A successful radio deejay embarks on a thrilling, long distance love affair with a charismatic entrepreneur, a relationship that plays havoc with her carefully controlled life—and heart.
On a hot summer's day in 1986, Southern California radio deejay Desiree Germain is hosting a contest on the air when she's entranced by the deeply masculine voice of caller number twelve.
Voices never matched faces. Desiree knows that better than anyone. As KICK's hottest radio host, she has a sultry voice that leads people to expect a tall, voluptuous bombshell. Petite in every sense of the word, she hardly lives up to that image.
To Desiree's surprise, caller number twelve turns out to be Kyle Harrison, a handsome, wealthy businessman from Seattle. Kyle has come to claim his prize—and her heart.
They are soon involved in a whirlwind love affair that makes Desiree's heart sing. Is it worth the risk? All the rules say that long-distance romance and radio don't mix. But a man who is answering a siren's call doesn't care about rules.
This novel can be read as a standalone … or enjoy the series!
Newly revised edition, previously published as Songbird.
Syrie James writes about bold, smart women who defy the odds and overcome daunting obstacles to achieve a cherished creative dream, find truth and justice, or help people in need, often finding love along the way. She is the international, USA TODAY, and Amazon bestselling author of many novels of historical fiction, mystery, romance, and YA which have been published in 21 languages.
Syrie's Historical Murder Mystery series, The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire, is set in Victorian England and features sister sleuths who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. The series includes the Amazon bestseller "The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall," "The Secrets of Thorndale Manor" and the upcoming "Danger at Darkmoor Park."
Los Angeles Magazine dubbed Syrie the “queen of nineteenth century re-imaginings.” Her novel “The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen” sold at auction to HarperCollins and became an international bestseller, and was named Best New Fiction by Regency World Magazine. Her passion for love stories and the paranormal led to her critically acclaimed “Dracula, My Love,” “Nocturne,” and the YA series “Forbidden.” Her enduring love of all things English and 19th century led to her Amazon bestselling Dare to Defy Historical Romance series.
Syrie’s books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, hit many Best of the Year lists, been designated as Library Journal Editor’s Picks of the Year, and won numerous awards including the national Audiobook Audie Award for Romance and the Women’s National Book Association Great Group Read (“The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte”), and Barnes and Noble’s Romantic Read of the Week and Bookbub’s Best Snowbound Romance (“Nocturne”).
Syrie is also a WGA member with numerous scripts sold to film and television, and a published playwright, actress, and stage director.
A Whirlwind Romance, A Long Distance Relationship, and the 1980s
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Contemporary Romance
SETTING: Anaheim, CA 1986
NOTE: This book was previously published under the title Songbird in 2013 and 1986
WHY I READ THIS BOOK: It isn’t Austenesque/JAFF, but Syrie James is the author of several brilliant Austenesque books and I love reading everything she writes. And just in case there are other readers who love both Austenesque and Syrie James, I thought I’d share my review here.
THE PREMISE: With the dependence on ratings, brutal night shifts, gender inequality and prejudices, and the need to frequently uproot and relocate – being a female radio deejay in the 80s is not easy. But Desiree loves her job, and after finally landing a dream job following seven years of midnight to dawn shifts she isn’t sure if she is willing to take a chance on a romance that might disrupt her career path. Long distance relationships and marriage didn’t work out so well for her before, is she willing to take a risk and try again…
MY THOUGHTS: Syrie James? ☑️ A contemporary romance set in the 1980s? ☑️ An independent and smart protagonist who admirably built a satisfying career and life for herself? ☑️ So many boxes checked! And this story’s setting in sunny Southern California makes this the perfect book to enjoy on the beach during summer. (which is exactly what I saved it for!)
The characters are what I loved most about this book. With both Desiree and Kyle I felt some Elizabeth and Darcy vibes. Desiree thinks for herself, speaks her mind, and has a talent for conversation (especially on air). Kyle is wealthy, powerful, and used to getting what he wants (boy, can he be persuasive!). And to top it all off, they both make a slightly unfavorable first impression on each other where Desiree makes e a faux pas that Kyle points it out to her on air!
I loved how Syrie James developed these characters and their relationship together. I was charmed by the details we learned about Desiree and Kyle – how Desiree had a special relationship with her great-grandmother and owns/wears a lot of her treasures, and how Kyle comes from a big family and couldn’t pursue his dream of becoming a commercial pilot or joining the Air Force because he is colorblind. So many scenes and moments shared between Desiree and Kyle were tender, heart-stopping, and memorable. I especially loved their date to Catalina Island and all the exquisitely passionate scenes this couple shared. (NOTE: some scenes are for Mature Audiences).
In addition, I also enjoyed the conflicts and obstacles this pair faced together. Desiree carries some baggage from a previous relationship, and isn’t quick to trust an out-of-town businessman who is putting the moves on her. Will their relationship last or will one of them get hurt? Can she have both a love life and a career? How can a couple who lives and works over a thousand miles apart create a future together? I appreciated the authenticity and timelessness of these obstacles and witnessing how Desiree and Kyle worked through them together. The ending was *chef’s kiss.* 🤌🏼😘
Floating on Air is a splendidly engaging and compelling whirlwind romance! If you are in the mood to see a deliciously ardent hero and an endearing and hardworking heroine fall irrepressibly in love with the backdrop of 1980s nostalgia, I invite you to treat yourself to this heart-melting and profound story about risking your heart and finding love!
After popular southern California deejay, Desiree Germain, makes a joke predicting a stock downturn of a soda company, she takes a call from a listener, Kyle Harrison -- who happens to be the new owner of said soda company. To her surprise, Seattle businessman Harrison later walks into her studio and he is not at all as she expected. “Where was the sixtyish business executive she’d envisioned, the man who was built like Santa Claus?” No, this man was overwhelmingly gorgeous. And he came to ask her to dinner! Who could resist such a rich, handsome, sexy and funny man willing to wine, dine and even pilot her away on amazing private airplane adventures?
Warning: smolder alert. "His mouth came down on hers in a single expedient motion, the force of his lips matching the depth of passion in her voice. A moment later, they took a simultaneous, ragged breath, their eyes locked, glimmering with delight in the newness of what they had just found." Who knew the author of "The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen" could write such provocative, sultry romance?!
Despite her struggle to stay in control of her emotions and precarious radio career, a sizzling affair heats up, threatening to throw her carefully composed life into a tailspin. "She felt tears start in the corner of her eyes and a rush of affection welled in her throat. Twice she'd told him to stop, forced him to leave when his desire for her was all too evident. Still, he was willing to call it off now if she was uncertain." Kyle is a powerful man who knows what he wants and is not opposed to making decisive plans without discussion or her input. The question is: does he have the patience for a long-distance relationship? "...I don't want to be torn, day after day, between you and my work. I want to be together, live in the same house, share the same bed. I want to spend mornings and evenings with you, make love to you every night, and wake up beside you every morning. I want to make a home together, raise children together. I want a full-time partner... for life." And can strong-minded Desiree give up her hard-won career that seems to have just taken flight, all in the name of love?
This novel is set in the mid-eighties and seems almost a time capsule of those times: music, technology, pop culture. Author Syrie James notes, "No matter how much the world changes around us, however, the fundamental things in our lives do not change. We all still experience the joys of a new relationship. We all still feel a deep ache in our hearts when we’re separated from the ones we love. And we all risk our hearts on the road to happiness. These things are timeless. Loving another person ... it’s the grandest journey we can take ... and it’s what life’s all about, isn’t it?"
"Floating on Air" hits all the right notes with this lyrical, poignant love story. Syrie James' realistic characterization of two strong personalities and colorful description of the mid-1980s harmonized beautifully—and kept me turning pages well into the wee hours of the morning. ("Floating on Air" is the newly revised edition of bestselling author Syrie James' first published novel, originally titled “Songbird.”)
