LBR Press READ FREE Project
- Author: Diana Laurence
- Publisher: Living Beyond Reality Press
Description
The LBR Press READ FREE Project offers several free works of romance author Diana Laurence. The stories and novellas may be read online on the Project's website or downloaded from the site as ebooks in Adobe Reader (pdf) or Microsoft Reader (lit) format.
Offered Works
- The Golden Padawan – 2004 (written as Diane Lau) - "Star Wars" Fan Fiction Romance, PG-13
Jedi prodigy Aeli Camil is studying at the Temple and nearly eligible to be chosen a Padawan when she meets Brenan Auri-Owan, a Knight renowned across the galaxy for his lightsaber prowess. Their first encounter is exceptional; not only can they read each other's minds, but Aeli feels an immediate and inexplicable bond to the famous Jedi. Brenan seems to have an explanation but wants to conceal it until he has completed a mysterious quest to lift from himself a spiritual curse. For her part, Aeli is afraid of the passion she can’t help but feel for the Knight. Fearing the influences of the Dark Side, she fights her emotions by seeking a different life path. As the two struggle to determine the truth about their strange connection, Jedi are disappearing mysteriously all over the galaxy and the Council has no clue as to why. One evil man with an incredible and strange gift is well on his way to bringing down the Jedi, who are helpless to stop him. An ancient prophecy will hold the key to all these mysteries, ending in a fierce spiritual battle between good and evil that will determine the fate of Aeli, Brenan, and the Jedi Order.
- The Scarlet Shackle – originally published by New Concepts Publishing, 2004 - Mild BDSM, NC-17
A fantasy story about a woman named Julia who is captured in war and taken to her enemies' country to serve as a pleasure slave. Julia is strong, well-educated and capable... which makes her all the more baffled at the emotions she experiences toward her master, Marcus. While much tamer than typical BDSM fare, the story contains mild punishment scenes. However, rather than focusing on these, the tale explores the issue of two good people struggling with the ironic pleasure they find in the dominant / submissive roles forced upon them by their culture.
- "Artemis in Love" – originally published by New Age Dimensions' "Dollar Dimensions" series, 2004 - Fantasy, PG-13
The goddess Artemis is fiercely independent and determined to stay that way, until clever Queen Hera banishes her to a faraway forest and the company of an eternal boy named Jace. The heart's desire can sometimes be a complete surprise, as Artemis learns in this myth of love and discovery.
- Gift of Flesh – 2004 (written as Diane Lau) - Fantasy, NC-17
Raised as a concubine, Miakaela now finds herself chosen by the Monarch of her land as a Gift of Flesh for a neighboring king. Envoy Naissun is commanded by that king to bring her safely through the rough journey to his harem. Tormented by his conscience and a growing affection for Miakaela, Naissun struggles to find a moral and practical answer to this quandary. But of course, first they must make it through the trip alive... In a medieval fantasy setting, two complex characters are torn: should they choose pragmatism and duty, or rebellion?
- "Tartan" – 2005 - Historical, NC-17
Set in medieval Scotland, "Tartan" is the tale of Miranda Dunbrek, weaver and seamstress, who makes an interesting arrangement with Malcom Keyth, a neighborhood carpenter. Malcom is determined to woo her, and Miranda could very easily give in to the alluring young man. However, she is too interested in the long term possibilities of their acquaintance to risk giving in too soon to a virtual stranger. She agrees to his proposition that he be allowed to court her for as long as it takes her to make him a new tartan. As the plaid grows in length, the amorous adventures of the two grow in intensity.
- "Playacting" – originally published in SUITE Magazine, 2005 - Contemporary "Vampire", NC-17
Jennifer has secretly been in love with her friend Tom for years. When they are cast opposite each other in a community theater production of "Dracula," their scenes together are almost more than she can bear. It's a struggle to draw the line between reality and playacting, and Tom's approach to the challenge only makes things worse!
- "Secret Santas" – originally published in New Age Dimensions Holiday Extravaganza, 2005 - Contemporary Holiday, G
Jamie's office is holding their annual Secret Santa gift exchange. In the process of helping her friend Kelly figure out gifts for their shy coworker Jeff, Jamie finds new romance. As their boss puts it, "When you have to focus on how to make another person happy, maybe a person you are just getting to know, you look at him or her in a completely new way. I guess that's where the magic comes in."
