What do you think?
Decades: A Journey of African American Romance #4
The Art of Love
Ava Lydell is chasing her dream. A gifted artist, she’s fled the violence of the Deep South for the seduction of sunny California. As luck would have it, the economic crisis of The Great Depression interferes with her hopes and plans. Without patronage and reliable sales, her fledgling art studio fails. Now, she faces poverty, eviction…and the distraction of a mysterious, young stranger engaged in a questionable trade that delivers danger to Ava’s front door.
In an age of Prohibition and poverty, Chase Jenkins has more than most Colored men. He’s savvy, successful, and hazardously employed. A bootlegger living on the wrong side of the law, he’s determined to discover who murdered his baby brother. He has no time for diversions. Especially one packaged in the form of a “midnight” beauty with sultry lips and curvaceous hips. Unable to deny her allure, he involves himself in her affairs despite better judgment. What begins as a crisis quickly becomes a risky romance. Join Chase and Ava on their journey to outlive danger and indulge in the art of love.
In an age of Prohibition and poverty, Chase Jenkins has more than most Colored men. He’s savvy, successful, and hazardously employed. A bootlegger living on the wrong side of the law, he’s determined to discover who murdered his baby brother. He has no time for diversions. Especially one packaged in the form of a “midnight” beauty with sultry lips and curvaceous hips. Unable to deny her allure, he involves himself in her affairs despite better judgment. What begins as a crisis quickly becomes a risky romance. Join Chase and Ava on their journey to outlive danger and indulge in the art of love.
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2018
About the author
Suzette D. Harrison
15 books309 followersSuzette D. Harrison, is an award-winning author of 10 books celebrating African American life and culture. A native Californian and the middle of three daughters, Suzette grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Thanks to a culinary degree in Pastry & Baking, when not busy on her next novel, you might find Suzette whipping up a batch of cupcakes.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39KEBnW
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ffxB4J
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2WwmiwG
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3b3dYK4
Website: http://bit.ly/sdhbooks
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39KEBnW
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ffxB4J
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2WwmiwG
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3b3dYK4
Website: http://bit.ly/sdhbooks
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 19, 2018
I enjoyed every minute of Chase and Ava’s story in The Art of Love. A talented artist and fiercely-independent woman, Ava is also long on pride and short on cash.
Her initial meeting with Chase is filled with drama, which follows them on their journey to finding love with each other. Her stubbornness works against her, but Ava is bent on doing her own thing.
Suzette D. Harrison tells a tale that is steeped in history, rich in atmosphere, and satisfactory to the last page. This lyrical and riveting tale of life in the 1930s is one of the best I’ve read so far this year.
Her initial meeting with Chase is filled with drama, which follows them on their journey to finding love with each other. Her stubbornness works against her, but Ava is bent on doing her own thing.
Suzette D. Harrison tells a tale that is steeped in history, rich in atmosphere, and satisfactory to the last page. This lyrical and riveting tale of life in the 1930s is one of the best I’ve read so far this year.
April 17, 2018
This is the 1st book I read by Suzette D. Harrison. I really liked this book's story line. I really how Ms. Harrison puts the reader in that era. I really liked Ava's character. I really liked Ava strength in this story. I really liked Chase's character. I felt sorry for Chase. I really liked the ending.
July 5, 2020
Not a fan of any of the characters in this book. Just didn’t work for me as a love story at all.
September 15, 2020
Sometimes you just need a quick read that makes you feel good. Thanks for writing just such a book. Still waiting on my Taffy sequel though, lol.
March 9, 2020
This novella was so enjoyable I loved the chemistry between the main characters. And I loved getting to know more about the lives of African Americans in the 1930s I haven’t read many romances that take place during this time period.
July 19, 2018
The Art of Love
The Art of Love is the Fourth book in the Decades: A Journey in African-American history series. Suzette Harrison has a way with words. Her descriptions make you feel like you are right in the middle of her books like a fly on the wall and you won’t want to leave. She takes the reader back to this time period. Her skills as a Poet allow her to weave this story together with memorable passages. The hero, Chase Jenkins, is a Man that any Woman would fall in Love with. He is successful, despite his shady profession. He takes care of his family. He takes care of the Woman he loves. Ava Lydell is a gifted artist who is trying to follow her dreams. She has to deal with the impacts of the depression, racism and colorism, all serious issues for an African-American woman living in this time period. It’s tough for her to get ahead. Ava is feisty and determined to not be bothered by Chase. She is a proud woman which could sometimes be to her detriment. Chase is determined and he knows how to get his point across.
