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Pearl Island Trilogy #2
Lead Me On
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352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 20, 2003
103 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Julie Ortolon
19 books550 followersMost authors will tell you they've been writing and reading since childhood. Not me. I hated reading and never imagined I'd someday be a writer. Of course, the fact that I have dyslexia probably has a tiny bit to do with my aversion to the written word.
Nonetheless, I had a very active imagination and spent most of my school years staring out the window dreaming up stories. When I finally escaped the torture of public school, I attended Schreiner College in the Texas Hill Country. Schreiner specializes in programs for students with learning disabilities. With the help of a school administrator, who was willing to type out one of my short stories, I entered a writing contest—won first place!
That was when I started longing for a way to get the other stories that were in my head down on paper. But the act of writing longhand, when I couldn't spell, could barely read, and knew zip about punctuation, proved impossible.
So, I became an artist instead—and was perfectly happy.
Then came the day my journalist husband brought home a computer, and I discovered the wonders of "spell check." I cannot describe how I felt in that moment. That computer was like a magic box—a gateway into a world where anything was possible. I spend every spare minute teaching myself to type, read, punctuate, and somehow get my stories out of my head and onto that glowing white screen.
Ten years, and five complete manuscripts later, I had another magical moment—the day I sold my first book. When I got the news I screamed and cried and made a perfectly ecstatic fool of myself.
The journey to becoming a published author was long and hard, but writing is the most thrilling thing I've ever done.
Nonetheless, I had a very active imagination and spent most of my school years staring out the window dreaming up stories. When I finally escaped the torture of public school, I attended Schreiner College in the Texas Hill Country. Schreiner specializes in programs for students with learning disabilities. With the help of a school administrator, who was willing to type out one of my short stories, I entered a writing contest—won first place!
That was when I started longing for a way to get the other stories that were in my head down on paper. But the act of writing longhand, when I couldn't spell, could barely read, and knew zip about punctuation, proved impossible.
So, I became an artist instead—and was perfectly happy.
Then came the day my journalist husband brought home a computer, and I discovered the wonders of "spell check." I cannot describe how I felt in that moment. That computer was like a magic box—a gateway into a world where anything was possible. I spend every spare minute teaching myself to type, read, punctuate, and somehow get my stories out of my head and onto that glowing white screen.
Ten years, and five complete manuscripts later, I had another magical moment—the day I sold my first book. When I got the news I screamed and cried and made a perfectly ecstatic fool of myself.
The journey to becoming a published author was long and hard, but writing is the most thrilling thing I've ever done.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 5, 2015
3.5 stars... because
And anyway besides i didn't really like the secondary characters for some reason, they were the only reason i ended up skipping a few pages of the book so. :/
RECOMMENDATION : If u like Kristen Ashley supernatural series or Sarah M. Glover Grave refrain i bet u sponge bob's pants ur gonna love this ;D LOL.Happy reading !
And anyway besides i didn't really like the secondary characters for some reason, they were the only reason i ended up skipping a few pages of the book so. :/
RECOMMENDATION : If u like Kristen Ashley supernatural series or Sarah M. Glover Grave refrain i bet u sponge bob's pants ur gonna love this ;D LOL.Happy reading !
April 5, 2012
In a trilogy, the second and third books normally aren't that good. But after reading "Lead Me On", the second book in the Pearl Island trilogy, I was wrong. I fell in love with this book the same way I fell in love with the first. The storyline was even more gripping that the first, urging the reader to find out what will happen next to the characters. This book was also very mysterious since many questions were left hanging but by the end, you understand everything.
Allison St Claire co owns the inn with her brother and sister. At this point in the novel, Rory and Chance have been happily married for a year and have a baby on the way. Allison is very different from her sister. Rory was always the joyful, optimistic one, having men fall at her feet wherever she went. Unlike her sister, Allison was sweet and funny but held back hurt and pain. Allison fell in love and got pregnant at the age of 16, then told the boy that she was pregnant and he told her to abort it. Distraught and wanting to keep her baby she ran home and told her older brother, who smashed the boys face. Soon after Allison suffrred a miscarriage. All this affected the way Allison trusted someone.
Scott Lawerence is a writer and visits the inn for some relaxation to cure his writers block. But when he sees Allison, he goes into shock. He wanted fun, not commitment. So when he comes up with the idea of a one night thing, Allison agrees, but it doesnt seem to work out. The more they spend time together, be it at the inn or some place else, the more feelings grow - something that neither of them wanted to happen. As the relationship suffers its ups and downs, the two get closer but Scott missed out one detail he forgot to tell Allison - that he was born a LeRoche. The LeRoche's are enemies of the St Claires, going back to when Marguerite fell in love with Henri LeRoche. John LeRoche, Scott's father, has sued the St Claires for buying the inn and Allison gets really upset, making Scott defend his new friends at the inn instead of his family.
This story reminds me of Romeo and Juliet, and how two lovers cannot be together because of a name. This trilogy is really intriguing and such a fun read, I can't wait to see what the last one brings!
Allison St Claire co owns the inn with her brother and sister. At this point in the novel, Rory and Chance have been happily married for a year and have a baby on the way. Allison is very different from her sister. Rory was always the joyful, optimistic one, having men fall at her feet wherever she went. Unlike her sister, Allison was sweet and funny but held back hurt and pain. Allison fell in love and got pregnant at the age of 16, then told the boy that she was pregnant and he told her to abort it. Distraught and wanting to keep her baby she ran home and told her older brother, who smashed the boys face. Soon after Allison suffrred a miscarriage. All this affected the way Allison trusted someone.
Scott Lawerence is a writer and visits the inn for some relaxation to cure his writers block. But when he sees Allison, he goes into shock. He wanted fun, not commitment. So when he comes up with the idea of a one night thing, Allison agrees, but it doesnt seem to work out. The more they spend time together, be it at the inn or some place else, the more feelings grow - something that neither of them wanted to happen. As the relationship suffers its ups and downs, the two get closer but Scott missed out one detail he forgot to tell Allison - that he was born a LeRoche. The LeRoche's are enemies of the St Claires, going back to when Marguerite fell in love with Henri LeRoche. John LeRoche, Scott's father, has sued the St Claires for buying the inn and Allison gets really upset, making Scott defend his new friends at the inn instead of his family.
This story reminds me of Romeo and Juliet, and how two lovers cannot be together because of a name. This trilogy is really intriguing and such a fun read, I can't wait to see what the last one brings!
November 29, 2020
I used to really enjoy what I call 'mindless chick-lit', but as I have matured I find I cannot overlook the problems that these books often include. I used to make the argument with myself that it was just a book, but every time an overused trope comes up it reinforces it in our minds. And can we use that as an excuse when it normalises things like classism? The more I think about the more I think we can't - whilst books will never be perfect, and often reflect the nature of the world we live in, maybe they ought to try and reflect a slightly better one?
This book falls foul of the overbearing double standard older brother trope - honestly when he was critiquing his sister for having sex just for wanting it, I was cringing as he (effectively) said that it was fine for him to do it because he was A: older, B: male and C: her brother. I know this book is almost 20 years old now and times they have a-changed, but lord. That was just uncomfortable to read - as was the allusion that asexuality is wrong. As someone who considers themselves to be ace I detested that moment so much and automatically knew this book couldn't get more than 3 stars from me because of it.
Anyway, deep thinking aside, this is another standard chick-lit book. Ortolon writes these well as far as they go, characters feel realistic and whilst there are always one or two moments where I wonder "would someone in real life actually do that??" it feels correct for those characters. If dramatically over emphasised... I like how each book progresses you get more of the ghost story develop as well, it feels like you're uncovering a secondary plot of sorts and I think that helps the otherwise standard fair.
Once I have re-read the third book I may have to rethink my idea of blitzing through some chick-lits just to catch up with my GR Reading goal... it may not be worth it.
This book falls foul of the overbearing double standard older brother trope - honestly when he was critiquing his sister for having sex just for wanting it, I was cringing as he (effectively) said that it was fine for him to do it because he was A: older, B: male and C: her brother. I know this book is almost 20 years old now and times they have a-changed, but lord. That was just uncomfortable to read - as was the allusion that asexuality is wrong. As someone who considers themselves to be ace I detested that moment so much and automatically knew this book couldn't get more than 3 stars from me because of it.
Anyway, deep thinking aside, this is another standard chick-lit book. Ortolon writes these well as far as they go, characters feel realistic and whilst there are always one or two moments where I wonder "would someone in real life actually do that??" it feels correct for those characters. If dramatically over emphasised... I like how each book progresses you get more of the ghost story develop as well, it feels like you're uncovering a secondary plot of sorts and I think that helps the otherwise standard fair.
Once I have re-read the third book I may have to rethink my idea of blitzing through some chick-lits just to catch up with my GR Reading goal... it may not be worth it.
August 5, 2012
This was an okay read. It started out with a bang and I was expecting to add another book to my favorites list, but it seemed to fizzle out in the middle. The characters as well seemed to fluctuate. I started out loving Allison and not caring about Scott and by the end the opposite was true. But at least they were fleshed out well enough for me to have such passionate opinions on them. Basically though, I'm just kind of "blah" about the whole book.
Don't get me wrong, there were some really good things about LEAD ME ON as well. Writing is excellent, I especially loved the history/romance of Jack and Marquerite. It builds on a lot of what we learned in the first book of the series (my review of the 1st book can be found here) as well. For that reason, the books in this trilogy really don't work well as stand-alones in my opinion. There's so much history divulged that doesn't really recap.
