Sue is looking for one heck of a book:
I am trying to remember a book I read in high school, The only thing I know for certain is that it was published before 1996. I think it had a purple cover and it may have had the word Lawrence/Laurent on the cover (whether it was the author’s name, part of the title, or figment of my imagination is anyone’s guess). I don’t remember any names of characters but a couple of scenes stand out in my mind as they were so shocking to my inexperienced self.
The story begins with the heroine being left destitute and she goes to live with a distant relative who also happens to be the madam of a brothel (in France?). Upon discovery that her niece is still a virgin, she plans to offer her up to the highest bidder (though I don’t think the sex ever happens) but first has some training in the feminine arts by the other ladies and their clients. I think she first meets the hero while living at the brothel. There is a scheme to get her wed off and she leaves the brothel. At some point there is travel on a ship. My memory fails as to whether she is traveling with the hero or they both just happen to wind up on the same boat.
As for the scene that really sticks out in my head, There is a large suite with a lush bed (possibly on the ship) and there are cabinets and drawers in the headboard filled with all manner of adult toys. She (and I) were very shocked by a glass dildo which the hero explains to her can be heated and cooled.
I also remember this book having such a terrible ending that I threw the book across my high-school courtyard. Despite that, I would love to read it again with adult eyes.
I know it’s not much to go on but hopefully someone can fill in the blanks.
I did some Laurens googling, but either my Google-fu is bad, or this isn’t a Laurens book. Anyone recall this book?