Wednesday, February 24, 2021

He looked down at Matt’s hand on his. He raised his eyes and his voice was practically a whisper. “I hoped by the end of the night that you wouldn’t be a stranger and that we certainly would meet again.” Given Time #giveaway #gayromance #LGBTQ @parr_books @evernightpub

 


Matt cradled the whisky glass in his hand for a few seconds. His heartbeat sped up as anticipation flooded him. The handsome man who’d sat alone and ate little fascinated him. Matt knew the guy stared without seeing for a while, and then the eye contact when he saw Matt, was electrifying. No one had ever looked at Matt that way. The sheer sexual hunger and loneliness in those pale eyes forced a shock of attraction to spark along his stomach muscles. There was no mistake. This handsome man was gay. Matt swished his drink around and the ice cubes clinked in the glass. Will he join me? Let him take the chance. It’s time I had someone in my life.

Matt forced himself to lean casually on the bar. He put down the glass. His hand shook. Fucking calm down. He might not come. He probably won’t. It was a bad idea to send a note. Who do I think I am, some movie character? Matt felt rather than saw his quarry approach. His mouth went dry. He suddenly wanted the beautiful Italian tiled floor to open up and let him fall into the hole where failed attempts at finding love littered the black chasm.

“I got your note. Thank you … for sending it … I asked for my coffee to be sent in. Would you like a cup of coffee … or another drink?”

Matt’s entire body reacted to the low, halting tones of the man’s voice. Relief and fear flooded him. He sent a silent request into the ether, which generally fed him premonitions. Don’t let me mess this up. He straightened and faced the man taking in every facet—pale green eyes, like the shallow water lapping at a tropical beach, the sort of handsome face that usually carried guys into a modeling career, and wavy dark hair that Matt itched to run his fingers through. His stomach clenched and a strange melting feeling gathered between his legs. Fucking hell, he’s amazing.

Matt tried a smile hoping it didn’t manifest as a grimace.

“Hi. Matt Loewe. Thanks for showing up.” What? Thanks for showing up, hell.

“Angel Starc, pleased to meet you.” The gorgeous man held out his hand.

Surprised by the Starc name, and how stupid he probably sounded, Matt hesitated to take the handshake, and then he grasped the cool strong hand. A moment of extreme connection made him widen his eyes at Angel. Matt’s ‘mysteriousness’ ignited and he felt as if he knew this man, or, ridiculous as it seemed to his common sense right then, that they belonged together.

Angel’s gaze locked with his and Matt saw the dark pupils expand over the sea-green eyes. Emotions ranged there, too, and Matt responded to the apparent attraction and kindness, trying to sound more in control.

“I mean, I hoped you’d meet me. Let me get you something to go with the coffee—cognac maybe?” He forced the tremor from his voice.

Angel took a deep breath. “Tell you what. I’ll order whisky and coffee for us both and you grab that table in the corner.”

Matt cast a glance toward the corner of the room. He turned his face to Angel Starc.

“Sure.” He left his glass on the bar, and attempted a saunter to the table for two, set up next to twin Kentia palms in huge terracotta pots. Still completely shaken by this turn of events, where not only had he encountered a guy he was intensely attracted to, the guy’s eyes reflected the emotion, Matt sat and loosened his tie. He’s Angel Starc, though. In this town, he has to be a relative of Rory Starc. Take it easy. He watched Angel talking with the bartender. His heart did a weird thump as Angel walked toward the table, gave him a smile like sunshine on a winter’s day, and sat opposite him.

A server strode to the table and placed glasses of whisky before them both.

“I asked for ice. It looked as if you’d taken ice in your other drink—odd shaped chips of it diluted the dregs. When I saw you in the restaurant I thought you were familiar, but we haven’t met before.”

Matt considered his words, trying to choose the right ones. “No, but I wonder if you saw me visit the house where Rory Starc lived, perhaps…”

Angel raised his hand. “Of course … you laid flowers at the gates. I, er, I did notice you. I was across the street in my car.” He gave a laugh, though there wasn’t much mirth in the sound, more like self-deprecation. “I sat there summoning the courage to go into my brother’s home.”

