What do you think?
To Love a Beastly Duke
“Look elsewhere, Miss Ailsworth. Beauty does not belong beside me.”
“And yet your soul is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”
Miss Cordelia Ailsworth has spent years hiding her brilliant mind behind polite smiles and meaningless conversation. In secret, she publishes groundbreaking botanical research, never guessing her anonymous work has captured the admiration of England’s most feared duke.
Sebastian Trollope was once a celebrated scholar… until war left him scarred and withdrawn from society. Now known as the Beastly Duke, he lives in isolation, until he meets a young woman whose gentle courage sees past every wound he has tried to hide.
But Cordelia’s secret life is more dangerous than she realizes. And when her identity threatens to come to light, she must decide whether to protect her reputation… or trust the only man who has ever understood her heart.
A tender, clean Beauty-and-the-Beast Regency romance about healing, hidden brilliance, and love that learns to see with the heart, not the eyes.
Craving compelling characters and a story full of twists?
This historical romance is a must-have for your library. Brimming with passion, surprises, and emotional depth, plus no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a truly swoon-worthy happily ever after.
Also free to read with Kindle Unlimited!
“And yet your soul is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”
Miss Cordelia Ailsworth has spent years hiding her brilliant mind behind polite smiles and meaningless conversation. In secret, she publishes groundbreaking botanical research, never guessing her anonymous work has captured the admiration of England’s most feared duke.
Sebastian Trollope was once a celebrated scholar… until war left him scarred and withdrawn from society. Now known as the Beastly Duke, he lives in isolation, until he meets a young woman whose gentle courage sees past every wound he has tried to hide.
But Cordelia’s secret life is more dangerous than she realizes. And when her identity threatens to come to light, she must decide whether to protect her reputation… or trust the only man who has ever understood her heart.
A tender, clean Beauty-and-the-Beast Regency romance about healing, hidden brilliance, and love that learns to see with the heart, not the eyes.
Craving compelling characters and a story full of twists?
This historical romance is a must-have for your library. Brimming with passion, surprises, and emotional depth, plus no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a truly swoon-worthy happily ever after.
Also free to read with Kindle Unlimited!
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2025
About the author
Elizabeth Everly
94 books10 followersElizabeth Everly is a Regency romance author who crafts heartwarming tales of love, wit, and adventure. Inspired by history and classic literature, she creates unforgettable characters and sweeping stories. She adores period dramas, afternoon tea, and exploring historic homes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 28, 2025
Secrets
Sebastian Trollope, Duke of Thorenwood avoided society as much for society itself, as for himself. A horribly scarred face from a war injury Sebastian hide himself away. He entertains himself with the pursuit of botany and new, interesting letters and papers written by an intelligent gentleman.
Cordelia, an orphan who relies on her aunt and uncle for her support, must be very careful with her behavior. A lovely young woman, demure, and everything society would wish a woman to be hides the secret that she has written the most discussed work in the fired of botany under a false name.
The story had potential, and was in fact rather good except that the greater part of the story dwelled upon how females were forced to hide their intelligence from society or suffer its scorn. This may have been true, but it caused the story to drag terribly.
Three stars for this clean romance.
Sebastian Trollope, Duke of Thorenwood avoided society as much for society itself, as for himself. A horribly scarred face from a war injury Sebastian hide himself away. He entertains himself with the pursuit of botany and new, interesting letters and papers written by an intelligent gentleman.
Cordelia, an orphan who relies on her aunt and uncle for her support, must be very careful with her behavior. A lovely young woman, demure, and everything society would wish a woman to be hides the secret that she has written the most discussed work in the fired of botany under a false name.
The story had potential, and was in fact rather good except that the greater part of the story dwelled upon how females were forced to hide their intelligence from society or suffer its scorn. This may have been true, but it caused the story to drag terribly.
Three stars for this clean romance.
April 14, 2026
So…I wanted to like this book and sometimes did. I thought the presence of the dastardly cousin was an especially Gaston-like presence often left out of Beaty and the Beast retellings. And some of the lines are really well phrased.
But. Problems.
The first, most glaring, is the tone of weird restraint and longing which doesn’t really move out of that place. Yes, she is constrained by society and her secret identity, but even when they get more chances to talk in semi-private, everything is so. Very. Careful. To the point of annoyance. If he thinks she is smart, and she is, then a lot of it is based on his own intuition and seldom in her actually expressing it.
Next….so….many….ellipses. We get that EVERY SINGLE CONVERSATION is a dramatic and loaded dance….but…..really…could…you…stop ….already.
A third point is the BIG LIE. Tell him already. He will get it. The longer you wait the more power you give the baddies. For a well read woman she sure hasn’t looked at many novels.
And the weird side romance of the cousin. What is that about? Why doesn’t her aunt seem to care about her own daughter in a less advantageous match but is all up in Cordelia’s business every time she opens her mouth? If her aunt is as shallow as she is written then she will be ALL ABOUT the Duke, even if he cares more about books than horses. It isn’t as if the FMC’s aunt cares for her anyway. She is clearly just a burden to discharge.
Then there is her longing for conversations on her botanical interests even in the middle of a ball. Balance much? Can’t two things be true? Some enjoyment of pleasure as part of a handful of privileged aristocrats AND intelligence? The fact that she even has the privilege of ennui in the time period gives her a kind of freedom. But so much drama.
What about everyone in Sebastian’s life giving constant and intrusive advice? The tone is often didactic.
Lastly…dates are tricky things. And I didn’t see any in this book. But if Sebastian is wounded in the Napoleonic Wars, or even Crimea, there are problematic scientific references. “Genetics” would not be coined for decades yet, with preliminary research in the 1860’s not being rediscovered until 1900ish. And Darwinian ideas of evolution and adaptation and change are also mid 1800s at the earliest. They could certainly be talking about cultivation and artificial selection and cross breeding (actually respectable past time for many male aristocrats of the time), but references to genetics and evolution are anachronistic. Smart indeed!
But. Problems.
The first, most glaring, is the tone of weird restraint and longing which doesn’t really move out of that place. Yes, she is constrained by society and her secret identity, but even when they get more chances to talk in semi-private, everything is so. Very. Careful. To the point of annoyance. If he thinks she is smart, and she is, then a lot of it is based on his own intuition and seldom in her actually expressing it.
Next….so….many….ellipses. We get that EVERY SINGLE CONVERSATION is a dramatic and loaded dance….but…..really…could…you…stop ….already.
A third point is the BIG LIE. Tell him already. He will get it. The longer you wait the more power you give the baddies. For a well read woman she sure hasn’t looked at many novels.
And the weird side romance of the cousin. What is that about? Why doesn’t her aunt seem to care about her own daughter in a less advantageous match but is all up in Cordelia’s business every time she opens her mouth? If her aunt is as shallow as she is written then she will be ALL ABOUT the Duke, even if he cares more about books than horses. It isn’t as if the FMC’s aunt cares for her anyway. She is clearly just a burden to discharge.
Then there is her longing for conversations on her botanical interests even in the middle of a ball. Balance much? Can’t two things be true? Some enjoyment of pleasure as part of a handful of privileged aristocrats AND intelligence? The fact that she even has the privilege of ennui in the time period gives her a kind of freedom. But so much drama.
What about everyone in Sebastian’s life giving constant and intrusive advice? The tone is often didactic.
Lastly…dates are tricky things. And I didn’t see any in this book. But if Sebastian is wounded in the Napoleonic Wars, or even Crimea, there are problematic scientific references. “Genetics” would not be coined for decades yet, with preliminary research in the 1860’s not being rediscovered until 1900ish. And Darwinian ideas of evolution and adaptation and change are also mid 1800s at the earliest. They could certainly be talking about cultivation and artificial selection and cross breeding (actually respectable past time for many male aristocrats of the time), but references to genetics and evolution are anachronistic. Smart indeed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
Sweet Love Challenges
Sebastian was such a good man who has suffered so much and now has isolated himself for years because of his facial burns. His charming, but cold cousin Thomas is working to make Sebastian irrelevant. He has charmed the ton into believing he was the best of men when in reality he is devious, evil and cruel. Cordelia is a great observer and sees through his charm pretty quickly ! It made me want to see him taken down a peg or two or even something worse ! His grandmother Eleanor was NOT easily fooled and she was in Sebastian's corner 100 %. She didn't want to see him climbed over by Thomas and is quick to give Sebastian the verbal boot often to try to get him out of his funk. It's hard work but she refuses to give up. She's one tough but loving woman and I liked her a lot !
I also really liked Sebastian's' best friend, Mr James Henderson. He was the best of men and a really good friend to Sebastian. He also wasn't shy about the verbal encouragements either !
Priscilla is Cordelia's cousin and even closer, a friend that cheered for her even without knowing the secret that Cordelia was hiding. James and Priscilla were made to be a couple and I was rooting for them. Unfortunately, her mother and father, Margaret and Geoffrey Barlow were in neither her daughter or niece's corner. They were repressive bullies with Margaret being the worst ! Making matches with RICH, influential men was their only goal. Forget about the women being happy in their marriages. Although both of the couples are longing for love !
