Beauty and the Beast meets Taming of the Shrew in this laugh-out-loud and heartfelt Regency romance.
Lord Nathaniel Harte, the disagreeable Duke of Beswick, spends his days smashing porcelain, antagonizing his servants, and snarling at anyone who gets too close. With a ruined face like his, it’s hard to like much about the world. Especially smart-mouthed harpies—with lips better suited to … harpies—with lips better suited to kissing than speaking—who brave his castle with indecent proposals.
But Lady Astrid Everleigh will stop at nothing to see her younger sister safe from a notorious scoundrel, even if it means offering herself up on a silver platter to the forbidding Beast of Beswick himself. And by offer, she means what no highborn lady of sound and sensible mind would ever dream of—a tender of marriage with her as his bride.
more
The Beast of Beswick is a smart, sexy, deliciously feminist romance that I couldn’t put down. I loved every word!
I adored The Beast of Beswick. Astrid was fierce and entertaining, and a great match for the Duke. And while the sparks between these two were flying like crazy, my heart did break a couple of times, but it was worth it. It made the characters seem that much more real. I’d love to hang out with them in real life.
I loved this book so much. Amalie Howard has a way of weaving words that make a reader wanting to keep reading until the end.
** 3.5 stars **
I genuinely enjoyed first 40% of the book. The MCs were fleshed out with Astrid being strong, sassy and full of life and Thane being brooding suffering hero. He did have his reasons for his irascible behavior and I felt for him. The angst coming from Thane was gut wrenching. Their banter was off the charts good as well as chemistry. But then the author had to bring in the plot twist that just ticked me off. It was in regards to Astrid’s younger sister Isobel. It counteracted all the actions Astrid took in order to keep her safe. The book lost its luster for me after that. I was able to enjoy the last part but the aftertaste was still there. The entire Isobel situation was good but it was made less with the plot twist. Plus there were couple of phrases that were too modern for the time period. The villain was sort of villainesque but was not dealt with properly IMO. I wished for better resolution. But the book was well edited, well paced and had a plethora of side characters that made it a decent read for me. The epilogue was so sweet and I was left mostly satisfied.
The premise (Beauty and the Beast meets Taming of the Shrew) drew me in immediately. I love fairy tale retellings, and I’m so glad I one-clicked this one! The dialogue alone will keep this on my re-read shelf forever. If you’re looking for romantic and sexual tension, sparky and witty banter, and a fierce and intelligent heroine (and yes, a tortured hero), this book is definitely for you.
Outstanding twist on beauty and the beast!!!! I think this is my favorite version thus far!!! Nathaniel is dark anti hero,very complexed and a true beast,but Astrid is strong ,smart and brave with the heart of a lioness and a worthy mate for the bastard of beswick!! The storytelling was fabulous and I loved how both nathaniel and astrid were such memorable characters. The sexual chemistry was off the charts and the intimate moments not only steamy,but at times tender and heartbreaking. Their is also a humor element though out the book that had me laughing. I won’t soon forget about the rooster in Nathaniel pants!! Lol ! I have loved beauty and beast since I was kid and it’s still my fave fairytale of all time. We all want to be loved for who we are not how we look and I think that is why so many are pulled to this tale. I could not put down this book,it had my full attention between the amazing writing and even better characters!! This is my first book by Amalie Howard but it won’t be the last!! I knew when I saw this cover and read the first impressions on bookishFirst that it would be a fabulous read and the beast was not even mentioned,but it was Astrid that sold me!!! I love a strong take charge woman!! Until next time luv’s
I want to thank bookishfirst and Entangled publishing for this copy I won
The Beast of Beswick has it all — a sexy, growly hero and a heroine every bit his match!
When Astrid Everleigh learns that her uncle plans to betroth her 16 year old sister Isobel to Edmund Caine, the Earl of Beaumont, who happens to be the same man that ruined her 9 years ago, she is livid and will do whatever is necessary to thwart their plans. As she goes over her options, it is clear that she will need to marry, but she will need someone who Beaumont will fear. The only man that comes to mind is the Beast of Beswick – Nathaniel “Thane” Harte, the Duke of Beswick. But when her attempt to bargain with Thane is shot down, Astrid will have to come up with a new plan if she has any hope of saving Isobel.
Thane, the seventh Duke of Beswick is an angry, bitter man. Severely disfigured by scars he got fighting in the war, he hides himself away and takes out his anger on his father’s prized pottery/china collection. When Astrid approaches him about marriage, he is brutally clear, he will never marry and her problems are hers. He is attracted to her, but feels that he is not worthy of a woman as lovely as she is. He sends her away and sets out to forget he ever met her.
But Astrid isn’t giving up that easy, she waits for him to reconsider her proposal, but he doesn’t and she finds out that he has gone to London. She is not happy, but then she learns that his butler is looking for someone to catalogue and appraise the former duke’s collection, she convinces him to hire her for the job. She then moves herself, her sister and her horses into his house, much to Thane’s surprise and dismay.
They dance around their attraction to each other and Thane runs hot and cold with her, but when Astrid and Isobel make the mistake of venturing into the village and are spotted by the Earl, Thane saves their reputations by announcing that he and Astrid are betrothed. Making it clear to Beaumont – a man that Thane hates and blames for the loss of many men in his army regiment – that once he marries Astrid, he will be Isobel’s guardian and there is no way he will ever allow him to marry her.
Astrid and Thane agree to a marriage of convenience to save her sister, but what they end up with is anything but convenient!
I really wanted to love this story, I am a sucker for a Beauty and the Beast tale and I have a huge soft spot for not handsome, grumpy heroes – but as much as tried, I just couldn’t get past the all the errors, modern verbiage and 21st century ideology. The edition I read was an uncorrected proof with a forward that was clear that what I was reading was not the final copy and that mistakes would be corrected – but I truly believe that while the author has a very extensive vocabulary, a pleasant writing style and clearly did some research regarding authors and some events of the time, she clearly has no knowledge of formal address, honorific titles, oral address of a peer or proper etiquette for an unmarried woman in the Regency era. I thought the story had promise, I liked the writing style, I enjoyed the steamy love scenes and the secondary characters, but I got annoyed with Thane’s constant mood swings, the completely butchered titles and address and the very modern ideals. For me, this was not a book I would recommend to historical romance lovers, but if you aren’t bothered by the things I mentioned, you will probably enjoy the story.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected proof that was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher.
I hate to put a 2 star review, but sadly, this was a DNF at the 75% mark. I liked the idea of the story, but the actual story didn’t hit the mark. Besides the fact that it was more a contemporary story that tried to be historical, there was too much “steam” for my taste. An example would be the fact that Astrid and her younger sister moved into Thane’s house without an invite or even asking him, and his servants allow it? The graphic descriptions of how Thane makes Astrid feel and the language to go with it, as well as Thane describing what he wants to do to Astrid.. Just not my taste at all. I prefer some sex to be left to my imagination, instead of being given step-by-step accounts of their actions. I was given an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When the man who ruined Astrid Everleigh’s reputation ten years ago after she refused his suit sets his sights on her younger sister, Isobel, Astrid is determined to keep her safe from him. She may be a spinster, but she’s not willing to let that stop her. She just needs a forbidding husband to stand up to the despicable earl and who better than the infamous Beast of Beswick.
It just so happens that Lord Nathaniel Harte, the Duke of Beswick, is in need of a wife, or so his servants believe. But the war scarred duke isn’t exactly fit company; he’s more well known for wreaking havoc on his father’s prized porcelain collection and snapping at anyone who tries to get too close. Thane had planned for a solitary existence after the war and instead found his older brother dead and himself a duke, saddled with responsibility. Now the last thing he needs is a caustic young woman underfoot cataloging his father’s porcelain. She further shocks him by offering herself into the bargain. He has no need of a wife but soon finds him sucked into a marriage of convenience nonetheless and both Thane and Astrid rapidly realize they’re in way over their heads.
I have some very mixed feelings here. I was so looking forward to this book as I’m a sucker for beauty and the beast stories, and while I did enjoy the story itself for the most part, it just didn’t live up to my expectations or quite fulfill its whole potential. I really enjoyed the last 25%, but the rest was rather a struggle. I really liked that Thane and Astrid both wound up fighting for and standing up for each other in the end, but it was a long time in coming and many of their issues stemmed from or were drawn out by, Astrid’s behavior. Thane was by no means perfect, but his behavior made a great deal of sense given while I felt that Astrid’s was disproportionate to her past experiences and her character just didn’t jive for me.
