The first time I heard about this book I thought it was going to have some fantasy elements, since it's supposed to be a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast tale.  It's more like a re-imagined version in Victorian England:  Piers Yelverton (Earl of Marchan) lives secluded in this castle, he has an injured leg, he is grumpy and works as a doctor (very much like  Dr. House from the TV show); and  Linnet Thrynne our heroine, is extremely beautiful but disgraced in the ton because there are rumors saying she is pregnant (outside of a married relationship). Long story short, Linnet  becomes betrothed to Piers (who actually doesn't want to marry) but Piers father thinks her "pregnancy" will solve the heir problem. And then it's all about banther between Linnet and Piers and how they fall for each other against all odds. Fun and lighthearted.