Disaster looms erupting at the worst possible time for Cordelia.
It comes to a smashing good end and a really great Epilogue.
On a final note I like how the Latin words "Veritas Vincit" was included in the story as well as the translation that "Truth Conquers."
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest thoughts on this book.
Sebastian was such a good man who has suffered so much and now has isolated himself for years because of his facial burns. His charming, but cold cousin Thomas is working to make Sebastian irrelevant. He has charmed the ton into believing he was the best of men when in reality he is devious, evil and cruel. Cordelia is a great observer and sees through his charm pretty quickly ! It made me want to see him taken down a peg or two or even something worse ! His grandmother Eleanor was NOT easily fooled and she was in Sebastian's corner 100 %. She didn't want to see him climbed over by Thomas and is quick to give Sebastian the verbal boot often to try to get him out of his funk. It's hard work but she refuses to give up. She's one tough but loving woman and I liked her a lot !
I also really liked Sebastian's' best friend, Mr James Henderson. He was the best of men and a really good friend to Sebastian. He also wasn't shy about the verbal encouragements either !
Priscilla is Cordelia's cousin and even closer, a friend that cheered for her even without knowing the secret that Cordelia was hiding. James and Priscilla were made to be a couple and I was rooting for them. Unfortunately, her mother and father, Margaret and Geoffrey Barlow were in neither her daughter or niece's corner. They were repressive bullies with Margaret being the worst ! Making matches with RICH, influential men was their only goal. Forget about the women being happy in their marriages. Although both of the couples are longing for love !
Disaster looms erupting at the worst possible time for Cordelia.
It comes to a smashing good end and a really great Epilogue.
On a final note I like how the Latin words "Veritas Vincit" was included in the story as well as the translation that "Truth Conquers."
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest thoughts on this book.
June 8, 2026
Some things don't change enough.
Reading this, although it's a Regency setting, I was struck by the uncomfortable & saddening truth that in many ways nothing has really changed. Admittedly society isn't rocked into condensation & horror at the thought of an intelligent woman but all too often women are still not accorded their rightful place in society, in the scientific world or even in their own homes. That's a topic for other forums however, not in a book review of a Regency love affair!
All the major tropes are present; the scarred hero, both physically & emotionally; the plucky heroine, defying convention whilst maintaining a facade for the ton; even the loyal friends, both his & her's, who offer their unstinting support throughout. It's all fairly predictable but entirely satisfying, nonetheless. When reading books like this it's done with certain expectations & this fulfilled them perfectly & in style. My only disappointment came with the lapses into American English e.g specter instead of spectre. It's a minor quibble I know but it somehow breaks the rhythm, which is unfortunate.
That aside, this is a story of quiet pleasure & triumphant outsiders, finding in each other what has been denied by the strictures of a judgemental & regimented regime that seeks to condemn them out of hand. The satisfaction in seeing them override all that & indeed flourish is palpable. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in this series, knowing that I'll enjoy them. So thank you Elizabeth Everly, for providing a welcome respite to the increasing miseries of the 21st century; we definitely need you & all authors who lift us up, even temporarily.
Reading this, although it's a Regency setting, I was struck by the uncomfortable & saddening truth that in many ways nothing has really changed. Admittedly society isn't rocked into condensation & horror at the thought of an intelligent woman but all too often women are still not accorded their rightful place in society, in the scientific world or even in their own homes. That's a topic for other forums however, not in a book review of a Regency love affair!
All the major tropes are present; the scarred hero, both physically & emotionally; the plucky heroine, defying convention whilst maintaining a facade for the ton; even the loyal friends, both his & her's, who offer their unstinting support throughout. It's all fairly predictable but entirely satisfying, nonetheless. When reading books like this it's done with certain expectations & this fulfilled them perfectly & in style. My only disappointment came with the lapses into American English e.g specter instead of spectre. It's a minor quibble I know but it somehow breaks the rhythm, which is unfortunate.
That aside, this is a story of quiet pleasure & triumphant outsiders, finding in each other what has been denied by the strictures of a judgemental & regimented regime that seeks to condemn them out of hand. The satisfaction in seeing them override all that & indeed flourish is palpable. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in this series, knowing that I'll enjoy them. So thank you Elizabeth Everly, for providing a welcome respite to the increasing miseries of the 21st century; we definitely need you & all authors who lift us up, even temporarily.
