Marc was dangerous to her in the way that only a strong, sexy male could be to a woman. Even knowing that, she'd agreed to marry him.

Hope blossomed in Hira's heart. Perhaps she'd married a man with whom it might be worth building a life. Her mother had worried that he was scarred, but the lines on his face did nothing to lessen his raw masculine appeal. If anything, they gave him an even more dangerous male air, enticing the feminine core of her to thoughts that shocked her.

What did a man's face matter anyway? She had no use for handsome men.

But for a man with a heart? For such a man...she might risk everything.

CRAVING BEAUTY is a modern day Beauty and the Beast tale with an international twist. Marc is surprised by the provincial attitude of Hira's father towards women as the fictional Zulheil is very modern in its approach to women's rights. However, his own high casual handedness provides an interesting and thought provoking contrast. Hira craves respect and intellectual stimulation but Marc struggles with seeing anything other than her stunning physical beauty. Hira's determination to be accepted and respected regardless of her appearance is one that will resonate with women readers.

CRAVING BEAUTY is further proof of the sheer talent of Nalini Singh. Regardless of the locale or the type of plot, Nalini Singh writes a fantastic story! Stories of arranged marriages are definitely not a theme that I gravitate towards in my reading, but time after time, Nalini Singh demonstrates that if her name is on the cover of the book, it's an instant buy for me!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES