#contemporaryromance

[everyforkedroad]

A Fashionable Deception: A Contemporary M/M Steamy Romance Novella

*COVER REVEAL* 5/28/2024

If you like my fics, you might enjoy my fun, KinnPorsche inspired original, A Fashionable Deception:

💜Grump Daddy meets Sunshine Chaos Demon 💜Family issues become romance issues 💜Fake dating, but make it Latine 💜Paris Fashion Week or bust 💜“Milo-High Club”

Visit my Ko-Fi to see the new cover on Tuesday, 5/28/2024, as well as how to preorder my newest novella!

[takeeachdayonebookatatime]

AUTHOR INTERVIEW- Zeec Rustom

ABOUT ME:

I am first and foremost a voracious reader and dreamer, who loves & lives for stories. I spend my free time doing anything from sketching, painting, embroidery, and even singing off-key karaoke songs, when I am not reading. I am a debut author from India and have published my first Contemporary NA Romance book named A SENSE OF BETRAYAL. The book is having a good response in India, especially among the young readers.

I love reading and writing Romance primarily, but also a few other genres like fantasy, mythology, thriller etc. I am planning to try my hand at all or most of the sub-genres in Romance. I recently also wrote an Erotica on the online platform Inkitt and it is getting a good response.

Further, I am planning to try and promote the Indian myths & legends through fantasy books and also introduce the Indian supernatural elements to the world through Romantasy books. We are all familiar and fond of Romances with vampires, werewolves and witches, but India has a few of her own supernatural/paranormal and mythological elements for me to explore. I also plan to try my hand at some other genres as well in future.

Q & A

(Laura)

1-Is there a special reason behind the title of your book/series?

(Zeec)

My book's title is A SENSE OF BETRAYAL, and the word "sense" is the most important one to notice here, as this word makes it clear that the story is not about betrayal but about something which seems like or is misunderstood as betrayal. The FL of my story Pragati is sent away from home in disgrace as punishment for a prank gone wrong during her teen years. Her childhood sweetheart Vikram, the ML supports her rival during this incident. Pragati feels hurt by this betrayal, as he doesn't support her at her time of need. She is sent away after this and they are parted. Hence the Title name.

(Laura)

2-What was the inspiration behind your story/series?

(Zeec)

My book is equal parts about friendship as it is about love. So, the inspiration is my love for romances as a reader, and also the value I place over the strength of having good friends in life and true friendship.

(Laura)

3-Are there any more books in the series?

(Zeec)

There are going to be 2 more books to this series/world. Though they will be spin-offs telling the stories of some other characters from my debut book. Each will be a standalone but will have interlinked characters.

(Laura)

4-How many books have you written?

(Zeec)

I have published 2 books. But I have written 3 books and am working on a couple more right now.

(Laura)

5-What can your readers expect from your next book?

(Zeec)

My next book is a spin-off of my debut book, A SENSE OF BELONGING. It is also an Indian NA Contemporary Romance.

(Laura)

6-What made you want to write?

(Zeec)

My fascination towards stories. I started writing around the age of 8 with short stories, and have always wanted to get a whole novel published one day.

(Laura)

7- Can you explain your book or series for the people who haven't read them yet?

(Zeec)

My book is about a girl named Pragati, who used to be a tomboy during her childhood days. She was sent away from home after a teenage prank goes wrong. She is finally back home, after being sent away in disgrace for seven years. When she had needed him the most, her love Vikram had chosen to stand with her enemy. Only her best buddy Nik was with her throughout the ordeal. Now that she's back Vikram intently pursues her as if nothing's wrong between them. How can she avoid Vikram when being with Nik, makes it near impossible to avoid his elder brother. Can Pragati keep her heart in check? And where does Nik stand in all this?

(Laura)

8-What is your favorite part of your book or series?

(Zeec)

As this is my first book, the whole book is endearing to me. But, if asked to choose, I think my favorite will be the part where Pragati & Vikram get lost in the jungle and what ensues after that.

(Laura)

9-Do you prefer paperbacks or ebooks?

