Spotlight: Fun Lessons by Leanne Treese
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Rebecca Chapman, a singer passionate about her craft, has never felt appreciated by her uber-professional family. When she’s selected to try out for a new reality singing show, it’s her chance to prove she can make it in the music world. All she has to do is get chosen by the network. Problem is, she needs to play an instrument for the audition in two months. And she can’t play a thing.
Amazingly, the solution seems to lie with Ian Ledger, the ultra-annoying co-worker she’s been at odds with since day one. Turns out Ian’s a skilled guitar player. He’s willing to teach her, but there’s a catch. He wants to win back his girlfriend at his sister’s wedding. And he wants Rebecca to help him.
Seems like a perfect solution. She gets the music lessons needed to secure her spot on the show; he wins back the girl destined to be his bride. Easy peasy. Except, during the series of ridiculous “fun” lessons and hours of arduous music practice, Rebecca’s feelings for Ian shift.
As the wedding nears, Rebecca doesn’t want Ian to succeed in his quest for love. But a deal is a deal. They both have dreams to chase. And a dream come true is everything.
Excerpt
“I do have something you could help me with but”—I point at her—“no laughing.”
Her face twists into a smirk. A laugh bursts out, and I can’t help it, the sound makes me smile. I slap the sand. “I haven’t even told you yet.”
“I know. I know,” she says, composing herself. “I’m just getting it out now. In case it’s funny.”
I point at her. “Don’t make me retract my offer.”
She waves. “I won’t. I won’t. Sorry. Go on.”
“My girlfriend and I are on a break.”
“Girlfriend.” She inhales a breath. “Girlfriend. The one in the picture on your desk?”
“Yes. Audrey. The break was her idea. She thinks I’m a little,” I pause, “stodgy. Like an old man in a twenty-eight-year-old body.”
A smile inches across her face.
“Hey,” I say.
“Sorry.” She composes her features.
“Anyway,” I continue, “my sister is getting married in eight weeks and Audrey’s coming to the wedding. I’d like to show her a different side of me. One that’s, well—” I search for the right word.
“Fun,” Rebecca supplies.
“Yes, fun. And you seem, well, fun.”
“I seem fun?”
“Yeah. The crazy clothes, the electric blue glasses. You seem like the kind of person that would head up a cha-cha line or go cliff diving.”
She doesn’t say anything.
“I mean those things as a compliment.”
“I know. Thanks.” She picks up a pile of sand, lets it slidet hrough her fingers. “So,” she says slowly, “you would give me guitar lessons in exchange for”—she’s quiet a moment—“fun lessons?”
I sit up straighter and nod. “Yes. That’s it. Guitar lessons for fun lessons.”
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About the Author
A previously traditionally published author, Leanne is proud to have released three novels under her own imprint, Moxie Publishing, LLC. She enjoys every part of the publishing process from writing the work to cover design to creating beautiful images for marketing campaigns. And to the mortification of her children, she’s now on TikTok under the handle LeanneTreeseWrites.
Leanne is an active member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and chairs their annual online scholarship auction. When she’s not writing, Leanne enjoys running, forcing her family to play board games (Settlers of Catan anyone?), and spoiling her beloved dogs. Leanne's favorite locations include her backyard, the Jersey shore, and anywhere that sells books or coffee, preferably both. A former lawyer and lifelong learner, Leanne's dream life would include going back to college and majoring in everything. More about Leanne and her books can be found on her website: www.leannetreese.com.
