Jazz Baby Book Review *Lorelie Brown*

I really don’t understand why there aren’t more romances being released with an early 20th century Pre World War II setting. I do believe there’s a market for it, and if you have an author like Lorelie Brown penning such a novel, I can see the public eating it up and asking for more. When I heard that Lorelie had written a 1920’s Prohibition romance, I was very intrigued and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Lorelie’s Jazz Baby is one story I recommend you spend your money on. Not only has she written a wonderful and steamy romance, but her storytelling skills, intricate, thought out plot and characters really hooks you. Perhaps Lorelie will jump start a new trend where the decade of the Roaring Twenties will be the new “in” historical romance?

Jazz Baby introduces us to Micah Trent, an undercover Prohibition agent who travels from city to city helping the local cops take down illegal speakeasies, both large and small. The Volstead Act has been passed where under the 18th Amendment, liquor has been prohibited within the United States. Any place caught serving alcohol will be closed down and those involved will be arrested. Micah has a job to do and makes no excuses how he does it, even if it means taking down the Mom and Pop bars along with the big guys. Micah and his partner Jake have a chance to take down big time mobster, Poppa Paulo who works in New York City. Paulo’s son Johnny Vittorelli is now trying to make a name for himself and out from under his father’s rule. Micah and Jake will go to NYC as bootleggers and try and take down both father and son.

Kate Kirkland runs The Kirk, the former bar her deceased father operated. Now it’s an illegal speakeasy. Kate does the best she can under the circumstance and runs a tight ship where the locals can relax, have a few drinks and listen to some great live music. Kate’s brother, Patrick is a fallen down drunk and lashes out because he feels his life is worthless, mainly because his father always berated him. Kate was always the golden child, and although she loves her brother, she’s sick and tired of his boozing and depression. Its bad enough she had to deal with the likes of Vittorelli, who has become very dangerous and may want in on her business. For the moment, her one main concern is finding a new bootlegger because her main one is retiring. She meets Micah Trent and Jake Sterling, who will take over for her favorite bootlegger’s operations. But, she has some major reservations, especially in regards to Micah who is a big flirt. She wants the respect due to her because she’s a business woman after all, and Micah does seem to appreciate her work ethic, but also treats her like a woman who has needs. Kate has put her own personal needs to the side as she babysits her brother and keeping The Kirk afloat that could be taken away from her at a moment’s notice.

Micah is very attracted to Kate and decides he’ll romance her and is assured they will end up on the bedroom. At first he doesn’t have any remorse because Kate is a criminal, albeit a beautiful and savvy one who is dealing with the cards life handed her. When Vittorelli comes sniffing around Kate and vaguely threatens her into give him a piece of The Kirk, Micah will do whatever he can to protect her and keep her safe. Kate soon welcomes Micah into her life on a more personal level, unaware of who he really is. And when Vittorelli is sick and tired of not being respected, he does something that will cause a major ripple effect for Kate and The Kirk, where Micah is backed into a corner. Now he has to make some very tough decisions with his job and the woman he has come to love.

Jazz Baby exceeded my expectations and more. This is an excellent, well written romance that comes across somewhat literary in its telling. I was lost in the history, which Lorelie explains so well, and felt like I was right in the middle of all the action. The sites and sounds of the 1920’s is near perfect, where I wanted to sit down, have a glass of gin and listen to some jazz.

Kate is a very strong, impressive heroine who refuses to be coddled or give up when things get tough. Micah is one of these smooth types who’s used in getting his way, but Kate makes him work hard for her trust. What I really like about Micah was the way he respected Kate, not only because she is one classy “broad”, but he’s attracted to her because of her mind and how well she handles each situation. These two are each other’s equals in every way, which leads to great steamy love making between the two.

Johnny Vitteroli, and his father who rule the New York City underworld, reminded me of characters you would find in a Martin Scorsese gangster movie. You really come to dislike these two men, even though Johnny is more of a whiny, spoiled man who gets his just desserts in the end. The other secondary characters such as Jake, Kate’s head lining singer, Suzie, and even Patrick really round out the story.

Jazz Baby was a very different type of romance I was so glad in taking a chance on. For a debut author to write such a book that really has amazed me, I can’t help but applaud Lorelie Brown’s wonderful efforts and place Jazz Baby in my top 20 for 2010 (Samhain Publishing)

Final Grade: A-


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