Apollo Greaves, Viscount Kilbourne, is not having a good life. Years ago, he was framed for murder, and then committed to Bedlam, where he was abused and all but starved. When he tried to save a fellow inmate from being attacked, he was savagely beaten and had his throat crushed. He has been unable to speak since then. He was able to escape, and now he's hiding out at a burned out theatre, which he partly owns. While the theatre is in the process of being rebuilt, he is designing and working in the gardens. Since he can't speak, people tend to think he's simple minded, and he's happy to let them think that.

Lily Stump is an actress who can only perform at one theatre, and that theatre has burned down. Without much of an income, she's forced so live with her son in a small portion of the theatre that's still standing. Her son, Indio, likes to play on the theatre grounds, and he seems to be fascinated with the large, mute gardener. He tells his mother that there is a monster in the garden - Apollo's great height, wide shoulders, and rough hewn features make him seem beastly to the boy. Finally, Lily goes to see what he's talking about. At first she is alarmed, thinking he's a trespasser. Then, like everyone else, she thinks him simple, but harmless. Indio invites him for dinner and he accepts. This starts a tenuous friendship. Eventually Lily sees through his disguise, and they develop a friendship, with him communicating by writing. As they become closer, friendship turns to passion.

Apollo is an amazing hero. Despite everything that has happened to him, he has retained not only his humanity, but a sense of humor. He is tender and loving with Lily and Indio. He truly has an artistic soul, which he's pouring into the creation of the gardens. While he wants to clear his name, and have his life back, he wants a life with purpose. Lily is smart, strong, and perfect for him. Though the life of an actress and single mother is hard, it hasn't made her hard. Their love story developed beautifully, and the mystery had me speed reading to find out who the villain was, and how he was going to get his comeuppance.

DARLING BEAST is an outstanding addition to the amazing Maiden Lane series. Elizabeth Hoyt has crafted stories and characters that are a cut above, and are sure to satisfy those who love to read breathtaking romance along with heart pounding excitement

Book Summary

A MAN CONDEMNED . . .

Falsely accused of murder and mute from a near-fatal beating, Apollo Greaves, Viscount Kilbourne has escaped from Bedlam. With the Crown's soldiers at his heels, he finds refuge in the ruins of a pleasure garden, toiling as a simple gardener. But when a vivacious young woman moves in, he's quickly driven to distraction . . .

A DESPERATE WOMAN . . .

London's premier actress, Lily Stump, is down on her luck when she's forced to move into a scorched theatre with her maid and small son. But she and her tiny family aren't the only inhabitants-a silent, hulking beast of a man also calls the charred ruins home. Yet when she catches him reading her plays, Lily realizes there's more to this man than meets the eye.

OUT OF ASH, DESIRE FLARES

Though scorching passion draws them together, Apollo knows that Lily is keeping secrets. When his past catches up with him, he's forced to make a choice: his love for Lily . . . or the explosive truth that will set him free.

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