4 stars

A DANCE IN THE DARK is a touching novella of the transformative and redemptive ability of love when we allow ourselves to look beyond outward appearances. I was immediately drawn in from the moment Louisa entered the cave. Like a moth to the flame Louisa and Douglas are drawn to each other despite numerous reasons against their friendship. Louisa is an extremely rich heiress who has inherited every unfortunate facial feature in her family. She believes she looks as much like a horse as is humanly possible. None of her suitors can see past the face to the person and beauty beneath; to her honesty, fairness, intelligence, and compassion. They pursue only her fortune. It shouldn’t still hurt but it does and keeps her separate from everything and everyone, an outcast.
Douglas is voluntarily an outcast and hermit when Louisa stumbles upon him in the hidden cave. Douglas is also a vampire. Not the traditional blood sucking variety either. Really interesting and I’ve only read a few like him. He can “read” Louisa’s thoughts and know her inner self. All her beautiful qualities are revealed to and cherished by him for their rarity. For her part Douglas is always hidden in shadow so Louisa knows nothing of his looks, only what he reveals through actions and words. Together Louisa and Douglas discover friendship that blossoms to more even as Douglas tries to shove her away.
The difference between how we see ourselves and how we look to another when viewed through the eyes of love is the center of this wonderful story. Truly romantic and well worth reading.

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )