Hearts and Haunts Series, Book 2
Paranormal Romance
Date Published: 07-30-2024
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
Sometimes the only way to forget the ghosts of the past is to face the curse of love head on.
Artist Vi Keller made a holy vow to never return to her quirky hometown of Devils Hollow. But when the sister she left behind pleads for help during the busy Halloween season, Vi can’t say no. Even if it means a month of watching her ex-BFF Max loving someone new…and braving the darkness awaiting her return.
Max has fantasized about Vi every day since she disappeared. Some of those dreams revolve around revenge, but when Vi shows up at his historic bed and breakfast, his thoughts take a steamier turn. She may still own his heart, but he rebuilt life without her and doesn’t need a blonde bombshell with tempting artwork skin to wreck him again.
When Vi and Max are forced to partner up during the seasonal festivities, it’s just like old times, resurrecting a desire that never died. But happily-ever-afters in Devils Hollow are paid in blood and bones. Missing pets, tourist attractions turning sinister, and shadows stalking the lake point to Vi’s worst fear—the spirit that failed to destroy her once has neither forgiven nor forgotten. If Max and Vi can’t untangle the tragic past of a local urban legend, they’ll lose more than a second chance at love.
Are you into romance with a healthy dose of banter, slow burn, best-friends-to-lovers, and second chances with a supernatural twist? Scroll up and grab your copy of Wherever, Whenever today!
Interview with C. J. Burright
Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction?
I can’t remember who, what, or where I saw it, but it was a quote about how books and stories connect people, and I think that is so true. If a book can hit you in the heart and/or make you see people or the world in a new, enlightened way, that’s a gift.
How do you select the names of your characters?
I like to choose names that aren’t connected to anyone I personally know. I don’t know if you’re like me, but once I get to know someone, that name belongs to them, and I can’t help but associate particular characteristics with that name. It seriously messes up my perception when I know several people with the same name!
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I love to include the title of the book somewhere in the story. And I have quite a few nods to the show Supernatural. I miss my Winchester boys!
What was your hardest scene to write?
It’s almost always the love scenes for me because I want to get every detail right—the emotion, the setting, engaging all the senses so the reader will completely lose themselves in the scene, becoming one with the characters.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
Every book can be read on its own, but they’re all loosely connected by theme and a ghostly subplot.
What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
I really wanted to include a lake, inspired by a true story told by my husband about a private local lake and some shady happenings. I also wanted my characters to find not only happiness with the love of their life, but to find themselves as well. I think I nailed it!
What inspired you to write Wherever, Whenever?
That lake story again…I wanted to write a paranormal romance around a lake and the secrets it kept deep. And since I ADORE all things Halloween, I decided to add in a quaint small town that breathes the holiday. It was so much fun to create.
Can you tell us a little bit about the next books in the Hearts and Haunts series or what you have planned for the future?
I’m barely started with the third book in the Hearts and Haunts series, but I can tell you there is an inherited castle involved, an unlucky-at-love heroine and a sexy Irishman. I went to Ireland for the first time last year, which inspired all sorts of writing ideas. I also have news of another paranormal series that I can’t share…yet. But I’m super-excited about it!!
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Wherever, Whenever?
Maximus Carter is the sweet, sexy co-owner of a bed and breakfast that he runs with his gramps. Staying in Devils Hollow was never his dream—and neither was losing Vi five years ago—but he always looks at the bright side. And don’t mistake his civility for weakness. He has a devious side and isn’t afraid to use it to get what he wants…which has always been Violet.
Violet Keller avoids all things supernatural and Devils Hollow is the last place she wants to be. But she’s unwaveringly loyal, even if the people she loves the most question it. She’s determined to conquer her fears, and if that means facing Max—and the lake she nearly died in—again, she’s as ready as she can be to do it.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Definitely all the Halloween elements of the fictional small town, Devils Hollow! It was so much fun researching other towns that are all-in for Halloween and coming up with my own ideas to add to the story. If there really was a Devils Hollow in existence, I’d definitely visit. 😊
About the Author
Once upon a time, a girl with flat hobbit feet dreamed of adventures in the woods with an elven hero, fighting off orcs and saving magical rings. All grown up now, C.J. Burright resides in Oregon (at least she got the trees). While she faces her duties at the law office day job, she avoids writing legal thrillers and instead turns toward romance—contemporary (sometimes with a supernatural flair), paranormal or fantasy. With a 5th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, it’s no surprise she prefers feisty heroines who aren’t afraid to jump into the fight. Her slivers of spare time are spent working out, gardening, playing the latest Assassin’s Creed, and rooting on the Seattle Mariners, always with music. She shares a house with her husband (not elven, alas, but a fine alternative) and a devoted cat herd while missing her daughter from afar. C. J. is represented by Brittany Booker of The Booker Albert Literary Agency.
Contact Links
Twitter: @CJBurright
Purchase Link
7 comments:
Looks amazing
Enjoyed the post. Sounds like a good read.
Great interview. This looks really good. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for having me and sharing Wherever, Whenever! <3
I love paranormal romance! This is a new author for me to check out.
Lovely cover
Fun interview! This book sounds interesting. I love Halloween too! I go all out decorating inside and out!
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