Category: Romance Publisher: Holland Legacy Publishing
ISBN-10: 0983295905
Pages: 237
Copyright: February 2, 20111
ISBN-13: 9781441597700
The Price of Innocence is a stunning tale of two cities, two men, one woman, and the symbol of a flower that promises happiness in the end.
Book One of the The Legacy Series - The year is 1878, and the setting is Paris, France. It's a place of privilege and comfort for the rich, but one of heartache and struggle for the poor. Upon the death of her father, a young girl is thrown from the comforts of middle-class life into the terror of homelessness on the streets of Paris. Without family or friends, she struggles to survive. Her journey takes her from charity houses to the grueling life of a laundress. When her plight becomes unbearable, she is enticed by the mistress of the most famous brothel in France to live in luxury and service her aristocratic clientele. She succumbs to a life of prostitution, and her virginity is sold to a handsome English Lord. His jaded character is tested when he meets his purchase and receives more than he bargained for in the price of her virginity.
The story continues in Book Two, The Price of Deception, now available on Amazon.
Excerpt
Suzette nervously watched Madame Laurent take one final assessment of her appearance before leading her up the grand staircase of the opulent Chabanais. Her hand brushed a stray curl from Suzette's cheek and then arranged a few strands strategically on her plump breasts spilling over her bodice. Unfortunately, it was too late to do anything about the red blotches creeping up her porcelain neck.
"As I stated earlier, I've procured Lord Holland for this evening. You shall not be disappointed. He's one of the more satisfying and kind patrons we have."
Madame Laurent grasped Suzette's cold hands in firm reassurance, before announcing her final instructions.
"I know you're apprehensive, Suzette, but this is your job. I have done my best to provide for you. Do your best to satisfy him, in spite of your obvious fright. After all, this is a business. If my customers are not gratified, I will not be happy."
Madame Laurent released her hands and turned to ascend the stairs ahead of her employee. "Come along now. He's waiting."
Suzette sighed, reluctant to follow the austere brothel mistress. She was dressed as a French queen and heading for the Louis XV Chambre to lose her virginity. Her legs could barely climb the red-carpeted path to hell. Her deflowering had arrived, and Suzette was terrified.
Professional Reviews
Coffeetime Romance
The Price of Innocence is an extremely well written book, with splendid dialogue. The characters and scenery are vivid in their descriptions and examples. (4 Cups) --Coffee Time Romance
Writer's Digest
This is a well-researched story of ironic love. Overall, the book is a satisfying historical romance . . . Judge's Commentary - Writer's Digest
Night Owl Reviews
It was an amusing, quick and easy read, a great book for this summer at
the beach. I finished the book eager to learn more about the history of
prostitution in Paris and the Chabanais. - NightOwl Reviews
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