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1954
Bailey is a young, aspiring actress that has never had a real acting job--besides a role in a high school play. But when she sees an ad for a production that takes place in 1954, she decides to take a chance. The only thing she knows is that it is fully immersive, and would require her to live in the fictional town for one full year. The rules are simple, stay in character and she gets a nice payout of more than one hundred thousand dollars. But would a black woman willingly live in the 50s?
This story first appeared in Kindle Vella.
This story first appeared in Kindle Vella.
787 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2022
124 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Pepper Pace
67 books846 followersWho is Pepper Pace?
Pepper Pace is the pen name used by the author. Born and raised in Cincinnati, she has always enjoyed creativity. At a very young age, Pepper had a gift for art and would spend most of her spare time drawing images that she later began adding stories behind. Soon writing became more important than the illustrations and though she still loved art, it took a back seat to her real love.
Pepper wrote her first novel when she was 12 years old and had written 2 more by the age of 18. Too shy to share her work with anyone, Pepper stock piled her many stories into notebooks until she came upon Literotica.com and was compelled to share her craft.
Pepper became instantly popular and won several awards each year in which she submitted a story to the site. After receiving popular feedback, she grew in confidence and created a popular blog entitled Writing Feedback where she encourages her readers to interact with her on topics concerning, music, writing, art and pop culture, and can be contacted at her blog:
pepperpacefeedback.blogspot.com/
Pepper lives in Cincinnati where many of her characters also reside.
Other Websites:
http://pepperpacefeedback.blogspot.com/
http://pepperpace.tumblr.com/
Pepper Pace is the pen name used by the author. Born and raised in Cincinnati, she has always enjoyed creativity. At a very young age, Pepper had a gift for art and would spend most of her spare time drawing images that she later began adding stories behind. Soon writing became more important than the illustrations and though she still loved art, it took a back seat to her real love.
Pepper wrote her first novel when she was 12 years old and had written 2 more by the age of 18. Too shy to share her work with anyone, Pepper stock piled her many stories into notebooks until she came upon Literotica.com and was compelled to share her craft.
Pepper became instantly popular and won several awards each year in which she submitted a story to the site. After receiving popular feedback, she grew in confidence and created a popular blog entitled Writing Feedback where she encourages her readers to interact with her on topics concerning, music, writing, art and pop culture, and can be contacted at her blog:
pepperpacefeedback.blogspot.com/
Pepper lives in Cincinnati where many of her characters also reside.
Other Websites:
http://pepperpacefeedback.blogspot.com/
http://pepperpace.tumblr.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 20, 2022
3.00 Stars. (BW/WM). Kindle Unlimited Edition 682 page e-book. Reality show romance runs concurrent with real life romance. The 1954 reality show characters Bailey Banks and Bobby Banks are an interracial married couple living in a predominately White suburban neighborhood; but during the course of the show, real life Bailey Westbrook, a struggling actress, and Robert Chesterfield Jr., producer, show runner and performer, fall in love. Lines get blurred. The couple seemly commingle their work rolls with their real life ones. There are scenarios in the show that bleed into the lives of the real life couple and the reader is not informed about how the real life couple is affected, " i.e., Did real life Robert actually date and impregnant Paula?" Many of the author's 1954 reality show occurrences were spot on. The abrupt ending of this book suggests a sequel; if so, the author needs to allot more time to the real life couple's romance and intimacy. I am not interested unless there is a definite separation between the romance of the real life characters and that of the TV show characters they are portraying.
August 20, 2022
Hmmm...
The book started off very intersting. To create a reality show about 1954. The idea was great but I had some issues. Bailey and Robert off set was a little off for me. I feel like she fell for his character Bobby. There was something strange about him but it never got explored because PP built up to something for 90-something chapters and then just said "The End". The End? Really!?!. We never explored Robert's father, we never found out if Paula's baby was really Bobby's, we never got a conclusion to any of the "casts" stories. TF!? The book just abruptly ended. Like a mid-season cancelation. Pep, If you are going to make me commit 90 chapters - you need to commit to a complete ending, an epilogue or something. And there was no intimate scenes. Zero I have read this author before and enjoyed her work but this was a let down for me. I'm low-key mad about it.
The book started off very intersting. To create a reality show about 1954. The idea was great but I had some issues. Bailey and Robert off set was a little off for me. I feel like she fell for his character Bobby. There was something strange about him but it never got explored because PP built up to something for 90-something chapters and then just said "The End". The End? Really!?!. We never explored Robert's father, we never found out if Paula's baby was really Bobby's, we never got a conclusion to any of the "casts" stories. TF!? The book just abruptly ended. Like a mid-season cancelation. Pep, If you are going to make me commit 90 chapters - you need to commit to a complete ending, an epilogue or something. And there was no intimate scenes. Zero I have read this author before and enjoyed her work but this was a let down for me. I'm low-key mad about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
Not sure what happened?
I typically enjoy the journeys taken with Pepper Pace, from beginning until the end, however, this time around, I was confused and then disappointed.
The story ended quite abruptly. The was little mention throughout the story of a season break. The main characters being in a relationship gave a reason to continue the story, especially mentioning additional conflict as though we'd experienced it. I wish it wrapped everything together to have it make more sense.
I typically enjoy the journeys taken with Pepper Pace, from beginning until the end, however, this time around, I was confused and then disappointed.
