The Dance of Desire is a historical romance, featuring Angela Bartham, daughter of a notorious couple who created a scandal when they ran away together, and the Earl of Sunderland, who is a childhood friend that Angela christened Sunny. The story starts promisingly enough as Angela is about to marry respectably to try to elevate her family from where they've fallen since her parents' disgrace. The tension is created from Sunny's appearance at the wedding, as he has been in parts unknown since Angela turned down his marriage proposal. This is somewhat a beauty and the beast story, as Angela is considered a diamond, whereas Sunny has always felt like an awkward, ungainly second son. Angela's rejection--she's nursing a hidden lost love, and she has never considered Sunny romantically--solidify Sunny's feelings. He comes back cynical and cold. When Angela's betrothed turns out to be completely objectionable and she's left standing at the altar, Sunny steps in and marries her, telling himself that it's for revenge, even though it's clear he still loves her.

Oh, this book was close. I did really enjoy quite a bit of it. The writing is talented, and my attention didn't wander (Lorraine Heath and the ilk, I'm looking at you). But there were so many quibbles (if Angela was avoiding scandal, how did she not do any research on her obviously scandalous fiance?!). a subplot with Sunny's planned French fiancee (didn't do anything for me), and the fact that Sunny's coldness and distance was so contrived (there's only one bedroom in the home that they escape to, so Sunny sleeps in it during the day, and Angela at night? What?).

Four stars for almost getting there.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

A beautifully romantic retelling of the classic beauty and the beast story, this book will keep you captivated until the end. There are misunderstandings and miscommunications, unrequited love, villains and duels, and secondary characters who subtly help the course of true love. I would say this story is much more likable and romantic than the original beauty and the beast story, with just a few faint similarities. I really enjoyed this story, and would recommend

Very excited to read, review, and acquire this cool novel set back in the 1800s. Such a unique concept for a book. I cannot wait to share my personal thoughts. I am catching up on reviews due to a family emergency, but look forward to sharing much more soon. Very cool btw.