Tag Archives: romance books

Book Review: Is Love Enough by Taryn Steele (Contemporary Romance) 3*

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Taryn S

About the Book

Title: Is Love Enough

Author: Taryn Steele

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Hillary thought her marriage was bright and full of life but after a devastating miscarriage and a manipulative mother-in-law, the magic Hillary and Jameson once had is starting to crumble.

Their eight year old daughter, Maryn, begs to have a Twitter account just so she can follow her favorite pop star Justin Bieber. After much consideration and debate Hillary sets up an account, but what Hillary never counted on was finding Derek. A man who seems to understand her better than her husband.

Is Jameson’s love enough to save his marriage once Derek is revealed? Or will it be too much and too late for Hillary?

My  Review:

Thank you to Enchanted Book Promotions for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Hmmm this was an interesting story,  it highlights a lot of what couples go through in a very realistic way.  What happens when the love fades away? Do you seek and look outside the relationship? Consider  an open marriage? Therapy? Or call it a day? This is what I enjoyed as I was reading, it felt like a good dose of reality playing out. I was engaged, felt like I could connect well with Hillary due to some of her likes, and who she is as a woman. Hilary came across as a very modern woman. All be it, a little unsure of herself as she did not ooze confidence, as a reader it led me to believe this is partly why she entertains Derek.

There is a bit of a twist to this story in terms of who and what Derek is, I don’t like spoilers so I’ll keep quiet about that! It was entertaining to see this twist and also unexpected, I enjoyed the twist.

What would have been nice is to hear the point of view of Jameson (Hilary’s husband), as he plays such a big part in the couple’s reality. And to flesh out what happened with the dramatic  ending with Derek, that could have been great reading! Not to mention Derek’s wife and the contact she mades… woah! So much drama could be added.

Overall I’m giving Is Love Enough 3* as it’s a quick short read, engaging and told in first person. Therefore you get up close to Hilary. It was enjoyable mostly to read, there were some gripping parts and it touches on reality. However it could have been fleshed out with Jameson’s POV, he had a part to play in why he and Hilary ended up as a couple where they did. And Derek’s dramatic ending etc…. But it’s an enjoyable story.

 

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Author Bio

By day, Taryn is a dedicated wife and mother who works full time. By night, she continues her wife and mother duties, while plugging away at the keyboard to bring her stories and characters to life.
Taryn is an avid reader. If a story sucks her in she will stay up all hours of the night to finish it. Her favorite part of reading is when her rescue dog Ruby curls up with her.
Taryn is a big sports fan. Being a New Englander all of her life her heart belongs to the Boston Red Sox. When it comes to hockey, she follows her husband’s family and supports the Montreal Canadiens.
If you have a love/hate relationship with coffee, wine or beer like Taryn she will instantly befriend you.

Links

www.facebook.com/AuthorTarynS

 

www.twitter.com/AuthorTarynS

 

www.instagram.com/authortarynsteele

 

www.authortarynsteele.com

 

 

 

 

 

Who is Team Kim?:”Best Romance Novel 2017″ Nominee, I Need Your Votes I’m Second Place :) #amreading #amwriting #romance

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As you know guys, my romantic suspense novel A Stranger In France  has been nominated for the award, “Best Romance Novel 2017.” I found out today, this is so amazing just to be considered for such an award. I was in the lead, now I’m neck and neck in second place ,just seven votes under the present author… WHO IS TEAM KIM? GIMMIE YOUR VOTE! I’D LOVE IT.

Click me to vote.

 

Lovely 4* review! Thank You Reader!! #romance #amreading

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This was my first ever novel I wrote. Thank you reader for your compliments, glad you enjoyed it.

Roberta Franklinon August 12, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Kate needs a time-out from her unhappy marriage, so she visits her friend in Marseille; not only does she enjoy the atmosphere of Southern France, but she also meets the archetypal Tall, Dark and Handsome man – and he’s rich, too! They start a whirlwind romance, but then Kate has to go home and face the music: it’s not easy to get a divorce from her alcohol addict husband; and on top of it all, she finds out that she’s pregnant. How is she supposed to tell all that to her lover 600 miles away who is waiting for her?
A lovely modern-day fairy tale, told in an interesting style with different narrators; torn between gloom and doom and a deep and pure love, the heroine makes us feel with her and wish for a happy ending with her Prince Charming. Kim Knight definitely is a new talent on the rise in romantic fiction!

