Amour in Avignon Review #GoddessFish

 

Amour in Avignon

by Jennifer Ivy Walker

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GENRE: contemporary erotic romance novella

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BLURB:

Adrift and lonely, Lily Greene travels to Provence to spend the summer with her aunt in the sunny south of France.  In the vibrant city of Avignon, she meets Ludo and Auguste, two expert fencers who are also local actors performing in the upcoming Festival of Theater where they will present the classical tragedy, Cyrano de Bergerac.
When Lily joins their thespian troupe, portraying the lead female role, she discovers that real life mirrors the play they are rehearsing, for--just as Cyrano and Christian vie for Roxane-- Ludo and Auguste become intense rivals for Lily.
Handsome as a Hollywood movie star, Auguste is used to women falling into his bed. But when Lily spurns his amorous advances, drawn instead to the enigmatic Ludo, jealousy drives Auguste to seek revenge.
Will tragedy strike with a cruel twist of fate? Or will love triumph with Amour in Avignon?

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Excerpt 

A clean shaven, muscular blond of medium height with a smooth, sculpted chest paused his work to look up at Aggie’s approach. Fair hair gilded in the golden sun, his welcoming grin was as dazzling as the blue eyes which sparkled with reflected light as he rove an appreciative gaze over Lily. Setting his hammer down on a nearby shelf, he hoisted up the faded jeans which had fallen seductively low on his narrow hips. Lily admired the golden fuzz below his navel before quickly averting her eyes.

At his side, a carpenter with huge shoulders, a lanky frame, and long limbs stood to welcome the women. Dark hair covered his tattooed chest and sinewy arms, trailing down his rippled abdomen to disappear into the waistband of his torn, tattered jeans. Long black hair pulled back in a queue, his prominent, aquiline nose was balanced by a square jawline covered with dark stubble. In his deep green eyes, Lily glimpsed intelligence, intensity, and interest. And a simmering sensuality that stirred her very soul.

Free use image from Open Clipart Vectors

Ornery Owl's Review

Rating: Four out of Five Stars

This story is more than an erotic romance. It is a contemporary retelling of the tale of Cyrano wherein the major protagonist and antagonist are French actors portraying Cyrano and Christian while the part of Roxane is portrayed by a young American divorcee, visiting her aunt in Avignon while healing her broken heart.

Auguste, who plays the part of Christian, is a cad with leading-man good looks. He anticipates he will have Lily in his bed within a week of meeting her. His goal is thwarted when Lily instead expresses interest in the actor portraying Cyrano. Ludo is strong, courtly, and more interesting-looking than conventionally handsome. Like Cyrano, he has a prominent nose for which he has been ridiculed during his life.

The romance that develops between Lily and Ludo comes on swiftly and powerfully but shows every sign of being real and lasting rather than a fleeting fling. This does not sit well with Auguste, who is used to getting his way. He cannot believe Lily would brush him off for his odd-looking companion. Auguste is spiteful, vengeful, and will stop at nothing to take what he believes he deserves.

Although the plot was engaging and the love scenes were beautifully crafted, I couldn't help but wonder how Lily and Ludo could still walk properly, given how often they got up to The Deed. Swapping out a couple of the blazing hot scenes for clothes-on activities would enhance the romantic charm of the story.

Overall, this is a wonderful story within a story. It is a quick read sure to be enjoyed by those who appreciate a spicy story that is heavy on the romance. 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jennifer Ivy Walker has an MA in French literature and is a former high school teacher and professor of French at a state college in Florida. Her novels encompass a love for French language, literature, and culture, incorporating her lifelong study and many trips to France. Amour in Avignon was inspired by her National Endowment of the Humanities scholarship for teachers to participate in le Festival d’ Avignon—the world famous Festival of Theater in the city of Avignon, France.

Social Media Links

Website: https://jenniferivywalker.com/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/bohemienneivy

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferivywalker

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Avignon-Passport-Pleasure-Jennifer-Walker-ebook/dp/B0CJH6FSSV/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199108488-amour-in-avignon

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/amour-in-avignon-passport-to-pleasure-by-jennifer-ivy-walker

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

Jennifer Ivy Walker will be awarding $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway