Release Tour, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway:
The Rule of Three by Kristian Parker
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Village Affairs, Book 1
When a handsome stranger arrives, James and Ed have to make a choice that will change their lives.
James Durkin is happy. He’s landlord of the pub, chair of the parish council and secret lover of his best friend, Ed Cropper. But Ed, tired of living in the shadows, dreams of living openly, something James can’t contemplate.
Then there’s Arthur Whittaker. When the handsome young primary school teacher comes to live in the village, he signals a future that neither James nor Ed ever saw for themselves.
But the small Yorkshire village of Napthwaite is a place that’s resistant to change, meaning the three men must be strong enough to forge their own path…
Will they overcome the odds—and tradition—to find the love they crave, or will their brave new world crumble to nothing under the pressure?
Reader advisory: This book contains instances of homophobia, and references to parental death and on-page drug-taking.
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Ed reached across and took his hand. It still felt electric when he touched him. “I miss you,” he said.
“You seem to be doing all right. You’re so much stronger than I’ve ever known you.”
“We’ve made a right mess of things, haven’t we?”
James knew there was no “we” in it. He had made a mess of things. “I took you for granted. I’ll never not regret it but I’m glad you’re happy. You know, with Arthur.”
Ed pulled his hand away and ran it through his hair. Something scurried in the undergrowth nearby but other than that silence reigned. “Happy? How can I be happy when I never see you? We’ve spent nearly every day together since we were bloody born.”
James hadn’t expected this. “I thought you hated me.”
Ed laughed. “I love you, you dick. I can’t turn that off because you annoy me.”
They sat in more silence, the confession lingering like an awkward guest at a party.
“I love you too,” James said. “I wish I’d been braver. Is there a chance we could—”
Ed got up. The moment snapped like the twig under his boot. “I’m sorry. I can’t do that to Arthur. He’s got more than enough on his plate because of us.”
James stood too. Suddenly, he wanted to be anywhere but in this wood. “No, of course not. He’s a good guy. He doesn’t deserve any of this.”
“I wish I could split myself in two. I reckon that’s the only way I’d ever be happy.”
James put his hands on the tops of Ed’s arms. “You’ll be happy. You’re the type. I’m just gutted I wasn’t the one to make it happen. Arthur is a lucky guy.”
They stared into each other’s eyes for a second then, like an unspoken agreement, set off in opposite directions.
To celebrate The Rule of Three, Kristain is giving away 2 e-copies of the release!
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About 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.
Connect with Peter:
Website & Newsletter – www.kristianparker.com
Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/kristiansworld
Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @kparkerwriter
