by: J.C. Valentine
Series: Coffee Break Mystery
Genre: Mystery Romance
Release Date: October 18, 2023
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.
When the weekend arrived, Ryan watched in amusement as I assembled our costumes—a last hurrah to the season, so to speak. I'd picked out a Victorian vampire one for him, complete with ruffled shirt and long velvet coat. Standing there so pale and cute, he reminded me of Louis from “Interview with a Vampire.”
"Devilishly handsome," I declared, grinning when he emerged from changing. I took a too-long moment to stand back and admire him and my handiwork before shaking myself free of his mystical spell. I swept on a glittering purple cape over my gown—vampire royalty to complement him.
“Dangerously beautiful,” he countered, admiring me and my costume in turn. I felt a flush rush up my neck and into my cheeks as I became hyper-aware of his attention. It wasn’t just the usual friendly look, as I’d grown accustomed to. This was...more. I couldn’t quite explain it, but my body responded and there was no mistaking that, this time, there was a mutual attraction going on.
“A dark prince for the ages,” I said with a dramatic flourish of my cape, trying to shake off whatever that look had done to me. I didn’t want to risk being wrong. Not about this. I could imagine myself being devastated if I put myself out there—truly out there—only for him to shoot me down.
Ryan's eyes softened adoringly as he approached. "My dark queen," he murmured, his eyes holding mine as he bent and kissed my hand gallantly.
Shivers. They wracked my body. Before he took notice of the affect he had on me, I pasted on a bright smile and said, “Shall we pay?” Then I made a beeline for the register.
"Devilishly handsome," I declared, grinning when he emerged from changing. I took a too-long moment to stand back and admire him and my handiwork before shaking myself free of his mystical spell. I swept on a glittering purple cape over my gown—vampire royalty to complement him.
“Dangerously beautiful,” he countered, admiring me and my costume in turn. I felt a flush rush up my neck and into my cheeks as I became hyper-aware of his attention. It wasn’t just the usual friendly look, as I’d grown accustomed to. This was...more. I couldn’t quite explain it, but my body responded and there was no mistaking that, this time, there was a mutual attraction going on.
“A dark prince for the ages,” I said with a dramatic flourish of my cape, trying to shake off whatever that look had done to me. I didn’t want to risk being wrong. Not about this. I could imagine myself being devastated if I put myself out there—truly out there—only for him to shoot me down.
Ryan's eyes softened adoringly as he approached. "My dark queen," he murmured, his eyes holding mine as he bent and kissed my hand gallantly.
Shivers. They wracked my body. Before he took notice of the affect he had on me, I pasted on a bright smile and said, “Shall we pay?” Then I made a beeline for the register.
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The Coffee Break Mystery Series:
A Patch of Romance releases October 25, 2023
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.
Places to find J.C. Valentine:
This looks like a fun series!
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