Destitute and determined to finally be free of any man’s shackles, Lily Benedict sets out to salvage her honor. With no choice but to commit a crime that will save her from her past, she enters the home of the recluse, Derek Winters, the new Duke of Blackthorne. But entering the “Beast of Blackthorne’s” lair proves more threatening than she ever imagined.With half a face and a mangled leg, … leg, Derek—once rugged and charming—only exists within the confines of his home. Shunned by society, Derek is leery of the hauntingly beautiful Lily Benedict. As time passes, she slips past his defenses, reminding him how to live again. But when Lily’s sordid past comes back, threatening her life, it’s up to Derek to find the strength to become the hero he once was. Can they overcome the darkness of their sins to find a life of love and redemption?
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One of numerous “Beauty and the Beast” versions. It’s a joy to see “the Beast” become more than just human because Lily is so very human herself — and that’s all the plot I’m giving away (I hate reading reviews that give it all away; I’d rather be tempted into reading it myself!)
This is an unusual and heartwarming story of the seduction of a young 15 year old girl by a powerful Duke promising love & marriage. Lily Benedict’s faith in a handsome man made her an outcast by her family, destitute and alone in London. She accepts the position as maid for another nobleman for 2 years after which her only choice was to become his mistress or be thrown out again. For 6 years Lily lead a lonely and hated life until Sir Henry died. His promise of a cottage apparently died with him since his son has no intention of parting with anything – unless Lily helps him steal a valuable necklace from the Winters family – the very same family that stole her innocence and disposed of her without a thought. But George is dead and his brother Derek inherited. Known as the “Beast” because of the scars he bears from the French war, Lily has again no choice – to be thrown out on the streets or gain her cottage and freedom from all men. The Duke was left as guardian of his 7 year old niece and Lily must apply for that position. With one eye, half a face and an injured leg causing constant pain, Derek has secluded himself in his townhouse with no outsiders – only his servants. Refusing to taking no for an answer, Lily storms Derek in his sanctuary – the only person who doesn’t look at him with disgust and can go toe-to-toe with him. As time passes, Lily realizes that not all the Winters have dark and evil souls – little orphaned Flora is a lonely and sweet child and Derek is an honorable, gentle man. His snarling and roar are his defense against further cruelty from society. Little by little each sees the goodness in the other. Each needs to forgive themselves and heal to move out of the darkness into the light. Can Lily trust her heart one more time and tell Derek about her sordid past? Can Derek truly believe a beautiful woman can see beyond his scars to his heart? Each has been dealt a blow in life, but Lily has risen above that misery and allows herself to hope and love. Can she convince Derek to stop shutting out his friends and her and heal towards the light? Beautiful, poignant and enchanting story of how life’s greatest blessing – Love – can heal a wounded soul and bring joy! Thank you Ms. Caldwell!!
Derek Winters has returned from the war terribly scarred, both inside and out. Half his face is disfigured, his body bears the marks of burns, and one leg isn’t able to support him. All the fault of another soldier, his former best friend. Lily Benedict carries the guilt of an action that has scarred her life. Having given herself to a man who promised marriage, she found herself, at the age of 15, thrown out of the house and disowned by her father.
Lily has been given an opportunity for a lifetime of security, which is all that she wants and more than she believes she deserves. All she has to do is once again violate her conscience and commit a crime, against the Duke of Blackthorne, Derek Winters.
There were several times this story had me on the edge of my seat. I was torn by the gut-wrenching choices Lily had to make. Fear drove both of them to different responses, both self-destructive.
What I like about this book is its gritty portrayal of the toll that life has taken on the characters. Their emotions are honest and often painful. It has a great storyline that could easily be set in modern times.
The Audible version is narrated by Tim Campbell, who does a great job with the male voices, especially the Duke. His female voices aren’t that good. Lily often sounds whiny and high-pitched.
Two scarred people find each other and a way out into the light. A rough journey for both of them, but helping each other, seeing the best in each other, while doubting themselves.
Very long and went over and over the two main characters problems, and feelings. Got tired of it.
Good book. Never read a book by this author that wasn’t good.
Interesting plot twists I didn’t see coming.
An enjoyable read. I like reading this author’s books.
Loved Derek, such a wounded hero. Lily was a very interesting character, very damaged but also didn’t believe in herself and her worth. She does some stupid things due to her lack of confidence in any man and shame at her life but realizes what is really important before it’s too late. Very interesting watching the relationship between the two and how Derek changes and becomes human again due to love..
Derek, scarred from the war in France and Lily, who was banished by her family for having sex with a Duke that was witnessed, meet when she is coerced by the son of her protector into becoming a governess for Derek’s niece. Her intent is to steal back a diamond. Lily was a mistress for 6 years when she was destitute
I really enjoyed this read & I just couldn’t stop reading until I was finished! I went in to the book thinking I would not like the nasty, bitter Derek Winters, the new Duke of Blackthorne that we met in Book 2, Captivated by a Lady’s Charm but after getting to know him I was wrong. The endearing & healing relationship between the Duke, Lily Benedict is so touching & with the addition of Flora, the Duke’s niece & ward after the death of her parents is so heartwarming. Derek is scarred on the outside & inside from the war & Lily is emotionally scarred for her supposed sins. I will not tell the whole story again, as you can read many reviews, but suffice it to say that this is a wonderful, tender, forgiving, beastly, romantic read that will not disappoint! I highly recommend this series or just this book for all historical romance readers!