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An Unexpected Song
Published for the first time in hardcover, here is New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen’s classic novel of unforgettable romance and unrelenting suspense–a ravishing thriller of a woman with a secret irresistibly drawn into the glittering world of a famous man whose past may be murder….
Taking the stage that evening, Daisy Justine had no idea that she was auditioning for her life. Watching from the darkness beyond the footlights was the world-famous composer Jason Hayes. The reclusive genius was seeking a new star to play the tragic heroine in his latest work, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello.
From the moment he heard her sing, Jason knew he’d found the star he’d been searching for his whole life. But coaxing her from Geneva to the bright lights of Broadway wasn’t going to be easy. For she’d made a promise to another man that she couldn’t break–nor disclose to anyone, not even Jason.
Jason has only two weeks to change Daisy’s mind. But the closer he gets to her, the closer danger comes. For there’s more than just artistic temperament behind Jason’s legendary seclusion. He, too, is harboring a secret, stalked by a killer who’s followed him for decades. Now he’ll do anything to protect Daisy from the greatest threat of all–herself. Daisy’s determined to catch the ruthless sociopath who’ll stop at nothing to ruin their lives. And she’s baiting the trap with the one victim the killer can’t resist.
Taking the stage that evening, Daisy Justine had no idea that she was auditioning for her life. Watching from the darkness beyond the footlights was the world-famous composer Jason Hayes. The reclusive genius was seeking a new star to play the tragic heroine in his latest work, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello.
From the moment he heard her sing, Jason knew he’d found the star he’d been searching for his whole life. But coaxing her from Geneva to the bright lights of Broadway wasn’t going to be easy. For she’d made a promise to another man that she couldn’t break–nor disclose to anyone, not even Jason.
Jason has only two weeks to change Daisy’s mind. But the closer he gets to her, the closer danger comes. For there’s more than just artistic temperament behind Jason’s legendary seclusion. He, too, is harboring a secret, stalked by a killer who’s followed him for decades. Now he’ll do anything to protect Daisy from the greatest threat of all–herself. Daisy’s determined to catch the ruthless sociopath who’ll stop at nothing to ruin their lives. And she’s baiting the trap with the one victim the killer can’t resist.
215 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1990
48 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
227 books7,342 followersIris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
November 3, 2020
"An Unexpected Song" is the story of Daisy and Jason.
This book reminds me of why I love Ms Johansen so much! I wish I could go back in time and rediscover her!!
The story is of a reclusive composer finding a talented singer, and immediately falling for her. He tries to convince her to be his Desdemona, she refuses despite all his offers. But instead of giving up on her, he leaves everything to slowly court and pursue her, exploring their undeniable sexual chemistry and unraveling her closed up heart..
We have insanely hot sex scenes, crazy love, family loyalty, heartbreaking angst, an unexpected villain, some action and a beautiful HEA. There was so much love between the main couple- they almost caused an inferno!
This was fantastic!
Safe
4.5/5
This book reminds me of why I love Ms Johansen so much! I wish I could go back in time and rediscover her!!
The story is of a reclusive composer finding a talented singer, and immediately falling for her. He tries to convince her to be his Desdemona, she refuses despite all his offers. But instead of giving up on her, he leaves everything to slowly court and pursue her, exploring their undeniable sexual chemistry and unraveling her closed up heart..
We have insanely hot sex scenes, crazy love, family loyalty, heartbreaking angst, an unexpected villain, some action and a beautiful HEA. There was so much love between the main couple- they almost caused an inferno!
This was fantastic!
Safe
4.5/5
February 18, 2009
Not what I expected from an Iris Johansen book. This book deals heavily in romance and is quite steamy at times. I enjoy reading this author for her dapples of romance in strong suspense storylines. This book read more like a Harlequin to me. While I wasn't impressed and thought the plot was far too predictable, I did enjoy it for a quick read.