Consumed by a wish to comfort Angel, Matt rushed in. “I’m so sorry to hear about Rory. I honestly don’t know much about his family. I can’t remember reading about a brother. You must be devastated.”

Angel gazed into his eyes. “We were estranged, but yes, it’s hard. Thank you for the flowers. I, I…”

Instinctively, Matt reached out and placed his hand over Angel’s as it rested on the table.

“There’s nothing as good as talking to a stranger. You can let everything out knowing you probably will never meet again.” Hell, there I go again. When I want nothing other than to get to know him, I’m encouraging him to leave.

Angel looked down at Matt’s hand on his. He raised his eyes and his voice was practically a whisper. “I hoped by the end of the night that you wouldn’t be a stranger and that we certainly would meet again.”

Matt couldn’t breathe for a few seconds. Angel’s words drenched him in relief and hope.

“Yes … so do I. I’m sorry. I’m hopeless at this.” He smiled, genuinely grateful for Angel’s candor.

Angel grinned at him. “I’m not great at flirting. Let’s just tell the truth. I saw you. I think you’re hot as hell. I haven’t had a relationship of any kind for almost a year. I’m out of practice and feel guilty because I’m talking to a gorgeous guy and happiness is trickling through me when I’m here because my brother died, but I need this, to, to feel real. Does that make sense?”

The coffee order arrived and the server arranged the cups on the table.

Matt waited until they were alone again before he leaned forward.

“I understand. There’s just a chance we were meant to meet—not, not that your brother had to die for it to happen.” Hell, what’s wrong with me? “I came here to work with him—with Rory. I’m an artist, and he invited me to work on an installation with him. I flew in from Paris. I had no idea until I arrived that he’d died.” He tried to salvage the romance that was in what Angel had said to him. “I’m attracted to you, too.” Matt felt like an idiot.

Angel stared at him for a few seconds. “Wow, I was in the airport about to board a plane to Paris when I heard about Rory’s death on the news. Hell of a way to hear about it, but I drove here instead. That’s weird, huh? You believe in fate then? Sounds like it.”

Matt winced. “There’ve been a few incidents in my life that have me believing in something—not sure what.” Worry stopped him from saying more. He’d lost a lover before with this kind of revelation. Not that Angel was a lover, yet, but Matt silently admitted to wishing he could cut through all the preliminary talk and crush Angel to his body in a hug. When Matt let his need to be with a man free, it overwhelmed him. He unleashed it then in the hope that Angel would see it and respond. He longed for the feel of this man’s hard body pressing the full length of his own—longed for kisses and more. He’d made hash of the meeting after discovering who the gorgeous guy was, now he had to make up for it. He stared hopefully at Angel.

Matt’s emotions must have been written on his face.

Angel’s eyes filled with what Matt recognized as desire. “It’s been a long time since I had to drive down the need to grab a guy and kiss him. I’m taking a chance on telling you that’s what’s happening now, but I can’t seem to care. Events have torn my heart open. I don’t know how to be, except straightforward. I want you in my arms.”

Matt’s lower body tightened. His cock responded to Angel’s words, hardening and pressing up against his suit pants’ fastening. His balls zapped with sexual tension. He picked up the whisky and drained the glass. He basked in the aura of masculine energy that surrounded Angel. It had been long enough between orgasms with a guy for Matt to wonder if he’d lose his wad when Angel kissed him. “I want to be there.” He finally whispered.

Angel sipped at the whisky in his glass. He ran a hand over his forehead.

“How long?” Angel’s voice was gentle.

Matt’s thoughts tumbled. “How long?”

“Since you had a guy in your life.”

“Eighteen months, give or take a few days.”

Angel shook his head. “I don’t do ‘one-nighters’. If we connect tonight I’ll expect more, at the very least to see you again soon. You fill me with an emotion I thought I’d never feel. Is that okay?”

Acceptance brought a smile to Matt’s face. “It’s great. I’m close to desperate to hold you.” Happiness lifted his nerves.

“Sorry to be so intense. I just … I won’t be able to take being messed around.”

