Spotlight: Soul Love by D.F. Jones

Publication date: September 3rd 2024
Genres: Adult, Romance, Time-Travel

Synopsis:

From USA Today bestselling author D.F. Jones comes Soul Love, a mesmerizing tale of past lives, time travel, and an unbreakable bond that transcends time itself.

What if a simple dinner invitation could change your life forever?

When Summer Jewel accepts a dinner invitation from her enigmatic new neighbor, her world is turned upside down. Suddenly transported to 1926 Heartsville, she uncovers shocking truths about a past life she never knew existed. This revelation ignites a journey brimming with turbulent emotions and undeniable desires, leaving her questioning everything she thought she knew.

Meanwhile, Rogan Randolph, a dedicated agent of The Order of the Invisible Effect, is tasked with subtly guiding the course of human history. His orderly world is thrown into chaos when a portal to his own past unexpectedly opens, offering him a chance to right a wrong. His mission becomes inextricably linked with Summer’s, as she is the very woman he encounters in the future.

Together, Summer and Rogan must navigate the intricate complexities of love and destiny, confronting the mysteries of their intertwined past lives. Their actions ripple through time, challenging the very fabric of reality and altering the course of their journey. True love is never lost, and some connections last forever.

Escape into Soul Love, where destiny and passion weave a captivating narrative that explores the enduring power of love and the intriguing possibilities of fate.

Prepare to be swept off your feet with this spellbinding story of love, loss, and the magic of second chances.

Excerpt

Summer ventured out the side pedestrian door, her gaze drawn to the moving activity. Three men were unloading furniture from the truck, one clearly in charge. As their eyes met, Summer felt a sudden rush of nervousness. 

She approached her mailbox, and one of the men raised his hand in greeting. She fumbled with a piece of junk mail. “Moving in?” she called out. 

He walked to the end of the driveway. “Hi, I’m Erik, the designer.” Without waiting for her response, he quickly asked, “Have you ever met the owners?” 

How odd. “Um. No. Why? Haven’t you?” 

“I hoped you might know them. We worked through an attorney who never disclosed their names.” He shrugged. “No harm in asking.”

“I love the house. Is there any chance I could peek inside?” Sure, it was forward of her, but it might be the only way to satisfy her curiosity.

Erik nodded. “This is our last load of furniture, so why not? I love showing off my work.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a business card. “I’m posting the project online. I would appreciate it if you’d leave a glowing comment on social media.” His hands tented.

“Sure thing.” Summer hated social media but took his card anyway. 

She followed him up the painted plank steps through the open door. 

An elaborate crystal chandelier hung in the entry. In front of her, the rich mahogany staircase dazzled against a backdrop of blue-green textured walls. A baby grand piano was positioned in the living room corner to the left of a rock fireplace. The art over the mantel looked like a Renoir. She wondered if it was an original or a reproduction. 

Then something weird happened. The hair on her neck and arms rose. She had a deja vu feeling as if she had been there before. Trying to shake off the unsettling sensation, she turned in a slow circle and said, “It’s beautiful, better than I even imagined. I love it!”

Erik seemed pleased with her assessment, grinning from ear to ear. “I chose warm, rich colors. I can’t stand the fact that most designers are like sheep. The minimalists’ interior design with white is so overused and blah,” he said with an eye roll. “I updated the lighting fixtures and completely renovated the central kitchen. It’s three stories with the attic and a downstairs complete with a cookery and staff rooms.” 

A mover dropped one end of a very expensive-looking bureau. Erik shouted, “Do not scratch the floors or furniture.” Then he glanced apologetically at Summer. “I’ve got to work. I have a deadline with instructions to leave the house by seven o’clock this evening. Feel free to look around.”

Yippee—freedom’s call echoed in her heart, inviting her to explore uninhibited. Summer drifted through the library first. Its walls were lined with ancient, leather-bound books. The scent of old paper and the hushed tales of forgotten lore surrounded her, igniting a thrill only a true book lover could understand and appreciate. Each step was a dance with history as her fingers trailed over the spines, noting the weight in their textured covers. 

