Blog Archives
True Love Can Weather Any Storm
Flames of Flamenco follows a French teacher visiting Paris who falls in love with an artist and dancer and decides to remain in Paris with him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had my portrait sketched on la Place du Tertre in Montmartre–the bohemian heart of Paris. The intriguing artist with long black hair and sultry smile was the inspiration for Jean-Luc, the protagonist in Flames of Flamenco. He was also inspired by an intoxicating flamenco dancer named José that I met on a trip to Spain.
Do you believe that “love can conquer all” and that if you truly love someone deeply enough, you can weather any storm that arises, or is this just a dream that makes for great erotic love stories?
I do believe that love can conquer all and that true love can weather any storm that arises. Ella and Jean-Luc’s passion is a testament to that.
One of the challenges with Erotic Fiction is balancing the romance and the storyline; your books do this, allowing the narrative to flow smoothly. Could you tell me how you do this in your novels?
This novella was my first attempt at writing an erotic romance, so I was not at all sure how to balance the two. I wanted the focus to be on the storyline, not the steamy scenes, so I did a lot of research into Paris, Montmartre, la Fête des Vendanges (the annual wine harvest festival), le Musée de la Vie Romantique– as well as the distinct elements of flamenco itself–to develop the plot. I love how it all came together, like a bohemian rhapsody of art and dance, with passion and love at the core.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently writing a Viking romance between a Celtic priestess from Bretagne–daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy–and her forced marriage to the Viking son of Harald Bluetooth, King of Norway and Denmark.
In the meantime, my WWII historical romance novel, The Witch of the Breton Woods, will be published in the spring of 2024. It’s the story of a traumatized young woman who finds and heals a wounded American paratrooper dropped into France for D-Day. Hiding him from the Gestapo and la Milice– the local French paramilitary organization that collaborates with the Nazis– she introduces him to the French Resistance (of which she is a member), and the two of them join the Allies in the Battle of Saint-Malo.
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When he melts her frozen heart, she decides to remain in Paris and live with him, sharing his atelier as she designs and creates chic couture.
But a beautiful, beguiling curator invites Jean-Luc to display his paintings as the featured artist in the upcoming L’Art de la Danse exhibit, and the lure of international fame threatens his future with Ella.
Will jealousy and greed extinguish their passion, or will the flames of flamenco endure?
Flames of Flamenco
In Flames of Flamenco, by Jennifer Ivy Walker, readers are whisked away on a journey with Ella Jacob, a French teacher whose educational excursion to Paris transforms into an unexpected odyssey of passion. Her path converges with Jean Luc Cortes, a masterful French artist, and together they embark on a whirlwind romance that redefines the depths of desire against the vibrant backdrop of a Parisian summer. As the narrative unfolds, Ella finds herself at a crossroads, contemplating the future of her career and the intense love affair that has unexpectedly taken root. Walker eloquently captures the essence of an unforgettable summer, where the fiery passion of romance is ignited amidst the artistic tapestry of Paris.
Flames of Flamenco caters to the aficionados of erotic romance, delivering a potent concoction of love and sensuality. Walker’s vivid portrayal of the couple’s passionate encounters ensures an immersive experience for readers. The novel’s focus on the primary storyline, devoid of extraneous subplots, allows for an undistracted immersion into Ella and Jean Luc’s fervent journey. The book tantalizes readers with the potential for a richer exploration of Jean Luc’s character, especially his intriguing fears and vulnerabilities. Moreover, the inclusion of conflicts like Colette Ducharme’s scandal intriguingly opens doors for a more evolved and gratifying resolution. The story’s intense romantic core remains its triumphant feature. The author adeptly sustains a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation, captivating readers with the potent and intoxicating allure of a love affair set in the romantic heart of Paris.
Despite treading on familiar ground, Flames of Flamenco guarantees a deeply emotional odyssey, captivating readers and leaving them eager to unravel the destiny of this fervent summer love affair.
Pages: 120 | ASIN : B0CKY742G8
An Unforgettable Experience
Amour in Avignon follows a struggling young woman who travels to Provence, southern France, to visit her aunt and joins a thespian troupe where she finds romance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was a high school French teacher and college professor who was one of 15 recipients of a National Endowment of the Humanities Scholarship for Teachers to participate in Le Festival d’ Avignon, the world-famous Festival of Theater which attracts 500,000 people each year to the vibrant city of Avignon, in the south of France. While I was there for the month of July 2009, I studied (and even performed in!) French plays and attended live performances of all types of theater: classical tragedies, puppet shows, flamenco dances, comedies, musicals, and avant-garde presentations of Theater of the Absurd. It was an unforgettable experience and the inspiration for my novella.
Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story?
I LOVE the south of France and the region of Provence, and I was captivated by the city of Avignon, which is famous for le Palais des Papes–the Palace of the Popes–where the papacy was transferred from Rome during the 14th century. I felt that with the rich history, beautiful setting, and vibrancy of the Festival of Theater, Avignon would be the perfect backdrop for a contemporary romance.
What was the inspiration for the love story and the connection the characters have?
While earning my MA in French literature, I read the classical tragedy, Cyrano de Bergerac. I absolutely adored the film of the same name with Gérard Depardieu, Vincent Perez, and Anne Brochet. My novella, Amour in Avignon, is a modern retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, set amidst the backdrop of le Festival d’ Avignon. As in the original work by Edmond Rostand, Amour in Avignon features two best friends who fall in love with the same woman. My protagonist, Ludovic Brissac, and antagonist, Auguste DesMoulins, are expert fencers, just as Cyrano and Christian are skilled swordsmen in the classic play.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
Although Amour in Avignon is a stand-alone novella, I have written another steamy, contemporary French romance, Flames of Flamenco, which takes place in Montmartre, the bohemian heart of Paris. It’s the story of an American teacher who travels to Paris to study language and culture and meets a talented painter who is also a passionate flamenco dancer. She becomes his Muse as he introduces her to the secret delights of the City of Light.
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When Lily joins their thespian troupe, portraying the lead female role, she discovers that real life mirrors the play they are rehearsing, for–just as Cyrano and Christian vie for Roxane– Ludo and Auguste become intense rivals for Lily.
Handsome as a Hollywood movie star, Auguste is used to women falling into his bed. But when Lily spurns his amorous advances, drawn instead to the enigmatic Ludo, jealousy drives Auguste to seek revenge.
Will tragedy strike with a cruel twist of fate? Or will love triumph with Amour in Avignon?
la loi salique
Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle follows a French princess who wishes to become Valkyrie warrior queen but instead is being forced home to marry a man she does not love. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am a former high school teacher and college professor of French with a passion for medieval French history. I love the region of Bretagne (Brittany in English) and especially the legends and myths from the enchanted Forest of Brocéliande, birthplace of Merlin, the Lady of the Lake Viviane and Lancelot, King Arthur’s First Knight of Camelot.
When I was an undergraduate student, I spent a summer studying abroad in Normandy and was fascinated by the Viking influences and heritage in that region. So, I decided to create a story of a fiery French princess of Finistère in Bretagne whose ancestors were Viking Valkyrie.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
In the Middle Ages, knights were sworn to the moral principles of chivalry, such as fierce loyalty to God, their king, and their country. They also swore to protect and defend women, children, the weak and the sick.
These moral principles created the inner conflict of my hero, Sir Bastien de Landuc, the royal guard appointed to defend Princess Gabrielle who has suffered an impossible love for her since adolescence.
Historical fiction takes a lot of research to get the right feel even if the storyline is not real.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
No, but I wanted to bring in something I had learned in my studies of French history that I felt was horribly unfair to women. There is an archaic law–la loi salique-– which dates back to the 5th century and the Frankish king Clovis. According to this law, women could not inherit a kingdom nor rule in their own right. Their titles and property became the possession of their husbands. I wanted to show how unfair this law was to Princess Gabrielle, who was facing a forced marriage for this reason.
Will there be a follow up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, I have signed a publishing contract for A Celtic Yuletide Carol, the story of Sir Cardin de Landuc–Bastien’s brother– and his struggle with grief and guilt when his young wife dies in childbirth and he forsakes his newborn son. I am also writing another follow-up, the story of Sir Gaultier, Bastien and Cardin’s oldest brother, who defends King Philippe of France’s claim to the distant land of Aquitaine on the Spanish border in southwestern France.
My current work in progress is A Nordic Yuletide Wish, the story of Princess Gabrielle’s ancestor Ylva, the descendant of Rollo, first Viking chieftain of Normandy. It is both a follow up to Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle and a gateway to a planned Viking trilogy that I will write in the near future.
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Chivalrous, solitary knight Sir Bastien de Landuc suffers an impossible love for Gabrielle, the unattainable princess he can never have. Without a title of nobility, he is ineligible to compete in the tournament for her hand in marriage, despite his unparalleled equestrian skills and inimitable swordsmanship.
Yet, Yuletide wishes for a wondrous winter solstice in the glorious Crystal Castle might make impossible dreams come true.
Can the valiant knight win the coveted hand of his Viking Valkyrie?
Amour in Avignon
In Amour in Avignon, author Jennifer Ivy Walker presents a narrative steeped in the rich tapestry of the French Riviera, elegantly intertwining elements of romance and adventure. The protagonist, Lily Greene, finds herself at her aunt’s villa in Provence, France, seeking solitude after a challenging breakup. There, she meets Ludo and Auguste, two compelling fencers whose refined demeanors captivate her.
As Lily volunteers to play the female lead in a local production of Cyrano de Bergerac, involving Ludo and Auguste, she begins to notice parallels between the play’s narrative and her own complex emotions. Walker skillfully uses this setup to explore themes of longing and the intricacies of human relationships. Lily’s interactions with Auguste, known for his romantic pursuits, and the increasingly charming Ludo create a simmering tension that threatens the stability of their friendships. Walker’s narrative prowess is on full display as she crafts a sensual and immersive world in Amour in Avignon. The book is rich in descriptive details, painting a vivid picture of the setting and the internal landscape of desires and tensions experienced by Lily.
This erotic adult fantasy novel is an exploration of intimate connections, offering a captivating journey into the allure of passion. What stands out in this novel is its ability to blend the escapism of travel with the introspective journey of romance. The beauty and culture of Provence serve as a backdrop for the unfolding drama, adding depth to the story. Amour in Avignon is a testament to Walker’s ability to weave a tale that is as much about the discovery of self as it is about the exploration of desire.
For those drawn to narratives that delve into the complexities of romance and sensuality set against a backdrop of cultural richness, Amour in Avignon is a compelling read. It’s an exploration of the nuances of desire and the unexpected paths of the heart, set in a world where every detail is rendered with care and sensuality.
Pages: 94 | ASIN : B0CJH6FSSV
Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle
In Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle, Jennifer Ivy Walker transports readers to the heart of the French Medieval era, painting vivid scenes of frost-covered castles and lavish banquets. This historical fiction novel centers on Gabrielle, a princess who defies medieval norms with her aspirations to be a Viking warrior queen. An adept horse rider, archer, and swordfighter, Gabrielle faces the constraints of royal traditions when her father’s illness prompts a Yuletide Joust to determine her marriage fate.
Gabrielle’s romance with Sir Bastien de Landuc, her former mentor and royal guard, is a focal point of this riveting narrative. Despite their deep love, Bastien’s inability to compete in the joust and the menacing presence of Ugolin Cauchon, a villain determined to claim both Gabrielle and her kingdom, weave a complex web of challenges.
Walker’s storytelling is remarkable for its detailed depiction of the medieval period, blending the harsh realities of the era with the warmth of festive traditions. The romance between Gabrielle and Bastien unfolds with a blend of gentleness and intensity, characterized by moments both tender and passionate. Gabrielle, with her fiery spirit and resistance to traditional gender roles, is a particularly compelling character, and her dynamic with Bastien adds depth to the narrative. The novel’s main characters are richly developed, and while the extensive cast of secondary characters and the use of French terminology adds to the depth and authenticity of the setting, they also enhance the reader’s immersion in the medieval world, complementing the novel’s engaging plot and vivid historical backdrop.
Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle is a compelling blend of historical fiction, action, and romance, offering a vivid journey into a meticulously crafted medieval world. Walker’s skillful writing ensures a captivating read throughout.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0CHG3ZQ8J
The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight
Jennifer Ivy Walker’s enthralling novel, The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight, seamlessly weaves into the existing narrative arc as the third installment of her captivating series, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. A captivating concoction of tension, suspense, and gripping plot twists, this volume proves itself indispensable in maintaining the continuity and dynamism of the series.
Central protagonists Tristan and Issylte make their compelling return, immediately plunging into conflict as Issylte’s unexpected pregnancy is revealed en route to Tintagel. The ensuing narrative raises the stakes even higher when Issylte is spirited away by antagonists intending to use her as a sacrificial pawn. This necessitates a desperate and high-stakes pursuit, compelling Tristan to confront a choice with potentially far-reaching implications for his kingdom and his beloved.
