What do you think?
Rate this book
Dunaway's Daughters #1
Taming Beauty
Once upon a time, a fairy tale went terribly awry... The daughter of an infamous courtesan and a notorious rake, Miss Lilith Aberdeen has fashioned a perfectly lovely life for herself on the fringes of London Society. She’ll not risk her independence or her heart on anything as fickle and frivolous as love. Or even familial affection, for that matter. So how is it she winds up journeying to the wilds of Cornwall to deliver the Earl of Dunaway’s pampered, petulant daughter into the hands of a reclusive baron rumored to be a bit mad? Jasper Grimley, Baron Malleville, has spent more than a decade living in self-imposed exile, tending his lands and waiting for his chosen bride to come of age. When his betrothed is plucked from his grasp mere months before the wedding, he sets in motion a plan to turn the Earl of Dunaway’s plethora of debts and profusion of daughters to his advantage. But even the best laid plans have a tendency to fall to ruin, and Jasper soon finds himself beguiled by the wrong woman. This novel is a frolicsome romp loosely based upon the original French fairy tale written in the eighteenth century rather than the animated version we’ve all come to know and adore. There are naughty bits sprinkled throughout the story, though nothing likely to make the average romance reader blush.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2016
51 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Barron
8 books232 followersWrite About What You Know.
Every Creative Writing Teacher and College Professor said these words to Lynne Barron in one form or another. But what did she know?
She knew she enjoyed the guilty pleasure of reading romance novels whenever she could find time between studying, working and raising her son as a single mother.
She knew quite a bit about women's lives in the Regency and Victorian era from years spent bouncing back and forth between European History and English Literature as a major in college.
She knew precious little about romance except to know that it was more than the cliché card and a dozen red roses on Valentine's Day.
Then she met her wonderfully romantic husband and finally she knew.
Passion, Love and Romance.
And she began to write.
If you would like to learn more about Lynne Barron and the Idyllwild Series, please visit her website at LynneBarron.com or follow her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LynneBarronR...
Every Creative Writing Teacher and College Professor said these words to Lynne Barron in one form or another. But what did she know?
She knew she enjoyed the guilty pleasure of reading romance novels whenever she could find time between studying, working and raising her son as a single mother.
She knew quite a bit about women's lives in the Regency and Victorian era from years spent bouncing back and forth between European History and English Literature as a major in college.
She knew precious little about romance except to know that it was more than the cliché card and a dozen red roses on Valentine's Day.
Then she met her wonderfully romantic husband and finally she knew.
Passion, Love and Romance.
And she began to write.
If you would like to learn more about Lynne Barron and the Idyllwild Series, please visit her website at LynneBarron.com or follow her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LynneBarronR...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 13, 2016
Taming Beauty is the first Lynne Barron book I have read, and I feel as though it will not be the last. Whilst I wasn’t crazy obsessed about this one, I certainly enjoyed it a lot. In fact, I spent most of my time reading it with this stupid little smirk on my face.
I had the notion in my mind that Taming Beauty would be a Beauty and the Beast retelling, of sorts. We have the gorgeous female lead and the reclusive male lead, but this is not a typical Beauty and the Beast retelling. This is a wonderfully unique story that pulls you in from the start, with complex characters and a storyline that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Like any good historical romance, this story is full of drama. From the first page we’re introduced to scandal, with things growing more and more scandalous with every turn of the page. No character is free from scandal, each character has something to add to the story be it through truth or gossip. At times I found myself unable to keep up with what piece of gossip belonged to each character, but as a whole I was pulled in and curious as to what was true and what was false.
As much as I would have loved to delve into the drama of every character, the interaction of our main characters was plenty enough to keep me entertained throughout. Whilst I’m not a fan of the whole instalove thing, I did enjoy the chemistry between the two. Had the relationship bloomed over a longer time period I would have enjoyed it more, yet I understand why it was over such a short period. Such is just a personal view, however, and is something I quite often say. Despite constantly saying instalove annoys me, I never stop reading such books and I find it never really lessens my enjoyment as much as I think it does.
Back to our main characters, though, and their interaction. They were both so fun to read, and I really enjoyed the way information was slowly given to us regarding each of their lives. Rather than everything being thrown at us at once, bits and pieces were released at the right times to add the right amount of shock at just the right moments. Moreover, I found them both to be very complex real characters. They both had their own unique personalities, they both had their own story to tell, and watching them come together was wonderful. Honestly, they were such great main characters. I felt as though some of the side characters were more fleshed out than others – for some we knew all the scandal and we really got to know them, whereas for others they just seemed to be there – but with our main characters shining so brightly it was only on the occasional moments that I noticed some of the characters weren’t all I had hoped they would be.
I could go into the story and give details, but to do so would be to give spoilers. Just know it’s wonderfully woven together, with things coming out at just the right moments. At first it felt a little bit slow, but once things get moving they do not stop. You’re pulled in and you do not want to put the book down – and with it being such a quick read you won’t be putting the book down until you’re finished.
Overall, it was a great little read. I would like to thank Aurora Publicity for contacting me for a review: I had a lot of fun with this one, and cannot wait to see what else the authors brings to the table.
I had the notion in my mind that Taming Beauty would be a Beauty and the Beast retelling, of sorts. We have the gorgeous female lead and the reclusive male lead, but this is not a typical Beauty and the Beast retelling. This is a wonderfully unique story that pulls you in from the start, with complex characters and a storyline that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Like any good historical romance, this story is full of drama. From the first page we’re introduced to scandal, with things growing more and more scandalous with every turn of the page. No character is free from scandal, each character has something to add to the story be it through truth or gossip. At times I found myself unable to keep up with what piece of gossip belonged to each character, but as a whole I was pulled in and curious as to what was true and what was false.
As much as I would have loved to delve into the drama of every character, the interaction of our main characters was plenty enough to keep me entertained throughout. Whilst I’m not a fan of the whole instalove thing, I did enjoy the chemistry between the two. Had the relationship bloomed over a longer time period I would have enjoyed it more, yet I understand why it was over such a short period. Such is just a personal view, however, and is something I quite often say. Despite constantly saying instalove annoys me, I never stop reading such books and I find it never really lessens my enjoyment as much as I think it does.
Back to our main characters, though, and their interaction. They were both so fun to read, and I really enjoyed the way information was slowly given to us regarding each of their lives. Rather than everything being thrown at us at once, bits and pieces were released at the right times to add the right amount of shock at just the right moments. Moreover, I found them both to be very complex real characters. They both had their own unique personalities, they both had their own story to tell, and watching them come together was wonderful. Honestly, they were such great main characters. I felt as though some of the side characters were more fleshed out than others – for some we knew all the scandal and we really got to know them, whereas for others they just seemed to be there – but with our main characters shining so brightly it was only on the occasional moments that I noticed some of the characters weren’t all I had hoped they would be.
I could go into the story and give details, but to do so would be to give spoilers. Just know it’s wonderfully woven together, with things coming out at just the right moments. At first it felt a little bit slow, but once things get moving they do not stop. You’re pulled in and you do not want to put the book down – and with it being such a quick read you won’t be putting the book down until you’re finished.
Overall, it was a great little read. I would like to thank Aurora Publicity for contacting me for a review: I had a lot of fun with this one, and cannot wait to see what else the authors brings to the table.
Want to read
November 9, 2017FREE on Amazon today (11/09/2017)!
June 26, 2017
Review and Spoilers You can also read my review on my blog!
1.5 Stars
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
With that being said, let me get honest and I say that I wish I could have enjoyed this but I couldn't at all. I'm really shocked I finished it because I was so close to dnfing a couple of times. It has a pretty good premise but the execution of it wasn't that good to me. In all honestly I kind of got confused and bored as I was reading. I didn't connect with none of the characters which to many it was too many damn side characters and it wasn't romance for straight up instalust. This supposed have been a full BATB retelling but in all honestly it didn't feel like one to me. It honestly felt like the author was trying to do her own version of Dangerous Liaisons mixed in with BATB but a little tamer. Let me break it down farther
Characters
Lilith - Our heroine aka Beauty. I tried so hard to connect with her,her story, and root for her but found myself not really caring about her at all. Her side telling it like it is to her sisters and her father come out being more rude than anything. She was also adamant to call her Sissy and her other sisters, sisters even tho they had different mama's. She didn't take any bullshit from the beast but it just felt like a game to get his trousers off ,embarrass him for letting his guard down for it to happen, and hopefully get her dimwitted of a sister out of marrying him. I did feel a little bad for her since her parents were not the best at all.Her dad was a freaking rolling stone with five children from different women ( he claim them all tho) and her mom was a famous courtesan just like her mom before her. So playing the beast character for a sap was in her blood.
Jasper Our hero aka the Beast - My god! His ass was a straight up asshole that love to touch people without their consent and was only thinking with his head between his trousers and not the one on top of his body. During the whole book, I felt like he was only lusting after Lilith and didn't truly love her. He just wanted what was under her petticoats and not her which made the romance so unbelievable to me. I think he loved his family since they were living at his house.
Sissy- Lilith's sister - Oh I didn't like her native behind at all. Lilith supposed to have been 22 while she was 18 but she acted like she was 12 years old while Lithe acted like she was 28-29 years old. I really could have done without her in this book since she was annoying as hell.
Earl of Dunaway Aka Lilith ,Sissy and the other three children dad- I think The Temptations wrote " Papa was a Rolling Stone" just for him because that what he was to the fullest. It's bad enough the reason why Sissy had to marry Jasper because he went chasing the skirts of Jasper's betrothed . At the same token tho,his whole game was to get Jasper to marry Lilith instead of Sissy in the first place. I didn't like his character at all and the only thing good about him is that did claim all his children from his different baby mama's.
That's the only characters I'm naming cause it was too many side characters in this book for them to even have a slice of character depth in them. Also the fact the book added characters when the book was almost halfway done.
The Romance
Romance? What Romance?
This supposed to have romance in it?
I missed that memo!
There were no romance in this book but straight up lust Actually it was instalust since the majority of the book took place in 6 days since Lilith,Sissy and their dad supposed to have been at Jasper house 12 days before his and Sissy's wedding. So for six days, it just them doing verbal foreplay before they actually did foreplay in the bedroom on the 6th day. When Jasper first saw her, all he wanted to do was hurled her over his shoulder and take her to his room to ravage her. I think she was barely in the house for five mins before he was thinking how soft and ample she was under her corset and petticoats. Hell, he barely knew her freaking name and who she was kin too. I kept thinking during the whole time reading this that they met each other once before as maybe one of her brief lovers since the narrative hinted that she did have lovers like her mama and grandmamma. That would have worked because the lust and maybe love between the two would have been already established and they were just rekindling it. I was hoping for like a back story between the two which could have help since it was such a sort lustship. (not courtship) So when they got married at end, I felt like it was more of them doing that for the sake of they can take each clothes off again without too much scandal and not because they love each other. Also you don't " tame" people who you supposed to love...
The Writing
I was not a fan of the writing for some reason and I can't put my finger on it. For one reason I think it was trying to be too english proper for that time period and it fell flat. In all honestly, the best part of the book was the smut that I wasn't expecting at all. I love smut as much as the next person but if the only best thing out of the book is the smut and not the characters or the plot something is wrong in my eyes. I always felt like smut should be the cherry on the top when it comes to books that are either Adult or New Adult but not erotica. It should be something if it's there or not you should be able to enjoy book plot, characters and writing. In this one, it was the only that kept me for finishing the whole book because it was the only thing I didn't skim over. ..
All in All I wish I could have enjoyed it but just fell completely flat for me.
Do I recommend it?
Not really unless you want a BATB retelling with hardly no substance but two people playing games to get the other's pants...
1.5 Stars
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
With that being said, let me get honest and I say that I wish I could have enjoyed this but I couldn't at all. I'm really shocked I finished it because I was so close to dnfing a couple of times. It has a pretty good premise but the execution of it wasn't that good to me. In all honestly I kind of got confused and bored as I was reading. I didn't connect with none of the characters which to many it was too many damn side characters and it wasn't romance for straight up instalust. This supposed have been a full BATB retelling but in all honestly it didn't feel like one to me. It honestly felt like the author was trying to do her own version of Dangerous Liaisons mixed in with BATB but a little tamer. Let me break it down farther
Characters
Lilith - Our heroine aka Beauty. I tried so hard to connect with her,her story, and root for her but found myself not really caring about her at all. Her side telling it like it is to her sisters and her father come out being more rude than anything. She was also adamant to call her Sissy and her other sisters, sisters even tho they had different mama's. She didn't take any bullshit from the beast but it just felt like a game to get his trousers off ,embarrass him for letting his guard down for it to happen, and hopefully get her dimwitted of a sister out of marrying him. I did feel a little bad for her since her parents were not the best at all.Her dad was a freaking rolling stone with five children from different women ( he claim them all tho) and her mom was a famous courtesan just like her mom before her. So playing the beast character for a sap was in her blood.
Jasper Our hero aka the Beast - My god! His ass was a straight up asshole that love to touch people without their consent and was only thinking with his head between his trousers and not the one on top of his body. During the whole book, I felt like he was only lusting after Lilith and didn't truly love her. He just wanted what was under her petticoats and not her which made the romance so unbelievable to me. I think he loved his family since they were living at his house.
