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Blackwood Family #5
Pitch & Pace
Sometimes, the rhythm of your life must change so your heart can beat to a new tune
Kit Blackwood’s career as an opera singer looks set to take her to the stars until illness destroys her passion forever. Devastated and unsure what to do with her life, Kit seeks refuge in the family-owned cottage in Yorkshire. With its happy memories of family holidays, Kit hopes time alone will bring clarity.
Reconnecting with her childhood friends Claire and Jason, and rescuing the stray mutt, Wolfgang, Kit is shocked to hear of the vicious killing of two local women. Suddenly her haven doesn’t feel so safe.
Then there’s her mysterious neighbour, Adam. A newcomer to the village, he seems friendly, but Adam has secrets and, like Kit, is trying to re-evaluate his life. Torn between her feelings for Adam and the local vet, Jason, Kit has no idea of the nightmare awaiting her on the wild moors.
Pitch & Pace will set your pulse throbbing to the rhythm of a dangerous passion that will not be denied.
Kit Blackwood’s career as an opera singer looks set to take her to the stars until illness destroys her passion forever. Devastated and unsure what to do with her life, Kit seeks refuge in the family-owned cottage in Yorkshire. With its happy memories of family holidays, Kit hopes time alone will bring clarity.
Reconnecting with her childhood friends Claire and Jason, and rescuing the stray mutt, Wolfgang, Kit is shocked to hear of the vicious killing of two local women. Suddenly her haven doesn’t feel so safe.
Then there’s her mysterious neighbour, Adam. A newcomer to the village, he seems friendly, but Adam has secrets and, like Kit, is trying to re-evaluate his life. Torn between her feelings for Adam and the local vet, Jason, Kit has no idea of the nightmare awaiting her on the wild moors.
Pitch & Pace will set your pulse throbbing to the rhythm of a dangerous passion that will not be denied.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
5 people want to read
About the author
Julia Blake
19 books175 followersI was born and raised in the beautiful historic market town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, where I live still with my kid, one crazy cat and a succession of even crazier lodgers. I'm a multi-genre author which basically means I write whatever story floats into my head and worry about what genre it fits into afterwards. So far, I have written in contemporary fiction, romantic suspense, YA fantasy, folklore fantasy, sci-fi, short stories, poetry, and even a fabulous steampunk retelling of the Snow White story.
I have been writing stories and poems since I could first pick up a pen, and I promise there are many more books in the pipeline. I write the kind of books that I like to read myself. Books I can escape into and that make me laugh, cry and really connect with the characters. I also like my books to have a very satisfying ending, where all is explained and no string is left untied, well, not unless I'm planning a sequel that is.
www.juliablakeauthor.co.uk
Instagram: juliablakeauthor
YouTube: Julia Blake Author
Facebook: Julia Blake Author
I have been writing stories and poems since I could first pick up a pen, and I promise there are many more books in the pipeline. I write the kind of books that I like to read myself. Books I can escape into and that make me laugh, cry and really connect with the characters. I also like my books to have a very satisfying ending, where all is explained and no string is left untied, well, not unless I'm planning a sequel that is.
www.juliablakeauthor.co.uk
Instagram: juliablakeauthor
YouTube: Julia Blake Author
Facebook: Julia Blake Author
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 7, 2022
Devastated by the loss of her career, Kit flees to the wild moors, where she rekindles a relationship with a childhood crush and meets a mysterious neighbour who has troubles of his own.
Yet, more than tempestuous feelings lurk in the darkness and more than her voice may be in danger of demise.
Blake has the gift of the storyteller, weaving tales that grab the reader and keeps them turning pages, following characters they truly care about. Pitch and Pace is no exception, with its romantic triangle, a mutt anyone can love and an ever circling murderous peril.
Yet, more than tempestuous feelings lurk in the darkness and more than her voice may be in danger of demise.
Blake has the gift of the storyteller, weaving tales that grab the reader and keeps them turning pages, following characters they truly care about. Pitch and Pace is no exception, with its romantic triangle, a mutt anyone can love and an ever circling murderous peril.
July 9, 2022
Pitch & Pace, book 5 in The Blackwood Family Saga, is undoubtedly my favourite one yet! Oh, wait a minute, I think I said that about the last one — well, it's true.
I think over the past five books, Julia Blake has crafted a Blackwood brand, with layers of thrilling mystery, intrigue and suspense, and of course, that delicious element of romance sprinkled atop. These are quick reads, perfect for these books that are best read in one sitting (usually on the edge of your seat.)
Here in Pitch & Pace, we start with Kit, a world-renowned Opera singer whose glittering career is halted after a throat illness. With thoughts of 'all is lost' and craving solitude, she takes herself off to the family's holiday cottage at the edge of a small village on the Yorkshire moors.
Being back in a place that holds so many memories of long childhood summers, Kit rekindles old friendships and sparks a romance. Reminiscing of times past, Kit relaxes into a slower pace of life. But the feeling of safety soon evaporates as a vicious killer stalks the small town.
Then a stranger moves into the cottage next door. Who is that dark, brooding man? What is he running from, but ultimately, can he be trusted?
Pitch & Pace is a heart-stopping mix of tension, suspense and romance that's impossible to put down.
I think over the past five books, Julia Blake has crafted a Blackwood brand, with layers of thrilling mystery, intrigue and suspense, and of course, that delicious element of romance sprinkled atop. These are quick reads, perfect for these books that are best read in one sitting (usually on the edge of your seat.)
Here in Pitch & Pace, we start with Kit, a world-renowned Opera singer whose glittering career is halted after a throat illness. With thoughts of 'all is lost' and craving solitude, she takes herself off to the family's holiday cottage at the edge of a small village on the Yorkshire moors.
Being back in a place that holds so many memories of long childhood summers, Kit rekindles old friendships and sparks a romance. Reminiscing of times past, Kit relaxes into a slower pace of life. But the feeling of safety soon evaporates as a vicious killer stalks the small town.
Then a stranger moves into the cottage next door. Who is that dark, brooding man? What is he running from, but ultimately, can he be trusted?
Pitch & Pace is a heart-stopping mix of tension, suspense and romance that's impossible to put down.
June 22, 2022
Pitch and Pace is book five of the fabulous Blackwood Family Saga which tells the individual stories of the strong men, and even stronger women, who make up this eclectic and eccentric clan, and the dangerous path they must travel to find true love.
Kristina Blackwood – Kit to her friends and family – is the baby of the family. With a glittering career as an internationally acclaimed opera singer, Kit thinks her life is perfect. Then illness strikes and tragically destroys the one thing she cannot be without – her operatic pitch. Devasted, Kit flees to the sanctuary of the family cottage in the small village of Luffdale on the Yorkshire Moors to reassess and determine what to do with her life now.
Scene of many a happy family holiday, Kit is pleased to reconnect with Claire, Mark, and Jason, the best friends of her childhood. Jason is particularly thrilled with her return, and Kit wonders if it’s a good idea to rekindle the embers of her first love affair. After all, they are both young, free, and single, so why not?
And then there’s Adam … the tall, handsome, and mysterious American who is renting the cottage next to Kit’s. As they connect over a shared love of music, Kit accepts his help to explore what voice the surgery has left her.
But Luffdale isn’t the haven Kit thought it would be. A vicious killer is stalking the moors and when he strikes a little too close to home, Kit wonders if she shouldn’t run away to the safety of London and her family.
Pitch and Pace is an exciting and fast-paced read as another member of this hapless family discovers that true love comes with a deadly price tag.
Kristina Blackwood – Kit to her friends and family – is the baby of the family. With a glittering career as an internationally acclaimed opera singer, Kit thinks her life is perfect. Then illness strikes and tragically destroys the one thing she cannot be without – her operatic pitch. Devasted, Kit flees to the sanctuary of the family cottage in the small village of Luffdale on the Yorkshire Moors to reassess and determine what to do with her life now.
Scene of many a happy family holiday, Kit is pleased to reconnect with Claire, Mark, and Jason, the best friends of her childhood. Jason is particularly thrilled with her return, and Kit wonders if it’s a good idea to rekindle the embers of her first love affair. After all, they are both young, free, and single, so why not?
And then there’s Adam … the tall, handsome, and mysterious American who is renting the cottage next to Kit’s. As they connect over a shared love of music, Kit accepts his help to explore what voice the surgery has left her.
But Luffdale isn’t the haven Kit thought it would be. A vicious killer is stalking the moors and when he strikes a little too close to home, Kit wonders if she shouldn’t run away to the safety of London and her family.
Pitch and Pace is an exciting and fast-paced read as another member of this hapless family discovers that true love comes with a deadly price tag.
July 17, 2022
Book Five in the Blackwood family series delivers all the drama, suspense and romance you'd expect, but would also be enjoyable as a standalone. Packed with believable characters and a surprise this reader didn't see coming, Blake pulls no punches with the murder aspect, but descriptions never cross the line into unnecessary or gratuitous. It may be one of Blake's shorter books, but it's far from insubstantial: it's a great read - but then I expected nothing less.
July 9, 2022
Pitch and Pace Book Five in the Blackwood Family Saga
Kit Blackwood, internationally acclaimed opera singer may never sing again. Pop star Adam, has writers block.