The story ended quite abruptly. The was little mention throughout the story of a season break. The main characters being in a relationship gave a reason to continue the story, especially mentioning additional conflict as though we'd experienced it. I wish it wrapped everything together to have it make more sense.
July 6, 2022
Amazing!
This was one of THE BEST IR stories I've ever read, and I've read hundreds! The meta-textuality and authenticity are phenomenal. Rooting for Bailey and Bobby was wonderful. Thank you for this, my best read of 2022, hands down. Brava!!
This was one of THE BEST IR stories I've ever read, and I've read hundreds! The meta-textuality and authenticity are phenomenal. Rooting for Bailey and Bobby was wonderful. Thank you for this, my best read of 2022, hands down. Brava!!
September 3, 2022
Too long Too boring
October 21, 2023
Actual rating: 4 1/2 stars
I was only supposed to read the first page and then continue with the other two books pending on my reading list, but I was enthralled. This was supposed to be the book to read after I finished the other two. But I was instantly pulled into this story and I could not stop reading it.
Now, I'm not sure this book is for everyone. If you're hoping for an instant love connection and a pure romance book, this might not be the book for you. This book is like reading a reality show instead of watching it. It's slow paced but still intriguing enough for you to keep reading. Also, I think this is one of the longest Pepper Pace books I've read so far.
I adore Bailey. I think she's an absolutely endearing person. I liked her from the very start and she gave it her best. If I was Bailey, I'm not sure I would be willing to take part in fully immerse 1950's reality show because of the discrimination faced by black people during that era. But Bailey went for it, even with their unusually strict rules for the whole reality show.
Now, I'm not sure how a reality show works, but I'm sure there is some type of control and script that actors need to follow and mostly they do what is being asked by the producers. Also, you are mostly aware of the production team around you and you also have the staff to help you out. But in this show, it's almost like you really step into the era of 1954 and the rules are so strict, you literally stay in that production set the whole day (to a year) and continuously act until it's downtime. No "cut" scenes or retakes, you just go with the flow. They also don't do this "single" interview session you normally see in reality, where the actors complain or talk about their day. This was straight up being dropped into 1954 and live it like it's now your own reality type of show.
My reaction was similar to Bailey when they said that she had to do all the daunting true 1950's housewife duties in full make up and heels. My god, that back-breaking work and, not to mention, the staff/production team is not going to help you at all. So Bailey was suddenly dropped into this situation and she realized how exhausting it was. In addition to that, Bailey was in an interracial relationship with Bobby, a white man. Now living in the mostly white neighborhood, Bailey felt pressured to prove herself even more than other white housewife because nearly everything she does is being observed and scrutinized by them. Bailey was living under the microscope of the judgmental white neighbors. I think Bailey's preservation and endurance makes her a magnificent character. Her chemistry with her co-star Bobby, also makes the whole thing even more intriguing.
Bobby (Robert), is Bailey's "husband" on the show and right from her first introduction to him, Bobby was instantly hooked. It was obvious that he was very taken with Bailey, but he also appeared to be professional at the same time. I thought it was rather weird that Bobby was taking the audition so seriously that he looked quite vexed when Bruce the show manager, interrupted the audition to offer Bailey the job. It was very brief at the beginning. I actually didn't think much of it until Bailey finally arrived at the production set. Only then do we find out that Bailey was supposed to play his wife on the show. It also turned out that he is the producer and creator of the show! So technically, Bailey 's co-star is also her boss. The thing about Bobby is that he was mysterious, he was someone who was absolutely dedicated to his show, he set strict rules for his staff and actors, the production set looked so genuine that Bailey felt like she really did time travel. Bobby was also very strict about breaking character and gets upset if people do something to jeopardise the show. But in Bobby's case it was borderline obsessive. He also does a lil thing here and there that seems like a mini red flag and we learn more about his mysterious life of Robert and his acting life as Bobby.
Bobby (on the show) is head over heel in love with Bailey (they use their first real name on the show) and it shows how much he adores her and is very loving to her. Sometimes it felt so real to Bailey, she felt like she really did have a handsome and amazing husband, Bobby in real life. It is almost like they weren't even acting sometimes, because nearly everyone who watched the show feels like they had the most realistic and stupendous chemistry on set. We later find out that Bobby/Robert has really fallen in love with Bailey and the feeling is mutual. They instantly become the show's favorite and fan favorite, both in show and real life.
Bailey soon found out that nearly every cast/actor of POC is either, cast as background or no script actors and she also felt like the show didn't quite reflect the other reality of the 50's era, particularly the black folks. The 50's wasn't so accepting of interracial relationships, integration and equality, especially if you're black/POC. So, after Bailey's input about it to Bobby, they started taking the show on a most realistic path, and that's when Bailey started to really feel the oppression and hate coming down on her like falling bricks, it wouldn't have not been so bad if she could actually see the production team around her and take break in between takes. It would have been a reality/show balance but instead she is facing racism full blown, stark naked and Bailey was left shaken on her first day (of realism). She felt like the realism was too real because the line blurred for Bailey, who didn't process the first day of the racist realism experience and blurted her butt hurt to Bobby. After the production stopped, Robert made it clear that this is what she asked for and she needed to accept the realism. Bailey slowly started to realize that her action role was going to be painful and uncomfortable because the 50's for black people wasn't peachy.
However, Bailey persevered and used that pain and anger she felt for her protagonist with resoluteness and gave an outstanding performance. She instantly became the best actress on the show, and because of that, the show started to gain more traction than before. Her near genuine relationship with Bobby and her pure unscripted reaction made her an exceptional actor. She gained a load of friends and allies and they used that story's progress to push forth the rebellion for equality rights.
There are so many things happening in the book and I don't want to review all of them, honestly, just read the book. I think the reason why Bailey gets upset or shaken is because they use their real name, there is no visible production team on sight (most part) and no retakes or breaking character and they also don't get a detailed script. It makes Bailey really act and react to everything around her in a very raw and in-your-face acting. It also blurs the line between actual reality and acting. It seems like it's not just Bailey because if she has it bad, Bobby is on another level. He is really so into his character that sometimes, Bailey wonders if Bobby is really fooling himself into thinking he is living in 1954 and he gets really protective of Bailey. He also mentions that he does not like to put Bailey in uncomfortable "scenes" because he doesn't like to see her hurt, even if it's just acting.
I love Helen, Pat, Haley, Anita, Quentin, Hank, Curtis, Marvin, Carl, Aunt Mae, Juanita and so many more characters. I want to review them all but there's just too much.
I sometimes wonder if something is up with Bobby/Robert because he sometimes his reaction to the show so authentic. He is obsessed with the 1950's, and he rarely talks about his family and his pedo of a politician father. Bobby craves a traditional family and when Bailey finally meets his mother, she doesn't quite get the normal family vibe. In fact, his mother had pre-warned Bailey about Bobby's father. There is a lot going on with Bobby/Robert, from his family, his 50's obsession and his OCD need for 50's realism. Bailey also wondered why she felt such a strong connection to Bobby, almost like she had known him for a long time. Did this rich boy have some kind of mental illness that he used the 50's traditional family lifestyle as a coping mechanism for his own screwed-up RL family?
The show was really good and I absolutely adore Bailey and Bobby. I'm starting to notice there is some very mild friction starting from within his production team and the racism storyline is starting to look too real even for Bailey. There is also the mystery about Bobby's RL.
There is so much going on in this book and I'm a gonner for slow pace romance and drama. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because it lacked balance. This show is supposedly a very expensive streaming service and its audience is mostly super rich people. I highly doubt they would continue to pay for that subscription if they only kept showing white people as the rotten egg in the whole bunch of the show, it also lacked "bad" black people. Nearly everyone black in the show was so great and amalgamated. I don't believe that is 100% true, I don't think all black folks were so accepting of an interracial couple just like the whites. Yes, it's mentioned by both Helen and Bobby, but it was just in the passing. We don't really see these bad black people on the show like how it was with the whites. Marvin was supposed to be the "bad" black but he was so mediocre and did not stand out like the other bad white characters, so that was disappointing. They always ended up being "good" in the end, might as well you don't even invent a "bad" one. If you want realism, show white/black/POC all have multiple layers; good, bad and grey characters.
I also felt like Booby agreed to changes (quite drastic ones) too easily and I wished there were more friction between the newlyweds Bailey and Bobby, sometimes they were too lovey dovey and very forgiving. HAHAH
Also, I felt like the whole lynching thing was too much for the show, since it's not really a TV series about the 50's era. This is a reality show, so to kill off a character from a REALITY show by lynching is too much and too disturbing!!! I don't think it was appropriate. Yes, it's a real and horrifying reality of black folks back in the 50's but this is a reality show!!! Yes, my reaction was similar to Bailey when she heard who got lynched.
Another thing is that, after reading a super long book, the book ended with more questions unanswered and more story to unfold. I was hoping we would get some sort of answers about Bobby and his past but it seemed like this book was only the beginning.
This book is super long and sometimes, you tend to get the repeated routine of housewife in almost every chapter. Like I said before, this is a reality show in a book. You read it not watch it. I loved every character in the book and I can't wait to read the next installment (if any).
I was only supposed to read the first page and then continue with the other two books pending on my reading list, but I was enthralled. This was supposed to be the book to read after I finished the other two. But I was instantly pulled into this story and I could not stop reading it.
Now, I'm not sure this book is for everyone. If you're hoping for an instant love connection and a pure romance book, this might not be the book for you. This book is like reading a reality show instead of watching it. It's slow paced but still intriguing enough for you to keep reading. Also, I think this is one of the longest Pepper Pace books I've read so far.
I adore Bailey. I think she's an absolutely endearing person. I liked her from the very start and she gave it her best. If I was Bailey, I'm not sure I would be willing to take part in fully immerse 1950's reality show because of the discrimination faced by black people during that era. But Bailey went for it, even with their unusually strict rules for the whole reality show.
Now, I'm not sure how a reality show works, but I'm sure there is some type of control and script that actors need to follow and mostly they do what is being asked by the producers. Also, you are mostly aware of the production team around you and you also have the staff to help you out. But in this show, it's almost like you really step into the era of 1954 and the rules are so strict, you literally stay in that production set the whole day (to a year) and continuously act until it's downtime. No "cut" scenes or retakes, you just go with the flow. They also don't do this "single" interview session you normally see in reality, where the actors complain or talk about their day. This was straight up being dropped into 1954 and live it like it's now your own reality type of show.
