Stealing Fire

By: Susan Sloate

Narrated by: Mapuana Makia

In glittery 1980s Los Angeles, once-celebrated Broadway lyricist Beau Kellogg is disillusioned, unhappily married and yearning for one last musical hit, while he writes advertising jingles for quick money. Meanwhile, in New York, idealistic young singer, Amanda Harary, works a demanding day job at a charming West Side hotel. From their first fiery phone conversation, sparks fly, and when they begin to talk late at night, miracles begin to happen.

They weren't looking for each other but what they find together is a once-in-a-lifetime understanding, impossible joy, and piercing heartache...until they learn that some connections, however improbable, are meant to last forever.

Stealing Fire is a story for romantics everywhere, who believe in the transformative power of love.

©2018 Susan Sloate (P)2020 Susan Sloate

Wonderful!

A heartwarming tale of love and a throwback to the golden age of Broadway musicals and the lyricists who wrote them while remaining (undeservedly!) invisible behind the scenes. In some ways it's a treatment of one the oldest stories in the world (won't mention further details so as not to spoil anyone's reading or listening enjoyment). Susan Sloate handles the subject matter with passion, confidence and honesty. She deftly achieves what any author hopes to achieve: the reader ends up caring for the protagonists. I also loved some less obvious references in the book e.g. a mention of the lyrics of Joni Mitchell, to name but one. Mapuana Makia delivers a flawless performance. Her voice and style couldn't have been better suited to the novel. All in all, it's a work that reminds us of a gentler time, where performance pressure and the interference of technology still left more room for love, friendship, contemplation, and art. An enjoyable listen well-worth your time!

Excellent 1980’s Broadway Romance & Great Performance

I loved this compelling 1980’s NY romance. It kept my attention from beginning to end. I love anything that has to do with Broadway and this delivers plenty of insight into Broadway in the 50s as well as in the 80’s as a backdrop of twenty something Amanda who fell for a much older famous songwriter gentleman who lost his way after turning 60. The narration flows like butter in this incredibly well written novel. I recommend this great story and audiobook for those who are looking for a bit of adventure in NYC!

It Will Draw You In!

This book is so unexpectedly beautiful. It is a romance but neglects all of the typical tropes to give us something fresh and new. And it's amazing in that you probably won't love the main characters but you will still be invested in their lives and choices made. And the book is just so expertly woven that you won't want to set it down (or stop listening in my case).

I really loved and hated these characters at the same time. Both Beau and Amanda were hard to love and made some pretty terrible life choices, but I couldn't help but love them for that. They were perfect in their imperfections and that's what made these characters so realistic. We've all made mistakes in life and sometimes they haunt us, trailing behind like an unfriendly ghost.

Since I listened to this in audiobook form I want to take a moment to talk about how much I enjoyed reading this book as an audiobook. The narration fit the story splendidly and it really brought this story to life. And all in all I was really invested in what might happen to the characters and seeing their lives unfold.

not terrible but not my favorite....

It was a very well written novel but the age gap and themes throughout were a little weird. I didn't feel like it was particularly romantic nor that the romantic parts were very effusive.

The novel takes place during the 1980s, which means, as a 23 year old, there were some scenarios that made me feel indignant and not necessarily something I think will hold up.

As an audiobook, I think the POV changes were a little abrupt at times. I couldn't always tell what POV was talking at which moment.

Besides that, the book was very enjoyable. The sneak peeks behind that red curtain of Broadway was a delight and the way the author was able to entwine a love story and a coming of age story within that world was marvelous.

I just couldn't support the relationship. not really. I felt kinda grossed out by the age gap because that's about the age gap between my father and I and thats a hard solid no.

But I freely admit that's not my thing and if you don't feel bothered by trivial things like age then STEALING FIRE is definitely for you!