Concern flooded Matt. “I’m the same. I am…” He allowed himself the pleasure of tracing Angel’s face with his gaze, soaking up the beauty with a sigh. “You’re so, so … I can’t imagine why you’re alone—why someone hasn’t snapped you up.” Matt couldn’t find words that wouldn’t sound false. He gave Angel an encouraging smile. I hope this is the start of something good—something lasting.

Angel leaned forward. “You took the words out of my mouth. I’m amazed you’re single. Not many hot-as-hell guys are. My room or yours?”

The sudden invitation made Matt’s heart thump. Nervous again now, he went for the safety of his own territory. “Mine.”

Angel stood. “The drinks are on my bill. Lead the way.”

To his disgust, Matt’s hands shook as he walked from the bar and turned to take the wide stair to the next floor. He snatched his key from his pocket hoping the act of holding something would stop the tremble. Instead, he fiddled with the key. His suite was close. He glanced at Angel. “I’m nervous.”

Copyright E. D. Parr, Evernight Publishing 


Music video maker, Angel Starc is about to board a plane to Paris when he receives some sudden sad news. It takes him hurrying back to his childhood home after two years away, estranged from his older brother, Rory.

Angel is amazed and filled with guilt when that night he meets the only man he’s found romantically attractive in a long time. How can it be right? He should only be filled with sorrow, but gorgeous, caring Matt Loewe wraps him in a blanket of comfort and love that heals Angel’s troubled soul.

Delectable, artist, Matt Loewe, follows his hunches and his heart. He’s been looking for love and Angel ignites an addictive passion in him.

As the two men fall deep in love they provide each other with the care needed to come to terms with their past anxieties.

A delicious love story with HEA

(Be warned explicit MM sex)

Win a kindle copy of Given Time


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Thursday, January 21, 2021

Release day for #gay #scifi #adventure #romance Love in Danger from @evernightpub and @parr_books He listened to the message as he walked to the living area and then, when he thought Corin wouldn’t hear, he clicked the button on the tech and answered. “Marcus D’Ath.”

 


Centuries ago, the planet they cherished was conquered, but now three warriors from an ancient race of gifted beings intend to remedy that.

Lovers, handsome Corin JaKobi and gorgeous Marcus D’Ath are members of an elite planetary squad that rid the city sectors of the mysterious and dangerous Fallen.

When an old friend uncovers the true horrific nature of the elders in the organization they work for, anger at their duplicity drives Corin, Marcus, and rogue squadron hunter, Zeb to plan for the ruling group’s demise.

It won’t be easy, and when Marcus is captured and detained at the elders’ pleasure, Corin’s white-hot fury at the thought of losing the man he loves knows no bounds.

Will Corin get to his beloved, Marcus, in time to stop the horror that awaits him?

Can the warriors free the planet and return it to the lovely place it was before the aggressors arrived?


Be teased

A muted trill emitted from Marcus’s communicator and with his exceptional hearing, Marcus caught the sound. He and Corin always placed the tech on a small table near their armoires, hoping the things wouldn’t alert them to a job before they’d slept a few hours at least. Marcus crept from the bed. It was huge and low so that there was little bounce back as he removed his muscled body. All the same, he cast a worried look at Corin, hoping his lover would sleep a little more.

He padded to the table and snatched up his communicator, lodging it in his ear as he silently left the room. He listened to the message as he walked to the living area and then, when he thought Corin wouldn’t hear, he clicked the button on the tech and answered.

“Marcus D’Ath.”

“Freeloader alert, Sector Seven, can you deal?”

Marcus heaved a sigh. “On way.” 

Copyright E. D. Parr 2021, Evernight Publishing

Be warned this book contains MM sex, horror themes, Sci-Fi fantasy violence.

BUY the BOOK on 25% off normal price launch discount at Evernight Publishing only 

https://www.evernightpublishing.com/love-in-danger-by-e-d-parr/







Saturday, January 16, 2021

Check out the #coverreveal for Jan 21 #gay #scifi release Love in Danger from @evernightpub #MMromance #LGBTQ #coverart

 



Centuries ago, the planet they cherished was conquered, but now three warriors from an ancient race of gifted beings intend to remedy that.