The beauty and solitude of the Yorkshire moors calls to them both as a place to relax and heal. But, a sinister killer stalks the community, tangling them both in his web.
Another fast paced and exciting thriller from Julia Blake that I couldn’t put down.
The characters are engaging and the story woven with wit and skill, delivering just the right blend of tension and excitement. I defy you to not fall in love with Wolfgang - variety large mutt, amiable, loyal and very hungry.
I suggest you read the whole series.
Kit Blackwood, internationally acclaimed opera singer may never sing again. Pop star Adam, has writers block.
The beauty and solitude of the Yorkshire moors calls to them both as a place to relax and heal. But, a sinister killer stalks the community, tangling them both in his web.
Another fast paced and exciting thriller from Julia Blake that I couldn’t put down.
The characters are engaging and the story woven with wit and skill, delivering just the right blend of tension and excitement. I defy you to not fall in love with Wolfgang - variety large mutt, amiable, loyal and very hungry.
I suggest you read the whole series.
July 17, 2022
Pitch and Pace, the fifth book in the Blackwood Family Saga, is about family, music, old friends, new friends, murders, a love interest or two, and a dog. Kit is unsettled and doesn’t know what to do or what kind of future she can have as dreams of becoming an opera singer on the world stage are no longer possible. It’s all gone. In steps Marcus and a plan is set in motion to go to the family cottage on the moors, a familiar place but isolated to rethink her life without distractions.
The story moves along at a good pace, 0ld friendships are renewed and an old love interest is rekindled. Then, Adam moves into the cottage next door. I fell in love! The music was there with a clink of wine glasses as if announcing the horror that’s about to begin. I meet the elusive Liam…what’s his story?
I was reading faster and faster to an explosive crescendo. I reread the last four chapters not once, not twice, but three times before finally closing the book. Pitch and Pace has it all.
I have read all of Blake’s books and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Her repertoire is a banquet filled with tasty literary morsels guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning of readers. If you are looking for stories that have close relationships, love, thrills, danger
and espionage look no further because The Blackwood Family Saga will satisfy your reading taste buds.
A Heart Thumping⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story moves along at a good pace, 0ld friendships are renewed and an old love interest is rekindled. Then, Adam moves into the cottage next door. I fell in love! The music was there with a clink of wine glasses as if announcing the horror that’s about to begin. I meet the elusive Liam…what’s his story?
I was reading faster and faster to an explosive crescendo. I reread the last four chapters not once, not twice, but three times before finally closing the book. Pitch and Pace has it all.
I have read all of Blake’s books and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Her repertoire is a banquet filled with tasty literary morsels guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning of readers. If you are looking for stories that have close relationships, love, thrills, danger
and espionage look no further because The Blackwood Family Saga will satisfy your reading taste buds.
A Heart Thumping⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 17, 2022
Book 5 of this fantastic series by Julie Blake, and the pace doesn’t let up! This latest instalment in the Blackwood Family Saga introduces Kit, world famous opera singer, whose life is turned upside down when she receives the worst possible news. Seeking time alone, she retreats to the family cottage in Yorkshire, but an old flame, a new flame, and disturbing murders, refuse to grant her the alone time for which she’d hoped.
With an idyllic backdrop, I thought this story would centre around gentle romance and healing of body and spirit, but Blake flings a proverbial spanner in Kit’s recuperation plans with a nasty stalker, the storyline of which, keeps the pace thumping in this book. Blake builds the atmosphere and tension with such skill, I could not put the book down. As with all the titles in this series, there’s suspense, drama, intrigue, and of course, romance. But at it’s heart the strength of human spirit shines through, giving a truly feel-good ending and a wonder when the next book is due.
My favourite is still Fixtures & Fittings, but Pitch & Pace is close behind with its love triangle, wild backdrop and most of all, the very lovable dog, Wolfgang. An easy five stars!
With an idyllic backdrop, I thought this story would centre around gentle romance and healing of body and spirit, but Blake flings a proverbial spanner in Kit’s recuperation plans with a nasty stalker, the storyline of which, keeps the pace thumping in this book. Blake builds the atmosphere and tension with such skill, I could not put the book down. As with all the titles in this series, there’s suspense, drama, intrigue, and of course, romance. But at it’s heart the strength of human spirit shines through, giving a truly feel-good ending and a wonder when the next book is due.
My favourite is still Fixtures & Fittings, but Pitch & Pace is close behind with its love triangle, wild backdrop and most of all, the very lovable dog, Wolfgang. An easy five stars!
July 31, 2022
You won't want to put this book down, we have music, blossoming love, dear friends from childhood, and a murderer in the Moors. I don't have the words to describe the hold this story had on me. I hate that it is over, but looking forward to a full night's sleep.
July 8, 2022
I couldn’t wait until Julia Blake’s 5th book in her BLACKWOOD FAMILY SAGA was released. I received my soft copy of PITCH AND PACE the day before yesterday and I consumed it in two sittings. Ms. Blake, a master of many genres, brings the contemporary thriller with romantic intrigues to life. These books are just that, thrilling, fast paced, sexy and totally entertaining. Pitch and Pace is my favorite to date. But that is probably because I have just read it. It’s a great series, and all 5 are exciting to read.
Each book takes a Blackwood family member and highlights their terrifying adventures and romantic conflicts or fulfilments. Pitch and Pace features Kit Blackwood. Kit is a young, world renowned opera singer who has just had the tragic news that after a surgery to remove polyps from her throat, she will never sing opera again. The Blackwood family has money, and Kit needs time to come to terms with this devastating loss, so she goes to the comfortable family cottage in the Yorkshire moors, 3 miles outside the local village. She has spent many a holiday here with her family, during her childhood and teens, but hasn’t been at the cottage in many years, too busy traveling the world on tours as an opera singer.
Two cottages sit side by side, hers and a much smaller one, which is being rented by a very attractive and mysterious American, Adam. He too seems to need to get away from something in his life. He is also knowledgeable of music. Then there is Jason, the village vet, and Kit’s first love, from when she was a teen. A spark is also reunited between them. He has grown into a most attractive man, loving of animals and loved by the villagers as one of their own. Blake’s scenes of flirtation and seduction are wonderful fun, and her banter between potential love interests is delightful. These protagonists are unique and engaging and the love triangle is especially well conceived and developed. It is also essential to the plot. Supporting characters are well developed too, and I especially loved Claire, who was a girlhood friend of Kit’s and becomes a true friend once again. I would be seriously remiss not to mention Wolfgang, the dog, Kit’s constant companion. He is as much a character as any human and has an important role in this exciting tale.
Now add to this winning triangle and its supportive characters, horrific murders on the moors. The seemingly serene village and surrounding wilderness of Kit’s childhood has become the hunting ground for a serial killer who rapes and kills young women and then gouges out their eyes. What is the murderer’s motivation? He seems driven by hatred and a frightening passion. Is this psychopath one of their own or a secretive outsider? The murders and the murderer’s presence weave through and haunt the story throughout. Finally, Kit finds herself at the center of it all - facing the worst. The ending is harrowing. This is first rate thriller entertainment.
Get all five books and make it a summer binge.
Each book takes a Blackwood family member and highlights their terrifying adventures and romantic conflicts or fulfilments. Pitch and Pace features Kit Blackwood. Kit is a young, world renowned opera singer who has just had the tragic news that after a surgery to remove polyps from her throat, she will never sing opera again. The Blackwood family has money, and Kit needs time to come to terms with this devastating loss, so she goes to the comfortable family cottage in the Yorkshire moors, 3 miles outside the local village. She has spent many a holiday here with her family, during her childhood and teens, but hasn’t been at the cottage in many years, too busy traveling the world on tours as an opera singer.
Two cottages sit side by side, hers and a much smaller one, which is being rented by a very attractive and mysterious American, Adam. He too seems to need to get away from something in his life. He is also knowledgeable of music. Then there is Jason, the village vet, and Kit’s first love, from when she was a teen. A spark is also reunited between them. He has grown into a most attractive man, loving of animals and loved by the villagers as one of their own. Blake’s scenes of flirtation and seduction are wonderful fun, and her banter between potential love interests is delightful. These protagonists are unique and engaging and the love triangle is especially well conceived and developed. It is also essential to the plot. Supporting characters are well developed too, and I especially loved Claire, who was a girlhood friend of Kit’s and becomes a true friend once again. I would be seriously remiss not to mention Wolfgang, the dog, Kit’s constant companion. He is as much a character as any human and has an important role in this exciting tale.
Now add to this winning triangle and its supportive characters, horrific murders on the moors. The seemingly serene village and surrounding wilderness of Kit’s childhood has become the hunting ground for a serial killer who rapes and kills young women and then gouges out their eyes. What is the murderer’s motivation? He seems driven by hatred and a frightening passion. Is this psychopath one of their own or a secretive outsider? The murders and the murderer’s presence weave through and haunt the story throughout. Finally, Kit finds herself at the center of it all - facing the worst. The ending is harrowing. This is first rate thriller entertainment.
Get all five books and make it a summer binge.
