Kris Starr used to be famous. Rock and roll. Sold-out shows. Literal magic. Empathic talents and screaming fans. But he has a problem or two. He's having a hard time writing new music. It’s Midwinter, which means he’s surrounded by depressing holiday cheer. And he's in love with Justin, his manager, who has a talent for rescuing almost- or once-famous bands ... and who’s hiding secrets of his own. Justin Moore, on the other hand, is very good at keeping those secrets -- he's had to be for years. One secret involves a demonic inheritance that would make him a target of suspicion. Another involves his past. And the third involves Justin’s feelings for Kris Starr, rock and roll icon and now his client ... and a powerful empath of his own.

A Demon for Midwinter

He said, “Sure, why not?” and Justin’s eyes lit up. Cinnamon candy and sunbursts, matching the hair,and asking, “Can I make absolutely terrible jokes about plums?”


“I may regret this, but yes. Stay put for a sec.” He came back with his guitar, the oldest acoustic one, and tested fingering, cringed, did some tuning. “I don’t mean you have to come up with plum-related jokes right now. Take your time. And also parsley, sage, rosemary…”


“Kris Starr playing for me,” Justin said. “And peppering your comments with bad puns. And I’m in your bed. Fifteen-year-old me would never believe this.”


“Yours was worse than any of mine. Give me a minute and I’ll come up with something about cardamom.” Justin was indeed in his bed. He was pretending not to be aware of this. Every atom of his body shouted otherwise. Every piece of him prickled and shivered with the knowledge. Certain bits threatened to growstiff.


Chapter 29