Ashleigh Stevens's Blog, page 9

Road Trip!

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What's new with Ashleigh? Choose Your Own Path Hartfield Chronicles Free Books Other Books on Sale Upcoming Events Ashleigh's Reading Challenge Join My Newsletters Check Out My Books
What's new with Ashleigh?

It's my family's favorite time of year: our annual Six Flags road trip. This year, we're visiting a park that's new to us. This one has its own campground and we're super excited.

Now it's time for a little secret: I wrote this email last week! Normally, I write my newsletter just before sending it, or maybe a day in advance. But because we are travelling, I wrote this last week, not long after sending my last email. As a result, I don't really have that much to share.

I'm still taking a break from my derby project. I have a sequel in mind, but I am also catching up on my reading. I am a judge for several contests for self-published books, and I am using my downtime to read some of the entires. I have to say, I'm enjoying the stories I've read so far.

How about you? Have you read any good books lately? (If so, can I post your recommendations on my website?)
Choose Your Own Path Stories

The Detention Adventure is an interactive young adult story.

Start at the Beginning Episode 6: Hello? Dragons?

Late For Work is an interactive romance story.

Start at the Beginning Episode 6: Better Than Eating Alone

A Weekend at Munson Manor is an interactive mystery story.

Start at the Beginning Episode 6: Just the Seven of You

Hartfield Chronicles Season 6 of Hartfield Chronicles is here!

For Hartfield students, Spring Break means two weeks away from campus. Pat has so many plans: earning his pilot's certificate, the Hollywood premiere of Tomodachi, auditioning for a new movie, and spending time with the friends in L.A. that he hasn't seen in months. Melinda's only plan, however, involves being bored for two weeks at home. After an adventurous night babysitting, however, her parents have a surprise for her: she can join her friends in L.A.

Melinda can't wait. There are so many things she wants to see. But most of all, she's looking forward to seeing who Walter and Pat become when they become Wally and Patrick McGregor.

But L.A. isn't exactly the experience Melinda expects. Between Hollywood parties, Pat's ex-girlfriends, crazy fans, and paparazzi around every corner, Melinda questions whether she would be better off back in Connecticut.

Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every Wednesday.

Here's what you missed: Episode 134
Walter and Pat visit Melinda for spring break
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Free Books
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Free Story

The Bully Mission
Solving Damian Dermite

What would you do?

How would you stop the most feared bully in school from humiliating your new best friend?
An impulsive 11-year-old boy named Alex Thomas has a simple solution: you hurl your left over pizza at him. Although it does mean he will have to spend the sixth grade finding clever ways to escape a vengeful bully. Alex soon discovers that hiding in the boy’s bathroom, stinking up the cafeteria, pulling the fire alarm ,and running away are not the answers. When he finds himself standing with no clothes on in front of the entire school, Alex quickly realizes things have gotten way out of hand. With help from his brother, and a calculated plan in place, Alex faces his greatest fear...and finally solves Damian Dermite.

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Free Story

Coveted
A feel-good mystery romance about second chances, family bonds and happily ever afters. Steamy contemporary romance novella with alternating POV and HEA that opens the series "Dr. Stone".

I can no longer deny how my doctor makes me feel. And he might just feel the same way.

His smooth, tanned face peering intently at me makes me go weak in the knees.

Dr. Stone moves from around his desk and comes to stand in front of me.

My heart skips a beat at his proximity.

I shudder and melt into his embrace, realizing that it had been too long since I’d been held.

The only problem is, he’s also my doctor.

“Coveted” is a steamy novella with alternating POVs and a cliffhanger that strings into the satisfying romantic HEA series “Dr. Stone”. Also, be sure to check out more dreamy doctors in my “Millionaire Doctors’ Club” Collection.

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Free Book

Secrets of Sunshine Inn
A feel-good mystery romance about second chances, family bonds and happily ever afters.

Three estranged sisters. A mysterious guest. A locked box. Long-held secrets that were never meant to be revealed.

When famed actress and recently widowed Susan Foster gets a chance to re-ignite her stalled Hollywood career, she gathers her three daughters for one last summer in Sunshine Inn, set in a quiet seaside town along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Their grand reunion is cut short when Susan is called away unexpectedly. Connie, Abby and Beth are forced to repair their relationships, heal scars from their past, and pack up their beloved family home that is full of treasured belongings and childhood memories.

But their walk down memory lane comes to a screeching halt when their last guest, Deacon Moore, arrives in the middle of a storm. Their world takes a drastic turn, leaving them scrambling to make sense of it.

Now that the sisters are left with no choice but to search for answers, they discover the sacrifices their mother made, the importance of family and the issues that strained their relationship no longer matter.

Come stay awhile at Sunshine Inn and find out how second chances, forgiveness and everlasting love changes the lives of the charming Windham family.

Secrets of Sunshine Inn is an enchanting feel-good, clean and wholesome women’s fiction series set in a beautiful beachside location with a puzzling mystery at its center and a heartfelt, generous sprinkle of romance.

Would you like some free books in exchange for an honest review? [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] Want more free books? Check out these giveaways! [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] Do you have Kindle Unlimited? These books are free for you!

Other Books on Sale
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Available for Free
on Kindle Unlimited

Billionaire Rock Star
Christian Edgy Contemporary Fiction

Billionaire rock star, Ian Taylor, controls everything in his life… except love.

His girlfriend dumped him on New Year’s Eve, and everyone else gets close to him for his money and fame. His best chance at finding love is to meet a girl who has no idea he’s a rock star.

Quiet, unassuming Megan wants nothing to do with love. Her goal is to finish her last year of college, focused on her studies. Having a boyfriend can wait until after graduation.

When they meet in the most unlikely place for romance, Ian’s ready to win Megan’s hesitant heart, but not ready to reveal his superstar identity. Once she learns the truth, Megan finds that she doesn’t fit into Ian’s world of private jets, backstage parties, and star-crazed girls throwing themselves at him.

Can Megan see past Ian’s dishonesty and lifestyle? Or will their love song end before it’s begun?

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Click here to read more on Amazon

Available for Free
on Kindle Unlimited

Romanced By The Billionaire
A Fake Relationship-Steamy Enemies To Lovers

He’s her worst enemy – but she can't walk away.

Quinn

Harry Roman is a scumbag, and I put just as much energy into hating him as he does into hating me. I don’t care how hot he is, I’ll never fall for his charm. But now I’m forced to live with him, and I’m not sure how long it will be before we’re at each other’s throats…

Harry

I've bedded a lot of women, but I've never met any who were like Quinn. She drives me crazy – but as much as I can’t stand her attitude, I’d still like to get my hands on her. And after my late brother’s last request lands me playing dad to his two kids, I have no choice but to go crawling to Quinn for help…

She thinks he’s a lying rake. He thinks she’s a judgmental brat. When a tragedy brings together two sworn enemies, Harry and Quinn are forced to pretend to get along. Harry doesn't know the first thing about being a dad, and Quinn can’t stand letting her cousin’s kids become Harry’s responsibility. But neither of them could possibly have foreseen how far things are about to spiral out of control...

Can this notorious billionaire playboy and his arch-nemesis see through their differences? And will their mutual contempt spill into something far more steamy and passionate than either of them could have imagined?

Perfect for fans of exhilarating billionaire love affairs, this steamy enemies-turned-lovers romance is a wild ride that juggles family drama with wit, banter, a fake relationship, and a cocky-hilarious billionaire playboy.

You may also be interested in these books

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A Weekend at Munson Manor Resumes

A Weekend at Munson Manor is an interactive Choose Your Own Path story. Each episode, readers vote for the path they would like to take. Together, we will follow the path with the most votes.

Since it has been so long, here is a quick recap of the story so far. If you remember it, feel free to jump ahead to the latest episode.

Episode 1: Welcome to Munson Manor

“Welcome to Munson Manor. May I take your coat?”

Nodding, you remove your windbreaker. As you pass it to the butler, you can't help but feel underdressed in your jeans and sweater. The man before you is wearing a three-piece black suit with a matching tie. Unlike you, he looks like he stepped out of the 1940s.

The butler drapes your jacket over his arm and gestures you inside. “Please come in. What is your name?”

Out of habit, you almost respond with your real name. But just in time, you remember the information packet you received when you registered for this weekend. “Dr. Poole.”

The butler nods. “Welcome, Doctor. My name is Charles. If you have any issues this weekend, do not hesitate to let me know. If you please, allow me to show you to your room.”

But Charles isn’t really looking for your permission. He grabs your suitcase, extending the telescopic handle and dragging it into the hall.

As you follow, you can’t help but admire your new surroundings. Late afternoon light shines through the stained glass windows on either side of the main entrance. The wooden floors are in a diagonal parquet style you only recognize because you saw it mentioned on a television show once. To your right is a heavy bench made of a dark wood. The back contains an intricate carving, but in your rush to keep up with the butler, you do not have time to discern the pattern.

Paintings hang on burgundy walls with ornate walnut wainscotting. They look to be oil paintings, but you are no art connoisseur. All you know is that they are a mixture of landscapes and portraits.

Doorways lead to several rooms, but the butler gives you no time to explore. You have just enough time to notice a grandfather clock on each side of the room before realizing the butler is already halfway up the stairs with velvet carpet the color of a fine merlot.

You hurry to catch up, passing another grandfather clock on the landing. How many clocks does one mansion need?

At the top of the stairs, the butler turns right into a hallway with white marble floors and three white doors. The one on your right is ajar. The butler pushes it open and gestures inside.

“Your room, Dr. Poole.”

Compared to the rest of the house, the room is small. A four-poster bed sits to the right and an oversized armchair to the left. Between them is a white door with frosted glass. Black and white photographs—again, a mixture of landscapes and portraits—cover the white walls.

The wall to your right, facing the bed, contains a fireplace so small, you hardly noticed it. The wooden mantle and sides are painted the exact shade of the wall and the heart is so small, you wonder whether you will even be able to have a fire. Since there is no nearby woodpile, you assume not.

On your left is a small wooden desk. The seat of the matching chair is a white fabric with a forest scene embroidered in red thread. The desk is bare except for a blue folder.

The butler wheels your suitcase in front of an armoire behind you in the opposite corner of the room, gesturing to the closed doors. “You best get dressed. Dinner will be served at seven.”

With a nod, he leaves, closing the door behind him. But you’re not ready to get dressed. You want to examine that folder on the desk. This is not a period piece. This folder is very modern. You use them all the time at work.

The label on the front reads Dr. Poole. Curious, you take it to the bed. Inside are two pockets, but the sheet between them is loose. You read that first, but quickly realize it is the same letter you received in your registration email. A summary of the weekend and a reminder to remain in character at all times.

The rest of the pages, you quickly realize, are more information about your character. You quickly learn that Dr. Poole is a physicist researching uses for x-rays beyond medical imaging. You work at a nearby university, but you have reached a stumbling block in your research. A weekend at the manor sounded like the perfect change of scene to clear your head.

Now that you fully understand your character, it is time to get dressed. Moving aside your suitcase, you open the armoire to find several outfits. According to what you have just read, tonight’s supper is a formal affair, so you need to pick one of the fancy outfits.

Which should you put on?

The floor-length gown The double-breasted suit Episode 2: The Floor-length Gown

The taffeta gown is a gorgeous light blue with puffy short sleeves. The flattering brocade neckline is adorned with small flowers in the center. As you remove the dress from the closet, you are surprised at how lightweight it feels. And, you quickly realize, it fits you perfectly. At least now you understand why the registration had asked for all your measurements.

The silver dress shoes have a small heel, just within your comfort level. Frowning, you examine yourself in the mirror on the inside of the armoire door. Not bad. You definitely look like you belong in the 1940s.

Time to see what your host has in store for you this weekend.

You have no problem finding your way to the main hall, where the butler is standing idly. What was his name again?

He bobs his head—somewhere between a nod and a bow—when he sees you. “Dr. Poole. You are all settled in?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Excellent. The others are in their rooms. Would you like to wait in the parlor?” He gestures to a room on your left.

With a shrug, you turn into the room. Gold-framed portraits adorned rose walls with dark-red flowers adorning them. You aren’t positive, but it looks as if the walls may be covered in fabric instead of paper. Either way, they nearly match the drapes, all of which are open. White sheers filter in the last vestiges of daylight, adding to the light from the sconces on every wall and the glowing fireplace to your right.

On the far wall a cherry wood table sits between two windows. Upon it rests an assortment of glass bottles in various shapes and sizes, each filled with a different color liquid. To your right, nestled between two more windows is a hutch of the same wood. A matching chair sits beside it, its embroidered seat containing the same pattern as the walls and drapes. To your left is a large wooden panel you assume is some type of sliding pocket door. On your right, two overstuffed powder-blue couches sit on an ornate Persian rug with two matching armchairs, all facing the fire.

Without realizing it, you find yourself drifting into the room, drawn to the warmth of the fire. Unlike home, there are no electronics. No computer. No television. Not even a phone. Combined with your outfit, you truly feel as if you have stepped back in time.

Hearing voices, you turn to the doorway. You cannot see anyone, but you can definitely hear two men talking. And one of them just uttered your name. Curious, you inch closer to the door, standing against the wall so no one will see you.

“Yes, sir.” You recognize that voice. Isn’t that the butler whose name you keep forgetting? “Dr. Poole has arrived, changed, and is waiting in the parlor. Miss Lewis has yet to arrive. Everyone else is in their rooms.”

“Very well. Let’s—”

A buzzing sound interrupts the second man. Wordlessly, footsteps retreat—one set running, the other walking calmly. A moment later, you hear the front door open and a new exchange, this time between the butler and a woman. You hear him giving her much the same speech you received as he leads her up the stairs.

As you return to the fireplace, you wonder who that second man in the hall was. If he was another guest, shouldn’t he have joined you in the parlor? And how did he know everyone’s name?

Loud voices break your concentration. Two new voices, a man and a woman. You cannot hear the words. Are they arguing or just speaking in raised tones?

The butler’s voice interrupts them. “Mr. Rollins. Professor Mills. Dinner will be served shortly. If you would be so kind, the rest of the guests are gathering in the parlor.”

The man grunts something unintelligible, but the woman speaks. “Thank you, Charles.”

A moment later, the pair enter the room. The middle-aged man is tall, but seems to be having trouble fitting into his gray tweed blazer and green herringbone trousers. His maroon tie has a navy zigzag running from his neck to where it disappears behind his jacket buttons. His scuffed shoes are the same dull brown as his unkempt hair.

The slender woman behind him looks about the same age as the man. Her floor-length rose gown has a gathered bodice with thin shoulder straps and pleats beneath her waistline. Her short black hair curls tightly against her scowling face.

Neither seem to notice you. The woman huffs to the nearest armchair, sitting with her arms and legs crossed and glaring at the floor.

The man, meanwhile, goes straight to the table and examines the liquids. He lifts one, removes the top, and sniffs. With a shrug, he reaches for a rounded drinking glasses and pours three fingers of the amber liquid. After returning the bottle to the table, he steps to the nearby window.

Obviously neither of these guests wish to speak with each other. Maybe you should break the uncomfortable silence. But to whom should you talk first?

The man The woman Episode 3: The woman

You move to the chair facing the woman, clearing your throat gently as you sit. She glares at you, but immediately relaxes her face and sends you a weak smile.

“Oh, hello. I didn’t realize anyone else was here.”

“Hi. I’m Dr. Poole.” You extend a hand.

She shakes it briefly. “Professor Mills.”

“Ooh. Professor. That sounds interesting. What do you teach?”

She bites her lip. “English. Oh, no, wait. History. That’s right. Medieval history.” She shakes her head. “I’m sorry. I haven’t had a chance to really absorb my character yet.”

You give a small laugh. “That’s okay. That’s part of the fun of this weekend, isn’t it?”

“Have you done a weekend like this before?”

You shake your head. “No. This is my first time. But I love reading cozy mysteries. This sounded like a lot of fun.”

The woman’s smile finally meets her eyes. “I love cozies, too. What’s your favorite?”

Before you can answer, the man approaches with the glass in his hand. When he speaks, you can hear the disdain mixed with the alcohol. “Excuse me, but we are supposed to be in character.”