The library seamlessly gave way to an entertainment room, where contemporary met old-world design, asserting itself with an audacious flair. A large, ultra-high-definition television screen dominated one wall, surrounded by a state-of-the-art sound system. Soft, ambient lighting emanated from cleverly hidden sources, casting a glow that accentuated luxurious furnishings from the plush, angular sofa to the gleaming, geometric coffee table. 

The kitchen made a bold statement with its brand-new stainless-steel appliances, rustic oak cabinets, and white and gray marble counters. The walk-in pantry door was ajar, so she peeked inside to find it vast and orderly, a trove of culinary possibilities. She suspected exotic spices and gourmet delights filled the closed shelves and drawers.

Adjacent to this culinary haven, a set of narrow, almost secretive steps curled upward, their very existence a whisper of intrigue. She glanced furtively over her shoulder. Erik was absorbed in positioning the remaining pieces in the living room. 

Her pulse quickened with the thrill of undercover exploration. Memories of countless novels she had devoured over the years surged within her—a cascade of adventures, hidden rooms, and undiscovered treasures that had always seemed worlds away were now seemingly within her grasp. With each step into the unknown, her pulse quickened with anticipation, and her mind buzzed. What secrets and mysteries lay hidden in this century-old home? 

Summer hustled up the stairs, bypassed the second floor, and continued into the attic. She’d long fantasized about writing a novel in such a superb, renovated space with its black, charcoal walls and a shade darker woodwork, a cozy white sofa with black and gold accent pillows—and how she loved the black lacquer desk. The lighting included several sconces with candle-like bulbs that glimmered warmly. It was a nice touch. She murmured, “Totally jealous of the owners.”

She peered through the horizontally installed cameo windows, the view of which looked directly at her house. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a shimmering swirling blue light materialized on the other side of the room. It formed a doorway of sorts, like beams of a hidden sun trapped within its frame, defying the laws of physics and reality.

What the heck? Summer cautiously approached, each step filled with fear and fascination. She reached out tentatively toward the opening, her hand trembling slightly. Was it a gateway to worlds unseen?

But Erik’s appearance on the top step jolted her back to reality just before her fingers could graze the pulsating energy. As if responding to his intrusion, the portal vanished as quickly as it had appeared, leaving behind a blank wall devoid of any clue to its mysterious existence. 

She struggled to process what she had just witnessed. Was the ethereal light a trick of nature? A figment of her imagination? The silence that enveloped the room was heavy with unspoken questions, the air charged with the residue of the inexplicable.

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About the Author

Meet D.F. Jones, the USA Today Best-Selling Author and #1 International Bestseller who weaves magic into every page, with a career that began as a broadcast consultant at Nashville's ABC Affiliate and led to founding a successful advertising agency, D.F. Jones knows how to captivate an audience.

In 2015, she downsized her agency to care for her parents, finding solace and creative freedom in writing. Writing is more than a passion for her—it's a journey to places where anything is possible, filled with dreams and limitless imagination.

D.F. Jones's books are a whirlwind of supernatural adventure and romance, from angels and demons to time travel, witches, wizards, and ghosts. Her stories are not just action-packed but emotional rollercoasters that will leave you breathless.

At home, she's happily married to her best friend and the love of her life. Together, they cherish their two wonderful sons. She's either laughing at her husband's jokes, cheering for the Tennessee Titans, or tending to her flower gardens when she's not writing.

Escape into a world where love conquers all, and the impossible becomes reality with D.F. Jones. Ready to be swept off your feet? Start your adventure today!

Connect:

https://dfjonesauthor.com/

https://x.com/Author_DFJones

https://www.facebook.com/DFJones.author

https://www.instagram.com/D.F.Jones_Author

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14282826.D_F_Jones

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Spotlight: The Fallen Fruit by Shawntelle Madison

On a rainy day in May 1964, history professor Cecily Bridge-Davis begins to search for the sixty-five acres of land she inherited from her father’s family. The quest leads her to uncover a dark secret: In every generation, one offspring from each Bridge family unit vanishes—and is mysteriously whisked back in time. Rules have been established that must be followed to prevent dire consequences:

Never interfere with past events.

Always carry your free Negro papers.

Search for the survival family packs in the orchard and surrounding forest. The ribbon on the pack designates the decade the pack was made to orient you in time.

Do not speak to strangers unless absolutely necessary.

With only a family Bible and a map marked with the locations of mysterious containers to aid her, Cecily heads to the library, hoping to discover the truth of how this curse began, and how it might be ended. As she moves through time, she encounters a circle of ancestors, including Sabrina Humbles, a free Black woman who must find the courage to seize an opportunity—or lose her heart; Luke Bridge, who traverses battlefields, slavery, and time itself to reunite with his family; Rebecca Bridge, a mother tested by an ominous threat; and Amelia Bridge, a young woman burdened with survivor's guilt who will face the challenge of a lifetime—and change Cecily's life forever. It is a race through time and against the clock to find the answers that will free her family forever.

Excerpt

Cecily Bridge-Davis 

May 1964

My family tree has poisoned roots. Secrets from generations ago sank far into the earth where truth and lies tangled in a polluted snarl. Over time, those deep roots— the ones that couldn’t stay buried forever—writhed to the surface like new saplings and contaminated the earth around them.

I discovered one of those saplings when my aunt Hilda—who’d raised me like a daughter right outside Charlottesville—died. Her will stated I had an inheritance: sixty-five acres of Bridge family land. Since I hadn’t heard a word from my father or his kin, I didn’t know what I’d find. With my luck, the apple trees would be termite infested and any haphazard shacks would be unfit for human occupancy. 

I should’ve sold the place, sight unseen, but the hunger to learn more about my father’s side of the family propelled me from the home I’d made for myself in Nashville to return to the Virginia woods. Five miles north of downtown Charlottesville, a heavy downpour left me lost in the countryside. I had no choice but to stop my car on a rutted dirt road and approach an old bungalow where an elderly Black woman sat in a rocking chair on the porch. The moment I showed up, her middle-aged son emerged with a stiff nod. 

“Stay away from that godforsaken place,” the woman said, waving away a mosquito from her cloud of white hair. “You’ll find nothing but trouble. A long time ago, one of them Bridges killed a bunch of people before he kidnapped an innocent child.” 

“Are they still around there?” I asked. 

“Who knows,” the woman replied. “They come and go.” 

“Those Bridges kept to themselves,” the man said. “Sell that land and wash your hands of it. That’s what I’d do.” 

My granddaddy told me I never knew when to back down from a challenge. 

“I still need to see it,” I said. “Please tell me the way.” 

Reluctantly, they gave me directions. From years of teaching history to college students, I knew too well how folks always wanted to share these sorts of tall tales. Vendettas among the countryfolk passed from one generation to another, sowing animosity over amity between neighbors. But all stories and legends had their roots in the truth. 

After leaving the bungalow and taking two wrong turns, I finally came upon a hidden opening to my right. Back when I was small, my grandfather sometimes stopped here on our way to church. I would sit in the idling car, playing with the hem of my Sunday dress, until he came back. Grandpa never went farther than the entrance itself. Neither did I, until the day I steered my car down the winding path, which ended at a house next to overgrown apple trees. Wildflowers and tall grass filled the pasture while a stubborn oak stump jutted out in the middle. Rotted fence posts leaned away from the single-story house, perhaps to escape from the clinging neglect. Decades ago, this long-forgotten place had been someone’s home, their sanctuary from summer’s heat and winter’s bitter chill. Now only daddy longlegs, mice, and cobwebs lived here. 

After shutting off the car, I hurried through the rain and sidestepped the missing floorboards on the porch. I pushed open the door with ease, at once slipping into the past. I pulled the collar of my blouse over my nose to dampen the odors of mildew and musk of wild animals and left the door open to bring in some fresh air. It was a damn shame no one had thought to take care of this place. 

