THE TEMPTATION OF LAURA
is the second book in my ongoing series with eKensington. The books are set in
and around the famous historical city of Bath, England. I am lucky enough to
live just a short, thirty-minute drive from the city, which means I can go back
and forth as often as I like.
Bath is rich in history. From the Roman
times, right
through to the late
19th century, there are many sights, museums, talks and festivals to
educate and entertain. My books are set in the late Victorian era, and I tend to
focus on the social entertainments and issues of the time rather than specific
historical events. My stories are peppered with descriptions and referrals to
real and existing Bath buildings, streets and homes that I have been lucky
enough to visit, and I hope each adds enough to ground the reader in the beauty
and mystery of this beautiful city.
Very little has changed in Bath over the years and it was my absolute pleasure
to show one of my dearest online US friends around in September last year. We
had spoken online for around six years so when she intended to fly in from Texas
to attend the annual Jane Austen festival I was thrilled.
We had an amazing two days!
Anyway, back to the books - the first in the series (THE SEDUCTION OF EMILY)
focused on arranged marriage and revenge, whereas THE TEMPTATION OF LAURA is
about ambition and the struggle women had to succeed and flourish in a career of
their choice. Set against the backdrop of Bath's Theater Royal, Laura Robinson
is a prostitute striving for a better future. An avid admirer of the stage and
its stars, she one day meets Bath's current star, Adam Lacey. He puts before her
a proposal she would be foolish to dismiss...but is Adam the kind, caring man he
appears to be or is his agenda entirely sexual? Laura has to learn to trust -- a
concept she has no idea how to nurture or even believe possible...
Laura Robinson has always been dazzled by the glamour of the stage. But perhaps
acting and selling one's favors are not so different—for Laura must feign
pleasure with the men she beds to survive. Now, with her only friend at death's
door and a ruthless pimp at her heels, escaping her occupation seems impossible.
Hoping to attract a gentleman, she attends the theater. Yet the man Laura
captivates is no customer, but a rising star and playwright...
Adam Lacey has been driven to distraction since the moment he saw Laura. She is
his ideal leading lady come to irresistible life—and so much more. Certain they
can make the perfect team on and off stage, he is determined to win her
heart—and discover her story. But that is precisely what Laura fears. And she
has no idea that Adam harbors shameful secrets of his own. Will the truth free
them to love—or destroy all their dreams...?
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble
About Rachel
Rachel lives with her
husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After
having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent
representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance
and a further three in 2013. She also writes Victorian romance for
Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013 and she has since signed for
three more.
Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of
America. When she isn't writing, you'll find Rachel with her head in a book or
walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab,
Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.
She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow
romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!
Connect: Website
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9 comments posted.
I've never been to Bath but I love reading about it. This story sounds so interesting and unlike other books I've read.
(Marcy Shuler 9:51pm February 25, 2014)