Description, Excerpt, Author Bio, Order
EBOOK ISBN: 978-1-58749-677-7
GENRE: WWII Historical romance
AUTHOR: Vicki Gaia
Regular price is $4.99
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Light in a Hollow Place is the final book in Vicki Gaia's World War II Trilogy, Warring Hearts. In a Parisian hospital, Richard Hart fears that his blindness may be permanent, as well as the nightmarish episodes. Faced with his disability and fearing he's losing his grip on his sanity, the last person he wishes to see is his fiancée, Claire O'Neill. Claire comes to Paris, convinced her love will lead Richard through this, and resolute about starting their life together after the war. |
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But as Richard's episodes grow worse, he pushes Claire further away. When a dashing stranger shows an interest in Claire, she fears the gulf between her and Richard may be too great to overcome. German Ratlines, puzzle boxes, love triangles, and intrigue lead up to the final conclusion of Warring Hearts. After the liberation of Paris, high-ranking Nazis begin to flee the continent rather than face trial for their war crimes. Richard's friend and handler, Leslie Havens, is in Paris to stop them, and force them to answer to justice. Although Richard's eyesight returns, his episodes become debilitating. To get his mind off his problems, he convinces Leslie to let him help in the case. Together they set out to discover who is behind the German ratline in France. Suspicious that his father's in Paris, Richard doesn't believe for one second that he's here for humanitarian purposes, and to assist in cataloguing stolen artworks to get them to their rightful owners. Eduard Roth's propensity towards illegal activities makes him a leading suspect. Leslie Havens has his own problems when his ex-lover, Frank Simon, arrives. Unbeknownst to Frank, Leslie brought along his present lover, Aaron Stein, to keep his bed warm. Torn between the lover with him now, and the one he never forgot, Leslie must come to terms with his true desire. Puzzle boxes, relationship triangles, ratlines and intrigue lead up to the final conclusion of Warring Hearts. |
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REVIEWS:
"Vicki Gaia does an excellent job guiding readers through this intricate story, introducing us gradually to the large cast of characters. Post war Paris provides a vivid backdrop, historical details setting the scene yet not detracting from the plot. And what a plot! Spies, mysterious puzzle boxes, dead priests, the action never stops. When I thought I had everything figured out, I turned the page and found out I was wrong. Light In A Hollow Place will keep readers guessing." Reviewed by Kimber of Fallen Angel Review, 4 ANGELS Paris, France is the backdrop in "Light in a Hollow Place," the third in the series. The war seems to be winding down, but it has nearly taken Richard Hart with it. And he, depressed from the start, now doubts his future, his life, and his feelings. The first person by his side is - perhaps not so predictably, Leslie. Claire's feelings are perhaps more predictable, but plausible. Details of the war that make up some of their information are frequently not the well-publicized, remembered events, but often, some of the minor events. "Light in A Hollow Place," is not merely a follow up to the first two books, but contains yet another original storyline, although the main characters are well-established by this point. The main characters, with their frequently harsh outlooks (however plausible) become less admirable to readers, although we cannot help wishing and hoping they will find their way to one another... to permanence and a happiness that seems just beyond their reach...I am giving this a 4 books, as writing is lovely, and the quality and originality of the story is unquestionable." Reviewed by Snapdragon of Long and Short Reviews, 4 BOOKS |
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Excerpt: Richard lifted his hand in a wave. When he tried to sit up, he swayed, and Claire caught him in mid-fall, helping him lie down. She'd expected that he wouldn't be in command of his body, but this left her concerned. "Now we're alone except for the other patients staring at me," Claire said, amused by the appreciative glances from the patients. "Let's have some privacy." Some of the soldiers grinned in approval, and she waved back before closing the curtains. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she held Richard's hand, needing to touch him. Tears stung her eyes but she didn't care. A two-year absence caused her heart to expand with need, but his mere touch drained her emotionally. "I can't believe it's finally over," she said. A smile crept on Richard's face, and she cupped her palms against his cheeks. Unbelievable that with such an explosion, his face remained unblemished except for his bandaged eyes. His old scar remained, a thin line cutting down his left cheek. "My last mission and I messed up." His mouth dipped, replacing his too brief smile. Claire slipped her hand behind his neck and brought her lips inches from his mouth. His breath moistened her skin. "You're alive, and that's all I care about. I know you tried to save him." "Don't make me out a hero," he groused. Claire playfully hit his forearm. She'd lighten the mood for Richard's sake. "Like I'd feed your ego any more than necessary. But you did what you had to do, and you can't blame yourself for that soldier's death." "I've gone over it a hundred times in my head, but I can't figure out how it went wrong. If there had been something I missed when setting the explosives. Some stupid mistake on his part or mine. Foolish bastard, so close to the end." Claire leaned in and licked his earlobe. He grabbed her arms and drew her in. "You feel good. Help me forget, darling." Richard's sexy growl encouraged a kiss. Their tongues met and played, fueling her desire, an ache stirring between her legs. Pulling back, she caressed his cheek. "I'm staying with Leslie. He rented an apartment on the Left Bank. Once the doctor gives his okay, I'm taking you there." Kissing him again, she teased his mouth apart. More than anything, she wanted to strip out of her clothes, crawl under the covers and curl into his body. The memories of their lovemaking stayed with her throughout their separation. She shoved the covers down around Richard's waist and began to unbutton his pajama top. Claire flinched as Richard gripped her wrist. "I'd love nothing more than to love you." She traced his lips with her fingers, smiling at the rose tint brushing across his cheeks. "Once I get you home, we'll celebrate all night." Claire unbuttoned his pajama top, needing to see the extent of his injuries. No longer bandaged, only scabs marked his chest. They blended in with his old wounds, mapping a crosshatch of cuts and scars. "Does it still hurt?" "Nothing too bad. What's a few more added to the mess." "I love every one of them. They're a testament to your courage to fight for what you believe in." He reached for her face. "I'm sorry about the necklace. It wasn't with my things." Her four leaf clover..."It did what it had to do, protect you. I care more about you than my charm." She pressed his palm to her cheek. "Hold me."
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Author BIO: Vicki Gaia is an artist at heart, whether she’s using paints, paper, glue -- or words. Her novels are about romance but with the rules stretched, her characters strong willed and flawed. She leans towards the bohemian, but in all her stories, love transforms. She enjoys writing ‘modern historical fiction’ – neither historical nor contemporary, but that gray area after the turn of the 20th century. She does admit to writing the occasional contemporary novel, and is currently working on a historical romance set in New York during the 1910’s. Warring Hearts: Light In a Hollow Place is the third book of a 3-book series set during WWII, and is about finding love and trust among a war threatening the very heart of the world. Learn more about Vicki Gaia and her books at www.vickigaia.com |
