'Man in 3B' review; checking in with Phyllis Bourne
Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.
Happy holidays, all you bookaholics. I have enjoyed your wonderful appreciative comments and support of the many featured books and authors. Sharing book reviews, recommendations and interviews is a fulfilling goal as my dual role of author and reader. As we close in on 2012, I turn your attention to 2013 with the promise of even more books and authors to celebrate.
Happy holidays!
Book review of Carl Weber's The Man in 3B
Weber's upcoming January release, The Man in 3B, is a delicious gift of drama, suspense and romance. This best-selling author of more than a dozen novels and short stories stated that he "wanted to write stories about ordinary people who have crazy things happening in their lives." I'd say that, once again, he fulfilled his goal.
Bertha, one of the many colorful characters in the story, announces: "I'm not drinking the water 'cause there's something wrong with it … There has to be because everyone in this building has lost their damn mind." And, boy, did she get that right. If I lived in that apartment building, I wouldn't need reality TV; every day promised to be its own sitcom. There is heavy drama, broken dreams and ugly hearts in these tenants' lives. Humor, however, runs rampant throughout this story, flavoring it along the way, as the plot races along a very windy, picturesque road. Or maybe, it's my twisted sense of humor that sees the tragi-comic touches.
While the story begins with a murder and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the victim, the bulk of the tale is the lead-up to that tragedy with the introduction of the major players living in the apartment building on 109th Street. Weber entices with wonderfully crafted "ordinary" people, making you care, making you get indignant (on their behalf), making you forgive, and making you hope and trust in love.
Book blurb (courtesy of publisher Grand Central Publishing):
Meet Darryl Graham, or as his new neighbors call him The Man in 3B. Darryl's new to the Jamaica, Queens, building, but from day one he's made quite an impression on his neighbors. He has made it very clear he greatly values his privacy, but he is the man every woman wants and every man wants to be, so inquiring minds want to know. Unfortunately, in Darryl's world, what you know can hurt you, and when he winds up dead, those inquiring minds become the prime suspects.
Once you've read this book, you will agree that Weber can't be done with this cast of characters.
Spotlight on ... Phyllis Bourne
Phyllis Bourne began her writing career as a newspaper crime reporter. After years of cops and criminal drama she left reporting to write about life's sweeter side. She loves coffee, make-up and cute shoes. Her latest release, Taste for Temptation, is already a reader favorite.
Michelle: What is the general theme of Taste For Temptation?
Phyllis: On the surface Taste for Temptation is a chocolate-infused Cinderella tale.
At heart, it's a story about having the courage to pursue your dream when no one around you believes in it. Adam Ellison and Brandi Collins fall in love as they help each other push past obstacles in their path to successful new careers.
The theme is close to my heart having left a stable newspaper job to follow my own dream of becoming a romance novelist. My family thought it was nuts, but my husband always believed I could do it.
Taste for Temptation will resonate with anyone who's ever wanted more than the status quo.
Michelle: Would you share your fave scene?
Phyllis: My favorite scenes were the ones with Brandi struggling through boot-camp workout classes. I took six weeks of classes as research, so I truly did share her pain.
Michelle: Since most of us may read and snack, what's your menu choice to go with Taste for Temptation?
Phyllis: An aspiring pastry chef, Adam seduces a dieting Brandi with his delectable chocolate creations. I recommend reading Taste for Temptation with a slice or two of triple chocolate cake nearby. However, I should warn you I gained 20 pounds writing this book.
Michelle: What's your holiday send-off to those happy readers?
Phyllis: Go ahead and eat those holiday treats. You can start a new diet on Jan. 1 with everyone else.
Phyllis invites readers to catch up with her at www.phyllisbourne.com; You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter (@phyllisbourne).
Michelle Monkou is a best-selling romance author who lives by the motto "live, love, and laugh." Her newest release is Racing Hearts, with Harlequin Kimani. Her website is MichelleMonkou.com.