The book demonstrates the undeniable chemistry and progression of Tristan and Issylte’s relationship, ultimately culminating in their anticipated union and the imminent birth of their child. Moreover, Issylte’s inherent power offers her a semblance of protection against her kidnappers, enhancing the plot’s intriguing complexity.
The narrative also showcases noteworthy creativity and depth in its depiction of a diverse range of characters. The addition of new characters, such as the sinister Mistress Malfleur, alongside previously introduced figures like the formidable evil queen and their associates, enriches the plot with multifaceted layers of intrigue and suspense. This heightened complexity may offer readers a more stimulating challenge as they navigate through the engaging storyline.
Furthermore, unexpected shifts in character behavior, such as Issylte’s interaction with the midwife, add a refreshing unpredictability to the story. These moments provide opportunities for readers to witness character growth and to explore different facets of their personalities, enhancing the overall depth and richness of the narrative.
The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight offers an enjoyable journey through meticulous character development and a well-orchestrated plot line, which consistently maintains its synergy with the previous books. This installment is an impressive continuation of Walker’s series. It’s exquisite composition and intricate storytelling is commendable. The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight is a splendid read that leaves the audience eagerly anticipating potential sequels.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0C28XRHR2
Mythical Creatures I Created
The Lady of the Mirrored Lake follows a healer who becomes a warrior priestess and embarks on a perilous quest to defend the sacred waters of the Goddess while facing a diabolical threat to her love and kingdoms. What were some new ideas you wanted to explore in this book that was different from book one?
In The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven–book one of the trilogy– I separately developed the characters of the protagonists, Tristan and Issylte, weaving the intricate threads of the plot which brought them together as fated mates. In book two, The Lady of the Mirrored Lake, I developed their passion and purpose as they unite against the wicked Black Widow Queen who threatens them both.
What were some challenges in the story that you felt were important to developing Issylte’s character?
In book one, Issylte is a royal princess, forced to flee the wicked stepmother who seeks her death. She finds refuge with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant healing magic of the enchanted forest. Fate leads Issylte to the otherworldly realm of Avalon, but when the evil queen traces her path, the gifted healer is forced to flee once again.
In book 2, Tristan teaches Issylte weaponry, enabling her to become a warrior priestess of the Tribe of Dana and the Lady of the Mirrored Lake. She must undertake a perilous quest to discover what priceless object lies hidden in the sacred waters she is sworn to protect. In developing Issylte’s character, I wove together many of the French legends I researched, such as the Gallizanea priestesses of the Île de Sein and the Golden Fairies– les Fées Dorées. I altered and embellished certain aspects of those legends to enhance my plot as the mythical creatures I created bestow magic abilities on Issyle.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where Issylte, as a little white dove, flies into the castle dungeon of Tintagel to save her imprisoned mate, Tristan. In the original medieval French legend of Tristan et Yseult (which inspired my trilogy), there is a chapter called Le Cheveu d’ Or–the Golden Hair. I used that same theme, adapting it into a shapeshifting, paranormal scene that was very exciting to write. (And, I hope–to read!)
What can readers expect in book three of The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven series?
The conclusion of the trilogy– entitled The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight–will be published June 21st, on the summer solstice. Tristan and Issylte, empowered with Druidic magic, have enlisted the aid of a triad of shapeshifting allies–the Wolf Tribe, the Bear Clan, and the Mélusine Sea Dragon Warriors. Armed with a trinity of enchanted Elven weapons, the Emerald Fairy Issylte and the Dragon Knight Tristan must defend their Celtic kingdoms against the combined destructive force of the wicked Black Widow Queen, the malevolent Shadow Fairy Malfleur, and the invincible Viking Trident.
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In mystical Brocéliande, Issylte becomes a warrior priestess of the Tribe of Dana and otherworldly mate of the Blue Knight of Cornwall, discovering with Tristan a passion that transcends all bounds. When she becomes the Lady of the Mirrored Lake, sworn to defend the sacred waters of the Goddess, Issylte must undertake a perilous quest to discover what priceless object lies hidden in its murky depths.
As a nascent evil emerges in a fetid cave, Issylte and Tristan must face a diabolical trio that threatens their lives, their love, and their kingdoms.
Enchanted. Enflamed. Entwined. Can their passion and power prevail?
LITERARY TITAN 