"Final book in the Princess trilogy is dark and emotional."

Baron William Enton seeks oblivion in alcohol since his wife's death at the hands of highwaymen and thieves. Their union was not a happy one. William imitated his parents' marriage by showing coldness instead of passion. Alcohol dulls his wits until, at the wedding a dear friend, William sees the joy and happiness he so desires. In a drunken stupor, William enters the dangerous slum of Darktowne seeking vengeance. Attacked and left unconscious, William awakens in a thieves' den with a beautiful blonde angel.

Darktowne, a place where hopelessness reigns, is the home of the cool and impervious Princess. Cruel circumstances and fate have landed her in this hell. Princess, known only as Poke's woman, resides with Poke's minions of thieves and murderers. She uses her cold demeanor to outwit Poke and protect the weaker and wounded ones. Princess knows her time is limited as Poke will tire of baiting her and dispose of her.

With the arrival of a wounded drunk, Princess understands she cannot trust him, but his eyes are filled with pain that draws her to him. William acknowledges the attraction and shuns the allure of the bottle, instead choosing life. Princess and William forge a truce as they meet true evil and battle for their souls.

In this final book of the Princess trilogy, Ms. Greiman tells a dark and emotionally moving story that will leave tears in readers' eyes. Princess and William are strong but wounded characters, who are unforgettable as they fight the horrors surrounding them. Once again, Ms. Greiman proves she's an extraordinary storyteller.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted January 10, 2005

Summary

The light of love glows in the darkness... The desire for revenge sent William Enton, third baron ofLandow, into Darktowne to punish those who destroyed everything precious in his life. But this infamous lair of robbers and cutthroats is no place for a gentleman. And when he wakes after being set upon by brigands, a golden- haired angel is tending to his wounds. They call her "Princess," and royalty she must be, for never has bearing and beauty been so perfectly blended in one woman. But her tender touch masks a hardness born of the streets; she is indeed the princess of thieves -- and answerable only to the brutal kingpin who holds everyone in Darktowne in his way. Now only a brazen masquerade can keep William alive and bring him closer to this exquisite enchantress. For his missionis suddenly clear: to melt the frozen heart of the lady who has miraculously brought him alive again . . . and to set her free with passion and boundless love.