"A touching, sweet Beauty and the Beast romance."

Orphaned and penniless, Angela Lacewood lives on the charity and whims of her odious relatives. At their home, Angela perfects the fine art of being useful, yet is able to fade unobtrusively into the shadows. The recent departure of her relatives abroad leaves Angela free to indulge in the luxury of privacy and freedom. There are no sharp retorts by her family on her activities with her "strays." Those people ignored as useless by society are the very people Angela bestows her optimism and friendship on to ease her loneliness.

The once-handsome Lord Lucius Daventry, now dubbed "Lord Lucifer," returns from Waterloo to his grandfather's estate horribly disfigured. A black leather demi-mask conceals his injury, but Lucius rarely ventures into daylight and polite society as sunlight irritates his sensitive eye. Only the grave condition of his beloved grandfather, and the ability to make his last few months happier, tempts him to offer a sham engagement to Miss Lacewood.

Angela's dream of a prince rescuing her from loneliness and poverty rears its head with the unexpected proposal from Lucius. She accepts, knowing she must not make the mistake of believing the dangerous illusion that Lucius will truly care for her.

Ms. Hale's story incorporates the fairy tale romance Beauty and the Beast and gives it a delightful and unexpected twist. Touching and sweet, readers will have an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted April 9, 2003

Could she defeat his darkness and bring him back to life?

Summary

Handsome rakehell turned scarred recluse, Lucius Daventry had returned from battle intent on forgetting the past. Yet, once home, Lucius was presented with one final mission: grant his ailing grandfather's dying wish by marrying their neighbor, Angela Lacewood. At least, pretend to marry... The young beauty he remembered was now an exquisite woman. A woman strong enough to breach the walls he hid behind and steal his heart!