June 24, 2020
Okay, was war das? Auf keinen Fall ein Thriller...
Daisy ist eine Sängerin und hat keine Ahnung, das im Publikum der berühmte Komponist Jason Hayes sitzt, der sie für sein neues Stück gewinnen will. Doch sie kann nicht zusagen, denn ein Psychopath verfolgt sie...
Tja, den Psychopathen findet man auf den letzten 30 Seiten. Bis dahin ist es eher ein Liebesroman. Noch dazu wurde ich mit den Figuren nicht richtig warm. Das Grundsetting gefiel mir eigentlich. Vor allem da es auch hinter den Kulissen am Theater gespielt hat.
Jason mochte ich nicht. Mir war klar, das die Autorin Parallelen zwischen ihm und Othello sowie zwischen Daisy und Desdemona ziehen wollte, aber das wirkte eher mehr gewollt als gekonnt. Noch dazu fehlte es mir an der richtigen Atmosphäre zwischen beiden.
Es gibt (mit Augen zudrücken) 2,5 Sterne für einen durchaus spannenden Schreibstil. Doch das kam mir auch so vor wie ein Unfall. Da kann man auch nicht wegsehen. Allein das Setting gab noch einen kleinen Bonuspunkt, obwohl man das auch noch viel besser hätte machen können.
Daisy ist eine Sängerin und hat keine Ahnung, das im Publikum der berühmte Komponist Jason Hayes sitzt, der sie für sein neues Stück gewinnen will. Doch sie kann nicht zusagen, denn ein Psychopath verfolgt sie...
Tja, den Psychopathen findet man auf den letzten 30 Seiten. Bis dahin ist es eher ein Liebesroman. Noch dazu wurde ich mit den Figuren nicht richtig warm. Das Grundsetting gefiel mir eigentlich. Vor allem da es auch hinter den Kulissen am Theater gespielt hat.
Jason mochte ich nicht. Mir war klar, das die Autorin Parallelen zwischen ihm und Othello sowie zwischen Daisy und Desdemona ziehen wollte, aber das wirkte eher mehr gewollt als gekonnt. Noch dazu fehlte es mir an der richtigen Atmosphäre zwischen beiden.
Es gibt (mit Augen zudrücken) 2,5 Sterne für einen durchaus spannenden Schreibstil. Doch das kam mir auch so vor wie ein Unfall. Da kann man auch nicht wegsehen. Allein das Setting gab noch einen kleinen Bonuspunkt, obwohl man das auch noch viel besser hätte machen können.
March 2, 2024
Very sweet Romance,but predictable
February 15, 2020
Note: dnf at 40%
A shallow book that reads like a guy's fantasy in the 1950s. Terrible and creepy. The main guy is an emotionally abusive stalker who doesn't know how to take no for an answer.
The main woman is stereotypically depicted as frigid for not wanting sex all the time and as helpless to resist the male protag's physical allure and wants. And of course she instaloves him after days of half-resistance to his persistent creepiness.
The passage below pretty much sums it up:
"'Why are you so uptight?' His lips were gently tugging on a tendril of hair at her nape. 'It was your choice. You initiated and I responded.'
But that was before she realized how much she loved him, how helpless she was to resist him. 'I'm not initiating any longer, I told you-'
'It was a mistake.' As he finished the sentence his lips tightened grimly. 'Too late. You had your chance to back out last night. Maybe it would have been better for both of us if you had. But now we have to play it out until the end.'
She laughed shakily. 'That sounds like a threat. I know you wouldn't use force, Jason.'
'No, but anything else. I'm feeling wild.' He stood up, his hand still lingering in her hair. 'I don't give up, Daisy. If you don't come to me tonight, I'll be here tomorrow. I'm afraid I've learned to reach out and grab what I want.' He smiled crookedly. 'Before it's taken away from me.'"
In short, the book screams Twilight, except Twilight is actually better. That's saying something.
A shallow book that reads like a guy's fantasy in the 1950s. Terrible and creepy. The main guy is an emotionally abusive stalker who doesn't know how to take no for an answer.
The main woman is stereotypically depicted as frigid for not wanting sex all the time and as helpless to resist the male protag's physical allure and wants. And of course she instaloves him after days of half-resistance to his persistent creepiness.
The passage below pretty much sums it up:
"'Why are you so uptight?' His lips were gently tugging on a tendril of hair at her nape. 'It was your choice. You initiated and I responded.'
But that was before she realized how much she loved him, how helpless she was to resist him. 'I'm not initiating any longer, I told you-'
'It was a mistake.' As he finished the sentence his lips tightened grimly. 'Too late. You had your chance to back out last night. Maybe it would have been better for both of us if you had. But now we have to play it out until the end.'
She laughed shakily. 'That sounds like a threat. I know you wouldn't use force, Jason.'
'No, but anything else. I'm feeling wild.' He stood up, his hand still lingering in her hair. 'I don't give up, Daisy. If you don't come to me tonight, I'll be here tomorrow. I'm afraid I've learned to reach out and grab what I want.' He smiled crookedly. 'Before it's taken away from me.'"
In short, the book screams Twilight, except Twilight is actually better. That's saying something.
October 18, 2014
Book on CD read by Pamela Dillman
ZERO stars
Beautiful Daisy Justine is playing Fantine in a Geneva Switzerland production of Les Miserables, when she’s discovered by Broadway composer Jason Hayes. He’s a famously reclusive genius, who feels certain Daisy is the perfect soprano to star in his new work. Of course she can’t possibly leave her ailing stepfather, so she refuses. But Jason Hayes is smitten and won’t give up; he always gets what he wants. Except ….
Okay that’s enough. It’s just a ridiculous romance based on the lyrics of several Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals. Seriously. (Even the title is an ALW song from Song and Dance.) As schlocky as using Webber lyrics for dialogue is, Johansen’s own attempts at writing anything original are even worse. Good Heavens, but she’s repetitious, unimaginative, stilted and unbelievable. (And it seems she uses “Good Heavens” on every other page …)
Pamela Dillman’s performance on the audio version is dismal. Granted she had s**t for material, but her over-acting, especially when voicing Jason Hayes had me rolling my eyes, sighing aloud and itching to throw something.
It’s one of the worst books ever written and was a complete waste of my time. Oh well, at least it’s over and it fulfilled several challenge tasks. Save yourselves and read something else.
ZERO stars
Beautiful Daisy Justine is playing Fantine in a Geneva Switzerland production of Les Miserables, when she’s discovered by Broadway composer Jason Hayes. He’s a famously reclusive genius, who feels certain Daisy is the perfect soprano to star in his new work. Of course she can’t possibly leave her ailing stepfather, so she refuses. But Jason Hayes is smitten and won’t give up; he always gets what he wants. Except ….
Okay that’s enough. It’s just a ridiculous romance based on the lyrics of several Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals. Seriously. (Even the title is an ALW song from Song and Dance.) As schlocky as using Webber lyrics for dialogue is, Johansen’s own attempts at writing anything original are even worse. Good Heavens, but she’s repetitious, unimaginative, stilted and unbelievable. (And it seems she uses “Good Heavens” on every other page …)
Pamela Dillman’s performance on the audio version is dismal. Granted she had s**t for material, but her over-acting, especially when voicing Jason Hayes had me rolling my eyes, sighing aloud and itching to throw something.
It’s one of the worst books ever written and was a complete waste of my time. Oh well, at least it’s over and it fulfilled several challenge tasks. Save yourselves and read something else.
August 28, 2019
I generally do not buy romance novels, but this one made it into my giant box for $10 sale so I tried it, but wish I hadn't. It was a throwback to the cheap romance novels I read in my teens and why I stopped reading them! The writing, especially the sex scenes, was atrocious, antiquated and almost laughable, that's how bad it was!