Friday #Freebie & Discount Codes #amreading #romance #fridayfeeling

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It’s Friday! Yeah Havana Heat is now FREE on Smashwords.com to download. I’m also including an exclusive discount code, for the second romance novella in my Romance Set In Paradise Series, Lover’s Retreat.

To grab a free Smashwords copy of Havana Heat click here.
Enter discount code TV39W at the checkout to download Lover’s Retreat for half price $1.75. This code is valid until 31st August. Click here for the offer

Happy reading

Book Review: Silence Is Golden- Historical Romance 4* By Sara Ackerman @saraackerman #amreading

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This novel  gave me a number of experiences while reading. I laughed, raised my eyebrows and at times toward the end had slightly damp eyes. Overall, it was an enjoyable read. It’s part of a trilogy, I’ve not read the first part, but I was able to get my head around the complex plot in this second part. This book has a lot of concepts waved into the story line, many of which face the modern woman of today, even though it’s set in a historical backdrop of Lords and Ladies in a British setting. Let’s get into the review.

Plot:

This novel is set in the UK, written by an American author. I don’t like too many spoilers so I’ll just outline the plot. Evelyn Westbury is an entitled lady from London, some what spoilt but to me very likeable. She has a fierce headstrong side to her. She has been cursed by a gypsy, she is unable to speak to anyone outside of her family.  She communicates with a notepad and pencil. Her plan is to travel to France, find the gypsy and break the spell. She finds a stash of money her father hid, that’s her meal ticket to set sail to France. She starts her journey via cart from London to the port in Southampton to take the boat to France. In the middle of a war too!

Part of her mission to break the curse is as her engagement has broken off, she feels her lack of speech could have been the reason why, as well as other family drama. She was due to marry a the very rich and entitled Lord Newgate. On her journey in the cart and carriage to Southampton she meets Alfred. T. Combes, enter Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome. She is drawn to him more so than he is to her, as he ignores her. Evelyn is not used to this, men seem to swoon over her. There are a couple of bumps along the way, Alfred decides to be her travel partner and protect her.  A lady travelling on her own in this historical time frame is not acceptable. Evelyn also finds that she is able to speak to Alfred, is the curse real??

Their journey is delayed and the drama starts. There’s a lot of push and pull, build up. Toward the end we learn that Evelyn has got herself into more than she realises, with the money she took from her father. She becomes a wanted woman,  for many reasons I won’t giveaway. Lord Newgate (her ex and our prize prat and villain) turns up and wants to know her again, after he broke off the engagement. He has his “reasons”,  he’s not happy about Alfred minding her these two have a history. Fireworks spark.

Along the line Evelyn is kidnapped, this is where we see our Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome take charge and fight for his lady, which he did amazingly! They find their happy ever after. But not before a few bumps, twists, one loss that sends Evelyn back to her mute former self. She mourns for a few months, Alfred really comes to life as a hero. It was great to see this play out. She cuts off her hair and really experiences a change of character over a major loss. I found this very realistic, I think when a woman chops off her hair ( from a longer length) she is experiencing some major change internally.  I liked this emphasis on her character .Finally the pair make it back to England via boat, a new life starts as a married couple, right at the end her loss has been restored, this leads to part three of the trilogy.

My Review:

I’m giving Silence is Golden 4* stars because like I was saying, this was quite an enjoyable read for me. The characters are likeable, the ones we should like. Lord Newgate is written well enough to show him as an unsavoury villain. I really liked Beatrice, Evelyn’s sister- I loved her to bits. I liked Evelyn too, I watched her grow a lot in character from spoilt to mature lady.  The author did a good job with character development. The outside characters are all really likeable too, some were very entertaining.

The plot of this book is good but very complex, so you will need to pay attention to what’s happening. What I liked about the complex plot is, it takes your average historical romance into a whole new  reading experience of suspense, what will happen next? And realness. Evelyn is faced with some decisions a woman of today could understand. Does she marry and live an entitled life with Lord Newgate, once he shows interest. Or does she settle with genuine happiness, with a man with no land, title, money etc. ? In this time era this question was a massive one for a woman, maybe even one that a woman did not have much choice on. To support herself, back then, would have been unheard of. In this day and age, many women may ask themselves  this still, even though we can now support ourselves. The question is more about long term happiness now a days rather than survival. Shall I date him as his pockets are deep, and he won’t be feeding off me? But he’s a bit shallow?  I liked this element of reality.