December 20, 2025
To Love a Beastly Duke is a Regency romance that follows Miss Cordelia Ailsworth as she attempts to navigate societies expectations as a deputante while hiding her double life as a renowned botanical scholar under the pseudonym C.A. Thornfield. It is her secret life that may just be her undoing and prevent her from happily ever after.
It is immediately clear when Cordelia meets Sebastian, Duke of Thorenwood, that the chemistry they have runs deep, both intellectually as well as in matters of the heart. Sebastian's scarred visage keeps him reserved for far too much of the book, and Cordelia's secret keeps her stammering and scared too long, but when it's just the two together, the book is magic. Unfortunately, his cousin Thomas is just enough of a prat to step in their way and take up far too much of the book. It's a bit irritating that Cordelia is supposed to be such a forward thinking bluestocking and yet not once throughout the book does she ever defend herself against Thomas or even her overbearing Aunt. It seems a bit dishonest to her character. In any case, the Duke seems to stand for her in spades, as well as her cousin, Priscilla.
To Love a Beastly Duke is about overcoming the odds and finding love even when everything is fighting against you. It's about equality, trust and finding home during uncertainty. It's a sweet, feel-good book from beginning to end.
*ARC review
It is immediately clear when Cordelia meets Sebastian, Duke of Thorenwood, that the chemistry they have runs deep, both intellectually as well as in matters of the heart. Sebastian's scarred visage keeps him reserved for far too much of the book, and Cordelia's secret keeps her stammering and scared too long, but when it's just the two together, the book is magic. Unfortunately, his cousin Thomas is just enough of a prat to step in their way and take up far too much of the book. It's a bit irritating that Cordelia is supposed to be such a forward thinking bluestocking and yet not once throughout the book does she ever defend herself against Thomas or even her overbearing Aunt. It seems a bit dishonest to her character. In any case, the Duke seems to stand for her in spades, as well as her cousin, Priscilla.
To Love a Beastly Duke is about overcoming the odds and finding love even when everything is fighting against you. It's about equality, trust and finding home during uncertainty. It's a sweet, feel-good book from beginning to end.
*ARC review
February 16, 2026
The Beastly Duke’s Botanical Blind Spot
Cornelia is playing a high-stakes game, publishing groundbreaking research under a pen name because the world isn't ready for a woman with a brain. Enter Sebastian, the "Beastly Duke," who hides in his mansion obsessing over botanical treatises while ignoring his own social standing. He’s desperate to meet the brilliant "C.A. Thornfield," completely unaware that the woman he’s starting to fall for is the very author he’s hunting. He loves that Cornelia looks past his scars to see his heart, yet he remains remarkably dense about her identity.
When the truth finally drops, Sebastian’s reaction is a total letdown. For a supposedly brilliant man, he gets surprisingly whiny about "deception," completely ignoring the fact that Cornelia’s secret was the only thing keeping her and her family from social ruin. The characters are solid and their backstories are tight, but the ending drags. The epilogue leans a bit too hard into the "girl power" botanical career after the wedding, losing the momentum the rest of the book built. Still, it’s a well-developed story that proves some dukes are better at plants than they are at common sense.
Cornelia is playing a high-stakes game, publishing groundbreaking research under a pen name because the world isn't ready for a woman with a brain. Enter Sebastian, the "Beastly Duke," who hides in his mansion obsessing over botanical treatises while ignoring his own social standing. He’s desperate to meet the brilliant "C.A. Thornfield," completely unaware that the woman he’s starting to fall for is the very author he’s hunting. He loves that Cornelia looks past his scars to see his heart, yet he remains remarkably dense about her identity.
When the truth finally drops, Sebastian’s reaction is a total letdown. For a supposedly brilliant man, he gets surprisingly whiny about "deception," completely ignoring the fact that Cornelia’s secret was the only thing keeping her and her family from social ruin. The characters are solid and their backstories are tight, but the ending drags. The epilogue leans a bit too hard into the "girl power" botanical career after the wedding, losing the momentum the rest of the book built. Still, it’s a well-developed story that proves some dukes are better at plants than they are at common sense.
December 17, 2025
Another wonderful book from an author who knows how to write a good historical romance with a strong woman of that day. In this story, Cordelia Ailsworth kept a secret that could ruin everything if it came out that she was portraying a man author in science literature. She meets Duke Sebastian Trollope at an event, and his disfigured face didn’t bother her but his mind and conversation about botany had her attention. They had so much in common and she had so much to lose if he knows. The story line is great; the characters are all well written and the book moved a long nicely. I recommend it.
December 19, 2025
Truth conquers – what a wonderful concept! Watching Cordelia trying to pursue academic interest in a time when intellect in women is not seen as desirable or valuable within society made for a wonderful plot. I also liked how Sebastian, his history and even extended family fit into this story. I loved how conformity within society was challenged while focussing on the truth and pure shared connection of individuals. What a great feel good story!
I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.
December 25, 2025
The FMC is actually a renowned botanical scholar under the pseudonym, but in social events she is more mousy. She has very dominanting guardians who only care for status. The MMC is more secluded due to some scars. His grandmother is a very remarkable woman who keeps goading him. He also has a very good friend and one terrible cousin. How these two come together and find happiness makes for a good read. I was a little disappointed in the FMC as she is so brilliant, but doesn’t stand up for herself even if it would be with snide comments.
December 18, 2025
“To Love a Beastly Duke” by Elizabeth Everly
-A charming Regency romance featuring a strong, intelligent heroine who defies the limits of her time. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Cordelia’s secret life as a male science author adds depth, while Sebastian’s sharp mind makes him irresistible. Engaging characters, smooth pacing, and a satisfying love story make this an easy recommendation.
-A charming Regency romance featuring a strong, intelligent heroine who defies the limits of her time. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Cordelia’s secret life as a male science author adds depth, while Sebastian’s sharp mind makes him irresistible. Engaging characters, smooth pacing, and a satisfying love story make this an easy recommendation.
December 22, 2025
Wonderful characters, lovely romance
Lovely romance built upon a shared love of botany. A Duke shrouded in solitude and silence since the war scared his body. Botany was her hidden passion, she wrote under a man’s name since London society would denounce her audacity to have intelligence. You cheer for them when betrayal fails.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lovely romance built upon a shared love of botany. A Duke shrouded in solitude and silence since the war scared his body. Botany was her hidden passion, she wrote under a man’s name since London society would denounce her audacity to have intelligence. You cheer for them when betrayal fails.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2026
This is a beautiful written story. I hope you will be able to read it in one sitting. The characters are well define with wonderful descriptions that will drawn you in immediately. The author takes the time to really develop the characters so you can really immerse yourself in this story. One of the best books I have read in awhile.
January 22, 2026
Hiding more than usual!
An interesting story but gets bogged down by dialogue for page after page of intellectual persuit! I almost gave up several times but persisted! Was happy by the outcome come of not only Cordelia and Sebastian but also Thomas! And the secondary story of her cousin Pricilla!
An interesting story but gets bogged down by dialogue for page after page of intellectual persuit! I almost gave up several times but persisted! Was happy by the outcome come of not only Cordelia and Sebastian but also Thomas! And the secondary story of her cousin Pricilla!
May 16, 2026
She's a beauty with a singularly brilliant mind and society thought him a beast for his scarred face but he is singular in his progressive views. Together, they make a formidable pair that can change the world. Very thought provoking and entertaining read. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2026
Can A Woman Actually Be an Intellectual
A woman who was an intellectual and a scholar had to hide her abilities due to the requirements of the ton and society. Men didn't want competition from a woman. This story provided characters with the willingness and courage to try.
A woman who was an intellectual and a scholar had to hide her abilities due to the requirements of the ton and society. Men didn't want competition from a woman. This story provided characters with the willingness and courage to try.
February 6, 2026
To Love a Beastly Duke - good!!!
Cordelia and Sebastian’s nice love story with the tons of society making them both on the outs. But their attraction was strong throughout the fear and pain. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A sweet love story with a HEA.
Cordelia and Sebastian’s nice love story with the tons of society making them both on the outs. But their attraction was strong throughout the fear and pain. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A sweet love story with a HEA.
March 9, 2026
Repetitive between the same characters ; they keep having the same conversations like 3 and 4 times in a row. Reads like AI wrote it.
March 22, 2026
What a wonderful book
Beautifully written. I will definitely be reading this book again. Elizabeth Everly brought intelligence and love together beautifully. Thank you.
Beautifully written. I will definitely be reading this book again. Elizabeth Everly brought intelligence and love together beautifully. Thank you.
April 26, 2026
Wow…speechless
Cheers to the author. A well-written and satisfying tale. Engaging at every turn…could hardly wait for the resolution. Write on, Madam Everly!
Cheers to the author. A well-written and satisfying tale. Engaging at every turn…could hardly wait for the resolution. Write on, Madam Everly!
Did Not Finish
May 28, 2026DNF 37%
I dislike so much dramatic irony. The writing was nice enough but repetitive, especially the flowery speeches
I dislike so much dramatic irony. The writing was nice enough but repetitive, especially the flowery speeches
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews