When Beauty Tamed the Beast

A parent would reach for this book when their older teenager is struggling with a sense of isolation, unfair social scrutiny, or the feeling that their 'flaws' make them unlovable. While it is a Regency romance, the heart of the story deals with the weight of reputation and the courage it takes to look past a person's defensive exterior. This story follows Lisle, a woman unfairly cast out by gossip, and Piers, a brilliant but embittered surgeon dealing with a physical disability and a prickly temperament. Their relationship is built on intellectual sparring and mutual respect. Please note this is a mature romance written for adults, suitable for older teens (16+) who enjoy historical fiction or subverted fairy tales. It offers a sophisticated look at how empathy and wit can bridge the gap between two people who feel 'beastly' or 'broken' in the eyes of society. It is an excellent choice for normalizing conversations about physical differences and the toxicity of rumors.