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The Object of His Affection
In the tranquil town of Beachside, New Jersey, pianist Billy Pine finds solace in his music, enchanting patrons at La Péniche. But when Pierce Talon, an enigmatic chef from his past, reappears, Billy’s world is turned upside down.
Pierce’s request for help in the kitchen of the Sea Spray Inn re-ignites old sparks, but as summer heats up, those sparks quickly grow into flames. Billy is swept into a whirlwind of romance and intrigue.
Thad Lambert, a renowned music director, sees Billy’s untapped potential and awakens ambitions he never dared to dream of. Yet beneath the surface, dark secrets and hidden desires threaten to unravel Billy’s carefully balanced life.
When a mysterious accident rocks the hotel’s kitchen, Billy is thrust into a dangerous game of love, trust, and ambition. Teetering between the comfort of small-town life and the allure of broader horizons, Billy must confront his deepest fears and decide who truly holds the key to his heart.
Pierce’s request for help in the kitchen of the Sea Spray Inn re-ignites old sparks, but as summer heats up, those sparks quickly grow into flames. Billy is swept into a whirlwind of romance and intrigue.
Thad Lambert, a renowned music director, sees Billy’s untapped potential and awakens ambitions he never dared to dream of. Yet beneath the surface, dark secrets and hidden desires threaten to unravel Billy’s carefully balanced life.
When a mysterious accident rocks the hotel’s kitchen, Billy is thrust into a dangerous game of love, trust, and ambition. Teetering between the comfort of small-town life and the allure of broader horizons, Billy must confront his deepest fears and decide who truly holds the key to his heart.
223 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2024
2127 people want to read
About the author
Donald Proffit
3 books26 followersDonald Proffit, a visionary in the creative arts and former arts educator, has been short-listed for the 2024 William Saroyan International Writing Prize in nonfiction for his memoir, Hardship Alaska. With a background in music, dance, and visual arts, Donald has presented workshops and original performances worldwide, including in Israel, where his work helped foster dialogue among Israeli, Palestinian, and American youth. His accolades include a John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Teacher Fellowship and the D. Bennet Mazur Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Personal Liberty Fund of the New Jersey Lesbian and Gay Coalition.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 9, 2026
The Object of His Affection is a thoughtfully written romantic novel that blends music, longing, and personal ambition within the quiet charm of a seaside town. Donald Proffit introduces readers to Billy Pine, a gifted pianist whose peaceful routine is disrupted when someone from his past reenters his life and forces him to confront emotions he believed were long settled.
The story unfolds with emotional subtlety, examining how love, unresolved history, and opportunity intersect. Billy’s relationships draw him in competing directions, challenging his sense of security while awakening aspirations he never allowed himself to consider. The narrative balances intimacy with tension, gradually revealing how desire and ambition can coexist with vulnerability and fear.
What stands out most is the novel’s focus on personal choice. Billy’s journey is not simply about romance, but about self recognition and courage. The Object of His Affection offers readers a reflective and emotionally resonant story about love, growth, and deciding what kind of life truly feels authentic.
The story unfolds with emotional subtlety, examining how love, unresolved history, and opportunity intersect. Billy’s relationships draw him in competing directions, challenging his sense of security while awakening aspirations he never allowed himself to consider. The narrative balances intimacy with tension, gradually revealing how desire and ambition can coexist with vulnerability and fear.
What stands out most is the novel’s focus on personal choice. Billy’s journey is not simply about romance, but about self recognition and courage. The Object of His Affection offers readers a reflective and emotionally resonant story about love, growth, and deciding what kind of life truly feels authentic.
Displaying 1 of 1 review