She’s one of London’s beauties … He’s London’s ogre.Lady Isabella Knox enjoys her independence. She collects strays—dogs, kittens, runaway brides—but she has no intention of collecting a husband.Major Nicholas Reynolds returned from the Battle of Waterloo a hero. He’s had enough of soldiering; all he wants now is a bride … but his scarred face sends young ladies fleeing.When a slip of her … sends young ladies fleeing.
When a slip of her tongue brands the major an ogre, his chances of marriage disintegrate. Determined to put things to rights, Isabella sets out to revive the major’s marriage prospects. How better than for the two of them to indulge in a make-believe flirtation? They both know it’s not real, so where’s the danger?
But Isabella is soon in over her head—and so is Major Reynolds.
“This story has it all: damsels in distress, villains, heroes, romance, suspense, mistakes & misunderstandings, all wrapped up in one cannot-put-it-down story.”
~ Goodreads reviewer
“I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of Beauty and the Beast! A delightful comedy.”
~ Goodreads reviewer
(Lady Isabella’s Ogre is a new version of Beauty and the Scarred Hero, which was published under the penname Emily May. The last few chapters have been rewritten. Some things are the same, some are different…)
Q & A with the author
How would you describe your writing?
Several reviewers have likened my writing to Georgette Heyer, which is the hugest compliment ever. I adore Georgette Heyer! She’s why I write historical romance, and I reread her books over and over. (If you’ve not read The Grand Sophy, please do so!) I’ve also had readers compare my writing to Courtney Milan and Mary Balogh, which are also massive compliments.
Who would like this book?
This novel would appeal to readers who like the historical backdrop and humor of Georgette Heyer and the emotion of Mary Balogh or Courtney Milan.
Happy reading!
more
Lady Isabella has a huge heart. She will help any sort of stray needing help but heart is solid stone when it come to love. Thru a careless remark she hurts someone and feels compelled to correct the wrong that was done during which her heart is opened.
Enjoyed the transition of Isabella from “don’t need love and marriage” to being deeply in love. Also Nicholas from his wanting only a young wife to “mold her into the wife he wanted” to loving someone who was confident being herself.
Another great story by Emily Larkin! Highly recommend reading it!
A really good story. Very little dithering and angst. Very enjoyable
I loved the two main characters in this story. Great story line! Hard to stop reading once you’ve started
good beach read
Always enjoy Emily Larkin. I especially love the godmother ones.
I loved this story kind of like beauty and the beast. The military man with the scared face gets the beautiful lady who did not want to get married.
This was a good read. The main characters were interesting and the twists in the book were different. Lady Isabella was never going to marry and was very satisfied with her life. She met a sorrowful young lady at an Inn. That was the beginning of the really interesting story.
It was so entertaining I couldn’t put it down until I finish it
The characters were interesting and I always love a good story about how two strong people fall in love. the historical details were interesting as well.
This was a sweet love story. It was a wonderful story showing appearances are not everything. This was a great story in which the two slowly became friends and then more.
It is an engrossing story of mixed messages, duty and dreams. Love finds a way.
Very different from any of the other romances I’ve read. Refreshing. Too short. I don’t want to spoil it for any other reader, very good quick read.
Thorough enjoyed this story. The characters were strong. Rescuing the kittens was a delightful side story. Love the happy ever after for both couples.
Lady Isabella Knox enjoys her independence. She collects strays dogs, kittens, runaway brides but she has no intention of collecting a husband, she’s perfectly happy with her life.
Major Nicholas Reynolds returns from the Battle of Waterloo a hero. He’s had enough of soldiering; all he wants now is a bride & to live away from death & destruction but his scarred face sends young ladies fleeing.
When a slip of Isabella’s tongue brands the major an ogre and his chances of marriage disintegrate she sets out to undo the harm she inadvertently caused. How better to revive the major’s marriage prospects than for the two of them to indulge in a make-believe flirtation?
A well written well paced story that drew me in from the start & had me enthralled all the way through. The characters are well fleshed & likeable, Nicholas is honourable & straight as a die so there was always going to be a problem about Isabella’s lie. Isabella is beautiful, generous, sympathetic & caring. The two are made for each other but they know their futures are set in stone she as a spinster aunt & he wedded to a young mouldable wife! I particularly enjoyed how the pair came to like & respect each other. The story is quite straight forward with no mystery to solve just a couple of secrets to cause problems. It was also enjoyable for the heroine to be older & happy with her life, no wicked family member making her life difficult or hidden past.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I feel calling this a Beauty and the Beast retelling is misleading. Lady Isabella is 29 and while she enjoys the social outings of the Season, she’s not looking for a husband. She’s has a strong sense of decency and fairness. She’s mortified when a notorious gossip hears her label Major Reynolds an ogre and sets out to correct her error. This allows the h and H to become better acquainted and makes for a more believable ending. I loved the main characters – both mature and self-assured. No thoughts of doubt ad nauseam here. The humor is subtle – mostly scenes involving animals and small children which had me grinning.
I received a free copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
Satisfying but unsurprising ending. Good comfort read.
N