What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bluestocking War #14
The Beast's Bid
From USATODAY Bestselling author Eva Devon, writing as Maire Claremont, comes a brand new series that will sweep you away to the drama and angst of Regency England. Glittering ballrooms, wild moors, and brooding lords waiting to be tamed by bluestockings await. . .
Daniel Bedford knows the brutality of war and the position of being born in the worst parts of London. Nothing will stop him clawing to the top of power. Not even love. When he makes a bid to change his life and climb out of the East End. . . Love demands a chance. But can Daniel dare to open his heart and take it?
Daniel Bedford knows the brutality of war and the position of being born in the worst parts of London. Nothing will stop him clawing to the top of power. Not even love. When he makes a bid to change his life and climb out of the East End. . . Love demands a chance. But can Daniel dare to open his heart and take it?
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2023
164 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 17, 2023
Daniel former soldier from Seven Dials , meets and helps Lady Louise.
Nice story.
Nice story.
November 12, 2023
Love the Beast series, it's very interesting and enjoyable characters. 4☆
June 30, 2023
The Beast’s Bid is the next in the series Bluestocking Wars. As with the other books this story is a gem. The couple is Daniel Bedford and Lady Louisa.Both have experiences heartbreak in their lives. Louisa parents died of illness when she was ten years old. With our a will she is left to her guardian, an uncle who only wanted her wealth. He cared little for her and prevented her from moving in society. Once he’d run through her inheritance he sold her home at auction.
The beast, Daniel Bedford, a Seven Dials orphan and former soldier won the bid. He has lived his protecting wrongs against women. He too was orphaned at age ten. He had a plan to destroy the home to right wrongs against his mother. She was once thrown from the home after being ruined by Louisa’s grandfather. He is a wealthy, powerful man in Seven Dials.
Upon hearing the news of her home’s sale Lady Louisa sneaks off to meet Daniel in hopes of getting her home back to serve as a home and school for orphaned children. She strikes a deal of sorts with Daniel. She returns home only to discover her uncle has agreed to marry her to an abuser in exchange for money.
She must escape that night. This is the point where the story really begins to become interesting. Where does she go? Will her uncle find her before she reaches her majority? Will she see her dream come true? Will Daniel open his heart? Will they find a HEA.
The characters are well developed. The storyline moves along quickly. I would have liked a bit more about the uncles search for Louisa. I excited to read the next in series. The series does not necessarily build on the last and can be stand alone.
The beast, Daniel Bedford, a Seven Dials orphan and former soldier won the bid. He has lived his protecting wrongs against women. He too was orphaned at age ten. He had a plan to destroy the home to right wrongs against his mother. She was once thrown from the home after being ruined by Louisa’s grandfather. He is a wealthy, powerful man in Seven Dials.
Upon hearing the news of her home’s sale Lady Louisa sneaks off to meet Daniel in hopes of getting her home back to serve as a home and school for orphaned children. She strikes a deal of sorts with Daniel. She returns home only to discover her uncle has agreed to marry her to an abuser in exchange for money.
She must escape that night. This is the point where the story really begins to become interesting. Where does she go? Will her uncle find her before she reaches her majority? Will she see her dream come true? Will Daniel open his heart? Will they find a HEA.
The characters are well developed. The storyline moves along quickly. I would have liked a bit more about the uncles search for Louisa. I excited to read the next in series. The series does not necessarily build on the last and can be stand alone.
July 4, 2023
The Beast's Bid - for what? Not sure he his for anything, anymore than he's a beast.
Lady Louisa Templeton lost both her parents early, to typhoid, which they picked up when working with the poor in the East End of London. She has her own plans to help the children, but is kept pretty much captive by her uncle, who's run through her inheritance in his greed for more.
When her uncle sells her home just before Louisa reaches her majority it's the straw that pushed Louisa to take control of her future. So she and her maid run away to Daniel Bedford, a man of the slums, whose fought for England and despite his very humble roots has friends in high places. He now pretty much runs things in his area.
All good, two decent leads, but the book gets a little jumbled, Louisa forgets her upbringing and works in a soup kitchen when supposed to be in hiding, she seduced Daniel, who we're told doesn't get involved with women, and a Duke appears wanting a favour we hear nothing about.
I've enjoyed this series but this book confused me, I just don't 'get' it. But if. pity as if looked forward to it.
3.5*
Hope the Dukes book is back to usual standard.
Lady Louisa Templeton lost both her parents early, to typhoid, which they picked up when working with the poor in the East End of London. She has her own plans to help the children, but is kept pretty much captive by her uncle, who's run through her inheritance in his greed for more.
When her uncle sells her home just before Louisa reaches her majority it's the straw that pushed Louisa to take control of her future. So she and her maid run away to Daniel Bedford, a man of the slums, whose fought for England and despite his very humble roots has friends in high places. He now pretty much runs things in his area.
All good, two decent leads, but the book gets a little jumbled, Louisa forgets her upbringing and works in a soup kitchen when supposed to be in hiding, she seduced Daniel, who we're told doesn't get involved with women, and a Duke appears wanting a favour we hear nothing about.
I've enjoyed this series but this book confused me, I just don't 'get' it. But if. pity as if looked forward to it.
3.5*
Hope the Dukes book is back to usual standard.
July 2, 2023
Sometimes in my reviews you will see, this is a favorite author. Well, since 2015 and over 2600 reads, I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors but I only have 25 “favorite” authors and another dozen or so that I have read pretty much all their books, at least in my genre. Eva Devon is another of my favorite authors. I've been reading her since 2016 and believe or not, this is my 58th book by her. I always enjoy her stories and characters. Sometimes they are a little bit too short and would love them to be longer but still good reads.
I enjoyed Daniel and Louisa's story. I wish it would have had more depth of characters because they had great personalities. Hard to get that with short reads. There was also no sex scenes in this book..only behind closed doors which is not normal Eva Devon.
Looking forward to the Duke's story.
I enjoyed Daniel and Louisa's story. I wish it would have had more depth of characters because they had great personalities. Hard to get that with short reads. There was also no sex scenes in this book..only behind closed doors which is not normal Eva Devon.
Looking forward to the Duke's story.
July 8, 2023
4.2
Daniel and Louisa story is a heart rending one. At one point I thought they might be related as the tragedy that befell Daniels young mother by Louisa grandfather.
But this plight was so well known in the 7 dials when were forced to survive on their backs. All because some Lord or Peer chose to abuse them.
Louisa parents died as dogooders but left her in the hands of an evil uncle who auctioned off everything including her just weeks before her majority!
Daniel has seen many people come with good intentions but gave false hope and never stayed the course!
Louisa is different and she shows Daniel her mettle! When Daniel life hangs in the balance defending her as he promises! It does not look like a HEA is possible! Will their Love survive? Must read to see the entire story of hope! Bravo
Daniel and Louisa story is a heart rending one. At one point I thought they might be related as the tragedy that befell Daniels young mother by Louisa grandfather.
But this plight was so well known in the 7 dials when were forced to survive on their backs. All because some Lord or Peer chose to abuse them.
Louisa parents died as dogooders but left her in the hands of an evil uncle who auctioned off everything including her just weeks before her majority!
Daniel has seen many people come with good intentions but gave false hope and never stayed the course!
Louisa is different and she shows Daniel her mettle! When Daniel life hangs in the balance defending her as he promises! It does not look like a HEA is possible! Will their Love survive? Must read to see the entire story of hope! Bravo
Read
July 8, 2023Daniel and Louisa
Wonderful read from the first page to the last. Daniel has survived his life in th be seven dials and risen to have power if his own along with helping people and children any away that he can. then he meets Louise who he and she know that they are like two apples in a pie that feel like they have known each other for a liftim even coming from different world. A hard book to out down once to start. They get their HEA and so much more. Would highly recommend this book and author Happy reading 😊
Wonderful read from the first page to the last. Daniel has survived his life in th be seven dials and risen to have power if his own along with helping people and children any away that he can. then he meets Louise who he and she know that they are like two apples in a pie that feel like they have known each other for a liftim even coming from different world. A hard book to out down once to start. They get their HEA and so much more. Would highly recommend this book and author Happy reading 😊
July 22, 2023
Beast's bid. Incest?
Spoiler below.
I had to continually put this book down and read something else. I just wasn't feeling the storyline. Especially after thinking about the family connection. *shiver*
Plot was weak, and wrapped up quickly in a nice, neat bow.
Stop reading...spoiler
Daniel's mom (aged16-17) was raped and he was born. The rapist was not Louisa's father but her father's father: AKA her grandfather. So, wouldn't that make Daniel her father's 1/2 brother and he would be her uncle? Am I missing something?????
Spoiler below.
I had to continually put this book down and read something else. I just wasn't feeling the storyline. Especially after thinking about the family connection. *shiver*
Plot was weak, and wrapped up quickly in a nice, neat bow.
Stop reading...spoiler
Daniel's mom (aged16-17) was raped and he was born. The rapist was not Louisa's father but her father's father: AKA her grandfather. So, wouldn't that make Daniel her father's 1/2 brother and he would be her uncle? Am I missing something?????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
lady Louisa Templeton has been raised to help the poor by her parents she is soon to turn old enough to control her destiny she wants to use her house as a school but she finds out her uncle has sold it to Daniel Bedford who knows the worst side of London but her house holds a special meaning to him and that's the reason he brought it he tells her if she can spend a week in his side of London she can have her house back he didn't think he'd fall in love with her this book was good but I have never found a book by eva that I didn't like
July 6, 2023
Louisa was a chattel to her awful uncle.
