Willing to deal with the devil himself if it meant that she would gain her independence and her freedom to live life as she sees fit, Lady Francine Montfort does just that when she approaches the most scandalous Marquis in London. She makes him an offer she just knows he will not resist, or so she thinks at first. Francine must convince him to pose, just for a little while, as her fiancé so she can get her inheritance and be on her merry way. However, when the arrangement takes an unexpected turn and feelings suddenly become involved; can she walk away as she planned or will she risk it all and put her heart on the line? Erasmus knows he is cursed, and plans to spend the rest of his life alone, taking his pleasure when and where he may, until one night at a ball he finds himself on the most intriguing end of a proposal that shocks him to the heels of his very expensive booted feet. It has been a while since a woman has really aroused more than just his temporary sexual appetites and made him want more than just the life he and his brother have imposed on themselves. What woman would want a man who holds a monster inside; surely not this beautiful innocent that has take a hold of his heart?

Now what woman does not love a man who needs her more that she needs him? What woman does not want to heal what he thinks cannot be fixed and what he says is broken? The more I read this wonderful story the more my reader’s heart became trapped by these two people (and the heroes troubled brother who only made a brief but powerful show) who battle against the odds. Rarely do I find a book that I will repeatedly read and still enjoy as though it was the first time. The hero was a man made to melt women’s heart and the secrets he bears makes him think that love is impossible but the heroine is determined to make him see other wise. I loved the moods created by the author, her detail to the period and her gift at recreating the society in which she cast her books and characters. The authoress of this book has paid magnificent attention to the complexity of human emotion and the need that we all feel to give love and receive love in spite of all our many faults, and material possessions. Kudos to Ms. Lyons for writing a book that has now put her at the top of automatic buy list. Keep writing and bringing these heartfelt novels they are much needed now.

Reviewer suggestion: Try reading this book while listening to Nelly Furtado’s Say It Right, makes for an even more enhanced read!

Filed Under: Ellora's Cave January 2008 Reviews	About the Book: Genre: paranormal ISBN: 9781419913709 Page Count: 100 Price: $ 4.45 Reviewer: Rae Rivers
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Sensuality Rating: Sultry Star Rating: 5 Stars Author's Website: http://www.larissalyons.com/

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