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His Muse
A mysterious email with a link to her mother's memoir has found its way into Kari's inbox at a time when she needs her mother most. Unfortunately, Kari pushed her away over two decades ago. Now, finding herself in eerily similar shoes as her mother at 44, Kari is finally ready to hear her side…
Mid-Life Crisis or Mid-Life Awakening?
I am a 44-year-old divorced mother, starting a new life in the South of France. He's a 29-year-old, sexy French artist with the soul of a poet. And he's set his eyes on me, of all people. I can't deny my overwhelming attraction to him. Nor his touch that sets me on fire. But can I really risk it all to blossom under his skilled, paint-stained hands? Can he give up his dreams of raising a family to stay with me? Or can I selflessly give him up so that he can?
Find out in the sensual, heartbreaking, and bittersweet story with an HEA guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings in…His Muse.
***New Cover and Bonus Epilogue!!! Same heartwarming story!***
Adult Content: 18+ Only
Mid-Life Crisis or Mid-Life Awakening?
I am a 44-year-old divorced mother, starting a new life in the South of France. He's a 29-year-old, sexy French artist with the soul of a poet. And he's set his eyes on me, of all people. I can't deny my overwhelming attraction to him. Nor his touch that sets me on fire. But can I really risk it all to blossom under his skilled, paint-stained hands? Can he give up his dreams of raising a family to stay with me? Or can I selflessly give him up so that he can?
Find out in the sensual, heartbreaking, and bittersweet story with an HEA guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings in…His Muse.
***New Cover and Bonus Epilogue!!! Same heartwarming story!***
Adult Content: 18+ Only
310 pages, ebook
First published February 2, 2018
374 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Twyla Turner
36 books576 followersI was born and raised in Joliet, IL. I wrote my first story in the 3rd grade and fell in love with creating my own world. But throughout the years I have lacked the discipline to actually sit down and write. Even with a minor in Creative Writing (which should have been my major).
I have been a avid romance novel reader since Jr. High and have read hundreds. I have lived in Chicago, Japan, California and now reside in Arizona. And I wanted nothing more than to combine my love of romance, writing and traveling and put them in a book.
So one day out of the blue while in the middle of reading another book, the story that I had started months ago kept bombarding my every thought. Until I couldn't even continue to read the book I was in the middle of. I put down my Nook and picked up my laptop and about fifteen days later, I had finished my first draft of my manuscript. It was the most exhilarating moment of my life. To know that I finally did it. That I finally finished something that I had started. And now I'm and AUTHOR and PUBLISHER! I never would have thought that was possible three months ago. I just hope that everyone that picks up any of the books I write from here on out, enjoy them as much as I did writing them.
I have been a avid romance novel reader since Jr. High and have read hundreds. I have lived in Chicago, Japan, California and now reside in Arizona. And I wanted nothing more than to combine my love of romance, writing and traveling and put them in a book.
So one day out of the blue while in the middle of reading another book, the story that I had started months ago kept bombarding my every thought. Until I couldn't even continue to read the book I was in the middle of. I put down my Nook and picked up my laptop and about fifteen days later, I had finished my first draft of my manuscript. It was the most exhilarating moment of my life. To know that I finally did it. That I finally finished something that I had started. And now I'm and AUTHOR and PUBLISHER! I never would have thought that was possible three months ago. I just hope that everyone that picks up any of the books I write from here on out, enjoy them as much as I did writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
February 16, 2018
Well damn!
I loved this book. I hated this book. I went from loving Taryn to wanting to slap some sense into her. Hard. At least three times. She went from this:
They call it a mid-life crisis. I prefer mid-life awakening. Or even better, mid-life rebirth. For most men, it's a crisis. Feeling that pesky old mortality creeping up on them. I think for women it's more of a rebirth. Many of us have spent our prime years having babies, raising them and their fathers, all while keeping the household and ourselves running like the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. The second half of our lives, looks more like a liberation than a death sentence.
Taryn Reid starts her rebirth after a divorce and raising her daughter Kari. With a sizeable nest egg, she packs her bags and moves to the South of France to begin life as a travel agent specializing in tours for Black women travelers. Seriously, how cool is that?
Once in Nice, she meets the awesome Raquel, part time real estate agent and full time bon vivant:
Raquel fascinates me. She's forty-five, a year older than me, and she seems so free. She has a couple of lovers that she juggles easily. Talking about sex is nothing to her. Being sexual is nothing to her. She isn't ashamed of the number of lovers she has or all the things she does with them. Even though she's an 'older' woman, she is confident that her body is still desirable. She's even sat nude for a couple of art classes. I admire her carefree attitude.
EVERY woman needs a best friend like Raquel. Hell, every woman should BE a Raquel at some point in our lives. I'd probably read MORE romances if there were heroines like Raquel. Raquel is #goals. There's no slut shaming, and I had the feeling had anyone tried to shame her, she'd put them on blast. In French. Raquel has easily earned my Feminist As Fuck Award.
Then. There's. Kari.
The ungrateful little cow who just couldn't allow her mother, the woman who bent over backwards, sacrificing her own happiness, to actually be happy. I really wanted to kick her selfish ass. With my twenty-eyelet Doc Martens.
And no lie, I definitely fell for Etienne, the sexy young French artist. There are few heroes who become my book boyfriends, since my list is quite exacting. It wasn't just his looks - and he definitely was all kinds of sexy - but how intuitive he was. He was that subtle alpha who knows how to woo a woman while respecting her autonomy. He wasn't going to allow Taryn to fall back on the age difference, and frankly, it was a lame excuse on her part.
I loved his response when she asked him why his artistic muses were mainly Black women: "I paint you for myself. I am inspired by your incredible strength and femininity. Your beauty and grace through everything. You carry the burdens of the world while being cast aside as unimportant. Yet you still walk through life like regal queens. As if you know yourself despite what society tries to tell you. It is breathtaking to see. So, I must capture it and show it to others."
Well you just go boy!
Okay, I've dated men younger than myself. I don't know why it's some big deal. Men date and marry women younger than themselves and no one bats an eyelash.
So, after a bit of totally unnecessary drama from the self-centered cow, better known as her daughter, Taryn allows herself to get her freak on. And boy howdy, does she ever! Most sex scenes bore me, but these had me cheering and horny at the same time. Etienne knows how to celebrate a woman, and does he ever. Taryn finally gets what she so rightfully deserves. Whew, just be near an ice cold glass of water and an open window.
But it's not just sex. Taryn finally gets to LIVE her best life. She gets to not be the martyr, but to enjoy the next phase, cheered on by the awesome Raquel and later, her first clients. Everything is going great. She even gets to show off her young and virile lover to her asshole ex-husband and his new trophy wife/ex-mistress.
Then...Taryn does exactly what I'd hoped she wouldn't do. And this part had some readers reaching for Kleenex. It put me in a rage-fest. She ends up doing the same damn thing she spent the first half of her life doing - sacrificing her happiness. And does she go all the way. Granted, she believed she was doing the right thing, guarding her heart. But seriously, what ever happened to her and Etienne TALKING and keep talking and maybe compromise. Or find a solution?
I hate heroine hijacking. I hate it!
But after everything, there's a happy ending and forgiveness. I'm good with that.
***
What I didn't like:
1) I'm sorry, but 44 is not old!!! Hell, that's when life started getting more interesting. Old only counts if you're talking about clothes or money. Old clothes always come back into style and honey, money NEVER gets old.
2) It's 2018. Black Panther is coming out tomorrow, featuring plenty of dark-skinned divas. I really don't want to go through another year with colorist fail in romance. This is the second romance I've read this year in which the heroine could pass the paper bag test. I want to see more Lupita and Danai and Florence looking romance heroines in all genres of romance. Give me more natural hair or even bald heroines. Hair doesn't make one sexy. David Draiman of Disturbed is pretty hot to me. The Rock can be my teddy bear any day.
This was an incredible read. I love seeing seasoned heroines and younger men. The genre could use more of these couples. And a LOT more Raquels!!! #teamRaquel.
I loved this book. I hated this book. I went from loving Taryn to wanting to slap some sense into her. Hard. At least three times. She went from this:
They call it a mid-life crisis. I prefer mid-life awakening. Or even better, mid-life rebirth. For most men, it's a crisis. Feeling that pesky old mortality creeping up on them. I think for women it's more of a rebirth. Many of us have spent our prime years having babies, raising them and their fathers, all while keeping the household and ourselves running like the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. The second half of our lives, looks more like a liberation than a death sentence.
Taryn Reid starts her rebirth after a divorce and raising her daughter Kari. With a sizeable nest egg, she packs her bags and moves to the South of France to begin life as a travel agent specializing in tours for Black women travelers. Seriously, how cool is that?
Once in Nice, she meets the awesome Raquel, part time real estate agent and full time bon vivant:
Raquel fascinates me. She's forty-five, a year older than me, and she seems so free. She has a couple of lovers that she juggles easily. Talking about sex is nothing to her. Being sexual is nothing to her. She isn't ashamed of the number of lovers she has or all the things she does with them. Even though she's an 'older' woman, she is confident that her body is still desirable. She's even sat nude for a couple of art classes. I admire her carefree attitude.
EVERY woman needs a best friend like Raquel. Hell, every woman should BE a Raquel at some point in our lives. I'd probably read MORE romances if there were heroines like Raquel. Raquel is #goals. There's no slut shaming, and I had the feeling had anyone tried to shame her, she'd put them on blast. In French. Raquel has easily earned my Feminist As Fuck Award.
Then. There's. Kari.
The ungrateful little cow who just couldn't allow her mother, the woman who bent over backwards, sacrificing her own happiness, to actually be happy. I really wanted to kick her selfish ass. With my twenty-eyelet Doc Martens.
And no lie, I definitely fell for Etienne, the sexy young French artist. There are few heroes who become my book boyfriends, since my list is quite exacting. It wasn't just his looks - and he definitely was all kinds of sexy - but how intuitive he was. He was that subtle alpha who knows how to woo a woman while respecting her autonomy. He wasn't going to allow Taryn to fall back on the age difference, and frankly, it was a lame excuse on her part.
I loved his response when she asked him why his artistic muses were mainly Black women: "I paint you for myself. I am inspired by your incredible strength and femininity. Your beauty and grace through everything. You carry the burdens of the world while being cast aside as unimportant. Yet you still walk through life like regal queens. As if you know yourself despite what society tries to tell you. It is breathtaking to see. So, I must capture it and show it to others."
Well you just go boy!
Okay, I've dated men younger than myself. I don't know why it's some big deal. Men date and marry women younger than themselves and no one bats an eyelash.
So, after a bit of totally unnecessary drama from the self-centered cow, better known as her daughter, Taryn allows herself to get her freak on. And boy howdy, does she ever! Most sex scenes bore me, but these had me cheering and horny at the same time. Etienne knows how to celebrate a woman, and does he ever. Taryn finally gets what she so rightfully deserves. Whew, just be near an ice cold glass of water and an open window.
But it's not just sex. Taryn finally gets to LIVE her best life. She gets to not be the martyr, but to enjoy the next phase, cheered on by the awesome Raquel and later, her first clients. Everything is going great. She even gets to show off her young and virile lover to her asshole ex-husband and his new trophy wife/ex-mistress.
Then...Taryn does exactly what I'd hoped she wouldn't do. And this part had some readers reaching for Kleenex. It put me in a rage-fest. She ends up doing the same damn thing she spent the first half of her life doing - sacrificing her happiness. And does she go all the way. Granted, she believed she was doing the right thing, guarding her heart. But seriously, what ever happened to her and Etienne TALKING and keep talking and maybe compromise. Or find a solution?
I hate heroine hijacking. I hate it!
But after everything, there's a happy ending and forgiveness. I'm good with that.
***
What I didn't like:
1) I'm sorry, but 44 is not old!!! Hell, that's when life started getting more interesting. Old only counts if you're talking about clothes or money. Old clothes always come back into style and honey, money NEVER gets old.
2) It's 2018. Black Panther is coming out tomorrow, featuring plenty of dark-skinned divas. I really don't want to go through another year with colorist fail in romance. This is the second romance I've read this year in which the heroine could pass the paper bag test. I want to see more Lupita and Danai and Florence looking romance heroines in all genres of romance. Give me more natural hair or even bald heroines. Hair doesn't make one sexy. David Draiman of Disturbed is pretty hot to me. The Rock can be my teddy bear any day.
This was an incredible read. I love seeing seasoned heroines and younger men. The genre could use more of these couples. And a LOT more Raquels!!! #teamRaquel.
December 19, 2021
Review in my vlog out Monday. I HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS about this one.
March 2, 2021
This book just gripped my romantic heart and didn’t let go
This book touched my heart in special way because I have often wondered about this for my mom and friends whose singleness was amplified this pandemic period. The book filled me with such happiness and hope and relief that They can find love whether it’s a younger person or an older person. There can be another life after being a wife and mother for decades. There can be passionate love, ambition, business and adventure even in your forties and fifties.
Taryn “Ryn” was a 44 year old divorce looking for a new lease on life after devoting herself to a surgeon husband and their daughter Kari. Ryn moves to Nice, France and starts a business as way to gain independence and carve out an identity outside her role as a mother and ex-wife. This book is about Ryn’s courageous journey and it made me so happy for her! She finds herself and she finds love again.
I’m just in my feelings right now. This book was just so emotionally engaging. This book is for anyone who lost themselves in a past relationship but secretly yearns for a second bite at the apple.
This book touched my heart in special way because I have often wondered about this for my mom and friends whose singleness was amplified this pandemic period. The book filled me with such happiness and hope and relief that They can find love whether it’s a younger person or an older person. There can be another life after being a wife and mother for decades. There can be passionate love, ambition, business and adventure even in your forties and fifties.
Taryn “Ryn” was a 44 year old divorce looking for a new lease on life after devoting herself to a surgeon husband and their daughter Kari. Ryn moves to Nice, France and starts a business as way to gain independence and carve out an identity outside her role as a mother and ex-wife. This book is about Ryn’s courageous journey and it made me so happy for her! She finds herself and she finds love again.
I’m just in my feelings right now. This book was just so emotionally engaging. This book is for anyone who lost themselves in a past relationship but secretly yearns for a second bite at the apple.
February 6, 2018
OUTSTANDING!!!!
I don't know what to say, where to begin, But I do know when an author can get you in your feelings speaks volumes about that author and the book. His Muse will have you teary eyed and on the edge of your seat with a Kleenex understanding the heroin. Out of all of Ms Turners books this goes down as being her BEST WORK yet!
I don't know what to say, where to begin, But I do know when an author can get you in your feelings speaks volumes about that author and the book. His Muse will have you teary eyed and on the edge of your seat with a Kleenex understanding the heroin. Out of all of Ms Turners books this goes down as being her BEST WORK yet!
February 12, 2018
This is one of my favourite authors and I always expect her stories to get to me. This is Taryn and Etienne's story. I think the scarfice Taryn made so her love could have his dream was what unconditional love looks like. It cost her to let go especially when she had found the real thing. This story had me in my feelings it was an emotional roller coaster but a great read. I would definitely recommend this story as a good read.
March 12, 2018
This book was a masterpiece. It stimulates your mental vision, touches you senses, and twist your emotions in a way that leaves you no choice but to connect with its characters. I cared about the Etienne, Taryn and crew enough to root for their happiness and empathize with them through their hurts and pains. This is an automatic favorite for me. The usual descriptors like good or excellent are not strong enough words to describe how emotionally invigorating, well-written, and thought- provoking this book was. Etienne and Taryn and crew will stay with you long after you’ve completed this story. This book was phenomenal!!!
August 7, 2018
2.5 stars
The author could have left the daughter, Kari, out of the story. She's not a sympathetic character and I don't think we know enough about her to feel bad about her situation. She comes off as an ungrateful brat. And to not talk to your mother for 20+ years over a guy you just met??? Bitch please. I also think it was a cop out how the author handed Etienne relationship after he was no longer with Taryn. Too easy. Too convenient. I didn't like it. At all. I love older woman/younger man trope. This book had a lot of potential. There were just some things that didn't make this a fully enjoyable read for me.
The author could have left the daughter, Kari, out of the story. She's not a sympathetic character and I don't think we know enough about her to feel bad about her situation. She comes off as an ungrateful brat. And to not talk to your mother for 20+ years over a guy you just met??? Bitch please. I also think it was a cop out how the author handed Etienne relationship after he was no longer with Taryn. Too easy. Too convenient. I didn't like it. At all. I love older woman/younger man trope. This book had a lot of potential. There were just some things that didn't make this a fully enjoyable read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2018
This is one of those books that I had to stop reading for a while because I was so upset with the heroine. I can understand being selfless to a certain degree, but there is no way I could do what she did to the so called love of her life. Please don't get me started on her selfish, jealous and mean daughter. I would have jacked her up so quick. I did like the way the story wrapped up.
February 7, 2018
Going great until
If you are one of those people who believe if you love something let it go and if it comes back but you know its yours for sure the perfect book for you. Unfortunately I am not one of those people and I could not get with the turn this book took. It just didn’t work for me.
If you are one of those people who believe if you love something let it go and if it comes back but you know its yours for sure the perfect book for you. Unfortunately I am not one of those people and I could not get with the turn this book took. It just didn’t work for me.
July 26, 2018
Loved it but the middle where she leaves him so he could have children was just dumb I hated it. It went on and on for chapters and then it works out because the other woman dies and he is left with one child and years go by and they finally get back together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2018
TWYLA TURNER... I love you, then I hate you, and now I love you again!!' I can not say how much I adore this woman's writing mind.
I tell you this book rocked me to the depths of my soul! Ryn and Etienne are epic lovers. I was so taken with this story that I now want to visit Nice. I need to travel the roads, dine in a little cafe and feel the love of this couple.
Etienne was a silver tongued devil, in more ways than one. The way he spoke to Ryn had me swooning, but the intense way he loved her made my heart sing. Not to mention the way he loved her body. My goodness the sex was H-O-T! That's why I was devastated later in the book. I will not ruin it for other readers, but I really felt the heartache that happened.
My eyes were red and swollen and I had to compose myself before continuing. Only a writer as gifted as Twyla can evoke such emotions in me. I am still reeling even after reading the happy ending. I can't wait to read it again.
I tell you this book rocked me to the depths of my soul! Ryn and Etienne are epic lovers. I was so taken with this story that I now want to visit Nice. I need to travel the roads, dine in a little cafe and feel the love of this couple.
Etienne was a silver tongued devil, in more ways than one. The way he spoke to Ryn had me swooning, but the intense way he loved her made my heart sing. Not to mention the way he loved her body. My goodness the sex was H-O-T! That's why I was devastated later in the book. I will not ruin it for other readers, but I really felt the heartache that happened.
My eyes were red and swollen and I had to compose myself before continuing. Only a writer as gifted as Twyla can evoke such emotions in me. I am still reeling even after reading the happy ending. I can't wait to read it again.
February 5, 2018
Outstanding Story!
Oh may God, I cried so much while reading this book, I had to remind myself this wasn't real. I loved Taryn and Etienne love for the beginning, they were intense. Like a fire you just can't contain, and you really don't want too. They main down fall for me was Kari behavior, she really pissed me off for a number of reason. The main was how you mad because and man want your mama more then you and you stop all talking to your mother over that, HE WASN'T YOUR MAN. Oh crazy heffa, I'm so glad Taryn got a chance at real love, She just made me realize how much a real mother will give selflessly so the once they love can have it all.
Lady T you did a amazing job once again.
Oh may God, I cried so much while reading this book, I had to remind myself this wasn't real. I loved Taryn and Etienne love for the beginning, they were intense. Like a fire you just can't contain, and you really don't want too. They main down fall for me was Kari behavior, she really pissed me off for a number of reason. The main was how you mad because and man want your mama more then you and you stop all talking to your mother over that, HE WASN'T YOUR MAN. Oh crazy heffa, I'm so glad Taryn got a chance at real love, She just made me realize how much a real mother will give selflessly so the once they love can have it all.
Lady T you did a amazing job once again.
March 9, 2018
A solid “May-December” Romance
So I’m not going to lie, I was pretty excited when I stumbled upon this book by Twyla Turner. I have always been a fan of romances with an older woman and younger man, and I get even more enthusiastic when it isn’t one that comes across as fetishy or one dimensional. The premise of this story about a woman who is sort of entering her second phase of life after the college graduation of her daughter was an intriguing one, and Taryn’s path to “re-self discovery” was both believable and interesting. Etienne was the perfect mix of sexy artist and carefree spirit that Taryn needed, and I honestly really enjoyed this couple together. They had so many sweet moments together and the love scenes were literal flames *whew*
Not to mention I thoroughly enjoyed the Hero’s inspiration for painting women of color, and all of the side characters (especially Raquel) were equally enjoyable and no one felt out of place.
To be honest this book was set up to be a solid 5 out of 5 for me…however no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t really understand the conflict with Taryn’s daughter. And then the final decision by Taryn…just struck me as odd.
While I understand Kari being initially hurt and or embarrassed by finding out that Etienne was interested in her mother, and not her. The idea that she would actually let that fact stop her from speaking to her mom for a whole 22 years just seemed a little preposterous.
And lastly
That aside. I did REALLY REALLY enjoy this book up until about the 80% mark. After that I was a little like…wtf is happening…but I appreciated that I ultimately got a HEA in the end.
But overall, I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a steamy romance with a lot of unexpected twists.
So I’m not going to lie, I was pretty excited when I stumbled upon this book by Twyla Turner. I have always been a fan of romances with an older woman and younger man, and I get even more enthusiastic when it isn’t one that comes across as fetishy or one dimensional. The premise of this story about a woman who is sort of entering her second phase of life after the college graduation of her daughter was an intriguing one, and Taryn’s path to “re-self discovery” was both believable and interesting. Etienne was the perfect mix of sexy artist and carefree spirit that Taryn needed, and I honestly really enjoyed this couple together. They had so many sweet moments together and the love scenes were literal flames *whew*
Not to mention I thoroughly enjoyed the Hero’s inspiration for painting women of color, and all of the side characters (especially Raquel) were equally enjoyable and no one felt out of place.
To be honest this book was set up to be a solid 5 out of 5 for me…however no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t really understand the conflict with Taryn’s daughter. And then the final decision by Taryn…just struck me as odd.
While I understand Kari being initially hurt and or embarrassed by finding out that Etienne was interested in her mother, and not her. The idea that she would actually let that fact stop her from speaking to her mom for a whole 22 years just seemed a little preposterous.
And lastly
That aside. I did REALLY REALLY enjoy this book up until about the 80% mark. After that I was a little like…wtf is happening…but I appreciated that I ultimately got a HEA in the end.
But overall, I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a steamy romance with a lot of unexpected twists.
May 20, 2018
Too good to be true
The problem with this story is that is just too perfect with everything: the storyline, the heroes, the setting and so on. And because it is so perfect its not real or relevant to real life. No matter what, the best stories are the one that feel familiar to the reader the one that the reader can relate to. I'm sorry I did not feel that connection. That selflessness of the heroine I could not decide is it because she is naive, stupid or too perfect character to be true. Why couldn't she have child with Etienne through surrogate mother, why should she sacrify her and Etienne's happiness by finding him another woman who could childbear for him, Vanessa turned out to be kind of surrogate mother at the end. It didn't make sense why all this drama, selflessness, sacrifices and drama again. Etienne on the other so so unrealistic, no way one would talk or behave like that WAY TOO PERFECT suspiciously perfect. And on the other falling in love so quickly with Vanessa, when his supposed love of life was Ryn? This was when things in this story became too far fetched and unbelievable.
Also, too long and monotonous sex scenes, as if the middle of the book was filled with them just to complete the word count. Too much is equally bad as too little. For me there was no balance in this story in every aspect of it.
Honestly towards the end the story and its characters became too sweet/surgery almost nauseous. That has spoilt things for me. Not to add 5 year old Amalie was talking like an adult, sorry but no, not convincing.
I think the author was too overzealous with the story development which I'm afraid had the opposite effect to the one she intended. For all those reasons only 3 stars, for the author's good intentions only.
The problem with this story is that is just too perfect with everything: the storyline, the heroes, the setting and so on. And because it is so perfect its not real or relevant to real life. No matter what, the best stories are the one that feel familiar to the reader the one that the reader can relate to. I'm sorry I did not feel that connection. That selflessness of the heroine I could not decide is it because she is naive, stupid or too perfect character to be true. Why couldn't she have child with Etienne through surrogate mother, why should she sacrify her and Etienne's happiness by finding him another woman who could childbear for him, Vanessa turned out to be kind of surrogate mother at the end. It didn't make sense why all this drama, selflessness, sacrifices and drama again. Etienne on the other so so unrealistic, no way one would talk or behave like that WAY TOO PERFECT suspiciously perfect. And on the other falling in love so quickly with Vanessa, when his supposed love of life was Ryn? This was when things in this story became too far fetched and unbelievable.
Also, too long and monotonous sex scenes, as if the middle of the book was filled with them just to complete the word count. Too much is equally bad as too little. For me there was no balance in this story in every aspect of it.
Honestly towards the end the story and its characters became too sweet/surgery almost nauseous. That has spoilt things for me. Not to add 5 year old Amalie was talking like an adult, sorry but no, not convincing.
I think the author was too overzealous with the story development which I'm afraid had the opposite effect to the one she intended. For all those reasons only 3 stars, for the author's good intentions only.
February 18, 2018
Certainly pulled on my heart strings, the sacrifice Taryn made for Etienne and the twist, that twist, who does that? Oh Taryn you are a better woman than me and you ain't even real, you made me cry, dang it, you just felt so real, like I knew you personally. I understand of course, what you done, who wouldn't, as a woman, a mother we are used to sacrificing, we do it best, doesn't mean it doesn't hurt, that we don't think about it late at night when the house is still and quiet.
There is a HEA, just a few other emotions to deal with before you get there but hey that's life, thankful life is only a few pages here.
There is a HEA, just a few other emotions to deal with before you get there but hey that's life, thankful life is only a few pages here.
Want to read
July 23, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (7/23/2018)!💝
Blurb:
A mysterious email with a link to her mother's memoir has found its way into Kari's inbox at a time when she needs her mother most. Unfortunately, Kari pushed her away over two decades ago. Now, finding herself in eerily similar shoes as her mother at 44, Kari is finally ready to hear her side... Mid-Life Crisis or Mid-Life Awakening? I am a 44-year-old divorced mother, starting a new life in the South of France. He's a 29-year-old, sexy French artist with the soul of a poet. And he's set his eyes on me, of all people. I can't deny my overwhelming attraction to him. Nor his touch that sets me on fire. But can I really risk it all to blossom under his skilled, paint-stained hands? Can he give up his dreams of raising a family to stay with me? Or can I selflessly give him up so that he can?
Blurb:
A mysterious email with a link to her mother's memoir has found its way into Kari's inbox at a time when she needs her mother most. Unfortunately, Kari pushed her away over two decades ago. Now, finding herself in eerily similar shoes as her mother at 44, Kari is finally ready to hear her side... Mid-Life Crisis or Mid-Life Awakening? I am a 44-year-old divorced mother, starting a new life in the South of France. He's a 29-year-old, sexy French artist with the soul of a poet. And he's set his eyes on me, of all people. I can't deny my overwhelming attraction to him. Nor his touch that sets me on fire. But can I really risk it all to blossom under his skilled, paint-stained hands? Can he give up his dreams of raising a family to stay with me? Or can I selflessly give him up so that he can?
March 26, 2018
WOW! That was an extraordinary story. A series of hand claps for Twyla Turner... clap, clap , clap.
April 4, 2018
This book was sooooo good!
If I could give it 10 stars I would. I cried like a big baby reading this book. My emotions ran the gambit. This did a banging job outlining, plotting and executing this book.
There is a saying "If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it's yours. If it doesn't come back, it was never meant to be." Wow.... Taryn was definitely the sacrificing angel!. A lot of people would not have the courage to do what she did. Etienne was the love of her life. He brought out a side of her that she did not know existed and her ex husband Daryl was too selfish to nurture. Her daughter was just like her father, too selfish and full of the green eyed monster to see what was really happening. It took way to long for Kari to realize she turned out just like her mother in the end. Like mother like daughter. Karma is a beotch.
I was so glad to read , through my tears, that there was an HEA for Taryn, Etienne, Amalie and Kari. I would have liked to have known what happened to Daryl and Emnma after twenty years. He was such a jerk. I'm sure he would have done the same thing to Emma he did to Taryn. Great job Twyla. This was an excellent book.
If I could give it 10 stars I would. I cried like a big baby reading this book. My emotions ran the gambit. This did a banging job outlining, plotting and executing this book.
There is a saying "If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it's yours. If it doesn't come back, it was never meant to be." Wow.... Taryn was definitely the sacrificing angel!. A lot of people would not have the courage to do what she did. Etienne was the love of her life. He brought out a side of her that she did not know existed and her ex husband Daryl was too selfish to nurture. Her daughter was just like her father, too selfish and full of the green eyed monster to see what was really happening. It took way to long for Kari to realize she turned out just like her mother in the end. Like mother like daughter. Karma is a beotch.
I was so glad to read , through my tears, that there was an HEA for Taryn, Etienne, Amalie and Kari. I would have liked to have known what happened to Daryl and Emnma after twenty years. He was such a jerk. I'm sure he would have done the same thing to Emma he did to Taryn. Great job Twyla. This was an excellent book.
February 17, 2018
Great read if....you like romance, foreign locations, sizzling scenes, angst, self discovery, and an HEA.
Side note: This book was recommended to me by one of my favorite book friends. She praised and raved, so I did it. I snatched it up and read it as soon as my schedule allowed. There were many things at first I was annoyed with until I realized, they were done with a purpose and not just poor execution. She took the time to make sure you felt every step of this woman's journey into becoming who she was growing into. It was awesome to see it done rather than glossed over. The narrative choice of delivery was interesting and added depth. The hero, DAYUM. No other word for him or his passion. While I understand in a way WHY the heroine does what she does, I don't necessarily agree. I almost feel like it created unnecessary conflict and separation, HOWEVER, the other part of me understands the room she needed to finish growing. That they BOTH NEEDED. This was one of those novels where it not only gave me the chance to have a beautiful debate with one of my friends, it left my mind contemplating deeper questions and decisions and beliefs. I think any book that can do that is powerful and definitely deserves to be read. Well done Twyla Turner!
Side note: This book was recommended to me by one of my favorite book friends. She praised and raved, so I did it. I snatched it up and read it as soon as my schedule allowed. There were many things at first I was annoyed with until I realized, they were done with a purpose and not just poor execution. She took the time to make sure you felt every step of this woman's journey into becoming who she was growing into. It was awesome to see it done rather than glossed over. The narrative choice of delivery was interesting and added depth. The hero, DAYUM. No other word for him or his passion. While I understand in a way WHY the heroine does what she does, I don't necessarily agree. I almost feel like it created unnecessary conflict and separation, HOWEVER, the other part of me understands the room she needed to finish growing. That they BOTH NEEDED. This was one of those novels where it not only gave me the chance to have a beautiful debate with one of my friends, it left my mind contemplating deeper questions and decisions and beliefs. I think any book that can do that is powerful and definitely deserves to be read. Well done Twyla Turner!
August 11, 2018
Well written, well crafted story. I would have given it a full complement of stars except for the butchering of the French.
I highly recommend this if you are tired of the inane billionaires, secret babies,shifter, vampire crap
I highly recommend this if you are tired of the inane billionaires, secret babies,shifter, vampire crap
February 16, 2018
This story took me through some changes emotionally- a roller coaster! Chile...I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room a few times. WHEW! 🔥🔥😘😘😕🔥🔥😘😘
June 26, 2020
Wow. This one kind of blew me away. I’ve never read anything like it. Well done Ms Twyla 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
August 16, 2022
My goodness, THIS BOOK?! Sigh. What a ride! The emotional roller coaster was everything. I literally went through so many emotions—happiness, annoyance, anguish, anger, sorrow, and it just goes on! It was SO good. I loved the dynamics of it all. Not one character was wasted and Taryn and Etienne’s story was just 😍🥵🤩😩 The chemistry and the way their tale was weaved. I’m sad it’s over, and almost forgot they aren’t real people. I love all the books I’ve read by Twyla Turner but she outdid herself with this one!😍 10,000/10 would recommend.
February 7, 2018
10 Star Read!!
Beautiful! Flawless storytelling! Hot, steamy, throw your back out sex!
Taryn was like a caterpillar in her cocoon back home in the states; she blossomed into the most beautiful, carefree butterfly when she met Etienne. What can I say about this handsome, sexy, French artist that these adjectives don't tell you already? He was just what Taryn needed.
Fast forward to family drama that ripped out my heart, pissed me off and top that off with the most selfless act EVER done by the most caring selfless woman ever. My emotions were put through the wringer and I'm sure I need to be on a therapist's couch to get over this one but it's a book that will ALWAYS live in my heart.
Thank you Twyla for writing a book about a heroine my age and in such a realistic way....and still giving us the HEA. BRAVO!!
Beautiful! Flawless storytelling! Hot, steamy, throw your back out sex!
Taryn was like a caterpillar in her cocoon back home in the states; she blossomed into the most beautiful, carefree butterfly when she met Etienne. What can I say about this handsome, sexy, French artist that these adjectives don't tell you already? He was just what Taryn needed.
Fast forward to family drama that ripped out my heart, pissed me off and top that off with the most selfless act EVER done by the most caring selfless woman ever. My emotions were put through the wringer and I'm sure I need to be on a therapist's couch to get over this one but it's a book that will ALWAYS live in my heart.
Thank you Twyla for writing a book about a heroine my age and in such a realistic way....and still giving us the HEA. BRAVO!!
February 10, 2018
Je t’aimerai toujours. Et toujours.
All I can say is, WOW! Twyla Turner has written one of the best love stories I’ve ever read! She has upgraded the May December M/F relationship in such a sensual and sexy way. I couldn’t put it down and I was sad when it ended! This one will kiss your soul! Oh to find my Etienne! (Have your Kleenex tissues close by!!)
Etienne Lemaire and Taryn “Ryn” Reid are the 21st century’s Romeo and Juliet, only instead of them ‘dying’, Ryn’s actions will bring you close to it. Theirs is a love that will make you believe! Sacrifice doesn’t seem like a strong enough word to describe the love Ryn had for Etienne! She’s a woman of remarkable courage and selflessness. She represents so many BW baby boomers with style and grace. She’s telling our story! Etienne is young but has an old soul. His not so happy childhood seems to have given him wisdom beyond his years. Along with being walking sex, he steals your heart but you don’t care because you know he’ll protect it.
Their friend Raquel is a force to be reckoned with once she sets her mind to something. Tiffani and Roz had me screaming they were so funny; especially when they were at the art class. Representing for the single black female!
All I can say is, WOW! Twyla Turner has written one of the best love stories I’ve ever read! She has upgraded the May December M/F relationship in such a sensual and sexy way. I couldn’t put it down and I was sad when it ended! This one will kiss your soul! Oh to find my Etienne! (Have your Kleenex tissues close by!!)
Etienne Lemaire and Taryn “Ryn” Reid are the 21st century’s Romeo and Juliet, only instead of them ‘dying’, Ryn’s actions will bring you close to it. Theirs is a love that will make you believe! Sacrifice doesn’t seem like a strong enough word to describe the love Ryn had for Etienne! She’s a woman of remarkable courage and selflessness. She represents so many BW baby boomers with style and grace. She’s telling our story! Etienne is young but has an old soul. His not so happy childhood seems to have given him wisdom beyond his years. Along with being walking sex, he steals your heart but you don’t care because you know he’ll protect it.
Their friend Raquel is a force to be reckoned with once she sets her mind to something. Tiffani and Roz had me screaming they were so funny; especially when they were at the art class. Representing for the single black female!
March 13, 2018
WOW!!!
WOW!!! I read this book in one day. At the beginning the dedication reads, "To those who are starting over..." . That sums up the book perfectly. The story is about a character named Taryn who is starting over after a divorce and sending her daughter off to college. Her personal journey begins when she moves to Nice,France. While in Nice, Taryn experiences new love, a misunderstanding (her daughter), friendship and crippling heartache. I don't want to spoil anything by giving away too many details. I just urge anyone who finds themselves alone later in life with a empty nest to PLEASE read this book. And be prepared a shed a tear or two towards the end. This story, although fiction, really does make you believe in and want your own HEA. Enjoy💕
WOW!!! I read this book in one day. At the beginning the dedication reads, "To those who are starting over..." . That sums up the book perfectly. The story is about a character named Taryn who is starting over after a divorce and sending her daughter off to college. Her personal journey begins when she moves to Nice,France. While in Nice, Taryn experiences new love, a misunderstanding (her daughter), friendship and crippling heartache. I don't want to spoil anything by giving away too many details. I just urge anyone who finds themselves alone later in life with a empty nest to PLEASE read this book. And be prepared a shed a tear or two towards the end. This story, although fiction, really does make you believe in and want your own HEA. Enjoy💕
February 3, 2018
Just wow.
Have you ever had a story just leave you at a loss for words? This story pulled at my heartstrings. It was angsty, bittersweet, and beautiful. It was what real love is like personified. I needed to read this book. I needed the reminder that love is messy and a tangled web but worth it.
Have you ever had a story just leave you at a loss for words? This story pulled at my heartstrings. It was angsty, bittersweet, and beautiful. It was what real love is like personified. I needed to read this book. I needed the reminder that love is messy and a tangled web but worth it.
February 21, 2018
I absolutely loved this read!
Wow Twyla you did it... you have given us a story with heart and soul, my feelings were all over the place. Taryn & Etienne will be with me for awhile and I wouldn't have it any other way. I got into the flow of the story, the characters and it was just what I needed at the time. I'm gonna miss them!
Wow Twyla you did it... you have given us a story with heart and soul, my feelings were all over the place. Taryn & Etienne will be with me for awhile and I wouldn't have it any other way. I got into the flow of the story, the characters and it was just what I needed at the time. I'm gonna miss them!
May 1, 2018
Wow!!!!! I freakin loved it.
March 25, 2018
Wow!!!!!
I have no idea where to start with my review. I've read this author's work before but this story did a tap dance on my emotions. With every page that I read, I was there in France observing the lives of these characters.
Taryn, devoted her life to her husband and daughter, after her marriage fell apart and her daughter graduated college; she decided that she would devote the rest of her life to being happy. Happiness for her was moving to France and starting a business.
This is where she met a sexy French painter named Etienne. Their chemistry was explosive from the first time they met and it was a joy watching their love develop. Their ups and downs was what had my emotions all over the place, but thankfully they got their HEA.
I would highly recommended this book, this author is awesome.
I have no idea where to start with my review. I've read this author's work before but this story did a tap dance on my emotions. With every page that I read, I was there in France observing the lives of these characters.
Taryn, devoted her life to her husband and daughter, after her marriage fell apart and her daughter graduated college; she decided that she would devote the rest of her life to being happy. Happiness for her was moving to France and starting a business.
This is where she met a sexy French painter named Etienne. Their chemistry was explosive from the first time they met and it was a joy watching their love develop. Their ups and downs was what had my emotions all over the place, but thankfully they got their HEA.
I would highly recommended this book, this author is awesome.
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