Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway:
Mercury Rising
By Kristian Parker
Queens Crescent, Book 7
The son of a famous movie star, Mercury Morrison is used to all eyes being on him. So of course he’s grown up to be one of London’s premier influencers, with followers across the globe.
But when Mercury finds himself on the wrong side of the law after a run-in with a paranoid concept artist at the Tate Modern, it all comes crashing down. The worst bit is, he’s innocent! Advised to plead guilty, he dutifully arrives for his first day of community service at a youth project in South London…and walks slap-bang into his new boss, the handsome Nick Campbell.
The attraction between them is instant and electric. Romance may be on the cards but this summer is going to shake Mercury’s whole view on life to its foundations. Can Mercury take the huge leap of faith needed to make his dreams come true, and, if he dares, will Nick be there to catch him?
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Exclusive Excerpt:
“Are you sure that’s only five metres? It looks like ten to me,” Mercury said, staring up.
When he turned back, fifteen eager pairs of eyes watched him. One belonging to Nick who made absolutely no attempt to hide his amusement.
“You don’t have to do it,” Nick said, “if you’re too scared.”
Mercury had been trussed up like someone at a seedy club in downtown Berlin.
“Can two people go up at the same time?” he asked the instructor.
“Of course.”
“Then I challenge Mr Nicholas Campbell to a race to the top.”
The kids all cheered. To Mercury’s excitement, Nick seemed unsure.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Hands up who disagrees,” Mercury said.
Every kid and even the instructor raised their hand.
“Outvoted,” Mercury said. “Strap him up.”
Nick glanced around nervously then pulled himself together. “Fine. Don’t come crying to me when you lose.”
“Okay,” Mercury said. “Let’s make this a little more fun. If I win, I’ll pay for everyone to have takeaway when we get to the House.”
Once again, the kids cheered.
The instructor helped Nick into the groin straps. Mercury couldn’t tear his eyes away. With a bulge like Nick sported, he didn’t have the willpower to avert his gaze.
“And if I win?” Nick asked.
“Erm…you pay for the takeaway.”
“Either way, we get takeaway,” Eddie said. “Nice one. I’m Team Mercury.”
He stood behind Mercury. In no time, the kids were standing behind their chosen gladiator. It was a fairly even split. Eddie, Brooke and Olena had chosen him. He winked at them.
“Watch and learn, kids. Watch and learn.”
The instructor tugged at both Mercury’s and Nick’s ropes one final time.
“You’re good to go. Remember, if you freak out, the ropes have got you.”
“Pah,” Mercury said, walking up to the line. “Freak out. As if.”
Nick stood next to him. “You’ve changed. You were crapping your Calvin Kleins a minute ago.”
Mercury stared straight ahead. “Now my honour is at stake. I’ll have you know, the Morrisons have a long line in the armed forces. Courage is part of our DNA.”
Eddie stood forward. “On your marks.”
Mercury shook his body. He was determined to win this. No matter how terrifying.
“Get set.”
Both he and Nick put a foot forward. It appeared Nick was as competitive as Mercury.
“Go.”
Mercury launched himself to the wall.
Don’t look up or down. Focus on the next step.
He grabbed the first climbing hold and hauled himself up. At first his foot flailed around before he found purchase.
Okay, this isn’t so bad.
Mercury got into a rhythm, stretching his body to the next hold and the next. He heard Nick grunting although he didn’t dare stop and check his progress.
Sweat already coursed down his body. His Gucci trousers weren’t stretching all that well. Still, he knew he had a good arse. At least Nick would have something to look at as Mercury beat him to the top.
Spurred on, Mercury climbed up the wall like he’d been raised in the Amazonian jungle rather than Kensington.
The top lay almost within reach. Judging by the primal sounds coming from Nick, he was below. With a last burst of energy, Mercury pushed off the foothold and grabbed the top.
“We have a winner,” the instructor yelled from below.
Mercury glanced down. Nick had almost reached him.
“Sorry,” Mercury said, grinning.
“Bollocks you are,” Nick replied.
They were both laughing and panting. Nick had beads of sweat on his forehead.
“What can I say? The need to win overtook my fear of the wall. It’s a miracle.”
“Did someone mention fear?” Nick replied.
He grabbed Mercury’s harness and tugged, making him lose his grip. He had no intention of falling by himself. Instead, he yanked hard at Nick’s remaining hand.
They both swung out into thin air, clutching each other. The ropes held and they dangled helplessly. Mercury clung to Nick for dear life. Every part of them melded together. Their faces almost pressed against each other.
Nick’s lips were inches from Mercury’s. The kids shrieked with laughter but it all faded away as Mercury gazed into Nick’s eyes.
Enter the Giveaway:
To celebrate the release of Mercury Rising, Kristian is giving away an e-copy of the Queens Crescent Box Set 1 (Books 1-3)!
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!
Direct Link: https://bit.ly/KPMRGiveaway
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 Kristian:
www.kristianparker.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/kristiansworld
https://www.facebook.com/kparkerwriter
https://www.instagram.com/kparkerwriter/
TikTok @kparkerwriter
Newsletter with five free stories www.krisianparker.com
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