In my opinion, these two books go hand-in-hand and there is no way to separate them.
“IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC – THE POETRY OF FORBIDDEN LOVE” BY NONNIE JULES AND GIANI JORDAN
BLURB:
This is a book of poetry for and about forbidden love. These poems are sexy, sensuous and hot, but most of all, they are poems of love… and the feelings they arouse in you are unbelievable! They “feel” like love songs and you will “feel” like singing, but they are only spoken words coming from your mouth, without music. If you aren’t in love before you begin reading this book, you will go seeking a love afterward.
MY 5 STAR REVIEW:
This book of poetry is unique, not only because of the authors and the way they collaborated to write these poems but also because of the subject matter ― Forbidden Love.
The emotion, longing and unbridled passion are expressed exquisitely. Divided into two sections, the book explores two points of view. The first is a compilation of poems written by Nonnie Jules. She approaches the subject of forbidden love through the eyes of the woman who is the object of Giani Jordan’s affection. The second part of the book is told through his eyes. The poems are raw and honest emotion felt by both as they take us, the readers, through a myriad of regrets and guilt to longing so intense it causes physical pain. What can two people do who fall in love, yet are committed to others?
In my opinion, the authors work through to a climactic solution and conclusion from one poem to the next. I felt as though I was watching two people waltzing across a dance floor or observing a well-executed opera. Each poem stands alone yet blends with perfection into the next. This is a beautiful book from cover to cover, and it is an absolute must that you take time to read about how the collaboration of these two authors came about.
“…AND THE MUSIC PLAYED” SHORT STORY BY NONNIE JULES
BLURB:
This book is the sequel and the final chapter in the love story between Giani and Christine. The first book, “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC…The Poetry of Forbidden Love” (a co-authored project), was a love story told thru the eyes of two lovers…but written for the hearts of many.
Across oceans and thru many barriers, two hearts try to connect – but with the distance between them, will their love survive? And, with the forces-that-be against them coming in the form of murder plots and domestic abuse, the bigger question is…will they?
MY 5 STAR REVIEW:
I read this short story before I read the prequel to it, “If Only There Was Music – The Poetry of Forbidden Love.” And, because of the way this story affected me, I had to immediately go and read the book of poetry that inspired this short story. When Giani Jordan falls in love with beautiful Christine who lives halfway around the globe, he struggles with guilt. He is married. She is married. But, their love is so strong, so intense neither of them can deny it. So, when Giani walks into his house after making a trip to Italy to see Christine and hears his wife, Lena, making love to another man, he makes an easy decision. Divorce is the only answer. But, Lena’s greed takes over. After all, how can she be expected to live on a measly one million a year? When she recruits her ex-con boyfriend to kill Giani, she is smug and confident all the wealth soon be hers. But, justice is sweet. I won’t spoil the story by telling you what happens, but I couldn’t put this book down. I had to know who would triumph. If you love a satisfying short story filled with intense drama and emotion, you’ll love this one.
FOR MORE BOOKS BY NONNIE JULES, CLICK HERE
Nonnie Jules is the President and founder of THE RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB and THE RAVE WRITERS’ INT’L SOCIETY OF AUTHORS. Both are International Organizations that provide support to and guidance for authors who want to get more reviews for their books and find new readers. But, there is a kicker. You have to give to get. You can read all about it here: https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/
Two superb reviews, Jan. The structure of Forbidden Love is fascinating. It intrigues my little grey cells:) ❤️
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Yay!! Mission accomplished, Tina. 🙂
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Lovely reviews, Jan. The books sound so romantic and what an interesting combination of poetry and a short story. Noni must be thrilled. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Diana!
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Wonderful reviews, Jan. I loved the first, If Only There Was Music, and am excited about reading the second. Have a fantastic day. ♥
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Thanks for stopping by, Gwen. I know you will love the short story. It brings the poetry book full circle.
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I also loved If Only There Was Music. I have The Music Played on my Kindle…just need to move it up the TBR list. Great reviews, Jan.
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Thanks for stopping by, Karen. I know you will enjoy the short story.
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Fabulous reviews, Jan. Bravo to Nonnie!
I loved If Only There was Music, and The Music Played sounds like another gem. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing. Cheers to you both!
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Thanks, Natalie. Since you’ve read “If Only There was Music,” the follow-up is a must-read for you! Thanks for stopping by.
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I read and enjoyed If Only There was Music. It sounds like Nonnie has produced a good follow-up. Great reviews, Jan!
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Yes, Mae, the short story completes what was started with the poetry book. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.
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It does sound like a lovely combo of books, Jan. Thanks for this review. Best to Nonnie. Hugs all around!
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Thanks for stopping by, Teagan. Hugs back to you, my friend.
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Wonderful reviews Jan and can understand why they go hand in hand..
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Thank you, Sally! And, thanks for sharing.
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Pleasure Jan.. hugs xx
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Jan, I can instantly see why the two books go hand in hand – there was no way you could write a review of just one and not the other! Your description and review of the short story has me hooked … and you give just enough away to tempt us without ruining the plot. Oh, I am intrigued but the poetry, the effect it has on the reader. Both of these are books I want to read and going on my list. Thank you so much for your in-depth study of them and for sharing here! Happy Wednesday! 😀
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Thank you so much, Annika. Yes, there was no way to separate the two books and reading them together created the whole experience of the “forbidden love” story. I know you will enjoy both.
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Great reviews Jan. I have both of these to read soon. I can see I need to read them together. I love the idea of a book of poetry telling a love story:)
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Denise, as much as you love poetry, I know you are going to love both of these books!
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