Spotlight: A Hallowed Date by J.C. Valentine
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(A Coffee Break Mystery, #3)
Publication date: October 18th 2023
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Romance
Synopsis:
Ava is head over heels for her brooding neighbor Ryan, but he barely knows she exists. When he finally pays attention just in time for Halloween, her favorite holiday, Ava is determined to win him over with her bubbly personality and holiday cheer.
But amidst blossoming romance, a mystery unfolds when Ava’s intricately carved pumpkins begin to vanish from her porch overnight. Enlisting Ryan’s help, Ava tries to catch the culprit behind the pumpkin disappearances and solve the spooky whodunit.
As they draw closer to unmasking the pumpkin bandit, Ava wonders if Ryan will ever see her as more than just a friend. Can All Hallow’s Eve cast a spell to turn their friendship into true love? Or will Ava’s heart be left hollow when the case is closed?
This delightfully spooky romantic comedy blends quirky mystery with the magic of the Halloween season.
Excerpt
The sound of footsteps had me glancing up to see Ryan shuffling up the walkway toward me, looking only slightly bleary-eyed. His dark hair was endearingly mussed from sleep.
“Good morning, sunshine,” I said brightly, puzzled as to why he was gracing me with his presence. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company this fine morning?” It wasn’t typical for us to converse most days, aside from a passing nod or hello. This was...unexpected.
“I think I had too much of your magic brew last night,” he said, coming to sit in the vacant seat beside me, only a small wedge of an attached table standing between us.
Ah, he was suffering a hangover. "Coffee?" I offered, feeling suddenly shy and somewhat sorry for overserving him. But at least we were talking. It was definitely a step in the right direction.
Ryan gave me a lopsided grin. "You read my mind. I saw you sitting out here and figured I’d see if you’d pity me enough to offer a cup.”
“I’m surprised you even left the house. Why didn’t you make your own pot?”
He grimaced. “Tried. Would you believe I tripped over my own feet and broke it?”
I covered a snicker with my hand. “Well, looks like your day isn’t starting off on the best foot, no pun intended. I’ll go fix you a cup. Black or with sugar?”
“Two sugars and a splash of milk. You’re an angel,” he added, blinking up at me adoringly.
I laughed outright this time and shook my head, then headed inside to retrieve his drink. Ryan’s morning might have been a monster, but mine was turning out pretty great so far.
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About the Author
J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn't sorry.
Living in the Northwest, she has three amazing children and far too many pets. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor's in English and when she isn't writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors.
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