"A powerful story of love and deception."

Paris 1916 - Liana, an American actress, meets the man of her dreams, Ace, an American flier, at a movie theater. The next 10 days are wonderful - meeting his two best friends, Tommy and Philippe, hearing stories of their time together, strolling, flying kites and taking in the cinemas. Ace only holds her hand and kisses her cheek...until their final night together. With sirens sounding off around them, they make love through the night. When Liana wakes up, she finds Ace gone. In a rush to find him and discuss their future after the war, she finds Tommy in the hotel lobby with a note in hand from Ace.

Four years later, Liana is still struggling as a actress, being fired from jobs or kicked off the sets. She learns that the famed director Spencer Sloane is looking for someone special to play the leading lady in a new million dollar production. Convinced she's perfect for the part, Liana comes up with a plan to get her screen test viewed and land her the role that could change her life. And change it does, when she comes face-to-face with Spencer Sloane - aka Ace - and her past comes crashing down on her. Liana walks out vowing not to do the film or work with Spencer. Having searched for Liana for months, Spencer knows she's the only one to play the part. He does everything in his power to convince her the picture can only be made if she's the leading lady.

Finally, Spencer, Liana and the rest of the crew make it to Tahiti and the surrounding islands to begin filming. Eventually, Spencer opens up to Liana revealing his past as a child, why he's the way he is, and why he left her in Paris. Liana convinces Spencer, with stories of her parents, that her love can change his views of women and make him whole again. Could it all be ripped away by the deception of the two people Spencer thinks are his closest friends?

This is a powerful story of love and deception. I could not predict what would happen in the next chapter. Wonderfully done! I applaud Ms. O'Neal.

Reviewed by Tammie Ard
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted June 3, 2003

Summary

He broke her heart...Now a struggling actress must put on the performance of a lifetime...

Orphaned at the age of thirteen, actress Liana Wycliffe was no stranger to life's cruelties. But nothing had prepared her for the despair she felt when the man she loved betrayed her. Known as Ace, he was a devastatingly handsome fighter pilot stationed in Paris--and he was everything Liana wanted. But after one night of blazing passion he disappeared, leaving her with a brusque note--and a broken heart. Liana swears she will never again allow a man to violate her trust. But when the man who never stopped haunting her dreams returns, can she keep her vow?

"Ace" has become Spencer Sloane, renowned director of the silent screen--and he wants talented Liana as the star of his next film. He has never forgotten the ingénue who came closest to piercing his disillusioned soul, and he will stop at nothing to ensure that she fulfills his vision. This time Liana is determined to have him only on her terms. In the face of such powerful desire, who will be the first to surrender?