A review by ela_35
The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard

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.