Kaia Danielle Takes Us to the Beach

Decades: A Journey of African American Romance

Note: A Secret Desire is the second book in the Decades: A Journey of African American Romance series. This series consists of 12 books, each set in one of 12 decades between 1900 and 2010.  Each story focuses on the romance between African American protagonists, but also embraces the African American experience within that decade. Join the journey on our Facebook page.

Greetings, Romancing the Genre friends! Thank you for stopping by to learn about the second book in our Decades: A Journey of African American Romance historical romance series. Kaia Danielle is the author of A Secret Desire. Her story is set in the 1910s, and highlights the history of black beaches and resorts that were popular during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

“I’m fascinated by the history of black beach communities that emerged during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.” Kaia explained. “I want readers to know that our ancestors were able to create their own relaxation and fun despite the horrors they experienced in the larger society. I also wanted to play around with a 40-something heroine who finds love while reinventing herself.”

That’s an intriguing start. So, friends, meet Halle Duncan, a forty-something socialite whose husband’s death leaves her with virtually nothing. This change in her circumstances forces Halle to return to her family's struggling Jersey Shore resort. Revitalizing the resort would be a perfect start to the second act of Halle’s life and new-found independence.

With the time and location set, and the heroine introduced, Kaia then identified the perfect hero for Halle’s Decades journey, Dr. Nick Green.

“I want readers to learn that African Americans in the early 20^th century were more than just entertainers and artists,” Kaia said. “There were numerous well-to-do professionals around the country who thrived and had impressive accomplishments despite the limitations imposed by segregation.”

In fact, that’s the goal of the Decades series: To share little-known African American history, while bringing readers satisfying, romantic stories. A key ingredient to those stories is a compelling couple. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that A Secret Desire's compelling couple has met before.

Nick has avoided Halle for years. He couldn’t risk having his feelings for his mentor’s wife exposed. He would keep his distance even now, but his honor won’t let an unescorted woman make the journey from Washington, D.C., to the Jersey Shore alone. When Nick arrives at their destination, the obvious need for professional medical care for the local black community won’t let him leave so soon. Or maybe it was the way Halle looked at him when she said, “Please.”

A Secret Desire is a February 2018 release. It will be available in both print and ebook formats. The first book in the Decades series, A Delicate Affair by Lindsay Evans, is available now.

Kaia Danielle is an Emma-Award-nominated author. She writes contemporary romance, historical romance, women’s fiction and a female-centered graphic novels. Her short stories have appeared in several national magazines and an anthology. Kaia is a Spelman College alumna and a two-time Voices at VONA fellow. Originally from New Jersey, Kaia now calls coastal Georgia home.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaia.danielle.1

Twitter: @kaiawrites (URL: https://twitter.com/kaiawrites?lang=en)