In a fascinating Cinderella tale that goes awry, anthropologist Cassandra Barrett falls in love with and marries a Hollywood legend. Alex Rivers is a prince in the world of movies; people sift through his garbage and prowl around to find anything they can touch, photograph, or gossip about that is associated with his life. In turn, Alex gives his fans what they want—the facade of a pleasant, highly-talented man, devoted to his work and his wife. They own several residences and possess more than they could possibly want. Alex and Cassie seem made for each other, their love forming such a strong bond that it takes on an almost-spiritual quality. What could go wrong? Both Cassie and Alex are products of damaged childhoods, where neglect and alcohol shaped their extreme need for love at all costs. Married on a movie set in Tanzania after a brief courtship, Cassie and Alex face a marriage that will always be plagued with paparazzi and the facade required of Hollywood's elite.