A wounded beast . . .
It took Marcus Bradley forever to find a suitable bride. And then he lost her-all because some meddling matchmaker with a crazy notion about “true love” helped her elope with another man. Now, to save his sister from a terrible marriage alliance, he needs a replacement-an heiress to be exact . . . and he knows just the woman to help him find one.
A spirited beauty . . .
Danielle Strafford believes everyone deserves a fairytale ending-even the monstrously scarred and notoriously brooding Marquis of Fleetwood. Not that he’s left her a choice. If she doesn’t help him secure a wife-by any means necessary-he’ll reveal her scandalous secrets.
A passion that will consume them both
The more time Marcus spends with Danielle, the less interested he is in any other woman. But the Beast must do the impossible: keep from losing his heart to a Beauty he is destined to lose.
(90,000 words)
Ms. Daniels delivers a wonderful and delightful debut. I’m so pleased to find another new to me author who has won me over. I’m on a winning streak!
Marcus Bradley, the Marquis of Fleetwood, is known as the Beast of the ton. His face and big brooding body leaves people shaking in fear. He knows he is not what women would dream of when they think of their future husband but he desperately needs a rich bride to save what’s left of his family estate and his sister’s future. When he catches Danielle Strafford aka Miss Green aiding his fiancée to elope with another man, he hatches up a plan to get a new bride and Miss Green is the perfect person to help him.
Danielle Strafford is caught between a rock and a hard place when Marcus enters her bookshop and blackmails her. She has to help him find a wealthy bride or else he will tell everyone that she helps women in town escape their pending nuptials with the men they dislike. Danni concedes and they set out to kidnap the daughter, Ginny, of a prominent member of society.
Nothing goes to plan for the two once Ginny is abducted from them by bandits. Marcus and Danni must rescue her back and set things right. Two start to fall in love though their life plans are set in different directions.
My heart literally broke when Marcus reveals how he ended up disfigured and shamed. His story is quite difficult to read but it shows his strength and the lengths he will go through to protect his family. He doesn’t believe that he is good enough for Danni despite her growing affection towards him. Despite his rough exterior, he is vulnerable and hurt. The pain of his past is deeply embedded him in and he struggles to let it go even for Danni.
Danni is hiding her own secret and she is promised to another. No matter how much she finds herself falling in love with Marcus, she will stand by her father’s decisions and make things right in her family.
Marcus and Danni are perfect for one another. They are both strong and willful. They are stubborn and prideful. They fight and love passionately. I love that they are both willing to sacrifice so much for their families even if it means losing out on what they want. The banter and humor is spot on and the romance ticked all my boxes.
I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to have read this perfect gem of a book. I really look forward to reading the next book. I need to know what’s in store for Caro! I’m hoping even feisty little Ginny will get a book of her own.
Reviewed by Samantha
Heat Level: Hot
This is the second recommendation I’ve seen about this book. I’m going to have to snag a copy.
It was a great book!
I read this book, and loved it too. I thought Danni and Marcus were so funny. I felt bad for the kidnapped bride for about five minutes, but her reaction to finding herself kidnapped was a perfect. She really surprised me. I hope the author writes Ginny’s story, too.