Sissy- Lilith's sister - Oh I didn't like her native behind at all. Lilith supposed to have been 22 while she was 18 but she acted like she was 12 years old while Lithe acted like she was 28-29 years old. I really could have done without her in this book since she was annoying as hell.
Earl of Dunaway Aka Lilith ,Sissy and the other three children dad- I think The Temptations wrote " Papa was a Rolling Stone" just for him because that what he was to the fullest. It's bad enough the reason why Sissy had to marry Jasper because he went chasing the skirts of Jasper's betrothed . At the same token tho,his whole game was to get Jasper to marry Lilith instead of Sissy in the first place. I didn't like his character at all and the only thing good about him is that did claim all his children from his different baby mama's.
That's the only characters I'm naming cause it was too many side characters in this book for them to even have a slice of character depth in them. Also the fact the book added characters when the book was almost halfway done.
The Romance
Romance? What Romance?
This supposed to have romance in it?
I missed that memo!
There were no romance in this book but straight up lust Actually it was instalust since the majority of the book took place in 6 days since Lilith,Sissy and their dad supposed to have been at Jasper house 12 days before his and Sissy's wedding. So for six days, it just them doing verbal foreplay before they actually did foreplay in the bedroom on the 6th day. When Jasper first saw her, all he wanted to do was hurled her over his shoulder and take her to his room to ravage her. I think she was barely in the house for five mins before he was thinking how soft and ample she was under her corset and petticoats. Hell, he barely knew her freaking name and who she was kin too. I kept thinking during the whole time reading this that they met each other once before as maybe one of her brief lovers since the narrative hinted that she did have lovers like her mama and grandmamma. That would have worked because the lust and maybe love between the two would have been already established and they were just rekindling it. I was hoping for like a back story between the two which could have help since it was such a sort lustship. (not courtship) So when they got married at end, I felt like it was more of them doing that for the sake of they can take each clothes off again without too much scandal and not because they love each other. Also you don't " tame" people who you supposed to love...
The Writing
I was not a fan of the writing for some reason and I can't put my finger on it. For one reason I think it was trying to be too english proper for that time period and it fell flat. In all honestly, the best part of the book was the smut that I wasn't expecting at all. I love smut as much as the next person but if the only best thing out of the book is the smut and not the characters or the plot something is wrong in my eyes. I always felt like smut should be the cherry on the top when it comes to books that are either Adult or New Adult but not erotica. It should be something if it's there or not you should be able to enjoy book plot, characters and writing. In this one, it was the only that kept me for finishing the whole book because it was the only thing I didn't skim over. ..
All in All I wish I could have enjoyed it but just fell completely flat for me.
Do I recommend it?
Not really unless you want a BATB retelling with hardly no substance but two people playing games to get the other's pants...
November 19, 2016
First – I love this author’s books. Why? Because they are unique and vibrant – they are not formulaic, the characters have real qualities that I can relate to, they make me feel, the stories always provide a surprise or two and I can’t put them down once I begin reading. This book brought the same qualities and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lilith Aberdeen is the daughter of the Earl of Dunaway and Gwendolyn, a beautiful courtesan. Neither of her parents would win an award for their parenting skills – that’s for sure. In spite of this she has grown into a beautiful, strong, giving and determined woman. Little does she know at the outset that her father is intent on using her…again.
Jasper Grimley, Baron of Malleville, is intent on revenge when he sets out to marry Lilith’s stepsister, Sissy. He has secluded himself to regroup and recoup from the mess he made over a decade ago and Sissy is to play a big part in his plans to make things right. Jasper is bigger than life, loving and kind, full of life and in for a huge surprise that might derail his plans entirely.
I don’t know if you have ever seen the movie “Gigi” with Leslie Caron BUT when I had read a bit of this book the movie came to mind and I realized that Gigi and Lilith must have shared similar childhoods – Lilith in England and Gigi in France. I felt for both Lilith and Gigi. Their life stories made me think about so many things and also made me thankful in oh so many ways.
I can see that the many daughters of Dunaway could each star in their own book if the author were to choose to write such a series. They are all beauties with futures to figure out - some born on the right side of the sheets while others were not.
I believe I have read all of Lynne Barron’s books and each was a treat. I am not sure what she will write next but plan to read it when it comes out.
Thank you to the Aurora Publicity for the copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Lilith Aberdeen is the daughter of the Earl of Dunaway and Gwendolyn, a beautiful courtesan. Neither of her parents would win an award for their parenting skills – that’s for sure. In spite of this she has grown into a beautiful, strong, giving and determined woman. Little does she know at the outset that her father is intent on using her…again.
Jasper Grimley, Baron of Malleville, is intent on revenge when he sets out to marry Lilith’s stepsister, Sissy. He has secluded himself to regroup and recoup from the mess he made over a decade ago and Sissy is to play a big part in his plans to make things right. Jasper is bigger than life, loving and kind, full of life and in for a huge surprise that might derail his plans entirely.
I don’t know if you have ever seen the movie “Gigi” with Leslie Caron BUT when I had read a bit of this book the movie came to mind and I realized that Gigi and Lilith must have shared similar childhoods – Lilith in England and Gigi in France. I felt for both Lilith and Gigi. Their life stories made me think about so many things and also made me thankful in oh so many ways.
I can see that the many daughters of Dunaway could each star in their own book if the author were to choose to write such a series. They are all beauties with futures to figure out - some born on the right side of the sheets while others were not.
I believe I have read all of Lynne Barron’s books and each was a treat. I am not sure what she will write next but plan to read it when it comes out.
Thank you to the Aurora Publicity for the copy of this book. This is my honest review.
April 1, 2017
Taming Beauty was originally published in the Once Upon a Regency anthology, a wonderful anthology.
If you couldn't tell by the name this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Leave it to Lynne Barron to turn this into an unexpected story with a beautiful and unique heroine. I'm a big fan of Lynne Barron and always love the heroines that she creates. A woman with a reputation the granddaughter and daughter of infamous courtesans she herself lives a life she wants to lead until an impoverished scared Baron looking to seek revenge comes into her life and changes everything.
Lord Dunaway is a horn dog! Not only did he get his own wife pregnant four time three girls, but he also had three other daughters by three different women. Not only that he seduced a young woman away from Baron Malleville, Jasper Grimley. Malleville also known as The Beast of Breckenridge used his fortune to ruin Dunaway, the only way to settle the debt his daughter's hand and thirty thousand pounds with interest, three percent per annum. Dunaway is escorting his sweet and innocent daughter (naive and quite annoying) Lady Priscilla Josephine Worcester, Sissy, to her betrothed estate in Cornwall. Along to act as "chaperone" Miss Lilith Aberdeen, Dunaway's oldest bastard child. Dunaway manipulated it so Lilith would seduce Malleville and have him call off the debt and break the contract. But once there Lilith feels an unlikely kinship with with Jasper and falls in love with the man but being who he is she won't let Jasper ruin everything to be with her she is willing to sacrifice her own happiness to see that he gets what he needs, unless her Father's machinations, once again, get in the way.