(Zeec)

I am a total book addict, so the format doesn’t matter much. I even listen to audiobooks. But, like any other booklover, the feel & smell of a physical book does appeal to me a lot.

(Laura)

10-Softcover or hardcover books?

(Zeec)

Hardcover definitely.

(Laura)

11-Do you have a favorite book or series from when you were a child?

(Zeec)

I was crazy about Enid Blyton’s books and her Famous Five series was my favorite.

(Laura)

12-What is one of the most important things your readers should take away from your books?

(Zeec)

The meaning of true friendship and how life-long friends can enrich your lives even during the darkest of times.

(Laura)

13-Why do you think more people should read books?

(Zeec)

Book addiction is the only ‘addiction’ which is encouraged by everyone and not frowned upon…LOL. Jokes apart, books are the best away to uplift your mood or relieve your stress in a positive manner. A good book can transport you to different magical/distant realms and take you on an adventure, whisking you away from your life. Also, reading books improves your vocabulary. It also widens your perspective, by improving your imagination, understanding and way of perceiving things.

(Laura)

14-Do you think beta readers should be compensated in some way? And are they necessary?

(Zeec)

To be very frank, being very new to the writing world I was not aware of the role a beta reader played in the journey of writing a book. I published my first book without any input from beta readers. But I am definitely looking into getting a few beta readers for my second book now. As, I very much feel that having someone look at your manuscript through the eyes of a true reader before you publish, is a good way for an author to further improve the work, based on the reader reaction.

Regarding compensating beta readers, it depends on a few things. I have seen some authors worry that paid beta readers might not be truthful in the reports, as they would not want to offend their clients. Also, sometimes paid beta readers do tend to pick up books, not of their genre and then end up giving a generic report, not of much help to the author. Whereas, there are others who feel that paid beta readers are professional and you can be sure to get your beta report in correct time and with quality work done.

Personally, I think it’s not wrong to compensate them as they are putting in some time and effort to work on a story. But the rates they charge should be reasonable, because most of the indie authors, especially the new ones like me are on a limited budget. And when it comes to cutting down our expenses, beta reading might be the only place we can do that.

(Laura)

15-Paper, computer or typewriter what do you write your story on?

(Zeec)

Plot on paper initially and then write the story on computer.

(Laura)

16-The last book you read was?

(Zeec)

Its an audiobook, ‘Vow of the Shadow King’ by Sylvia Mercedes.

(Laura)

17-Name one character you liked writing for/about in your book?

(Zeec)

Pragati my female lead.

(Laura)

18-What three adjectives would best describe your book/story?

(Zeec)

Heartwarming, fast-paced, fun.

(Laura)

19-How would you best describe your characters to someone who has not read your book yet?

(Zeec)

Pragati--- A mischievous tomboy during childhood. She is bold, loyal, steadfast, brave and honest. She has average height and slim figure. Thick black wavy hair, black eyes and an indomitable spirit. She would always stick up for her friends and go to any lengths to help them.

Vikram--- He is handsome, tall and masculine. He has an amazing chiseled body. He has thick jet-black wavy hair. Vikram has a clam, mature and understanding personality and has always adored Pragati since they were kids, indulging all her whims and supporting her in her mad capers.

Nik--- Pragati’s best friend and Vikram’s younger brother. Nik is as mad and riotous as Pragati and both together caused a lot of mischief and mayhem in their childhood days. Nik has a charming, fun loving and happy persona making it easy for everyone to like him. He is a total flirt and charmer, making hearts flutter anywhere he passes by. Nik is also steadfast, loving, loyal and inherently caring towards the people he is close to.

(Laura)

20-Current book you're reading?

(Zeec)

I am presently listening to the audiobook ‘Heart of the Shadow King’ by Sylvia Mercedes. It is the final instalment of the Romantasy series ‘Bride of the Shadow King’.

Any social media pages our very few readers can find you at and were they can buy your books

My reader friends can find me and catch up for a chat, on the following social media pages…..

My website…. www.zeecrustom.com

Instagram Handle…. @zeecrustom

Facebook…. @Zeec Rustom

Twitter…. @Zeec_Rustom

Email…. zeecrustom@gmail.com

[allthingsdarkanddirty]

*✦ 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 & 𝐞𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐄!! ✦* We’re elated to share that 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐋𝐘 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐄𝐒 by Marie Sinclair is NOW LIVE! 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐋𝐘 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐄𝐒 is a steamy, best friends to lovers M/M romance. This is the second standalone in her captivating Blue Skies Series and is not to be missed! What to also anticipate from 𝐹𝑅𝐼𝐸𝑁𝐷𝐿𝑌 𝑆𝐾𝐼𝐸𝑆… ✈️ One bed ✈️ Hurt/comfort ✈️ Pining ✈️ Trauma recovery 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐙𝐎𝐍 & 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐋𝐄 𝐔𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃! Amazon Universal ~https://geni.us/FriendlySkiesPL In celebration of Marie’s release, enter her rafflecopter for the opportunity to receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card here: https://geni.us/nzTjS About 𝐹𝑅𝐼𝐸𝑁𝐷𝐿𝑌 𝑆𝐾𝐼𝐸𝑆: Luis and Darius have been each other’s almas gemelas—soul twin—since childhood. They’re ride-or-die besties who have shared every coming-of-age experience, platonic kisses, cuddles, careers as flight attendants, even the occasional hook-up with a third. But they’ve never admitted to each other just how deep their feelings for each other run. By the time Darius, who’s always known he’s gay, realized Luis was too, it was too late; his place in Luis’s friend zone was set in stone. Rather than pushing for what he really wants, he’s settled for being the safe place for Luis whenever his unexplained anxieties stalk him at night. Luis has spent the years since he was drugged by a family friend at his sister’s quinceañera party hiding secrets. He doesn’t regret the kisses he shared with Darius in the shadows of his bedroom that night. It’s what happened later—at someone else’s hands—that he’s never told anyone. Not even his soul twin. He’s stayed silent rather than risk losing the one man he can’t survive without. Luis’s trauma is pushed into the light when an incident on one of Darius’ flights makes him finally admit how he really feels. But when false accusations surrounding the incident surface, Luis’s anxiety and memories could derail his and Darius’ new-found relationship. Working their way past this rocky stretch on the road to forever will take every ounce of love they have for each other—and then some. ***Trigger warnings: SA, PTSD, trauma – this book contains an on-page description of assault as well as depictions of trauma response, confrontation with an abuser, and a false accusation of SA against one of the MCs.

[melanie-moreland-author]

[romcombc]

Run for Chapel Hill

Love is not as predictable as cartomancy (unless you are a skilled fortune teller who can read hearts instead of cards). Etta Kem and Samuel Angk, two heartsore souls, swear off love faster than you can say "swipe left" when their loved ones suggest they find someone. But fate has other plans when a chance encounter sends sparks flying - and not just from the faulty spark plug of Sam's car.

As their romance blossoms like sunflowers reaching for the warm embrace of the sun, despite Etta's best friend constantly sprinkling it with his suspicions, our lovebirds face another obstacle: a mysterious figure, consumes by a sinister determination to keep Sam and Etta apart, orchestrates events to disrupt their path to love.

Can Etta and Sam overcome their relationship's hurdles, or will they need a cartomancer to break the barriers impeding their connection? Tune in to see if true love wins or if their story ends up on the ''Who the heck did I date?" For You Page of TikTok.

Grab Your Copy Today: https://amzn.to/4dHMBq0

[simplysuckit]

Haunted. - Chapter 9: ROPED (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/1440560394-haunted-chapter-9-roped?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_reading&wp_uname=ingrydAlfonso07 Heartless and twisted? That's what most people thought of Devin. That's what Jade knew of him. She would keep her distance from him no matter what, Jade would never get involved with someone like him. They grew up around each other and she knew what he was, what he would do on nights and weekends, the debauchery he would partake in. Devin had noticed her a long time ago, he hated her judgemental glares. Devin had one rule: Never get too close. Jade had two: Be invisible, be a ghost and never get too close. Jade was a good girl. But Devin doubts her, he thinks part of being human is the animalistic impulse to act on your desires... Now what happens when you put fire and ice together? What happens when Devin can't ignore the ghost that keeps coming back to haunt him?

