by: J.C. Valentine
Series: Coffee Break Mystery
Genre: Mystery Romance
Release Date: October 11, 2023
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?
"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.
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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The Coffee Break Mystery Series:
A Hallowed Date releases October 18, 2023
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:
Cute cover! It sets the tone for the book!
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