White Knight Needed

In bestseller Krahn’s cute follow-up to Hero Wanted, a Victorian-era riff on “Beauty and the Beast,” a headstrong but destitute young woman finds unexpected love in the arms of her beastly employer. After rescuing Norah Capshaw from an unknown stalker, Barclay Howard, whose large physique and brutish mannerisms have earned him the nickname “the Howard beast,” offers Norah a job tutoring his young charge, six-year-old future earl, Elias. With no other means to support herself, Norah accepts and soon learns that Barclay’s more bark than bite. Though he longs for love and acceptance, Barclay plays into society’s view of him out of fear of rejection. Through his relationship with Norah, he’s able to show his soft, protective side. However the romantic development occasionally plays second fiddle to the loaded plot: Barclay and Norah work to reign in the mischievous Elias, discover the motivations of Norah’s stalker, and unravel mysteries about Norah’s newfound family. Still, the gruff but lovable hero and determined heroine make this an appealing take on a favorite trope. (Apr.)