An Arranged Betrothal with a Beast

by Sally Forbes

Trapped in her family's debts, Abigail must make a difficult decision, to marry the infamous Beast of Crestwood. A terrifying figure to many members of society, someone a young lady would be afraid to love. Can she trust him?

Miss Abigail Townsend, a graceful and compassionate viscount's daughter, is faced with a daunting a marriage to the feared 'Beast of Crestwood Hall'. Compelled by her family's precarious financial circumstances, she concedes to the arrangement, steeling herself for a grim future. Yet, upon her arrival at Crestwood Hall, she uncovers a man who starkly deviates from the frightful tales she's been told. Hidden beneath his stern facade and dark history, she discovers a man of nobility, kindness, and deep-rooted loneliness.

Arthur Atwood, the Earl of Crestwood, endures a life overshadowed by his fearsome reputation, as intimidating as the scars that blemish his visage. Condemned to a reclusive existence within the stern walls of Crestwood Hall, his solitary life is disrupted by the sudden presence of Abigail, a woman radiating gentle charm. Brought together by an agreement of necessity, Arthur becomes intrigued by Abigail's courage and warmth, finding unexpected comfort in her presence. Her compassion progressively thaws the ice surrounding his heart, nurturing an undeniable attraction. As they share more moments, their relationship transforms from cool acceptance to mutual admiration, gradually blossoming into a tender love.

However, their journey towards love is fraught with danger. A long-standing enemy from Arthur's past, fueled by deep-seated animosity, embarks on a crusade to dismantle their union by circulating malicious gossip through society's scandal pages. Will the developing bond between Arthur and Abigail withstand this tempest of slanderous murmurs, or will the malign intentions of their concealed adversary prevail?

"An Arranged Betrothal with a Beast" is a historical romance novel you will love. Full of twists and turns, no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after.Also available with Kindle Unlimited!

Genres: Historical Romance, Marriage Of Convenience

143 pages, Paperback

Published December 8, 2023

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank goodness this man has a friend to tell him he's being quite a fool no less than there times in this book, otherwise it would have surely been 500 pages before he got his shit together.

[Marilyn Rondeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped in her family's debts, Abigail must make a difficult decision, to marry a man whose name was thought of as the infamous Beast of Crestwood. Or at least, this is what she had heard of him.

Miss Abigail Townsend, a graceful and compassionate viscount's daughter, is faced with a horrid prospect: a marriage to the feared 'Beast of Crestwood Hall'. Compelled by her family's financial circumstances, she realizes she must agree to the arrangement. However, upon her arrival at Crestwood Hall, she discovers a man who starkly deviates from the frightful tales she'd been told. Hidden beneath his stern facade and dark history, she discovers a man of nobility, kindness, and deep-rooted loneliness.

Arthur Atwood, the Earl of Crestwood, endures a life overshadowed by his fearsome reputation, as intimidating as the scars that blemish his face. Condemned to a reclusive existence within the stern walls of Crestwood Hall. His solitary life is disrupted by the sudden presence of Abigail, a woman radiating gentle charm who would be brought to him by an agreement with her father. Arthur becomes intrigued by Abigail's courage and warmth. He’s also finding unexpected comfort in her presence. Her compassion progressively thaws the ice surrounding his heart.
However, their journey towards love is being fraught with danger. A long-standing enemy from Arthur's past, is still fueled by deep-seated animosity and embarks on a crusade to dismantle any happiness Arthur could embrace. Will the developing bond between Arthur and Abigail withstand the tempest of slanderous murmurs?

Absolutely a wonderful story, I couldn’t put it down!

Marilyn Rondeau

[May Vang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end. The healing, the forgiveness, and the courage brought forth by both character, Arthur and Abigail, was beautiful. The heavy scars we carry are much deeper than the easily seen physical outer appearance and that was what Arthur had to face and overcome. And of course, it is not without the compassion and love of Abigail, someone to show you, you are worthy that greatly helped heal and give life to what was once dark and near death. What a beautiful story and message!

[Diane Horne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Arranged Betrothal with a Beast By Sally Forbes

Three stars, misunderstandings can cause permanent damage. The storyline was obvious, Crestwood was scarred during the war, his fiance broke off the engagement. He carried baggage as a result. He paid to get a wife, so he could get an heir. But Abigail, was determined to break through his barriers. But lies, and rumors almost ended their relationship. But as a typical romance goes she runs he follows. Naturally a happily ever after.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heroine is bartered away because of her father’s debts. The hero is physically scarred from the war and a emotionally scarred because of the rejection of his fiancée. Thanks to the help of his best friend and his sister, the two main characters battle through a lot of obstacles. It was an emotional read. The nce thing is that there was a secondary love story too. I received an ARC for a honest review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly entertaining. The h's father needs a spanking. The MC's were both caught up in things beyond their control. Fortunately for the H, he had a true friend who would verbally kick his butt on a regular basis. The h had strength. Everything worked out and the immature former ex-finance finally got her walking papers.

[Carly Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tranforming Love

Love truly does push the darkness away in Sally Forbes's 6th book in the series. Though war and a broken betrothal weigh down the Earl of Crestwood, a transformation begins almost immediately after meeting Miss Abigail Townsend. One that withstands all the tonnish shenanigans at play!

[Barbara Cardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book I give it 5 stars and the book is well written and I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to get it.

Sincerely
Barbara R Cardin

[Luz T · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read but I had a hard time with the writing style of this author. Also the pacing was a little slow and it seemed that the characters had a hard time getting to the point of what they were saying. Too much inner dialogue going on that I had to skim some chapters.

[Suzette Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Arranged Betrothal with a Beast

Good story although I was expecting a little more suspense and just a little more storyline. Abigail was portrayed as timid and shy. Arthur was supposed to be mean neither were.!

[Megan Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Clean Regency Romance

Loved this book! Great characters - wonderful heroine and hero. Enjoyable story development. Really kept me engaged and they get their Happily Ever After!

[Pamela Barbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting story that shows you should never judge a book by it's cover and that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. No spoliers here, but I think you will enjoy this book.

[Bonita Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful

A charming light reading. Had it all. Betrayal lies Love for a person not their looks but what’s inside. Good for the soul

[E.C. Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Truly enjoyed Abigail's strength and maturity at such a young age. Good supporting characters.

[Cheryl Greene]

It starts off slowly but picks up quickly. I couldn't put it down. It was so captivating and exciting. Such a great ending.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice and cute.
A light, easy and fast read.