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.
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Just a heads-up that I’m new to Historical Romance, The Beast of Beswick being my second book in this genre.
Beauty and the Beast is one of my absolute favourite stories, so to get a chance to read a modern take on this story and that too in a genre as well as an author that I am introducing myself to the first time, I jumped at the opportunity.
Now, as much as I was hoping to love this book, I just didn’t. Not to say it isn’t good, it is but it just wasn’t enough to jump on my favourite list.
One of the things that I was looking forward to the most was the development of a connection between Thane & Astrid. What we got was a very cool version of it. The focus was more on two things and the constant repetition of those same topics again and again.
The whole basis of the book was on two situations — 1) Astrid getting her sister away from her Uncle and 2) Thane always pointing out that Astrid was too good for him.
As for the chemistry between the leads, it’s there! It’s right there and it could have oh so explosive! I don’t mind sex scenes. I mean, who does anyway? But I’ve said this before and I’ll say it till I’m blue in the face — don’t write them for the sake of writing them. Well, unless and until it is strictly erotica. Give me a good old relationship build-up, give me the tension that is oozing and then give me the sex and only when it truly feels right and organic.
All in all, The Beast of Beswick was an okay-ish read. It’s not something I can see myself raving about but I will be looking forward to more of Amalie Howard’s future projects.
3 Stars!
I had read this author once before so I though I would try another one. This is also the start of a series which is better than catching it midway. Jumping back in time in the regency of dress and the like you soon find yourself in a escape that will take you for awhile. There seems to be a bear of a Lord Nathaniel whom seems to prick you curiosity. Lady Astrid has her own agenda with a offer she thinks will save her sister. Funny about those kind of things they usually bite you in the butt. I enjoyed where it went next with the feisty and fun along with the romance.
Who says that there has to be a damsel in distress to make a good romance. In my opinion a good heroine goes against what is expected and makes her own rules. Astrid delivered with her headstrong ways and her fierce heart. The Beast of Beswick is the best of what romance has to offer. Howard delivers her own brand of storytelling. Captivating characters, heartaching twists and temptation beyond measure equals unforgettable in my book.
adored this story. I started reading it early in the morning and couldn’t put it down until I was finished. I kept me captivated from the first page until the last. I fell in love with Thane, the Duke of Beswick and Lady Astrid Everleigh. Thane was. badly scarred physically from the war, and emotionally as well. His reputation as the Beast of Beswick was well earned. Lady Astrid showed up on his doorstep needing his help to protect her younger sister. The sexual tension between them was instantaneous. The book has a scarred hero, a strong willed heroine, an evil villain, learning to trust and believe in yourself, strong feelings of self loathing and the path to love. These two people were so deserving of finding love. My emotions were all over the place. It has very well developed main and secondary characters. I can’t wait to see what will be next by this author . I was gifted this book by NetGalley and the publisher. This is my honest review. I highly recommend this book..
This was my first book by this author, but will now read the rest. Great take on an old story. Thane has every reason to be as angry as he is at the world and Astrid is my favorite kind of heroine. Caring, giving and selfless, but with a backbone. She is exactly what he needs and they both challenge each other in a good way including in the bedroom.
Astrid was a very strong, intelligent character especially for the time period. Thane was a true tortured hero. I loved their banter. I even loved Aunt Mabel. Isobel was a bit wimpy but pulled herself together in the second half of the book. Story was well paced and ended well. One sitting read.
