I get the concept of electrical attraction, but this? This isn’t normal.”
When Owen didn’t reply right away, Finn prodded, “Right?”
“No, not really.”  Owen’s fingers were slowly caressing Finn’s leg and inching their way up his thigh “Not for most people.” Owen leaned forward and took Finn’s face in both hands and brought their lips so close Finn swore he could taste him. Owen’s eyes visibly blazed in a way that barely seemed human. Finn froze, his breath catching in his throat.
When Owen finally pressed their lips together, Finn felt another jolt of electricity arc through his entire body and he gasped at the sensation. Owen’s fingers at his nape trailed delicious sparks across Finn’s skin as he licked at the seam of Finn’s mouth. Finn opened eagerly and nipped at Owen’s bottom lip. Never had a kiss made him so crazy with want. He needed to touch, wanted to crawl inside of Owen and feel him from the inside, out. But as Finn reached out a hand, Owen pulled away, his breathing every bit as labored as Finn’s.
“We’re different, Finn.” Owen licked at his lips and watched Finn’s eyes follow the tip of his tongue. “You’re different. You know that, right?”
Finn had no response. None that made any sense. Right now all he wanted was to tear at Owen’s clothes and taste every last inch of the man. But for some reason, Owen had put on the brakes and wanted to discuss—what, exactly? Finn was at a loss. And his dick could have cut glass.
“The woman in the grocery store. You mentioned that wasn’t the first time you’d seen her, right?”
“Right.” Finn’s voiced faltered slightly. Not sure where Owen was going with this, he gestured for him to continue.
“I think she saw you for what you are.”
“And what exactly is that?” Finn asked, not sure he wanted an answer.
“You’re a witch, Finn.”
Owen’s face was so serious, so earnest, Finn almost believed him for a split second.
Almost.
He threw his head back and laughed uproariously. He laughed so hard, he could feel tears well up in his eyes. Well that’s an effective way to kill an erection.
But Owen’s expression hadn’t changed an iota. He simply sat and stared at Finn.
“Are you—oh, god, you’re serious aren’t you?”
Dammit! He knew there was a reason he’d established his dating embargo. He certainly could attract the crazies.




Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Preview Snowflake Wine #MMromance for the holiday season #midweektease #coverreveal


This week I'm teasing from my next MM romance release with
Encompass Ink 

Snowflake Wine
🎄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.



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



Read the #midweektease

Nathan secured the waterfall of lights at the bottom bracket on the building. 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? “I heard it might be a white Christmas.” He wondered how to keep the man talking just a few more moments even though the rain splattered on his shirt.

“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.”

Copyright Elodie Parkes 2018 Encompass Ink
Look for Snowflake Wine on Amazon December 10 


HOP TO THE NEXT #MIDWEEKTEASE


Wednesday, November 7, 2018

For a fleeting moment, Tobias wondered what it would be like to kiss those perfect lips and hold that muscular body to his own. #midweektease #MMromance #SciFi @parr_books @evernightpub

This week the #midweektease is from 
E.D.Parr and next week's Evernight release
MM erotic romance/scifi
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.



Tobias Mars gazed at Dreft lying on top of the bed in room ten of the infirmary. Hari’s treatment had worked wonders and not only on Dreft’s wounds. Hari had cleaned Dreft up. His hair, now a dirt-free glossy hazelnut brown was brushed back to show off the handsome planes of his face. Hari had replaced Dreft’s strange boy-like clothes with the infirmary’s grey cotton pants and t-shirt. The man was, as his colleague, Dante, put it, deliciously pretty. For a fleeting moment, Tobias wondered what it would be like to kiss those perfect lips and hold that muscular body to his own. He shook the thought away.

Dreft opened his eyes and a shy smile spread on his mouth. As Tobias neared him, he shuffled up the bed to sit. “Thank you so much for helping me, sir.”

Tobias pulled a chair beside the bed and sat. “My name’s Tobias, Tobias Mars—no need to call me sir. How are you feeling?”

The handsome man’s eyes held gratitude. “I’m so much better. Thank you. I noticed the insignia on your jacket, sir.”

Tobias grinned as his fingers went to trace the gold and blue embroidered crest. “I’m one of the queen’s pilot explorers. I guess you could call us the elite unit. All the same, call me Tobias. I’d like that.”

Copyright E.D.Parr, Evernight Publishing, releasing November 13
HOP to the next #midweektease

Thursday, October 11, 2018

“You’re the first person to notice the magic.” A prickle went up Dane’s spine. From somewhere deep inside came an unbidden thought. There’s something magical about Zachary… #ThrowbackThursday #MMromance #teaser @evernightpub @parr_books

From The Night Gardener
 Architect, Dane Lovell takes an off-season vacation in an old New England mansion. One night, the sound of the back door smashing open in the wind and rain shocks Dane from his work.
Spooky, gorgeous, and enigmatic Zachary Yarrow has brought logs for the fire. He brings with him not just passion and a love affair for Dane, but a strange, spine-tingling mystery.


Dane sat in front of his laptop and gazed unseeing at the architectural plan before him. He recalled what Zachary had said about the computer. It struck him as odd that a guy his own age wouldn’t have a laptop or tablet, unless, of course, Zachary had no use for computers. There was still a passable postal service and newspapers, although Dane thought they were probably destined to fade away, eventually. He shrugged.

Zachary’s sweater still lay draped over the radiator. Dane got up and checked it. He read the label on the inside seam as he wondered if it would go in the drier. The woolen mix indicated no tumble-drying so he turned it inside out and put it back onto the radiator.

Dane went back to work. He sat for a full five minutes just staring at the plans on the screen and then he closed the application. Zachary Yarrow filled his head. Dane could think of nothing else but the sight of Zachary’s muscled chest and blue eyes. He spent ten minutes considering how Zachary saw well enough in the dark to prune rosebushes, and if the guy was warm enough out in the night. Then exasperated with his lack of work, Dane opened his sketchbook and picked up his drawing pencil.
After an hour, he put down his pencil and leaned back from the drawing. Dane had added extensive gardens to the plans. He laughed aloud. His usual practice of working until dawn wasn’t going to happen. At one AM, he’d achieved next to nothing. I don’t know why I’m laughing. I can’t write and now I’m doodling gardens...

He stood and walked to the window. The rain had slowed and Dane gazed out into the night, seeing only dark and darker shapes that in daylight were shrubs and small trees.

The back door opened and Zachary strode through.

A wave of happiness put a smile on Dane’s face. He had no idea why it pleased him so much that Zachary was back but it did. “Hey, did you prune the roses?”

Zachary walked to him. “Not even half the bed. For some reason I couldn’t concentrate tonight.”

Dane offered a suggestion. “Maybe it’s the rain.”

Zachary shook his head. “Nope, I’ve been able to work in the rain before, lots of times in fact.”

“Perhaps you’re tired. Do you work here during the day, too?” Dane remembered Zachary saying he liked the peace of night, but not that he didn’t work on the gardens during the day.

Zachary leaned on the sink unit. “Not usually. I work here at night.” He slipped off the old parka that he must have retrieved from the garden shed and tossed it over a chair back.

Dane watched the coat flop over the chair then flicked his gaze to Zachary.
“There’s some brandy in the larder. Do you fancy a nightcap?”

Zachary’s eyes glittered. “That sounds great. I know where the glasses are.” He walked to one of the wall cupboards and opened it.

Dane went to the larder and brought out the brandy. A melody entered his memory and he hummed it as he approached the kitchen table where Zachary had placed the glasses. He poured the brandy and then pushed the fragrant cork back into the bottle.

Zachary picked up a glass and sat, his long legs stretched out in front of him by the radiator at that end of the room. “I don’t often have the chance to sit with someone like this. It’s great.”

Dane joined him and sipped at the drink. “I used to have someone, months ago.” He spoke the words softly, not sure it was appropriate to be so open with Zachary so soon, and yet he wanted to tell him.

“What happened to them?” Zachary sat up and leaned toward Dane, his eyes wide with curiosity and concern.

“They jilted me. The person I was to marry left me waiting at the venue with all our friends and family.”

“Fucking hell, that’s rough. Have you seen him since?”

Dane wondered how Zachary knew it was a man. “No, but he messaged me a few weeks later wanting to pick up his belongings.”

Zachary took a drink of his brandy.

Dane couldn’t resist the question. “How did you know it was a guy?”

His guest smiled. “I saw the way you looked at me earlier. Don’t worry I’m into guys, too. You’re safe from derision.”

A sweep of tenderness and puzzlement went over Dane. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask if Zachary had been the subject of contempt for his sexual preference, but he drank some brandy instead.

Zachary leaned back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. “He’s a fool. His loss, but I get to have your company, so…”

A tingle went down Dane’s spine. “Zachary, do you spend the entire off-season here—gardening, I mean?”

Zachary grinned. “Every night.”

The words were out of Dane’s mouth before he knew it. “I’m here for eight weeks, alone. You can stay here … if you want, instead of finding a hotel or other accommodations.” He cringed just a little. Did I sound needy?

Zachary’s eyes sparkled with happiness at the offer. He smiled and leaned over to place a hand on Dane’s arm. “Thank you, I do want to. I’d love to. No one’s actually offered before.”

A question popped into Dane’s mind, but he couldn’t quite form it. He knew there was something strange about Zachary’s statement, but pushed it away under a spell of attraction to the handsome man.

