Painter Stefan Cobbe was homeless and debt-ridden after the death of his wealthy partner, but the worst loss of all was his artistic inspiration. After two years of nothing, heâs offered patronage by an eccentric gallery owner and starts to produce again, canvas after canvas. The only problem? He canât remember painting any of themânot one single brushstroke.
Luke Morgansternâs reputation as an art-fraud investigator is in tatters. He canât afford to turn down any job, even a lousy one for an anonymous client who sends him after an unidentified forger in a remote cabin in Oregon. When the alleged forger turns out to be Stefan, the man he never stopped loving, Lukeâs professional ethics are stretched beyond the breaking point.
As the two men take tentative steps toward reconciliation, evidence begins to mount that theyâre not alone in the woods. Someoneâor somethingâis watching. Something with sinister plans for them both. To escape, Luke must overcome his suspicions and Stefan must trust Luke with his deepest fears. Otherwise they could forfeit their relationship, their sanityâand their lives.
NOTE: This is a heavily revised and significantly expanded reprint of the author's Northern Light, however the text does not differ from the first edition of The Artistâs Touch.
E.J. Russell (she/her), author of the award-winning Mythmatched paranormal romance series, writes LGBTQ+ romance and mystery in a rainbow of flavors. Count on high snark, low angst, and happy endings.
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Reality? Eh, not so much.
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E.J. also writes traditional cozy mystery as Nelle Heran. She lives in rural Oregon, enjoys visits from her wonderful adult children, and indulges in good books, red wine, and the occasional hyperbole.