Beauty in Black: 6

by Nicole Byrd

Book Overview

Young widow Marianne Hughes is to chaperone the even younger Louisa Crookshanks to London for her come-out. But, in a most awkward happenstance, it turns out that the one gentleman Louisa has set her sights on only has eyes for the darker, more demure beauty of Mrs. Hughes. Soon this Marquess of Gillingham finds himself entangled in a web of desire and deception--and begins to understand that Hell hath no fury like a debutante scorned.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425196836
• ISBN13: 9780425196830
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 325 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful hero

I've read a couple of Nicole Byrd's books and general have found them ho-hum if only for the fact that that they tend to be a little tame for me. Nothing against her at all--just personal taste. I happened to pick this one up because I thought the cover was really attractive and was surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. I've always liked romance novels that tend to focus on the thoughts and feelings of the hero rather than the heroine--and especially like books where the man falls in love first. This fit both those criteria. I really felt for John, cringed for him at times, and wanted him to have his happiness. Marianne is a bit stiff but understandably so. I did especially like the last few chapters when they finally reached an "understanding." The subplot was maybe a little slow but the relationship story made up for that. I was really rooting for John--and if you like your heroes a bit damaged and tentative, shy and uncertain, this is a good book for you.

Proposing to the wrong woman

Louisa Crookshank, self-centred miss, has her heart set on marrying above her station at her first season. She has the looks and the money, and she absolutely has to show that her friend Lucas' rejection of her means nothing. Marianne Hughes, widow, takes on the role of chaperon for Louisa when her sister-in-law gets pregnant and is unable to look after Louisa in London. How bad can it be, after all? John Sinclair, marquess of Gillingham, decides that he needs to visit London to get himself a wife. He is believed to be horribly disfigured by smallpox, and has kept out of the public eye for ages - but he is not getting any younger. The stage is set for three-way romance when Louisa decides she will be civil to John to show Lucas how selfless she can be; John figures Louisa is as good a potential wife as any; and Marianne and John feel the passion flare between them every time he visits to pay court to Louisa. Things become complicated when he carelessly says something that Louisa takes to be a marriage proposal to her, just as he is beginning to realise that he really wants Marianne, not Louisa. Just to make the mix more interesting, Lord John and Marianne foil some attempts on Louisa's life (they think) while he tries to make peace with Lord Gabriel Sinclair, John's estranged brother.. This is my first story by Nicole Byrd, and it whetted my appetite for her other books. I would love to find out more about Gabriel and Psyche, and Psyche's sister Circe as well. I didn't like Louisa or Lucas very much though - Louisa seemed too spoilt and self-centred to have taken so much of the book, though she clearly loves Lucas. Perhaps it was because she didn't seem to have learned very much by the end of the story. A preview of the next book, Vision in Blue, shows that Louisa will have a part to play there, and perhaps she's changed by then.

Very Impressive Sequel - Great Characterizations

Setting, London 1817 --- Marianne Hughes has been a widow for some time now and after marriage to a very young and immature man, her notion of marriage life left much to be desired. Fortunately, she was left somewhat comfortable which afforded her to live a genteel if not wealthy life and not to resort to becoming someone's governess. However, as a respectable widow, she was approached by her in-laws to chaperone the comely Miss Crookshanks' come-out in London. John Sinclair, Marquess of Gillingham, due to a scarred countenance from the ravages of a childhood case of smallpox, has lived life as something of a hermit, avoiding crowds, hardly ever venturing out to the city or out of the dark, but rather than leave his younger hated brother as his heir, he would make the supreme sacrifice and a quick trip to London with the hope to entice a young miss to become his wife and produce an heir. He never expect love, but thought his title and wealth might prove to be enough incentive to convince a woman to bear his child.The comely and spoiled Miss Louisa Crookshank, had heard of the beastly looking Marquis through the gossips and knew he was in the city to find a bride. She had been sorely disappointed in love by a childhood neighbor and friend who she'd expected would ask for her hand and rather than admit defeat, would do her best to snare a title -more for spite than for love. The Marquis was her target and Louisa very forwardly made his acquaintance, but it was Marianne that John was attracted to. Thinking Marianne was married he dutifully paid his attentions to Louisa before he was made aware of Marianne's single status. Somehow, Louisa contrived to have him awkwardly state his intentions which she misconstrued into a marriage proposal which she promptly accepted. In this delightful story and sequel to DEAR IMPOSTER, there are villains and intrigue as well as a dysfunctional family background, making BEAUTY IN BLACK a wonderful read. There is some very nice sensuality felt in this book, however when Marianne and John both finally admit to their mutual attraction, the passion is extremely palatable and well worth the wait - wow! The intrigue of who was trying to cause harm to Louisa - or so everyone thought - was a light little mystery, but I was more impressed with the secondary storyline of the relationship between two brothers who were pitted against one another from childhood by a vicious father that I found to extremely poignant. Nevertheless, I found that the plot, the romance, the intrigue all blended together into a book that captured my imagination from start to finish. I highly recommend this book. --- Submitted by Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---

Beauty and the Beast Theme

John Sinclair, the Marquess of Gillingham, has decided he must marry in order to provide an heir. He has been a recluse for years, following a bout with small pox in his youth which left him badly scarred. His father has recently died and John does not want his younger brother to inherit the title as they have been bitter enemies most of their lives. John reluctantly goes to London to seek a wife.Young Louisa Crookshank is anxious to go to London for the purpose of finding a suitable spouse, preferably one with an impressive title. Her beautiful widowed aunt Marianne Hughes has been persuaded to accompany her. Louisa is beautiful and spoiled and has been told by her former suitor that she is shallow. She decides she wants to marry the "Beast of Gillingham," not only because of his title, but to prove that she is not shallow - that she can look beyond the man's scars. Louisa may be spoiled and shallow, but she's a delightful character. Her aunt is nearly perfect, but in a subtle, believable way. And you want the Marquess to have the love of a good woman; certainly Marianne is that woman. John is gruff and wary of people because of his scars and treatment he has received from his family as well as outsiders. Yet, we quickly see that he is a kind-hearted, lonely man. He has a dog named Runt he rescued, and who seems to be his only trusted friend.Because John inadvertently proposed to Louisa, he could not show his true feelings for Marianne nor she for him. It was rewarding to see the "Beauty in Black" bring happiness to "the beast" through her accepting love for this vulnerable, good man.The characters were believable and sympathetic, particularly John, and the mystery was a nice addition. It was easy to read and the writing was both lyrical and graceful. I also enjoyed the occasional bits of humor which kept it from ever being morose or despairing. In addition, it has a classy cover. This is a keeper!

enjoyable Regency romance

In 1817, Lord John Sinclair knows he needs a wife so he can begat an heir, but knows his scarred face caused by smallpox as a child frightens children. Though he would prefer not to, the reclusive John needs the help of his estrange brother and surprisingly his new sister-in-law supports not only reconciliation but assisting John.With her mom pregnant, Louisa Crookshanks coaxes her widowed Aunt Marianne Hughes to chaperone her during her London season. Louisa believes that John would make the perfect spouse for her. However, though John feels pretty good that the beautiful debutant seems unafraid of him and even flirts with him, he feels an attraction to her aunt. Marianne returns the desire and growing love, but though her marriage to Harry was good, she has doubts about a second time.This enjoyable Regency romance consists of several delightful protagonists who are nice intelligent people (except for the hero's deceased father) with issues that bring out the period in a witty manner. The story line grips the reader as the cast hooks the audience who want everything to work out for the best, which is not that easy to make happen. Fans will look forward to a sequel starring a precious niece from an author who is soaring to the top.Harriet Klausner