The fact that I listened to this book was not a good thing, as the reader's interpretation of the men was not done well.
If I had eaten this book I would have vomited repeatedly both from the writing, and from the reading of it.
The fact that I listened to this book was not a good thing, as the reader's interpretation of the men was not done well.
If I had eaten this book I would have vomited repeatedly both from the writing, and from the reading of it.
April 7, 2018
I have read many books by this author and have admired her unique plots and skilled writing style. This book is different from those other novels in a one negative way. Although the plot was multifaceted and the writing was smooth and easy to follow, I was uncomfortable with the graphic sex scenes that were sprinkled throughout the novel. I thought the novel as a whole would have been better without the explicit bedroom scenes.
February 27, 2025
(3.5⭐️) An unexpected good read!! The beginning of this book was strange-especially Jason making quick advances on Daisy. This book was published in 1990 so maybe that’s where there’s a little disconnect for me? However, as the story progressed I started to like it. I wish the plot twist would have happened earlier in the book as that was when things really started to get good. Overall, not a bad read.
did-not-finish
January 1, 2025this book is from 1989 or so and romance books were different then. The storyline had the main male character who did not understand that the word "no" is a complete sentence. He kept asking the female main character to sing in his Broadway show and she repeatedly said no, but he kept saying he always gets what he wants. Gross. DNF
August 11, 2017
Beautiful and heartbreaking. This has love, jealousy and beauty all wrap up in this one novel. When you try to protect those you love and it all comes falling down but in the end love, hope and courage wins out. Great read
December 20, 2022
I LOVED traveling back in time with this romance. A coming of age, with a little bit of a thrill! Of course the ending happened so fast and was super cheesy but that’s why we read romance right?! I get a little nervous to read books from 30 years ago, but this one did not disappoint!!!
Read
April 18, 2024Браќа Ерик и Џејсон ќе заминат во театар на претстава каде што ќе биде и пејачка Дејзи. Џејсон во тој момент ќе посака Дејзи да игра во негов мјузикл. Но, дали ќе му се исплати негов труд за Дејзи? Колку ќе му биде од помош Ерик? Дали вреди да бидеме макар и нечија жртва, заради љубовта?
September 26, 2017
Nice concept.. but too sweet for me.
March 15, 2019
Classic 90s Iris Johansen.
January 13, 2020
Such an offensive set of characters. If I could rate less than 1 I would. Couldn’t make it past the first chapter.
June 12, 2021
A definite change from her other novels but just as good. Sensual love story with a mystery. Well done.
September 8, 2021
Quick read. Ok not great
October 27, 2021
i needed a piece of fluff between some dark books and this was the perfect. Fairly typical for a romance novel but nice.
July 14, 2022
Really liked this book. I loved the Jason story of a man in bidding from mad woman. Been a while since I had a good twisted book. Fun easy read
October 22, 2022
A very old fashioned, outdated romance that is better suited for someone looking for 1970's romance.
April 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I kept my interest non stop.
March 27, 2024
Very good
May 18, 2024
I usually don't read love stories but this was cute and different for Johansen. A surprising love affair that two shared after trying to push each other away.
January 2, 2025
Nowhere near others by Iris Johansen. It didn't go anywhere. Didn't stimulate interest at all. Poor character development.
April 3, 2025
This book is an easy read, I finished it in one day. It was a stand alone Johansen book that centered on an singer and her love interest who had whiten an adaptation of Othello for her.
July 10, 2018
Jason Hayes isn’t used to hearing the word “no”—not from performers, not from critics, and certainly not from women. He is the greatest composer the stage has seen in a century, and musicians and actors the world over covet his roles. So when the woman he wants—needs—to play Desdemona in his musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello turns down the role, he launches a relentless campaign to win her over.
Daisy Justine has a powerful gift, a sweet soprano voice with beauty to match. She desperately wants to accept the role Jason Hayes has offered her; it would be the job of a lifetime. But she absolutely cannot go to New York with Jason, and she can’t tell him why.
I borrowed this book from a local book swap after being told that Ms. Johansen was more of a mystery writer and most of the books are interconnected. So I found the oldest book, this one, and started from there. I didn't expect such a romance novel. Fortunately, it's a romance novel with a twist. The preview to the next book sounds like what a few of the other women were describing.
Daisy Justine has a powerful gift, a sweet soprano voice with beauty to match. She desperately wants to accept the role Jason Hayes has offered her; it would be the job of a lifetime. But she absolutely cannot go to New York with Jason, and she can’t tell him why.
I borrowed this book from a local book swap after being told that Ms. Johansen was more of a mystery writer and most of the books are interconnected. So I found the oldest book, this one, and started from there. I didn't expect such a romance novel. Fortunately, it's a romance novel with a twist. The preview to the next book sounds like what a few of the other women were describing.
December 31, 2008
An Unexpected Song by Iris Johansen (copyright 1990) is a story of Daisy Justine, a woman with a name that aptly describes her nature: charmingingly innocent, yet strong and courageous. Daisy is an actress in a play that unknowingly auditions for a world-famous composer, Jason Hayes. He is convinced that Daisy will be absolutely perfect for one of his latest works. However, no matter how Jason tries to cajole Daisy to be the star of his show, she stands firm in her resolve and convictions. There is something going on in Daisy's private life that she refuses to travel abroad. The play that Jason wants her to star is in somewhere else. She will not tell Jason what it is that is keeping her close to home. But, Jason says and does whatever he can to convince Daisy that she simply has to play this part! Iris Johansen will not only capture the reader's attention with this story but she'll capture their hearts as well. There is the perfect amount of drama, suspense, romance, and passion to make it an absolutely thrilling love story!
Anna Todd
Anna Todd
May 27, 2011
Wie die frühe Sandra Brown so schreibt auch die frühe Iris Johansen mehr eine Liebesgeschichte als ein spannungsgeladenen Thriller, im Widerspruch zum Titel und den von ihr bekannten Bücher.
Die Charaktere sind schön gezeichnet, die Geschichte gut durchdacht - aber Spannung kommt kaum auf. Warum dieses Buch auf der Rückseite 4 Spannungspunkte bekommen hat, bleibt bis zum Schluss ein Rätsel.
Warum man das Buch dennoch lesen kann:
Es ist eine sehr schön geschriebene Liebesgeschichte, die kurzweilig die Sommermonate versüßt.
Ich fand das Buch gut, angenehm flüssig zu lesen, gut geschrieben, und das Preis-Leistungsverhältnis hat auch gepasst, aber wer SPANNUNG erwartet, der ist hier fehl am Platz.
Die Charaktere sind schön gezeichnet, die Geschichte gut durchdacht - aber Spannung kommt kaum auf. Warum dieses Buch auf der Rückseite 4 Spannungspunkte bekommen hat, bleibt bis zum Schluss ein Rätsel.
Warum man das Buch dennoch lesen kann:
Es ist eine sehr schön geschriebene Liebesgeschichte, die kurzweilig die Sommermonate versüßt.
Ich fand das Buch gut, angenehm flüssig zu lesen, gut geschrieben, und das Preis-Leistungsverhältnis hat auch gepasst, aber wer SPANNUNG erwartet, der ist hier fehl am Platz.
July 17, 2012
A sweet romance to start and then well it kind of lost me. A crazy sociopath trying to make a mans life Hell and yet he can do nothing about it. It was a bit far fetched for me to believe and the ending was a bit rushed. I like this authors later writings she got better at making a believable story. I just had a hard time believing that this could actually happen and the person was still out walking the streets terrorizing the poor slob. A fast paced easy read that took only an hour or so....but come on I have to believe this could actually happen to really enjoy the tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews