My Recent Comments

I must admit that this is a very spirited discussion.  I can agree with many of the comments because for years I read Harlequins and Silhouettes where there was no sex or lovemaking on page, and the stories were WONDERFUL!  The plots were formulaic, but it was the characters who pulled me into the novel and did not let go until the last page.  I, then have to ask if a lot of hot and heavy love scenes make a novel a romance novel - and my answer is NO! No amount of steamy sex can save a sagging plot or one-dimensional characters.

Whenever I start a novel I keep in mind that I'm writing for a particular line or audience.  The titles for Sepia are not intended for readers who read only Kimani Romance.  If a reader chooses to crossover and read other lines, then they should be prepared for another type of read.  I love romance and understand what should go into a romance novel, but I'm also attuned to today's social mores.  When the editor insists that the characters practice "safe sex" then as a writer I must adhere to the dictates.

Readers have heard me say for two decades that I will not defend my work, but will attempt to explain what I've written.  As a Kimani author I've been afforded the opportunity to stretch to step out of romance to write for Sepia.  Writing BEST KEPT SECRETS, PLEASURE SEEKERS and AFTER HOURS and the upcoming NAUGHTY is challenge that I can write other than romance with the pat happily ever after ending.  Sepia is apples and Arabesque and Kimani Romance oranges.  Although both are fruit - there are obvious differences.  A hero and heroine sleeping together after meeting for the first time in the first chapter belongs in Sepia. Courtship that culiminates in lovemaking is romance.

Let's not confuse the two.

Rochelle Alers 

I was shocked to find all three books on bookstore shelves before the end of June.  They were to be released consecutively June, July and August, but it looks as if readers will be able to read all three in June. 

I just completed my first Kimani Romance.  It will be the first of another family trilogy - the Eatons of Pennsylvania.  Look for BITTERSWEET LOVE January 2009.

LONG TIME COMING, THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION and TAKEN BY STORM are a return to the traditional sexy romance novel.  As an author I found it refreshing to return to my romance roots.

Rochelle Alers 

In AFTER HOURS Adina severs contact with everyone in her past.  And that includes Myles.  You see him as a "not so bad guy," but remember he is into criminal activities.  What I didn't do in the online read was show you his dark side, unlike Payne who is truly a sociopath.

I coudn't stop smiling after writing the HONEY DIP scene.    Poor Lance!

Hi Smoothjazzreader.  I'm so glad you posted first.  Like, you, I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't finished reading AFTER HOURS, but it looks as if Adina/will become a very interesting character for readers to analysis.

What can I say about Lance?  He's a true prince.

Thank you, Ikia.  Looking forward to your participation on the Kimani boards.

Thank you Meapey.  I was honored to have joined you and the others during this online read/discussion.  And because this online read was created after the manuscript was in book form I thought a prequel would serve as a lead-in for AFTER HOURS. 

It appears from the many comments that it has elicited enough curosity as to whether Adina will stop hustling long enough to change her wicked ways.

For those who haven't read AFTER HOURS my lips are sealed.   Here's hoping to connect with you again during the book discussion on the Kimani boards.

My humble thanks to everyone who posted their comments.  I would also like to thank those who purchased AFTER HOURS to see if Adina makes good on her attempt to leave the street life and go straight.

Peace and love.

Rochelle Alers   

I, too, liked Myles despite his bookmaking business and connection with those involved in organized crime, while Adina is who she is - a hustler.  But, on the other hand, Payne would never openly "rat out" Adina to her targets because she knows too much about him.  Remember Payne is an ex-con, so that makes him less than credible.

In order to find out who puts a hit out on Adina you'll have to read AFTER HOURS.