I love the twist Lynne put on the story, and it manages to be funny, erotic, and heartwarming all in one.
If you couldn't tell by the name this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Leave it to Lynne Barron to turn this into an unexpected story with a beautiful and unique heroine. I'm a big fan of Lynne Barron and always love the heroines that she creates. A woman with a reputation the granddaughter and daughter of infamous courtesans she herself lives a life she wants to lead until an impoverished scared Baron looking to seek revenge comes into her life and changes everything.
Lord Dunaway is a horn dog! Not only did he get his own wife pregnant four time three girls, but he also had three other daughters by three different women. Not only that he seduced a young woman away from Baron Malleville, Jasper Grimley. Malleville also known as The Beast of Breckenridge used his fortune to ruin Dunaway, the only way to settle the debt his daughter's hand and thirty thousand pounds with interest, three percent per annum. Dunaway is escorting his sweet and innocent daughter (naive and quite annoying) Lady Priscilla Josephine Worcester, Sissy, to her betrothed estate in Cornwall. Along to act as "chaperone" Miss Lilith Aberdeen, Dunaway's oldest bastard child. Dunaway manipulated it so Lilith would seduce Malleville and have him call off the debt and break the contract. But once there Lilith feels an unlikely kinship with with Jasper and falls in love with the man but being who he is she won't let Jasper ruin everything to be with her she is willing to sacrifice her own happiness to see that he gets what he needs, unless her Father's machinations, once again, get in the way.
I love the twist Lynne put on the story, and it manages to be funny, erotic, and heartwarming all in one.
August 1, 2018
Review originally posted on Ctrl, Alt, Books!
Taming Beauty is a historical romance and was beautifully written. It was a wonderful read and it was a romantic tale that I couldn’t get enough of.
Lilith is not your typical lady of London society. Unlike other historical romances I have read, Lilith has known pleasure before Jasper. Honestly this was just a small difference but one I couldn’t help but overlook. I just get tired of historical fictional women saving themselves for their husbands. Lilith felt realistic, a fleshed out and believable character. She has emotions and feels strongly and passionately. Jasper’s character was also wonderfully done. Romance novels sometimes depict the hero as perfect and flawless. No, Jasper has made mistakes, plenty of them. His marriage arrangement being the biggest obstacle to overcome.
Going into this book, I don’t really know what I expected. I can say after finishing it, that it was a great read and I am glad I didn’t pass this one up. If you are looking for a different sort of historical romance, this is for you. The banter between Jasper and Lilith is entertaining and highly enjoyable. If that doesn’t spark your interest, then you must be boring. Kidding! Taming Beauty was a one of a kind historical romance!
5/5
~Layna
Taming Beauty is a historical romance and was beautifully written. It was a wonderful read and it was a romantic tale that I couldn’t get enough of.
Lilith is not your typical lady of London society. Unlike other historical romances I have read, Lilith has known pleasure before Jasper. Honestly this was just a small difference but one I couldn’t help but overlook. I just get tired of historical fictional women saving themselves for their husbands. Lilith felt realistic, a fleshed out and believable character. She has emotions and feels strongly and passionately. Jasper’s character was also wonderfully done. Romance novels sometimes depict the hero as perfect and flawless. No, Jasper has made mistakes, plenty of them. His marriage arrangement being the biggest obstacle to overcome.
Going into this book, I don’t really know what I expected. I can say after finishing it, that it was a great read and I am glad I didn’t pass this one up. If you are looking for a different sort of historical romance, this is for you. The banter between Jasper and Lilith is entertaining and highly enjoyable. If that doesn’t spark your interest, then you must be boring. Kidding! Taming Beauty was a one of a kind historical romance!
5/5
~Layna
February 27, 2017
There's not much in the world I love more than romance set in this time period. Except, of course, for romance from this time period that happens to also include forbidden love, saucy ladies, and surly gentlemen. Basically, this book lived up to all of my expectations. It was everything I love of Austen with the writing style of a modern woman. A writing style that, might I add, was delightfully addicting. I legitimately wanted to do nothing but read until I finished it. And when I wasn't reading this book, I was thinking about it. I found the characters to be particularly appealing and I most certainly would love to read more about them. There are quite a few daughters in this story who could use their own love story if the author happens to feel so inclined as to indulge readers like me. I know I typically babble on and on about books when I review, them, but I loved this one so much that all I can come up with to share is that it is great fun, a lovely light read, and a delightful romance. I enjoyed it so much that I'll probably be reading it over and over again and if you're a fan of historical romance, I'm sure you'll feel the same way!
June 14, 2017
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Taming Beauty by Lynne Barron was such a strange, charming little story. The best phrase I can think of to describe it is vibrant chaos.
The characters were complex in the best of ways—often a tad quirky and loud. Lilith and Jasper made a great couple-at-odds, their relationship a tug of war between seduction, flippant banter, and still, endearing moments—and I loved their odd relationship.
The writing was steadily paced and easy to sink into—but I'll admit, it could be hard to follow the dialogue at times. The character's voices were written in a genuine, humorous way, full of colorful language and emotion—truly a whirlwind to try and follow. Sometimes that was good, and at other times I had to pause to figure out what the characters were speaking about.
Overall, I thought it was a charming read. If you're looking for a quick, funny historical romance to read, I'd suggest you give it a try. I don't know that it was a style of romance I'd normally want to pick up, but it was nice to find something a little different in this story, and I had fun with it.
Taming Beauty by Lynne Barron was such a strange, charming little story. The best phrase I can think of to describe it is vibrant chaos.
The characters were complex in the best of ways—often a tad quirky and loud. Lilith and Jasper made a great couple-at-odds, their relationship a tug of war between seduction, flippant banter, and still, endearing moments—and I loved their odd relationship.
The writing was steadily paced and easy to sink into—but I'll admit, it could be hard to follow the dialogue at times. The character's voices were written in a genuine, humorous way, full of colorful language and emotion—truly a whirlwind to try and follow. Sometimes that was good, and at other times I had to pause to figure out what the characters were speaking about.
Overall, I thought it was a charming read. If you're looking for a quick, funny historical romance to read, I'd suggest you give it a try. I don't know that it was a style of romance I'd normally want to pick up, but it was nice to find something a little different in this story, and I had fun with it.