Lovers, handsome Corin JaKobi and gorgeous Marcus D’Ath are members of an elite planetary squad that rid the city sectors of the mysterious and dangerous Fallen.

When an old friend uncovers the true horrific nature of the elders in the organization they work for, anger at their duplicity drives Corin, Marcus, and rogue squadron hunter, Zeb to plan for the ruling group’s demise.

It won’t be easy, and when Marcus is captured and detained at the elders’ pleasure, Corin’s white-hot fury at the thought of losing the man he loves knows no bounds.

Will Corin get to his beloved, Marcus, in time to stop the horror that awaits him?

Can the warriors free the planet and return it to the lovely place it was before the aggressors arrived?

Cover Reveal


Read a hot snippet

Corin received a call on his communicator just as he and Marcus loaded the crockery from their meal into the dishwasher. He looked over at Marcus as he listened to the order and gave his lover a stare to convey annoyance at the task they’d been given.

Marcus grinned in return at the silent communication and pressed the button on the panel to start the machine.

He leaned on the counter, arms folded, waiting for Corin.

Affection flowed over Corin as he looked at Marcus. He traced the handsome man’s face with appreciative eyes. He walked quickly to his lover, dropped the communicator onto the table as he passed, and slipped his hands around Marcus’s face. He kissed Marcus tenderly, until his lover grabbed his hips and thrust against him with a low moan. Passion surged through Corin and he rained hungry kisses on Marcus’s lips.

He broke to breathe and whisper. “We have a job over in the badlands. Some idiot’s crash landed over there.” Then he kissed Marcus again. He swept his hands along his lover’s shoulders and down his sides to pull off his lover’s soft shirt. Raw sexual need gripped him and he ran his fingers over Marcus’s muscled chest. Little sounds escaped him as Marcus returned his frantic kisses.

Copyright E. D. Parr, 2021, Evernight Publishing

Book available January 21, 2021 and will have the usual 25% off RRP for new release launch on the Evernight website.




Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Yay, release day for hot #gayromance Night Song. Read a #teaser. Find links to buy on launch discount @evernightpub. #MMromance #Christmas #newrelease

 


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?



Dedicated to my lovely friends and co-workers,  thank you,

Josh and Ryan for sharing your real life love story with me way back in 2010, and to Tom and Jonathan, your devotion to each other, and hilarious anecdotes of your life together are a continual source of inspiration.



 Read a teaser:

Noah ran for the early express the following morning. He leapt into the third carriage where the handsome man usually sat eating what Noah guessed was his breakfast. He raked the car with a hopeful gaze. Yes, there he was. The hot guy held his paper cup of coffee and, to Noah’s delight, stared at him with eyes full of attraction.

Noah swayed to the vacant space beside the man as the train pulled out of the station. He dropped to the seat and ran a hand through his damp hair. He propped his umbrella against the seatback in front of him. Noah tried to calm his heartbeat that raced along. He closed his eyes for a few seconds as his elbow briefly touched against the guy’s arm. It sent a spike of feeling through him, and Noah turned to the handsome man. “Still raining, huh?” How lame.

“Yes. It’s a nuisance getting wet every morning.”

Noah relaxed a little because the guy had answered. “I’ve seen you on this train before. You must work in the city.”

“Yes.”

Noah took a deep breath. He had no idea what to say next. He straightened and gazed ahead. “I should let you drink your coffee.” He isn’t eating today. The observation gave Noah another thing to say. “No Danish today, huh?” He cast a sideways glance at the man, hoping for more interaction.

The guy looked at him just as Noah did this. His blue eyes held interest and amusement.

“No.”

Noah knew disappointment would be in his eyes at this one-word reply again. He smiled gently. “Sorry, I don’t monitor you. I’m just being friendly.”

“It’s fine … yeah, good.” The guy smiled.

Noah took a few seconds to appreciate the smile. It made the guy even more handsome. Charmed, Noah smiled in return. “My name’s Noah.”

The man’s smile broadened. His eyes filled with affectionate mirth. “Noah … okay, you’d be comfortable with all this rain then.”

Noah laughed. He liked the comment. “Do I get to know your name?” He flashed the guy a look filled with hope and attraction.

The train slowed as it approached the city station.

Noah gazed at the handsome man. Come on, tell me your name, at least. You are so gorgeous…

His fellow traveler stirred, ready to depart the express. “Oliver. My name’s Oliver.” He gave Noah a gentle smile. In his eyes, Noah read loneliness.

An urge to take Oliver’s hand and draw him close gripped Noah. He squashed it and nodded. “It’s great to meet you, Oliver.”

The train stopped.

People rose from their seats.

Oliver stood.

Noah looked up at him, knowing he had to move so that Oliver could leave. He stood. He gazed into the blue eyes and then at Oliver’s lips. He’d been right. Oliver tilted his head only a little, but enough for warmth to rise in Noah’s lower stomach as he wished he could kiss Oliver. He stepped away, knowing it wasn’t appropriate. “Have a good day,” he murmured.

Oliver nodded. “You, too.” Then he’d gone.

Noah gathered his wits. He had to take a different route into the city the next morning, but after the weekend, he’d be back on this express looking for Oliver. He is hot.

Copyright E. D. Parr, Evernight Publishing, December 8, 2020 release

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Download files for any eReader and your kindle on all sites above

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Friday, November 6, 2020

Releasing January 21 from Evernight Publishing, romantic #gay #SciFi #adventure, Love In Danger #MMromance @parr_books

 


Centuries ago, the planet they cherished was conquered, but now three warriors from an ancient race of gifted beings intend to remedy that.

 

Lovers, handsome Corin JaKobi and gorgeous Marcus D’Ath are members of an elite planetary squad that rid the city sectors of the mysterious and dangerous Fallen.

When an old friend uncovers the true horrific nature of the elders in the organization they work for, anger at their duplicity drives Corin, Marcus, and rogue squadron hunter, Zeb to plan for the ruling group’s demise.

 

It won’t be easy, and when Marcus is captured and detained at the elders’ pleasure, Corin’s white-hot fury at the thought of losing the man he loves knows no bounds.

 

Will Corin get to his beloved, Marcus, in time to stop the horror that awaits him?

Can the warriors free the planet and return it to the lovely place it was before the aggressors arrived?




Preview Teaser

Marcus soared above Sector Six with Corin seated beside him perusing the magnified images of the streets below from the cloaked skycar. They were on a reconnaissance flight ordered abruptly just before nightfall. The tech needed for this sort of mission necessitated the craft.

“What are we looking for?” He glanced across at Corin as he brought the skycar down to skim the three story buildings, knowing the Zangnuit’s supertech-infrared onboard cameras would show up in detail anything giving off a heat signature within.

“Not a clue, Marcus. I guess they’ll know it in operations when they see it. We just have to transmit the scanned data to them. So far, all appears peaceful. Holy fucking twin-moons, that’s Zeb.”

Marcus gazed down in the direction Corin waved. Sure enough, Zeb Farrell exited a skycar. They were low enough to see him with the naked eye, but Corin stared at the image on the computer screen. Marcus watched Zeb enter a building, then he took the craft a little higher and hovered. “Maybe that’s where he lives now. That street has the only dwelling blocks on it in the whole sector. The rest of the buildings are commercial.”

Corin leaned back in his seat. He slid his hand across and held Marcus’s free hand. “Maybe.”

Marcus put the craft on autopilot and leaned to Corin. He kissed Corin gently on the mouth. “You’re worried. Don’t be. We’ll figure this out, my love.”

Corin loosed his hand and Marcus drew away. He took back control of the craft and they completed the mission in silence, crisscrossing Sector Six until they’d scanned the whole area and the data sent to operations.