“Songbird” is the newly edited edition of best selling author Syrie James’ first published novel. Written in 1985, the love story seems almost a time capsule of those times: music, technology, pop culture. As in the author’s foreword, “No matter how much the world changes around us, however, the fundamental things in our lives do not change. We work hard. We have dreams. We fall in love. We experience the joys of a new relationship, and risk our hearts on the road to happiness.”
After popular southern California deejay, Desiree Germain, makes a thoughtless joke predicting a stock downturn of a soda company, she takes a call from a disgruntled listener, Kyle Harrison-- who happens to be the new owner of said soda company. To her surprise, Seattle businessman, Harrison later walks into her studio and he is not at all as she expected. “Where was the fat, balding business executive she envisioned, the man who smoked cigars and wore half a dozen diamond rings?” No, this man was overwhelmingly gorgeous. And he came to ask her to dinner! Who could resist such a rich, handsome, sexy and funny man willing to wine, dine and even pilot her away on amazing private airplane adventures? Warning: smolder alert. “His mouth came down on hers in a single expedient motion, the force of his lips matching the depth of passion in her voice. A moment later, they took a simultaneous, ragged breath, their eyes locked, glimmering with delight in the newness of what they had just found.” Who knew the author of “The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen” could write such provocative, sultry romance?!
Despite her struggle to stay in control of her emotions and precarious radio career, a sizzling affair heats up, threatening to throw her carefully composed life into a tailspin. “She felt tears start in the corner of her eyes and a rush of affection welled in her throat. Twice she’d told him to stop, forced him to leave when his desire for her was all too evident. Still, he was willing to call it off now if she was uncertain.” Kyle is a powerful man who knows what he wants and is not opposed to making decisive plans without discussion or her input. The question is: how long will he excuse her hot, then cold responses? Does he have the patience for a long distance relationship? “…I don’t want to be torn, day after day, between you and my work. I want to be together, live in the same house, share the same bed. I want to spend mornings and evenings with you, make love to you every night, and wake up beside you every morning. I want to make a home together, raise children together. I want a full-time partner… for life.” And can strong-minded Desiree give up her hard won career that seems to have just taken flight, all in the name of love?
“Songbird” hits all the right notes with this lyrical, poignant love story. Syrie James’ realistic characterization of two strong personalities and colorful description of the mid-1980s harmonized beautifully – and kept me turning pages well into the wee hours of the morning.
A huge thank you to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review!
4⭐️ 3🌶
What I LOVED: Overall, I enjoyed how much of a light, fun and quick read this was! The writing was engaging and it was so easy to fall in love with the characters!
From the moment Desiree answered that call and talked to Kyle live on air, I was invested! Their instant attraction led to the most swoony interactions and adorable dates despite the struggle with the long distance. But with Deseree’s past experiences keeping her from fully living in the moment, Kyle’s perserverance and patience helped her realize what she deserves: a love story for the ages.
What I LIKED: Deseree’s work as a deejay was so interesting! Though it’s quite saddening how it contributed to her insecurity with how different she thinks the sound of her voice is (which is sultry and deep) to her physical appearance.
Kyle was ultimate boyfriend goals! Between being the sweetest, most caring partner to being a wealthy businesman with a passion for flying, I enjoyed every moment with him. I also appreciated the color blindness he had that wasn’t quite common in romance heroes.
What I DIDN’T ENJOY: Maybe it just seemed to perfect to be true in the first parts so there was a looming dread that something bad might happen that would contribute to the major conflict and I was right for the most part but I’m glad it was resolved quickly!
THIS BOOK IS PERFECT IF YOU LOVE: • 1980s setting • insta attraction • hot rich heroes • se/x on the beach • long distance relationships
Set in the 1980s, a decade I have fond memories of, Floating on Air is told from Desiree Germain’s point of view. She’s a female DJ in what was very much still a man’s world and over the moon to have worked her way up to the afternoon slot on her local radio station.
Although it’s a small station, a little bit tired and with out-dated equipment, Desiree lives for her job, which she loves. She’s also become accustomed to being alone and is convinced she is happy with her life.
Enter Kyle Harrison, in one of the best ‘cute-meets’ I’ve read in a long time!
To say much more here would be to spoil the story for others, so I’ll just add that it was a very enjoyable read, a story well told that had you turning the pages until the satisfying conclusion.
Ms James explores the characters’ conflicts deftly, from keeping control over life versus being spontaneous, to the trials of long-distance relationships, something that has left Desiree scarred. It’s a compelling story, and you find yourself willing her to overcome her fears and reservations.
Perfectly encapsulating a period long before the mobile phone and the Internet, Floating on Air is an entertaining story of love at first sight and how discovering what you really want in life is worth fighting for.
Love at first sight can be a heady trope in romance and author Syrie James puts a bit of a spin on it with falling for a voice over a radio broadcast call in. Touching, but light and easy in this first in series standalone romance.
It’s the 1980’s in sunny Southern California and petite new daytime radio DJ, Desiree Germain, gets shocked out of her purposeful complacency when a call in winner determines that he wants to use his restaurant prize with her. Desiree’s knee-jerk response is to tell charming wealthy businessman, Kyle Harrison ‘no thanks’, but it has been years since her divorce and she has been lonely lately. Besides, this is just the one date, right? He has to fly home to Seattle the next day. But, Kyle has a wonderful time and his trip gets extended for a few more days. He wants more and, reluctant though she acts, Desiree does too. Just a few dates and then he’s gone. She won’t do long term or long distance after the last fiasco to her heart and between their careers and distant homes, she really can’t take a chance.
I loved the setup of the radio station backdrop and DJ work for Desiree including how hard she had to work to get decent pay and the best time slot. Kyle is wealthy and he’s a dedicated businessman. Their dates were deeply romantic and he poured a lot of time and effort into what Desiree would love. Neither are very young, but this is their first dates that have that fizzy, exciting romantic feel. Desiree’s career cost her a marriage and she is determined that her career is priority now. She has sealed herself off and is terrified of feelings even disbelieving Kyle’s truthful, simple appreciation of her as a woman and person. I suppose he could come across as pushing, but he did ask when it came to the truly important trust moments and respected when she seemed to really mean ‘no’. Desiree was sending mixed signals. She wants what they feel between them and loves being with him, but she can suddenly pull back and panic, too. There were a few times she got disappointed that he actually backed off and this did irritate me. Fortunately for Desiree, Kyle said what he meant and did what he said, but he didn’t give up on her. Kyle is more certain and confident though his path had some challenges in it, too. So, he can sympathize and be understanding especially once she opens up and actually communicates with him.
Much of the story is swoony and romantic, though, because of the obvious barriers and her past, the conflict is building to the crisis point. It was somewhat predictable, but I didn’t mind. Floating on Air was a quick, simple heartfelt romance and I would recommend it to those who appreciate love at first sight followed by romantic long-distance dating.
I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
Songbird is the newly revised edition of author Syrie James’ first published novel, originally written back in 1985. The story begins with a California based DJ, Desiree Germain, and a heedless on air comment predicting a companies decline in stock.. To her surprise, a call comes in from a smoothing talking, irritated man that just so happens to be the owner of the company she just slammed! Shortly after dealing with this self inflicted uncomfortable situation, the person Desiree least expects to ever see, strolls into her booth and asks her to dinner! Despite her reservations, she agrees and triggers a whirlwind romance with the gorgeous entrepreneur, Kyle Harrison. And I just LOVED that the story setting takes place in mid-1980! I couldn’t help but smile every time I came across the vivid descriptions of the way things were during that point in time..
Desiree’s past is full of heart ache and disappointment. She’s tried her best to bury her emotions and redirected her focus to her furthering her career. Kyle’s attention and presence upturns her world as she struggles to admit how much she needs and wants him in her life. Desiree is a very well developed character and even though it was incredibly frustrating seeing her push him away, you can’t help but admire her determination to protect both her heart and the radio career she’s worked so hard for.