[libraryofnika]

⋆˙⊹ “𝑹𝒖𝒆. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒃𝒂𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”⊹˙⋆

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 Release Day and Book Review✨

When I said I just knew that I'm gonna like this new novel of hers after reading her vampire and werewolf paranormal romance, I was right 🤚🏽

I would go as to say that this romance novel captivated me from the start, the middle, and the end. I truly am invested with the drama and the tea revolving Kline and Harkness (which I really can't help but read Harkoness— I really don't know why 😆)

Anyway, the writing in this novel was much better, compelling, and flawlessly in terms of storytelling. To be brief about it, I would go as far as to say it was excellent.

The characters, on the other hand, really shine their own way. They were more developed and well written characters that I remember them from the start until the end. Tisha, I really love Tisha. She's so real. Minami, she deserves better, I hate how Florence did her dirty.

The pairing: Rue and Eli REALLY HAD CHEMISTRY. THEIR TENSION EVERYONE 🤚🏽 Eli was really pinning the most of it, and that didn't stray him off his plot most of the time. This man is really driven. Rue, another excellent woman, is equally driven and passionate. These 2 really took their time, not really complaining. Their interaction was really fun, as well as their banter. I also liked how they opened up with each other, trusting to the point of sharing tragic or traumas of the past.

The spice or the smut 🌶🌶🌶 again, they really took their time. It was HOT. I enjoyed most of it.

The drama, tea, or the conflict, IT WAS A LOT. I wish there were more of the showing of this part in the novel, as someone who's a STEM student before, I enjoyed how the STEM content here was laid, it was really interesting and intriguing, although I wish there were more if it the same wit the conflict.

Other than that, I think the most important part here is the content or conflict of power hungry org, or just anyone with power stealing intellectual property, especially of young and aspiring academic people, as well as of taking advantage of their endeavour to profit from them, worse, take their rights off of their well hard earned achievement.

I think my only issue from this book is the sudden switch from 3rd to 1st pov. That part was a little bit off for me, I didn't notice it until I took a little break and started again.

Furthermore, the conclusion as well, I wasn't fun of it, I really wish Florence did pay more for her sins. She did many people dirty, and I would go as far as to say people like her who never get punished for it would do it again if the chance aroused.

●

Thank you, PRH International and Berkley, for the free book ♡

Finished Date: June 9, 2024

Final Ratings: 4.5⭐️

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[sylviahubbard]

Multiple Authors | Genres | #BRAE2023 featuring Dreams of Reality and Mistaken Identi y III FREE! Nov 1st - 5th - 5 Days of #FREEbooks

Hundreds of authors and titles! Don’t forget to sign up at www.brae.website TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW. Share it far and wide!

[joyffree]

BLUE SKIES by Marie Sinclair Release Date: October 11, 2023 Cover Design: Black Jazz Design Genre: M/M Romance Standalone Trope: Age-gap, one bed, hurt/comfort, acespec rep, low angst

Greg loves his job as a flight attendant. If only his love life could make him as happy, he’d be all set. Asexual and HIV-positive, Greg has had a series of untrustworthy boyfriends who saw him as a challenge or told him they could accept his sexuality and status. Until they couldn’t. Still reeling from his latest breakup, Greg’s romantic heart beats a little faster when he meets Holden at a club, even though his brain whispers caution.

For Holden, relationships are something he can’t afford. He’s been in the closet his entire adult life because it could cost him his job if anyone finds out he’s gay. At forty-eight, hook-ups, one night stands, and quickies in a bathroom are as good as it gets for him. It’s all he’s looking for when he goes to Neon. Instead, he finds Greg.

Drawn to each other from the start, the two experience a bit of a bumpy take-off. But then Holden ends up on Greg’s flight to Denver. When they’re both stranded in the city because of a snow storm, Holden offers to share his hotel room with Greg. A night together becomes an all-day date. The date becomes a visit to Greg’s parents in Aspen, and both men start to believe they might have found the one person for whom they’re willing to make the ultimate leap of faith.

[welovetransbooks]

A high-strung pastry chef’s professional goals are interrupted by an unexpected career transition and the introduction of her wildly attractive nonbinary kitchen manager in this deliciously fresh and witty queer rom-com. Simone Larkspur is a perfectionist pastry expert with a dream job at The Discerning Chef, a venerable cookbook publisher in New York City. All she wants to do is create the perfect loaf of sourdough and develop recipes, but when The Discerning Chef decides to bring their brand into the 21st century by pivoting to video, Simone is thrust into the spotlight and finds herself failing at something for the first time in her life.To make matters worse, Simone has to deal with Ray Lyton, the new test kitchen manager, whose obnoxious cheer and outgoing personality are like oil to Simone’s water.

When Ray accidentally becomes a viral YouTube sensation with a series of homebrewing videos, their eccentric editor in chief forces Simone to work alongside the chipper upstart or else risk her beloved job. But the more they work together, the more Simone realizes her heart may be softening like butter for Ray.Things get even more complicated when Ray comes out at work as nonbinary to mixed reactions—and Simone must choose between the career she fought so hard for and the person who just might take the cake (and her heart).

Buy Now: https://exi.link/JeXmvJ

[takeeachdayonebookatatime]

Zeec Rustom is a Contemporary NA Romance author her book is called A SENSE OF BETRAYAL. I am so happy she could participate in this author Q&A.

[melanie-moreland-author]

I was interviewed by the delightful thindbooks blog about My Favorite Kidnapper! Check it out!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thindbooks 🇺🇸 (@thindbooks)

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

A high heat small town, romantic suspense story from author Clio Evans. You're Next. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time--and that moment changed me forever. After walking in on a masked man murdering my neighbor, I went back to the one place I swore I'd never step foot in again. Citrus Cove. The sleepy town hasn't changed much, but the people have. Including my old high school bully, Cameron Harlow. He's the last person I want to see. He should be the last person I want. But Cameron Harlow has been dreaming of the day he'd see me again, and wants to set things right. Our history makes me hate him, but he's sinfully hot, has that sexy southern charm, and calls me sunshine. How can I resist him? When the danger I've been running from shows up in my hometown, Cameron becomes my sole refuge. Someone is watching me. Following me. They want me dead. From the ashes of our broken beginnings, all we want is our happy ending. But the killer has other ideas and the only way Cam and me have a future together is if we live to see it...

Review:

Coming back to the small town where your high school bully leaves to try and escape a killer hunting you down is definitely not the destination vacation Haley had in mind... nor did she expect her high school bully to be a completely changed man hell bent on making amends and proving to her that he's been in love with her since he knew her. Haley escaped her small town of Citrus Cove the moment she turned 18. She couldn't wait to be free of Cameron Harlow, the boy who made her life hell all throughout high school. Now years later she is a successful travel writer, yet she is forced to return to Citrus Cove after all these years because she witnesses her neighbor being murdered and the murderer is now after her. Haley intends to lie low until the killer is caught... but now she is facing Cameron Harlow again. Cameron Harlow is a changed man, he went through therapy, he grew and now he is determined to prove to Haley he isn't the same guy and that he is beyond sorry for everything he put her through. Cameron now owns a bar with his brothers and loves his small town of Citrus Cove, all he's looking for is the one, the one perfect person for him and when the woman he wronged is back in town he wants nothing more than to make it up to her... if she'd even let him near her. Haley needs a job and when she is offered a job at a bar the last person she expects to be her new boss is Cameron. Cameron is determined to prove to Haley he is changed, and the fact that he is falling for her all over again means he'll do just about anything for her. Yet Haley's troubles are coming after her and when residents of the town start getting a body count and Haley begins receiving more threatening texts and photos, she and Cameron will have to find the killer before he kills any chance of the romance growing between Haley and Cameron. Oh I absolutely devoured this book, I'm a sucker for a small town thriller romance and this was everything. The amount of groveling Cameron did for Haley was just perfect, Im someone who does not enjoy bully romances but this one was just perfect. Cameron is so so in love with Haley and would do anything for her. I love that he grew and changed, that he made amends and went above and beyond to prove to Haley he is the perfect guy for her. I adored the Emma and Cameron's brothers as well. I honestly can't wait for the second book and to see where the next couple and story goes!! I couldn't put this book down and I would absolutely recommend it!!! It's hot, it's fun, and it's everything you could want in a read!

*Thank you Grey's Promotions and Clio Evans for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review!*

 IG: @clioevansauthor Twitter: @clioevansauthor FB: @clioevansauthor @greyspromo

Broken Beginnings: A High Heat Small Town Romance Suspense by Clio Evans is releasing June 4, 2024!

 Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4a9pClX      

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3PMXs7Y

Grey's Promotions:

hello@greyspromo.com

greyspromo.com

[romcombc]

Book Review for Hate to Fake It To You

Channeling the essence of “Christmas in Connecticut,” Amanda ties in her love of Oahu and her appreciation of the cinematic masterpieces of the past for this laugh-out-loud, screwball comedy that begs the question: Just how far are you willing to go to make your dreams come true?

Libby Lane may not have what most covet in life—wealth, love, or a career that doesn’t leave her hating herself at the end of the night—but she does have the beauty of Oahu and wonderful friends. Friends with whom she conspired to create an online persona that was supposed to be a joke. The complete opposite of Libby in every way, “Lillibet” was her way to stick it to the rich resort guests she served, taking inspiration from overheard conversations and curating the most nauseating affirmations and the cheesiest introspective moments, all tied beautifully together with recipes from her friend Keoki and photos from her bestie Jean. It was just supposed to be an outlet, a harmless way to burn off some animosity. It wasn’t supposed to garner attention, especially from an influencer who, after a near-death experience, was determined to meet her “real-life inspiration” up close and personal. Along with Jefferson, the wildlife photographer who saved her life, Hildy declares that she needs to celebrate Me-mas with Lillibet to recover from her harrowing ordeal. Suddenly sucked into one of Jean’s brilliant ideas before she can realize what is happening, Libby finds herself in Lillibet’s home with a “husband”, two goats, and one heck of a lie. Trying to keep up the farce while maintaining her sanity, Libby has to find a way to get the job of her dreams from her surprise guest without ruining it all by falling for a certain photographer who can somehow see the real her.

As her debut adult novel, “Hate to Fake It To You” was a lot of fun to read, even if it had its peaks and valleys which may cause the attention of the reader to ebb and flow. Showing true admiration for the beaches and beauty of Oahu, even if the overall story didn’t captivate its audience, the breathtaking description of the surroundings, the mouth-watering cuisines shared, and the general atmosphere provided demonstrates just how talented Sellet is in bringing a place to life.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Available tomorrow (July 16th!)

Check out the spoiler-free review in the Facebook Group - The Romantic Comedy Book Club or the full review on the main website: https://romcombc.com/book/hate-to-fake-it-to-you/

[simplysuckit]

Haunted. - Chapter 4: RUN (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/1436591831-haunted-chapter-4-run?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_reading&wp_uname=ingrydAlfonso07 Heartless and twisted? That's what most people thought of Devin. That's what Jade knew of him. She would keep her distance from him no matter what, Jade would never get involved with someone like him. They grew up around each other and she knew what he was, what he would do on nights and weekends, the debauchery he would partake in. Devin had noticed her a long time ago, he hated her judgemental glares. Devin had one rule: Never get too close. Jade had two: Be invisible, be a ghost and never get too close. Jade was a good girl. But Devin doubts her, he thinks part of being human is the animalistic impulse to act on your desires... Now what happens when you put fire and ice together? What happens when Devin can't ignore the ghost that keeps coming back to haunt him?