Copyright E. D. Parr, Evernight Publishing, 2020


Monday, January 6, 2020

Chris’s stomach tightened. He tensed with the sexual need that rippled through his body. New #gayromance #MMromance #PNR @evernightpub

Delicious, spooky, hot and romantic, be delighted by Shower You With Love new release gay romance.
Chris Everhart attends his best friend’s weeklong wedding festivities. He meets handsome, enigmatic, Owen, and in a haze of attraction ignores the strangeness surrounding Owen. Convinced he’s falling in love, Chris spends every moment he can with Owen, until on the final day of his best friend’s celebrations he discovers a heartbreaking and shocking truth. He and Owen can never be together.
Traumatized, lonely, Chris can’t settle into another relationship, and then, after two years of wishing he could feel the way he felt for Owen with another man, fate intervenes. He meets gorgeous, gentle Matthew.
Spooked, Chris is about to run from Matthew who reminds him so much of Owen, but Matthew asks Chris to dance with him.
In Matthew’s arms, Chris can’t ignore the feeling of belonging that rushes over him.
Will he take the risk to love again, or continue to yearn for a ghost?

Read a teaser 
The pretty song playing was thankfully slow. Matthew took Chris into his arms.


Instantly, comfort blanketed Chris. He held Matthew and closed his eyes. It only took seconds before he rested his forehead on Matthew’s. The melody flowed over him. The vague fragrance from Matthew’s cologne, soft, and like summer sea breezes filled his head. He relaxed in the intimacy of being hip to hip with the gorgeous man.

Matthew’s murmur teased gently on his lips. “This is perfect. Thank you.”

Soothed by the physical contact with a man after long months of not dating and keeping his head down with work, Chris let the pleasure guide him. He soaked up the feel of Matthew’s strong shoulders under his palms. He closed his eyes to bask in the sheer masculinity radiating from Matthew. The lure of brushing his lips on Matthew’s in a gentle exploratory kiss tugged at him. Surprised by this reaction after he’d been willing to leave the bar, Chris drew his face a little away from Matthew’s.

Matthew looked into his eyes. “I’m desperate to kiss you.”

Chris’s stomach tightened. He tensed with the sexual need that rippled through his body. He kissed Matthew and lingered against his mouth, merging his lips with Matthew’s in one kiss after another as a delicious feeling of desire and belonging coated him.

Matthew returned the kisses, and murmuring soft sounds, he swept his hand down from Chris’s back to his ass.

Passion rose in Chris, his cock thickened, and he pressed his lower body onto Matthew’s.

The gorgeous man in his arms smiled onto his lips. “I want you. I know you want me. Come home with me.”

Chris burned with longing. He couldn’t resist. “My car’s on the side street. I’ll drive us.”

Copyright E. D. Parr 2020, Evernight Publishing

On new release special price at Evernight Publishing
OR available


Friday, December 6, 2019

Find some magic with MM romance in #FirstChapterFriday from Hidden Magic #gayromance @parr_books @evernightpub

First Chapter Friday 
from Hidden Magic



Gorgeous Owain Lovage belongs to an ancient family of elven beings. A glamor hides his elf beauty as he runs a reindeer farm and visitor center in an English rural town. He’s yearning for a handsome, sexy man in his life. Owain hardly uses his magic these days, but that’s about to change.
Rowan Carter reluctantly leaves California to stay with his folks on vacation for the holiday season in the town where he fleetingly meets Owain.
Captivated by Owain’s looks and masculinity, Rowan seeks him out.
Melting hot kisses in the snow are only the start of what he has in mind to do with this red hot guy.
A deep erotic passion ignites between the two handsome men and sets in motion an ancient magic spell that will change both their lives forever.

Chapter One


“Hey, Rowan, you might meet that special someone.”
Rowan made a face at his friend. “Unlikely—and if I did, what good would it be? He’d live in a different country. Here’s the real question. How am I going to stave off the boredom? There’ll be no parties, no special nights at our favorite gay bar—”

Jason shook his head as he interrupted Rowan. “I despair of you. Why go if that’s going to be your attitude?”

Rowan shrugged, knowing his friend had a valid point, but all the same, the optimistic comments from his group of friends over the last couple of months had begun to irritate him. When he needed a hug, empathy, and someone to let him wallow in misery for a while after his relationship break up, their constant attempts at cheerfulness hadn’t helped him heal his broken heart. He wished they’d just let him be gloomy for a few weeks, and as for him meeting someone special, Rowan had lost hope. It had taken so long to meet the man who’d finally broken his heart. Sex was easy to obtain, but love—not so much.
Rowan pushed his sandwich away and leaned back from the cafĂ© table he shared with Jason. “I’m going to see my parents, and that will be good. They’ve wanted to take this vacation for a long time, and now Dad says he loves the place and wants to stay for a couple of months. I have to visit. It would be mean not to, but as for meeting someone I’ll expect nothing and that way I won’t be disappointed.”

Jason gave a loud sigh. “Look at this as an adventure. You might even get a white Christmas. You’ve never been farther than Palm Springs.”

Rowan tried to smile. “I know, but I’ve never wanted to. I’m happy here I kinda dread the eleven-hour flight.”

“Cowboy up, Rowan.” Jason grinned, then obviously giving up on the conversation he added, “Are you going to eat that sandwich, ’cos if not, let’s go. I’m meeting Paul at two.”

An unwelcome spike of jealousy at Jason’s mention of his husband made Rowan bow his head. “I’m not really hungry. Let’s go.” They’d already paid, so he stood and walked to the exit.

Jason followed him into the bright sunshine of the unseasonably hot LA day.
****
Owain Lovage closed the farm office gate and stepped away to survey his handiwork. The entire building glowed with Christmas lights. Snowflakes drifted in the frosty air, glistening as they fell through the beams of white sparkling light. A smile wreathed Owain’s face. He gazed past the building to the rows of stables where strings of festive lights entwined all the trees that lined the paths. Owain sighed with pleasure when each cloud of snowflakes changed color as they danced past the green, red, and blue lights.

It was only four PM, but an indigo sky heralded complete darkness and Owain had sent his staff home early. Owain expected the gentle fall of snow to turn heavy during the night. Two red deer returned to the farm having visited a nearby Christmas tree outlet to show off their antlers and pretend they led Santa’s sleigh on Christmas night. He gave them fresh straw and feed as he talked to them, went around the rest of the stables to check everything was perfect, and then he and three of the other staff had clambered around the office roof anchoring the seasonal lights. He hadn’t needed the help. In fact, if he’d wanted to, he could have gathered his magic and produced the decorations, but involving his staff was more fun. Owain didn’t use his magic much or often. He thought it was better that way.

He walked along the wide gravel drive to the car park, empty now of staff vehicles. His SUV stood under one of the silvery safety spotlights that perched on poles around the lot.

Owain lived at the end of the lane, but he’d needed to visit the village store at lunchtime or face having nothing for dinner that night, so he’d driven to work that morning. Sometimes Owain walked, and sometimes, when the snow was deep enough, he used his two huge and favorite red deer stags to pull a small sled. He loved those times, even though his colleagues thought it ostentatious. That was because they didn’t really know him, not the man who hid behind the frequently renewed glamor—the man whose pointed ears were pierced with rose-shaped diamonds, and whose dark hair held a streak of glowing silver. Owain belonged to the last family of elven people in the country. As far as he knew none of his family had seen or heard from any others in centuries.

He got into his car and glanced at his reflection in the mirror. He could see through the spell cast to disguise his true looks when he wanted to, but over the years Owain had become attached to his human appearance. It wasn’t so far from reality. He only dropped the glamor at family gatherings, just as the rest of his kin did. Yule was one of those times, and Owain smiled as he started the car. Snow layered on snow making white the dark gravel of the car lot, and Owain’s eyes twinkled. Nothing pleased him more than a white Christmas, although the hard body of a man naked in his arms came a close second.
Copyright E. D. Parr , Evernight Publishing (36,100 words)
All other Amazon sites http://mybook.to/HiddenMagicEDParr

5* for Hidden Magic "This is a beautiful, sweet, engaging, poignant, sexy, and captivating tale. The story had some unexpected twists and turns, plus the ending caught me by complete surprise. If you want to read something that is definitely NOT your average holiday story, then this gem more than fits the bill."

If you like elves, magic, and Yule traditions, if you want to watch two men fall for each other despite their very different outlooks on life, and if you’re looking for a cute read with lots of mystery, some drama, and a very passionate romance, then you will probably like this novella.