September 29, 2016
** 3.5 stars **
Taming Beauty was a fun and semi-short read. It starts with Lilith taking her younger sister to her soon-to-be husband as a favor to their father, but there is more to this favor than meets the eye.
True to his author’s style, there were plenty of twists, end pieces to connect, and complex characters that kept me engrossed in the story from beginning to end. My only cavil is that I think the romance was a bit rushed, and not in the sense that the main characters acted upon it too soon but rather they fell in love too quick. Perhaps if the story had been a little longer their love would have felt more real. Then again given the circumstances and the times I suppose their love match could have been feasible.
All in all it was a joy to read and will definitely continue reading anything else that this author writes.
** I was gifted a copy of this story in exchange of an honest review**
Taming Beauty was a fun and semi-short read. It starts with Lilith taking her younger sister to her soon-to-be husband as a favor to their father, but there is more to this favor than meets the eye.
True to his author’s style, there were plenty of twists, end pieces to connect, and complex characters that kept me engrossed in the story from beginning to end. My only cavil is that I think the romance was a bit rushed, and not in the sense that the main characters acted upon it too soon but rather they fell in love too quick. Perhaps if the story had been a little longer their love would have felt more real. Then again given the circumstances and the times I suppose their love match could have been feasible.
All in all it was a joy to read and will definitely continue reading anything else that this author writes.
** I was gifted a copy of this story in exchange of an honest review**
November 17, 2016
This was such a good read I couldn't put it down! Unlike some of the other historical romances I've read, this one is centered around a man rumored to be quite the savage beast and a woman who was brought up amidst unscrupulous women. Lilith's own father is not exactly the model you would want for any child. He is too easily swayed by the female persuasion and has illegitimate children everywhere, Lilith included. As for the women in the family, well she comes from a long line of mistresses and scandals. Needless to say it's nothing new to her. But when she agrees to try to get her younger sister out of an arranged marriage to Jasper, the so-called beast, she is over her head. Plain and simple. I like how this book is different and not solely focused on women who are just perfect. Practically no one in this book is and Lilith's younger sister is a spoiled brat. Hands down. But Lilith is a very complicated woman and Jasper? Well he has his reasons for everything. Totally fabulous read!
June 21, 2017
Retelling of fairytale are all the rage at the moment and some of them hit the nail on the head and are amazing while some others are lacking hugely. I am happy to announce that this was the first one.
I am a massive Disney fan so I think I always go into these retellings with a little tipidation but when the story is remastered and added to in a unique why like this one does. Well one cannot be helped but being filled with glee.
I really did enjoy this book. The characters in this book are all wonderful and all have their own problems and unique personalities. The descriptions in this book pop and makes you feel that you are right in the middle of the action.
This book left me smiling from ear to ear and I would like to thank Pam Labbe and Aurora books for contacting me and asking me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chick lit and romance fan? You will love this book.
Happy reading and as always let me know what you think about the book.
I am a massive Disney fan so I think I always go into these retellings with a little tipidation but when the story is remastered and added to in a unique why like this one does. Well one cannot be helped but being filled with glee.
I really did enjoy this book. The characters in this book are all wonderful and all have their own problems and unique personalities. The descriptions in this book pop and makes you feel that you are right in the middle of the action.
This book left me smiling from ear to ear and I would like to thank Pam Labbe and Aurora books for contacting me and asking me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chick lit and romance fan? You will love this book.
Happy reading and as always let me know what you think about the book.
December 10, 2016
Taming Beauty by Lynne Barron
Genre: Women’s Fiction/ Romance
About the book: Lilith has five sisters, each of them is born out of wedlock except Sissy who is from their father's marriage. Sissy is betrothed to Baron Malleville, known as the beast of Breckenridge. Lilith accompanies her sister and father to try and stop the wedding and help them to keep Sissy's dowry
Review: This book was a quick read and one I enjoyed. It was a good story and it was told quickly but with much detail. I liked the time period it was set in and how it wasn't a typical romance novel.
Author Page/website: http://www.lynnebarron.com
Link where you can purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Beauty-...
Overall Rating (Out of 5 stars): 4 out of 5 stars.https
Genre: Women’s Fiction/ Romance
About the book: Lilith has five sisters, each of them is born out of wedlock except Sissy who is from their father's marriage. Sissy is betrothed to Baron Malleville, known as the beast of Breckenridge. Lilith accompanies her sister and father to try and stop the wedding and help them to keep Sissy's dowry
Review: This book was a quick read and one I enjoyed. It was a good story and it was told quickly but with much detail. I liked the time period it was set in and how it wasn't a typical romance novel.
Author Page/website: http://www.lynnebarron.com
Link where you can purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Beauty-...
Overall Rating (Out of 5 stars): 4 out of 5 stars.https
November 30, 2016
I received this in wxhange for an honest review.
I found it difficult to get into this story. It seemed to be very repetitious in parts with too many characters. The story line did not flow easily and I found I had to go back and re read certain sections.
The story itself was your usual bodice ripper type story, taking place as usual, in England. There are six daughters, all from the same father, but several different mothers. In order to save his home a daughter must be married off to repay a debt, however Jasper doesn't love his virginal betrothed, but her beautiful sister who was raised by her courtesan grandmother.
I found it difficult to get into this story. It seemed to be very repetitious in parts with too many characters. The story line did not flow easily and I found I had to go back and re read certain sections.
The story itself was your usual bodice ripper type story, taking place as usual, in England. There are six daughters, all from the same father, but several different mothers. In order to save his home a daughter must be married off to repay a debt, however Jasper doesn't love his virginal betrothed, but her beautiful sister who was raised by her courtesan grandmother.
September 26, 2016
Taming Beauty by Lynne Barron is an amazing read. Ms Barron has once again impressed me with her story telling abilities. Lilith and Jasper's story is a well written, fairly short read, perfect for those with limited time for reading. This book is loaded with drama, humor, sizzle and the most awesome characters that I've read from this talented author so far. I loved this book and look forward to reading more from Lynne Barron in the future. Taming Beauty is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes.
December 30, 2016
Quirky characters, fun short read
The Hero- Jasper, aka the Beast, a Baron who gambled away his family fortune and reputation. He spent years in isolation, toiling to make his estate solvent. He is just a proper marriage away from regaining the land he lost and redeeming the family name.
The Heroine- Lilith is an illegitimate daughter of a courtesan and an irresponsible Duke who proudly acknowledges all of his offspring. Because of the illustrious pedigree of her father and an infamous lineage of courtesans on her mother's side, Lilith lives with a foot in both worlds but fits in neither.
The setup- The Hero is willing to exchange all of the Dukes gambling debt markers for the hand, and dowry, of his legitimate debutante daughter. The Duke has another plan in mind and has Lilith travel with them to meet the beastly bridegroom. As the Duke predicted, Lilith and Jasper are drawn to each other from the first meeting.