“That’s settled then. I took the bedroom that looks out on the river, so take you pick of the remaining rooms. There are linen and quilts in the big press at the end of the landing, oh and towels are there, too.”

Zachary gazed at Dane, his eyes ranging over his face. “Your name is interesting. I’ve never come across anyone named Dane before.”

“I’m named after my great grandfather. My mom liked the name since she was a child. She told me she’d always planned to name her son, Dane, if she had a son.” He smiled, remembering his mom’s words.

Zachary’s eyes filled with an emotion Dane read as affection. It sent warmth through him.
“I like it, too. It has a warrior-like ring to it.”

Dane fought a strong urge to hug Zachary. “Thank you, although I’m more of a bard than a warrior.” Dane’s need to know more about his guest’s life had him pick up the brandy bottle and offer Zachary another drink.

Zachary shook his head. “Better not. I’m keeping you from your work. I don’t usually sit for so long myself…”

Dane hurried to assure Zachary. “I stopped work for the night. To be honest, motivation’s deserted me. I don’t know what’s going on.” He laughed softly before he continued. “The place has already worked its magic on me. I came to recharge my energy, and although I wanted to work, I’ll take being refreshed.” He stopped talking under Zachary’s intense gaze.

“You’re the first person to notice the magic.”

A prickle went up Dane’s spine. From somewhere deep inside came an unbidden thought. There’s something magical about Zachary… Dane gave a rapid shake of his head, as if the physical movement could dislodge the strange thought, because he didn’t mean Zachary was delightful, even though he thought that, too—Dane meant supernatural.

Zachary stood and took the pace to where Dane sat. He leaned over Dane, and in a mesmerizingly slow move, he brought his lips to Dane’s mouth. The unexpected kiss set Dane’s heart pounding with the tenderness and extraordinary sweetness it contained. Instinctively, he lifted his hands to run his fingers into Zachary’s hair and hold his head to prolong the kiss. Streaks of pleasure thrilled down his stomach and hardened his cock.

When Zachary drew away, Dane had a difficult time letting him go.

Zachary straightened. His glass still held a mouthful of brandy and he downed it in a gulp. His sigh as he put down the glass held anything but regret. “Sorry, I don’t know what came over me.”

Dane needed to say something. His heart still pounded. His body had gone into overdrive and desire surged through him. “It was surprising, but delicious. No need to be sorry. It’s been a long time since anyone kissed me like that.”

Zachary bowed his head. When he raised his face again, Dane saw tears glisten in his eyes.

“I’ll finish the pruning.” He dragged on the parka.

Dane stood to watch him. “Hey, I’ll leave the back door unlocked for you.” There was no answer and Dane gazed around the empty kitchen. He placed his fingertip on his lips, remembering the kiss. That was so good. I’d sure like more of those kisses. Dane smiled.

He had no idea how it had happened, but it was close to five. By the time I shower, it’ll be dawn. Dane put the glasses he and Zachary used into the dishwasher. He checked Zachary’s sweater. Dry. Dane smiled as he folded it and left it on the table.

Copyright E.D.Parr , Evernight Publishing, 2017
About the story
 Zachary Yarrow came to me in the night. There are lots of natural noises in the night where I live. Recently something larger than usual has been padding along the patio and wooden deck at the side. As I listened one night, I suddenly thought, its gardening, the animal is the night gardener, and it made me laugh. Then Zachary dropped into my mind like the hot stuff he is and I had to write. Dane Lovell is the guy who’s had some heartbreak. He’s still shaken by it and perhaps he doesn’t need the paranormal side of Zachary but the tradeoff comes because Zachary is such a happy character and there’s no inkling of what’s really happening with him until they fall deeply in love and Dane asks Zachary to live with him. That’s the catalyst for Dane to give Zachary the support he’s needed all along.
I love them both. They’re perfect for each other. They have the kind of love we all deserve.
By the way, this is a happy story, it can tug on the heartstrings but there's a HEA 

BUY the book




Wednesday, September 19, 2018

The words filtered through Caer’s daze of astonishment at Justin’s presence. He fought the urge to clasp Justin to his body. #midweekteaser #MMromance #gayromance

Sizzle with the midweek teaser from
Love on Show


Dishy Justin Harper plays gay bad boy, Brandon in a TV show that’s fast becoming a cult classic, but Justin hides the fact he’s gay in real life. When a new actor is cast to play his TV show love interest, Justin can’t deny the raging attraction he feels for gorgeous Caer Rossi.
Caer Rossi makes it clear he thinks Justin is smoking hot. He can’t wait for the kissing scenes, and they sizzle, but underneath the performance for the TV show, a deep, loving passion builds between the two men. Something has to give, but what and who will it be when a journalist threatens to ruin Justin’s perfectly crafted public persona?


Read the teaser 

The following day, Caer’s agent expected him to call into the office and pick up a script for another show. The job would take place in his current show’s break from screening. Caer had a number of weeks to indicate his interest and then accept try-outs. He’d found the only way to cope with the loss of his lover was to work long and hard. Caer wasn’t expected at the studios that day until four in the afternoon. He told his agency he’d be at their office by ten.

He bought coffee. The sun warmed his shoulders as he walked down University Avenue. He took the stairs to his agent’s office, as it was only two flights. Caer looked up from the tread of the top step. His heart took a huge leap and then hammered in his chest.

Justin sat on the long bench seat outside the office, a grip bag at his feet.

Caer froze.

Justin stood and practically ran to him. He lifted his arms as if to hug Caer, then dropped them. “Caer, I’m so sorry. I miss you so much. I love you.”

The words filtered through Caer’s daze of astonishment at Justin’s presence. He fought the urge to clasp Justin to his body. He ached to kiss Justin, but the deep pain he’d suffered over the past weeks, and the memory of Justin’s actions on that last day stopped him from doing anything but murmuring, “What, what are you doing here?”

“I came to find you. I didn’t imagine I’d run into you. I was about to beg the agency for a way to contact you.”

Caer traced Justin’s handsome face with a hungry gaze. He soaked up the sight of Justin’s fabulous blue-gray eyes. Sadness fell over him as he stepped away from Justin, unable to believe they could have a relationship when Justin denied he was gay. “I have to see my agent.” He strode to the office door, and went in.
Caer spun the appointment out as long as he could. 

When his agent’s assistant voiced his intention to go out for coffees, Caer took the opportunity to leave with him. He ignored Justin who paced the floor outside the office, and chatted with the assistant as they walked. At the coffee shop, Caer went on his way, knowing Justin followed a little way behind. He cut through two blocks via a public garden and an alley between large stores to the apartment he rented, intending to lose Justin.

He believed he’d given Justin the slip, but in the lobby, Justin caught him up, running to be by his side. Caer sighed and called for the elevator, turning away from Justin’s sorrowful gaze.

When Caer strode into the elevator car, Justin followed.

“Please, Caer, just let me talk to you, tell you what I’ve done, apologize. I love you.”
The car stopped at Caer’s floor.

Justin trailed after him to his apartment door.

Caer shook his head. “I waited in my trailer for you. You didn’t even come to say goodbye.”

“I know and I’m deeply sorry.” Justin dropped his bag to the floor and held out his arms. “Please, Caer, I’m desperate to hold you. If you’d just let me in.”

Caer opened the door of his apartment. He felt desperation, too. His heart filled with love for Justin. Driven by it, he gave Justin a chance. “Okay. Come in.” He held the door open.

Justin passed him, put down his one piece of luggage, and stood in the hall.

Caer closed the door.

Justin grabbed him.

A smile sprang onto his face, as Justin hugged him tight, and he held Justin.
“I have to admit, it feels good to be in your arms.”

Justin drew away so that he could look into Caer’s eyes. “I’ve missed your kiss. I’ve missed your hot body.”

Caer’s stomach flipped with desire and he kissed Justin.

Justin responded to the kiss, clinging to Caer, prolonging the kiss, and then breaking to speak, and kissing Caer again after each phrase. “I’ve left the show. I couldn’t be without you. It’s been pure hell. I’m so sorry I didn’t answer your calls and texts. I’ve been a complete fool. I thought that job meant everything to me, turns out it’s you I can’t live without.”

Joy flooded Caer. He held Justin at arm’s length and gazed into his eyes. “You’ve admitted you’re gay to Tripp, to the fans?” He watched as a different emotion replaced the love on Justin’s face.

“Not to Tripp, yet, not to the fans—to Petra. I wanted to find you and tell you I love you.”

Doubt seeded in Caer’s mind. “We can’t go back to hiding, sneaking around, you pretending you’re not gay.”

Justin shook his head and pain filled his gaze. “I’ll fix it all. I promise.”

Tenderness dropped over Caer, blinding him to doubt. He had Justin, the man he loved and had missed so much, in his arms. He brushed Justin’s lips in a gentle kiss.

Justin slid his hands along Caer’s face and kissed him hard. With the tip of his tongue, he sought Caer’s, dotting wet kisses along Caer’s mouth, and with a low moan, he pressed his hips to Caer’s. “I want your hard body against mine. I’ve missed our fucking so much, babe.”

Lust mingled with love as Caer pushed his lower body against Justin’s and the hard column of Justin’s cock met his own.

Justin rocked his hips. He swept his hands down Caer’s back and grabbed his ass.
“I need you.”

Copyright E. D. Parr 2018 Evernight Publishing
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