The Beauty and the Beast trope is one of my favorites! Because usually there is a book reading and a library involved - somehow ;). It's the best part of the Disney movie.

Thea becomes penniless and titleless when her father betrays his country and is hung (which all happens before the book). She works a few jobs that she is not good at because she never had to do manual labor for pay before and ends up bargirl that is own by the Treweloves. Benedict sitting in his sister's bar, drinks, and watches this barkeep that is far above her station, and he is intrigued. He is never intrigued. Banter and attraction ensue, and waiting for "protection" commences.

Benedict offers her a job more suited to her, and that is to teach the rest of the Harlots that works in a building he owns, so he can finally shut down the brothel and move on. He was never the pimp but offered sanctuary and protection for those; this was the only source of income but wants to shut it down and do something else. So he entices Thea to work for him. She agrees with a counteroffer - to teach her to be a seductress so she can control her fate. Of course, its a historical romance and we know how that will go. But Benedict agrees knowing full well he is not going to let her go.

Heath is very good at creating great stories with emotion and always something more profound.

I highly recommend it. Enjoy the ending of a delightful series.

I received an ARC from Avon and Edelweiss for an honest review.