The Beast of Beswick

Not bad but I think it could have been better. I started losing interest towards the end. (The Aunt sleeping with servants and then making detailed needlepoint artworks of their junk and THEN gifting it to them felt like such a wild and bizarre curveball that added absolutely nothing and came completely out of left field and I think that was the point where I felt like I was forcing myself to finish the rest of the book.) For our MCs-- The progression of Thane and Astrid's relationship felt very repetitive: he is grappling with his trauma and Astrid is constantly coaxing/seducing him over and over until he finally accepts their love. The resolution and ending felt very quick, as did Isobel's character development, which mostly all happened out of view. I think one read-through is enough for me. Fine for a quick read and I guess I would recommend it for anyone who likes retellings and/or Beauty and the Beast. But, I do feel like this had a lot more potential.

A beautiful retelling! The Beast of Beswick is a new take on a tale as old as time, featuring a delightfully crude duke and an impassioned, independent lady who refuses to take no for an answer. It's hard not to be inspired by the love and loyalty Astrid exhibits as she fights to keep her younger sister, beauteous and innocent Isobel, from the dastardly clutches of the same earl who had smeared her name during her first Season several years before. Although rough around the edges, Nathaniel "Thane" Harte is more than he seems and even his damaged body and often foul temper won't dissuade Astrid from winning him over and looking beyond his "beastly" appearance. The Beast of Beswick gives readers a glimpse into the world of the ton and introduces several strong female characters who seek to move beyond the constraints of their stations. Astrid and Duchess Mabel, Thane's eccentric aunt, are wonderful examples of female empowerment and the latter provides more than her fair share of comedic moments bolstered by her unapologetic lust for life (and other things). Thane and Astrid's strong personalities create a riveting push and pull relationship that keeps the reader invested and their passion is off the charts! I can't wait to see Isobel's own temerity take center stage in The Rakehell of Roth. I would definitely recommend this book!

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.