Puzzled, you turn to him. “We are.”

“No, you’re not.”

The woman rolls her eyes. “Here we go again.”

Ignoring her, he sends you a pointed look. “Cozy mysteries as a genre did not come about until the end of the twentieth century. As our characters are meant to be in the 1940s, we would have no knowledge of such books.”

Smirking to yourself, you turn back to the woman. “Have you read The Time Machine by H. G. Wells? I think that would be so cool. I would go to the future to see what kinds of books people like to read.”

The woman smiles. “I bet they get so frustrated with these new noir books that they try to get back to the golden age of Agatha Christie. I would call books like that cozy mysteries.”

“You know what might be fun to read? Books that have dogs in them.”

“Or maybe recipes!”

With a hurrumph and a scowl, the man returns to beverage table. Professor Mills leans a little closer, lowering her voice. “Thank you. That man can be so insufferable.”

“Do you know him?”

She shakes her head. “Not really. We met upstairs. He calls himself Mr. Rollings. I think that’s his character name because when I tried to introduce myself, he went on this rant about staying in character. Thankfully, that butler guy. What’s his name?”

“Charles?”

She nods. “Yeah, him. He interrupted Rollings and sent us in here.” She gestured to you. “What about you? Are you a doctor in real life?”

“Ugh. Seriously?” The man stomps back to you and the professor. “What part of stay in character is so difficult for you to understand? If you’re going to do this all weekend—”

Professor Mills turns in her seat, but not before you catch the angry glare in her eyes. “Some of us want to know about the people we are living with this weekend. Not the make-believe characters.”

“But that defeats the point. Why bother being in character in the first place? If I wanted to tell you my personal life—”

“Like anyone would want to know your personal life.” Letting out a huffy breath, Professor Mills turns around to face you. “So, you’re a doctor?”

You nod. “A physicist at the university.” You look behind her. “What about you, Mr. Rollins. What do you do?”

He frowns. “I’m a detective. Private investigator.”

Professor Mills turns around just enough to see him out of the corner of her eye. “Oh. Are you going to investigate the crime tonight?”

Tossing his hands in exasperation, he nearly spills his drink. “Insufferable.”

The professor looks offended, but you want to laugh. Is she trying to irritate him? Or is she naturally this antagonistic? Since you can cut the tension in the air with a knife, you try for a neutral topic. “What did you think of your rooms?”

Professor Mills brings her arms to her chest with a sound of excitement. “Ooh! Mine is so sweet! It has an adorable little fireplace. And all the pictures on the wall! I’m pretty sure its the local beach and it looks so inviting. That may be my next vacation.”

Mr. Rollings grunts. “My room is full of portraits. It feels like I’m being watched.”

“Maybe you are.”

Thankfully, before another fight can erupt, a couple enters the room. Arms linked, they are obviously here together and, if their bright smiles are any indication, thoroughly enjoying themselves. As they stand in the doorway, you consider your options.

Should you greet the newcomers, leaving the professor and detective to start snapping at each other again? Or should you wave politely and invite them to join your tense little circle?

Go to the newcomers Wave politely Episode 4: Wave Politely

If you leave, the professor and detective will most likely start snapping at each other again. In the interest of keeping the peace, you wave to the newcomers.

The gray-haired man turns to you with a smile. In direct contrast to Mr. Rollins, the newcomer is smartly dressed in a double-breasted black suit with a matching vest. His perfectly folded pocket square and solid tie are the same royal blue as the dress of the elderly woman beside him. The gathered bodice with a plunging neckline appears to flow freely from her waist. As she turns, you can’t help but wonder whether the pearls around her neck are part of her costume or her own.

The way the woman grasps the man’s arm in both her hands makes you fairly confident the two know each other. When you gesture for them to join you, they slowly make their way toward you while Mr. Rollins returns to the bar.

After the newcomers settle on the unoccupied couch, you turn to them. “Hello. I’m Dr. Poole.”

The woman smiles. “Esther Giles. Nice to meet you.” She gestures to the man beside her. “This is my husband, Andrew.”

The professor glances between them. “Ooh! Are you really married? Like, not just for the weekend.”

Mrs. Giles smirks. “Yes, dear. And what’s your name?”

“Oh. I’m Kai—I mean, Jennie. Professor Jennie Mills.”

“Nice to meet you.” Mrs. Giles sent a pointed look toward Mr. Rollins, but he was too busy glaring out the window to notice.

The professor did, however. Rolling her eyes, she waved a dismissive hand in his direction. “That’s Mr. Rollins. Feel free to ignore him.”

Mr. Rollins grunts, although you cannot tell if it is in annoyance or agreement. Either way, you return your attention to the couple on the couch.

“So, is this your first weekend like this?”

Mr. Giles shakes his head. “This is our third?” He glances at his wife, who nods in confirmation before he turns back to you. “Yes, our third such weekend. We’ve been to others, of course, but this is one of our favorites.”

Professor Mills’s eyes grow wide. “Others? Really? I’ve never heard of this until I booked this one.”

Mrs. Giles nods sagely. “Oh, yes. My favorite was the mystery cruise.”

You frown. “How does that work? I mean, here there’s only a few of us. Aren’t there like thousands of people on a cruise ship?”

“This was a small boat. I think there were twenty of us. It was a cruise along the Mississippi and had a Mark Twain theme. We were all named after his characters. If I remember correctly, Becky Thatcher murdered Mark Twain.”

Professor Mills bounces a little in her seat. “Oh, that sounds so exciting.”

“May I sit here?”

You turn to the unfamiliar voice, a young woman gesturing to the other half of Professor Mills’s couch. Her pale pink dress with the flouncy scoop neck flares from her narrow waist. Although, judging by the way she keeps tugging at it, you wonder if perhaps she would have been more comfortable in jeans.

Professor Mills smiles at the woman. “Of course. I’m Professor Mills. That’s Doc Poole.” She points to you before gesturing to the opposite couch. “And that’s Mr. and Mrs. Giles. They were just telling us about other mystery events they’ve been to. What’s your name?”

The woman bites her lip. “Uh, Elaine. No, wait. Aileen. Sorry. Having trouble remembering everything. But, my name is Aileen Lewis. I’m a secretary at a law firm. How about you?”

“Oh, I’m a history professor.”

Miss Lewis makes a face. “I was never very good at history.” She turns to Mrs. Giles. “What do you do?”

The older woman gestures to her husband. “Mr. Giles worked for the Post Office for over fifty years before retiring last year. I was, am, a homemaker.”

Miss Lewis nods appreciatively. “Wow. Fifty years. That’s a long time.” She turns to you. “You’re a doctor?”

“A physicist.”

“What does that mean? I wasn’t that good at science, either.”

You give a polite laugh. “I study x-rays. Right now, we use them for medicine. But, I’ve been exploring other uses for them. Like maybe we can use them for energy or something.”

“That would be interesting.”

Professor Mills turns to Miss Lewis. “So, what made you decide to come here this weekend?”

“Oh. My cousin came here a few weeks ago and had a fantastic time. She thought I would love it, so she paid for my weekend and everything.”

“Did she come with you?”

Miss Lewis sighs. “No. She couldn’t get the time off work. But I still think this will be fun.”

The butler—what’s his name again?—appears in the doorway. “Sorry to interrupt, but dinner is served.”

As you and your companions get to your feet, he opens the wooden panel in the back of the room to reveal an elegant dining room. Three dark chairs sit on each side of the long table with another at each head. A white cloth covers the table. At each place setting, a small card sits on the plate. Approaching the nearest one, you realize they are your names.

You are sitting at one head of the table. Professor Mills sits to your left. The placard on the right is for Mr. Kline.

Professor Mills takes her seat with a groan. Before you can ask why, Mr. Rollins sits beside her with a smirk. You want to groan, too. Does this mean you will have to deal with their bickering all weekend?

When everyone is seated, the butler gestures to a new person entering the room. Who is it?

A man in a suit similar to Mr. Giles A man wearing a chef’s uniform Episode 5: A Man in a Suit

“May I present your host tonight, Mr. Maxwell Munson.”

With a small bow, Charles takes a step backward and closes the pocket doors, leaving you and the rest of the party guests with your host. He glances around the table, his salt-and-pepper hair bouncing slightly as he turns. After a moment, he makes a confused grimace.

“I believe we are missing someone.” Mr. Munson walks to the empty chair beside you, reading the placard before nodding and taking a seat at the opposite end of the table. “Well, while we wait for Mr. Kline, I’d like to welcome you all to my home.”

Professor Mills smiles. “It’s so lovely. May I ask how old it is?”

Mr. Kline looks pensive for a moment. “Nearly a century. It was built just before the Civil War. 1850s, I believe? It was built before Lincoln toured the state in his 1860 presidential campaign. My grandmother—this was her house, you see. She made it known to whomever would listen that Lincoln drove past here on his way to make his speech.”

Professor Mills wrinkles her nose. But, that’s was closer to two—”

Mr. Rollins elbows her none too gently as he reaches for his water glass. “Oh, excuse me.”

She narrows her eyes at him. “You’re not excused.”

Mrs. Giles seems to sense the fight about to break out. She turns to your host, who is sitting beside her. “So, what can we expect this evening?”

Mr. Munson smiles knowingly. “Well, I don’t want to give away too much—”

The door beside him opens and in walks the butler with a silver tray. “Shall I serve the salads, sir?”

Mr. Munson nods. “Of course, Charles. Please.”

The butler places his tray on a nearby sideboard and leaves. You glance at it hesitantly. Are you supposed to retrieve the dishes yourselves?

You glance at your companions, but no one else seems bothered. Mr. Munson is asking Miss Lewis about her dress. Mr. and Mrs. Giles are listening attentively. Mr. Rollins and Professor Mills are staring daggers at each other.

Charles returns a moment later with a second tray. Placing it beside the first, he removes two plate and places them in front of the elderly couple. As he places the last salad before the empty seat beside you, you glance at the salad before you. At least, you think it is a salad. The lettuce seems to be hiding under a mixture of nuts and fruit. Grapes, apples, walnuts, and almonds are drenched in a creamy white dressing. After placing your napkin across your lap, you take a hesitant bite.

Not bad. Too rich for you to enjoy on a daily basis, but definitely not bad.

Taking another bite, you glance up to see Miss Lewis biting her lip as she pokes at her dish. “I’ve never seen a salad like this.”

Mr. Munson doesn’t quite hide his smirk. “It’s called a Waldorf. Fruits and nuts in a mayonnaise-based dressing over a bed of lettuce. All the rage this year. According to Chef, it’s a must for every dinner party.”

Professor Mills sends him a hesitant look. “Does that mean we’re eating this again tomorrow?”

Your host gives a polite laugh. “No, I think we will try to diversify our menu a little.”

Mr. Giles nods. “My cholesterol thanks you.”

Professor Mills gestures to the empty seat across from her as she turns to the head of the table. “Mr. Munson? Do you know where our other guest is?”

He sighs. “Alas, no. I suppose he had car trouble.”

An earlier conversation pops into your head. When you were alone in the parlor, you had overheard two voices: the butler and a man you now recognized as Mr. Munson. And hadn’t the butler said that everyone had arrived?

You are still contemplating this when Charles returns to the room with another tray. Again, he places it on the sideboard, retrieving a second tray before serving the next course, a creamy white soup you have no trouble recognizing.

Charles is still serving Mrs. Giles when Mr. Rollins sighs contentedly. “New England Clam Chowder may be my favorite soup ever. Clams, bacon, potatoes. What else do you need?”

Professor Mills shrugs. “My grandma adds cheddar to hers.”

Mr. Rollins makes a face. “That sounds … actually, that sounds pretty good.” Is it your imagination, or does he send her a quick smile before returning to his soup.

When the butler returns to the dining room a moment later, he is not carrying a tray. Instead, he walks to the head of the table, bending to whisper something in Mr. Munson’s ear. When he leaves, your host glances at each of you.

What does he say?

Mr. Kline has arrived and will be joining you momentarily. Mr. Kline is unable to attend and it will be just the seven of you this weekend. Episode 6: Just the Seven of You

“Well, friends, it looks as if it will be just the seven of us this weekend.” Mr. Munson shrugs. “Unfortunately, Mr. Klein has taken ill.”

As the butler exchanges your soup for cod balls, drizzled in egg sauce, your host sits back with a sigh.

“Well, since this is everyone, I’d like to welcome you all to my home for the weekend. My name is Maxwell Munson, and I have been running these retreat weekends for several years. From this moment on, assume everything is part of the game. At some point this evening, a crime will be committed. Your job is to determine who is responsible.”

Everyone around the table nods. You all know this. It was the reason you were all here.

Mr. Munson gestures to the doorway as Charles enters. “If you can figure out whodunit, ring this gong.”

Everyone turns to get a glance at the table-topped sized gong in the butler’s hands. A black and gold disk suspended within a square black frame. A matching mallet dangles from the top to rest beside the frame.

None of the other guests seem to be interested in their gong. They all return their attention to their meals, so you are the only one who notices Charles leave the room.

“Hey! Where’s he taking that?”

Everyone again turns when you point to the door.

Mr. Munson gives a polite laugh. “Do not worry. He is simply returning it to the parlor. It lives on the mantle above the fireplace. Now, as I was saying, should you hear the gong, that is the signal for you to report immediately to the parlor. When we have all gathered, the ringer can make an accusation.”

Since everyone appears to understand the game, the conversation turns to small talk. As Mr. and Mrs. Giles share stories of their previous murder mystery events, the butler exchanges your empty plate for the main entrée: baked chicken with peas, spinach, and potatoes.

Your first forkful is almost to your mouth when you hear a loud noise. A deep reverberation. Like a gong.

You all exchange worried glances across the table. You don’t know about anyone else, but your first thought is, “Who’s missing?”

No one. Everyone is still at the table. Professor Mills looks confused. Miss Lewis looks concerned. Mr. and Mrs. Giles look eager. But you only care about Mr. Munson.

He looks annoyed. You’re pretty sure the ringing of the bell was not planned.

Pushing yourself away from the table, you place your napkin beside your plate. “Well, rules are rules. Should we go see who rang the gong?”

A few other guests nod, but Mr. Munson waves his hand in a gesture indicating you should stay in your seat. “Now, now. Don’t get too excited. Charles probably dropped the gong.”

Although he appears to be smiling, Mr. Munson does not look very convincing. You’re pretty sure something is wrong.

Your suspicions are confirmed when you hear a scream. All of you jump to your feet. While Mr. Rollins and Professor Mills rush out the door with Miss Lewis, you follow Mr. Munson and the elderly couple to the partition. Mr. Munson opens the pocket door as the others rush in from the main hall.

Near the fireplace stands a man dressed in the same tweed suit as Mr. Giles, although he looks much closer to middle-aged. He is staring at something near his feet.

You take another step forward to see over the couch and notice a second man. The butler. He is laying on the floor, the gong near his right hand.

Professor Mills gasps. “Is he okay?”

She takes a step, but Mr. Rollins holds her back. “You can’t touch anything. This is a crime scene. We have to collect all the facts.”

Struggling to free herself, she glowers at him. “The man is hurt! We’ve got to help him.”

“Ugh. Why are you even here? Obviously, the butler is dead and we have to figure out who killed him and why.”

Beside her, Miss Lewis still has her dinner napkin in her hand. Running it through her fingers, she glances around the room. “Well, game or not, shouldn’t we do something? We need to make sure Charles is okay.” She turns to you. “Aren’t you a doctor?”

You quickly shake your head. “Not that kind of doctor. I’m a physicist. I don’t know anything about … that.” You gesture to the man on the floor.

The stranger shakes his head mournfully. “He’s dead.”

Mr. Munson frowns at the man. “I’m sorry. Who are you?”

“Sorry. George Kline. I was resting in my room when I heard the gong. I came to see what was going on and I found him.” He shudders. “I was a field medic in the war, so I know a little. Enough to know the man is dead.”

Mrs. Giles frowns at him. “But why did you scream?”

His face turns red. “I was hurrying out of the room to come find you all, and I stubbed my toe on the couch.”

You glance at the people around you before turning your attention to Mr. Munson. “Should we call an ambulance? Or is this part of the game?”

Mr. Munson steps forward. “Yes.”

His voice is shaky, and you aren’t sure which question he is answering.

What do you think?

Charles is an actor pretending to be dead. This isn’t part of the game and someone killed the butler. You received this email because you have subscribed to one of Ashleigh's mailing lists. If you have voted on a path, you will be added to a new email list. If you would no longer like to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

Late for Work Resumes

Late for Work is an interactive Choose Your Own Path story. Each episode, readers vote for the path they would like to take. Together, we will follow the path with the most votes.

Since it has been so long, here is a quick recap of the story so far. If you remember it, feel free to jump ahead to the latest episode.

Episode 1: The Coffee Shop

“I don't have time for this,” you mumble to yourself as you pull into the coffee shop parking lot. You're late for work. Again. Does everyone in town really need to get their coffee right this second?

You circle the lot three times before finding a place to park. The guy in that black sports car doesn't look too happy, but you were clearly there first. You had your signal light on and everything.

Rushing into the cafe, you anxiously tap your foot at the back of the line, counting ten people in front of you. Ugh. Haven’t any of these people heard of ordering ahead? Sure, you couldn’t because your phone was dead. But what was everyone else’s excuse?

The people at the register move to the side to wait for their order and you inch forward. Nine people, now eight, stand between you and your morning caffeine. You can't see the menu, but it doesn't matter. You order the same thing so often, they should name a drink after you.

The door opens, and someone gets in line behind you. With nothing better to do, you glance over your shoulder. The guy behind you looks familiar. You try not to stare, but you turn your body. To the casual observer, you are reading the community bulletin board. But out of the corner of your eye, you are examining your line buddy.

His hair is the color of freshly brewed coffee while his eyes resemble a mocha latte. About a head taller than you, he is dressed in jeans and a polo. You definitely recognize that profile. But where could you have met him?

The line moves forward. Six more people to go. You return your gaze to the bulletin board, shifting your eyes to the guy behind you. He seems to be studying the menu, biting his upper lip as he concentrates. Could he be any sexier?

The guy leans forward slightly. He's probably trying to see the bakery case, but you can't help catching a whiff of him. Vanilla latte with a hint of musk.

A moment later, he taps your shoulder. You can feel your eyes grow wide. Does he realize you’ve been checking him out? Feeling your cheeks grow warm, you turn to face him. Before you can say anything in your defense, however, he wordlessly gestures toward the register.

You follow his gaze. While you were busy drooling over the eye candy behind you, the line has moved. There is now only one person standing between you and your morning caffeine.

Mortified, you stare at the register, willing the cashier to move faster. It must have worked, because within seconds, the woman in front of you steps aside and you place your order.

As soon as you swipe your credit card, you rush to the corner of the pickup area, squeezing between two senior citizens. There’s no way Hot Guy will think you’re trying to get close to him now.

Not that he seems to notice. After placing his order, he stands near the little table with cream and sugar, playing on his phone while he waits. Everyone is playing on their phones, as you should be doing. But you couldn’t. Because your stupid charging cable just had to die last night.

Hot Guy looks up from his phone, right in your direction. Oh no. How long were you staring? Did he notice? Meeting your eyes, he sends you a sexy smile. Was that because he saw you looking? Or because he wanted you to look?

Thankfully, your name is called. You rush to retrieve your drink, but in your haste, you accidentally knock it over. The flimsy top falls off, spilling your vanilla latte all over the pickup counter.

Everyone around you jumps back in surprise, but the barista passes you a towel with a smile. “Are you okay?”

Taking the towel, you nod. “I think so.” You glance at the damage. No one was burned, thankfully. You didn’t even ruin anyone’s shoes. The only casualty is your pride.

Another employee has already run to your side of the counter with more towels to clean the mess, so you’re not sure what you’re supposed to be doing with the one in your hand. You double check, but you didn’t spill any coffee on yourself.

As you return the towel to the counter, the barista behind the counter yells out. “Mike!”

Hot Guy squeezes beside you to grab his coffee. With a nod and a smile in your direction, he grabs it and heads outside. A moment later, the barista again calls your name. Taking the coffee in both hands, you make sure the lid is secure before taking a sip. After thanking the barista profusely for redoing the order, you rush to your car.

You have ten minutes to get to your office on the other side of town. Not going to happen.

As you pull out of your parking space, you hear someone blasting a horn. Slamming the breaks, you check your mirrors. You almost backed into a black sports car. Your eyes go wide as you recognize the driver.
Who is it?

Hot Guy Mike Your boss Episode 2: Hot Guy Mike

It’s Hot Guy Mike!

Hurriedly, you pull forward to let the car pass. He didn’t see you, right? Or at least, if he did, he didn’t recognize you as the person who spilled coffee everywhere. You can only hope.

Sinking low in your seat, you do your best to peek in your rearview mirror, but you don’t see the black car. You check your side mirrors. Nope. No car.

Sipping your coffee, you breathe a mental sigh of relief.

Until you check the clock on the dash. It reads 8:51. You have nine minutes to get to work. You are meeting with a new client first thing and you would like an extra few minutes to prepare. The Yeager account could make or break you. If you do well with this project, you could get a promotion. If you don’t, well, you’re pretty sure you’re already on the company chopping block. Or at least in line for it.

Sitting upright, you check your mirrors again. No cars. After shifting the car into reverse, you back out of the space a little more slowly than you did before. This time, at least, you don’t come close to hitting anyone as you join the line of cars trying to leave the parking lot.

Ugh. Is that person in front seriously trying to make a left-hand turn? On this road? There’s a right-turn-only sign for a reason!

Drumming your fingers against the wheel with one hand, you sip your coffee and glance at the clock. Eight minutes.

Eventually, the moron blocking traffic makes the left and you are able to fight your way onto the main road. Only to hit every red light between here and your office. You wait the best way you know how: sipping your latte and hoping your boss is stuck in the same traffic. Or even better: the client.

When you finally reach the office, it is well past nine o’clock. Pulling into the first spot you can find, you down the rest of your coffee as you shut the door.

You wave to the receptionist as you enter the building, but you don’t have time to chat. Walking briskly, you make a beeline to the back corner of the room. You wave to your coworkers, quickly realizing you are the last one to arrive.

You turn on your computer as you sit, swiveling to search for the folder containing all your notes for this morning’s meeting. And come face to face with your boss.

How long has she been standing there?

You gulp, sending her a sheepish smile. “Oh. Morning. I didn’t see you there.”

Smiling, Karen waves a dismissive hand. “No worries. Just got in. Traffic this morning was horrendous.”

You nod. Does she know you were late? Is she mad?

She doesn’t seem to be. She gestures to the folder in your hands. “Dr. Yeager’s here. Meet us in the conference room?”

“Yeah. Sure.”

“Great. See you in there.”

As she disappears into the cubicle forest, you take a few deep breaths. You can do this. You will land this account.

Confident that you are are confident as you can get, you grab your folder and head to the conference room. On your way, you detour to the kitchen. One more cup of coffee will help calm your nerves.

As you approach the conference room, you can see Karen approaching with your new client. Two clients, you realize. Why are there two? You were only expecting to meet with one person.

While researching your new client, you visited the company’s website. The man walking beside Karen is definitely Dr. Yeager. But who is the person behind them? Dr. Yeager is so tall, he is completely obscuring your view.

Since you arrive at the conference room only moments before them, you wait for them, smiling as they approach.

Karen gestures to you, introducing you as the junior accountant who will be assisting her before turning to you. “This is Dr. Yeager, and his son, also Dr. Yeager.”

The older man thrusts out a hand. “Nice to meet you. I look forward to working with you.”

“And I, you.” Smiling, you shake his hand, surprised at his firm grip.

Karen holds open the door to the conference room. “Shall we?”

The older doctor laughs. “Of course. Ladies first.” He holds the door, ushering Karen inside.

And you get your first glimpse of the younger doctor. Except, it’s not your first glance. You’ve seen him before. In line behind you at the coffee shop this morning.

He smirks. “Well, well. Isn’t it a small world?”

What do you do?

Nod and scurry into the conference room? Drop your coffee again Say something coy and flirtatious Episode 3: Drop Your Coffee Again

Dr. Yeager, who is still holding the door, looks between you and his son. “You two know each other already?”

You shake your head, but Hot Guy Mike smiles. “We ran into each other at the coffee shop this morning.”

From inside the conference room, Karen response. “Speaking of coffee, can I get you gentlemen anything?”

That’s your cue. You turn to enter the room. At the same time as Hot Guy Mike. When the two of you collide, your coffee goes everywhere. Warm liquid soaks through your shirt, thankfully not hot enough to scald your skin. As you jump backward, you lose your grip on the mug. It crashes to the floor, coffee exploding as it shatters. The elder Dr. Yeager side-steps in time, but the same can’t be said for his son. Like you, he is covered in coffee from his shirt to his shoes.

Drowning in mortification, you quickly glance around. Dr. Yeager looks like he’s second guessing his decision to work with your company. Karen looks ready to fire you. Hot Guy Mike looks amused.

You take a step backwards. “I’ll go get something to clean this.”

Ignoring the shirt clinging to your stomach, you speed-walk to the kitchen. You’re still digging through the cabinet under the sink when you feel someone hovering above you. You recognize those coffee-soaked shoes.

Wincing, you glance up over your shoulder. “You, uh, you okay?”

Hot Guy Mike smiles. “Yeah. I was just grabbing some paper towels.” He pulls a few from the counter, dabbing his shirt as he looks down at you. “You okay? Did you get burned?”

Pulling the whisk and dustpan from the cabinet, you shake your head as you stand. “Nah. It wasn’t hot. Just made a big mess.”

Smiling, he grabs the roll of paper towels beside the sink. “I’ll help you clean up.”

“No. Really. You should go back to the meeting. I can do it.”

“I insist.” To prove his point, he holds the roll above his head, out of your reach, and leads the way back to the conference room.

You have no idea what transpired between Karen and Dr. Yeager while you were gone, but you assume the conversation ran along the lines of Let’s just pretend that didn’t happen. They completely ignore you sweeping the ceramic shards into the dustpan while Dr. Mike lays paper towels over the spill. They don’t even flinch when you walk past them to retrieve the trash can.

You and Dr. Mike work wordlessly and efficiently. By the time you finish cleaning the mug, he has mopped up all the coffee. While he returns the can to the corner, you bring the dustpan and paper towels to the kitchen.

Alone, you finally assess the damage. Your wet shirt is still plastered to your front, cold and uncomfortable. Using the sponge in the kitchen sink, you pull the shirt away from you and do your best to scrub the coffee. Except, you’re pretty sure you’re spreading the stain. And you’re definitely making your shirt more wet. With a resigned sigh, you pull several paper towels from the roll, fold them a few times, and shove them between your shirt and your skin. Marginally better.

When you return to the conference room, neither Karen nor Dr. Yeager spare you a glance. As you approach the conference table, you see your folder sitting in the seat furthest from Karen. Approaching it, you try to remember how it ended up there? Did you place it there before rushing out of the room? Or had you dropped it somewhere? Is this where Karen wants you to sit?

You are still deciding when Dr. Mike enters the room. With that ever-present smirk, he claps his father on the shoulder, sitting beside him. “Started without us?”

Dr. Yeager looks less than amused. “No one said you had to clean the mess. But since you’re here, perhaps you can help me understand this gobbledegook?”

Dr. Mike shakes his head. “Dad, it’s not that hard.” Opening a folder, he pulls out a sheet of paper, turning it to face Karen as he places it on the table between them. Hesitantly, you take the seat beside Karen so you can observe as well. Thankfully, she seems too eager to please the client than to fire you.

Over the next hour, the doctors explain their medical practice and their expectations for their accountant. Karen discusses the services the firm will provide as well as the corresponding fees. Although she never mentions you by name, she does admit that most of the work will be done by “her assistant” with her available to review the account should any problems arise.

Throughout the meeting, you try to gauge the doctors’ reactions. Dr. Mike never stops smiling and you are certain he wants to hire your company. Dr. Yeager, however, doesn’t smile once.

Finally, Karen brings out the contract and passes it to the doctors.

Will they sign it?

Yes, Dr. Yeager signs it immediately. No, Dr. Yeager decides he would rather go with another accounting firm. Dr. Yeager would like to think about it and get back to you by end of business day tomorrow. Episode 4: Dr. Yeager Would Like to Think About It

Dr. Yeager frowns at the paper before him. “I’m just not sure.” He glances at his son before turning to Karen. “Can I have a day to think about it? I’ll get back to you by tomorrow. End of day.”

Karen nods. “Of course. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible.”

“Thanks.” He stands, grabbing the folder and turning to his son. “Ready?”

Dr. Mike nods. “Sure.” Winking at you, he leans into the table, speaking in a conspiratorial whisper. “I’ll talk to him on the way into the office, but I wouldn’t worry. It’s a done deal.”

You wish you shared his confidence. His father looks anything but certain. Rising, you and Karen shake each man’s hands.

Your boss follows them to the door. “I’ll walk you out.”

As you return to your desk, you replay the meeting in your head. Sure, the beginning was a little rough, but Karen had given the same pitch you’ve heard many times before. Wracking your brain, you can’t remember a single instance when that pitch didn’t land the client. Maybe Dr. Mike was right. Maybe Dr. Yeager will sign.

Settling at your desk, you wake your computer and check your messages. The Mitchell account thinks you made a mistake. They’re confident they are earning more than they are spending. Of course, you know they’re wrong. You’re tempted to suggest they stop buying lunch for all twenty employees every day. Instead, you copy Karen on a reply that you will generate a spreadsheet for them when you double-check your calculations. You already have it, of course, but they don’t need to know that.

You read each message in your inbox, deleting them or moving them into client-specific folders. Just as you finish the last message, you hear a throat clearing at the entrance to your cubicle. You don’t need to turn around to know that cough.

Sure enough, you turn to see Karen hovering, arms folded across her chest as she leans against the wall of your cubicle. “So, how do you think that went?”

Her expression is neutral. What are you supposed to say? “Uh, I believe the younger Dr. Yeager. I think they’ll sign.”

Karen sighs. “Let’s discuss your performance a moment, shall we?”

You wince. “Look, I’m sorry—”

She waves a dismissive hand. “I’m not even going to discuss the coffee. Yes, it was unprofessional, but I would be lying if I said that was the first time that has happened. You handled it well enough. Although you should not have asked the young doctor to help you.”

You shake your head. “I didn’t. I swear. I told him I could do it, but he insisted on helping me.”

Her pursed lips suggest she may not believe you, but she lets the matter drop. “Tell me what’s going on with the Mitchell account.”

You try not to roll your eyes. “They don’t believe they’re earning less than they’re spending. I was about to send them a spreadsheet highlighting everything.”

Karen nods. She spends a few minutes reviewing the rest of your active accounts before giving you a loose warning about improving your performance and leaving. Shaking your head, you get back to work.

Maybe it was the horrible start, but your day seems to drag on forever. By the time five o’clock rolls around, you can’t wait to leave. But the Valley Veterinary account is still giving you trouble. Why won’t those numbers work?

Sitting back in your chair, you rub your eyes. You’ve been staring at it all day. Maybe that’s the problem. Maybe if you just give your eyes a rest, the numbers will make sense in the morning.

Before you leave, you make a quick trip to the restroom. You don’t really have to go, but you pass Karen’s office en route. And, you quickly deduce, she's left for the day. Making a mental note to arrive extra early tomorrow, you forgo the bathroom and return to your desk. Time to go home. Maybe eat something.

Except, as you make your way to your car, you remember you have no food at home. You can go out to eat, but eating alone is, well, lonely. And costs money. You can order something and bring it home. That might be a little cheaper, but it still costs money. Or you can go to the grocery store, but that will delay eating even longer.

As you climb into your car, you make your decision.

What do you decide?

Eat out Order take-out Go grocery shopping Episode 5: Order Take Out

It is definitely a takeout kind of night. Sitting in your car, you scroll through the menus of some of your favorite restaurants. But there are so many options. Your city has restaurants for every nationality. Some are represented by multiple restaurants.

You debate between trying something new or going with something you know. Everyone at work has been talking about that new Caribbean restaurant downtown. But if you’re going there, you might as well get your favorite meal from the tapas place next door.

But do you really want to go downtown? Maybe you should get something closer to your own apartment. Something like drunken noodles from that Thai restaurant.

Although you scroll a few other menus, nothing sounds better than the Thai food. As you place your order, your mouth salivates at the idea. But what should you do when you get home? Obviously, eat in front of the television. There’s no question about that. But what are you in the mood to watch? Or maybe you skip the television altogether and read that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand all week?

You’re still debating your options as you pull into the parking lot of your apartment complex. Shoot. You forgot to pick up your dinner. Frowning at the steering wheel, you decide to walk. It’s so nice outside and the restaurant isn’t that far away.

Your food is probably ready, but you are in no rush to reach the restaurant. You try to forget about your harrowing day. So many things went wrong. At least tomorrow would be better. There was no way it could get worse.

Although, there was a silver lining. Hot Guy Mike from the coffee shop. The man who might become your new client. He definitely seemed to be flirting with you.

Then again, was that a good thing? After all, if his father signed the contract, Dr. Mike would be your client. And therefore off limits.

Maybe he wouldn’t sign the contract. If he wasn’t your client, you would be free to be together. But if they don’t sign, you might be out of a job. So you definitely want them to sign.

But then Dr. Mike would be off limits.

You are so wrapped up in your own thoughts, you aren’t really paying attention when you open the door to the restaurant. And nearly bump into the man exiting.

“Oh, sorry!” You quickly step back, holding open the door to allow him to pass.

When he smiles at you, you see a moment of surprise before he smiles. “You again?”

“Dr. Mike?” You can feel your jaw drop. Had you willed him there with your thoughts? Of course, you can’t ask him that. “Are you stalking me or something?”

He raises the bag in his hand. “I was here first. I’m thinking maybe you’re stalking me.”

You cross your arms, ready for a confrontation, but he shakes his head with a light laugh. “I’m kidding, of course. But seriously. What are you doing here?”

You gesture down the street. “I live nearby. Didn’t feel like cooking tonight. You?”

He points in the opposite direction. “Ditto.”

An awkward silence grows between you. You shuffle your feet, trying to figure out what to say next. But you don’t get the chance.

“Excuse me.”

An elderly couple squeezes past Dr. Mike to exit through the door you are still holding open. Feeling like an idiot, you release it when they leave.

Dr. Mike gestures to it as it closes. “Well, I better let you get your food.”

You nod. “Yeah. Probably.”

But neither of you moves. He shifts the bag to his other hand as you stare past him. A middle-aged couple, each holding hands with the small child between them, approaches. Stepping aside, you watch the man hold the door for his family.

As the restaurant engulfs them, Dr. Mike clears his throat. “So, uh, I was thinking. If you’re not doing anything, would you like to maybe have dinner together?”

You raise your eyebrows. “You are literally holding your meal right now. I’m about to get mine.”

“Yeah.” He shrugs. “I just meant, well, I only live a block from here. Would you like to come eat at my place?”

Dinner with a guy you just met? Yeah, you could handle that. But going to his apartment on the first date?

Dr. Mike must see your hesitation. “We don’t have to go to my apartment. There’s this lounge in my building. We can eat there.”

How do you respond?

Sure. Eating with Dr. Mike is much better than eating alone. Maybe another time. Even if it is a public setting, you don’t know Dr. Mike well enough to eat at his place. Episode 6: It's Better Than Eating Alone

You shrug, trying to look nonchalant, although you’re pretty sure you failed. “Yeah, sure. That sounds great.”

“Fantastic.” Smiling, Dr. Mike opens the door, motioning you inside.

No one is at the counter. You shift your weight from one foot to the other while you wait. Is eating with Dr. Mike such a smart idea? Shift. Maybe you should wait until he signs the contract. Shift. But he’s not your client yet. Shift. Yet being the key word.

“Table for one?”

Shaking your head, you focus on the woman behind the counter. “Uh, no. I’m picking up an order to go?” You give her your name and she disappears into the kitchen, returning a moment later with a brown paper bag stapled at the top.

After paying for your meal, you grab the bag, thanking the woman as you leave. Dr. Mike is still beside the door.

He smiles. “All set?”

You nod. “Lead the way.”

As he heads away from your apartment, you fall into step beside him. The silence between you is rapidly growing uncomfortable. You’re desperate to say something, but you don’t know what. Eventually, you settle for the question that’s been burning in your brain since bumping into him.

“So, how is it we live near each other and have never run into each other before, yet today, I’ve run into you three times?”

He smirks. “Four. I’m pretty sure you stole my parking space at the coffee shop this morning.”

Your face turns red. “I was there first. I had my signal light on.”

“I’m just kidding. And I just moved into this building last week.”

“Really? So you’re not from around here?”

Dr. Mike shrugs. “Well, I grew up here. Went to med school in Philly and stayed there for a while.”

“So, why’d you come back?”

Dr. Mike doesn’t answer. Instead, he stops at a doorway, holding it open and gesturing you inside. You enter a tastefully decorated lobby.

Now what? Dr. Mike said you could eat in a lounge, but you have no idea where that is. Does he think you do? Is he assuming you’ve been here before?

You step to the side and Dr. Mike passes you, turning into a room to the right. You follow, surprised by the decor. Silver couches are arranged in small conversational groups around matching coffee tables on a plush black carpet. Cheerful landscapes in dark frames adorn pale gray walls. The room is empty except for you and Dr. Mike.

You follow him to the back of the room, where high-top tables and bar stools sit on a black and white tiled floor. He places his bag on one and turns to you.

“I’m going to run upstairs. Grab a few drinks. I’ve got beer, wine. Maybe milk or juice. Possibly a cola.”

You cannot help but laugh. “I’m fine with water. But I won’t say no to a glass of wine.”

Dr. Mike’s smile suggests you made the right choice. While he returns to the lobby, you place your bag on the table. You know you should wait to eat, but the food smells so delicious.

You open your bag, removing the contents slowly. You were very hungry when you placed your order. In addition to your drunken noodles, you also pull out a container of vegetable tempura, a small container of dipping sauce, and a bowl of coconut soup.

While you’re unpacking the food, you figure you might as well do Dr. Mike’s as well. Opening the bag, you can’t help but laugh. He must be just as hungry as you.

You pull out three black containers, each with a clear top, just like yours. The first is obviously soup. But it looks different from yours. If you had to guess, probably the vegetable soup.

The next container is full of fried triangles you recognize as tofu. That most likely goes with the dipping sauce.

The last container is a noodle dish. Unlike your broad, flat noodles, however, Dr. Mike’s dish has thin, round noodles. You’re not sure what it is, but it smells outrageous.

The table is small, but you manage to find homes for each container. There’s even a little bit of room left for wine glasses. Placing the bags on the table behind you, you climb into your chair.

What is taking Dr. Mike so long? If he doesn’t come back soon, you’re going to start without him.

“Wow. That’s a lot of food!”

You never heard anyone enter the room. You glance up with a smile. Who do you see?

Dr. Mike Your ex You received this email because you have subscribed to one of Ashleigh's mailing lists. If you have voted on a path, you will be added to a new email list. If you would no longer like to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

The Detention Adventure Resumes

The Detention Adventure is an interactive Choose Your Own Path story. Each episode, readers vote for the path they would like to take. Together, we will follow the path with the most votes.

Since it has been so long, here is a quick recap of the story so far. If you remember it, feel free to jump ahead to the latest episode.

Episode 1: You Hate Detention

“It's not fair,” you mumble to yourself as you push the shelving cart down the aisle. Gabe started that fight, but Mrs. Vile, the evil librarian, gave you detention. He should be here, not you.

Passing a window, you glance outside. School has only been out for a few minutes. But you’ve been working for ages. Evil Librarian put you to work before the busses pulled out of the drive.

But now, you can see the parking lot. Though many of the cars are gone, many of your classmates are still around. Your friends are in their usual spot, gathered around Grayson’s minivan, laughing and smiling. You can imagine what they're saying.

"What do you want to do this afternoon?"

"Where should we go?"

And, of course, Avery would be asking, "Hey. Did anyone catch tonight's math homework?"

Your gaze drifts across the parking lot to trees on the far end. Gabe and his buddies are sitting on the curb, passing around their phones. Probably sharing the same viral video Gabe showed you during study hall. The one his buddy posted during lunch. The one that shows you tripping and falling face-first onto your tray of mashed potatoes. The one that doesn’t show Gabe sticking out his foot as you passed.

Your blood boils at the thought.

"Ahem."

You turn at the voice. Mrs. Vile is standing at the head of the aisle, glaring at you over the glasses resting on the tip of her prominent nose. Though she says nothing, you hear her earlier words ringing loud and clear.

“You are not dismissed until every book is returned to its proper place.”

Saying nothing, you return to your cart and continue pushing it down the aisle. It isn't fair. Why does Gabe get to enjoy a sunny afternoon while you have to re-shelve library books in the darkest recesses of the library?

And why are these books even on the cart? It's not like anyone even reads them. You come here every day for study hall and you have never once seen a person holding a book. Students only come in here to use the computers.

With a sigh, you glance at the book you are still holding. The number on the spine says it belongs in 615. Where are you, anyway?

You glance at the books beside you. 249. Ugh. Where is 615?

Tossing the book back on the pile with a sigh, you push the cart to the end of the aisle, where the last call number is 252. Is it your imagination or is it getting darker the further you walk? A shiver runs down your spine and you pull out your phone. "I'm just checking the time," you tell yourself.

Yeah, right. You can't hide from yourself. Besides, it doesn’t help. The dim light doesn’t provide much comfort.

To distract yourself, you again glance at the books on your cart. Maybe you should have organized them before disappearing into the stacks. If you put them in order, you won't have to zigzag your way through the shelves. Maybe you'll even finish your detention with enough time to enjoy the afternoon sunshine.

Bolstered by this idea, you grab two books from your cart and examine the numbers on the spine. 432 definitely goes before 920. Placing the dictionary in front of the biography, you arrange them on the opposite side of the cart and pick up the next two books.

It takes hours to sort all the books, though your phone says it has been less than five minutes. Finally, you pick up the last two books. Both books, nearly identical, easily the two largest books on the cart. In fact, each one looks at least twice as large as the next largest books.

Curious, you glance at their spines. Fiction, with the same call number. NFR.

You frown. You’re no librarian, but your elementary school librarian had drilled the Dewey Decimal System into your head. Fiction books were arranged by author last names. What kind of name began NFR?

Intrigued, you turn over the books. Their fabric hardcovers have no illustrations. The only difference between the two books is their color and the gold words stamped on the front cover.

The title of one of them catches your attention. Which is it?

The book on your left, a contemporary adventure about camping. The book on your right, a fantasy about dragons and elves. Episode 2: A Fantasy about Dragons and Elves

The gold lettering on the black book in your right hand stands out clearly. Adventures In the Land of Dragons and Elves. Curious, you open the front cover.

The title is printed in large bold letters on the first page. But no author is listed. Instead, someone has scrawled across the page in large letters: Not For Reading!

You frown at the book. That’s stupid. Why would someone write a book that wasn’t meant to be read? Or maybe the person who scribbled the note didn’t want to read it.

But why not? What could be so bad? Reading the warning just makes you want to read the book that much more.

You turn the page.

But, it doesn’t turn. It’s stuck to the next page. And the one beneath that. You end up turning about fifty pages at once. They are glued together.

Wow! Someone really doesn’t want you to read this book. Now, of course, you can’t wait to read it.

You look at the page in front of you. You might be a couple of chapters in, but maybe you can still get an idea of what the story is about.

Except, it’s impossible to read the story. Not only are the rest of the pages glued together, someone cut out a large rectangle nearly the size of the book.

This is a hollow book! You’ve heard about these in books and movies. But you never knew they were real. This is so cool.

And the best part? It’s not empty. There’s something inside the hole.

You glance over your shoulder to make sure Evil Librarian isn’t watching you. She’s not. You’re all alone in the creepy windowless section of the library. Using the flashlight on your phone, you look at the object more carefully.

The yellowish white object takes up nearly the entire book. It is thick, almost round, but with a slight curve. The outer edge is smooth, but the inner edge is serrated like the blade of a saw. The points even look as sharp as a saw. Only, the teeth are very small and close together.

Teeth. Or rather, tooth. Could this object be a tooth? But what animal do you know has teeth that large? Or with a serrated edge?

You have never seen anything like this. You have so many questions. How heavy is it? Is it solid or hollow? Is it really a tooth? What kind of animal could have lost it?

You try to read through the text on the facing page, but you are literally trying to start reading a book from the middle. It makes no sense. Who is Olba and Keris? What is a Zayrot or Reiverrirth? And where were Zymmarth or Bryvicri?

Trying to read this book was like trying to learn a new language. Now you really wish those pages weren’t glued together. With a sigh, you turn back to the tooth. It’s got to be a tooth. What else could it be?

The front of the book said this is a book about dragons. This thing is probably supposed to be a dragon’s tooth. Obviously, it’s not a real dragon’s tooth, because there’s no such thing as dragons. It must be epoxy or something. So, it’s probably a lot flimsier than it looks.

Someone has bored a hole through the top of the object, wrapping a black cord around and through it to form a type of necklace. Yeah, it has to be fake.

You reach in to grab it, to confirm your suspicions, but you stop abruptly. Your gaze has landed on the words printed at the top of the page. The name of the book is printed in a small font. But someone has written something in the margin. Judging by the handwriting, it was probably the same person who wrote on the first page. But you could have sworn those words were not there a moment ago.

You shake your head to clear it. Obviously, your eyes are playing tricks on you. What does it say? You hold your phone a little closer.

Warning. Magical Item. Do Not Touch.

Biting your lip, you look around. How could a fake dragon tooth’s necklace be magical?

Maybe it changes color in the light? You shine your light closer, but it remains the same. Maybe it’s a little less yellow, but you don’t think it really changed color.

You glance between the warning and the necklace a few times.

Should you pick up the necklace?

You don’t believe in magic. You pick up the necklace. It’s best to heed the warning. You leave the necklace where it is. Episode 3: You Don't Believe in Magic

As soon as your hand wraps around the tooth, you feel a strange sensation in your stomach. It’s as if someone reached into your navel and tried to pull your spine through your belly button. Wincing at the sensation, you close your eyes and attempt to take a deep breath.

It takes a few tries, but eventually you manage to get air into your lungs. It tastes different. Instead of musty old books, you smell an earthy freshness. Opening your eyes, you blink a few times, not comprehending what you are seeing.

You’re no longer in the library. In fact, the school is nowhere in sight. Nothing is. All you can see is trees everywhere.

The canopy is high above you, at least a couple of stories. The trunks of the nearest trees are so wide, you doubt you could wrap your arms around them. You don’t know much about forests, but you know this one is old.

You are standing in some sort of forest. Even the closest trees are just out of your reach. Beneath you is a fine layer of long-dead leaves and needles.

You strain your ears, searching for the familiar sounds of people and traffic usually heard from your school. But you hear nothing.

Well, that’s not exactly true. You hear noises, but they are so foreign it takes a moment to recognize them. Leaves rustling high above you as the wind blows through the trees. Insects and birds chittering happily. The distant roar of something loud.

You shudder. Hopefully you will get out of here before that creature finds you.

But, where are you?

Why not just check on your phone? Shaking your head, glance at the screen. But you can’t unlock it because your other hand is still holding the strange necklace. Hadn’t the book warned you it was magical? Is this what it meant? Did picking up the necklace magically turn the library into a forest clearing?

Maybe this was some elaborate virtual reality and you were still in the library. Stowing your phone, you close your eyes, trying to remember where you were standing. If you were still in the library, there should be a bookshelf to your right.

You reach out your hand but feel nothing. Sidestepping, you move a step, then two.

You hand touches something. Excited, you open your eyes.

It’s a tree. You are definitely not in the library. So where are you?

You pull out your phone again. But when you unlock it, you realize you have no service. No internet. Not even a single bar to make an emergency call.

So if you’re not in the library and you can’t call for help, how are you supposed to get out of here?

You glance at the necklace still in your hand. Maybe that’s what’s keeping you here. If you let go, maybe that will bring you back to the library?

You open your palm. The dragon’s tooth falls to the ground, the soft forest floor muting its landing. And you are still in the forest clearing.

Frowning, you glance at the ground. Dragon’s teeth are rare, right? You probably shouldn’t just leave it on the forest floor.

As you retrieve it, you remember the title of the book. Adventures In the Land of Dragons and Elves. You remember the roar you heard a moment ago.

But dragons aren’t real, though, right?

Shaking your head, you turn in a slow circle. You know you can’t stay here, but which way should you go?

A snapping twig has you startling, dropping the dragon tooth again. This time, when you retrieve it, you place it around your neck to keep from losing it. You also stay crouched low, looking in all directions for the source of the sound.

The forest is silent again, but you see movement to your left. Slowly, you turn, squinting between the trees.

You see nothing. But you can’t shake the feeling of being watched.

Another twig snaps. This one is behind you. This time, you pivot fast enough to catch a glimpse of something darting behind a tree. Thankfully, it’s not one of the ones closest to you.

You try not to blink as you wait for the creature to move. Your efforts pay off. Something peaks around the edge, only to dart back again. Was that brown fur, or had that been a trick of your eyes?

You stare for what feels like hours. But finally, the creature emerges.

You’ve never seen an animal like this before. Walking on two legs, it is no taller than your waist. The short brown hair covering it from head to toe reminds you of a sheepdog. But its face looks almost human. Sure, the features are a little more angular, with a long, thin nose and pointed ears. In fact, if it weren’t for the fur, you might mistake the creature for a person.

As the animal advances, you wonder whether it is friendly. Should you run away or stay and find out?

Run away Stay and learn more about the creature Episode 4: Stay and Learn More About the Creature

Your heart is pounding in your chest, but your curiosity outweighs your fear. What kind of animal is this? It takes a hesitant step toward you, then another. You stay as still as possible, taking slow, deep breaths to avoid moving your chest.

It feels like forever, but eventually the creature reaches you. It is only about waist high. And has a look suggesting it is as curious about you as you are about it. The noise it makes sounds almost like it is trying to say something.

“Free-ond oth-the ond-saca?”

When you don’t respond, the creature repeats itself. It definitely sounds like actual words.

You put on your best apologetic face as you open your arms and shake your head. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand you.”

The creature takes another cautious step in your direction, tilting its head to the side. “Ay-orth-cyn?”

Again, you don’t respond. The creature reaches out an arm. Unlike the rest of it, the hand is not covered in fur. In fact, if you didn’t know any better, you would have thought it was a lot like your own. Only smaller.

The creature tugs on your shirt. When it traces a finger along the top of your hand, it’s face lights up. “Ayorthcyn!” It repeats the word again and again as it grabs your hand.

Despite its small size, the creature is small. With no effort, it pulls you in the direction where you had first seen it. And man, is it fast! Even with its short legs, you have to scramble to keep up. Probably because it seems to know the location of every rock and fallen branch, jumping them with ease as you stumble over them.

You see smoke in the distance. Is the creature leading you straight to fire? Before you can figure out how to break free, you emerge from the trees. The source of the smoke is directly in front of you. A massive bonfire, the size of a small car, burns directly in front of you. Behind it are a series of log cabins, all with thatched roofs made of straw. Was this some sort of Colonial American recreation? If so, why would this strange creature be tugging on your arm?

“Ayaldwita! Ayorthcyn! Ayaldwita! Ayorthcyn!”

Its shouts bring people from their huts. Although they are dressed strangely, they at least look normal. About your height, although some are taller. Small children peek out from between their legs as the creature pulls you between the buildings.

Behind the cabins is a vast farm that stretches nearly as far as you can see. Just behind it you espy the edges of another forest. Or perhaps this is an oasis within the same forest you just left. You don’t have time to process it, though. The creature drags you past a stone well to a building on the edge of the farm.

“Ayaldwita! Ayaldwita!”

The creature stops abruptly at the entrance, stepping to the side while pushing you toward the opening. “Besteppay! Besteppay!” Gently pressing on your back, the creature sends you inside.

The first thing you notice is how bright the room is. Although the sun is setting outside, it is brighter than day inside. Glancing up, you notice two small orbs floating near the ceiling, the source of the light. Are they same fancy light fixture? If so, why would they be bobbing gently, as if riding imaginary waves?

A noise before you brings your attention to the room. At a table along the back wall sits a man with a long nose and silver hair to his waist. As you take a hesitant step forward, he rises. He is tall and lean, his brown tunic nearly reaching the floor. Peering curiously at you, he tucks a lock of hair behind his ear. Is that a point you see?

The old man looks behind you. “Birdie? This is say thay?”

You turn to see the creature in the doorway. It is gone. In its place is a child wearing a dark tunic and leggings nearly the same color as the pile of fur on the floor beside it.

“Ayn Ayorthcyn, Ayaldwita. Payet pay insittenday se fyrhath north.”

“Soplisay? Ayn Ayorthcyn?” The old man turns back to you. “You are human?”

You nod, too stunned to speak.

The old man cocks his head slightly. “And how did you arrive here?”

You shrug. “I’m not sure. One minute I was in my school library. The next minute I’m standing in the middle of a forest. I don’t even know where I am.”

The old man smiles. “This is the village of Maguth, in the kingdom of Reeself, the land of Leegpeod. Welcome.”

“How…how do you know my language?”

“That is a long story and it is nearly the hour of supper. Would you like to stay here and eat with us? Or shall we take a walk and I can tell you in the quiet?”

What do you think?

You could eat. You would like to hear the story over supper. A meal with everyone staring you? There goes your appetite. You’d rather hear the story in the quiet. Episode 5: You Could Eat

You send the old man a hesitant smile. “I’m kind of hungry.”

He nods. “As am I. Please.” He returns to his seat at the head of the table, gesturing for you to sit on the bench beside him. You do as he suggests. Though your back is to the room, you find yourself facing a small window through which you can see the expansive fields and the forest beyond.

“Let us begin with names. I am Beorhtnan, although I have been the elder for so long, everyone calls me Ayaldwita.”

You let the name roll around your tongue a moment before you try it. “Ay-ald-wit

The old man nods. “Close enough. And you are?”

When you tell him your name, he sends you a curious look. “I see. I’d love to learn more about how you came here, but you wished to know about me. Believe it or not, I wasn’t always the village elder.” He leans closer with a conspiratorial smile. “In my youth, I was known as quite the adventurer.”

You try to imagine this old man running through the forest, but he doesn’t look like he could even make it across the room without assistance. Biting your tongue, however, you settle for a more neutral response. “Really?”

“Yes. When I was about twenty summers old, I met a man in the forest, much as young Birdie met you today. I forget his human name, but we called him Driman. Sorcerer. His magic had brought him from your land to ours.”

You raise your eyebrows. “There’s no such thing as magic.”

Ayaldwita sighs. “I am not surprised to hear you say that. There is much magic here. When Driman fist came to us, it was already dying in your world. He knew a little. Enough to bring him here. However, he always feared by the time he returned to your world, it would be extinct.”

Ayaldwita sits back, his gaze shifting to something behind you. As you turn, you notice the volume in the room. There had to be nearly a dozen people sitting in small groups on the floor, sipping from small bowls. Most seemed to be conversing with each other, although the furtive glances in your direction suggest you are probably tonight’s hot topic.

But Ayaldwita does not seem to be bothered by the crowd. His attention is on the child who dragged you from the forest. Birdie is slowly making his way toward you, a bowl in each hand. With a small bow, the child places one before the elder before turning to you.

You take the bowl, but Birdie runs away before you can say thanks. With a shrug, you examine your meal. A thick brown liquid with pieces of green, orange, and purple swimming in it. Biting your lip, you turn back to Ayaldwita.

“Um, what is this?”

“Soctha. It is like your soup.”

“What kind?”

Ayaldwita frowns. “I’m sorry. I do not understand.”

“What kind of soup is it?” You point to the colorful additions. “What’s that purple and green and orange stuff?”

The elder gives a knowing nod. “Ah. They are wyrta. Food that grows in the ground. pysecynn, feldmoran, cawlas. I am not sure what you would call them.”

“Vegetables.” Your muttered response is automatic and doesn’t quite hide your distaste.

Ayaldwita brings the bowl to his lips, drinking some before returning it to the table. You follow his lead, sipping a small amount of broth and licking your lips as you consider the flavor. Not bad.

Taking a slightly larger drink, you get some of the vegetables. The purple one tastes like carrots while the orange one tastes like potatoes. You’re pretty sure the green stuff is peas.

The elder looks at you expectantly. “Is it okay?”

You nod. “It’s good. Thanks. So, this Driman guy taught you about humans?”

Ayaldwita nods. “Yes. He lived with us many years. Learned magic from our elders. In exchanged, he taught young me his ways. You see, I wanted to return to Earth with him. To see your people.”

“Really? Did you?”

The elder sighs mournfully. “Alas, no.”

“Why not?”

“Well, at first, Driman wasn’t sure how to return. He claimed an old spell brought him here, but he couldn’t remember it enough to get back. So he studied with our elders until he was certain he had found a way. By then, however, the Dragon Wars had begun.”

You sit up a little more in your chair. “Dragon Wars?”

Ayaldwita waves a dismissive hand. “The Dragon Wars were a long time ago. You don’t want to hear about them, do you?”

Of course you do. Hello? Dragons? Probably not. A long time ago sounds like a boring history lesson. You’d rather hear more about the magic. Episode 6: Hello? Dragons?

You sip your stew, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand as you consider how to answer without sounding too over-eager. “If it’s okay with you, I’d love to hear your stories. I want to know as much as I can about your world.” You hold back your final thought: in case I’m stuck here forever.

The elder smiles. “Driman was as eager to learn as you. Very well. The wars were long ago, but I remember them like yesterday. Our village is one of only a handful in the kingdom. Years ago, long before I was born, there were many, many more. Ours was a prosperous kingdom, full of laughter and happiness.”

You look around the meeting room. Elves are gathered in large groups around the table, conversing gleefully. “Looks full of laughter and happiness to me.”

The elder nods. “True. Our village is content. But our kingdom is but a shadow of what it once was.”

Draining the last of his bowl, he sits back and removes a pipe from his pocket. When he snaps, his right index finger catches fire.

You look around, but there’s no water to douse it. You pass him your bowl. Although it’s nearly empty, there should be enough liquid to put out the flame.

But before you can say anything, the elder places his finger in the bowl of his pipe. Bringing the pipe to his mouth, he inhales deeply. As he exhales, he removes the finger from the pipe. Not only is the fire gone, his finger looks normal. No soot. No burned skin. Not even any trace of whatever was just in the pipe.

Your mouth drops open. “Did you—what just happened?”

The elder looks around. “Sorry. I must have missed it. I wasn’t paying attention to anything but my phyrel.”

You point to the object as he again inhales. “That’s what I mean. Did you just light your finger on fire?”

The elder chuckles, smoke emerging from his nose in short puffs. “Yes. A trick Driman taught me when we first met. But you wanted to hear about the dragon wars, no?”

Nodding, you sit back in your seat. The sweet smoke from the pipe is soothing as you listen to the elder’s story. Puffing on his pipe, his eyes become unfocused as he stares into a memory.

Long ago, Reeself was a peaceful kingdom full of laughter and happiness. As the kingdom prospered, it grew. Villages merged to become cities. Farming communities needed more land to feed hungry mouths.

But Reeself is not the only kingdom in the land. To the south is Liegfold. They claimed to own the land Reeself was trying to take.

The Liegdracans tried to be diplomatic. They sent their two best negotiators to form a treaty between the lands. They met with the Ayaldwitas, the advisors to the king.

But the elves refused to listen. They claimed the dragons were inferior creatures, unworthy of their land. As the ambassadors departed, the elves started rumors that the two dragons overhead were scouts planning to attack.

The king was scared. His ayaldwitas convinced him to attack first. The king thought he was protecting his land, but the ayaldwitas had a different agenda. They were hoping to eradicate the dragons and take over their land.

Now, skirmishes between the two kingdoms were rare, but Reeself did have some soldiers trained for battling dragons. The king recruited elves from every village and city. Every elf between the ages of thirty to eighty was drafted. Those unable to fight were trained as healers. The most skilled magicians were sent to the front lines.

The dragons were not expecting war. Liegfold was unprepared. Reeself’s first attack killed many dragons.

But they are resilient creatures and quickly sprang into action. They forged armor to protect themselves from Elven weapons. They developed complex attack strategies. The elves soon fell to the combination of flying and firepower.

The wars lasted for many years. The king was killed and his top ayaldwita assumed his position. So, he was killed and replaced by another. Many elves questioned whether the wars were started in order to hide a coup.

The wars dragged on for nearly one hundred years. Both sides suffered heavy losses. By the time leaders got together and called for peace, the extra land that started the wars was no longer necessary. Both populations were fractions of what they once were.

With a final puff on his pipe, the elder returns his attention to you. “It is getting late. I will have someone show you where you may spend the night.”

You aren’t tired. You want to hear about how the Driman guy returned to your world. That smoke and story really made you drowsy. Sleeping sounds like a fantastic idea. You received this email because you have subscribed to one of Ashleigh's mailing lists. If you have voted on a path, you will be added to a new email list. If you would no longer like to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

The Next Phase

Ashleigh's YA Reads           Ashleigh's Romance Reads          Ashleigh's Whodunits
This week's newsletter contains the following features:
(Feel free to skip ahead to what you want to read)
What's new with Ashleigh? Hartfield Chronicles Free Books Other Books on Sale Ashleigh's Reading Challenge Upcoming Events Join My Newsletters

What's new with Ashleigh?

I know I've been talking about the Inkfort Press Publishing Derby a lot, but I am still really excited about it. First of all, I finished my first draft! This was a big accomplishment for me, because this year I was distracted by the next book in Hartfield Chronicles as well as a lot of family commitments. But the first draft is done.

So what's next?

Several things. As far as the derby, I entered the book in the beta phase. It is one of the many (at last count, I think it was 40 submissions) books available for readers to request to read. Some books are shorter (about 40-100 book pages) while others are longer (250+ book pages) with many falling somewhere in the middle. While I can't tell you where mine falls, I will say the first drafted ended up being a little shorter than I expected, though not by much.

If you are interested in reading some of these derby books, perhaps finding a new author to follow (maybe even figure out which book is mine), there are a couple of ways to participate.

Beta Readers Since are are just starting the beta phase, you can sign up to be a beta reader. Betas are asked to read through the story and provide feedback in a shorter amount of time in order to give the authors time to make changes before publication. ARC Readers If you're not sure you have time to beta read, you are welcome to join the ARC teams. These readers will receive a free copy of the book around September 1st in exchange for an honest review. Ideally, you will be able to review the book and provide your feedback on publication day (September 25th). However, your reviews will be welcome no matter when you post them, even if it's after the derby ends.

Now that my first draft is done, I have a few options of what to do next. One is to sit here biting my fingernails waiting to see what my readers think. However, I think I can be a little more productive. I have several stories calling for my attention. When I first sat down to plan what to write for this derby cover, I planned for it to be three stories: the book, a prequel reader magnet, and a full-length sequel. So one project is to continue working on that project.

It's also time to resume my Choose Your Own Path stories. Do you remember those? I've decided to create a separate newsletter for those. Now, by now you've probably noticed today is Wednesday, not Friday. I have learned that Fridays are not a great day for me and Thursdays, the day I usually write my newsletters, aren't much better. So I will be sending my newsletters on Wednesdays for the rest of the year to see if that is any better. This week, I am sending my regular newsletters. Next week, I will send the Choose Your Own Path stories. Since it's been so long, I'll be sending a recap for all of us (myself included) who may have forgotten the story, as well as a new scene with new choices. Moving forward, the story will continue every other week, alternating with the newsletter.

Hartfield Chronicles Hartfield Chronicles is taking a break!

