 LAURA'S SECRETS
The sequel to Discovering Veronica
by Shannon Greenland
Release Date: June 2005
ISBN: 1-59080-415-5
Publisher: Echelon Press
Laura Genny has made a career of hiding the disturbing details of her past. Determined to fulfill her dream, she accepts the opportunity of a lifetime. Forcing aside her inner demons, she finally allows herself to enjoy the exciting journey until once again things begin to unravel.
Will Burns has traveled the world under a spotlight, faced with demands of fame and fortune. Exhausted by his own ambitions, he is soon intrigued by the challenge Laura's guarded nature offers, and sets out to put a crack in her emotionless shell.
Growing closer to the mysterious woman, each day brings to light another chilling piece of the puzzle that is Laura. but when her life is threatened, can Will discover the key to unlocking her horrible past before it's too late? With everything to lose, they must decide if love is worth the price of exposure.
REVIEWS
“4 ½ Stars. What makes this story truly great is the love Will has for Laura.”
RT Bookclub
“The author’s style is so rich with emotion, readers will feel joy and wonderment”
Amanda/Fallen Angel Reviews
“This insightful, though provoking novel will give readers much to ponder. Victims of abuse can take comfort.”
Amanda Killgore/Huntress Reviews
“An emotion filled story that had me hooked from the beginning to the very end.”
Romance Junkies
"Ms. Greenland has crafted a heart-rending tale with an endearing end."
Crystal Reviews
“Highly recommended . . . a compelling story . . . a cast of complex characters.”
New And Used Books
“The imagery used to twine the characters lives was poignant.”
Once Upon A Romance
"An engaging trip into the mind of an abused person."
Writers Unlimited
"You won’t regret picking this one up for hours of good reading."
Scribes World
"What a brilliant story!”
A Romance Review
“A masterpiece that truly leaves a lasting impression.”
The Romance Studio
“Highly recommended as a tale worth the time.”
Blether Book Review
"This is one for the keeper shelf."
Love Romances and more
EXCERPT
“Laura!” Will yelled, chasing her into the hotel’s stairwell.
Laura leaped the steps two at a time, ignoring the man behind her. What a fool she’d been.
If you ever try to run from me, I’ll hunt you down. You won’t live a day past our reunion. I’ll make you suffer.
Aunt Jane had issued that threat many times over the years, and Laura didn’t doubt for a second that her aunt would carry it out. She’d seen her close to that snapping point more times than she cared to remember.
Will grabbed her arm. “What’s wrong?”
She pulled free. “Listen, I changed my mind. I’m gonna stay in my room today. I…I’m not feeling well.” She needed to be alone, time to think.
“Liar. You feel fine. What was that all about in the lobby?”
“What?”
Will’s jaw tightened. “You know full well what I’m talking about.”
Laura turned and continued climbing, this time at a more subdued pace. “I don’t like my picture taken, that’s all.” Maybe taking this job hadn’t been such a good idea. It placed her too much in the public eye.
“Why?”
She needed to talk to Bizzy, see what she thought. Bizzy was the only person Laura could trust.
“Why?”
“None of your business.” It was a bitchy response. She knew that. Maybe he’d leave her alone then. Move on. She was difficult anyway. Had too much baggage. Nobody liked dealing with baggage.
“Coward.”
Coward? She whipped around. He took a step up, putting them at eye level, their noses and chests a mere inch apart. Challenge and defiance flicked in his eyes.
“The last thing I am,” she gritted out, “is a coward.” If only he knew the things she’d been through…but she really was a coward, for running. Did she really think she could hide from Aunt Jane forever? Maybe. But she had to face her past eventually.
One of his brows arched, as if her bristly demeanor meant nothing. “Prove it.”
Laura narrowed her eyes. “I prove nothing to no one.” She turned and continued up the stairs. She’d spent her whole life trying to conform to Aunt Jane’s standards. Not anymore.
“Coward.”
Slowly she came back around to face him, knowing he was baiting her. “What do you want from me?”
He looked up at her from five steps below. “I already told you. Spend the day with me. We’ll wear dark glasses and hats. No one will recognize me. No cameras. Take a chance.”
Take a chance. Bizzy had said those exact words to her during their last conversation regarding Laura’s job offer from Tourist.
She pivoted, climbed the last two steps, then opened the door to their floor. Take a chance. “Fine.”
“Be ready in thirty minutes,” he called up to her, an obvious note of victory in his voice.
“I’ll be ready in twenty.”
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