“No Desiree! she cautioned. He’s gorgeous and witty and incredibly sexy, but for God’s sake, don’t get carried away. Tomorrow he’ll fly back to his work and his life in Seattle, and you’ll be back to your comfortable, uncomplicated.. boring.. lonely.. routine.”
Kyle Harrison is one of the most persistent characters I’ve come across! This man knows exactly what he wants and goes after it relentlessly.
“I felt you respond to me,” he said. “I feel you responding now. You want me as much as I want you. Admit it.”
She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the fiery eyes and sensuous lips so dangerously close to her own. She wanted to say no, but all she managed was: “Kyle, I-”
He cut off her next words with the pressure of his lips…
I loved the romance in this book! Desiree and Kyle had an instantaneous connection right from that first disgruntled phone call on her radio show. The chemistry between them is intense and the love that develops is truly heartwarming.
I adore stories that are inspired by or based upon music. Music to me is a necessity in life and helps express thoughts and feelings when spoken words just aren’t enough.. Songbird is such a beautifully written, almost lyrically told story about two people overcoming their fears and the profound love they share for one another. If you’re a fan of the romance genre and share my love of music influenced reads, I definitely recommend you check this book out!
“He loves you. He’s the music in your soul, the one who can set you free. Everything will work out if only you’re together. Nothing else matters. Nothing.”
A random thought: the other day, as I caught myself watching the Twilight Zone marathon for the billionth time, I looked up and thought to myself, 'I am a sci-fi girl'. It's not something I ever picked up on before or ever thought about, it just...was.
Syrie James makes me feel the same way -- but about romances. I looked up in the middle of this book and thought to myself, 'I am a complete sucker for romance', and her book, Songbird, completely verified that for me. Songbird tells the story of Desiree and Kyle. Two people who happen to randomly meet but have that instant connection. And of course, as all good romances go, there is a world-wind of odds stacked against them. Desiree has a past that affects her relationships, Kyle happens to live hundreds of miles away, and both are definitely scared of the way they feel for each other.
Songbird is your classic romance, but Syrie James still manages to breathe new life into it with this story. I think where the author's strengths really lie is in her ability to make you feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster right alongside the characters. It amazed me that every time Desiree was angry, I was angry. If she was sad, I wanted to cry with her. And if she was happy, I was sighing like a teenage schoolgirl. It is an incredible feat and a testament to Syrie's true talent and ability to write. This book had me so wrapped up that I nearly missed my stop on the train!
Definitely give this book a try if you're a fan of rom-coms. It is so worth it to escape from reality every once in a while and remember how it felt the first time you truly fell in love.
Songbird was originally written in 1985 but was recently re-edited. This is the first novel that author Syrie James published and I have to admit I was really impressed with it! Even though this was contemporary in 1985 the one thing it does not have is a ‘dated’ feel to it.
Desiree Germain is a deejay on a local Southern California radio station. She has finally moved up to a day time spot and is doing her best to hold onto her position. During trivia time one afternoon the handsome voice of Kyle Harrison comes on the air. He didn’t really call to answer the question but to correct the statements she had made about his company. Then after correctly answering the trivia and winning a dinner for two, he shows up at the station to ask her to join him for that dinner.
This is the start to an intense romance between these two interesting characters. Desiree has to get over her past in order for their love to take flight and grow into a long lasting relationship.
So do I recommend this book? I do whole heartedly! This was a wonderful book that I read into the early morning hours and left me with very pleasant dreams!
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review Desiree is a DJ who works for KICK radio. She's been there 7 years working evenings and nights, but she's finally made it to prime time days. Desiree did a trivia question and Kyle Harrison won the prize. He showed up at the studio right near Desiree. He owned Harrison Industries. He invited Desiree to share his prize, which was a meal for two. Kyle lived in Seattle. Kyle was very determined to have time with Desiree and she was just as determined to keep him away from her heart. Desiree felt she had put in her dues to get where she was at. She knew she was afraid to offer any kind of commitment. I enjoyed the book. I liked the ins and outs and was happy the way the book came together. I would recommend it to anyone who likes romances with a kick.
I love Syrie James' historical fiction but am disturbed about Kyle's obvious anger issues. Several times in the story, he gets angry with Desiree and treats her badly for things that are not her fault. I believe Kyle needs anger management training. Also, he uses his money to win her back each time his anger gets out of control. That is not the sign of a healthy relationship. We women grow up thinking a rich prince will save us from our poor world and poor decisions (Pretty Woman) but it's not healthy and it's even insulting. If this book was written in 1985 and has been re-edited, then why is the "Pretty Woman Syndrome" still how book 1 of the Harrison Duet ends?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was quite pleasant. It was good to read about relationships before laptops/tablets and cell phones. It was quite a surprising novelty. I really liked the plot and the light the author shined on how hard it was to have a long distance relationship back in the time setting of the book.
Now, what made me give this book three stars was Kyle's treatment/attitude toward Desiree. No man should speak/treat a woman like that and then try to smooth it over with money. I thought Desiree was a little too forgiving and easily persuaded.
* ARC GENEROUSLY GIVEN BY PUBLISHER VIA NET GALLEY.
Really enjoyed this book - fast-paced and not too predictable. Fell in love with Kyle & Desiree. Stayed up way past my bedtime to read - couldn't put it down.
Some people wouldn't know love if it slaps them in the face.
I really enjoyed this read. Syrie James has an easy way of writing that tells a great story. Her characters are relatable and the world building is like I'm right at home.
Desiree is a strong woman who is career driven. When she had the opportunity to take the job of her dreams, she moved away from her home and her husband to follow those dreams, but her long distance relationship ended in heartache when her husband cheats on her and the ask for a divorce. Now Desiree is leery of relationships, especially long distance ones. She must protect her heart at all costs.
Kyle seems to be a typical arrogant rich boy at first glance, but he's really a softy at heart. When he hears Desiree's sultry radio voice, he has to know who she is.
I find these two characters to go well together. They vibe off each other and have so much fun. The one thing, just one, that drove me nuts was Kyle's pushiness. He seemed to push for sex every chance her could, and I get that was his way to show that he loved Desiree, but it should have flowed more naturally.
This was a great steamy read that made my heart melt. I can't wait to read the next book.
Received an copy from the author in exchange for a fair review.
My rating range of this story... 2.5 - 3 If significant, why?
Main Character Ratings... H = 7/10 h = is 5/10
Was cheating involved? No Any major triggers to be aware of? No
Scenes with heat... Meh What point does it start? 60% How much of the story? 5% Anything beyond M/F? No If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 3/10 Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2 Normal to Descriptive 3-5 Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7 Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward? Nope
The back story... The blurb says it all
The Romance... All driven by the H
The drama explosion... She gets a horrible job offer, then freaks out on him.
Did it feel real or contrived? Contrived Was it OTT? Yes Separation involved? Sort of Was it resolved properly or rushed? Rushed
I genuinely enjoyed this read. It’s like the relationship that every girl dreams about but never dares to bring to life because it’s so fast paced and exciting. On top of this fast paced fantasy of a relationship, Syrie is some how able to bring every feeling and inner argument that almost every woman can relate to, into it. You find yourself relating to Desiree in shocking ways, but also find yourself yelling at her. It was such a fun roller coaster of emotions, I finished it in two days. As for the second book in this series? I ALSO finished it in two days. I highly recommend for any, new romance readers.
Syrie James brings readers eighties nostalgia mixed with romance in Floating on Air. The angst rivals any teenage romance but with the flair and panache of the adult world.
I award Floating on Air a full 5 out of 5 stars. The romance leaves you wanting more, so I am excited that this is the first volume in a series. I’m looking forward to reading Two Week Deal next. If you enjoy strong romance and nostalgia, this novel is for you.
I was given a free copy of this book with a request for an honest review.
This has everything you could want from this genre. A lovely meet-cute, a glorious chemistry, a fair bit of conflict and a great ending. A few steamy moments too. Fun. fresh and flirty.