Stuck in the wilds of Cornwall with the hero, his sisters, a trio of gregarious sticky-fingered children, the Duke and her whining half-sister, Lilith wants to avoid involvement. But as the visit progresses, her resolve falters. She plots to help her half-sister, who is desperate to stop the marriage. She sends for help in the form of her Grandmother, a famous courtesan, who arrives with two more illegitimate daughters of the Duke. By the time her bizarre calvary arrives, Lilith has second thoughts about condemning the hero to a bleak future without means to finish his restoration of his birthright.
Thus the fun begins. Lilith is knocked off balance by her feelings for Jasper and vice versa. Throw in children who, having made Lilith their idol, follow her everywhere. Add scheming family members, bawdy tales at dinner and a few misunderstandings and mishaps. The result is a fun read that keeps a lively pace for the most part.
Could've been a Four star.
There were too many secondary characters that the reader knows little about and seem to have no impact on the story. For example, the hero's brother and sisters are introduced and present in a few scenes but really have no bearing on the plot.
Lilith was a likable character for the most part but there were several passages in which her wit comes across as nasty and unfeeling.
What bothered me most was the inclusion of too much internal angst and second-guessing with the mains. Since the story seemed to be a bit of a romp, the internal dialogue was a bit too overdone and overlong. It really slowed the pace of the story.
Overall I would read another book by this author. I believe the good outweighed the negatives.
The Hero- Jasper, aka the Beast, a Baron who gambled away his family fortune and reputation. He spent years in isolation, toiling to make his estate solvent. He is just a proper marriage away from regaining the land he lost and redeeming the family name.
The Heroine- Lilith is an illegitimate daughter of a courtesan and an irresponsible Duke who proudly acknowledges all of his offspring. Because of the illustrious pedigree of her father and an infamous lineage of courtesans on her mother's side, Lilith lives with a foot in both worlds but fits in neither.
The setup- The Hero is willing to exchange all of the Dukes gambling debt markers for the hand, and dowry, of his legitimate debutante daughter. The Duke has another plan in mind and has Lilith travel with them to meet the beastly bridegroom. As the Duke predicted, Lilith and Jasper are drawn to each other from the first meeting.
Stuck in the wilds of Cornwall with the hero, his sisters, a trio of gregarious sticky-fingered children, the Duke and her whining half-sister, Lilith wants to avoid involvement. But as the visit progresses, her resolve falters. She plots to help her half-sister, who is desperate to stop the marriage. She sends for help in the form of her Grandmother, a famous courtesan, who arrives with two more illegitimate daughters of the Duke. By the time her bizarre calvary arrives, Lilith has second thoughts about condemning the hero to a bleak future without means to finish his restoration of his birthright.
Thus the fun begins. Lilith is knocked off balance by her feelings for Jasper and vice versa. Throw in children who, having made Lilith their idol, follow her everywhere. Add scheming family members, bawdy tales at dinner and a few misunderstandings and mishaps. The result is a fun read that keeps a lively pace for the most part.
Could've been a Four star.
There were too many secondary characters that the reader knows little about and seem to have no impact on the story. For example, the hero's brother and sisters are introduced and present in a few scenes but really have no bearing on the plot.
Lilith was a likable character for the most part but there were several passages in which her wit comes across as nasty and unfeeling.
What bothered me most was the inclusion of too much internal angst and second-guessing with the mains. Since the story seemed to be a bit of a romp, the internal dialogue was a bit too overdone and overlong. It really slowed the pace of the story.
Overall I would read another book by this author. I believe the good outweighed the negatives.
July 9, 2018
Quite the page turner
I enjoyed this book immensely and found it difficult to put down.
Lilith is not the usual Regency romance heroine. Her upbringing didn't consist of concerned and protective parents. In fact her parents never married. Her father was a man who couldn't keep it in his pants. He married a woman for money and had three daughters with her. But he also had daughters with other women. Lilith was raised by her bawdy mother. And the girl was used as a pawn for gain by both parents.
She accompanies one of her half-sisters to Cornwall where the girl is to marry. Their father has arranged the marriage to help with his debt. The girl is young and not in the least knowledgeable about what awaits her. Lilith is determined to stop the marriage, but finds herself drawn to the groom.
The hero isn't entirely the usual sort. He has made mistakes and is trying to rebuild.
I found myself caring about both main characters. Very good story! Highly recommend.
I enjoyed this book immensely and found it difficult to put down.
Lilith is not the usual Regency romance heroine. Her upbringing didn't consist of concerned and protective parents. In fact her parents never married. Her father was a man who couldn't keep it in his pants. He married a woman for money and had three daughters with her. But he also had daughters with other women. Lilith was raised by her bawdy mother. And the girl was used as a pawn for gain by both parents.
She accompanies one of her half-sisters to Cornwall where the girl is to marry. Their father has arranged the marriage to help with his debt. The girl is young and not in the least knowledgeable about what awaits her. Lilith is determined to stop the marriage, but finds herself drawn to the groom.
The hero isn't entirely the usual sort. He has made mistakes and is trying to rebuild.
I found myself caring about both main characters. Very good story! Highly recommend.
November 17, 2017
Good read.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I have been reading Regency and Historical Romances for years. This one is different than most with it's sharp tongued women who refuse to conform to the ton; of which they are on the fringes. The dialogue was therefore a bit crisper and quite funny. The father of 6 daughters, half of them illigitimate, is a charming, but utterly selfish rake who will willingly use his girls in his schemes to get money. I found his character a bit over the top, as it seems all were aware of his bad behavior; but he seems invited to all the right parties. . .rather unbelievable for that time period; but then, it never makes any claim to being historically accurate. All in all a good read and the dialogue is so funny in places I laughed aloud.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I have been reading Regency and Historical Romances for years. This one is different than most with it's sharp tongued women who refuse to conform to the ton; of which they are on the fringes. The dialogue was therefore a bit crisper and quite funny. The father of 6 daughters, half of them illigitimate, is a charming, but utterly selfish rake who will willingly use his girls in his schemes to get money. I found his character a bit over the top, as it seems all were aware of his bad behavior; but he seems invited to all the right parties. . .rather unbelievable for that time period; but then, it never makes any claim to being historically accurate. All in all a good read and the dialogue is so funny in places I laughed aloud.
September 23, 2021
A rollicking read featuring one of the daughters of a ne’er-do-well nobleman. Most of the daughters are from the wrong side of the blanket. Lilith and Jasper are wonderful. I look forward to more books in the series. So far as I can see there is only one more “Courting Chaos” but I hope some more of the other daughters will get their own HEAs.
June 1, 2017
Lovely romance!
Recommended to anyone who likes feisty heroines, rather than the usual damsel in distress! Well written with a handsome, beastly hero to get your heart pumping. I enjoyed it very much.
Recommended to anyone who likes feisty heroines, rather than the usual damsel in distress! Well written with a handsome, beastly hero to get your heart pumping. I enjoyed it very much.
November 20, 2017
Review
This book was a joy to read! I laughed so hard when they were all together talking, it’s a funny and beautiful love story and I highly recommend this book, everyone will truly enjoy it, thank you!
This book was a joy to read! I laughed so hard when they were all together talking, it’s a funny and beautiful love story and I highly recommend this book, everyone will truly enjoy it, thank you!
November 20, 2017
Enjoyable
Love titled members of the Ton, feisty headstrong women and romance? This book contains all of the above, plus a calculating family.
Love titled members of the Ton, feisty headstrong women and romance? This book contains all of the above, plus a calculating family.
January 27, 2018
Life.
One never knows where a prevarication may take you even if the truth is spoken.
Life is forever changed by seemingly inexplicable circumstances.
One never knows where a prevarication may take you even if the truth is spoken.
Life is forever changed by seemingly inexplicable circumstances.
September 28, 2018
Trickery
Modesty or not, a bit of risque' behavior, taunting. Love, losses & happiness. Set in London near the ocean in Royalty
Modesty or not, a bit of risque' behavior, taunting. Love, losses & happiness. Set in London near the ocean in Royalty
November 26, 2018
Good read
December 31, 2024
Lilith Aberdeen has known little but heartache and strife in her tumultuous life. Raised in a highly unconventional family by parents who could be called selfish and neglectful at best, she has fashioned a place for herself in London society where she can be master of her own universe. Still, when her father calls upon her to accompany her half-sister to Cornwall to meet her betrothed for the first time, for some reason, Lilith surprises even herself and complies.
Jasper Grimley, Baron Malleville, and the intended bridegroom has lived in virtual exile in Cornwall for over a decade while trying to rehabilitate his estate and title to its former glory and prosperity. Only months before the wedding that would have restored his mother's ancestral lands to the estate, Lilith's father stole his bride from him. Jasper has now beggared himself to purchase all of Lilith's father's debts and is in a position to force him into financial ruin. The marriage to his daughter will seal the deal. The only problem: now Jasper finds himself falling for the wrong daughter. Instead of being attracted to his future bride (who hates him with a passion), Jasper finds his every thought filled with her sister, Lilith. Will Jasper continue with the marriage that will restore his estate's financial footing, or will he follow his heart and seek a union with Lilith? Will Lilith allow Jasper to ruin his carefully laid plans for her? Will Lilith realize the game her father has played with his daughters as pawns? Will his daughters ever forgive him for it?
After reading The Mad Earl's Daughter, I had high expectations, but I have to admit that Taming Beauty exceeded them. The intrigue and betrayal woven so carefully into the plot is flawless and stunning! I was spellbound and thought this was a fabulous book. I could feel the heartbreak for both Lilith and Jasper for different reasons, but it was nevertheless so apparent for each of them. Barron does an exquisite job of painting a portrait of flawed people trying to do the best they can to move forward given the mistakes they have made, despite their love for those who may not love them back as perfectly as they may wish. This novel is fraught with human frailty and the reality that we cannot always chose who we love or rationalize why we love them, given all their flaws. The complexity of familial love and loyalty is captured, as is the sacrifice that true love often calls for. Anyone who loves historical fiction and anyone who has a "Jerry Springer family" (as I call my own), will identify with this book; anyone else can sit back and enjoy the show.
Jasper Grimley, Baron Malleville, and the intended bridegroom has lived in virtual exile in Cornwall for over a decade while trying to rehabilitate his estate and title to its former glory and prosperity. Only months before the wedding that would have restored his mother's ancestral lands to the estate, Lilith's father stole his bride from him. Jasper has now beggared himself to purchase all of Lilith's father's debts and is in a position to force him into financial ruin. The marriage to his daughter will seal the deal. The only problem: now Jasper finds himself falling for the wrong daughter. Instead of being attracted to his future bride (who hates him with a passion), Jasper finds his every thought filled with her sister, Lilith. Will Jasper continue with the marriage that will restore his estate's financial footing, or will he follow his heart and seek a union with Lilith? Will Lilith allow Jasper to ruin his carefully laid plans for her? Will Lilith realize the game her father has played with his daughters as pawns? Will his daughters ever forgive him for it?
After reading The Mad Earl's Daughter, I had high expectations, but I have to admit that Taming Beauty exceeded them. The intrigue and betrayal woven so carefully into the plot is flawless and stunning! I was spellbound and thought this was a fabulous book. I could feel the heartbreak for both Lilith and Jasper for different reasons, but it was nevertheless so apparent for each of them. Barron does an exquisite job of painting a portrait of flawed people trying to do the best they can to move forward given the mistakes they have made, despite their love for those who may not love them back as perfectly as they may wish. This novel is fraught with human frailty and the reality that we cannot always chose who we love or rationalize why we love them, given all their flaws. The complexity of familial love and loyalty is captured, as is the sacrifice that true love often calls for. Anyone who loves historical fiction and anyone who has a "Jerry Springer family" (as I call my own), will identify with this book; anyone else can sit back and enjoy the show.
September 12, 2017
Original review posted on my blog From Ink to Paper
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As you can tell from the name the book is a retelling of the story of Beauty and The Beast, this made me excited to read it because I like the spin people put on the retellings. I did see some similarities in that Jasper was mean and would have been the beast and Lilith was the beauty in the story and they have the romance, as for the rest of it I didn't really feel like it was a true retelling of it. I didn't really feel the magic that I felt with Beauty and the Beast. Also of course the sensual scenes and the lust are definitely not in the original.
I thought the book was pretty good, I did feel that I didn't really connect with the characters as much as I would have liked too, but I did enjoy the banter between Lilith and Jasper I thought they were fun together. I do feel for Lilith in that she does not have a great dad (five daughters all different moms) and her mom isn't around (is a courtesan), but it is obvious that she could hold her own no matter the situation, which I liked. One thing was that the romance was a little fast, I know that love can happen at first sight, but theirs was like this whirlwind of just meeting, lust, and love within just a few days and then straight on to marriage.
I liked that it was a historical romance though, I like reading about a story that takes place in history and especially when the author gives a description of the era and place it just makes it more real and fun. I thought man how horrible his dad is marrying off his daughters just to pay his gambling debt, but you know what it probably happened multiple times in history. At least in this story the girl, Sissy, doesn't end up having to do that, instead her older sister Lilith falls for Jasper and instead of a forced marriage there is one that is wanted by both parties. I thought that it was a fun read, the writing was pretty well done a few things I thought could have been better but overall it was well written.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As you can tell from the name the book is a retelling of the story of Beauty and The Beast, this made me excited to read it because I like the spin people put on the retellings. I did see some similarities in that Jasper was mean and would have been the beast and Lilith was the beauty in the story and they have the romance, as for the rest of it I didn't really feel like it was a true retelling of it. I didn't really feel the magic that I felt with Beauty and the Beast. Also of course the sensual scenes and the lust are definitely not in the original.
I thought the book was pretty good, I did feel that I didn't really connect with the characters as much as I would have liked too, but I did enjoy the banter between Lilith and Jasper I thought they were fun together. I do feel for Lilith in that she does not have a great dad (five daughters all different moms) and her mom isn't around (is a courtesan), but it is obvious that she could hold her own no matter the situation, which I liked. One thing was that the romance was a little fast, I know that love can happen at first sight, but theirs was like this whirlwind of just meeting, lust, and love within just a few days and then straight on to marriage.
I liked that it was a historical romance though, I like reading about a story that takes place in history and especially when the author gives a description of the era and place it just makes it more real and fun. I thought man how horrible his dad is marrying off his daughters just to pay his gambling debt, but you know what it probably happened multiple times in history. At least in this story the girl, Sissy, doesn't end up having to do that, instead her older sister Lilith falls for Jasper and instead of a forced marriage there is one that is wanted by both parties. I thought that it was a fun read, the writing was pretty well done a few things I thought could have been better but overall it was well written.
August 28, 2017
I got the e-copy of this book from the distributor a little while back, in the trading of a fair review. Before writing the review, I want to tell the readers a little about the story.
It starts with a scene where Lilith(main lead) helping her sister (sissy) to get ready for her marriage with Jasper Grimley (main lead). Lord Dunway, the father of Lilith and Sissy and other four daughters, decided to marry off his daughter to Jasper Grimley also called as Baron Malleville. He decided to marry off Sissy to Jasper because that was the only way to settle down his debts.
His misdeeds didn't stop there, he manipulated his oldest daughter, Lilith to seduce Malleville because that was the only way, to call off his debts. But while trying to break the wedding, she herself fell in love with him.
Now coming to the review:
A beautiful love story but somewhere in between, you will find it boring. The storyline is interesting and unusual but there are so many characters that will leave you confused.
My favorite part of the story was when Jasper came to London to take the love of his life with him. The story is a typical fairytale, where first they hated each other and then they fell in deep love without even knowing.
Coming to writing, the way a story has been written, it is a bit difficult to read, difficult to make a sync with it because of the words the author has written. I felt that there were fewer emotions, it would have been much better if an author had paid more attention to their (Lilith and Jasper) love story.
Overall, the storyline is good and attracting but it would have been more interesting and fun if author paid much more attention to the love.
I would recommend this book to those people to love to read historical romances with historical writing.
It starts with a scene where Lilith(main lead) helping her sister (sissy) to get ready for her marriage with Jasper Grimley (main lead). Lord Dunway, the father of Lilith and Sissy and other four daughters, decided to marry off his daughter to Jasper Grimley also called as Baron Malleville. He decided to marry off Sissy to Jasper because that was the only way to settle down his debts.
His misdeeds didn't stop there, he manipulated his oldest daughter, Lilith to seduce Malleville because that was the only way, to call off his debts. But while trying to break the wedding, she herself fell in love with him.
Now coming to the review:
A beautiful love story but somewhere in between, you will find it boring. The storyline is interesting and unusual but there are so many characters that will leave you confused.
My favorite part of the story was when Jasper came to London to take the love of his life with him. The story is a typical fairytale, where first they hated each other and then they fell in deep love without even knowing.
Coming to writing, the way a story has been written, it is a bit difficult to read, difficult to make a sync with it because of the words the author has written. I felt that there were fewer emotions, it would have been much better if an author had paid more attention to their (Lilith and Jasper) love story.
Overall, the storyline is good and attracting but it would have been more interesting and fun if author paid much more attention to the love.
I would recommend this book to those people to love to read historical romances with historical writing.
August 1, 2018
Taming Beauty is a historical romance and was beautifully written. It was a wonderful read and it was a romantic tale that I couldn’t get enough of.
Lilith is not your typical lady of London society. Unlike other historical romances I have read, Lilith has known pleasure before Jasper. Honestly this was just a small difference but one I couldn’t help but overlook. I just get tired of historical fictional women saving themselves for their husbands. Lilith felt realistic, a fleshed out and believable character. She has emotions and feels strongly and passionately. Jasper’s character was also wonderfully done. Romance novels sometimes depict the hero as perfect and flawless. No, Jasper has made mistakes, plenty of them. His marriage arrangement being the biggest obstacle to overcome.
Going into this book, I don’t really know what I expected. I can say after finishing it, that it was a great read and I am glad I didn’t pass this one up. If you are looking for a different sort of historical romance, this is for you. The banter between Jasper and Lilith is entertaining and highly enjoyable. If that doesn’t spark your interest, then you must be boring. Kidding! Taming Beauty was a one of a kind historical romance!
5/5
~Layna
Lilith is not your typical lady of London society. Unlike other historical romances I have read, Lilith has known pleasure before Jasper. Honestly this was just a small difference but one I couldn’t help but overlook. I just get tired of historical fictional women saving themselves for their husbands. Lilith felt realistic, a fleshed out and believable character. She has emotions and feels strongly and passionately. Jasper’s character was also wonderfully done. Romance novels sometimes depict the hero as perfect and flawless. No, Jasper has made mistakes, plenty of them. His marriage arrangement being the biggest obstacle to overcome.
Going into this book, I don’t really know what I expected. I can say after finishing it, that it was a great read and I am glad I didn’t pass this one up. If you are looking for a different sort of historical romance, this is for you. The banter between Jasper and Lilith is entertaining and highly enjoyable. If that doesn’t spark your interest, then you must be boring. Kidding! Taming Beauty was a one of a kind historical romance!
5/5
~Layna
January 9, 2017
There were a couple parts of this novel that were hard to follow, but mostly I enjoyed it. Lilith is a fiercely independent, spunky young woman, and she was fun to read about.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
April 5, 2018Love this series!
Humor is what makes people fall in love I swear woman with a quick wit a smart mouth it's just so special I can't wait to read the rest of the series don't nobody it be as good as this heroine! He never saw it coming!
Humor is what makes people fall in love I swear woman with a quick wit a smart mouth it's just so special I can't wait to read the rest of the series don't nobody it be as good as this heroine! He never saw it coming!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews