RELEASE TOUR: The Best of Times by Kristian Parker

RELEASE TOUR – The Best of Times by Kristian Parker

It’s going to be a hectic Christmas. Perfect timing for love.

Length: 50,000 words

Series: Queens Crescent, book 9 (series finale)

Prior Reading: Recommended but not required

Genre: Contemporary

Tropes: Second chance love, Age gap, Life needs to change

Blurb:

Londoner Aron Wimpole has been taking a bite out of the Big Apple for the last two years. He’s enjoyed the taste but when his beloved grandmother, the formidable Beatrice Wimpole summons him home to help plan her wedding to Professor Higgs, he quickly jumps on a plane for a two-week stay. 

The pull of home is strong, making Aron wonder if he’s really committed to New York…and then Paul Higgs strolls back into his life. Aron can’t avoid him—they’re co-wedding planners and everything must run like clockwork. And besides, Aron’s determined to show Paul what he missed out on when he walked away from him two years ago. All he has to do is to keep control of his feelings.  

One flaw in this plan is that handsome prizewinning photographer Paul seems more than willing to pick up where they left off.  But Paul’s bravado masks deeper commitment fears. Ones that threaten to ruin both of their lives.

But Aron’s got to ignore all that and help deliver the wedding to end all weddings. 

It’s going to be a hectic Christmas.

EXCERPT

The Professor’s lounge had always resembled a museum dedicated to Charles Dickens. According to Granny, she’d persuaded him to copy her idea of storing part of his collection to avoid the place resembling a hoarder’s paradise. Even so, Aron felt that he was about to be transported to a Victorian parlour at any moment. It didn’t help that most of the seating had been filled by neighbours who had been roped in to help. Wine importer Simon Harrington sat next to his gorgeous boyfriend, the owner of nightclub Club C, Rodrigo Costa. They were joined by local florist, Stuart Monroe, and his other half, Jeremy. Inexplicably, Alexander Fitzwilliam had also appeared on the doorstep. He had no role in the proceedings. He simply didn’t want to miss out. Aron grinned at him. It was good to see Alexander and he was more than ready to grill him to see if Paul had said anything. He hadn’t had time yet. Of course, Granny was overseeing everything, ably assisted by the Professor. The only person who hadn’t put in an appearance was Paul. Aron couldn’t stop watching the door. Alexander kept trying desperately to shoot him knowing looks but Aron refused to meet his gaze. Stirrer. “I do hope tardiness is not going to plague this project,” Granny said. She also hadn’t taken her eyes from the door as they all partook in small talk about the weather and sipped tea. Yes, he was back in Britain. That was for sure. “It really isn’t like him,” the Professor replied. Finally Alexander caught Aron’s eye. He imperceptibly raised an eyebrow. Aron undid the top button on his shirt and sat upright. He would kill Alexander. Show nothing in front of Granny. She might be preoccupied with her own love life at the moment, but she still had eyes like a hawk. Thankfully, the front door banged. “Sorry I’m late.” That voice. Had it really been two years since he’d heard it? A shiver ran down his spine. There are too many bloody people in this room. Aron would not lose the upper hand before they’d even begun. So, he forced himself to sit still and, he hoped, nonchalantly cross his legs. Unfortunately, he managed to kick Stuart in the process. “Sorry,” he said. The door burst open and there he was. Paul Higgs. Tall. Dark blond hair that always seemed to fall perfectly. Tan and gorgeous as ever. But behind all that was a sadness that Aron had never penetrated. Instead, he’d become a victim of it. Not this time. Stay on track. Their eyes met instantly. Aron gripped the sofa arm and attempted a smile. “Hi, Paul.” “Aron. How lovely to see you.” Damn those eyes. They raked over Aron’s body. Defiantly, Aron met his gaze. “And you. I believe we’ll be working together on a very important mission.” Paul grinned and perched on the arm of the chair occupied by Jeremy. “I’m thinking of it as an early Christmas present,” Paul replied. “I’ll be honoured to be your co-worker.” It was like a standoff as they stared into each other’s eyes. The moment was broken by Granny sitting upright and clapping her hands. “Now we’re all present, let’s get going. Alexander, since you are without role, I think you can minute proceedings.” Alexander appeared as if he were a rabbit caught in her headlights. And anyone who had experienced Granny’s driving would know he didn’t stand a chance. “Minute it? I don’t know how to do that.” “Relax, dear,” she said. “I only want you to capture the task and the owner. You can do that on your mobile phone. Chop, chop.” Aron stifled a laugh. He realised he’d been looking everywhere but at Paul since that first exchange. So much for playing it cool. He had to get a hold of himself. Am I blushing? I bet I am. He ran his hand over his cheek. It was scorching hot. Yep. Fuck’s sake.

https://geni.us/BestOfTimes-GRR

Meet The Author:

I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

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