Lady Astrid Everleigh is in desperate need to find a formidable husband to save her younger sister Isobel from the horrible rake Lord Beaumont. She enlists the help of the disagreeable and disfigured Lord Nathaniel Harte.”The beast of Beswick.” To help her. Thane became horribly disfigured in the last war. Lady Astrid crashes into Thane’s life by moving in with her Isabel overnight to escape from her father and Lord Beaumont’s plans. Lord Harte (Thane) is angered and wants Lady Astrid to leave. Lady Astrid tells Thane Isobel is in danger from the scoundrel Lord Beaumont if Astrid doesn’t marry soon and she has chosen Thane. Thane allows the ladies to stay in his castle however, he refuses Lady Astrid’s proposal. It is up to Astrid to change The beast of Beswick’s mind before it is too late. I really liked this book. It was a well-written romantic and unexpectedly funny story. The dialogue was crisp, clever and fast between Astrid and Nathaniel. The writing style was a little slow in the middle of the book however, it picked up the pace the rest of the book. The characters were interesting throughout the story. I loved the way the writer showed the politics of the time as well; Woman’s rights etc. As well as how passionate Lady Astrid was about them. The other thing is. There was a heck of a lot of sex in this book. Maybe more than usual. I’m not a prude or anything. I love sex in books. It is just after a while i found myself rolling my eyes and saying “again?” Every time they had sex. And i love to read erotic fanfiction. Lol. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and will not be my last. I will still read her books. Lol. I would like to thank BOOKISHFIRST.COM and the author for providing me a complimentary copy of their book in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Amalie Howard book. This was a new take on beauty and the beast. Nathaniel Harte, the Duke of Beswick, is a wounded war hero. He was left permanently disfigured after a battle where many of his troops were killed. He lives in seclusion on his rural estate. Lady Astrid Everleigh is a tad desperate. She’s trying to save her sister from an arranged marriage to an abusive man. She needs a high ranking member of the ton to offer his protection and she decides the reclusive duke is the one to help her.
This book was really enjoyable. It was well written and offered up two compelling main characters with a lot of depth and chemistry. If you like historical romances, this is a good one.
The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard is the story of Astrid Everleigh and Nathaniel Harte ‘Thane’, the Duke of Beswick. Astrid was ruined by Edmund Caine a few years back now her Aunt and Uncle who have control of her and her sister wants to marry her 16 year old sister Isobel to him. Desperate to save her sister she feels the only way she can is find someone more powerful and scary to take up their fight. This leads her to Thane who has come back from war very scarred inside and out. Thane is nothing but a mad recluse who when Astrid comes to him he of course refuses her in the most honorable way. But she not giving up and with his attraction to her it makes him weak to keep turning her away. I really enjoyed read their story with its light back-light of Beauty and the Beast.
This is the first book I read by Amalie Howard and now she is an author I will follow. This story is about a Hero, Thane, who is damaged both physically and emotionally. He has ben hurt by people believing he was a beast because of the physical damage he received in the war. And a Heroine, Astrid, who is a strong, smart women who wants to control what happens to her and her sister and not let their life be decided by other people. She wants to protect her sister. When Astrid approaches Thane to help protect her sister the story begins. There are steamy sex scenes, the banter between Thane and Astrid was fun and entertaining. I also loved 3 side characters, Fletcher, Culbert and Aunt Mabel.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
3.5 stars.
Beauty and the Beast meets The Taking of the Shrew?? Uh YES PLEASE. This book had everything you like in regency romances and while it wasn’t perfect, it is still worth a read.
Lady Astrid is easy to like. She’s headstrong and smart. Everything a lady isn’t supposed to be for this particular frame of time. She’s protective of her sister and doesn’t want her suffering at the hands of a man she knows is without honor. Since years before he lied about her and her virtue after she rejected him.
The Duke of Beswick, or Thane, is a man physically and mentally scarred. As a result, he acts like a beast. Tada
Everyone needs an Aunt Mabel in their life.
While the story was good and I enjoyed th characters, there was so much repetitiveness. A big chunk of the book was Thane saying how he was no good for someone like Astrid. I get that he was hurt and that was big part of his character. But at one point it got to be too much where my heart wasn’t breaking for him and instead I was rolling my eyes.
I also found the ending to be a bit lackluster…but that’s on me as I was waiting for someone..anyone to get kidnapped.
All in all though, it really was a good read. The chemistry between them was great and the few sex scenes were regency level hot . And it’s always fun to read about a woman who won’t “stay in her place” and a man who isn’t offended by it but instead attracted to it.