Toward the end about a good 75-80% in, is where I really experienced a change of pace in the storytelling.  My heart strings tugged, the hero  (Alfred) made me go “ahhh what a man”,  trust me he really fights for his woman. Later down the line in the story is where I had slightly damp eyes. Evelyn’s major loss is heart-felt, and her reaction is also heart-felt. The author wrote this last section of the book with heart. She gave it some! And delivered. This was the most enjoyable part of the novel for me towards the end. Things started to tie together as well. It’s well written, you get a feel for the time frame. The author also did a real good job as an American portraying old England, good job from a British reader!

This book is just over 300 pages long, and don’t get me wrong was enjoyable to read. The one thing I would have liked is the fast pace, punch, swift movements and heart this author gave around 75% in, I would have loved earlier. This book is a slow-burner (and there is nothing wrong with that), but my reading experience (personally) may have been heightened if the pace picked up sooner.

That said, it was an enjoyable read, and ends in a way to make readers think gosh what will happen in part three?? Great job Sara! Ya got-em hooked! That’s how it’s done, that’s how we do suspense. I like it!

Grab your copy now from Amazon.com  read Sara’s Meet The Author Interview and connect with her here  Author page here.

Wait.. Wait, What Day Is It Again?? It’s Release Day!! + $25.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway #newrelease #amreading #kdsuspense

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It’s release day!!! Well in the UK it is, according to Amazon The Suspenseful Collection Volume One is on sale now! I have the pleasure (and satisfaction he he), of saying this seven hours before my partner in crime. Hold onto your e-readers people… There are some excellent thrilling stories. I had a ball, picking up where Didi left off as author two, and writing the start as author one in our first anthology. No matter what I wrote, I loved every moment and I’m so proud of us both.

Don’t forget, we have a giveaway too $25.00 Amazon gift card up for grabs. At present all our books are on sale for .99p / .99$, if you grab a copy of any book on sale, before the 31st July, be sure to enter to win the gift card by clicking here.

 

 

£2.69 UK for e-book or $3.50 international

 

Blurb

A suspenseful novel with a twist. Eight short stories, by two suspense authors, from diverse backgrounds. From opposite sides of the Atlantic these stories have been created. One author started the tale and the other ended it. No discussion, no pre-planning, but yet their stories are seamless. With just creativity and the use of writing prompts, to craft one tale, with two different writers. This anthology of suspenseful, fast paced and engaging tales covers multiple genres. From heart felt romance, crime, fantasy, and steamy historical fiction. There is a story for everyone!

Steamy Historical Crime Fiction: It was The First Time I Killed A Man.

It’s 1972 and New York’s first female serial killer Lisa Vanacilli is in the hot seat again, ten years after her conviction of murder to the first degree and innocent plea. The ruthless but sexy reporter Tiffany Low cracks Lisa for a confession… at a price. Lisa is strong, courageous and says it how it is. This story has been extended due to reader’s demand. And is only for adult readers.

Psychological Fiction: Every Time I Hear That Voice From The Basement.

George appears to be harmless. The local neighbourhood geek on the outside, married to Jolene. In reality, he’s a very disturbed man. His path crosses with Dana, the local check out girl. This is a psychological suspense story with a twist.

Crime Fiction: The Entrance To The Tunnel Is His Only Way Out.

Juan is a wanted man, and an ex-gang member on the run from Atlanta to Mexico. With a hundred grand in cash stolen from his ex-boss, he meets an unlikely fate in Mexico. A fast-paced crime fiction story.

Contemporary Romance: When His Hands Run Up My Thighs I…

Love has no time limit, age limit or use by date. Sarah now in her fifties is reunited with her long-lost love Joshua. They last had contact in 1961. In the present day, thanks to the advancement of technology their paths cross. A heart-warming and modern tale, about long distance love, that will leave you warm inside.

Suspense: We Only Said Goodbye With Words, I Died A Hundred Times:

In 1963 Russian Femme Fatale Mila Petrov is London’s top Madam. Her entertainment house is booming, she has a team of London’s strongest women behind her. Unfinished business from her past creeps up and haunts her. It’s nothing she can’t handle. A suspenseful historical tale, with a strong femme fatale.

Fantasy: The Ones Who Live At The Bottom Of The Ocean, Come To The Surface.

A beautiful coming of age story, featuring sixteen year old Zoe and her mother May-Li. Myth becomes reality, as Zoe finds out who and what she really is. Her mixed descent reveals more than what meets the eye. This fantasy story is set against the backdrop of a Greek island and Hong Kong, China.

Suspenseful Crime Fiction: Guilty As Charged, In Self-Defence

California’s sassy, tough, and likeable defence lawyer Catherine has taken on a case so high profile, if she wins she’ll become a partner of Martin Law Firm. Defending forty six year old Mrs. Chevelle. An ex Las Vegas show girl, now a Hollywood wife, on trial for the murder of her high-profile husband. She claims she’s innocent. Readers are taken on a fast -paced journey on a mission to seek the truth.

Contemporary Fiction: It’s A Man’s Man’s World:

A beautiful modern tale showing the love and appreciation of a woman. James Brown said it right when he said, “it’s a man’s man’s world, but it would mean nothing without a woman or a girl.”

Shout Out To All Those That Love To Read #amreading #bookbloggers

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I love books

Thank you to all you wonderful book lovers that follow me, without you us authors would be doomed.  I love to read, sometimes my love for reading and writing battle with each other for my time. Today my son is unwell, so I’ll  be on the sofa with him relaxing and reading all day. I’m reading a lovely historical romance by Sara Ackerman.  I hope to finish  it today. I’ve also got some page turning steamy erotica lined up by Ava Sterling to get through, as I nurse my little soldier back to good health.

Right now I’m seeking honest reviews for a few of my books, the blurbs are below.  This is a shout out to all book bloggers, reviewers and anyone who loves to read. If anything takes your fancy to read below, let me know I’ll gift you a free copy and forever be grateful for your honest review. 🙂  You can contact me directly, please tell me 1. what book(s) you’d like to read 2. the  email address to gift it to. Contact Kim

A Stranger in France: Romantic Suspense 

In A Stranger in France readers are taken on a fast paced, modern day romantic journey, that spans across the city of London, the glitz and glam of France, and the beautiful English coast. There’s enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat turning pages.

Career driven and successful thirty two year old Kate Brown travels to southern France to visit her best friend Tanya Adams, for a well deserved short break, and to forget her worries in London. Her path crosses with tall, dark, devilishly handsome and wealthy Nicholas D’Coix. As a young man, Nicholas turned himself around and built an empire of wealth, he’s now one of Paris’ top three entrepreneurs. In a whirlwind of steamy romance Nicholas and Kate fall in love.

Kate returns to London leaving Nicholas behind and the two are still very much in love. Kate faces a few surprises of her own on her return to London. She makes a bold life changing move, to make the most of her life changing dilemma. Touching on real life issues these two strong characters battle it out, against all the odds in the name of love for a beautiful happy ever after.

Havana Heat: Steamy Romance Novella

Havana Heat is book one of the Romance Set in Paradises series of modern,steamy, suspenseful and romantic stories, set in exotic locations around the world. In Havana Heat readers are transported to the paradise of Cuba’s capital Havana, following the romance and heat build between Spaniard Detective Sebastian Garcia, and London born and bred wedding planner Melinda Jones. Melinda’s path crosses with the handsome and charming Detective at Casa De Amour Hotel as a guest at her client’s exotic location wedding. Both characters are in search of a slice of paradise, away from their own troubled love life back home. Once their paths cross the romance and sizzle begins.

When all hell breaks out at Casa De Amour Hotel, and conflict builds over their past both characters are faced with a decision to take a risk and see out their romance, or walk away. Forever asking themselves what could have been. Romance, thrills and excitement await in book one of this modern romance series set in paradise.

Lover’s Retreat: Steamy Romance Novella

Lover’s Retreat is book #2 of the Romance Set in Paradise Series of stand alone modern, steamy, suspenseful and romantic stories. All set in exotic locations around the world.

For thirty seven year old recluse Yasmin O’Neil, life feels like one crisis after another. Her husband left her five years ago, she starts to suspect she’s losing her hearing, and then her mother is diagnosed with cancer. When her mother passes away her fortune changes. Yasmin is fifty thousand pounds richer from her mother’s estate. Yasmin takes her fate into her own hands after years of being a recluse, she rediscovers herself at a spiritual retreat in Sri Lanka south Asia, before she plans to spend the next six months travelling around the world. In Sri Lanka, Yasmin’s path crosses with Michael Thomas, an army soldier on his own path of self discovery. With their luke warm initial encounter the pair don’t hit it off straight away. After some push and pull the two are finally on the same page. Their encounter turns from luke warm to steamy sizzling hot.

In Lover’s Retreat two very different characters originally on different paths, embrace the need for change and companionship. Set in the back drop of paradise, palm trees and untouched nature of Sri Lanka, these two lonely souls gain more than just self discovery they gain a soul mate.

Not Just For Christmas: Contemporary Romance Novella

In Not Just For Christmas readers are taken on a romantic journey set in London, during the festive season following two characters originally opposed to each other fall in love. There’s enough warmth and sensuality to keep readers warm at any time of year.

As Christmas draws near thirty five year old social worker Ava Green, finds herself desperate to not be alone at her favourite time of year. Following the break up of her engagement earlier in the year, Ava has spent ten months on a mission to get over her ex. With the support of her two of her closest girlfriends Tasha and Marie, Ava makes a bold move that surprises her girlfriends in order to find a companion for the festive season. Ava’s path crosses with tall dark and handsome Detective Jerome Samuels, a divorcee in search of love. Once their paths cross after a few bumps along the way there’s no turning back, these two characters are caught up in a whirlwind of sensual and heartwarming romance, that Detective Jerome Samuels hopes is not just for Christmas, he’s on a mission to claim his lady Ava.

The Suspenseful Collection: Anthology of Eight Suspenseful Tales with Didi Oviatt

A suspenseful novel with a twist. Eight short stories, by two suspense authors, from diverse backgrounds. From opposite sides of the Atlantic these stories have been created. One author started the tale and the other ended it. No discussion, no pre-planning, but yet their stories are seamless. With just creativity and the use of writing prompts, to craft one tale, with two different writers. This anthology of suspenseful, fast paced and engaging tales covers multiple genres. From heart felt romance, crime, fantasy, and steamy historical fiction. There is a story for everyone!

Steamy Historical Crime Fiction: It was The First Time I Killed A Man.

It’s 1972 and New York’s first female serial killer Lisa Vanacilli is in the hot seat again, ten years after her conviction of murder to the first degree and innocent plea. The ruthless but sexy reporter Tiffany Low cracks Lisa for a confession… at a price. Lisa is strong, courageous and says it how it is. This story has been extended due to reader’s demand. And is only for adult readers.

Psychological Fiction: Every Time I Hear That Voice From The Basement.

George appears to be harmless. The local neighbourhood geek on the outside, married to Jolene. In reality, he’s a very disturbed man. His path crosses with Dana, the local check out girl. This is a psychological suspense story with a twist.

Crime Fiction: The Entrance To The Tunnel Is His Only Way Out.

Juan is a wanted man, and an ex-gang member on the run from Atlanta to Mexico. With a hundred grand in cash stolen from his ex-boss, he meets an unlikely fate in Mexico. A fast-paced crime fiction story.

Contemporary Romance: When His Hands Run Up My Thighs I…

Love has no time limit, age limit or use by date. Sarah now in her fifties is reunited with her long-lost love Joshua. They last had contact in 1961. In the present day, thanks to the advancement of technology their paths cross. A heart-warming and modern tale, about long distance love, that will leave you warm inside.

Suspense: We Only Said Goodbye With Words, I Died A Hundred Times:

In 1963 Russian Femme Fatale Mila Petrov is London’s top Madam. Her entertainment house is booming, she has a team of London’s strongest women behind her. Unfinished business from her past creeps up and haunts her. It’s nothing she can’t handle. A suspenseful historical tale, with a strong femme fatale.

Fantasy: The Ones Who Live At The Bottom Of The Ocean, Come To The Surface.

A beautiful coming of age story, featuring sixteen year old Zoe and her mother May-Li. Myth becomes reality, as Zoe finds out who and what she really is. Her mixed descent reveals more than what meets the eye. This fantasy story is set against the backdrop of a Greek island and Hong Kong, China.

Suspenseful Crime Fiction: Guilty As Charged, In Self-Defence

California’s sassy, tough, and likeable defence lawyer Catherine has taken on a case so high profile, if she wins she’ll become a partner of Martin Law Firm. Defending forty six year old Mrs. Chevelle. An ex Las Vegas show girl, now a Hollywood wife, on trial for the murder of her high-profile husband. She claims she’s innocent. Readers are taken on a fast -paced journey on a mission to seek the truth.

Contemporary Fiction: It’s A Man’s Man’s World:

A beautiful modern tale showing the love and appreciation of a woman. James Brown said it right when he said, “it’s a man’s man’s world, but it would mean nothing without a woman or a girl.”

More Lovely 4* and 5* Reviews Today! Thank You Readers! #amreading #romance

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I just hopped over to Amazon to copy the blub from Havana Heat, to paste it into something I’m working on.  I smiled when I saw two more lovely reviews. Thank you for your 5* and 4* reviews readers!  I dig you too!! Thank you!

5.0 out of 5 starsthis was the perfect summer short story
ByElizabeth Mattinglyon July 25, 2017
Format: Paperback
Let me say, this was the perfect summer short story. Normally I don’t dig short stories, or novellas. Mostly because I just need more than say, a hundred pages. But this was deftly set up, the characters were fab and the setting was wonderful. The author really puts you there and I dig the islands, so it really was easily to slide into the scenes.
4.0 out of 5 starsEnjoyable Romance
ByVictoria Zumbrumon July 23, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition

I REALLY ENJOYED READING HAVANNA HEAT. I LOVED MELINDA AND SEBASTIAN TOGETHER. THEY HAVE SO MUCH CHEMISTRY AND PASSION BETWEEN THEM. THEY WERE STEAMING UP THE PAGES. MELINDA IS A VERY LIKABLE CHARACTER WHO IS LOOKING FOR LOVE AND HAPPINESS IN THE WRONG PLACES AND SEBASTIAN IS TRYING TO HEAL AND MOVE ON FROM A LOST LOVE. THEY ARE PERFECT FOR ONE ANOTHER.

I REALLY ENJOYED THE STORY AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO READING MORE BOOKS BY KIM KNIGHT. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A REALLY GOOD ROMANCE WITH SOME SUSPENSE, THEN I RECOMMEND YOU READ HAVANNA HEAT.

Just .99p / .99$ on Amazon until the 31st! And There’s a giveaway too. For those that purchase a copy of Havana Heat or Lover’s Retreat, you can enter to win a $25.00 Amazon Gift card. For the Giveaway details  see below.

Click Here.

Wow, Another 4* Review Up on Inkitt. Thank You Readers ! #amreading #romance #newrelease

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Jes, Havana Heat is popular over on Inkitt, I entered it into their novel writing competition. Readers are downloading and reading fast, I’m truly appreciative, and humbled you’re enjoying my work. Thank you so so much readers love you all! Another 4* like one hour after the last  5*one.

Very well crafted

Very well crafted. Excellent style. Cannot recommend it enough. I was hooked to it from start to finish

 

National Novel Writing Month: My Progress Update & Sneek Peek at Romance Set in Paradise Book # 3 #nanowrimo #amwriting #romance

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mums

 

Yes, thank you Lord family quality time, dinner, bath and bed time are complete. Late evening here in London and now and it’s time to get serious. We’ve just passed the mid-way point of National Novel Writing Month. I’m joining in for the second time. With all that’s happened so far this July, two books released in the space of one week of each other, it’s not surprising that I’ve had little time to work on my third addition to the Romance Set in Paradise series. I’m only 5,000 words into my target of now 20,000. This one’s a super short heartwarming yet steamy story set in Europe this time – Greece. With a more mature female lead.

I’ve been feeling writing stories set in a era that I love the 1950s- 1960s, especially since we used this era a bit over the last few months for The Suspenseful Collection Volume One, I’ve had my head stuck in this time frame. I particularly love the jazz scene I always have. Ya know when all those cool smoke filled jazz bars popped up. This style of music was just starting to kick in in the UK, from research we had our own take on the bebop style of music. I imagine women on stage with elegant dresses singing the blues, with piano and saxophone players in the background. I really like this era.

I’m writing this love story for my characters  using flashback, something I have done before in stories to tell a tale, but not to this area.

Anyways, here’s an unedited little snippet of what I’ve got so far. All writers taking part this July, I hope your word count is doing better than mine! We’ve got two weeks to get stuck in… here goes tonight I am working on it as I plan to have a weekend free of writing and have some much needed fun and celebration two books released in one month? I deserve a drink!

Excerpt: Book #3 Romance Set in Paradise – I’m not tellin’ you the title yet! 🙂

 

1960 Maurice’s Place, Oxford Street Central London

Jane slightly lifts the hem of her elegant black dress as she steps down from the stage. The crowd cheer and clap, begging her for more. She just gave them all she had, while singing a very heartfelt version of Smokey Robinson’s Who is Loving You? As much as she wants to be up there on the stage again, with all eyes on her she must take a breather. Her voice would not last the full week if she keeps singing with such heart, without a rest. Heads turn and smiles come her way as she walks confidently through the crowds. Through the smoke-filled room she heads over to the bar and takes a seat.

“You did great up there, Jane you sounded amazing.”

“Why thanks Jenelle, that means so much coming from you.”

“I mean it, don’t sell yourself short. You should seriously think about coming back with us to New Orleans when we return. We could do with a blue eyed soulful sista.”

Jenelle playfully laughs and places an arm around Jane’s shoulders. A dry martin slides up between them. Jane is still not quite used to the star treatment she receives every time she sings over at Maurice’s Place. She ponders Jenelle’s proposal as she places a thin smoke in its holder. Jenelle fires a match for her to light her smoke. After the first satisfying drag, she leans back in the high backed bar stool and looks around.

Maurice’s place has felt like home to her for almost a year now. At just sixteen years old she left school with decent qualifications, then bummed around for two years deciding what to do with her life. At seventeen years old she scored her first stage role at Maurice’s Place. She works behind the bar three nights a week and spends the other two on stage.

New Orleans would be like a dream come true, she has always loved to sing, but only started to take it seriously over the last year. Maybe New Orleans could give her the big break she wants. The Jazz scene in London is starting to pick up, just a year earlier Ronnie Scott opened up a new Jazz room in Soho, but thoughts of being on stage in the USA leave Jane with a twinkle in her eye.

The lights in the room dip, hushing the crowds relaxing in the comfy sofas and high back chairs, sitting around small round tables. All eyes move to the centre of the room. A group of three men set themselves up on the stage. One lead singer, one saxophone player and one piano player. The smooth vocals of the male lead singer float through the air, Jane is mesmerised by his showmanship and voice. But it’s the saxophone player who piques her interest. She studies him as his skillful fingers move over the his instrument. He’s lost in the music, he pulls Jane in.

“So what do ya say Jane?”

The corner of Jenelle’s lips turn up slowly as she watches her friend under the spell of the musicians on stage. Jane’s eyes are fixed on the saxophone player, her smoke has long reached the end and burnt out. Yet she holds it posed between her fingers as if it’s still smouldering. Jenelle laughs to herself and moves her hand over Jane’s vision, to snap her out of her daze.

“Earth to Jane, earth to Jane anyone home?”

“Gosh, I’m sorry Jenelle, did you say something?”

“Look at you! All caught up in the music… or is it Mr. Sax player?”

Jane moves her eyes away from the stage, and joins in the girly laughing with her girlfriend. Tipping her burnt out smoke in the ashtray, she reaches for another one. Before she answers Jenelle’s question she studies Mr. Sax on stage playing his tune some more, and sips her martini.

“My, he’s handsome don’t ya think Jenelle?”

“More than handsome, he sure can play too.”

“Hmm, I’ve never seen this band before have you?”

“Not here no, they have played over at Ronnie Scott’s a few times. I was over there just last week. They brought the house down at Ronnie’s!”

Jane meets Jenelle’s eyes.

“ Really, they were over at Ronnie’s place. Gosh, I can imagine, they sound great.”

“You never answered my question, what about New Orleans? I’m serious.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, of course?”

“You think I could make it over there? Would I be welcome in your community Jenelle?”

“Jane, don’t worry about skin colour, it’s not about that it’s about the music, the voice, the stage presence. All of which you have honey, don’t let that racial segregation shit get to you.”

“Hmm I guess so, you’re right.”

“Plus, that Martin Luther King, he’s doing all he can to help everyone in the USA move forward.”

“You’re right, let me give it some thought.”

“You do that, I’d love you to come over.”

Both ladies smile at each other and toast their martini glasses.

TO BE CONTINUED! 🙂