My upcoming release, Prelude to Love, is set in Wellington, and most of the story takes place in the Hutt Valley where I live. Most of the locations are real places or inspired by real places. The only one that isn’t is Avalon College where Joel is a music teacher. Avalon is a suburb in Lower Hutt, and there is an Avalon Primary and Intermediate but no college/high school. As the school and its inhabitants play a big part in the story, I didn’t want to use a real place, so it is inspired by schools where I’ve worked or visited.

I also took care to use different locations from Sunset at Pencarrow, which I co-wrote with Lou Sylvre, as that is also set in the area. However, there were some locations which I had to reuse, such as Wellington Airport, and the Petone Esplanade. It’s difficult to get away from those, although I must admit Nate from that story lives only a few blocks away from Joel in this one!

I enjoyed being able to share familiar locations, and as an added bonus I didn’t need to use google maps. At one point I was writing a scene, and couldn’t remember the specifics of that particular location so I went for a drive and took photos, and had a cuppa with my daughter at the same time.

An area alongside the Waiwhetu stream plays an important part in the story, and serves as a location for several scenes. I like the area because it’s peaceful and, as an added bonus, near a really nice café. Joel and Marcus visit that café in the story and, although I haven’t named it, locals will recognise it by its description.

When I was taking photos of the stream, I noticed a rather unusual tree. Inspiration struck and I knew I could use it in the story.

I love setting stories in New Zealand, and sharing a bit of my country with readers. My next few releases will be set here too, but I’ll be switching genres for those as they’re paranormal.

Prelude to Love is now up for pre-order on Amazon, and available on Payhip until the 27th February for those of you who prefer epub/not Amazon. When it releases on the 28th February on Amazon it will also go into KU for the first time.

#contemporaryromance #mmromance #gayromance #sweetwithheat #oppositesattract #friendstolovers #slowburn #smalltownromance

Blurb:
Music speaks directly to the heart.

Joel is a music teacher who knows it’s time to forget his ex and move on, while Marcus runs a lawn-mowing business and has come to Wellington to escape the reminders of a recent breakup. Although they’re opposites, when Joel and Marcus connect, their romance has the potential to hit all the right notes.

Too bad neither of them feels ready for new love.

With family and friends in common, dating is risky and things could get messy if it doesn’t work out. When the sweet song of possibility draws them towards romance, a Chopin prelude ends in a seductive kiss. But it will take some practice and perseverance to find their perfect harmony…

Author’s note: This is the second edition of Prelude to Love. The first edition was released by another publishing house. This edition has some added content, and has been revised and re-edited with the end result being a better, stronger story. It uses New Zealand spelling to reflect its setting.

Amazon US | Universal Link | Payhip

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