The Other Place Series by Elizabeth Roderick

Arty Kopanis and Liria Czetski run off with millions in mob cash… They think they’re set for life. But their plans of retirement in Barbados are cut short when Arty’s father uses threats and extortion to get her back into the family “business.” Forced back into the hustle, and disguised to avoid mob retaliation, Arty runs drugs over the Mexican border, and Liria deals them in San Francisco. But Liria isn’t happy... moreArty Kopanis and Liria Czetski run off with millions in mob cash… They think they’re set for life. But their plans of retirement in Barbados are cut short when Arty’s father uses threats and extortion to get her back into the family “business.” Forced back into the hustle, and disguised to avoid mob retaliation, Arty runs drugs over the Mexican border, and Liria deals them in San Francisco. But Liria isn’t happy. She’s done with the drug game… And when she begins to act strangely in their nightly telephone conversations, Arty suspects she might be having an affair. So she returns to San Francisco to find Liria not with another woman, but a man… He’s a young artist named Justin Flaherty, and he’s not just a little bit “off,” he has some serious mental health issues. Liria says she and Justin are just friends, but Arty isn’t going risk some loony tunes messing up her business and she tells him to get lost. She didn’t plan for Liria to choose the crazy boy over her… When Liria leaves with Justin, Arty is devastated. But she has a plan…a plan to win Liria back, get revenge on Justin, and maybe make a little money on the side… It may not be right, but all is fair in love and war. less

Justin and Liria struggle to get their lives together as rivals try to tear them apart… Justin Flaherty’s first art opening was a massive success, and he immediately lands another show in New York. The critics call him a genius, and buyers are lining up for his paintings. But Justin doesn’t care about fame and fortune. All he wants is to have Liria Czetski by his side. No matter how faithful a friend she is, though, she can’t possibly be interested in him. She only likes women... moreJustin and Liria struggle to get their lives together as rivals try to tear them apart… Justin Flaherty’s first art opening was a massive success, and he immediately lands another show in New York. The critics call him a genius, and buyers are lining up for his paintings. But Justin doesn’t care about fame and fortune. All he wants is to have Liria Czetski by his side. No matter how faithful a friend she is, though, she can’t possibly be interested in him. She only likes women. Some see the young, schizophrenic genius as an easy target… Justin’s estranged mother is suing to take control of his financial affairs, and his talent manager, Arty Kopanis, seems to have ulterior motives. She’s a gun-toting, drug-running mob boss who acquired Justin’s contract through a shady deal. She’s also Liria’s ex-girlfriend. Arty thinks Justin and Liria have a romantic relationship, and she’ll do anything to get Liria back—especially if she can make some money on the side. A multi-billionaire art magnate sees Justin’s work and schemes to take control of his career… But is he just someone else out to exploit Justin? Caught in a riptide of motives he doesn’t understand, torn apart by forces he can’t control, Justin’s mental health begins to deteriorate. He doesn’t know what’s real, or who to trust. But he must find the truth and take the reins of his life, before he loses his mind, his career, and the woman he loves. When fates collide, lives can change forever. Synchronicity is a powerful force. less