A set of circumstances causes Chase to come to Ava’s aid. Once they come together, not much can keep them apart. This story is filled with unpredictable plot twists. I was pleasantly surprised to see a mention of a character from a prior “Decades” story. There are wonderful descriptions of famous artists from the time period. The story also includes the description of tough times for African-Americans. I really appreciate how the Author incorporates historical events into the story.
These two are filled with passion. The physical scenes are sensual but not graphic. There are a lot of memorable moments between these two. I really like how the cover reflects important aspects of the story. I truly enjoyed and recommend this book.
The Art of Love is the Fourth book in the Decades: A Journey in African-American history series. Suzette Harrison has a way with words. Her descriptions make you feel like you are right in the middle of her books like a fly on the wall and you won’t want to leave. She takes the reader back to this time period. Her skills as a Poet allow her to weave this story together with memorable passages. The hero, Chase Jenkins, is a Man that any Woman would fall in Love with. He is successful, despite his shady profession. He takes care of his family. He takes care of the Woman he loves. Ava Lydell is a gifted artist who is trying to follow her dreams. She has to deal with the impacts of the depression, racism and colorism, all serious issues for an African-American woman living in this time period. It’s tough for her to get ahead. Ava is feisty and determined to not be bothered by Chase. She is a proud woman which could sometimes be to her detriment. Chase is determined and he knows how to get his point across.
A set of circumstances causes Chase to come to Ava’s aid. Once they come together, not much can keep them apart. This story is filled with unpredictable plot twists. I was pleasantly surprised to see a mention of a character from a prior “Decades” story. There are wonderful descriptions of famous artists from the time period. The story also includes the description of tough times for African-Americans. I really appreciate how the Author incorporates historical events into the story.
These two are filled with passion. The physical scenes are sensual but not graphic. There are a lot of memorable moments between these two. I really like how the cover reflects important aspects of the story. I truly enjoyed and recommend this book.
May 30, 2018
Ms. Harrison knows how to throw a reader back in time and keep them there in a fantastic story. From the descriptions of the scenes, clothing, and even the vehicles, I was flung into the past as I read Chase and Ava’s romance.
Ava is a confident woman filled with fire, sass, courage and talent. She knew exactly who she was and what she wanted even though she didn’t know how to get there with her art. The book initially meets her in an argument and that’s how we get to know her throughout the story, not afraid to stand up for what’s hers. She had a true grit and strength, straight as an arrow with her personal morals without being overly judgmental when it came to other people’s lives. I really enjoyed this about her because it showed her tolerance for the way other people lived their lives and how she could still remain strong in her beliefs.
Chase – oh my goodness! The man was fine, smart, funny and just plain delicious. He’d taken risks in life and regretted that he’d lost his baby brother in the process, but not how he’d lived. Chase was a multi-dimensional character who swept me up with his charm. The kind of man I wanted Ava to end up with (but honestly wanted to keep for myself – a right and proper book boyfriend). He really knew how to handle himself. He made me sigh with his romantic gestures. Such a tough sweetie.
The twists, turns and revelations in the story made it a real page turner. A wonderful story that I hope continues with a couple of secondary characters that I wanted to see happily in love.
Ava is a confident woman filled with fire, sass, courage and talent. She knew exactly who she was and what she wanted even though she didn’t know how to get there with her art. The book initially meets her in an argument and that’s how we get to know her throughout the story, not afraid to stand up for what’s hers. She had a true grit and strength, straight as an arrow with her personal morals without being overly judgmental when it came to other people’s lives. I really enjoyed this about her because it showed her tolerance for the way other people lived their lives and how she could still remain strong in her beliefs.
Chase – oh my goodness! The man was fine, smart, funny and just plain delicious. He’d taken risks in life and regretted that he’d lost his baby brother in the process, but not how he’d lived. Chase was a multi-dimensional character who swept me up with his charm. The kind of man I wanted Ava to end up with (but honestly wanted to keep for myself – a right and proper book boyfriend). He really knew how to handle himself. He made me sigh with his romantic gestures. Such a tough sweetie.
The twists, turns and revelations in the story made it a real page turner. A wonderful story that I hope continues with a couple of secondary characters that I wanted to see happily in love.
April 11, 2018
Beautiful Read
The fourth selection in the Decades: A Journey of African American Romance series, this is another book with flawed characters who both want what is good and right, but different ways of getting to it. Mrs. Harrison delivers Ava and Chase's tale with lyrical prose that keeps you from putting it down. You root for this couple wanting the best for them. When others, and sometimes even they, get in the way, you read on woth baited breath, hoping and praying that they will find their way back to each other and back to what is right and good. There are good secondary characters that you want to know more about. I am always blessed by a Suzette Harrison novel, and can hardly wait for the next one. Meanwhile, I'll wait for the next installment in the Decades series, each month bringing us a rich tale by a different author. #CillasBookManiacs #CillasBookExtravaganza #BRAB #Romance #BlackLove #TrueLove #AfricanAmericanRomance
The fourth selection in the Decades: A Journey of African American Romance series, this is another book with flawed characters who both want what is good and right, but different ways of getting to it. Mrs. Harrison delivers Ava and Chase's tale with lyrical prose that keeps you from putting it down. You root for this couple wanting the best for them. When others, and sometimes even they, get in the way, you read on woth baited breath, hoping and praying that they will find their way back to each other and back to what is right and good. There are good secondary characters that you want to know more about. I am always blessed by a Suzette Harrison novel, and can hardly wait for the next one. Meanwhile, I'll wait for the next installment in the Decades series, each month bringing us a rich tale by a different author. #CillasBookManiacs #CillasBookExtravaganza #BRAB #Romance #BlackLove #TrueLove #AfricanAmericanRomance
April 16, 2018
Decades Book 4.....prohibition
Each book in the Decades series has been a reading adventure. Absolutely loved Ava and Chase. This story grabs the reader and takes you on an exciting ride. Rooting for "Rum Money" to triumph over the obstacles he faces. Reader finds he is so much more than a bootlegger. Available has her own set of obstacles. Two strong characters with so much love, yet there is the possibility they can't reach a compromise. Great story that even draws on book 3. Recommend reading this. Lots of exciting moments.
💝💝💝
Each book in the Decades series has been a reading adventure. Absolutely loved Ava and Chase. This story grabs the reader and takes you on an exciting ride. Rooting for "Rum Money" to triumph over the obstacles he faces. Reader finds he is so much more than a bootlegger. Available has her own set of obstacles. Two strong characters with so much love, yet there is the possibility they can't reach a compromise. Great story that even draws on book 3. Recommend reading this. Lots of exciting moments.
💝💝💝
September 18, 2020
The Art of 💘 (Decaded: A Journey of African American Romance Book 4)
Ava Lynn Lyette was an independent character who relied on her own artistic skills to suvive during the Depression era of the 1930's. Into her life comes Chase Edward Jenkins. An indepent businessman, rum-runner and property owning handsome guy. Will the two combust or combine their relations? You must read this 📖 to find out.
I really enjoyed this one by author Suzette D. Harrison. I am on to the next novel in the series.
9/18/2020.
Ava Lynn Lyette was an independent character who relied on her own artistic skills to suvive during the Depression era of the 1930's. Into her life comes Chase Edward Jenkins. An indepent businessman, rum-runner and property owning handsome guy. Will the two combust or combine their relations? You must read this 📖 to find out.
I really enjoyed this one by author Suzette D. Harrison. I am on to the next novel in the series.
9/18/2020.
February 4, 2019
1930’s America, this is Chase and Ava’s story.
What a surprise this short book was (only 142 pages). Such great writing that drew me in. The characters ‘lived’ in my mind. I could see them, feel them and empathise with them. I loved it.
As a UK reader and not knowing a lot of African American history in 1930’s I wasn’t sure if this book would be for me.
I am so glad that I downloaded it and read it.
What a surprise this short book was (only 142 pages). Such great writing that drew me in. The characters ‘lived’ in my mind. I could see them, feel them and empathise with them. I loved it.
As a UK reader and not knowing a lot of African American history in 1930’s I wasn’t sure if this book would be for me.
I am so glad that I downloaded it and read it.
June 5, 2020
This woman can do NO wrong!
The way the author expresses feeling and atmosphere in all of her books made me want to pick up this one! Ava's strong will is so vivid and lifelike. The time period is spot on and the man of the hour/story, Mr. Chase Jenkins are forces to be wrecked with. A great story of morals, immortality and love at all stages of life from two upstanding (depending on who's asking) African American characters is a fun ride.
The way the author expresses feeling and atmosphere in all of her books made me want to pick up this one! Ava's strong will is so vivid and lifelike. The time period is spot on and the man of the hour/story, Mr. Chase Jenkins are forces to be wrecked with. A great story of morals, immortality and love at all stages of life from two upstanding (depending on who's asking) African American characters is a fun ride.
February 13, 2021
Firmly moral artist meets charming rum-runner in 1930s San Francisco. This book is a delight - over the top in the best dramatic action-filled, drama-filled romance novel way, with fantastic secondary characterizations and really well-drawn settings and historical background. The emphasis is not only on the romance but on Ava's growth and strength as an independent artist. Such a fun book, I can't recommend it enough.
March 26, 2022
The Art of Love…Definitely Five Stars Plus!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My, oh My!! What a story to be told!! I absolutely loved this book and I loved the relationship between Ava and Chase!! Everything was so vivid and detailed! I felt like I was right there taking it all in!
Mrs. Harrison is an Amazing and Blessed Author! This is one you don’t want to sleep on! Excellent, Excellent Reading!! As Always, Kudos, Suzette!! 💜💜
My, oh My!! What a story to be told!! I absolutely loved this book and I loved the relationship between Ava and Chase!! Everything was so vivid and detailed! I felt like I was right there taking it all in!
Mrs. Harrison is an Amazing and Blessed Author! This is one you don’t want to sleep on! Excellent, Excellent Reading!! As Always, Kudos, Suzette!! 💜💜
May 17, 2018
Great Read
An excellent tale of life during the prohibition era. A man who loved a woman, a woman who loved a man, but could walk away to live in peace. I really loved reading without stumbling over grammatical errors and misplaced words. Looking for the next Suzette Harrison book.
An excellent tale of life during the prohibition era. A man who loved a woman, a woman who loved a man, but could walk away to live in peace. I really loved reading without stumbling over grammatical errors and misplaced words. Looking for the next Suzette Harrison book.
August 7, 2018
Beautiful Story
Suzette Harrison sure can string word into something beautifully enchanting. She has worked her magic once again, taking us back into to the time of prohibition. She not tells the story her imagery is such that you feel as if your right there with the characters.. This by far one of the best books I've read this year.
Suzette Harrison sure can string word into something beautifully enchanting. She has worked her magic once again, taking us back into to the time of prohibition. She not tells the story her imagery is such that you feel as if your right there with the characters.. This by far one of the best books I've read this year.
May 3, 2018
I am impressed with the Decades books so far. In Art of Love, Ava is a gifted artist chasing her dream during The Great Depression. Chase is a successful businessman and a bootlegger on the side. Danger us around them which makes their affair a risk - one Ava isn't sure she wants to take.
April 7, 2018
For the Love of Art
Another great story! She has a way of educating you and giving you some great characters and loving! Enlightening time in history!
Another great story! She has a way of educating you and giving you some great characters and loving! Enlightening time in history!
May 3, 2018
Excellent read
A sexy and entertaining book. I loved Ava and Chase. The Depression era setting was full of life and detail.
A sexy and entertaining book. I loved Ava and Chase. The Depression era setting was full of life and detail.
May 15, 2018
Such a BEAUTIFUL romance story and I HATE romance books lolllll
Read my full review here: shorturl.at/ijoz3
Read my full review here: shorturl.at/ijoz3
May 19, 2018
Great book
This is one of the best love stories I’ve read. It’s a great book club read. I’m so glad it was our book selection for the month.
This is one of the best love stories I’ve read. It’s a great book club read. I’m so glad it was our book selection for the month.
May 16, 2023
The Art of Love
This was a love story about Ava Lyell and Chase Jenkins. Th accidentally met when she needed someone to move her art st
This was a love story about Ava Lyell and Chase Jenkins. Th accidentally met when she needed someone to move her art st
February 1, 2022
Another Work of Excellence by Suzette D. Harrison
The author's lyrical prose, vividly-drawn characters, and well-drawn plot make The Art of Love another enjoyable read by Suzette D. Harrison.
The author's lyrical prose, vividly-drawn characters, and well-drawn plot make The Art of Love another enjoyable read by Suzette D. Harrison.
Read
April 1, 2018Their eyes met and held the moment Ava was gruffly pulled from her hiding place. The descent of night did nothing to hide Chase's rage as he stood in the clutches of two men, physically constrained.
"Rum Money, whatcha hiding here?" Scratchy Voice asked, walking to where she stood, a stooge clutching her arm, a gun against her neck. "You running a new line of business?" The man, whose voice sounded like he snacked on gravel and glass, walked around her making an open assessment. "Rum Money, you taking to running women versus whiskey?"
She jerked away when the white man's clammy hand gripped her face. She stiffened as he laughed and turned to look at Chase. "She's good looking enough...if you don't mind sinking your teeth in dark meat."
Her mouth flew open with a ready retort. A quick glance at Chase stalled her midway.
It was nearly imperceptible, the cautionary shake of Chase's head. Ava saw. She understood. She said nothing, clenching her teeth and locking hot words beneath her tongue. She focused on Chase.
She followed the downward flicker of his gaze.
In the encroaching night, she saw nothing. Save a slight protrusion that was ankle height.
"Check her! See if she's holding my funds."
The barked order was immediately obeyed.
Her hijacker laid hands on her, searching out the unseen. She protested as he moved from toe to top, obviously enjoying the deed. When his paws settled on her breasts, she turned without thought. Ava let loose her best when punching him.
Male laughter ripped and rolled as the man staggered back.
Recovering his footing, he came for her.
"Touch her and a bitch is burying her boy."
Stillness was instantaneous. No one moved.
Eyeing the circumstances, Ava knew she and Chase had stumbled into a lions' den. There were five men to their two. Even so, with the deep of his voice rumbling through her, she knew his threat was anything but idle. The scratchy-voiced one obviously knew it, too.
"Rum Money, whatcha hiding here?" Scratchy Voice asked, walking to where she stood, a stooge clutching her arm, a gun against her neck. "You running a new line of business?" The man, whose voice sounded like he snacked on gravel and glass, walked around her making an open assessment. "Rum Money, you taking to running women versus whiskey?"
She jerked away when the white man's clammy hand gripped her face. She stiffened as he laughed and turned to look at Chase. "She's good looking enough...if you don't mind sinking your teeth in dark meat."
Her mouth flew open with a ready retort. A quick glance at Chase stalled her midway.
It was nearly imperceptible, the cautionary shake of Chase's head. Ava saw. She understood. She said nothing, clenching her teeth and locking hot words beneath her tongue. She focused on Chase.
She followed the downward flicker of his gaze.
In the encroaching night, she saw nothing. Save a slight protrusion that was ankle height.
"Check her! See if she's holding my funds."
The barked order was immediately obeyed.
Her hijacker laid hands on her, searching out the unseen. She protested as he moved from toe to top, obviously enjoying the deed. When his paws settled on her breasts, she turned without thought. Ava let loose her best when punching him.
Male laughter ripped and rolled as the man staggered back.
Recovering his footing, he came for her.
"Touch her and a bitch is burying her boy."
Stillness was instantaneous. No one moved.
Eyeing the circumstances, Ava knew she and Chase had stumbled into a lions' den. There were five men to their two. Even so, with the deep of his voice rumbling through her, she knew his threat was anything but idle. The scratchy-voiced one obviously knew it, too.
May 21, 2018
Courage
This is an amazing series to date. Thank you Suzette for showing us as African American women, we have been say NO and defending ourselves for a long time..
This is an amazing series to date. Thank you Suzette for showing us as African American women, we have been say NO and defending ourselves for a long time..
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews