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Opening ACT: Pirouettes and Promises - Book One
2021 Firebird Book Award for Contemporary Fiction
2021 Firebird Book Award for New Fiction
Isabella "Izzy" Roccine has never experienced a man's kiss, other than a tight-lipped stage kiss. She knows nothing about romance and little about life. After landing a job on Broadway, she heads to New York City with a suitcase full of dance shoes and dreams. She's made a promise to herself to finally fall in love.When she thinks her very first boyfriend, firefighter Brandon O'Conner, rejects her because of a secret she has withheld from him, her life begins to crumble. Her career comes to a halt and she grabs a lifeline offered by a man that leads a duplicitous life. Ashe Cramer is a mega-rich socialite by night and porn star by day. He provides carnal pleasure and offers financial abundance to her, but his inability to connect emotionally means the relationship with Izzy remains empty.As Izzy's life continues to pirouette towards implosion, she considers returning home broken. When she's given a second chance with Brandon, she's determined to reclaim all that's been lost. Resurrecting her determined spirit, she fights for everything and everyone important to her. Resilient and wiser, even unbelievable heartbreak doesn't stop her from living the life she's always imagined.Opening Act is the first installment in the Pirouettes and Promises Series. Stand-alone. No cliffhangers.
2021 Firebird Book Award for New Fiction
Isabella "Izzy" Roccine has never experienced a man's kiss, other than a tight-lipped stage kiss. She knows nothing about romance and little about life. After landing a job on Broadway, she heads to New York City with a suitcase full of dance shoes and dreams. She's made a promise to herself to finally fall in love.When she thinks her very first boyfriend, firefighter Brandon O'Conner, rejects her because of a secret she has withheld from him, her life begins to crumble. Her career comes to a halt and she grabs a lifeline offered by a man that leads a duplicitous life. Ashe Cramer is a mega-rich socialite by night and porn star by day. He provides carnal pleasure and offers financial abundance to her, but his inability to connect emotionally means the relationship with Izzy remains empty.As Izzy's life continues to pirouette towards implosion, she considers returning home broken. When she's given a second chance with Brandon, she's determined to reclaim all that's been lost. Resurrecting her determined spirit, she fights for everything and everyone important to her. Resilient and wiser, even unbelievable heartbreak doesn't stop her from living the life she's always imagined.Opening Act is the first installment in the Pirouettes and Promises Series. Stand-alone. No cliffhangers.
412 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 23, 2022
This is such an unusual and original novel! If you went by the beautiful cover and first chapter alone, you might think that this is a YA-type story, but it is not. There are a number of explicit sex scenes throughout, most tastefully done. So if you want a clean book, this is not it!
Opening Act is about young Izzy, who lost her mother to a sudden death weeks earlier, and her move from Colorado to New York City for a job dancing on Broadway. Though she is working through her grief, dancing on Broadway is an elusive dream to most dancers, and her first days in New York go smoothly. She had managed to befriend a fellow dancer who moved out of the flat that Izzy moves into. This friend went great trouble to ensure Izzy would be comfortable in her new home. And within minutes of entering her new apartment building Izzy meets Brandon, an attractive and friendly neighbor, who assists her by lugging her bags up to her 3rd floor apartment. The pair have an instant rapport and a few sparks fly.
But this is also the story of Ashe, a handsome man who has not yet property grieved the loss of his deceased wife, who died three years earlier. He has found a strange way to cope with his devastation: he accepts an offer to perform in porn movies. It is a compliment to the author that she is able to make Ashe a sympathetic character despite his unorthodox profession. He is conflicted by the work, which is so high-paying that he was able to pay off his mortgage and buy a luxury car despite not taking money from his wealthy parents. Still, he knows his deceased wife would be shocked if she knew what he did.
Although this is a two-book series, it bears emphasizing that this book is a complete story arc-a fact I appreciate! Opening Act is certain to please readers of contemporary romance!
Opening Act is about young Izzy, who lost her mother to a sudden death weeks earlier, and her move from Colorado to New York City for a job dancing on Broadway. Though she is working through her grief, dancing on Broadway is an elusive dream to most dancers, and her first days in New York go smoothly. She had managed to befriend a fellow dancer who moved out of the flat that Izzy moves into. This friend went great trouble to ensure Izzy would be comfortable in her new home. And within minutes of entering her new apartment building Izzy meets Brandon, an attractive and friendly neighbor, who assists her by lugging her bags up to her 3rd floor apartment. The pair have an instant rapport and a few sparks fly.
But this is also the story of Ashe, a handsome man who has not yet property grieved the loss of his deceased wife, who died three years earlier. He has found a strange way to cope with his devastation: he accepts an offer to perform in porn movies. It is a compliment to the author that she is able to make Ashe a sympathetic character despite his unorthodox profession. He is conflicted by the work, which is so high-paying that he was able to pay off his mortgage and buy a luxury car despite not taking money from his wealthy parents. Still, he knows his deceased wife would be shocked if she knew what he did.
Although this is a two-book series, it bears emphasizing that this book is a complete story arc-a fact I appreciate! Opening Act is certain to please readers of contemporary romance!
January 14, 2020
Opening Act is one of the best debut novels I’ve read. Wynne is a talented author who writes with the depth and maturity of a seasoned novelist. As an avid reader, it’s not often a debut novel grabs me and won’t let go, but this one did. In Opening Act, Izzy is a woman we can all relate to and most of us will see a bit of Izzy in ourselves. She’s real—there’s not much more you can say. Her move to New York City is only the beginning of her journey and what it journey it is. Her joy is infectious and the reader will be uplifted by her ability to always see the positive side. But when she’s down, the reader will be equally affected. Wynne’s descriptions of emotions, actions, and interactions are just that good. Izzy’s life takes many twists and turns; some you’ll appreciate and some will be upsetting. But as in the real world, life is seldom one long smooth ride and Wynne’s mastery of the written word tells of a life we can all relate to. Opening Act is a book I’ll be recommending to everyone and I’m looking forward to reading the next chapter in Izzy’s life. I’m also eager to see what the future (after Izzy) has in store for this wonderful new author.
January 26, 2020
Opening Act had me hooked from the first chapter. I loved Izzy and her zest/enthusiasm for life. This book allows readers to join her on her journey to make her dreams come true. All of the characters in this novel were well-developed and I felt quite a connection to each of them. I laughed and cried as Izzy's story developed and she experienced bumps on the road to success. Opening Act is more than a love story (although that is part of the story) but it is about a young woman finding her path and realizing who she is/what she wants out of life. It's about perseverance, dedication, self-care, love of self and others, and enduring & overcoming hardships. Oh, and I can't not mention the steamy scenes that Wynne handled brilliantly! I look forward to reading more by this promising author.
September 6, 2020
An emotional and riveting book that captures a young girl’s quest to find herself in the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. You’ll experience the twists and turns of Izzy’s life as she pursues her bold dreams, discovers the joys and heartache of love, and is propelled on a thrilling adventure! A book about fulfilling dreams, never giving up, and redefining happiness in the wake of tragedy. Prepare to cheer on this book’s memorable characters and keep turning the pages until the stunning conclusion!
May 12, 2023
This is a wonderful contemporary romance which I normally do not read. However, this was the exception because I loved the story. Isabella "izzy" is an adorable character chasing her dreams of dancing on Broadway and after her failed first attempt boyfriend Brandon, she meets Ashe who is a complete opposite of herself. He really brings out things and shows her new things in life, but then she has a chance with Brandon again and its definitely worth the read.
December 1, 2019
I love romance novels and Opening Act by Deborah Wynne is that and more! Izzy is a strong woman working hard for her career and for love! This story is full of emotions. You feel just what Izzy feels! I cheered for her all through this book. I won’t write a spoiler but the end was surprising but oh so satisfying!
January 5, 2020
I have one chapter left and am holding on to it because I don't want to let them go. The characters are ones you don't want to forget. The story line is realistic to a point but never is there a lag. Deborah Wynne writes likes she's sitting across the table drinking wine with you...or coffee. Am I reading this or is she tell it to me? Captivating whichever it is.
March 5, 2021
A charming tale with a detailed look into a dancers life. Couldn't decide who to root for, Brandon or Ashe. A happy ending that left this reader satisfied. The cover of this book is gorgeous and the weight and feel of the book in my hands was welcome. There's something satisfying about holding an actual book in your hands!
December 15, 2019
Absolutely stunning novel.
Deborah Wynne's debut novel blew me away. This is a book about love, misunderstandings, and ambition. Izzy is a force to be reckoned with and I look forward to reading more about this enthralling ballerina
Deborah Wynne's debut novel blew me away. This is a book about love, misunderstandings, and ambition. Izzy is a force to be reckoned with and I look forward to reading more about this enthralling ballerina
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews