October 26, 2023

Spotlight: A Patch of Romance by J.C. Valentine

October 26, 2023/ Michelle Bowles

(A Coffee Break Mystery, #4)

Publication date: October 25th 2023

Genres: Adult, Mystery, Romance

Synopsis:

Callie’s status as a single mom is about to end when she meets up with local dad, Scott Prince, at the pumpkin patch. Love is definitely in the air…or is that just pumpkin spice? Either way, Callie is about to embark on a seriously satisfying journey. That is, until the mystery knocker comes knocking. Is it just a Halloween prank, or is someone trying to send her a message—the deadly kind?

As Callie and Scott traverse the dating life with one another and ring in the holidays with the hope of uniting them all as one big, patchwork family, the lingering question of who keeps knocking and what they want looms in the shadows, waiting to be answered. Will Callie and Scott reveal the truth behind the eerie knocking before something it’s too late? And will they ever get their happily ever after?

Follow Callie and Scott’s journey from wary strangers to soulmates in this feel-good holiday romance. With a friends-to-lovers romance, family bonding moments, cozy Christmas traditions, and a found family trope, this wholesome love story will get you in the holiday spirit. Curl up with a mug of hot cocoa and let the magic of the season bring this unlikely pair together one knock at a time.

Excerpt

"Okay, you wild banshees, costumes are ready to go!" I called up the stairs. Instantly, I heard the pounding of little feet as Lily and Ethan raced down the stairs, with Lily predictably in the lead, eager to transform into their Halloween alter-egos.

"Beware the Headless Horseman!" Lily cried, tossing her hooded cape dramatically over her grinning face. Next to her, Ethan was assembling his white boxy Minecraft costume, complete with pixelated foam sword.

I knelt down and made the final adjustments, securing Ethan's headpiece and Lily's belt, then ushered them toward the door. "Let's hit those sidewalks before all the good candy is gone!" I declared.

It was still light outside when we stepped out onto the porch. Ghosts, superheroes, princesses, and witches were already parading up and down the street as families got the trick-or-treating underway. The crisp air twinkled with magic and excitement as neighbors called out compliments on costumes, and I inhaled the heavenly, smoky scent of burning wood that several people were using to keep warm as they passed out candy.

We weren't far into our route when I heard rapid footsteps approaching. Lily and Ethan's faces lit up as Scott and his son came into view dressed in matching blow-up dinosaur costumes. I couldn’t help laughing as I watched their giant dino heads bobble to and fro as they swished toward us.

"Hey, guys!" Scott greeted, slightly out of breath. Since our pumpkin carving hangout, we'd been planning for the kids to do Halloween night trick-or-treating together too. I was relieved he was making it easy for me to take this second opportunity with no strings attached.

"Dad, can we go show Ms. Molly our costumes?" Lily asked eagerly.

I nodded indulgently, enjoying seeing my kids having a good time. After waiting a few moments for Lily, Ethan, and Stanley to run up the walkway to show off their costumes to their principal, we began a slow, easy walk from house to house, stealing pieces of candy here and there, as the kids ran back and forth down driveways and bonded with each other more.

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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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October 19, 2023

Spotlight: A Hallowed Date by J.C. Valentine

October 19, 2023/ Michelle Bowles

(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

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October 12, 2023

Spotlight: A Monster Mash Made for Two by J.C. Valentine

October 12, 2023/ Michelle Bowles

(A Coffee Break Mystery, #2)

Publication date: October 11th 2023

Genres: Adult, Mystery, Romance

Synopsis:

In the haunted town of Oakdale, sparks fly between bartender Noah and shy photographer Allison amidst costumes and spooky decor at his tavern’s monster bash on All Hallows’ Eve. But Allison experiences unexplained supernatural events—glimpses of a shadowy figure that may be the legendary Irish Jack’s ghost. Are these just harmless paranormal tricks leading up to Halloween, or could the haunting be real?

Amid lingering questions of the paranormal, cute surprises, and creative dates, Noah and Allison’s connection deepens, until they both begin entertaining ideas of taking their lives and relationship to the next step. But even the sweetest romances have challenges. Will their sweet romance end as just another holiday fling?

Excerpt

"Wait, hold that pose!" I instructed Noah, framing the perfect shot on my camera and then snapping away. We were taking advantage of the vibrant fall scenery at a park on the outskirts of town I'd been wanting to photograph since I’d come through on my first night to meet up with Kara.

Ever since Noah had suggested I take his picture, I hadn’t stopped thinking about it. So when he had asked me to spend this sunny Saturday together, I hadn’t hesitated to bring my camera along. Since he'd been so supportive of my photography goals, I didn’t think he’d mind—and he hadn’t. Capturing Noah's good-natured personality and the colorful landscape was hardly a challenge. Instead, it was a blast. Not only was he insanely photogenic, but his charm and character oozed from every picture. A girl could almost be jealous. The man didn’t possess a single bad angle!

"Let me see!" Noah said, bounding over to peek at the preview on my Nikon. I laughed as I scrolled through the shots of him climbing trees, admiring the foliage, and grinning cheesily at me. He was a total goofball, and I loved every second of my time with him.

"These are awesome, Al. You have a great eye," he praised, giving my hand an affectionate squeeze. I smiled up at him, feeling that now familiar, fluttery happiness I always did when we were together, which, these days, had been near constant. There wasn’t a day that went by that didn’t have Noah in it. I’d even decided to stick around a while longer and stay with Kara, taking up her spare bedroom at her insistence, and at this point, even thinking about returning home seemed abominable.

I didn’t want to leave at all, and thoughts of giving up everything and moving here were starting to take over.

Things had been going amazingly between Noah and me since meeting at O'Reilly's Halloween bash a few weeks back. We both wanted to take it slow, but I knew this creative, funny guy was someone special. And the possibility of pursuing my dream of photography with Noah's endless support only made me more smitten.

Eventually, we collapsed onto a quilt beneath a canopy of red and gold leaves, munching the snacks we'd packed. Noah had even brought a thermos of rich homemade hot apple cider. He was so thoughtful, I couldn’t stop smiling inside. If ever God had made a perfect man, Noah was it.

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About the Author

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October 08, 2023

Spotlight: Bewitched at the Bash by J.C. Valentine

October 08, 2023/ Michelle Bowles

(A Coffee Break Mystery, #1)

Publication date: October 4th 2023

Genres: Adult, Mystery, Romance

Synopsis:

Bakery owner Lucy is focused on growing her small business when her matchmaking best friend insists she attend the annual Halloween bash in their quaint town to meet some new romantic prospects. Although reluctant, Lucy dons her Day of the Dead costume and shows off her festive Halloween-themed cupcakes at the party. But when her signature treats vanish, Lucy switches to detective mode to uncover the confectionary thief.

Amidst the outrageous costumes, apple bobbing, and spooky decor, she finds an unlikely assistant in Sam, the handsome new firefighter in town. As they team up to solve the sweet mystery of the stolen cupcakes, Lucy wonders if she’s met her perfect match. Will brave Sam fan the flames of romance with shy Lucy, or disappear like her vanished cupcakes by the end of the kooky Halloween night?

Excerpt

I frantically checked every inch of the kitchen, high and low, even in the cool professional-grade oven that I briefly wished I’d had the opportunity to test out for this occasion, but there was absolutely no sign of my cupcake creations. Someone had clearly taken them. There was no other explanation.

Panic surged through me, and I spun around and punched open the door and called out for Marie right away. "The cupcakes are gone!" I shouted in panic and despair.

"Wait, what? Are you sure?" Marie responded, her head popping up from laying out the last of the cookies. She appeared baffled as she rushed to my side and saw for herself that the kitchen was empty of any more baked goods.

I recounted searching every possible place in the kitchen they could be, tears stinging my eyes. “I worked so hard on those.” Weeks of baking and freezing and crafting the flavors and planning. Now it was all gone.

Dismayed, Marie grabbed me up for a quick hug and set me free again, determination in her light eyes. “I’ll go ask the servers if any of them maybe moved them somewhere. They have to be around here. Cupcakes don’t just get up and walk away!” She was already gone, leaving the swinging door batting back and forth behind her.

It didn’t matter what she promised though. Like a mother’s sixth sense about the safety of her children, I knew, deep down, that the cupcakes were gone.

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About the Author