Lady Augusta Penworthy is in dire straits. Her father has spent every last coin, and she and her sisters cannot even afford coal. One chance encounter and a torn gown change everything. While one might think a sudden marriage to a wealthy lord would be a relief, if that marriage is to to the Duke of Blacktower, one would be vastly mistaken. For no young lady wishes to be the beast’s bride. The Duke of Blacktower, known to the ton as "The Beast," has a secret. He has vowed never to marry and ensured his fearsome reputation would dissuade any hopeful lady or their scheming mama. Now, his hand has been forced, and his fury is unleashed. But Lady Augusta is not the manipulative young lady he believed, and suddenly, he finds himself tempted by his own bride.