This book is for all the ugly ducklings who grew into beautiful swans. You will be able to relate to the heroine in this story. Ms. Perrin took you back to high school, where you didn't fit in, and never thought a guy would ever be interested in you.

Alice Watson the beautiful swan, now known as the famous actress Desiree LaCroix, returns to her hometown, after her mother had a heart attack. Many years before she left to follow her dreams, against her mother's wishes. She hasn't been home since. She a little apprehensive about returning to home. However her hometown shows her a different side. Everyone is excited to see her and happy for her. Which of course leaves her very skeptical.

Alice was the fat girl in school you didn't talk to and the bullies picked on. Her one only true friend was Marcus Quinn. She was secretly in love with him, and he was in love with someone else.

Even though she's grown in her confidence, she still feels a little insecure especially around Marcus who seems to pop up everywhere she's at. That love she thought she'd gotten over is still there.

When Alice's niece asked her to replace her acting teacher, she's tempted to say no. However she decides to stay awhile to help her sister take care of their mother. She agrees to teach the class. Everyone is thrilled to have her as the instructor, instead of her mother and sister. They don't want her encouraging her niece to have a career as an actress.

Alice is hurt by their actions, after all these years and all the successes she's had in her career. They still didn't respect her decision to leave and pursue her dreams.

Alice leaving hurt Marcus. He never got over losing her friendship or understood why she cut their friendship off. He's surprised to find himself attracted to this new Alice.

Someone else isn't too thrilled with Alice return and makes it clear he wants her to leave or else. Marcus, now a police wants to take the threat serious. He asks Alice to move in with him so he can keep her safe. She won't agree.

Alice's family throws a huge birthday party for her. The people she grew up with again surprise Alice. They all seem so sincere in their well wishes. Her biggest surprise comes from her own family. Their gift to her is album that contains all the newsclips, and pictures she's been in. Her happiness is shattered by the last gift she receives, another threat. This time she decides to take them serious. This person knew were she lived. She doesn't want any harm to come to her family. She agrees to live with Marcus until he finds out who is doing these threats.

Alice knew the moment she stepped into Marcus home, that it was a mistake. She was too attracted to the man. How would she be able to stay without being able to touch him?

Ms. Perrin has written a story that draws you in on page one. I smiled, cried and laughed as I read this book. That's a good book when it can move your emotions. I wanted to know what happened to Alice and Marcus, would they get together, would they find out who was harassing her, would she mend fences with her family?

Ms. Perrin way with words made you want to turn the page. I give this book 4 stars. It was an excellent choice to start the new line for Avon Books. I'm looking forward to reading more of Harper Torch books. Pick it up. You won't be disappointed.