But stay tuned!
New episodes are coming soon!

Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every Wednesday.

Season 6 starts Wednesday, August 16th!

For Hartfield students, Spring Break means two weeks away from campus. Pat has so many plans: earning his pilot's certificate, the Hollywood premiere of Tomodachi, auditioning for a new movie, and spending time with the friends in L.A. that he hasn't seen in months. Melinda's only plan, however, involves being bored for two weeks at home. After an adventurous night babysitting, however, her parents have a surprise for her: she can join her friends in L.A.

Melinda can't wait. There are so many things she wants to see. But most of all, she's looking forward to seeing who Walter and Pat become when they become Wally and Patrick McGregor.

But L.A. isn't exactly the experience Melinda expects. Between Hollywood parties, Pat's ex-girlfriends, crazy fans, and paparazzi around every corner, Melinda questions whether she would be better off back in Connecticut.

Want to get notifications
when the next episode is released?

Follow me on twitter

Or Sign up for email updates

As a thank you, you will receive access to bonus chapters from the Hartfield Chronicles.

Can't wait for the next season?

Hammerheads can read new episodes now!

Membership benefits:

Read new episodes 4 weeks in advance Receive new episodes directly in your inbox Access to new bonus chapters every season Each month you are a member, $1 is added to your club credit. This credit can be used to purchase e-books and signed paperbacks at the Ashleigh Stevens Bookstore. Credits never expire.

Join now!

Free Books
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Free Story

Lay Me Down
An emotional, heartfelt story with a surprise twist.

Before she can learn to live, she has to learn to love.

Kylee's life is shrouded in mystery. She's not allowed to leave the house. She can't answer the phone. She's forbidden to talk to the neighbors.

So of course when Price moves in next door, she makes it a point to meet him.

The strength of his friendship surprises her, but not as much as the shocking discovery he makes.

Suddenly, everything makes sense. And nothing does.

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Free Story

Billionaire's Nanny Fake Marriage
A Grumpy Boss Enemies to Lovers Romance

Nanny Rule Number One: Don’t get involved with the boss, regardless of his stunning good looks and wealth!!

Jackson Thornfield didn’t think anyone was good enough to be Nanny to his daughter, Lily.

I plan to keep my distance and stay professional. That is easier said than done.

With his gorgeous blue eyes and smoking-hot body, he makes me tingle all over.

I attempt to resist him, but we find ourselves crossing all the lines until I surrender to him.

Then his daughter needs a mother and he wants us to pretend to be married.

Can I pretend and keep my heart safe, and what about Lily?

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Free Book

Never Forget
A Heart Pounding Psychological Thriller

Revenge is a dish best served….

Decades of past sins are exposed, and vengeance strikes back in the most unlikely way.

Mega oil company, Wellish Petroleum sees suspicious movement in their back account, and Veteran Detective Frank Hummel is called in to crack the case.

However, all is not what it seems, and Frank discovers corruption at the highest level. The missing funds take Frank on a wild goose chase that ends in a moral dilemma.

This at the edge of your seat thriller will leave you guessing until the very end.

Would you like some free books in exchange for an honest review? [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] Want more free books? Check out these giveaways! [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] Do you have Kindle Unlimited? These books are free for you!

Other Books on Sale
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Available for Free
on Kindle Unlimited

Bedtime Stories for kids
A Book about Emotions And Feelings

This book is especially great for traveling, waiting rooms, and listening at home.

Free Gift inside book cute bedtime stories for kids Excellent for beginning and early listeners Cute short stories that are great for quick bedtime stories Your child will be entertained for hours!
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Click here to read more on Amazon

Available for Free
on Kindle Unlimited

Second Chance Lovers
Secret Baby Romance

It’s hard to forget your first love when you have...
…A matching tattoo.

…A secret baby.

…A heart shattered in a million pieces by the hottest foreigner you ever met.

Josh and I shared a lot during our short time together in Brazil, but our paths split in opposite directions. He brought his big ego and mysterious blue eyes back to the USA to revert to his reckless playboy life. I became a mom to a baby he had no idea we made together.

Ten years later, our paths crossed again in Boston.

To my surprise, my job assignment sent me right to his father’s law firm.

Our sizzling attraction leads to “just one more night” and what I thought would be a magic date turns out to be a nightmare after he finds out he has a nine-year-old daughter.

I run back to Brazil, but he follows me to where we first met to claim his girls.

That trip changes everything in our lives. This is our second and probably last chance, and I don’t want him to leave again...

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Available for Free
on Kindle Unlimited

Familiar Troubles
A Crystal Beach Paranormal Cozy Mystery

CRYSTAL BEACH MAGIC MYSTERY SERIES COLLECTION (Books 1-5)

From Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author comes a bewitchingly fun paranormal cozy murder mystery that will keep you spellbound. If you love quirky witches, talking cats, enchanting beach towns, ghosts, fun magic, mystery, and suspense, Familiar Troubles is your next binge-read.

Magic in this witch’s family has a name: Trouble.
Meet Sidney Grace: Quirky journalist, Hesitant witch, Professional butterfingers.
Her grandmother believes Sidney’s talent for communicating with the dead makes her the most powerful witch in the family, but Sidney just wants to make it through the day without getting fired.

A young writer living in Boston, Sidney is far from the small wacky town of Crystal Beach, Florida, where her spell-happy grandmother retired. She is perfectly happy with her career, her four cats, and the fact that she hasn’t been on a date in… well, years. All is well until her estranged mother informs Sidney that her grandmother has been arrested for murdering a resident at her retirement community.

Sidney road-trips to Florida to discover that her grandmother has no alibi, her grandfather isn’t as dead as she thought he was, and one of her cats can speak. To make matters worse, the handsome Officer Reece is tough on criminals and even tougher on witches. Who cooked up the deadly scone? And why are residents at Shifting Sands suddenly disappearing?

Now, Sidney must embrace her own magical talents to prove her grandmother’s innocence and stop the killer bent on destroying anyone who gets in the way.

Read Familiar Troubles, A Crystal Beach Magic Mystery Series, for a bewitchingly fun paranormal cozy mystery with charming characters that will keep you spellbound!
Books included in this series collection:

Cat Scratch Murder Claw of Attraction Feline Like a Suspect A Meowing Suspicion Paws in Space You may also be interested in these books

Upcoming Events

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Seeking Beta Readers

Ashleigh's YA Reads           Ashleigh's Romance Reads          Ashleigh's Whodunits
This week's newsletter contains the following features:
(Feel free to skip ahead to what you want to read)
What's new with Ashleigh? Hartfield Chronicles Free Books Other Books on Sale Ashleigh's Reading Challenge Upcoming Events Join My Newsletters

What's new with Ashleigh?

Do you remember a few months ago I mentioned being part of the Inkfort Press Publishing Derby? Well, we are rapidly approaching the next phase: Beta Reading.

Due to the anonymity of the contest, the derby runs their beta phase a little differently. Authors who finish their stories by the deadline will submit their books. Those in charge will create a summary of the blurbs and send it out in one big email. Beta readers sign up for the books that interest them the most and those in charge send links to those stories. The books range in audience (middle grade, young adult, and adult) and genre (romance, mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, etc) so there are books for everyone.

Would you like to be a beta reader for the Derby?

You can also use the link if you want to sign up to be an ARC reader. ARC readers receive a copy of the final book, usually the copy about to be published (though sometime the author sends out ARCs while doing their final proofreading). Readers are asked to leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, or wherever you leave your book reviews as close to the publication date as possible.

Hartfield Chronicles Hartfield Chronicles is taking a break!

But stay tuned!
New episodes are coming in August!

Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every Wednesday.

Season 6 starts Wednesday, August 16th!

For Hartfield students, Spring Break means two weeks away from campus. Pat has so many plans: earning his pilot's certificate, the Hollywood premiere of Tomodachi, auditioning for a new movie, and spending time with the friends in L.A. that he hasn't seen in months. Melinda's only plan, however, involves being bored for two weeks at home. After an adventurous night babysitting, however, her parents have a surprise for her: she can join her friends in L.A.

Melinda can't wait. There are so many things she wants to see. But most of all, she's looking forward to seeing who Walter and Pat become when they become Wally and Patrick McGregor.

But L.A. isn't exactly the experience Melinda expects. Between Hollywood parties, Pat's ex-girlfriends, crazy fans, and paparazzi around every corner, Melinda questions whether she would be better off back in Connecticut.

Want to get notifications
when the next episode is released?

Follow me on twitter

Or Sign up for email updates

As a thank you, you will receive access to bonus chapters from the Hartfield Chronicles.

Can't wait for the next season?

Hammerheads can read new episodes now!

Membership benefits:

Read new episodes 4 weeks in advance Receive new episodes directly in your inbox Access to new bonus chapters every season Each month you are a member, $1 is added to your club credit. This credit can be used to purchase e-books and signed paperbacks at the Ashleigh Stevens Bookstore. Credits never expire.

Join now!

Free Books
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Free Short Story Collection

Seeds from the Story Tree
A FREE Short Story Collection

Bushfire and violence threatens the search for the next Storyteller and the survival of a Country’s stories.

A social media influencer takes a virtual holiday but gets more than she bargained for when the AI takes control.

The bitter Lady of the Parsonage ensures her rival is declared a witch, only to find herself haunted by the accused...or something far more sinister.

A young woman is on a trip of a lifetime in a remote part of the Arctic when she is drawn into a dramatic showdown with a shapeshifter.

An Aboriginal woman is on a mission to piece together her family and the storylines of past, present and future.

From fae, shapeshifters and sirens to time travel, magic and witches, this 100 page book contains 11 stories and the first chapter of the YA fantasy novel The Firemaster's Legacy: The Kyprian Prophecy Book 1.

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Free Book

Grumpy Billionaire Dean
An enemies to lovers romance

Falling for the grumpiest man on campus is one thing, but for that man to also be your boss is a whole other thing…

He’s known as the Dean of Students, but in my opinion he’s the Dean of Absurdity.

He’s also extremely smug, so he’s probably enjoying the control he feels by instituting these archaic rules and policies.

Although I’m sure he didn’t originally create them, enforcing them still screams bosshole.

The first chance I get, I am going to give him a big piece of my mind and tell him where he can shove it!

This was totally the plan until one late evening, a snowstorm and a broken heater led me to find warmth in the grump of a Dean’s office.

And let’s just say that the temperature in the office may have gotten a little too hot.

And now we have just broken the ultimate rule...

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Free Book

Antiques To Die For
A Whodunnit Cozy Mystery

Some twins just need a psychic cat to solve a murder

Lola and her twin brother Jax return to their small island hometown to inherit an antique business - and the two begin the next chapter of their lives living on a dream island.

However, a series of murders soon rock the close-knit community and Lola finds herself at the center of a disturbing, yet poetic string of murders.

With a new business to run, grumpy employees to handle, and gossipy friends who can’t be cured from a severe case of gossip vomit, all she needs now are fingers pointing at her.

Good thing she doesn’t tell them about her psychic cat who has a “thing” for death poems.

The town needs reinforcements… so as soon as the out-of-town detective arrives to investigate these murders, Lola doesn’t know if she should clear her name or fall in love.

From haikus left on victims to gossip around town that can kill, join Lola as she navigates through a web of secrets to find out whodunnit.

A hesitant amateur sleuth, a psychic cat, and a town that can’t keep their mouths shut when the dashing detective comes around, who knows if the real murderer will be exposed.

After all, Karma loves a good haiku.

Would you like some free books in exchange for an honest review? [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] Want more free books? Check out these giveaways! [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] Do you have Kindle Unlimited? These books are free for you!

Other Books on Sale
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Blink and We'll Miss It

Mae Griffin’s last blink was six hundred and fifty-three days ago, when she left Minnesott Beach, North Carolina, for good.

It might have been the move. It’s probably the lack of stress now that her mom is stable. All Mae knows is that her world no longer shifts. She doesn’t glimpse people from the past or fall headlong into their private moments. As long as she can go to school, keep her friends at arm’s length, and make sure Mom takes her medication, she’ll have a pretty solid end to junior year.

Except stability breeds complacency, and when Mae’s not looking, life falls apart. Reeling from a tragedy she should have seen coming, Mae returns to her grandparents’ centuries-old house on the Carolina coast, to the friendships she destroyed and the stoic, dark-haired boy who makes her heart ache.

Back to the blinks that plague her mental health.

As Mae’s blinks ramp up in intensity and frequency, she discovers an unsettling truth. Her greatest fear is the key to healing old, brutal wounds and unearthing family secrets that sparked a bitter feud. Torn between loyalty to the friends she once loved and protection from the pain of starting over, Mae must decide if she can open her heart. Not just to the life she let go, but to the parts of herself she’d rather keep hidden. Blink and We’ll Miss It is a poignant, swoon-worthy novel about finding the strength to forgive, the courage to move forward, and the vulnerability to fall in love.

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Available for Free
on Kindle Unlimited

The Billionaire Doctor
Her Brother's Best Friend Steamy Series

Forbidden Fruit Is The Most Tempting…

Nate: Sydney Elliot is off-limits. I’ve known that for years. Then why can’t I take my eyes off her? I thought I put my forbidden attraction for her in the past, but when she turns up on my doorstep looking for a job, I’m faced with a horrifying realization – I’m in love with my best friend’s little sister.

Sydney: Ever since Nate broke my heart all those years ago, I’ve kept my distance… but I can’t avoid him forever. My crush has blossomed into full-blown lust – and this time, I want him more than ever, even if it means getting involved in a secret relationship that could throw both our lives into chaos.

When Sydney is forced to rebuild her life after a disastrous breakup, she finds herself roped into working in the sunny city of Miami alongside her brother’s wealthy best friend. There’s only one big problem: she’s had a not-so-secret crush on him for as long as she can remember. If her brother finds out, he’ll go ballistic – and even though they’re playing with fire, her feelings for Nate are getting stronger by the day.

Nate walked away from her once. Can he find the strength to refuse her again? Or will their feelings be too strong for them to resist?

Discover a gripping and steamy billionaire romance that’s bursting with spicy scenes and forbidden love. Combining all the exotic thrills of a Miami backdrop with a charismatic bad boy and the curvy woman he craves, The Billionaire Doctor box set is a wild adventure that is bound to keep you guessing.

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Click here to read more

Available for Free
on Kindle Unlimited

Dark Secret Crimes
A Completely Addictive, Fast-Paced Psychological Thriller

In an attempt to protect his family from his father's anger, Semjah's life takes a chilling twist.

Semjah struggles with his desire to be a good son and make his father proud.

But he knows the day will come when he has to confront his father.

As he tries to maintain peace, one fateful day, his father's actions cross the line forcing Semjah to go on the run.

Semjah finds refuge and a sense of belonging in the criminal underworld, Where he lives a life of crime, secrecy, and regret.

But trust is scarce, and loyalty comes at a deadly price.

He forms unlikely bonds hoping to build a better life.

But tragedy strikes each time, breaking his heart and damaging his fragile psychological state.

Consumed by rage and grief, Semjah descends into a spiral of addiction and vengeance.

Now he faces a hard decision; can he stop himself and choose right over wrong, or succumb to the very darkness he seeks to overcome?

You may also be interested in these books

Upcoming Events

Already attending?
Book pre-order forms are available here.
I can't wait to see you!

Ashleigh's Reading Challenge Don't forget to update your progress!
If you haven't joined us yet,
it's never too late!

Join My Newsletters Check out my books

Family Vacations

Ashleigh's YA Reads           Ashleigh's Romance Reads          Ashleigh's Whodunits
This week's newsletter contains the following features:
(Feel free to skip ahead to what you want to read)
What's new with Ashleigh? Hartfield Chronicles Free Books Other Books on Sale Ashleigh's Reading Challenge Upcoming Events Join My Newsletters

What's new with Ashleigh?

This week was our annual family vacation to Maine. In years past, the fourth of July was a time for my husband, his parents, his brothers, and their families to gather at the lake house. Over the past few years, however, scheduling conflicts have resulted in the brothers and their families unable to join us. That means my kids don’t get to play with their cousins, but they have plenty of fun nevertheless.