December 20, 2022
This is book five of The Blackwood Family Saga. I thought I had read them all, but at the end of this story Isabelle and Nick were mentioned, and I realised I’d missed something. It didn’t matter as far as Pitch and Pace was concerned, although I would rather read them in order.
This is a cracking series, and this one is definitely my favourite. (I actually said that last time too!) I loved the characters, particularly Kit and Adam. I find stories that include rock stars very appealing. What’s more is that it involves much more than a great romance. There is a mystery to solve, and a killer is on the loose.
I loved how the author used chapter headings. Each one is a piece of dialogue uttered by one of the protagonists.
I know that if I choose Julia Blake book, I’m going to be thoroughly entertained.
Romance readers will love this, especially if they love macho men who care for their women and families.
This deserves five plus stars if there was such a thing, I loved it!
This is a cracking series, and this one is definitely my favourite. (I actually said that last time too!) I loved the characters, particularly Kit and Adam. I find stories that include rock stars very appealing. What’s more is that it involves much more than a great romance. There is a mystery to solve, and a killer is on the loose.
I loved how the author used chapter headings. Each one is a piece of dialogue uttered by one of the protagonists.
I know that if I choose Julia Blake book, I’m going to be thoroughly entertained.
Romance readers will love this, especially if they love macho men who care for their women and families.
This deserves five plus stars if there was such a thing, I loved it!
January 22, 2026
This book continues the Blackwood Family story this time focusing on famous opera singer Kit Blackwood. When tragedy strikes and Kit learns she can no longer sing opera, she flees to the family's isolated cottage on the moors. She feels safe in the familiar place where she spent many hours with her childhood friends Claire and Jason who still live in the nearby village. Another singer looking for a reset lets the cottage next door, and Kit begins to hope she might have some musical future after all. Sparks fly between the two singers but a deadly threat lurks underneath. A serial killer is dumping young women's bodies on the moors. Will Kit be next?
This is a fast-paced read I consumed in a few days as I couldn't wait to pick it up again. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. Another stellar read by Julia Blake, another wonderful storyline than quickly and beautifully draws the reader into various worlds and characters.
This is a fast-paced read I consumed in a few days as I couldn't wait to pick it up again. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. Another stellar read by Julia Blake, another wonderful storyline than quickly and beautifully draws the reader into various worlds and characters.
May 3, 2024
Another thrilling ride!
I’m onto the fifth book in the Blackwood Family Saga, and one might say this family have more than their fair share of drama. In Pitch & Pace, we follow opera singer Kit Blackwood as she is forced to consider new directions following damage to her larynx that leaves her singing career in tatters.
She escapes to the wilds of the Yorkshire moors, staying in her family’s holiday cottage and reconnecting with memories and friends from her childhood. Disrupting her time alone, Kit runs into a stray dog, encounters a stranger living in the adjacent cottage, and hears of a killer on the loose. The scene is set for the next thrill ride! Intrigue, suspense, romance … cue another wonderful tale in this engaging series.
I’m onto the fifth book in the Blackwood Family Saga, and one might say this family have more than their fair share of drama. In Pitch & Pace, we follow opera singer Kit Blackwood as she is forced to consider new directions following damage to her larynx that leaves her singing career in tatters.
She escapes to the wilds of the Yorkshire moors, staying in her family’s holiday cottage and reconnecting with memories and friends from her childhood. Disrupting her time alone, Kit runs into a stray dog, encounters a stranger living in the adjacent cottage, and hears of a killer on the loose. The scene is set for the next thrill ride! Intrigue, suspense, romance … cue another wonderful tale in this engaging series.
July 23, 2022
Another great book!
I really enjoy julia's writing, would have gave 5 but the end kind of felt like a wrap up but good.
I have read all her books and need to do more reviews, she is my go to author. Easy read and all so fun!
Check out her blog, a real kick!
I really enjoy julia's writing, would have gave 5 but the end kind of felt like a wrap up but good.
I have read all her books and need to do more reviews, she is my go to author. Easy read and all so fun!
Check out her blog, a real kick!
January 12, 2023
I admit to not being sure if I would enjoy Kit’s story since her brief appearances or mentions in the other books were minimal. No worries! I was quickly drawn to her feelings of hopelessness, wishful longings for what had been, and worries for her future. Don’t all of us have those occasionally? I loved the charm of supporting characters, enjoying the camaraderie between the friends. This book has a little more language than the others but it remains a fade-to-black as well which I appreciated. I love the easy friendship between Adam and Kit and it was satisfying to see how their relationship grew into something more. And, as usual, Blake is excellent with throwing a little mystery with a twist into her stories which I always love. I was so glad to hear that there will be more in this series.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews