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Solo
Jessica Long has the voice of an angel. But Jesse's cold beauty masks a brutal past filled with privation and cruelty. As the talented soprano approaches her final year at New England Conservatory, she is faced with a choice: stay with her striking young lover or accept the offer of a successful Broadway producer. She chooses the latter only to discover that fame can exact a cruel price. After years of yearning, the lovers meet again - at Jesse's ragged homestead on the Maine Coast. Matt will reveal the benefactor who's followed and protected Jesse as the lovers face a confrontation with the jealous pursuer who's tried to destroy her. One final choice awaits that may cost Jesse both Matt and her life. The Broadway impresario, a mysterious crime lord, and Matt's stunning literary agent head a cast of absorbing secondary characters. Filled with unexpected plot twists, Solo is a classic, leading the reader over a bittersweet tapestry spanning fifteen years.
- GenresFiction
364 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2014
1 person is currently reading
4995 people want to read
About the author
Kevin V. Symmons
5 books194 followersKevin has a BS and an MBA. He has attended the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music and studied in France. After a successful career in business management and consulting, he returned to his first love: writing. His first novel, a spell-binding paranormal romance titled "Rite of Passage" is set in the chaotic period after World War II. It's received dozens of great reviews and was a RomCon Reader's Crown Finalist for 2013. His latest effort is a contemporary romantic thriller set near his Cape Cod home, titled "Out of the Storm." Like his first novel, it is an Amazon Best-Seller and received many 5-star reviews. "Solo", an intense and ambitious women's fiction work, has just been released from The Wild Rose Press, his award-winning publisher. It explores the devastating effects of privation and domestic violence on the beautiful and extraordinarily talented young heroine.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 26, 2015
About the Book:
Jessica Long has the voice of an angel. But Jesse's cold beauty masks a brutal past filled with privation and cruelty. As the talented soprano approaches her final year at New England Conservatory, she is faced with a choice: stay with her striking young lover or accept the offer of a successful Broadway producer. She chooses the latter only to discover that fame can exact a cruel price. After years of yearning, the lovers meet again - at Jesse's ragged homestead on the Maine Coast. Matt will reveal the benefactor who's followed and protected Jesse as the lovers face a confrontation with the jealous pursuer who's tried to destroy her. One final choice awaits that may cost Jesse both Matt and her life. The Broadway impresario, a mysterious crime lord, and Matt's stunning literary agent head a cast of absorbing secondary characters. Filled with unexpected plot twists, Solo is a classic, leading the reader over a bittersweet tapestry spanning fifteen years.
My Review:
Jessica Long, he has had a dreadful past, an abusive father and many losses. Now she works as hard as she can to support her young daughter and her sickly mother. When she receives a job at a restaurant, she didn't expect to find out that there were certain things playing a part in getting her hired there in the first place.
Matthew Sullivan, was a star at hockey when his knee was shattered, he just knew that there was no hope of ever playing again. He has to work two jobs to support his family, but without a wife and children he really hasn't got too much to worry about. But that all may change, when one morning he and a friend head to a restaurant for breakfast. Meeting the new waitress Jesse sends him stumbling over both his feet and his words. Little does he know that Jesse has a dream to become a singer and when that dream may finally come true, he thinks he may lose her forever.
When they finally meet up once more, it is obvious that there may be more to the Broadway production than it appears. With so much riding on Jesse's decision, will she lose everything that she has ever wanted?
Solo is a good read and a real page turner. Just a note, there is some foul language, but not too much. A nice good read that took me one day to complete. With a strong plot line and interesting characters, it made Solo and good piece of fiction.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Pump Up Your Book.
Jessica Long has the voice of an angel. But Jesse's cold beauty masks a brutal past filled with privation and cruelty. As the talented soprano approaches her final year at New England Conservatory, she is faced with a choice: stay with her striking young lover or accept the offer of a successful Broadway producer. She chooses the latter only to discover that fame can exact a cruel price. After years of yearning, the lovers meet again - at Jesse's ragged homestead on the Maine Coast. Matt will reveal the benefactor who's followed and protected Jesse as the lovers face a confrontation with the jealous pursuer who's tried to destroy her. One final choice awaits that may cost Jesse both Matt and her life. The Broadway impresario, a mysterious crime lord, and Matt's stunning literary agent head a cast of absorbing secondary characters. Filled with unexpected plot twists, Solo is a classic, leading the reader over a bittersweet tapestry spanning fifteen years.
My Review:
Jessica Long, he has had a dreadful past, an abusive father and many losses. Now she works as hard as she can to support her young daughter and her sickly mother. When she receives a job at a restaurant, she didn't expect to find out that there were certain things playing a part in getting her hired there in the first place.
Matthew Sullivan, was a star at hockey when his knee was shattered, he just knew that there was no hope of ever playing again. He has to work two jobs to support his family, but without a wife and children he really hasn't got too much to worry about. But that all may change, when one morning he and a friend head to a restaurant for breakfast. Meeting the new waitress Jesse sends him stumbling over both his feet and his words. Little does he know that Jesse has a dream to become a singer and when that dream may finally come true, he thinks he may lose her forever.
When they finally meet up once more, it is obvious that there may be more to the Broadway production than it appears. With so much riding on Jesse's decision, will she lose everything that she has ever wanted?
Solo is a good read and a real page turner. Just a note, there is some foul language, but not too much. A nice good read that took me one day to complete. With a strong plot line and interesting characters, it made Solo and good piece of fiction.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Pump Up Your Book.
September 8, 2014
In Solo, Kevin Symmons captures the essence of a young starlet caught between the purity of her craft and the tumultuous road to success...poignantly accurate in the midst of a heroine's quest for love. This book will keep you guessing and turning the page.
October 12, 2020
A talented singer from the slums of Portland, ME and a young aspiring writer from Southie become star crossed lovers in this romance novel. Jessica rises to the very top of her craft with success on Broadway and film. Matt becomes a well known writer with best selling books and awards. But Jessica has secrets that keep them longing for each other's love without being able to truly be together. Throw in a Boston mob boss, a murder (or two) and a number of poor choices by our lovers and an interesting premise just falls flat as the story grinds to a nearly predictable end.
November 3, 2020
A remarkable book with so much packed into it, I don’t even know where to start. I loved the excellent mix of characters and what they became as the book evolved. The ending was unbelievable and still has me wondering...if only.... I’m seriously a big fan of this author now. Super great!
February 3, 2015
WOW! So much packed into one book.
I am greatful to Wild Rose Press for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest review.
Do you believe in destiny or fate? What about soulmates or love at first sight?
No matter what you believe, you will find the main characters in this novel struggling to keep their dreams intact.
As difficult as it may be to imagine living either of their lives, the writing makes both points of view
believeable and realistic.
Jessica Long comes from nothing with seemingly no future. It is because of a few chance meetings that opportunities arise. Jess grabs onto them and builds her dream. She is very strong despite the abuse in her background.
Others might have given up and let life roll over them. Jesse uses those dark days to fuel her determination.
She feels her imperfect pass is reason to not get close to people.
Matt Sullivan has a dream. Wherever he goes and whatever he is doing, he keeps a pen and paper in his pocket. He is constantly scribbling down ideas. Matt dreamed of a professional hockey career, but injury sidelined those dreams.
Matt did not allow that to keep him down. He continues to be self sufficient and work several jobs. Part of that self sufficiency causes problems for him when he meets the woman of his dreams.
When she makes it known that he can only be part of her life on her terms, that she would not give up her dream,
Matt isn't sure how to respond. He reveals his imperfections.
With two such strong characters, you know the relationship can not run smoothly.
Each continues to follow a dream, finding a great degree of success, just not together.
Yet neither can totally let go of the other. You have to read this book to find out how often their paths cross and whether for good or ill.
The secondary characters are wonderful and well written. They add so much to the story.
You'll end up caring for them in their own rights.
I am greatful to Wild Rose Press for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest review.
Do you believe in destiny or fate? What about soulmates or love at first sight?
No matter what you believe, you will find the main characters in this novel struggling to keep their dreams intact.
As difficult as it may be to imagine living either of their lives, the writing makes both points of view
believeable and realistic.
Jessica Long comes from nothing with seemingly no future. It is because of a few chance meetings that opportunities arise. Jess grabs onto them and builds her dream. She is very strong despite the abuse in her background.
Others might have given up and let life roll over them. Jesse uses those dark days to fuel her determination.
She feels her imperfect pass is reason to not get close to people.
Matt Sullivan has a dream. Wherever he goes and whatever he is doing, he keeps a pen and paper in his pocket. He is constantly scribbling down ideas. Matt dreamed of a professional hockey career, but injury sidelined those dreams.
Matt did not allow that to keep him down. He continues to be self sufficient and work several jobs. Part of that self sufficiency causes problems for him when he meets the woman of his dreams.
When she makes it known that he can only be part of her life on her terms, that she would not give up her dream,
Matt isn't sure how to respond. He reveals his imperfections.
With two such strong characters, you know the relationship can not run smoothly.
Each continues to follow a dream, finding a great degree of success, just not together.
Yet neither can totally let go of the other. You have to read this book to find out how often their paths cross and whether for good or ill.
The secondary characters are wonderful and well written. They add so much to the story.
You'll end up caring for them in their own rights.
August 2, 2019
I accidentally added this book to my shelf on June 3rd as I clicked I had received it in error. I actually received it yesterday, July 31st. I would like to thank The Wild Rose Press, Goodreads Giveaway Format, and especially Kevin V. Symmons who not only made sure that I received my book, but also personally autographed it for me. I started the book last night and had to force myself to put it down for bedtime. I liked that the chapters were short so that there was always a good stopping place. I finished it about 5 o'clock this evening. This is without a doubt one of the best, if not THE BEST, book I have read thus far this year. It is full of love, angst, a mafia boss, writers, singers, producers, domestic violence and suspense. I urge everyone to read this book. I assure you that I will be looking for Rite of Passage and Out of the Storm also written by this fabulous author. By the end of the book, I was in tears. I love books that make me feel. Thanks again Mr. Symmons for this wonderful book.
July 16, 2018
Goodreads giveaway
December 15, 2018
A page turner! Will read more from this author!
January 5, 2019
A book about decision making. A fast paced book about true soul mates. This is a real page turner with a good plot and characters. I look forward to reading more by this author.
October 12, 2016
A nice read really liked this would read more by kevin worth a read
Read
April 10, 2018I won this book via Goodreads First Reads. I am an ECE administrator and I look forward to adding this book to the lending library for parents and staff at my school.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews