Writing romance, mysteries and more
Books by S. B. Barnes
Heart First: Hudson Valley Murder Mysteries #1
Daniel Rosenbaum leads a predictable life. He’s a professor at Lobell, a small liberal arts college in the Hudson Valley, where he spends his days teaching classes and doing research alongside his friends and fellow professors, Colette and Mario. The biggest change Daniel’s routine has seen in years is when car trouble leads him across the Hudson and into an unexpected romantic encounter with local mechanic Tony.
When tragedy strikes in the form of Mario’s murder, Daniel’s orderly life is thrown into chaos. Not only is his friend dead, it seems Mario was keeping secrets that could cause rifts in Lobell’s close-knit community. At first, Daniel’s intensifying relationship with Tony is the only way he can find solace from his grief and confusion. But all too soon, the trail of Mario’s secrets leads Daniel to the same place he’s been seeking comfort: Angel Automotive, the auto repair shop run by Tony’s family.
Before long, Daniel is forced to question everything: his friends, his job, the way he lives his life, and the relationship he’s not even sure he’s in yet. Only one thing is for sure: Daniel is falling heart-first—in love or into mortal danger.
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Second Chance: Hudson Valley Murder Mysteries #2
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Almost a year after the murder of Mario Lombardi, the Hudson
Valley is once again a quiet, picturesque haven for its inhabitants. The
start of a new academic year brings familiar faces back to Lobell College:
Daniel Rosenbaum starts his first year as dean of the department and
takes a hands-on role in advising students. Among them are Lily Peter-
son and Gianna d’Angelo, both of whom are returning to complete their
studies after Mario’s death caused them to take a semester off.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Hudson, Tony d’Angelo is
working hard. With his sister back in college, it’s all hands on deck to
keep his dad’s auto shop running and take care of his niece. Still, he
spends most nights with his boyfriend, although he hasn’t been able to
tell his family that’s what Daniel is. His life is exactly what he’s always
wanted it to be—so why does he feel like he’s struggling to be himself?
When a Lobell professor is once again found murdered, the idyll of
the last months is turned on its head. Can Tony and Daniel stay out of
harm’s way this time? Or will the fragile new peace they’ve found to-
gether be shattered?