THE BEAST OF BESWICK
Genre: Historical Romance
Author: Amalie Howard
Release Date: November 26, 2019
The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare meets Taming of the Shrew in the start to a new Regency series from award-winning author Amalie Howard.
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 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.
Thane had never begged for a single thing in his life, but he’d drop to his knees for her in a heartbeat.
I usually hate when a blurb makes a comparison to another book that I adored. Because more often than not, it sets an entirely unrealistic expectation for the book that it never lives up for. But when it says that this is The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare meets Taming of the Shrew, it’s right on point. It’s like a historical Beauty And The Beast meets Duchess Deal if I were to describe it.
Now look, if you’re a die hard historical romance fan, I’ll warn you that this isn’t quite accurate as a true regency. It’s more of a modern spin on it, if I’m being honest. I didn’t mind this in the least, because the story had me so enraptured, I couldn’t be bothered to care. I will also say that if you’re a contemporary fan that wants to dip their toe in the historical romance pool, I can’t think of a more perfect book to start with.
Lady Astrid Everleigh is desperate to get out from her greedy uncle and aunt’s thumbs when she learns that they have agreed to a marriage of her younger sister to a man that was responsible for her public ruin. She’ll do anything to save her sister from the fate of being married to man with no scruples, even if it means that she’ll promise herself to a man far more fearsome. Lord Nathaniel Harte is the answer to all her troubles, if only he’d be more agreeable.
Thane isn’t known as the Beast of Beswick for no reason. He returns from the war horribly scarred, and with the disposition to match. He’s angry, grumpy, and a complete recluse. He just can’t fathom how a beauty like Astrid could truly want someone like him. There’s something about her that stokes his temper and fires his blood. She’s infuriating and beautiful, and it doesn’t take long for him to agree to a marriage in order to help. But the passion between them is no fake thing…
I don’t know who I loved more in this story, Thane or Astrid. Both of these characters were so perfect in their own way. Astrid with her sharp wit and even sharper tongue. Thane with his grumpy demeanor and underlying layer of vulnerability. Then you add in the electric secondary characters, and I was absolutely hooked. This was such a fun and sexy read that hit the spot for me just right. I’m a new fan of Amalie Howard, and will happily read any of her future books.