From this point on you enter rant territory and chance spoilers; feel free to skip it, I just have to get it out. Firstly, this whole book felt very modern and not like a regency at all. It was full of modern dialogues (such as “said no woman with half a spine ever”) and lots of very heavy handed feminism. I all for equality, but this was just like beating a dead horse and became ridiculously repetitive, almost laughable, and detracted greatly from the romance, which I found rather lacking. I very much understand chafing at the position of women at this time, but Astrid’s behavior was very unrealistic. I had several issues with Astrid in general, the first of which being my pet peeve, forms of address. As the daughter of a viscount, Astrid would be an Honorable Miss, not a Lady with a courtesy title. More importantly, Astrid barges into this poor man’s home, insinuates herself into his household, lies to him, insults him, and then wonders why he’s not nice to her and uses this as another example of why men suck, without taking any time to examine how he might feel. She is unbelievably good at all male pursuits and is very arrogant, even trying to equate her adolescent heartbreak to the pain and PTSD Thane is obviously suffering. Most annoying to me was how hypocritical Astrid turned out to be. Her intention was to coerce the duke into marrying her and then when they’re caught in a compromising position, she immediately blames him, saying he betrayed her. Her bluster and ‘independence’ make her sound like a petulant child always finding something to complain about even when she was getting her way. One minute Astrid is an unapologetic hoyden with the mouth of a sailor, the next she’s complaining about some lapse in propriety and attempting to be stiff and proper, chastising Thane’s language and claiming to be a lady. It just comes off as fake to me. Thane’s injuries, while no doubt horrific, were difficult for me to picture. He is stabbed repeatedly by six French soldiers with bayonets and his description of taking on six bayonets “face first” has an almost comical feel to it that to me belittles his injuries and suffering. Thane was without a doubt very difficult to deal with in any capacity, but Astrid’s constant baiting of him didn’t help things and her honesty and maturity came a bit late for me.
This was yet another case of what I call “strong heroine syndrome” in which independence and confidence in a woman are presented as shrewish and hateful and I’m just not here for it. It killed what could’ve been a very poignant and emotional story about accepting love and feeling worthy, but it just missed the mark here. The steamy scenes were extremely well done here and I could feel the hero and heroine connecting in those moments, but those were almost the only times I could feel that connection and I would’ve liked more of that outside the bedroom, though I felt we only had one real scene where this occurred. I also would’ve liked to see the despicable earl and Astrid’s aunt and uncle get their just desserts rather than have their plot line just fizzle out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Well, I’m not sure how to write this review. I liked the basic story and the writing was good, but it just was not a Regency story. Nothing in it was period correct – and I think I really do mean nothing – not even the basic stuff. All of it was anachronistic. It is also a very, very modern tale with modern language, modern ideas, modern – well everything. I’m not sure I understand why an author would choose to write a period story and then ignore the research to get it right. So, I guess my bottom line is – the basic story is nice and if you don’t mind all of the inaccuracies, then you will enjoy the read.
I also think that the author went way over-the-top with making the heroine a strong, intelligent woman. She was actually a superwoman. She had every skill known to man (or woman). I assume that is why she was always arguing with the hero – in order to showcase all of her skills and talents. She is an expert on the exact type of porcelain the hero needs to have cataloged, she is an expert horse trainer, she swims like a fish, she isn’t fond of ‘feminine’ things like embroidery, she (and everybody else) cusses like a sailor, she can write, etc. She has absolutely every talent/skill/attribute that we, in today’s world, would consider being a strong independent woman. I think it would have been better to pick one or two attributes and focus on those instead of using the shotgun effect. It would have been really easy to dislike her – and, in the real world, I probably would have disliked her.
I really liked Thane. He was horribly, horribly injured in the Napoleonic wars and came home a very angry, very reclusive man. The description of his injuries and what caused them drew me out of the story. I just can’t picture it. I picture this man in the center of a large circle of men with bayonets and they are all poking him with the bayonets. Had they been sword slashes or something I could picture it – but not bayonets. Anyway – I digress. Thane is horribly disfigured and even before that he had an unhappy life – his father was cold and disapproving and, evidently, his older brother was as well. By the time Astrid appeared on his door, he had managed to drive most of his friends away and most of his servants as well. So, he was lonely and angry.
I loved his Aunt Mable – she was priceless. Totally anachronistic, but priceless. She was bright and funny – and very risqué. She, along with the valet and butler, add a bit of lightheartedness to the story.
There were some plot points that just didn’t make sense to me – for instance – he just, out of the blue, decides to give Astrid some land and buildings to open a school. Why? She’d never mentioned any desire to open a school – and that is the only mention of it. It was just left hanging.
Even given the above, I did enjoy the actual story itself. I liked Thane and enjoyed seeing him learn that he could have love and a family in his life. I even liked Astrid because, even though she was annoying, she was still vulnerable, and that humanized her a bit.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Holy heck! Talk about your grumpy, beastly hero. Thane was perfect!!!
’Though this duke was wholly human as far as she could tell…his eyes burned with an unholy amber fire, holding her in a glower that seemed better suited to hell. Astrid couldn’t control the dread running through her body. His nostrils flared as if he could sense her unease, and suddenly, she felt like prey, well and truly snared by something far bigger and far more dangerous than she.’
When Astrid is forced to take drastic actions in order to protect her sister, she immediately knows who to coerce. But Thane isn’t easily swayed, despite his instant desire and the fact that her hands, and his salacious fantasies of what they could do, are driving him to near madness. He quickly learns that the bluestocking takes determination to a whole new level and his life is suddenly turned upside down.
While Astrid abides by most of society’s rules, nothing can rule her thoughts and opinions. She is fierce in her belief that women have the right to choose their own future and should not be dictated to by any male. I loved that she never hesitated to stand up to Thane, even when he was his most intimidating. She has a fiery spirit and sharp tongue and she not only keeps him on his toes but brings a smile to his lips that has been long absent.
’She was no meek English rose, no sweet-tempered maiden, no delicate miss. She was a fiery hothouse bloom that made his blood burn and drove him to intolerable distraction.’
Not only was Thane’s face and body covered in thick, grotesque scars, his heart was scarred even more so. He was his own worse enemy when it came to his relationship with Astrid. But I totally understood where he was coming from each time he drew her in only to push her away again. I’m not a push and pull fan but there was no other way this hero could have reacted. Each time it was a step closer to him finding healing. Even when he was being brutish I just wanted to hug him. His heartache was my own and I ached for him to find true happiness with Astrid.
Together this couple were absolutely, freaking amazing! I loved their quick, sharp and always smart banter. While there is definitely immediate desire, everything else takes time and I loved every layer that was peeled back as this couple grew closer. Thane’s possessiveness thrilled my alpha loving heart and bless Astrid’s heart for knowing just when to use it against him. While this story is rich in character development, the chemistry between these two sizzles across the page. The smexy times will definitely leave you feeling breathless.
I picked this up because I’m a sucker for anything that hints at a beastly hero and I’m so glad I did. This book totally did it for me!
First I want to say I’m not usually a historical romance fan but this has totally changed me! It was perfect! Amazing story with characters that intrigued me and that I fell in love with, storylines that kept you hooked and wanting more every page. It was exciting and sweet and hot! So good! This is definitely for those who want tot eat historical fiction but aren’t fans typically. Loved it!
I’ve read this twice now and both times forgot to write a review. The second time I read it, I read about the same time as The Black Beast of Belleterre. While Black Beast of Belleterre is insanely sweet, this one is not.
The hero is a great, big loud jackass that hates everybody, and the heroine is a savvy Regency woman trying to outwit conniving relatives and an evil villain.
Little navel gazing which is rare for the Beauty and Beast trope and pretty refreshing.
It wasn’t life changing, but it was enjoyable.
I have been holding onto The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard since it came out as my read during the holidays book. It has nothing to do with the holidays but the red dress just made me happy and think very festive thoughts! Since a Beauty and Beast retelling is my favorite, it should not be shocking that I really enjoyed this book!
Lord Nathaniel Harte has been nicknamed The Beast of Beswick since he was scarred in war, he’s retreated to his country estate to torment servants and destroy priceless art. Lady Astrid’s reputation was tarnished during her first season by a vicious lie, now she needs Thane’s hope to save her sister from the man that ruined her. Astrid offers her services to catalogue and value his art as well as in his bed in exchange for his protection.
Thane was my perfect scarred, grumpy, self loathing beast. Even though Thane has this crusty exterior and gruff reputation, he allows Astrid and her sister to stay under his protection. He has a tender heart, helping them, the relationship with his Aunt Mabel and his 2 servants, made him a lovable beast. How he tries to enter society for Astrid’s sake and uses the proceeds from the art sale for Astrid’s benefit, SWOON!
Astrid was no meek, shy heroine! Her opinions on women’s rights, quick wit and out spoken nature made me love her. She was the exact strong but soft balance to Thane’s rough personality. She understood his shortcomings but also pushed him to embrace a life that he could have with her.
The sex was super hot! Any book that starts off with our characters first meeting with him naked and wet, you know is going to have some steamy scenes. I love a garden tryst and a study tryst and a bedroom tryst! The tension from them in the beginning was perfect and then the angsty, angry sex was perfect
My New Favorite Beauty and the Beast Retelling!
Astrid needs the beast to help protect her sister. Thane needs the beauty to show him he’s still worth love.
Like any good Beauty and the Beast retelling she’s not afraid to stand up to him and I love it every single time! The banter, the chemistry, and the emotion were so perfect and I loved the subtle little nods to the animated classic. And the inclusion of Frankenstein and early women’s rights was *chef’s kiss*
I’m very excited to move on to Isobel and Roth!
Wish I had read this one first but it all worked out. I truly hope there is more in this series. Loved these characters and the plot of this book. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Fun dialogue, a heroine you root for, just enough beauty and the beast.
Adored this funny, super sexy and heartbreaking story! A daring, sassy-mouthed heroine and a beastly hero with a heart of gold.
”She was not the sort of woman who heated his blood…and yet his blood was on fire.”
Lady Astrid Everleigh is desperate. To prevent the marriage of her younger sister to the repugnant Earl of Beaumont, she is willing to sacrifice herself to the Beast of Beswick AKA Lord Thane Harte, the Duke of Beswick. His moniker has been well-earned due to his harsh personality, as well as his appearance. A handsome war hero who returned home a hideous travesty of his former self. When the beautiful Astrid invades his sanctuary with an outrageous proposal, he is beyond fascinated and attracted to her but he has no interest in marriage or the begetting of heirs. However, when she and her sister are in need of sanctuary, he finds himself unable to turn her away.
”In the pit of her belly, she also felt a shock of pure heat, of raw physical awareness.”
I just loved this story. It was humorous, sensual and somewhat heartbreaking. Astrid never bargained on her inexplicable attraction to such a beastly man. His appearance was in no way as offensive as his personality. He was boorish, crude and wholly compelling. I loved her irreverent bluestocking character – she was infinitely forward-thinking and more than a match for the Duke. I found his carnal thoughts about Astrid was thrilling. They had such combustible chemistry between them. I loved how Astrid looked beyond Nicolas’ physical appearance to the beautiful, wounded man beneath. He was definitely a handful for her to handle but her heart was big and I loved that she fought for him. She knew when to push and when to leave well alone. She showed him her desire through her actions, as well as her words. I loved her pragmatism and matter-of-factness. Nicolas needed so much love and care. He needed affirmation and, in turn, my heart melted at how he put aside his own discomfort to be there for Astrid.
”What was offensive was his desire to see her utterly unclothed and open, with nothing but that salty mouth holding him at bay.”
The passion between them was so riveting. His desire for her was overwhelming and visceral – a palpable, living thing. He was just as desperate to keep her at arm’s length, as well as keep her in his bed. My heart hurt for him and his lack of self-worth. This was a such a beautiful story about beauty being skin-deep. It was an affirmation of character, of compatibility, of understanding, and a love for the ages. Such a wonderful story that clutched at my heart, and I can’t wait for the next book!
It’s amazing how much is based on looks alone: society, personality, etc. And then someone steps in and proves them wrong, to see the person within the shell. And “Beauty and the Beast” style plots appear to be the choice of this year/season/month/decade? Whatever — I enjoy them. Keep it up, Ladies and Gentlemen. They are always worthy. They help those of us who aren’t “perfect” to be believe we can rise above our “imperfections” and find what we need or want.