We have many traditions when we go to Maine. We have to take a family kayak trip up the river. It was this trip that inspired Kisses, Kayaks & Monsters. This year, due to the rains, the water was very high, making for a lovely paddle. Unfortunately, every time I saw movement on the water (either from water striders or the wind), I couldn’t help but wonder if something was lurking in the murky depths.

Another tradition is to visit the lighthouse that inspired P.S.: It Was Murder. Like Lisa, I like to sit on the rocks and watch the waves crashing below. It is very hypnotic and mesmerizing. It can also be very therapeutic.

We plan our vacation around the ice cream social. You may remember back in February when I mentioned we were visiting Maine for the ice harvest. Well, the volunteers who run the ice house use that ice to make hand-cranked ice cream for the social. This year, the rain was horrible, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying one of our favorite family traditions.

Another tradition is to go shopping in a specific village, stop in specific stores, and buy popcorn while we are there. This year, the specific stores included buying cheap some cheap t-shirts for me.

We have two indoor traditions as well. The first is to go old school. We have a huge collection of VCR tapes in Maine. Many of these movies, while available to stream, my children look forward to watching while we are in Maine. We also have my grandfather’s original 8-bit Nintendo system. He bought it new and hardly used it. (He bought us one at the same time, but my brother eventually traded it for a newer system in high school.) Years ago, I brought this system up to Maine. My 5-year-old’s favorite part of our Maine vacation is playing Duck Hunt. This year, my mother-in-law got a new television. We redesigned the entire family room so we could keep the cathode-ray television for Duck Hunt. It means that much to my children.

Our final family tradition is to play board games. While we do this at home, it is growing increasingly more difficult to find time to do so due to everyone’s busy schedules. In Maine, we have the time to play some of our favorite games, as well as some new ones. As I write this, the 5-year-old is playing chess with Daddy (and winning).

What about you?
What are some of your “must dos” on your family vacations?
(Or maybe on your family staycations?)

Hartfield Chronicles Hartfield Chronicles is taking a break!

Hartfield Chronicles is taking a break. But stay tuned! New episodes are coming in August!

Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every Wednesday.

Season 6 coming in August!

Spend Spring Break in Hollywood with Pat and Melinda.

Want to get notifications
when the next episode is released?

Follow me on twitter

Or Sign up for email updates

As a thank you, you will receive access to bonus chapters from the Hartfield Chronicles.

Announcing the New Hammerhead Club

Membership benefits:

Read new episodes 4 weeks in advance Receive new episodes directly in your inbox Access to new bonus chapters every season Each month you are a member, $1 is added to your club credit. This credit can be used to purchase e-books and signed paperbacks at the Ashleigh Stevens Bookstore. Credits never expire.

Join now!

Free Books
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Free Book

The Hidden Magicals
An Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Romance

I never expected to save an entire mission and fall in love with my broody instructor.

It was bad enough that I felt forced to join the Collectors like my parents, and theirs before them, as it always has been since the Apocalypse left the world a desert wasteland.

But then my hot AF instructor walks in. Maybe being a Collector won’t be so bad. Until he decides to follow me around, pointing out my every flaw.

I save an entire mission using my wits instead of brute strength, and his admiration becomes clear - and his tough exterior softens.

As we venture further into the unknown ruins of this post-apocalyptic world, our skills intertwine: my mind supporting his brawn, and somehow our hearts become intertwined as well.

Handpicked for an elite team to capture powerful magicals that have fled to the mysterious Hidden Kingdom, we set off on our greatest adventure yet.

An adventure fraught with danger that could mean the end of the world as we know it and the end of the only love I’ve ever known.

Would you like some free books in exchange for an honest review? Want more free books? Check out these giveaways! Do you have Kindle Unlimited? These books are free for you!

Other Books on Sale
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Available for Free
on Kindle Unlimited

Crossroads Through Time
A Tale of Two Choices

What if She Had Made a Different Choice at a Pivotal Moment in Her Life?

Genevieve only wants a short respite as she slips away from a birthday party in her honor. Yet, once she’s alone in her quiet oasis she unexpectantly collapses.

Drawn into a dream-like state, Genevieve is transported through time and space where she relives the pivotal choices during her lifetime…her “crossroad moments.” With all her senses acutely aware, she is gifted with experiencing “the other choice” as well, revealing how different life would be.

Genevieve rides a torrent of emotional ups and downs as each choice now gives her a clear understanding of an altered life journey.

But why? What is the real purpose behind it all?

Helpless to stop the emotional roller-coaster, Genevieve finds both ecstasy and hell in the alternate realities she seems destined to experience.

Then, the phenomenal odyssey ends.

When she opens her eyes, nothing is the same. As objects and people come into focus, Genevieve’s world has disappeared, and in its place, something you can’t imagine!

Could a mere dream really change reality?

Crossroads Through Time is a compelling fictional tale that embraces emotions of love, fear, hope and loss. Author, Sheryl M. Frazer weaves one choice versus another into a dramatic telling of shifting realities and unexpected twists.

This book was re-edited and reformatted, July 2022.

Begin to submerge yourself in Genevieve's incredible journey today and discover why her reflections are not what you might assume!

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Click here to read more

Available for Free
on Kindle Unlimited

Dark Secret Crimes
A Completely Addictive, Fast-Paced Psychological Thriller

In an attempt to protect his family from his father's anger, Semjah's life takes a chilling twist.

Semjah struggles with his desire to be a good son and make his father proud.

But he knows the day will come when he has to confront his father.

As he tries to maintain peace, one fateful day, his father's actions cross the line forcing Semjah to go on the run.

Semjah finds refuge and a sense of belonging in the criminal underworld, Where he lives a life of crime, secrecy, and regret.

But trust is scarce, and loyalty comes at a deadly price.

He forms unlikely bonds hoping to build a better life.

But tragedy strikes each time, breaking his heart and damaging his fragile psychological state.

Consumed by rage and grief, Semjah descends into a spiral of addiction and vengeance.

Now he faces a hard decision; can he stop himself and choose right over wrong, or succumb to the very darkness he seeks to overcome?

You may also be interested in these books

Upcoming Events
RomantiConn
July 8, 2023
Trumbull, CT

Already attending?
Book pre-order forms are available here.
I can't wait to see you!

Ashleigh's Reading Challenge Don't forget to update your progress!
If you haven't joined us yet,
it's never too late!

Join My Newsletters Check out my books

It's a small world

Ashleigh's YA Reads           Ashleigh's Romance Reads          Ashleigh's Whodunits
This week's newsletter contains the following features:
(Feel free to skip ahead to what you want to read)
What's new with Ashleigh? Hartfield Chronicles Free Books Other Books on Sale Ashleigh's Reading Challenge Upcoming Events Join My Newsletters

What's new with Ashleigh?

In my last newsletter, I mentioned my family was going camping. It was a crazy weekend. After helping set up the camper, I had to take my daughter to her dance picture day. Since she had to return to the studio the following morning, we didn't go camping that night. When we finally returned to the campground Saturday morning, we learned our family had befriended the family at the neighboring campsite. The kids got along great and we had a fantastic time.

Saturday afternoon, the two families decided to head to the beach. While we were packing our wagon, the guy next door mentioned they live near the beach.

Us too!

After a few minutes of conversation, we realized we were both talking about the same beach! That's right. They live about a mile away from us, shorter as the crow flies. The husband even organizes an annual 5K that runs right by our street. We couldn't believe it! Needless to say, we made sure to exchange phone numbers to arrange playdates over the summer.

Believe it or not, this was not our greatest "It's a small world" experience. One year, we were standing in line at an ice cream shop in Maine. The family in front of us were friends from the homeschool co-op we had joined a few months earlier. Our children were in the same classes! Turns out, we both had family in the area and liked to visit the same week.

But camping next to people who live less than a mile away is definitely a close second!

How about you?
Have you ever been on vacation had a small world experience?

Hartfield Chronicles Hartfield Chronicles is taking a break!

Hartfield Chronicles is taking a break. But stay tuned! New episodes are coming in August!

Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every Wednesday.

Season 6 coming in August!

Spend Spring Break in Hollywood with Pat and Melinda.

Want to get notifications
when the next episode is released?

Follow me on twitter

Or Sign up for email updates

As a thank you, you will receive access to bonus chapters from the Hartfield Chronicles.

Announcing the New Hammerhead Club

Membership benefits:

Read new episodes 4 weeks in advance Receive new episodes directly in your inbox Access to new bonus chapters every season Each month you are a member, $1 is added to your club credit. This credit can be used to purchase e-books and signed paperbacks at the Ashleigh Stevens Bookstore. Credits never expire.

Join now!

Free Books
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Free Book

My Billionaire Secret Lover
An Age Gap Enemies to Lovers Romance

She’s my best friend’s daughter. She’s forbidden. I can’t live without her.

I don’t often deny myself the things that I want, as evidenced by the news articles and press releases that swirl around my name.

Playboy. Womanizer. Player. Billionaire. They call me all kinds of names, but those who know me just call me Michael.

If I want something, I’ll find a way to get it – and I don’t care what lines I have to cross. And right now, I want her… Sarah. My best friend’s daughter.

She was hired on as an attorney for my company, but I didn’t even recognize her at first.

My eyes roamed over every curve of her body, memorizing each dip and sway. But when I realized who she was, my world came to a screeching halt.

She’s too tempting… and I’m not strong enough. What will her father say?

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Free Book

Antiques to Die For
A Whodunnit Cozy Mystery

Some twins just need a psychic cat to solve a murder

Lola and her twin brother Jax return to their small island hometown to inherit an antique business - and the two begin the next chapter of their lives living on a dream island.

However, a series of murders soon rock the close-knit community and Lola finds herself at the center of a disturbing, yet poetic string of murders.

With a new business to run, grumpy employees to handle, and gossipy friends who can’t be cured from a severe case of gossip vomit, all she needs now are fingers pointing at her.

Good thing she doesn’t tell them about her psychic cat who has a “thing” for death poems.

The town needs reinforcements… so as soon as the out-of-town detective arrives to investigate these murders, Lola doesn’t know if she should clear her name or fall in love.

From haikus left on victims to gossip around town that can kill, join Lola as she navigates through a web of secrets to find out whodunnit.

A hesitant amateur sleuth, a psychic cat, and a town that can’t keep their mouths shut when the dashing detective comes around, who knows if the real murderer will be exposed.

After all, Karma loves a good haiku.

Would you like some free books in exchange for an honest review?
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Review Copy

Blaze of Anger
A Dystopian thriller

In the divided world of Eden 4023, anger is illegal, hidden, and suppressed. Doctor Tanger, the new hunter of angry people, is struggling to cope with the loss of a boy who changed his life. With the help of an orphan girl, Dancer, Tanger embarks on a journey of self-discovery that uncovers secrets about his past, the world he lives in, and the unexpected places where anger blazes. As Tanger is torn between loyalty and love, he encounters the Resistance and begins to question the controlling powers of Rita Hart and the Silvers. Will the people of Eden be able to unite and coexist in peace, or will they be forever divided by artificial intelligence humanoids?

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Ghost Town

A story about lost love and redeeming oneself.

Willow was like any other teenage girl until a fatal car accident left her an orphan with the ability to see ghosts. Relocating to live with her grandparents, she hoped to lay low to survive the rest of high school and maybe figure out the whole "seeing the dead" thing. But with ghosts popping up in the middle of class, Willow was struggling to keep the gossip at bay. No one thinks you're normal when you get caught having a one-sided conversation alone.

Finding friends isn't easy, but finding enemies is another story. But her curse can also be a gift. She's discovered she can make a difference by helping earth-bound spirits move on. Yet when she meets one in an old abandoned school, she finds she might have met her match. It's not like she has years of experience. She's still been kind of winging it. Can she help him move on or will he be tied to the building forever?

And can she keep everyone from finding out that she can see the dead?

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Dance Romance
Steps of Love Book 1

Career and love which is greater?
Larry Dawson Daisy Spenser - two high school enemies fall for each other as they chase the same career. Larry who never planned to fall in love finds himself falling deeply for his greatest enemy.
Dasiy on the other hand has her career to focus on as her number one priority but finds herself rocking the boat between her dance carer and her love for Larry Dawson. Which comes first? What will become their fate both in dance and love. Find out!

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on Kindle Unlimited

Dark Secret Life
A Gripping and Addictive Psychological Thriller Suspense

Desperation leads to dangerous choices.

Kendrick felt that he wasn't good enough for his girlfriend, Emma.

Then he got a job offer that promised to solve all his problems.

He accepts, diving into a dark double life that he must keep a secret even from her.

He knew that working for this new company meant breaking a few rules.

But when he finds proof that the organization is taking a much darker path, painful memories from his childhood emerge.

Kendrick has reached his limits; he knows the consequences are too horrendous to overlook.

He understands that quitting now is not an option, running away is nearly impossible, and going against the organization is a death sentence.

But he needs to make a decision and act quickly, as his life and the lives of others depend on it.

You may also be interested in these books

Upcoming Events
RomantiConn
July 8, 2023
Trumbull, CT

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I can't wait to see you!

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Let the Summer Fun Begin!

Ashleigh's YA Reads           Ashleigh's Romance Reads          Ashleigh's Whodunits
This week's newsletter contains the following features:
(Feel free to skip ahead to what you want to read)
What's new with Ashleigh? Hartfield Chronicles Free Books Other Books on Sale Ashleigh's Reading Challenge Upcoming Events Join My Newsletters

What's new with Ashleigh?

Its that time of year, again. We've swept out the camper, removed the winterizer, and we're ready to go!

That's right. This weekend is our family's first camping trip of the season.

Not that we have time for it. Our weekend is jammed packed with dance recital photos and a book fair, but we squeezed this trip into our schedule. Why would we do something so crazy?

Because we wanted to start our summer.

We usually start our camping season in April. Two months later, although the camper is no longer in winter storage (ie: the backyard), and even though Memorial Day has passed, we still haven't felt like summer is here.

How about you? Has your summer started yet?

Because we wanted to start our summer, we snuck in a quick trip.

We will be at one of our favorite camping locations: Hammonasset Beach State Park. We're even staying in a fantastic site where we've stayed before. Its next to the bathhouse, giving us extra room for our cars.

Which is good, since once again we need two cars. Because Sunday, when the rest of my family goes home, I am heading to my next book festival of the summer.

If you're in central Connecticut this weekend, stop in. You can even go both days, since different authors are attending Saturday and Sunday.

Hartfield Chronicles It's the season finale of Hartfield Chronicles!

Melinda loves Pat, but sometimes she wishes he had friends of his own. When he starts spending time with her dance partner, however, Melinda can't help the feelings of jealousy that surface, especially when he starts choosing him over her. Will their relationship survive Pat's new bromance?

Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every Friday.

Here's what you missed: Episode 132
Episode 133
Melinda refuses to forgive Pat until he apologizes. Melinda and Pat enjoy a night off campus.

Season 6 coming in August!

Spend Spring Break in Hollywood with Pat and Melinda.

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As a thank you, you will receive access to bonus chapters from the Hartfield Chronicles.

Announcing the New Hammerhead Club

Membership benefits:

Read new episodes 4 weeks in advance Receive new episodes directly in your inbox Access to new bonus chapters every season Each month you are a member, $1 is added to your club credit. This credit can be used to purchase e-books and signed paperbacks at the Ashleigh Stevens Bookstore. Credits never expire.

Join now!

Free Books
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Sample Chapter

Diary of a 9th Grade D Cup
A Growing UP girls book

Katie is entering a new world - High School.
Will it be the new start she hopes for?

Growing UP was hard for Katie. Throughout middle school and jr. high, she was teased and tormented for her crime of being the first one in class to get a bra in the 4th grade. From then on she was labeled as the girl with the "boobs." But high school provides an opportunity for a clean slate and a new world with different kids with endless opportunities to remake her image and start from scratch to adventures of life as just another teen.

Diary of 9th Grade "D" Cup is the sequel, continuing Katie's middle school journey into a new realm - high school. The Growing UP Girls series of books celebrates and chronicles the trials and triumphs of middle and lower high school girls 10-16 who are just trying to grow up with as few scars as possible, despite a school of teasers, mean girls, dumb boys and bullies.