Daniel, who brought himself up from a tough upbringing, is now in a position to get something he's always wanted -- the home his mother was abused in and getting retribution on the family who did it.
Louisa, innocent of the wrongdoing, confronts Daniel and brings him partially to her side.
He then protects her from her abusive and desperate uncle and they triumph and find love.
Daniel, who brought himself up from a tough upbringing, is now in a position to get something he's always wanted -- the home his mother was abused in and getting retribution on the family who did it.
Louisa, innocent of the wrongdoing, confronts Daniel and brings him partially to her side.
He then protects her from her abusive and desperate uncle and they triumph and find love.
July 15, 2023
I really did like the other books in this series. Some more so than others. But this one is really strange. It reads like a first draft, a rewritten teen romance, or as if several chapters are missing. No depth to the story or characters. No spice at all.
I still give it three stars as I like the series and hope the next one is up its usual standard.
I still give it three stars as I like the series and hope the next one is up its usual standard.
Read
July 3, 2023A wonderful story
A story of unlikely people Lady Loiusa and Daniel from the rookeries coming together one out of desperation and the other from the revenge. They find a mutual interest and seek to succeed, the story follows that journey.
A story of unlikely people Lady Loiusa and Daniel from the rookeries coming together one out of desperation and the other from the revenge. They find a mutual interest and seek to succeed, the story follows that journey.
June 29, 2023
A lovely romance, different classes meet and love blossoms. I enjoyed the story and connection between Daniel and Louisa. Another winning story in the Bluestocking War series.
July 6, 2023
Really enjoyed this series. I really liked these characters and the plot of this book. Looking forward to reading more from this talented storyteller.
July 9, 2023
Great read
This is an awesome series lived every book. This one with Daniel and Louisa was just as great. Recommend this series to everyone
This is an awesome series lived every book. This one with Daniel and Louisa was just as great. Recommend this series to everyone
July 10, 2023
I was looking forward to Daniel's Story and it didn't disappoint
I enjoyed it a lot and now waiting for the Duke's which is fortunately coming soon
I enjoyed it a lot and now waiting for the Duke's which is fortunately coming soon
August 4, 2023
Confused story line in this ADULT Historical Regency Romance.
August 14, 2023
Great story. I enjoyed it as I do most all of Eva Devon books.
August 18, 2023
Excellent.
Another extremely good read from Maire Claremont, Eva Devon.
It was very nice to read a HEA for Daniel Bedford.
Another extremely good read from Maire Claremont, Eva Devon.
It was very nice to read a HEA for Daniel Bedford.
September 6, 2023
Quick, cute read.
May 27, 2025
5 star book
I loved this book. This was a great story about helping change the world around you and what is important in life.
I loved this book. This was a great story about helping change the world around you and what is important in life.
its-a-no-for-me-dawg
January 4, 2026Not interested - plot
July 27, 2023
Very satisfying.
This was a lovely afternoon read. There was an instant connection with Daniel. He stands up for those taken advantage of, those that can't fight for themselves and those that could thrive if given a chance. His conviction and acceptance of consequences had me ready to stand up for him.
Lady Louisa is a sweet young woman who has been sheltered her whole life. Firstly, by her parents. They only allowed her to see quick glimpses of the struggles of the poor and underprivileged in the rookeries of London. She discovers they did less than she thought. Secondly, by her uncle, her guardian. He kept her mostly in the house to keep her expenses low so there was more for him. He would occasionally parade her around when it worked to his advantage.
Together Daniel and Louisa are a force to be reckoned with. They genuinely support the plans and efforts of the other. Daniel brings the power and the street smarts to the partnership. Louisa's brings hope, light and the desire to see everyone thrive and reach their best potential. It was fun to see them able to tease each other but still address the tough things.
My one regret in the book comes from my dark side....the side that hopes for more equality in pain distribution. The comeuppance for Louisa's uncle could have been more prolonged or maybe a few covert threats to really set him more on edge. It felt to tidy for me, but again, that is my desire for fairness in pain and misery. 😉
I enjoy any chance to read an Eva Devon book and this hit the spot. I was excited to see the Duke of Whitmore is going to be getting his HEA. I liked him and his willingness to help someone he didn't know, Louisa, simply because her uncle was a despot and was taking advantage of his responsibility as her guardian.
I instantly disliked Lady Louisa's uncle. He was nasty, greedy, arrogant and overly entitled. His disregard and disrespect for women made me angry and feel badly for any woman he came in contact with.
This was a lovely afternoon read. There was an instant connection with Daniel. He stands up for those taken advantage of, those that can't fight for themselves and those that could thrive if given a chance. His conviction and acceptance of consequences had me ready to stand up for him.
Lady Louisa is a sweet young woman who has been sheltered her whole life. Firstly, by her parents. They only allowed her to see quick glimpses of the struggles of the poor and underprivileged in the rookeries of London. She discovers they did less than she thought. Secondly, by her uncle, her guardian. He kept her mostly in the house to keep her expenses low so there was more for him. He would occasionally parade her around when it worked to his advantage.
Together Daniel and Louisa are a force to be reckoned with. They genuinely support the plans and efforts of the other. Daniel brings the power and the street smarts to the partnership. Louisa's brings hope, light and the desire to see everyone thrive and reach their best potential. It was fun to see them able to tease each other but still address the tough things.
My one regret in the book comes from my dark side....the side that hopes for more equality in pain distribution. The comeuppance for Louisa's uncle could have been more prolonged or maybe a few covert threats to really set him more on edge. It felt to tidy for me, but again, that is my desire for fairness in pain and misery. 😉
I enjoy any chance to read an Eva Devon book and this hit the spot. I was excited to see the Duke of Whitmore is going to be getting his HEA. I liked him and his willingness to help someone he didn't know, Louisa, simply because her uncle was a despot and was taking advantage of his responsibility as her guardian.
I instantly disliked Lady Louisa's uncle. He was nasty, greedy, arrogant and overly entitled. His disregard and disrespect for women made me angry and feel badly for any woman he came in contact with.
February 28, 2025
Daniel Bedford was born to a 17-year-old prostitute in the Dials. When his mother died when he was 10, he had to fend for himself and took up a life of crime.
After he is forced into the service to fight the French, he gets in trouble at a tavern for hitting an officer when the officer accosts one of the serving girls. Abernathy, one of the other officers pleads with their commanding officer to be lenient and he is sentenced to be flogged.
Lady Louisa Templeton lives with her uncle/guardian. She is supposed to receive her house when she reaches her majority in a month. She has plans to turn the house into a refuge for poor children. Her Uncle tells her that he has sold the house since he has squandered away all her money. He tells her that Daniel Bedford bought the house, so she goes to the Dials with her maid Clare to the establishment that Daniel owns. When she tells him her plan, he agrees to help her if she lives in the Dials for one week to see how horrible it is to live there.
When she returns home, her uncle tells her that he has found a husband for her and plans to marry her off quickly.
Her and Clare leave that night and return to Daniels. He vows to protect her anyway he can.
I loved the way they found a connection to each other even though they were from different classes.
This is a very entertaining and interesting read seeing how different life was when you weren't privileged.
There were some other interesting characters in the book and a side story that will be told in the next book. How I Danced With The Duke.
After he is forced into the service to fight the French, he gets in trouble at a tavern for hitting an officer when the officer accosts one of the serving girls. Abernathy, one of the other officers pleads with their commanding officer to be lenient and he is sentenced to be flogged.
Lady Louisa Templeton lives with her uncle/guardian. She is supposed to receive her house when she reaches her majority in a month. She has plans to turn the house into a refuge for poor children. Her Uncle tells her that he has sold the house since he has squandered away all her money. He tells her that Daniel Bedford bought the house, so she goes to the Dials with her maid Clare to the establishment that Daniel owns. When she tells him her plan, he agrees to help her if she lives in the Dials for one week to see how horrible it is to live there.
When she returns home, her uncle tells her that he has found a husband for her and plans to marry her off quickly.
Her and Clare leave that night and return to Daniels. He vows to protect her anyway he can.
I loved the way they found a connection to each other even though they were from different classes.
This is a very entertaining and interesting read seeing how different life was when you weren't privileged.
There were some other interesting characters in the book and a side story that will be told in the next book. How I Danced With The Duke.
September 6, 2023
The Lady and the Master of the Dials
Daniel Bedford grew up and then ruled in the worst part of London, and was surprised when a Lady came to him after he bought her home from her uncle. He expected tears, but she said she wanted to turn her childhood home into a place for orphaned children.
Bedford was skeptical of her ability to do what she spoke of, but she had true fire and backbone and he feared for her as her uncles intention was to marry her off to a cruel man. That more than her offer to save orphans made him decide to assist her.
This is a very short story, but full of heart and passion for those who suffer. I expected more of a romance, but it wasn’t bad either.
Daniel Bedford grew up and then ruled in the worst part of London, and was surprised when a Lady came to him after he bought her home from her uncle. He expected tears, but she said she wanted to turn her childhood home into a place for orphaned children.
Bedford was skeptical of her ability to do what she spoke of, but she had true fire and backbone and he feared for her as her uncles intention was to marry her off to a cruel man. That more than her offer to save orphans made him decide to assist her.
This is a very short story, but full of heart and passion for those who suffer. I expected more of a romance, but it wasn’t bad either.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews