Dangerous Beauty

I have read Ms. Black’s other book Forbidden and this book is loosely tied to it and may be read alone. However, for those of you, like me, who must read your books in order you will probably wish to purchase Forbidden before moving onto Dangerous Beauty.

The heroine, Natasha, who is considered “on the shelf” at the ripe old age of twenty, is fighting against the frivolous life and shallowness of the ton, and what her parents expect for her. She has seen what love looks like and she yearns for a semblance of it. Unfortunately, her parents, having never been in love, are basing her future prospects on the dictates of the ton and English society. Her mother has already established that Natasha will marry this final season, and she will stop at nothing to ensure it happens, with or without Natasha’s consent. The only way Natasha has survived is by staying one step ahead of her ambitious mother and ambivalent father by doing the unexpected, usually something to turn her prospective groom away from herself. Sadly, she knows her time has run out and is in quandary about how to deal with it.

Our hero, Seth, has been in Australia for these past five years making a living and learning to survive and thrive. Having succeeded in all this, he returns to England to tie up loose ends before finally sailing to, what he considers his home, Australia. Seth heads to the "Sweet Pea Ball" intending to meet with one of those loose ends, but while there, his eye is captured by a beautiful woman, one he cannot resist, or get out of his mind.

Fate intervenes and these two, seemingly an incongruous couple, meet and lighting strikes. Each is willing to fight to ensure they get an opportunity to see where these unknown and phenomenal feelings lead. However, will the world, their families, and English society give them a chance? Or will this lead to tragedy?

Dangerous Beauty is a coming of age story for both Natasha and Seth. Natasha has seen what she could be, both as a debutante of the ton and as a caring human being. She grows in character throughout the book and figures out how to hold on to her convictions, against incredible odds. As each chapter passes you realize she is growing and learning what she wants to do and be, which is a pleasure to read.

Seth is a wonderful character who compliments Natasha and yet is old enough to be comfortable with her growth. He too comes to several realizations and they slowly unfold through the story-line. His initial departure from London was not voluntary; however, his return is. In order for Seth to move on to his future he realizes he must first deal with his past.

I absolutely loved this book. This story has intrigue, sensual love making, teasing foreplay, high drama, death and characters who have the strength of their convictions backed by their will. All of this is packaged in a wonderful story line that slowly draws you in and doesn’t let go until the end. Get it, you’ll love it.

Reviewed by: Teri