Madeline Hunter is another author who, as impossible as it seems, simply gets better and better with each book she writes. I LOVED Lancelot and Marianne's story. So much of each of their lives have been dictated by the actions and sins of others. Lance chooses to live up to his WICKED reputation as his defense against the pain of an awful childhood and the awful things people believe him to be. Marianne chooses to be the practical, responsible one and doesn't dare give in to her own wicked side. She is willing to sacrifice everything she is and everything she has ever wanted to give the man she loves what she thinks he deserves. Two very human characters struggle against odds of their making and odds the world continues to throw at them to find a vibrant and tempestuous love. We should all be so lucky!