Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway: Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Katie Porter

Welcome to the writing team of Katie Porter and the tour for their new holiday novel, Came Upon a Midnight Clear, from Riptide Publishing! This book is part of the Holiday Charity Bundle, and we’ve got an exclusive excerpt from the book for you to enjoy. There’s also a giveaway, so be sure to check out those details below!

About the Book

Up-and-coming film producer Kyle Wakefield lives in the closet rather than risk the wrath of his influential, conservative parents. The only time he took a chance on love was a tempestuous teenage affair with Nathan Carnes. But when Nathan proved himself hell-bent on self-destruction and wound up in prison, Kyle closed off his heart.

Almost a decade later, Kyle’s production partner hires Nathan’s stunt company, Second Chances, to work on a big-budget action film in London. Nate is floored by his explosive reunion with Kyle. But he sure as hell isn’t surprised that Kyle still treats their mutual needs—and Nate—like dirty little secrets.

As the London holiday season casts its dazzling spell, the two men find themselves falling in love again. Kyle is one breathless kiss away from declaring himself to Nate—and to the world—but they cannot ignore secrets borne of youthful mistakes. To protect their bright new future, Kyle and Nathan will need all their passion and trust . . . and a little Christmas magic.

Publisher’s note: This is a lightly edited reprint of a previously published novel.

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Exclusive Excerpt

“Come dance with me.”

No request. The words were infused with every bit of Kyle’s arrogant expectancy. He knew Nate would dance with him. His mouth curved into a smile that bordered on smug.

Of course Nate would. The biggest hurdle had been agreeing to go dancing in the first place. No way could he refuse when Kyle stood in front of him with that dark-purple shirt skimming over taut lats and a thick chest. Those pecs—those were all for Nate, at least for tonight.

Nate followed the man out to the small dance floor. The shirt was tight enough to show off the way Kyle’s wide shoulders arrowed down to the bold line of his lower back. Nate put his hand there. Couldn’t help it.

He needed touch. Something to anchor himself in the moment and make himself believe it. He really was going to dance with his ex. His most incredible ex. This was happening.

They started grinding to the song that had once linked them, indelibly—like a scar, but so much sweeter. Everything was sweat and heavy breathing. Moving. Dancing became living flashbacks.

Nate wrapped his hand around the back of Kyle’s strong, surprisingly graceful neck. The way Kyle moved was magical. Always had been. The sway of his hips wove spells around Nate’s entire being, until they surged together, apart, and always returned. Nate drove his thigh between both of Kyle’s, feeling hardness. Heady thrusting. Over and again, as if they’d already wound up in bed instead of grinding together in an underground club in Soho.

It went to Nate’s head—along with two more rounds of rail whiskey and ginger ale. The songs melted into one long dance. So much touch was more than Nate could handle.

Except, God, it was good to see Kyle let go. He had never been very good at it, always watching who was watching him. Sure, there was the fear of being caught, but Kyle desperately wanted people to like him. He had a thing for that, developing his charm to an almost compulsive level. That meant locking down any part of his personality that didn’t fit with what people expected.

Now, with Nate, for Nate, he was a living god. His hips luxuriated in every measure of music. Christ, his chest was practically begging to come out from behind that sexy-ass shirt. Gleaming muscles and smooth, hot skin. Smiles. Laughter. And moans that shook past the bass and into the skin along Nate’s damp throat.

When the band was about to take the stage, Nate led them back toward the tiny table. Tim was still there with his companion, and he had a waiter by the elbow. The smaller man’s grin spread wide. Drunk. Very, very drunk. “Heya, boys. Want a drink?”

Kyle shrugged. “Why not. We’re living it up tonight.”

Tim waved his hands in the air. “Fabulous, that’s the only way to be.”

Except when the waiter came back, he held a tray of Jell-O shots—eight of them.

“Expecting anyone else?” Nate asked.

The big guy answered. His accent was also British but . . . mushier, with more rounded vowels and sloppy consonants. Nate didn’t think it was all due to alcohol. “Nope. Just like to order double. Drinks get scarce as this place gets busier.”

“It gets busier than this?”

Kyle laughed. “I wanna stick around till then.”

“You should.” Tim waggled carefully plucked brows. “Crazy stuff starts to happen.” With little ceremony, Tim snatched one of the long, slender Jell-O shots off the tray and stuck it in the waistband of his jeans so the end stuck out. He crooked a finger at Nate. “Want a drink, tasty boy?”

“No thanks,” Nate said past a grin.

The nameless guy put a hand on the table in between them. “I don’t think so, mate. Mine.”

Kyle narrowed his eyes. “Better get a leash on your boy, then. He’s the one tossing out invitations.”

Nate leaned in close to Kyle’s ear. A tiny rivulet of sweat called to his tongue, so he licked. Slowly. “What about you, college boy?” he asked, reverting to his old nickname for Kyle. “You’re the one wearing a collar. Will you wear my leash?”

“You’re going to have to give me a little more warm-up than that.”

Not denial. Fuck, yes.

That sparkling collar called to Nate’s fingertips like the bead of sweat had been meant for his tongue. He slid his fingers beneath the rhinestones. Tugged lightly, then again. “Then sit your ass up on that table and spread your knees.”

About the Holiday Charity Collection

20% of all proceeds from this title will be donated to the Russian LGBT Network. 

Each year, Riptide Publishing releases a holiday collection in support of an LGBTQ charity. Twenty percent of the proceeds from this year’s collection will be donated to the Russian LGBT Network.

The Russian LGBT network was founded in April 2006. It is an interregional, non-governmental human rights organization that promotes equal rights and respect for human dignity, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. They unite and develop regional initiatives, advocacy groups (at both national and international levels), and provide social and legal services.

To learn more about this charity or to donate directly, please visit their website.

This collection would not be possible without the talent and generosity of its authors, who have brought us the following holiday stories:

• Cecilia Tan, Watch Point
• Roan Parrish, The Remaking of Corbin Wale
• Katie Porter, Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Pre-ordering this collection will allow you to download each story two days prior to its official release date, as well as save 20% off the list price of the individual books.

About the Authors

Katie Porter is the co-writing team of Lorelie Brown and Carrie Lofty, friends and critique partners of six years. Both are multi-published in several romance genres. Carrie has an MA in history, while Lorelie is a US Army veteran.

Generally a high-strung masochist, Carrie loves weight training but she has no fear of gross things like dissecting formaldehyde sharks. Her two girls are not appreciative.

Lorelie, a laid-back sadist, would rather grin maniacally when Carrie works out. Her three boys love how she screams like a little girl around spiders.

Connect with Lorelie and Carrie: Website || Twitter: @MsKatiePorter || Goodreads

The Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Came Upon a Midnight Clear, one lucky winner will receive a $10 Riptide credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on November 25, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!