intostarlight's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I love scarred heroes and beauty and the beast retellings but I have mixed feelings about this book. I really am a sucker for beauty and the beast retellings, and Thane is definitely beastly (to the point that it was almost overwhelming at times). However, the book felt entirely too modern to me to feel authentic in its setting. There were several phrases that were definitely not appropriate for the time period, and the forms of address were all over the place. And though I liked the character of Astrid, she didn't feel "right" for this time period (neither did Mabel). Also, the development of Astrid's and Thane's relationship from hate-lust to head-over-heels madly in love was a bit abrupt, and the forces pulling them apart were more redundant than I had hoped. The steam was slightly off? There was a lot of scenes for the picking but they were relatively glossed over at the oddest times or rushed-feeling. The sister was an outright pain in the behind, but the final chapters were so wholesome!
Ultimately though I did enjoy this.
Ultimately though I did enjoy this.
christyjoreads's review against another edition
5.0
So fun! This was such a great beauty and the beast re-telling!
alisoun's review against another edition
3.0
Idk man there was inconsistencies in the story and good god Thane was so annoying. Every time he pulled away it was for the EXACT SAME REASON. Like 4 times. So annoying. Astrid was also off putting in a weird way. She was Too Perfect. The reason she could work for Thane was weakly put in and the fact she was a feminist and so well educated ..... Idk I like reading flawed heroines. She and her dainty feet are boring. I also didn't enjoy the drama of isbel and Beaumont kind of ending off page? I suppose that will be discussed more in the second book.
Best part was Isobel - she who is an annoying little sister - and Mabel who's a total scamp. Kind of sussy that she sleeps with the paid staff though?
Best part was Isobel - she who is an annoying little sister - and Mabel who's a total scamp. Kind of sussy that she sleeps with the paid staff though?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol and Sexual harassment
emilyan's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
katiegetslit_erature's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it! Classic Beauty and the Beast retelling with all the steamy parts missing from the Disney version. And I wish I had an Aunt Mabel…
cassire's review against another edition
4.0
4 1/2 STARS
I had so much fun reading this book. The banter is perfection. It was spicy, sexy, and satisfying. I was hooked from the beginning. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I had so much fun reading this book. The banter is perfection. It was spicy, sexy, and satisfying. I was hooked from the beginning. I look forward to reading more from this author.
readingwithhippos's review against another edition
4.0
I’m so glad I gave Howard a try—this book feels like a fresh take on historical romance, very much the feministy kind of thing I want to read in 2020. Astrid needs a husband so that she can get her sister out from under the influence of their grasping, greedy uncle, who wants to marry said sister off to the same jerk who ruined Astrid’s reputation years ago. Since Astrid’s chances of making a good match are gone, she sets her sights on the notorious Beast of Beswick, a man with extensive scarring, inside and out, from war. He’s also a duke, though, so he has the social clout Astrid needs to protect her sister. The duke isn’t interested in Astrid’s proposition, but she’s determined to join his household by any means necessary and won’t be deterred by a little snarling. Or broken china.
sri_savita's review against another edition
3.0
"I respond to her like I do everyone else."
"Yes, but you don't look at her like you do everyone else, do you?"
"Love is one part courage, one part choice, and one part luck."
I had been reading a few historical romances that were more external plot-focused than romance-focused, so I turned to this one, but I think it skewed the balance in the opposite direction so it wasn't the right recipe for me.
I think I wanted a bit more angst and tension before the physical intimacy started, but it was still enjoyable and I liked a lot of the side characters too.
"Yes, but you don't look at her like you do everyone else, do you?"
"Love is one part courage, one part choice, and one part luck."
I had been reading a few historical romances that were more external plot-focused than romance-focused, so I turned to this one, but I think it skewed the balance in the opposite direction so it wasn't the right recipe for me.
I think I wanted a bit more angst and tension before the physical intimacy started, but it was still enjoyable and I liked a lot of the side characters too.
ela_35's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This book had funny moments, but they were ruined by the constant back and forth when it comes to the growth of Astrid and Thane’s relationship.
Astrid proposes to Thane because she needs some sort of protection/backing when she tries to stop her uncle from approving Astrid’s sister’s engagement. Thane refuses, but Astrid turns up a few days later anyway and they somehow end up married and in a kind of relationship.
Astrid and Thane were fine, but they both had a lot of annoying moments, which ruined my enjoyment. Astrid and Thane’s exchanges were funny at times, but there were also times when Thane wouldn’t finish saying something and Astrid would go off about how her being a woman doesn’t mean she’s less capable, for example when she goes riding.
Throughout this whole book, it’s constantly Thane saying he’s a beast/not good enough for her/his scars are horrible etc, then them having a moment where they agree to give their marriage a try, and then something would set Thane off again. This cycle happened multiple times, and I just stopped caring and wanted the book to be over with.
There were some other characters, but they weren’t shown much. I think I would’ve liked Mabel, Thane’s valet and butler if they were shown more. Isobel was annoying and I really didn’t like her, so I’m definitely not reading her book.
This book wasn’t for me, and I don’t think I’m going to try other books by this author.
sleepycheeks's review against another edition
4.0
this book was a hot mess in many ways but the sex scenes were fun