Ultimately though, I just couldn't get excited about this book (real life has more to do with that than the quality of the book though). I enjoyed it yes, but I'm glad to move on. I've already started reading the final book in the series.
Don't get me wrong, there were some really good things about LEAD ME ON as well. Writing is excellent, I especially loved the history/romance of Jack and Marquerite. It builds on a lot of what we learned in the first book of the series (my review of the 1st book can be found here) as well. For that reason, the books in this trilogy really don't work well as stand-alones in my opinion. There's so much history divulged that doesn't really recap.
Ultimately though, I just couldn't get excited about this book (real life has more to do with that than the quality of the book though). I enjoyed it yes, but I'm glad to move on. I've already started reading the final book in the series.
October 1, 2011
Wow, I'm lovin' the Pearl Island Trilogy! Yes, I can't wait for book three. This second book was super hot and I just fell in love with the tough heroine Julie Ortolon made out of sweet Allison St. Claire.
Story goes...Ally is just your normal sweet girl with a past that she wanted to forget so she could get on with life. After meeting hunky author Scott Lawrence, who wasn't only extremely sexy but also hot for Ally's form, he makes her re-acquaint all her past ghosts and confront it to be able to move on. Bored, Ally makes him a proposition he DIDN'T want to resist. But fate had purposely placed Scott into Ally's path not only for the reason of his writer's block...Scott Lawrence just happened to be someone closer to the enemy.
My thoughts...yep! Yes! I love this second book and I love Rory's Falling for You sister Ally! There's something about a woman whose out to seek for what she wanted in life. There's no point in being shy when you can be who you want to be. Ally taught me that for a person to grow, they must give it their all, and keep on believing in themselves! Wow, can't wait for third book and it's all about their hunky brother!!!
Story goes...Ally is just your normal sweet girl with a past that she wanted to forget so she could get on with life. After meeting hunky author Scott Lawrence, who wasn't only extremely sexy but also hot for Ally's form, he makes her re-acquaint all her past ghosts and confront it to be able to move on. Bored, Ally makes him a proposition he DIDN'T want to resist. But fate had purposely placed Scott into Ally's path not only for the reason of his writer's block...Scott Lawrence just happened to be someone closer to the enemy.
My thoughts...yep! Yes! I love this second book and I love Rory's Falling for You sister Ally! There's something about a woman whose out to seek for what she wanted in life. There's no point in being shy when you can be who you want to be. Ally taught me that for a person to grow, they must give it their all, and keep on believing in themselves! Wow, can't wait for third book and it's all about their hunky brother!!!
June 16, 2022
More like 3.5*. While this was a fast read it has been years since I read the first book in the series and it took me a while to remember who the characters were, and I never really did completely remember Aurora and Chance's story, just vague recollections. However, this was about Allison and Scott. She was the prim and proper older sister, he was the quiet and mysterious author who happened to be the son of their sworn enemy and she didn't know because he kept it a secret. I do not like secret keeping as a plot device so that was not okay. But, his actions did speak louder than his words, repeatedly. And then when actions weren't enough, he did come thought with the words. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to Adrian getting his turn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2019
Very nice entry to the series. Downloading book 3 as I type. They are a really nice family, but I will say that though the main character is very sweet she is a bit ridiculous, uptight, has way too many double standards and could use a reality check about life. I cannot imagine anyone would actually put up with her in real life.
April 13, 2024
First Time reading this author and definitely won't be my last. I'm not much into romance books but this one was really good. Can't wait to read the rest of the series even though I started at book number two.
October 13, 2017
Great story of ancestry, family, love and hate! A sequel... better read 2nd... as the first gives a great background! Looking forward to reading the 3rd!
April 16, 2018
The first half was better than the second still was a cute book can’t wait to read the third in series.
August 8, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! It had me in the story and so many different twist!
December 9, 2014
I really really wish I used to write reviews so I could understand the two star rating I originally gave this book... there had to be some reason behind it - but for the life of me I cannot think what it was as re-reading the book now I really enjoyed this!
In my review of the first book in the series (2014 review that is) I said I thought Allison's book was the third book in the series - totally wrong there. I also said I didn't like her characterisation in the epilogue but it makes total sense in light of this book - though as the epilogue in book 1 basically happens at the end of this book I do wonder if it would be better not to have had that epilogue... still. It does work.
Allison is again a well rounded character, as is Scott actually. I did recall as soon as he was introduced who exactly he was but was very glad that the book doesn't make a huge deal out of it - it was all very realistically done (I find a lot of chick-lit tends to dramatise things and it gets highly irritating after a while).
The... supernatural element is perhaps more emphasised here but isn't done so in an irritating manner.
All in all, a very solid middle book.
In my review of the first book in the series (2014 review that is) I said I thought Allison's book was the third book in the series - totally wrong there. I also said I didn't like her characterisation in the epilogue but it makes total sense in light of this book - though as the epilogue in book 1 basically happens at the end of this book I do wonder if it would be better not to have had that epilogue... still. It does work.
Allison is again a well rounded character, as is Scott actually. I did recall as soon as he was introduced who exactly he was but was very glad that the book doesn't make a huge deal out of it - it was all very realistically done (I find a lot of chick-lit tends to dramatise things and it gets highly irritating after a while).
The... supernatural element is perhaps more emphasised here but isn't done so in an irritating manner.
All in all, a very solid middle book.
August 5, 2012
This contemporary romance has it all; humor, sexual tension, tenderness and mystery. When an author with writer's block comes to the Inn at Pearl Island, he is attracted to "good girl" Allison St. Claire but does not want anything serious. So, he attempts to ignore her while she is feeling ready for a "fling". I like the heroine better than the hero, Scott Lawrence, at first, until he is revealed to be more complex. The second book in a trilogy, I can hardly wait to read the third book in the series.
December 9, 2015
This was probably a 3.5 star book for me. It´s the second in a series set on an island just off of Galveston and covers the romance between the another sister in the B&B owning family and author who has come for peace and quiet to break his writer´s block. Unfortunately, it turns out his family background is a problem for their relationship. There´s a little paranormal element with a family ghost in the old house where they created the B&B but nothing too obtrusive. It´s a nice romance that keeps you interested, but nothing more.
July 10, 2016
John Lawrence, author with writer's block, arrived at Pearl Island Inn with hopes that some relaxation will do the trick. Allison St. Clair and her siblings own the B & B with its legendary lucky ghost. As Allison decides to have a fling with John, he finds out that his estranged father is suing them and a family feud of generations is still going strong. He decides to hide his relationship to stay close to Allison. Of course this won't last. The story has subplots with his runaway niece, the ghost's legend and his writer's block. Good story.
February 26, 2016
Well while I was reading this book I went to find the house that was the inspiration for the house in the book come to find out. There was a picture on www.pintrest.com that was the house that was the inspiration for the house in the book. Only problem was I saw other pictures and one of those pictures ruined the SURPRISE Ending. So Everyone STAY OFF Pintrest and dont go looking for the inspiration. I Loved that there were some True Facts in this book
May 29, 2016
Allison and Scott both are haunted by their past and have to open up to each other and themselves if they want a chance together. I loved getting to know Alison more and get caught up on what happed since the first book.
This book is mostly upbeat but there is some heavy emotions the characters have to deal with.
This can be a stand alone book but if you want to know Rory and Chance's story read book one.
This book is mostly upbeat but there is some heavy emotions the characters have to deal with.
This can be a stand alone book but if you want to know Rory and Chance's story read book one.
April 9, 2013
Loved this story. Allison and Scott are just going to give I to temptations once.....yea right we all know how that works. I didn't expect to find out who exactly Scott's family was. That one threw me for a loop. And of course it was hard for Alli to handle. This book actually made me cry but I did enjoy it.
April 26, 2012
Interesting story in the second book of the Pearl Island Trilogy. Fun to be reading about a writer that comes to the B & B and meets the sister Allison as they discover the puzzles of the diaries that one of the ghosts wrote. Really enjoyed this one.
September 6, 2012
Cute sequel and a nice book for a summer read. A stereotypical romance novel with okay characters but not much to them. My favorite part of this series is the family history and tragic love story at the house and learning more about it in this book.
September 16, 2014
The series is a great summer read. I love stories that includes the supernatural, love and little naughtiness. The relationships are interesting with twist and turn and sighs. This is my third time reading through the series and I'm enjoying the story just as much as the first time.
February 14, 2016
It had been quite awhile since I read the first book in this series but some of that story came back to me as I read. I wasn't too fond of the heroine of this story but it had its moments that got to me.
June 10, 2009
Another great read! I loved the hero, who is an uber-successful novelist with writer's block, and the heroine grew on me. :D
September 25, 2009
Modern
June 27, 2010
I read #3 first now #2 Now I have to read #1!
October 22, 2010
this book is one of my favorites!!!!!!!!!!
i couldn't get enough
i couldn't get enough
June 12, 2013
Reread 2013
July 24, 2011
An amazing tale of courage and romance.
March 9, 2012
Two-haiku review:
They agree to fling
Neither willing to share life
But can't help falling
Is it possible?
Nice guy comes from family
That's immensely wacked
They agree to fling
Neither willing to share life
But can't help falling
Is it possible?
Nice guy comes from family
That's immensely wacked
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews