by Charlotte Vale Allen

Combining elements of Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast, this is a modern fairy tale for adults. It is romantic, erotic, mysterious, and moving.

A beautiful, sensitive young girl falls in love with a brilliant older man who is so profoundly scarred both physically and emotionally that he literally cannot face the light of day. Despite his deep apprehensions, he allows her to enter his world of darkness, where they communicate their love for each other through music.

Fearful of what he most craves, Erik nevertheless becomes convinced of Marisa's love. He nurtures and tutors her as she matures from girl to womanhood while she, in turn, teaches him to trust and gradually coaxes him into the light.

Theirs is a magical bond, cemented by adversity. How this bond grows stronger, flourishing through the years is the basis of this hypnotic fantasy.