I’ve only recently started to read historical/regency romance books. This one feels a bit more modern compared to the rest of the ones I’ve read. I chose this one because it’s a bit on the Beauty & The Beast themed. Sometimes it isn’t a good comparison, and that annoys me, but this one did a good job with it.
I just loved the relationship between Lady Astrid and Lord Nathaniel. They had some great banter, some smoking hot chemistry, and explosive shmexy scenes. Each of them were loveable on their own as well. She was fierce, and he was so alpha I died.
While I still feel it’s not true regency, I did love this book. I’m so glad I gave it a shot. I look forward to checking out this author more.
As a fan of historical romances I found much to like about this story of two strong-willed people fighting an attraction that practically jumps off the pages. Both have been hurt in their pasts which leads to them being cautious about their futures. Add in some fast-paced and witty banter and you end up with an unforgettable romance, and couple, who I rooted for every step of the way.
Lady Astrid Everleigh once thought her future secure after being proposed to by a rich member of the Ton. Unfortunately he wasn’t a gentleman and ruined her reputation after she refused to give in to his desires weeks before they were to marry. With her sister now catching his attention Astrid’s determined to keep her safe by making a deal with the devil…scarred returning war hero, Lord Nathaniel Harte. It’s a deal that has her offering her assistance with selling some of his father’s figurines as well as offering up herself in marriage. It’s an offer made out of desperation at first, but the more time they spend together the more drawn to him she becomes in a rocky journey of push/pull on the way to HEA. Astrid’s a wonderful heroine, a bit modern in some of her actions, but a delight nonetheless in her interactions with her sister and Thane. From the moment she met Thane there was a spark between them, a crackling connection that had each of them giving as good as they got. Astrid’s an appealing heroine with a kind heart who would sacrifice all to make her sister safe and happy and her self-sacrifice endeared her to me even more. Watching her and Thane dance their merry dance made for a sweet yet sensual journey to HEA that kept me glued to the pages from the first page to the last.
Lord Nathaniel Harte grew up angry and bitter as the spare to his brother being the heir. He felt that he was lacking a purpose while his brother was being groomed to take charge of the family’s estate. Like most other spares Thane chose to join the military where a single event changed his life irrevocably. Coming home a bitter and scarred man has him cutting himself off from others, believing that no woman would ever want him, all while he fights his attraction to the outspoken young woman asking for his help. Thane’s scars run deep though. Not only do they mar his face but they also weigh on his heart and soul as he constantly brings them up when in Astrid’s presence. I can certainly understand his negative feelings though as many of those living in their community see him as someone to fear…while I just think he needs a hug instead. I enjoyed his interactions with Astrid, enjoyed her getting the better of him while pushing back on his preconceived notions of what a real lady does. Being with Astrid dragged him out of his self-imposed darkness and it made for a crackling romance that made me blush and laugh a time or two.
From the first page to the last this story kept me fully invested in its outcome courtesy of its decadently delightful main couple. Their banter sizzles and teems with sexual tension in a push/pull connection that sometimes frustrated me but always had me cheering them on to their richly rewarding HEA. Astrid’s a bit modern in her thinking, so readers who are sticklers for historical realism might be bothered by her, but it just added to her likability for me. When readers first meet Thane he’s clearly angry, but spending time with Astrid brings out another facet to him too. He becomes protective of her and her sister, a bit jealous when it comes to Astrid’s attentions to those loyal to her, and I thoroughly enjoyed the man he’s become because of Astrid and his scars. On a whole they’re an immensely appealing duo with a romance that’s sweet and sizzling, a connection that jumped off the pages to keep me rooting for them. Surrounding this entertaining main couple were a cast of equally entertaining secondary characters, a nice hodgepodge of characters good and bad. The most memorable off all were those I saw as villains. Beaumont, the man who ruined Astrid’s reputation with his lie, was especially unlikable as he gave off a dangerous vibe when around Astrid as well as his surprising connection to Thane’s injury in the war. Astrid’s aunt and uncle were also memorable as all they cared about was money and using their nieces to get it in a realistic depiction of the vulnerability of young women historically. From the first page to the last I found much to recommend this book, from its witty banter to its sensual tug of war, and I look forward to what Ms. Howard brings us next.
This was such a delightful romance! I had read a couple of favorable reviews for this book so I knew that I wanted to read it and was thrilled to get the chance. I don’t read a ton of historical romance but I do tend to enjoy them every once in a while so I was ready to give this Beauty and the Beast story a try. I was swept away by Thane and Astrid’s story and didn’t want to put the book down for any reason.
Astrid is considered a spinster at twenty-five after a scandal during her first season. Her entire focus on her sister’s happiness and wants to make sure that she is able to make a good match. Imagine her surprise when her uncle makes plans for Astrid’s sister to marry the man that caused her scandal. The only way that she can have any influence is to find a husband so that he can take over as Isobel’s guardian. Astrid knows the right man for the job.
Thane fought in the war and came back scarred. So many scars that people call him a beast, stare, and don’t want to be around him. The scars on the outside are only the beginning. His personality is a little rough and he can be rather short with his staff and those around him. When Astrid shows up with her plan, he is less than impressed.
I loved these two! Astrid was incredibly smart and didn’t hesitate to make any sacrifices necessary to ensure the well-being of her sister. She didn’t think that she was any less capable than any man and resented the fact that she had no rights. Thane liked to act gruff but he really had a soft heart underneath it all. He pushed people away because he didn’t want them to have to deal with the scrutiny of being with the beast. I felt like the personalities just fit together and they had fantastic chemistry.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical romances. It was such a joy to watch Thane and Astrid fall for each other. There were more than a few moments that I couldn’t seem to stop smiling. I definitely plan to read more from Amalie Howard in the future!
I received a review copy of this book from Entangled: Amara via Bookish First.
I think I have stumbled across a magnificent author. Amalie Howard has written a beautiful and powerful Regency romance with a hero who is scarred from the inside out. This isn’t just a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Howard steps into deeper issues in this story- examining the treatment of women and the disabled in Britain in the early 1800’s. I thought she did an amazing job of character development. Each person just comes to life, leaping off the page with energy and vulnerability. “Astrid blushed, but his mouth sought hers again, and she pushed herself up on tiptoe to meet him, greedy for more of the sensations bursting like wildfire inside. When he licked deep, ribbons of pleasure unraveled in her veins, making her gasp against his mouth. She clutched at him, at those broad shoulders, winding urgent fingers into fabric and slanting her mouth on his, desperate to match the delicious, decadent flex of his tongue.” There are a number of steamy sex scenes. I am looking forward to reading more from Ms. Howard. I was given a copy of this book.
Oh how I loved this book. I normally don’t read historical romance much but with the first look I knew I had to have this. I laughed so hard at the snaps Thane and Astrid would make at each other. He’s unsure why she chose him and has the wrong idea at times. Then he starts finding out about her engagement years ago to that horrible man who spread rumors and tainted her reputation. He’s unsure what to believe. At first, it gets only worse. Poor Astrid, at almost 26, she is considered an old maid by that century’s standards. But who would want her when they think she slept with someone else? How horrible that must have been. When the same jerk comes around to try and marry her sister out of spite, she knows she has no choice but to go to Thane, an even bigger beast, to try and protect her. After all, her uncle has spent her inheritance and will marry the sister off. Astrid is smart and well, schooled. And she has a backbone. She doesn’t take any crap from Thane. He has scars all over from being attacked during war and is 6’5” so even the servants are afraid of him. I recommend this book to anyone who likes humor in their romance.
Let me start by saying I would probably give this a strong 4 star…maybe even 4.5. I think the fact that this is more historical is one of the reasons why it just didn’t get 5 stars from me. It was well written and I found myself entralled by all the characters we encountered in it. This is my first historical romance read and I am glad it was because it just might make me chance picking up another historical romance in the future. There were definitely touches of beauty and the beast in it which is excellent because I am a huge beauty and the beast fan. However it weaved its own story and the characters had their own distinct traits that set them apart from the classic fairytale. I just love Nathaniel and kind of want to hold him through the whole book haha…or maybe have him hold me.
Astrid was a powerhouse of strength, feminism, and holy cow, was she feisty! I loved her wit and mouthiness! She was a also a devoted sibling and would sacrifice whatever necessary to keep her sister safe and her ensuing plan…hair-brained genius.
Thane was a behemoth mass of surliness, mood swings, and temper, temper! However, he had good reason to hide himself and lick his wounds. While his physical scars were out there for the world to see, inside was a broken man who didn’t know how to accept, much less love, himself. How could I not love a guy like that? Obviously I didn’t soooo…..
Off the bat, the pheromones, attraction, combustible chemistry-call it whatever you want-literally oozed from Astrid and Thane! Their snappy banter had me dying at times, because the witty exchanges were loaded with innuendo and sometimes outright naughtiness and the timing?! Sheer brilliance.
Now I have to give credit, Thane had two of the most hilarious servants I’ve ever read-Fletcher and Culbert. Their outspoken personalities and straight faces in lieu of Thane’s ire was not only hysterically funny, but showed their care and devotion to a man everyone called beast. That said some thing about Thane’s true personality that was worth while.
I love Beauty and the Beast and while I’m always looking for a good retelling, I am picky about what I like. I was thrilled The Beast of Beswick surpassed my expectations! Snappy sharp witty banter, a strong, well-balanced storyline-even with the touch of of historical looseness-emotional vulnerabilities, steamy attraction, hilariously supportive characters, and some great literary references had me whipping through this book in no time at all!!
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley and this is my honest review.
3.5 Stars
Lord Nathaniel Harte, the Duke of Beswick, spends his days using priceless antique porcelain as cricket balls, antagonizing his servants, and snarling at anyone who gets too close. He was seriously injured fighting for king & country & has been left with horrendous scars both on his body & face But Lady Astrid Everleigh will stop at nothing to see her younger sister Isobel safe from a notorious scoundrel Edmund Cain, 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.
There was much of this novel that I loved but it was spoiled by the historical inaccuracies. I could live with some as I just ignored them but I couldn’t get my head round Thane being slashed by bayonets, bayonets were for stabbing not slashing, sabres were used for slashing. That said I thoroughly enjoyed the story especially Thane who was injured both physically & mentally & I loved how the annoying Astrid made him whole. I loved Aunt Mabel & would love to read her biography! I didn’t love Astrid as she was too good to be true, at least she couldn’t embroider. Overall I did like the book but it could have been a five star read with a less perfect heroine & more historical accuracies
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lord Nathaniel “Thane” Harte returned from the war horribly scared and nearly dead. Being the second son of the Duke of Beswick, he never fathomed he would inherit the title. But with the passing of both his father and brother, he finds himself with the very responsibility he loathed. Years have passed, and the now better-known Beastly Duke of Beswick broods over his domain daring anyone to enter his lair. So, when a beautifully feisty and outspoken woman barges into his private chambers, no one is more surprised than The Beast to find himself contemplating her proposal…of marriage.
Lady Astrid Everleigh was once a young naive girl thought to be in love, but when she finds the object of her desire not all he seems to be, she becomes the object of scorn and is cast out of polite society. Having accepted her lot as a spinster, Lady Astrid is determined the same fate will not happen to her younger sister. But when Astrid’s past returns to take vengeance on her beloved sister, she is forced to seek sanctuary in the arms of a powerful ally in The Beast… “Because sometimes a girl doesn’t need a hero to save her. Sometimes she needs the opposite.”
Thane and Astrid are both broken with scars both seen and unseen. They must learn to trust each other and learn that “Love is one-part courage, one-part choice, and one-part luck. And like anything worth fighting for, it’s worth it in the end.”
If you are a follower of my reviews, you know that my all-time fav romance is Beauty and the Beast. I will read and devour all stories that even have a hint of this “tale as old as time”. Amalie Howard did not fail to deliver in her retelling of a classic. Loved and highly recommend!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **