Amazon Christine London's Spicy Romance Category:  Romance Publisher: MuseItUp ISBN-10:  1927085942 Type: Fiction Pages: 270 Copyright: Oct. 17, 2011 ISBN-13: 9781927085943 Rock star Colin Dunlow runs into sultry jazz singer, Jenna Lindstrom, and it’s love at first sight… with a few complications; the woman of his dreams hates rockers and there’s someone who wants him dead.  in Dunlow is caught in a web of alcoholism precipitated by his skyrocketing fame as lead singer of the world’s hottest hard rock group, Dumbarton. When he bumps into legal activist and sultry jazz singer, Jenna Lindstrom, he’s no idea what’s in store. How can he maintain his newfound sobriety whilst navigating a comeback and investigate who might want him dead? All of this and he has an AA sponsor who won’t allow him any serious relationship, not if he wants to live. What’s a rocker to do? Especially when the woman of his dreams hates rock and roll. Excerpt The lid on the jar seemed as though it had been welded shut, but her tenacity and hunger endowed her with what felt like superhuman strength. As she hurried along, wrenching at the lid, head buried in her task, she tripped in a crosscut of uneven pavement and bounced off the chest of a man’s raincoat. Trying to maintain her balance, she lost hold of the jar, sending it spinning into the street. “Bloody hell! You should be watchin’ where yer goin’! I’ve not hurt you have I?” The tall, well built blonde Englishman said. He took hold of her shoulders to steady her. As his eyes met hers, he drew in an audible breath of surprise. “Lord, you’ve the eyes of a goddess, my dear!” “I’m sorry, you’re right. I wasn’t looking where I was–” Jenna paused as she looked up at him. The handsome face of the man wearing the lightweight coat, likewise, took her aback. “I’m afraid I’ve lost my jar, too.” What a stupid thing to say, she thought, as she continued to stare into his amazing sky blue eyes. “Let me collect your container for you”, he said as he let go of her and headed into the street. The jar was still gyrating against the curb as he picked it up. He looked at the label. “Peanut butter…you’re an American, aren’t you?” “Yes,” she answered. “Why does everyone think peanut butter is from another planet?” “Guess it’s just something not many English have grown to fancy, at least not yet.” He raised a quizzical brow. “Is this all you’re havin’ for breakfast, my dear? I could use a spot of tea. Would you care to join me? There’s a newsagent ’round the corner who has a hot cuppa and a place to sit,” he said, handing her the jar. He put his arm around her shoulder and began to guide her. Shrugging his arm from her shoulder she charged, “Excuse me…uhh, sir, but I’m not accustomed to heading off with any random man that I’ve run into on the street.” Backing away from him, she stood her ground, a determined look on her face. “Sorry, luv. I’m attemptin’ to be a gentleman and offer you my apologies for impedin’ your peanut butter mission. Am I bein’ too presumptuous?” Stepping back, he extending his hand toward hers. “My name’s Colin”. He shook her hand. “Now that we’ve officially met, can I ask you to tea again?” “You can ask, but I’m heading back to my hotel for breakfast. I’m meeting someone at nine thirty.” “Half nine. That will give me plenty of time to make amends. It’s only a cup of tea. Please, miss, uuh, misses…” “Jenna. Jenna Lindstrom,” she said, putting the jar of peanut butter into the oversized pocket of her windbreaker. “You’ve more than an hour until your date. Please allow me the opportunity to buy you some tea, Jenna.” His eyes glimmered in pleading invitation. She looked at him, evaluating the ardent expression on his face. “Maybe just for a few minutes,” she answered with a hesitant edge. “Lovely. May I offer you my arm?” He extended his elbow towards her. She tentatively laced her arm through his and they walked down the small tributary road running at a 90-degree angle to the high street. The cool of the morning was giving way to the warmth of July sunshine. Shop owners were opening their doors, sweeping the pavement in front of their establishments, washing front windows, and setting out their wares. Colin and Jenna wove around the bustle of activity for another two hundred yards. “I’m afraid this is it,” Colin said apologetically, looking towards the pencil thin shop, newsstands nearly blocking its entrance. “They’ve a counter just inside,” he said, motioning for her to enter first. Jenna walked into the slim passageway of a shop and approached the long, narrow counter. A glass enclosure ran half its length, with baked goods lining the shiny metal racks inside. She lifted herself up onto a round green barstool. Colin did likewise on the stool next to her. The counter was smooth marble. Brass framing ran around the rectangular beveled mirror mounted on the dark mahogany of the wall behind. Cut crystal bud vases decorated with single blooms dotted the counter at regular intervals. It’s charming, she thought. “Is this where you take all the women you accost on the street?” He frowned. “I really must protest, Miss Lindstrom. I believe it was you doin’ the accostin’ this mornin’.” Colin peeled off his overcoat and draped it on the stool next to his. “The day is warmin’.” “That’s an interesting t-shirt you’ve got there. “Stage crew”? Are you a roadie?” “Some days I’d like to be, but no.” “Good, because it’s no existence. Those rockers have a seriously diminished life expectancy.” “And what makes you say that?” “All the drugs, late hours, booze, women. You name it. There’s every vice offered and undertaken, I’m sure. Best case scenario, you’d be deaf by the time you’re fifty with all those loud amps blaring in your ears.” “Come on, Jenna. Don’t sugar coat it. How do you really feel about rockers?”, Colin mouth hiked up at the corner in a display of wry amusement. “Seriously, what’s with the shirt?” “I’ve a mate workin’ for a band. Think we must ‘uv switched shirts in the laundry.” She gave him an incredulous look. “Okay. Don’t tell me. What do you do, then?” “As little as possible, most days of the week.” He cleared his throat. “Enough wonderings about me. Tell me what a beautiful American girl is doin’ out strolling down Kensington High Street before eight in the mornin’.” “I’ve a concert to attend this evening. The benefit.” “Ahh. I’d planned on goin’, as well.” The short swarthy waiter behind the counter interrupted. “Whata can I get for you, bella lady?” “Would you fancy a teacake or perhaps a scone with your mash, my dear?” Colin queried. “Anything you suggest”, Jenna answered, trying to sound capable. Colin looked at the quizzical expression on her face.“You really are new at this, aren’t you? Why don’t you have a look and point at what you’d fancy.” He stood, so she could see the contents of the glass enclosure. Jenna rose from her stool and bent over the glass. “Hhmm. They all look wonderful. Which is the teacake?” “The one just there.” He pointed toward the row of round currant-filled muffins. “Oh. It looks like a biscuit with raisins,” she commented in relieved familiarity. “Yes. That would be great.” The waiter lifted the teacake with metal tongs and placed it on a small white plate. “And you, sir?” he asked Colin. “Nothin’ for me. I never eat this early on a set day.” A strange twinge of a wince crossed his face. “Only weekends,” he added quickly.. “I think you’ll enjoy the teacake.” The waiter placed the plate in front of Jenna at the counter. “Anything else for you?” “P G Tips or Typhoo, either you’ve got.”, Colin ordered. Jenna looked at him in mild annoyance. “I’m sorry, Colin, but I’m afraid you’ll have to start speaking English or translate for me.” He raised one brow. “I’ve been speaking English all along. It’s you who have only an American frame of reference, my dear. I’m not playing James Bond on you, just ordering tea, by brand name.” “Okay.” She shrugged, feeling like a complete idiot and returned to her stool. Colin added, “If I was with you in an American coffee shop, I’m certain you could play the same game with me.” He gave her a wink. “Now where were we? Yes, you were about to tell me what you’re doing here in London, other than attending the AID’s benefit tonight.” “I’m actually going through a little career change, looking into the possibilities on this side of the Atlantic.” “So you’re from the east coast of the States?” “No, west coast.” “California, then?” “Yes. Los Angeles. Santa Monica, actually.” “Really? I’ve a friend that was just there. In fact he’s flyin’ in for the concert, as well. Perhaps I can ring him. I’m sure he’d love to meet you. Maybe show you the hall, say during the loud bits when those rockers are performin’?” “And why might you not be wanting to show me the hall?” she teased. “Well, I’ve not got the backstage pass that he does. He’s in the business and can give you a proper tour.” “We’ll see,” Jenna said tentatively.

Shadows Steal The Light- One Hundred (Best) Romances
Things you don’t know about me that affected the way I read this book: I love music of all types, and I love musicians. Aside from reading, my primary hobby is going to see live music, and yes, I have been known to wait outside next to a tour bus or near the stage door to get a picture or an autograph or just to thank the performers for sharing their gifts. So clearly, when a romance focused on musicians showed up in the inbox, I jumped at the chance to review it.

Meet Colin. He’s a British rock god, who also happens to be a relatively new member of AA. Colin has been partying it up, Keith Richards style, when he hits bottom. He gets himself cleaned up, joins AA, bonds with Robert, his sponsor, and re-enters the world of rock & roll a semi-changed man. He’s ready to get back on tour, but of course he’s freaking out about getting back into the rock star lifestyle. Robert is there to guide him every step of the way, but he has one major stipulation: Colin cannot involve himself in a serious relationship with a woman until a year has passed.

Enter Jenna. She’s a sultry jazz singer from California, who hates all things having to do with rock music. Jenna is discovered by Kyle while performing with a local choir. Kyle convinces Jenna that she could be the next big thing, so she signs a contract and follows Kyle to London to record an album and perform at the Royal Albert Hall. The morning of the big RAH gig, Jenna is out walking and runs into (literally) Colin. He takes Jenna out for tea, learns of her hatred for his chosen profession and hides it from her. He arranges to meet her at the RAH that night.

It turns out that Kyle is also Colin’s manager. Colin asks Kyle to head Jenna off at the RAH so she doesn’t discover who he really is. But, of course, she finds out anyway. She’s furious with both of them, hates men, regrets her decision to start a singing career, etc. Both men try to apologize, but she’s not having any of it. Until Colin kisses her. And then it’s a match made in heaven – minus the fact that Kyle’s into her as well, and that Colin isn’t supposed to be involved with anyone for a year. Somehow, Jenna and Colin decide that since they can’t be lovers, they might as well be friends. (Cue the music in my head – Michael Bolton’s “How Can We be Lovers” if you were interested.)

Oh wait. I missed one tiny detail. Someone is trying to kill Colin.

Long story short, Jenna gets shot while she’s on a picnic with Colin. He takes her to the hospital and takes care of her. Then he realizes that the shooter was after him. So, in typical hot-headed male hero fashion, Colin decides that never seeing Jenna again is the best way to handle things. He leaves her in Kyle’s care, and disappears into his touring schedule, inadvertently setting up a love triangle.

Colin resolves to work with the police to find the person who shot Jenna. Of course, he can’t quite get Jenna out of his head, so he randomly pops in to see her. Jenna, in the meantime, is trying to figure out what she’s feeling. She’s physically attracted to both Colin and Kyle, but it’s Colin who she connects with on a deeper level. But with Colin’s long absences and Kyle’s proximity, it’s hard to make the choice.

There is a ton of drama in this story. There’s the musical nuances (which I absolutely loved), the love triangle (which was written exceptionally well, and I thought really captured the indecision that usually accompanies an attraction to two men), and the murder plot (which was a little slow to develop, but added a nice little twist). All of this has the underlying theme of Colin dealing with his demons and how that affects everything he does. It could probably even be argued that Colin’s struggles are the main focus of this story, and everything else is just secondary.

I really liked this one. And maybe it was because some of the plot points hit pretty close to home (no, I don’t think anyone has ever tried to kill me), but I thought that Christine London did a remarkable job with capturing the intricacies of emotional turmoil and struggle. Her characters were very real to me, and I imagine that if she weren’t fictional, Jenna and I would be great friends. There is also a very good chance that I would hang out in an alley behind a venue in order to track down Colin and beg for a picture.


Shadows Steal The Light - The Romance Studio
English hard rock musician Colin Dunlow is trying to come to grips with his life now that his time in a rehab facility for alcoholics has been completed. Attending AA group meetings and finally singing with his band again are the highlights of his days. Jenna Lindstrom is a legal activist for social issues by day, sultry jazz singer by night. She doesn't like hard rock musicians or their life style; he doesn't have time for distractions for at least a year according to his AA sponsor. Trying to keep their relationship casual as they each work through issues in their lives results in interesting sessions to occur. Throw in a manager who complicates their lives and you are in for a real English romantic treat.
Ms. London has a knack for truly launching the reader into the English lifestyle, complete with jargon, mannerisms, and charm. Hard rock, bad boy Colin will tug at your heartstrings as you fall for him and his charming magnetism. Jenna is a heroine you will love and want to shake as you watch her make decisions that will not only impact her singing career but her life as well. Ms. London interwove their romance with a fascinating plot that kept the reader alert and wanting to turn the page to find out what was going to happen next. Only plot point that forced the reader to have a suspension of disbelief dealt with the police inspector who just so happened to always be close by. Paying close attention near the end will give the reader answers to unsolved questions as well as showcasing Ms. London's story writing talents.

Shadows Steal The Light - The en & Muse
Jenna is ‘discovered’ in California, by Kyle, a manager of music groups visiting from England. She is a jazz singer, who, because of a trauma in her past, dislikes rock music. When she meets Colin, lead singer for a rock band also managed by Kyle, she is attracted to him until she finds out his music genre.

She is also attracted to Kyle. Both men want her, but Kyle is reluctant to do anything about his attraction because of his life long friendship with Colin. Colin is not reluctant to let her know how he feels, but his newly acquired AA status forbids him to have a relationship until he gets himself sorted out & stays clean & sober for a year. Can he stay away from Jenna for a year? Can Jenna resist Kyle for a year?

When a car tries to run over Colin, followed by someone shooting at him. Jenna is drawn into a sensual, but non-sexual relationship with Colin. Whenever their busy performance schedules permit, they are together, although Colin tries to keep her at arm’s length both for her own safety as he tries to find out who is trying to murder him, and because of his AA promises.

I don’t think this work should be labelled as ‘erotic’. It is sensual, sexual, and emotional, but there are no overt sex scenes, which, with the way the story is told, I didn’t even miss. The whole book is one long seduction, but you never seem to be champing at the bit, waiting for something to happen. The mystery carries you along with lots of action & excitement as well, & you don’t find out who the bad guy(s) are till almost the end. The conflicts are many, & gently told, especially the conflict of Colin with his addictions.

I loved the evocative descriptions in this novel. The metaphors showing scenery, emotions, feelings are interwoven so seamlessly into the story, that you are caught up like a fish in a net, never to be let go. London is a gifted writer, & I hope to see more of her work.

Only one small thing: Americans speak differently from Brits. I am very familiar with both, & found Jenna speaking more like a Brit than an American in some instances. I know people living in England often take on the slang & idioms, but I don’t think Jenna would be so completely immersed in the speech patterns after such a short time. She needs to keep her California way of talking throughout, I think. Also, I’m not sure of the reason for the title It may be too deep for some readers including me.