My reaction was similar to Bailey when they said that she had to do all the daunting true 1950's housewife duties in full make up and heels. My god, that back-breaking work and, not to mention, the staff/production team is not going to help you at all. So Bailey was suddenly dropped into this situation and she realized how exhausting it was. In addition to that, Bailey was in an interracial relationship with Bobby, a white man. Now living in the mostly white neighborhood, Bailey felt pressured to prove herself even more than other white housewife because nearly everything she does is being observed and scrutinized by them. Bailey was living under the microscope of the judgmental white neighbors. I think Bailey's preservation and endurance makes her a magnificent character. Her chemistry with her co-star Bobby, also makes the whole thing even more intriguing.
Bobby (Robert), is Bailey's "husband" on the show and right from her first introduction to him, Bobby was instantly hooked. It was obvious that he was very taken with Bailey, but he also appeared to be professional at the same time. I thought it was rather weird that Bobby was taking the audition so seriously that he looked quite vexed when Bruce the show manager, interrupted the audition to offer Bailey the job. It was very brief at the beginning. I actually didn't think much of it until Bailey finally arrived at the production set. Only then do we find out that Bailey was supposed to play his wife on the show. It also turned out that he is the producer and creator of the show! So technically, Bailey 's co-star is also her boss. The thing about Bobby is that he was mysterious, he was someone who was absolutely dedicated to his show, he set strict rules for his staff and actors, the production set looked so genuine that Bailey felt like she really did time travel. Bobby was also very strict about breaking character and gets upset if people do something to jeopardise the show. But in Bobby's case it was borderline obsessive. He also does a lil thing here and there that seems like a mini red flag and we learn more about his mysterious life of Robert and his acting life as Bobby.
Bobby (on the show) is head over heel in love with Bailey (they use their first real name on the show) and it shows how much he adores her and is very loving to her. Sometimes it felt so real to Bailey, she felt like she really did have a handsome and amazing husband, Bobby in real life. It is almost like they weren't even acting sometimes, because nearly everyone who watched the show feels like they had the most realistic and stupendous chemistry on set. We later find out that Bobby/Robert has really fallen in love with Bailey and the feeling is mutual. They instantly become the show's favorite and fan favorite, both in show and real life.
Bailey soon found out that nearly every cast/actor of POC is either, cast as background or no script actors and she also felt like the show didn't quite reflect the other reality of the 50's era, particularly the black folks. The 50's wasn't so accepting of interracial relationships, integration and equality, especially if you're black/POC. So, after Bailey's input about it to Bobby, they started taking the show on a most realistic path, and that's when Bailey started to really feel the oppression and hate coming down on her like falling bricks, it wouldn't have not been so bad if she could actually see the production team around her and take break in between takes. It would have been a reality/show balance but instead she is facing racism full blown, stark naked and Bailey was left shaken on her first day (of realism). She felt like the realism was too real because the line blurred for Bailey, who didn't process the first day of the racist realism experience and blurted her butt hurt to Bobby. After the production stopped, Robert made it clear that this is what she asked for and she needed to accept the realism. Bailey slowly started to realize that her action role was going to be painful and uncomfortable because the 50's for black people wasn't peachy.
However, Bailey persevered and used that pain and anger she felt for her protagonist with resoluteness and gave an outstanding performance. She instantly became the best actress on the show, and because of that, the show started to gain more traction than before. Her near genuine relationship with Bobby and her pure unscripted reaction made her an exceptional actor. She gained a load of friends and allies and they used that story's progress to push forth the rebellion for equality rights.
There are so many things happening in the book and I don't want to review all of them, honestly, just read the book. I think the reason why Bailey gets upset or shaken is because they use their real name, there is no visible production team on sight (most part) and no retakes or breaking character and they also don't get a detailed script. It makes Bailey really act and react to everything around her in a very raw and in-your-face acting. It also blurs the line between actual reality and acting. It seems like it's not just Bailey because if she has it bad, Bobby is on another level. He is really so into his character that sometimes, Bailey wonders if Bobby is really fooling himself into thinking he is living in 1954 and he gets really protective of Bailey. He also mentions that he does not like to put Bailey in uncomfortable "scenes" because he doesn't like to see her hurt, even if it's just acting.
I love Helen, Pat, Haley, Anita, Quentin, Hank, Curtis, Marvin, Carl, Aunt Mae, Juanita and so many more characters. I want to review them all but there's just too much.
I sometimes wonder if something is up with Bobby/Robert because he sometimes his reaction to the show so authentic. He is obsessed with the 1950's, and he rarely talks about his family and his pedo of a politician father. Bobby craves a traditional family and when Bailey finally meets his mother, she doesn't quite get the normal family vibe. In fact, his mother had pre-warned Bailey about Bobby's father. There is a lot going on with Bobby/Robert, from his family, his 50's obsession and his OCD need for 50's realism. Bailey also wondered why she felt such a strong connection to Bobby, almost like she had known him for a long time. Did this rich boy have some kind of mental illness that he used the 50's traditional family lifestyle as a coping mechanism for his own screwed-up RL family?
The show was really good and I absolutely adore Bailey and Bobby. I'm starting to notice there is some very mild friction starting from within his production team and the racism storyline is starting to look too real even for Bailey. There is also the mystery about Bobby's RL.
There is so much going on in this book and I'm a gonner for slow pace romance and drama. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because it lacked balance. This show is supposedly a very expensive streaming service and its audience is mostly super rich people. I highly doubt they would continue to pay for that subscription if they only kept showing white people as the rotten egg in the whole bunch of the show, it also lacked "bad" black people. Nearly everyone black in the show was so great and amalgamated. I don't believe that is 100% true, I don't think all black folks were so accepting of an interracial couple just like the whites. Yes, it's mentioned by both Helen and Bobby, but it was just in the passing. We don't really see these bad black people on the show like how it was with the whites. Marvin was supposed to be the "bad" black but he was so mediocre and did not stand out like the other bad white characters, so that was disappointing. They always ended up being "good" in the end, might as well you don't even invent a "bad" one. If you want realism, show white/black/POC all have multiple layers; good, bad and grey characters.
I also felt like Booby agreed to changes (quite drastic ones) too easily and I wished there were more friction between the newlyweds Bailey and Bobby, sometimes they were too lovey dovey and very forgiving. HAHAH
Also, I felt like the whole lynching thing was too much for the show, since it's not really a TV series about the 50's era. This is a reality show, so to kill off a character from a REALITY show by lynching is too much and too disturbing!!! I don't think it was appropriate. Yes, it's a real and horrifying reality of black folks back in the 50's but this is a reality show!!! Yes, my reaction was similar to Bailey when she heard who got lynched.
Another thing is that, after reading a super long book, the book ended with more questions unanswered and more story to unfold. I was hoping we would get some sort of answers about Bobby and his past but it seemed like this book was only the beginning.
This book is super long and sometimes, you tend to get the repeated routine of housewife in almost every chapter. Like I said before, this is a reality show in a book. You read it not watch it. I loved every character in the book and I can't wait to read the next installment (if any).
August 16, 2022
Brilliantly Creative Storytelling
I can’t express how much I love the writings of Pepper Pace. She is a storyteller aficionado as she has skillfully mastered the art of culturally diverse dialogue. In 1954 Ms Pace gives us a brilliantly skewed take on the Golden Age of America. It’s like Mad Men met The Truman Show crossed lines and birthed 1954. The story takes place in the fictional town of Wingate and focuses on the residents who live there. From the onset Bailey Westbrook pursued the role with alacrity placing Bailey Banks at the forefront of the story. Robert Chesterfield Jr (aka Bobby Banks) is smitten with Bailey from the first time they meet. The cast become totally immersed in this Reality TV show of a 1950’s bygone era. It is smart, humorous and entertaining. My hope is that Ms Pace expands the story with more emphasis on Bobby and Bailey’s private world showcasing their love story.
I can’t express how much I love the writings of Pepper Pace. She is a storyteller aficionado as she has skillfully mastered the art of culturally diverse dialogue. In 1954 Ms Pace gives us a brilliantly skewed take on the Golden Age of America. It’s like Mad Men met The Truman Show crossed lines and birthed 1954. The story takes place in the fictional town of Wingate and focuses on the residents who live there. From the onset Bailey Westbrook pursued the role with alacrity placing Bailey Banks at the forefront of the story. Robert Chesterfield Jr (aka Bobby Banks) is smitten with Bailey from the first time they meet. The cast become totally immersed in this Reality TV show of a 1950’s bygone era. It is smart, humorous and entertaining. My hope is that Ms Pace expands the story with more emphasis on Bobby and Bailey’s private world showcasing their love story.
July 13, 2022
Heavily Invested!
I became heavily invested in this book. Between the intertwining of main characters real & the fictional love lives were fun to watch as they unfolded. I wasn't ready for it to end (hence the 4 stars) as the book left so many unfinished stories. But that opens a lot of possibilities to create additional books which I hope the author does!
I became heavily invested in this book. Between the intertwining of main characters real & the fictional love lives were fun to watch as they unfolded. I wasn't ready for it to end (hence the 4 stars) as the book left so many unfinished stories. But that opens a lot of possibilities to create additional books which I hope the author does!
February 22, 2023
2.50 Stars
I would like to add that I really do not mind reading lengthy books, unfortunately this book had me skipping chapters.
In all, it was an okay read, but it read more like a diary, not sure I would continue reading this series if there was a second book.
I would like to add that I really do not mind reading lengthy books, unfortunately this book had me skipping chapters.
In all, it was an okay read, but it read more like a diary, not sure I would continue reading this series if there was a second book.
September 16, 2022
Interesting concept but it ran long and started to seem as manufactured as the character plot lines on the show. Very abrupt ending. Can’t say 1955 would be worth the time. Weird experience overall and I usually enjoy Pepper Pace books. Perhaps it’s a sign of author growth and expanding her range.
July 15, 2022
No new detail
No new detail or extra chapter it’s the same story I paid for in Vella. I was hoping to get more chapters.
No new detail or extra chapter it’s the same story I paid for in Vella. I was hoping to get more chapters.
October 21, 2022
ummmmmmm I don’t know
I have loved Pepper Pace forever and I do believe that I have read every book she wrote. This one book just seemed unfinished.
I have loved Pepper Pace forever and I do believe that I have read every book she wrote. This one book just seemed unfinished.
August 14, 2022
I first discovered Ms Pace with one of her earlier winterracial romance books ‘beast’ I think it was out in 2012. I did enjoy the story but I felt like the characters were abit 1 dimensional, but was very steamy. That story was enough for me to try and discover more of Peppers books. And LET ME TELL YA’LL When I read this one!! I was…. Bloooooowwwwnnnnnnn away!
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Our girl Peps can write! She is a romance WRITAAAAHHHH! Honestly I can’t put into words how interesting, well thought out and emotional connected I was to this book. Netflix needs to make this into a Series ASAP. You could feel the chemistry between B&B, I would have preferred abit more steam in the bedroom?! Pepper girl.. bring the SMUT!! I have never read anything like this! The beginning did throw me off, with the title 1954 I was not sure what to expect, but definitely pleasantly surprised. I did skip some scenes as days were repetitive but It was nice to see the day to day lives of characters in a book and watching their love unfold in months rather than weeks or days. I would definitely read 1955, 1956 heck I’ll even read up to the year 3000. No one and I am NO ONE writes like Ms Pace. The ending was abit abrupt and I felt a little jilted like Damm- I love a cheeky epilogue
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Our girl Peps can write! She is a romance WRITAAAAHHHH! Honestly I can’t put into words how interesting, well thought out and emotional connected I was to this book. Netflix needs to make this into a Series ASAP. You could feel the chemistry between B&B, I would have preferred abit more steam in the bedroom?! Pepper girl.. bring the SMUT!! I have never read anything like this! The beginning did throw me off, with the title 1954 I was not sure what to expect, but definitely pleasantly surprised. I did skip some scenes as days were repetitive but It was nice to see the day to day lives of characters in a book and watching their love unfold in months rather than weeks or days. I would definitely read 1955, 1956 heck I’ll even read up to the year 3000. No one and I am NO ONE writes like Ms Pace. The ending was abit abrupt and I felt a little jilted like Damm- I love a cheeky epilogue
August 14, 2022
A Pepper Pace ‘MUST READ’
I first discovered Ms Pace with one of her earlier interracial romance books ‘beast’ I think it was out in 2012. I did enjoy the story but I felt like the characters were abit 1 dimensional, but was very steamy. That story was enough for me to try and discover more of Peppers books. And LET ME TELL YA’LL When I read this one!! I was…. Bloooooowwwwnnnnnnn away! Our girl Peps can write! She is a romance WRITAAAAHHHH! Honestly I can’t put into words how interesting, well thought out and emotional connected I was to this book. Netflix needs to make this into a Series ASAP. You could feel the chemistry between B&B, I would have preferred abit more steam in the bedroom?! Pepper girl.. bring the SMUT!! I have never read anything like this! The beginning did throw me off, with the title 1954 I was not sure what to expect, but definitely pleasantly surprised. I did skip some scenes as days were repetitive but It was nice to see the day to day loves of characters in a book and watching the live unfold in months rather than weeks or days. I would definitely read 1955, 1956 heck I’ll even read up to the year 3000. No one and I am NO ONE writes like Ms Pace.
I first discovered Ms Pace with one of her earlier interracial romance books ‘beast’ I think it was out in 2012. I did enjoy the story but I felt like the characters were abit 1 dimensional, but was very steamy. That story was enough for me to try and discover more of Peppers books. And LET ME TELL YA’LL When I read this one!! I was…. Bloooooowwwwnnnnnnn away! Our girl Peps can write! She is a romance WRITAAAAHHHH! Honestly I can’t put into words how interesting, well thought out and emotional connected I was to this book. Netflix needs to make this into a Series ASAP. You could feel the chemistry between B&B, I would have preferred abit more steam in the bedroom?! Pepper girl.. bring the SMUT!! I have never read anything like this! The beginning did throw me off, with the title 1954 I was not sure what to expect, but definitely pleasantly surprised. I did skip some scenes as days were repetitive but It was nice to see the day to day loves of characters in a book and watching the live unfold in months rather than weeks or days. I would definitely read 1955, 1956 heck I’ll even read up to the year 3000. No one and I am NO ONE writes like Ms Pace.
September 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this ride, but be forewarned, it goes nowhere. And there were inconsistencies so big you could drive a truck through them. I think the pleasure for me was in watching the mundanity of the production and wondering where the drama would lead (nowhere). It mostly worked for me, but that ending was way too abrupt.
Edit(spoilers)- I have further thoughts after some time sitting with this story in my head. I think the biggest inconsistency took place in the middle of the book. It was extremely detrimental to the love story and it was never resolved. Bobby comes down hard on Bailey. She apologizes even though she did nothing wrong. He threatens to replace her. And then the next chapter he confesses his feelings. It made no sense and took me completely out of the story. There is no explanation as why he said what he said or did what he did. He confesses that he liked her from the beginning, so why threaten to replace her? It felt a lot like sexual harassment, just because of the timing and the lack of apology or accountability from Bobby. But the story doesn’t seem to think he did anything wrong.
If that had not been how the relationship started, I think I would loved this book completely.
Edit(spoilers)- I have further thoughts after some time sitting with this story in my head. I think the biggest inconsistency took place in the middle of the book. It was extremely detrimental to the love story and it was never resolved. Bobby comes down hard on Bailey. She apologizes even though she did nothing wrong. He threatens to replace her. And then the next chapter he confesses his feelings. It made no sense and took me completely out of the story. There is no explanation as why he said what he said or did what he did. He confesses that he liked her from the beginning, so why threaten to replace her? It felt a lot like sexual harassment, just because of the timing and the lack of apology or accountability from Bobby. But the story doesn’t seem to think he did anything wrong.
If that had not been how the relationship started, I think I would loved this book completely.
September 5, 2024
WOW! JUST WOW!
This is the first book by Pepper Pace. It was fantastic! I could not put this book down!
Imagine getting a chance to act in a real town where everyone and everything is 1954. Bailey got that chance. As a young African American Bailey gets the role she is hoping will launch her acting career. She plays the role of a young married woman in 1954. But, she's married to a white man. Interracial marriages in the 1950's in The United States, was virtually unheard of.
Bailey holds her head high and takes on her role with gusto. Tackling the racial prejudices of the mid 1950 is a big theme in this book. But it also has romance and friendships. Don't forget laughter. Bailey brings life to this fun young wife who faces life with her head held high no matter the circumstances that 1954 brought to her.
I highly recommend this book. It is fantastic. (I hope there's a 1955 and the story of Bailey continues)
This is the first book by Pepper Pace. It was fantastic! I could not put this book down!
Imagine getting a chance to act in a real town where everyone and everything is 1954. Bailey got that chance. As a young African American Bailey gets the role she is hoping will launch her acting career. She plays the role of a young married woman in 1954. But, she's married to a white man. Interracial marriages in the 1950's in The United States, was virtually unheard of.
Bailey holds her head high and takes on her role with gusto. Tackling the racial prejudices of the mid 1950 is a big theme in this book. But it also has romance and friendships. Don't forget laughter. Bailey brings life to this fun young wife who faces life with her head held high no matter the circumstances that 1954 brought to her.
I highly recommend this book. It is fantastic. (I hope there's a 1955 and the story of Bailey continues)
June 27, 2023
I had no idea what I was getting myself into with this one. I have purchased many of her books in the past. But what I do know is she has a very diverse writing style.
But this was so different. I don't know what to think. First, I love the concept. I was waiting for a big twist, but although the story kept me hooked, the length and the subject matter may have been more than she could handle. I was left with so many unanswered questions. Did Paula really have Robert's baby? What's up with his father? Where is this show leading to?
And I wish she showed more intimacy between Bailey and Robert. Her stories usually get really spicey. So I was surprised she was so modest in her description of their relationship.
Overall, I wish she had tied it up better, or at least, announced a sequel.
But this was so different. I don't know what to think. First, I love the concept. I was waiting for a big twist, but although the story kept me hooked, the length and the subject matter may have been more than she could handle. I was left with so many unanswered questions. Did Paula really have Robert's baby? What's up with his father? Where is this show leading to?
And I wish she showed more intimacy between Bailey and Robert. Her stories usually get really spicey. So I was surprised she was so modest in her description of their relationship.
Overall, I wish she had tied it up better, or at least, announced a sequel.
December 2, 2024
Wow
That was a long ass story, the lead up to Bailey and Bobby realising that they felt the same way about each other was lovely, then the different characters, and events, then sexual orientation, then Aunt Mae and uncle Dewbug, then murders, throughout it all the racism theme, interracial relationship taking the star role. I’m exhausted, as there were parts in the book that got a bit boring. Educational in areas, but anything I was not aware of or experienced. Would I read this again. Errr that will be a no - simple because 1954 era is not for me and I’m glad life has changed and got a bit better (not much) for the global majority.
That was a long ass story, the lead up to Bailey and Bobby realising that they felt the same way about each other was lovely, then the different characters, and events, then sexual orientation, then Aunt Mae and uncle Dewbug, then murders, throughout it all the racism theme, interracial relationship taking the star role. I’m exhausted, as there were parts in the book that got a bit boring. Educational in areas, but anything I was not aware of or experienced. Would I read this again. Errr that will be a no - simple because 1954 era is not for me and I’m glad life has changed and got a bit better (not much) for the global majority.
July 12, 2022
This Woman Here!
And I mean Pepper Pace. I don't know how she does it but..........Her plot is always fresh, exciting, often usual. I've fallen in love with her ability to perfect sex scenes. This book has it all........except for the sex scenes, but you will not be disappointed. This unusual plot is enough of a draw to hold you spell bound while she weaves this story. Enjoy. I sure did! My only complaint is the long wait for next one. Please keep them coming, and faster! faster!
And I mean Pepper Pace. I don't know how she does it but..........Her plot is always fresh, exciting, often usual. I've fallen in love with her ability to perfect sex scenes. This book has it all........except for the sex scenes, but you will not be disappointed. This unusual plot is enough of a draw to hold you spell bound while she weaves this story. Enjoy. I sure did! My only complaint is the long wait for next one. Please keep them coming, and faster! faster!
July 26, 2022
This Book was challenging!
I realized as I read this book and read the journey of Bailey and Bobby in this realistic play/ drama that I was on pens and needles as much as Bailey. Although they lived in a state where interracial marriage was legal they still lived in a community where a Klansman lived as well as the indifferent and they even had supporters. I really enjoyed everything except the ending when it pertains to B&B. Everything else was aces 😀. I still enjoyed this adventure
I realized as I read this book and read the journey of Bailey and Bobby in this realistic play/ drama that I was on pens and needles as much as Bailey. Although they lived in a state where interracial marriage was legal they still lived in a community where a Klansman lived as well as the indifferent and they even had supporters. I really enjoyed everything except the ending when it pertains to B&B. Everything else was aces 😀. I still enjoyed this adventure
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December 6, 2022Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline concept, a reality show being told in 50's history, especially the realistic attitude of how blacks were being treated and still hsving the separation of black and white drinking fountains.
Really enjoyed the rrlationship being built by mixed marriage couple and how the stsy at home wife was being looked upon.
Didn't want the story to end ehen the Hiatus to the production was coming to close. Hope there is a continuation, but i doubt there will be. Great read!
Really enjoyed the rrlationship being built by mixed marriage couple and how the stsy at home wife was being looked upon.
Didn't want the story to end ehen the Hiatus to the production was coming to close. Hope there is a continuation, but i doubt there will be. Great read!
October 3, 2022
OMG, Ms Pace outstanding work 👏 🙌 😍
What a wonderful idea for a story that was beautifully told. I could not put the book down and I did not want it to end. There are a few typo but it did not detract from the story. I fell in love with the lead characters and was rooting for their HEA. I hope there is a book 2. I want to know what will happen when Baily meets Bobby's dad. How will the Banks family cope when the baby arrives.
What a wonderful idea for a story that was beautifully told. I could not put the book down and I did not want it to end. There are a few typo but it did not detract from the story. I fell in love with the lead characters and was rooting for their HEA. I hope there is a book 2. I want to know what will happen when Baily meets Bobby's dad. How will the Banks family cope when the baby arrives.
October 8, 2022
it was an ok read
I love all Pepper Pace books but this one didn’t thrill me as much. I couldn’t understand why she’d written a story about actors living in 1954 rather than basing it on real people in 1954?? It was strange to me. I wasn’t sure if it was a love story, without real romance, or a story about 1954? In the end I was just looking forward to getting to the end. However, on a positive note Pepper’s stories are always well written and full of humour
I love all Pepper Pace books but this one didn’t thrill me as much. I couldn’t understand why she’d written a story about actors living in 1954 rather than basing it on real people in 1954?? It was strange to me. I wasn’t sure if it was a love story, without real romance, or a story about 1954? In the end I was just looking forward to getting to the end. However, on a positive note Pepper’s stories are always well written and full of humour
October 11, 2022
Pepper Pace never fails.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I clicked on this book from my recommendations. With the title 1954 (which was a little worrying for a bwwm romance) I thought maybe period or even time travel but it was even better. I recommend this one for anybody that wants something different from the same format as so many other stories. I really hope we get a continuation for Bobby and Bailey.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I clicked on this book from my recommendations. With the title 1954 (which was a little worrying for a bwwm romance) I thought maybe period or even time travel but it was even better. I recommend this one for anybody that wants something different from the same format as so many other stories. I really hope we get a continuation for Bobby and Bailey.
August 1, 2024
Strange but oh so interesting concept. I really got sucked into the happenings but sometimes felt bored by the mundane repetitive details. For such an incredibly lengthy novel, it all just ends rather abruptly and with so many unanswered questions and plot details. There better be a 1955 or some form of sequel and hopefully, it won't be too long a wait.
Even though I enjoyed 1954 quite a lot, I can easily understand how its format would be unenjoyable to some people. 4.25 stars.
Even though I enjoyed 1954 quite a lot, I can easily understand how its format would be unenjoyable to some people. 4.25 stars.
July 16, 2022
Phenomenal
This is why I love Pepper Pace! Her books are different and Believable. She doesn't follow the BWWM formula of lows self esteem/Insecure black woman. Who comes from a cruel family and her last boyfriend is trash who is black. She tell beautiful lobe stories in a creative and different way. I couldn't stop reading this book!
This is why I love Pepper Pace! Her books are different and Believable. She doesn't follow the BWWM formula of lows self esteem/Insecure black woman. Who comes from a cruel family and her last boyfriend is trash who is black. She tell beautiful lobe stories in a creative and different way. I couldn't stop reading this book!
July 27, 2022
1954
I loved most of this book but hated how it ended. Please tell me there is a part 2! I need 1954, holiday or 1955 to be in the world because there are way too many open storylines to leave it like this. I’m not even asking for a series ending, just a nice close to some of the stories.
Hoping to see part 2
I loved most of this book but hated how it ended. Please tell me there is a part 2! I need 1954, holiday or 1955 to be in the world because there are way too many open storylines to leave it like this. I’m not even asking for a series ending, just a nice close to some of the stories.
Hoping to see part 2
November 2, 2022
Phenomenal
Pepper Pace has a knack for creating stories that are out of the box. This story busted the box and the bag it came in. I absolutely loved it. Anytime I am talking to the characters, laughing out loud and standing up to punch the crap out of an imaginary person, it's a fantastic read.
Pepper Pace has a knack for creating stories that are out of the box. This story busted the box and the bag it came in. I absolutely loved it. Anytime I am talking to the characters, laughing out loud and standing up to punch the crap out of an imaginary person, it's a fantastic read.
December 18, 2022
WOW! OMGoodness!!
Pepper Pace, I bow to the master of the pen! You wrote this movie...Yes, I said movie in book format and made it come to life. Bravo, kiddos and any other form of praise. But, to put it simply - Thank you. Thank you for taking the past, the present and guiding toward the future.
Pepper Pace, I bow to the master of the pen! You wrote this movie...Yes, I said movie in book format and made it come to life. Bravo, kiddos and any other form of praise. But, to put it simply - Thank you. Thank you for taking the past, the present and guiding toward the future.
March 21, 2023
Well that was fun
Seriously such and awesome read! Not heavy on the sexy times but I could not put it down. Loved the premise, dialogue, the reveal at the end. All of it! I thought surely it would end on a cliffhanger but it did not. Truly a happy ending and hats of the Proper Pace on a fantastic read.
Seriously such and awesome read! Not heavy on the sexy times but I could not put it down. Loved the premise, dialogue, the reveal at the end. All of it! I thought surely it would end on a cliffhanger but it did not. Truly a happy ending and hats of the Proper Pace on a fantastic read.
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