This romance was different and probably a one or two star review for many. I enjoyed the dark, rough life shown in the characters. I loved how the author portrayed the characters as just like me with a past that is not all sweet and rosy. I recommend this book to all who enjoy romance.

Lives of guilt and sorrow, yet determination pull you into the hardships of life ~ yet, ultimately, love is all that matters.

In many ways this read rather a sad story. It also has a powerful message with well-developed complex characters.. The events and situations which Adam and Laura find themselves, individually, are desperate. But can their attraction with the willingness to share life make this a happy ever after?

Laura Robinson and her best friend of seven years are in desperate straights. Bette, an older woman, has pneumonia, and daily she slips a little further from life. Laura is crushed with concern for the woman. She admires Bette’s joie de livre and a determination to look at the bright side of life when one’s plight would have others give up. But not only does deprivation of money weigh heavy on these two women, danger lurks literally at their door.

Baxter, the local pimp and rent gouger, preys on women who have little else to sustained themselves. Laura is absolutely determined she is out of the business of selling herself and fights not to allow Baxter to take what little they have—their dignity.

Money is dangerously low and Laura needs a job. With that in mind she makes way to the local theater and procures a job providing sweets and fruit and to those watching the play. She loves the feel of the theatre and finally gets to see the wonderful actor Adam Lacey.

Sparks fly when Adam catches sight of Laura. Their eyes lock. To Adam he has found his Lucinda, the heroine of a play he’s written. To Laura she has found a man who interests her body and soul.

Adam Lacy co-stars with Monica Danes at the Theater Royal. The play will be closing soon. Adam’s decided to pursue his real dream of being a playwright, but can’t do it until he has an investor. His presently investor is a woman who demands favors from him. He is unwilling to continue to pimp himself. He must find another way—a new investor and to jump the challenges of getting Laura to be his Lucinda.

Adam and Laura struggle as they learn who each are, and ultimately, what each want. This story touches the soul and while these two, whose love fairly flies off the page, are willing to solve their problems, will they be able?