Carefully, I walked through the empty living room with only the storm’s pitter-patter and my breath to keep my company. From the living room, I made my way to the summer kitchen, then the two bedrooms off a narrow hallway. Broken-down and dusty furniture filled both rooms. I sighed, imagining the scrubbing and hauling someone would have to do. I was better off tearing down the whole house. There was nothing for me here. Anything that might’ve been interesting or useful had long rotted away, and I resigned myself to return to my car when a glint from something on a shelf across the living room drew my eye. 

I had to at least take a peek. Tucked away on the ledge, I discovered a cerulean tin box. With trembling hands and a hope that this would be my reward for coming all this way, I picked up the tin and wiped away the dirt and grease on the lid to reveal the bouquet hidden beneath. My pulse thrummed as I unhooked the rusty latch, loosening the lid’s stiff hinge to lift the top, and revealed a spool crafted from maple and a Bible carefully protected by the lambskin wrapped around it. Turning the spool between my fingers, I could tell it was old—very old. I exchanged it for the Bible. The pages were yellowed and nearly transparent in their thinness, but the tin had preserved the Bible from worse decay. The flyleaf held a wealth of information— someone had consigned the names and birth dates of every Bridge born on his farm, beginning in the late 1760s and ending in the 1920s.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Hardcover | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Shawntelle Madison is the bestselling author of over a dozen paranormal romance, contemporary romance, and fantasy titles. She lives in Missouri.

Spotlight: She’s Got The Time by M.O. Mack

(Suite #45, #3)
Publication date: August 29th 2024
Genres: Adult, Thriller

Synopsis:

From author M.O. Mack comes the third, heart-stopping thriller in the Suite #45 series, SHE’S GOT THE TIME.

SENTENCED FOR A CRIME SHE ONLY WISHED SHE COMMITTED…

Emily has broken plenty of rules. Some she regrets. Others, well, not so much.

Running from her husband Ed for example? No regrets. He was a controlling predator who trafficked women while working for the FBI. But had she known she’d end up working for a group of hit men, she might’ve made different choices. Big regrets.

On the bright side, the group only kills bad guys. On the not-so-bright side, every cartel south of the border wants the group dead, and she’s number one on the cartel’s list.

Emily also regrets trusting Charge, her hit man boss. She regrets caring about him more than she should.

But when the feds arrest her for the murder of her ex, Emily knows she’s been set up, and all signs point to Charge. Why would he do this to her? The prison is filled with cartel gangs, and there’s a price on her head.  

Can she find a way out before her time is up?

The clock is ticking… 

Excerpt

“I thought you loved me,” she said, knowing now that the confession he’d made after she’d saved him all those weeks ago had just been another lie.

Charge jerked his head back, like she’d taken him off guard. “What’s that have to do with anything?”

“It’s everything.” Because he’d told her that while he’d been preparing to do the hit on Ed, he’d watched her from afar and fallen for her. He’d said it was the reason he’d helped her after she’d run from Ed. “You’ve been playing me this entire time. Haven’t you? The story about you loving me was a scam to get me to keep working for you.” And it had worked. He’d probably done it because he believed she’d eventually lead him to Ed.

“I don’t have time for this right now. And I’ve proven my loyalty to you.”

“No. You said whatever you had to in order to make me trust you.” She hung her head. “I can’t believe I fell for it.” Not to mention, she’d started having feelings for Charge. She’d taken a life for him. She’d risked her own ass, too.

“I’m sorry you think that,” he said smugly, “but it doesn’t change the situation or what has to be done next.”

“And just what’s that? Am I supposed to take out the warden next? Or the head of one of the gangs here so you get paid?” She pushed back in her chair. “I’m done, Charge. Done.”

“Don’t be silly. You won’t get out of this prison alive unless you pull your head from your ass, Justine, and follow my instructions.”

This again. And why did he always call her Justine when he wanted to control her? Did he think it was some kind of psychological magic wand to garner compliance?

He went on, “You only have a day, two max, before someone realizes you have a ten-million-dollar price on your head. You don’t have much time, but it’s enough time to—”

“No, Charge. No more. I’m not buying into your crap. I mean, look at where I am.” She tried to throw her hands in the air, but they were chained to the table. “We both know I’m not getting out of here. Not after I killed that guard. At best, I’ll survive a week, and if it’s all the same to you, I’d like to enjoy what little time I have left.”

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Obviously, M.O. Mack is a cover. Don’t bother looking for the author’s true identity. She must remain secret due to the sensitive information written in her stories… 

Okay, most of all that is total rubbish! M.O. is a full-time author from the great state of Arizona, who loves making stuff up and hates a slow story. The faster the better! Most days, M.O. tries to avoid the news (too icky) so it doesn’t interfere with writing nail-biter stories.

Connect:

https://authormomack.com/

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/EINccWM/MOmack

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMOMack/

https://www.instagram.com/author_mo_mack/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20495694.M_O_Mack

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Spotlight: Second Time Charmed by Maggie Blake

(Rendezvous at Midlife, #2)
Publication date: August 28th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Women’s Fiction

Synopsis:

Sometimes a second chance is all we need.

When Margot Whitley receives devastating news, she keeps it a secret from everyone, determined to maintain her newfound commitment to herself and her career. Having to overcome obstacles as an independent businesswoman, and not wanting to bother anyone else, she feels she can handle it on her own. However, when Margot’s daughter, Callie, and best friend, Susie, sense that something is off and become determined to uncover what Margot is concealing, her secret unravels.

Vaughn Jameson, the love of Margot’s life, currently touring with his rock band, also sensing a change in Margot, decides to head to Los Angeles and check on her between concerts. From the moment Vaughn shows up on that fateful day at Margot’s, a story full of sacrifice, loyalty, and newfound destiny unfolds.

In life, we encounter unexpected twists and turns, surprising opportunities, and occasionally, second chances.

Can also be read as a standalone.

Excerpt

"Each step Margot took felt heavier than the last.

One foot in front of the other.

Margot’s heels clicked rhythmically on the pavement as she strode through the parking lot. The cacophony of car horns, laughter, and the distant hum of construction seemed to amplify in her ears.

Reaching her car, Margot paused for a moment, leaning against the cold metal and taking in the chaos that surrounded her. She observed the sea of faces that flowed past her on their way toward the tower, each one blissfully unaware of the storm that could meet them there.

“Beautiful day, isn’t it?” an elderly man remarked, pausing beside her with a warm smile. “Feels like spring might finally be around the corner.”

With a deep, steadying breath, Margot made a decision—one that would shape not only the course of her own life but also the lives of those closest to her. She would face this battle head-on, armed with her trademark tenacity and wit; but for now, she would bear the burden alone, unwilling to cast a shadow over the happiness of her loved ones.

Callie is on her own and thriving, Susie is happy in a stable relationship, and Vaughn is living his dream on tour with the band.

Margot straightened her posture and brushed a stray strand of strawberry-blonde hair from her face, her eyes narrowing with steely resolve as she unlocked her car door.

She slid behind the wheel and turned the key in the ignition, the irony of it all stunning her. Amidst the chaos and noise of the city that had become her fortress, she found herself grappling with a silent, invisible enemy that threatened to undo everything she’d worked so hard to build."

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Maggie Blake, proud owner of a top-rated property management company in the greater Baton Rouge area, immerses herself in the vibrant Louisiana lifestyle. Having been brought up in the charming city of Rochester, New York, she now resides in the heart of Louisiana with her two precious rescue dogs. Maggie has always harbored a burning desire to write a book, a passion that remained unfulfilled until 2016 when at the Atlanta airport she met a man and it sparked her creative side. 

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, she decided to start the journey of getting her books published. Maggie makes a mean New York-style pizza, enjoys reading, watching movies, and relaxing at home with her spouse—the very man from the airport! 

Her debut novel Rendezvous at Midlife is book one in a series, with the additional three books releasing in rapid succession.

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Spotlight: Dear Riley Rose by Caroline Rose

Memoir

I’d like to tell you a story. It’s a fairy tale of sorts…

At the age of twenty-seven, Caroline Rose was finishing her first year of medical school and in the best shape of her life when she was shockingly diagnosed with a highly aggressive, incurable, stage IV cancer.

At the age of one, Riley, a Great Dane/Labrador mix, was rescued from inhumane abuse. An Internet search of rescue dogs during Caroline’s first remission led her to a picture a large broken dog with empty eyes that resembled her own. One impulsive decision later, Riley became a Rose.

This is the story of two lost souls coming together as one and their journey together through family, love, loss, pain, and hope.

Dear Riley Rose radiates the humor of Riley’s antics during even the toughest of times and illustrates the courage it takes for every being to rise up and choose life in the face of adversity.

Love heals us. Hope carries us. But is that enough for us to believe in a happy ending?

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Hardcover | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Caroline Rose, a nationally recognized author, public speaker, and motivational storyteller, delivers compelling stories from her three separate battles with her highly aggressive, incurable stage IV cancer. After being diagnosed when she was 27 years old and undergoing two different bone marrow transplants, it was ultimately a groundbreaking clinical trial and the donation of her older brother’s marrow that saved her life. Caroline understands the universal struggles of trying to live life to the fullest, even in the face of fear and uncertainty, and is passionate about helping people recognize the beauty of life, even in the darkest moments.

Caroline’s compelling story has been featured by organizations such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, Livestrong, City of Hope National Medical Center, and Health Magazine. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society chose Caroline to be a candidate for their Woman of the Year campaign, and the National Cancer Survivors Day committee highlighted Caroline and her story as a featured speaker for this year’s speaker selection. Caroline is a frequent podcast guest on top rated podcast and travels the country, speaking to approximately 10,000 to 15,000 people annually. In 2018, Caroline was honored to be chosen as the speaker for the City of Hope Music, Film, and Entertainment Industry Spirit of Life Awards in Santa Monica, California.

Today, Caroline is embracing her thirteenth year of living cancer-free. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoys life as a wife and a mom to her two teenage children and two four-legged fur babies. Caroline is an avid dog lover and a deep believer in the healing power of animals. She is very excited about her soon-to-be-released memoir, Dear Riley Rose, the story of a woman and her dog…and how they saved each other.

In her free time, Caroline volunteers for organizations such as her local dog rescue, the MD Anderson Patient Advisory Board, the Be the Match Foundation, the National Charity League, and the Battle of Flowers Organization, and she fills several parent volunteer positions at her children’s school. Caroline also spends time in Austin and is involved with the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians and the local Austin-based medical device company, Wenzel Spine, which was founded by her life-saving brother, Chad Neely.

Caroline’s strong message of hope, even in the face of profound struggle, resonates universally, especially today. The world is craving hope, and Caroline is happy to be the one to provide it.

Connect:

Website: www.DearRileyRose.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caroline.neely.rose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearrileyrose/

Spotlight: Cadence by Claire Davon

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

From a young age, aspiring musician Jessica Baker has made it a point to never rely on anyone other than herself. After all, in her experience, people, along with success, are both fleeting. However, when Kai Halara joins her tour, all of her preconceived notions are demolished.

Kai is a failure in the eyes of his industry. Intending to use Jessica’s tour as a distraction while he determines his next move, he’s soon at war with himself. His mind tells him to stay away, but his heart—and body—demand the opposite.

Can their happiness survive when misunderstandings collide with electric attraction, and past drama resurges to threaten to destroy all they have created? 

Excerpt

Kai’s first sight of Jessica had hit him like a freight train.

He watched her as she focused on each speaker. Her manager should have been there but, for whatever reason, either hadn’t been invited to this particular meeting or hadn’t shown. Her questions showed that she’d done her research and wasn’t relying on those around her to advise the correct steps.

That much poise in a woman twenty-five years old was remarkable. The haunted maturity in her didn’t match the shining blonde hair and full lips. He didn’t go for blondes as a matter of preference—or women as young as Jessica. Though some might not think so, ten years was a big difference.

“Will the fans be expecting CDs at the merch table? Or is it a waste of time? In the past, artists would sign them at their table after the show, but all the teens download stuff, not buy physical copies.” Gordon focused on Kai.

He started to answer when Dirk cut in.

“It’s never a bad idea to have bespoke merchandise. The buyers for that will skew older, but we might draw in some who are younger. We’ve got T-shirts, stickers, and koozies. Those are what I have found move the needle more than the music. Though CDs are faded in popularity, some still want them. If we had more money, I would have done something in a limited edition but didn’t have the funds.”

“What do you think, Kai?” Gordon’s voice echoed across the conference table, almost as a challenge.

Country was a form of music Kai wasn’t that familiar with. Apposite had been a rock label, specializing in hard rock and speed metal. Apposite. His failed venture. It had been a long shot when he started it, but he had always been persistent and assumed he could tough it out and make the endeavor a success in time.

In that, he’d been wrong.

He cleared his throat, surprised that Gordon had addressed him. Kai studied Jess’ picture on the back of the CD. The picture wasn’t like the real-life woman. This was every bit a professional portrait, with her hair teased out and blown straight, the wind lifting it just back from her face. She had a white dress on, creating a sexy yet virginal effect.

The real Jessica Baker had her own raw sensuality that called to him in a way he had no business entertaining.

“I am with Dirk. She can sign the liner notes on the physical copies. We will have postcards and download cards for those who buy it online. Dirk’s got the right idea for merch. Patches are good too, if you are still searching for suggestions. Those should cover our bases.”

Gordon nodded and started speaking to Dirk in low tones.

Studying the real-life woman in front of the conference table, Kai decided he liked her better today than in the glamour shot on the CD. Her hair had a natural wave to it and curled down her back. She had more makeup on than he was expecting, with a smoky liner around her lids and mascara. Her peasant blouse was in a muted green that complemented her skin, jeans and cowboy boots completing the outfit.

“Kai?”

He focused on Ally Wilson with the CD still in his hand. “Yes?”

“Did you have any input on the set list? We’re going to end with ‘Susan the Magician,’ of course, since that’s the first release, but any opinions about the rest?”

He reviewed what they had said about the song choices, though he hadn’t been giving it his full concentration. “I would move the third song to be second so you’ve got a break between tempos, but it’s a short set, so it won’t make that much of a difference either way.”

“Great. Thanks. I’ll talk to her manager. Appreciate the input. Jess, will you sign the CDs?”

If it wasn’t his imagination, Jessica’s attention flicked to him before landing on Ally. Kai struggled to keep his face neutral.

“Of course I will. Give me all you have. And a pen.”

The meeting broke, and Kai wondered why Gordon had forced all of them to attend this thing in person. Perhaps the label president meant it as a flex to show his power.

Ally lingered as the rest filed out of the conference room, leaving Kai and Jess behind. Those folks had offices, but Kai did not. He worked from home, making this even stranger. The entire thing had been unnecessary.

He approached Jess as she signed. He resisted the urge to turn on his heel and walk away when she raised her head to acknowledge him. No matter his reason, she would take it a different way.

You should have kept your distance.

Too late now.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Claire can’t remember a time when writing wasn’t part of her life. Growing up, she used to write stories with her friends. As a teenager she started out reading fantasy and science fiction, but her diet quickly changed to romance and happily-ever-after’s. A native of Massachusetts and cold weather, she left all that behind to move to the sun and fun of California, but has always lived no more than twenty miles from the ocean.

In college she studied acting with a minor in creative writing. In hindsight she should have flipped course studies. Before she was published, she sold books on eBay and discovered some of her favorite authors by sampling the goods, which was the perfect solution. Claire has many book-irons in the fire, most notably her urban fantasy series, The Elementals’ Challenge series, but writes contemporary and shifter romances as well as. 

While she’s not a movie mogul or actor, she does work in the film industry with her office firmly situated in the 90210 district of Hollywood. Prone to breaking out into song, she is quick on feet and just as quick with snappy dialogue. In addition to writing she does animal rescue, reads, and goes to movies. She loves to hear from fans, so feel free to drop her a line.

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