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Free Book

The Billionaire's Sweet Secret
Free Sweet Small-Town Romance

Moving in with the boss after discovering a big family secret

Ambitious and crisis prone, as Glorietta Easton is known to her entourage, she is not the person he intended to hire as overseer of the familial private library.

Billionaire Callum Waltons found this out the hard way. Within days, his newly hired employee is moving into his mansion following a family secret uncovered.

Glorietta needs safety, away from family and media to recover. Stuck together in the same house, the new housemates put their differences aside to focus on the main issue at hand:

Discovering who knows of the century old secret and wants to benefit from it.

The duo embarks on a mystery solving journey, their encounters are all business…or so he thinks. Will their proximity capsize his principles and mature her innocent mind?

Come sail along with these amateurs’ detectives and let your mind be captivated by this sweet and cozy, easy read novella

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Free Book

Murder on Bourbon
Adventure and Mystery in the French Quarter

Empty nester Lucy Hamilton is ready for adventure. After her husband's death and her kids leaving for college, Lucy leaves behind her quiet life in Tennessee and sets off on a journey of self-discovery in her vintage VW camper van. Her first stop? Colorful New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Between delicious beignets, swamp tours with new friend Ruby, and admiring the costumes and floats, Lucy is swept up in the excitement and energy of the Big Easy. She even catches the eye of a handsome naval officer named Max. But the revelry comes to an abrupt end when her charismatic chef friend Jackson turns up dead after his big Mardi Gras tasting event.Though heartbroken over the loss of her new friend, Lucy's curiosity is piqued. She teams up with tarot reader Ruby and Navy man Max to solve the mysterious murder. But danger lurks around every corner of the French Quarter, and they must work fast before the killer strikes again.Uncovering clues and secrets in each twist of Bourbon Street, Lucy discovers a talent for sniffing out the truth. She's determined to find justice for Jackson's murder, even if that means putting herself in the crosshairs of a killer. Lucy learns that life in New Orleans is full of surprises - and sometimes secrets are better left buried. Jump into the first charming cozy mystery in the Lucy Hamilton Adventure series! If you love quirky characters, exotic locales, mouth-watering food descriptions and whodunits that keep you guessing until the end, The Big Easy Murder is sure to satisfy your inner sleuth. Grab some beignets and a café au lait and join Lucy as she navigates new friendships, romance and danger in the magical city of New Orleans.

Would you like some free books in exchange for an honest review? Want more free books? Check out these giveaways! Do you have Kindle Unlimited? These books are free for you! Do you have Kobo Plus? These books are free for you!

Other Books on Sale

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State Park
An Adventure of Citizenship and Patriotism

Every kid loves an adventure . . .
. . . especially if they have an adventurous grandma who rides a motorcycle!

Percy, an inquisitive, redheaded fourth grader, loves to discover new things with Grandma Biker. He never knows what she has in store for him, and this adventure is no exception!

A surprise camping trip to a state park turns into an exciting start to Percy's summer vacation.

Join Percy, Grandma Biker, and her dog, Sprocket, as they meet new friends, experience new adventures-all while practicing their civic responsibility and patriotism.Off-Limits Billionaire Fiance' is a high-heat, enemies-to-lovers fake romance about a dominant alpha male who meets his match in his brother’s smart, sassy ex-girlfriend.

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Available for Free
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Insta Love Box Set

One Night. No Limits

Craving Her Curves (Book I)

Jason
“When my financial right hand leaves me hanging right before the biggest meeting of my life, I’m furious. I need someone to replace him NOW—and the only person left at this hour is Melanie. I barely even know her – but since I walked in, I can’t stop looking at her…”

Melanie
"I take a few deep breaths before I leave the cubicle. I hurry out, only to run right into someone. The air is knocked out of me as they grab me. I look up and everything seems to stop.

Oh God. Jason Ford."

She’s a wholehearted girl struggling to support her family.

He’s her hot billionaire boss with his business on the line.

When Jason ropes Melanie into helping him in a multi-million dollar business meeting, she seems like the perfect stand-in. There’s only one problem. After just an hour in her company, Jason is dying to know what her curvy body looks like with nothing on…

She was mine. So I thought Loving Her Curves (Book II)

Jason
I should fire her... But after everything that’s happened between us, I can’t let her go. But she’s lost my trust and my business is at risk. How can our relationship survive now?

Melanie
My sister has jeopardized everything. I can’t afford to pay her bail anymore. I can’t bear to lose Jason. He could fire me at any second. But given half the chance, I’d do anything to save my family from homelessness...

When Jason catches Melanie’s sister stealing from his business, suspicions run wild and their relationship is soon on the ropes. Jason’s not the kind to forgive easily. But there’s only one problem. He’s craving her like never before and wants to grab her body… with nothing on it.

First he craved her. Now can he love her?
Obsessed With Her Curves (Book III)-Curvy OTT Romance.
* The heart-pounding alpha male instalove romance series continues *

Will she risk everything for love?

Jason
I can’t let Melanie go. Her sister Claire might be trying to destroy everything she’s worked for, but we have to take a chance. I need to convince her that this is becoming something more for me. Claire might be her sister, but I’m her boss…

Melanie
Claire smirks. “Be careful going back down, Melanie. That fire escape is rather… unstable.”
I’m happy to get off the roof. I’ve said what I needed to say. I turn to find the fire escape directly behind me. Relieved, I reach for the ladder.
Then I feel someone shove me from behind...

How binding is a deathbed promise?

Craving Her Love (Book IV)
★ The exhilarating romance continues in the fourth pulse-pounding book of Hope's short romantic stories. ★
Jason
Mr Salazar gives me a slight nod, not offering me his hand. I’m on alert. Every time we’ve met before, he’s always shaken my hand. Not this time.
My mind starts racing. The image of my mother on her deathbed flashes in front of my eyes...I promised her this. I can’t live with such a failure on my conscience.I wish Melanie was by my side. I need her

Melanie
Jason is already gone. The door slams shut behind him. Now I’m left sitting on his couch, alone.
Feeling like a discarded piece of trash.
Just when I thought my life was starting to turn around
And as for Claire...I wish I had the strength to deal with her. I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop her before it gets too far…

When a strange call from Jason's top investor throws a wrench in his most important project, his confidence is put to the test. With tensions mounting and his business hanging in the balance, can their love survive another storm? And what will happen when a deathbed promise is thrown into the mix?

It's going to break my heart when I walk away...

Her Curves For Life (Book V)
★ The epic conclusion to a happy ever after romance ★

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Available for Free
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Her Prefect Murder

Lexi felt so betrayed that she snapped.

And it changed the entire course of her life.

28 year old Lexi could have had it all, if it weren’t for that fateful night 10 years ago when she was charged with murder.

Now she’s back in her close-knit hometown, Garrison, with a tarnished reputation and a criminal record to match. Her sole mission is to shed her past and learn to live her new life. After all, she already served her time. She spent a decade grieving over what happened to her best friend, even if the details are unclear.

But now that private investigator Zac Booth is in town, her plan of moving on is completely derailed. He’s supposedly in town looking into a disappearance from over ten years ago. Lexi doesn’t see how she could possibly help. She doesn’t want anything to do with another mystery, even if Zac is undeniably attractive. In fact, he’s the first attractive man she’s seen in a decade who wasn’t telling her to get back to her cell.

Either way, she can’t help him.

...Or can she?

The more she tries to escape the past, the more she learns that her past is not at all what she thought it was.

You may also be interested in these books

Upcoming Events
Rule of 3 Brewery
June 11, 2023
East Hampton, CT
(Note: While the event runs all weekend,
I will only be attending Sunday.)
RomantiConn
July 8, 2023
Trumbull, CT

Already attending?
Book pre-order forms are available here.
I can't wait to see you!

Ashleigh's Reading Challenge Don't forget to update your progress!
If you haven't joined us yet,
it's never too late!

Join My Newsletters Check out my books

Happy Memorial Day!

Ashleigh's YA Reads           Ashleigh's Romance Reads          Ashleigh's Whodunits
This week's newsletter contains the following features:
(Feel free to skip ahead to what you want to read)
What's new with Ashleigh? Hartfield Chronicles Free Books Other Books on Sale Ashleigh's Reading Challenge Upcoming Events Join My Newsletters

What's new with Ashleigh?

I don't know about you, but for those of us in New England, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer. Many of our state campgrounds open this weekend. Since purchasing our first camper in 2017, Memorial Day has been one of our favorite camping weekends.

Until last year. Last year, in addition to being very hot, our family split up to march in two separate parades in two different counties. By the time we returned the to campground, it took an hour to travel one mile from the exit ramp the entrance of the state park. Which was closed due to capacity. Ultimately, not a fun experience.

So this year, I made the executive decision that we will not be traveling this weekend. This will allow us to participate in some good old-fashion Memorial Day staycation fun.

Thanks to some unseasonably warm weather, we put up our swimming pool a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure it will get a lot of use this weekend, although we still have a lot going on. In addition to the two parades, we are also participating in a memorial service and assisting a service project for a nonagenarian. It's sure to be a fantastic weekend.

How about you? How are you celebrating Memorial Day?
(Or, if your Memorial Day has already passed, what were some of the highlights?)

In Other News

I was so pleased with everyone's feedback regarding my Choose Your Own Path Stories. I am happy to announce that they will resume in the fall. Unfortunately, I will be unable to work on them over the summer because of a new project.

After much deliberation, I decided to particpate in the 2023 Inkfort Publishing Derby.

What's that, you ask? In 2020, I participated in my first Derby. I was given the cover and penname for One Night In Sedona. I will admit, that cover was not my first choice (though I no longer remember what was), but by the time the derby started, that cover spoke to me.

I and 49 other participants had two months to write and edit a novella. After another month of betas and ARCs, we published the books anonymously. Exactly one month later, we compared our sales information to see who had "won". (Although I didn't win, One Night In Sedona remains one of my most popular books.)

This year's derby has begun. I have ranked my favorite covers and am brainstorming ideas of stories to accompany them. Although I won't be able to tell you which book is mine until November, I look forward to sharing my progress with you over the next few months.

On a completely unrelated note, I enjoyed my last in-person author event so much, I have vowed to attend more. Keep checking my Upcoming Events section or the Live Event Preorder tab on my website to learn when I'm going to be and where.

Hartfield Chronicles Season 5 of Hartfield Chronicles is here!

Melinda loves Pat, but sometimes she wishes he had friends of his own. When he starts spending time with her dance partner, however, Melinda can't help the feelings of jealousy that surface, especially when he starts choosing him over her. Will their relationship survive Pat's new bromance?

Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every Friday.

Here's what you missed: Episode 130
Episode 131
Trying to complete his lab report turns out to be a bigger adventure than Pat anticipated. Pat helps Brody and ends up stranding Melinda.

Want to get notifications
when the next episode is released?

Follow me on twitter

Or Sign up for email updates

As a thank you, you will receive access to bonus chapters from the Hartfield Chronicles.

Announcing the New Hammerhead Club

Membership benefits:

Read new episodes 4 weeks in advance Receive new episodes directly in your inbox Access to new bonus chapters every season Each month you are a member, $1 is added to your club credit. This credit can be used to purchase e-books and signed paperbacks at the Ashleigh Stevens Bookstore. Credits never expire.

Join now!

Free Books

Free Book

Magical Ambassadors of Justice
The Quest of the Last Dragon

All Gwen wanted was to rest, but all she could do was to keep fighting.

Lying, stealing, and running away from home.

How did things go so wrong?

Her desire was to fulfill her lifelong dream working for and learning from her idol.

Finally, a chance to make a name for herself.

But every dream comes at a price, and trouble has a way of catching up to her.

Her then perfect life uprooted by a hidden conspiracy.

She must choose between realizing her dreams or betraying her morals.

Innocent creatures endangered, betrayed by the system.

Who will protect them?

Free Book

Hunter's Fortune
A sweet romance novella featuring two adorable, middle-aged characters.

A rich investor she dislikes, a forest in need of saving, and an indecent proposal she is more than willing to accept.

A chance meeting in the forest with Albert, an attractive middle-aged hunter, makes Luisa Horst reconsider her life filled with work and devoid of passion and romance. However, Albert turns out to be none other than the rich investor set on financing her father’s dream of building a large hotel in their sleepy little village - something that will have disastrous consequences for the forest Luisa oversees. She is prepared to go against her father’s wishes to save the woods she loves. But how far will she go to persuade Albert to help her? And what will he do when he discovers that she is more than willing to accept his indecent proposal?

This sweet romance novella takes place in a small village somewhere in the magical Black Forest and features two adorable, middle-aged characters who are about to discover that, despite their doubts, opposites indeed attract.

Free Book

The Winterstone Murder
Book 1 in The Woodhead & Becker Mysteries

Two federal investigators, a dead graduate student, and a controversial hallucinogen.

Dr. Kep Woodhead is a brilliant, irascible forensic toxicologist with a dark past.

Bernadette Becker is a disgraced federal investigator with one last chance.

They're both assigned to a strange poisoning case: a graduate student has been found dead in a 15th-century chapel, overdosed on a controversial hallucinogen.

The list of suspects is long: the priest, the professor, the piscary president, the protestor, the protégé, and at least one wants to silence Becker.

Do Becker and Woodhead have a prayer of discovering the truth before the killer strikes again?

Would you like some free books in exchange for an honest review? Want more free books? Check out these giveaways! Do you have Kindle Unlimited? These books are free for you!

Other Books on Sale

Click here to read more

Available for Free
on Kindle Unlimited

Off-Limits Billionaire Fiancé
An Enemies to Lovers Fake Romance

I knew my ex-boyfriend’s brother was off-limits.
Now I’m stuck pretending to be this damaged billionaire’s fake fiancée.

Avoiding Christian Sanchester was so much simpler before I came back to Miami.

Fake-dating the groom’s best man for a month without falling in love? Easiest bet I ever won.

Or it would’ve been — if his mother hadn’t told everyone we’re engaged.

Behind the scenes, his jealous outbursts have us at each other’s throats 24/7.

Broad shoulders and a chiseled jaw can’t make up for his possessive streak, but I’d be kidding myself if I said he wasn’t . . . tantalizing.

Now we’re trapped together in this lie until he finds a way to break the news to his family, but that’s not the worst part.

The worst part is knowing it has to end.

Off-Limits Billionaire Fiance' is a high-heat, enemies-to-lovers fake romance about a dominant alpha male who meets his match in his brother’s smart, sassy ex-girlfriend.

Click here to read more

Available for Free
on Kindle Unlimited

Curses, Fowled Again!
A Mountain Springs Cozy Mystery

Something horrifically sinister lurks in the town of Mountain Springs…

Sharon Triplett’s life-change was to retreat to the majestic mountains, settle into her inherited family home with her two kids, plucky pet parakeet, Seymour, and try to recover from the tragic death of her husband, a hotshot, undercover, city detective. It was an elegant plan. It should have worked.

But then, astoundingly, Seymour, began eerily communicating to her in her dead husband’s voice and Sharon’s life was flipped upside down. Sharon’s been keeping it all hush-hush. Impressive, considering she also has to balance running her unique new tea shop/counseling office.

But bizarre things are happening around the quaint town of Mountain Springs, from an epidemic of insomnia that’s overtaken its citizens, to the increasingly violent assaults coming from the most unexpected places, to creepy disturbances in her home.

Together, Sharon and Seymour work to unlock the mystery of what dark forces are terrorizing their community. Could it be an illness? A gas leak? Something in the water? Or, as one local legend claims, something old and wicked?

Join Sharon and Seymour as they use their combined sleuthing skills to crack the case in Curses, Fowled Again!

You may also be interested in these books

Upcoming Events
Rule of 3 Brewery
June 11, 2023
East Hampton, CT
(Note: While the event runs all weekend,
I will only be attending Sunday.)
RomantiConn
July 8, 2023
Trumbull, CT

Already attending?
Book pre-order forms are available here.
I can't wait to see you!

Ashleigh's Reading Challenge Don't forget to update your progress!
If you haven't joined us yet,
it's never too late!

Join My Newsletters Check out my books