"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."
By Lao Tzu
Forced to flee England, Lord Hugh Hollywell landed on the exotic island of Ceylon. The handsome heir always believed a message would arrive calling him home, but that message never came. His lavish lifestyle implied that he wanted for naught, yet happiness eluded him. But, this time was different….This time he met a woman he couldn't erase from his thoughts, nor chase from his dreams.
On another part of the island, life was not so splendid for Sarah Brill. Trained as a spy, skilled in hand to hand combat, her unusual lifestyle was far from glamorous. A chance encounter with Hugh tempted Sarah to push her strange past aside and revel in the attention he showered upon her. Aware they could have no future together, she tried not to fall for his honey coated words, but her skills as a spy did little to protect her heart.
Secret Illusions
Arrogant Lord Armstrong fell for the charms of one woman, while in pursuit of another. Instantly attracted to Gabrille, James was determined to spend the evening in her bed. Baffled by Gabrille's reluctance, yet enticed all the more. James had to prove his feelings were sincere, while realizing for the first time... they really were.
Gabrielle's trust in James was broken when she found him alone with another woman. Broken hearted, she fled the castle, in an attempt to escape. Ironically, Gabrille stowed away on the very same ship James had boarded with the other woman. Gabriell's efforts to avoid James now seemed impossible.
About the Author
Born and raised in Minnesota, I've a deep appreciation for home and family. I'm a creature of habit, with an abundance of enthusiasm and creativity. I enjoy my job and take pride in my work. Back at Macalester College I took acting classes, before moving on to radio and television, where I gained experience both in front of and behind the camera. This allowed me opportunity to be a weather girl, meet and interview famous people and create documentaries for Channel 2. Shortly after being an extra in the movie Mighty Ducks 3, our family dynamics changed and I needed to spend more time at work. Along the way I wrote stories, kept notes and filed my ideas away to use at a later date.
Though my most fulfilling roles have been that of wife and mother, once my children were driving and spending more time away from home, I suddenly found extra time on my hands. I refused to squander my new found gift and set my sights on creating a unique story. Always a big reader, my favorite genre was and is romance. It took some time and a lot of perseverance, but eventually my first manuscript was published. To me, simply writing the story was a personal accomplishment, having it published was a dream come true.
My second manuscript, Deceptive Illusions, takes place on an exotic island. Full of danger, drama and romance, you'’re easily drawn to the hero and heroine, as well as a few familiar characters from my first book, Secret Illusions. At this time, I'm also deep into the third story about Helena and her unusual castle. I love bringing my stories to life and hope you enjoy reading them as much as I like writing them.
101 Romantic Ideas
You don’t have to be rich or famous to be romantic. Sharing a quiet moment, taking a walk together or just trying new things with your partner, not only shows you care, but often ignites hidden desires. Romance isn't always about grand gestures. Often a small reminder showing your partner that you’'re thinking of them can be just as romantic as a gift or an extravagant dinner. Every idea may not appeal to you, but your partner will enjoy your efforts. Remember, if at first you don't succeed, there are 100 more ways to try.
Contact Information
laurajamesmn_gmail.com
Gallery
Gabrielle Cartwright has a loving sheltered childhood although her mother has died. Her father dotes on Gabrielle. She is a well-educated and gently raised young woman. Unfortunately after her father is lost at sea, Gabrielle''s Aunt takes over. She is to be married, at 16, to hideous old Viscount Herrington. Gabrielle escapes into the night, as she cannot bear the thought of giving the Viscount her body or her money.
Fortunately she comes across a fairytale castle, which is in fact a bordello. After fainting in the premises, she is taken in and nurtured until the owner; Helena can find her a position. Gabrielle does not realise that it is a house of ill repute. She wakes to hear crying in the night. The source of the distress is Kathleen, a voluptuous redhead prostitute. Kathleen believed that a client, Kevin, would return to wed her, but she has been let down. Gabrielle and Kathleen soon become firm friends. Although Gabrielle is kept away from that wing of the castle when the girls are working, one night she runs into the man of her dreams. Lord James Armstrong desires the girl, but cannot learn her name. During a party Gabrielle finds Kathleen crying in the arms of the man she had admired. She is later pleased to hear that Kathleen is to go away and marry after all. Gabrielle knows that she has lost the love of her life, but would never want to spoil her friend''s happiness. James in fact is Kevin''s mate and has come to escort Kathleen back to Scotland for the wedding. Gabrielle feels that she must get on with her life and need to search her father''s house for some important papers.
Although they all leave the castle on the same ship, Gabrielle is unaware that James and Kathleen are in another cabin. From this point on a comedy of mistaken identities erupts. Gabrielle is constantly attracted to James, but would never touch her friend''s fiancé. James and Kathleen cannot understand her reluctance to be with him.
In essence the story has some very good ideas and clever plot twists. Laura James has developed her characters very well. Although Gabrielle is overly innocent and faints often, she is an excellent portrayal of a young girl in this period. Her naiveté pulls Gabrielle through the many dramas and mishaps. She treats everyone, including the prostitutes, as equals. Lord James Armstrong is disciplined when it suits him, headstrong and has a body to die for. Ms. James has slightly overdeveloped some of the characters and stories of the side quests, which is a bit distracting and confusing to the reader. At times the descriptions are a little longwinded. This reader found Ms. James first published novel an enjoyable journey.
I will be looking forward to the next release of the author. Recommended!
Reviewed by: Naomi
Fallen Angel Reviews
Enter here to win -
A signed copy of Deceptive Illusions...
Along with a sample of romantic soaps and candles...
Laura James and
have teamed up to provide a unique Valentine's gift for someone special.
Two winners will be drawn & contacted by email -
Feburary 4, 2012
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