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A Beauty for the Scarred Duke
As young girls, Lady Isabella Tate, daughter of the Earl of Upperton, and her friend, Esme, told each other terrifying tales of the monster. But not just any monster. This monster was alive and living in his old mansion behind a tangle of overgrown hawthorn trees in the very same county. This monster was none other than Elliot Covington, the Duke of Caldwell.
The Duke of Caldwell, scarred for life in a fire which claimed the lives of those dearest to him has been hiding in his mansion for almost eighteen years. He knows he is a figure of fear and speculation in the county and chose many years before to live a life of self-imposed isolation. But he is the loneliest Duke in all of England. When the Earl of Upperton sells his daughter off as a bride for the disfigured Duke, Isabella has never been more terrified. Due to marry a man she has never met and always believed to be a monster, she truly believes her life is over.
But is life with the Duke really something to be afraid of? Will Isabella be able to get past her own prejudice and see the man beneath the scars? And will the Duke be able to let go of the pain and guilt that has swallowed him whole for almost two decades and find a new life with a new love?
"A Beauty For The Scarred Duke" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
The Duke of Caldwell, scarred for life in a fire which claimed the lives of those dearest to him has been hiding in his mansion for almost eighteen years. He knows he is a figure of fear and speculation in the county and chose many years before to live a life of self-imposed isolation. But he is the loneliest Duke in all of England. When the Earl of Upperton sells his daughter off as a bride for the disfigured Duke, Isabella has never been more terrified. Due to marry a man she has never met and always believed to be a monster, she truly believes her life is over.
But is life with the Duke really something to be afraid of? Will Isabella be able to get past her own prejudice and see the man beneath the scars? And will the Duke be able to let go of the pain and guilt that has swallowed him whole for almost two decades and find a new life with a new love?
"A Beauty For The Scarred Duke" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
3158 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Barton
163 books206 followersBridget Barton was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas.
She has studied English Literature in college and after a brief passage in journalism as a newspaper writer, she stirred her career to what she always loved: becoming an author!
She has always been intrigued by rascals, vagabonds, dukes and rogues, so having the chance to write stories about them is a wish come true for her!
Bridget is married to her own prince charming and is the proud mother of two daughters (and three adorable kittens) and soon to be a grandma!
She is a hopeless romantic who devours romance literature and of course enjoys writing love stories of her own.
When she is not writing, Bridget is relaxing by cooking for her lovely husband, exercising and listening to soft music.
Bridget loves to connect with her readers!
With love and respect,
Bridget Barton
She has studied English Literature in college and after a brief passage in journalism as a newspaper writer, she stirred her career to what she always loved: becoming an author!
She has always been intrigued by rascals, vagabonds, dukes and rogues, so having the chance to write stories about them is a wish come true for her!
Bridget is married to her own prince charming and is the proud mother of two daughters (and three adorable kittens) and soon to be a grandma!
She is a hopeless romantic who devours romance literature and of course enjoys writing love stories of her own.
When she is not writing, Bridget is relaxing by cooking for her lovely husband, exercising and listening to soft music.
Bridget loves to connect with her readers!
With love and respect,
Bridget Barton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
September 23, 2017
First things first.
1.
The formatting here is not reader-friendly. Paragraphs are separated by line spaces instead of indents, which leads to a great deal of white space on each page and makes scene changes difficult to spot.
2.
This book is in need of serious proof-reading - with words joined together and incorrect punctuation particularly in the latter part of the book:
"You asked me never to pity you and I swear to you that I do not." She said firmly.
The idea was fine - if not particularly original, but the writing was somehow devoid of any real emotion. I simply couldn't bring myself to care about Isabella - she came across as shallow and totally self-centred and although she 'changed' later one, there was still something of the 'martyr' about her and I think Elliot deserved a lot better.
The story ended with several major points unanswered which is always an irritant - as if the author looked the word count and though - 'Yep. Enough for a novel so I can stop writing now'. ;)
And leylandii trees were not grown in England at that time.
1.
The formatting here is not reader-friendly. Paragraphs are separated by line spaces instead of indents, which leads to a great deal of white space on each page and makes scene changes difficult to spot.
2.
This book is in need of serious proof-reading - with words joined together and incorrect punctuation particularly in the latter part of the book:
"You asked me never to pity you and I swear to you that I do not." She said firmly.
The idea was fine - if not particularly original, but the writing was somehow devoid of any real emotion. I simply couldn't bring myself to care about Isabella - she came across as shallow and totally self-centred and although she 'changed' later one, there was still something of the 'martyr' about her and I think Elliot deserved a lot better.
The story ended with several major points unanswered which is always an irritant - as if the author looked the word count and though - 'Yep. Enough for a novel so I can stop writing now'. ;)
And leylandii trees were not grown in England at that time.
September 23, 2018
I a lot of romance novels the story is told from the views of both main characters. In this story it is only from Isabella's point of view. It would have been nice to have the duke's point of view on certain events. But it was still an enjoyable read.
February 11, 2018
So I was in the mood for a beauty and the beast themed romance, and since I have a hard time finding queer versions of those, I had to go with het. This book was rated pretty highly on Amazon, so I figured why not?
Well...I'm not sure how it got such a high rating on Amazon, is all I really have to say.
The writing style is so stilted and disjointed that I never lost myself in the story; I was always completely aware I was reading a book. The conversations between the characters (and there were many) just rang so false most of the time. No one talks like they do in real settings.
I didn't care that much for Isabella, the heroine of the story; she just wasn't likable as a main character. I preferred Esme (her best friend) much more, and I think Esme would have been better suited to Elliot (the hero), although he too was pretty bland. I never really felt like I got to "know" the characters all that well.
And holy unfinished plot Batman!
Meh. I was completely indifferent to this book by the end.
Well...I'm not sure how it got such a high rating on Amazon, is all I really have to say.
The writing style is so stilted and disjointed that I never lost myself in the story; I was always completely aware I was reading a book. The conversations between the characters (and there were many) just rang so false most of the time. No one talks like they do in real settings.
I didn't care that much for Isabella, the heroine of the story; she just wasn't likable as a main character. I preferred Esme (her best friend) much more, and I think Esme would have been better suited to Elliot (the hero), although he too was pretty bland. I never really felt like I got to "know" the characters all that well.
And holy unfinished plot Batman!
Meh. I was completely indifferent to this book by the end.
October 31, 2017
Two things that made this book unbearable.... Isabelle's shallowness and immaturity...and the lack of romance. How can you write a beauty and the beast theme book without romance????? Esme is a better character and more fit for the Duke. Isabelle was so clueless and timid and slow I wanted to pull my hair or hers preferably lol.
July 13, 2018
A delightful and enjoyable read. I really didn't compare this to a beauty and the beast type of story but I read it with the H/h in mind and their circumstances that put them in an awkward position. Although it did not have full blown compassion and love scenes that I typically would have liked, however the progression without it was written in a way that it did not need it. It was a personal story for her and that for him that ended with the two having their HEA.
5 Stars
5 Stars
July 4, 2020
A sweet Beauty and the Beast retelling!
Overall, I enjoyed this fairy-tale retelling. I sympathised with the Duke and cheered for him and Isabella. Isabella was a bit immature at times, but I think that she developed her character over the course of the novel. Also, I excused some of her behaviour because she was only 20 years old (compared to the Duke's 38).
The writing did feel a little bit stilted at times, and the letter from Isabella to her friend followed a bit too much of the 'tell' and not 'show' pattern.
However, the premise of the book was interesting and since Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite fairy-tales, I did enjoy the novel despite some of its faults!
Overall, I enjoyed this fairy-tale retelling. I sympathised with the Duke and cheered for him and Isabella. Isabella was a bit immature at times, but I think that she developed her character over the course of the novel. Also, I excused some of her behaviour because she was only 20 years old (compared to the Duke's 38).
The writing did feel a little bit stilted at times, and the letter from Isabella to her friend followed a bit too much of the 'tell' and not 'show' pattern.
However, the premise of the book was interesting and since Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite fairy-tales, I did enjoy the novel despite some of its faults!
October 10, 2017
First of all I love Beauty and The Beast I fell in love with the storytelling. As I was reading A Beauty for the Scarred Duke, it reminded me so much of Beauty and The Beast, as I was reading I got lost in the story when it was over I didn’t want to leave. Giving the book 5 Stars but was worth so much more. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Happy Reading
Lisa
Happy Reading
Lisa
September 22, 2017
Remarkable
Outstanding book!!!! I absolutely love reading these kind of romances. Daring for way Isabella's father sold her but glad it turned out alright in the end. Happy endings are the best!!!! My favorite book so far!!!!
Outstanding book!!!! I absolutely love reading these kind of romances. Daring for way Isabella's father sold her but glad it turned out alright in the end. Happy endings are the best!!!! My favorite book so far!!!!
September 24, 2017
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would do so. I loved it that much.
Once I read the opening pages and chapter, I was hooked. I read well into the night to finish it as I could not put it down. Isabella and Elliot tugged at my heartstrings like few characters do and who could not adore the sweet and gentle Kitty.
The story moves at just the right pace, not too fast nor too slow. Although it started with an arranged marriage between two individuals that knew only pain and heartache, the secondary characters helped move that relationship along. They only wanted the best for Isabella and Elliot and a lifetime of happiness.
With her words, Ms. Barton describes the scenes and characters so vividly, that I had clear images in my mind. I felt Isabella and Elliot's pain and hoped as I read each page for a happily ever after.
I read many books and rarely have time to read a book a second time. I enjoyed this book so much that it will definitely be read again!
Once I read the opening pages and chapter, I was hooked. I read well into the night to finish it as I could not put it down. Isabella and Elliot tugged at my heartstrings like few characters do and who could not adore the sweet and gentle Kitty.
The story moves at just the right pace, not too fast nor too slow. Although it started with an arranged marriage between two individuals that knew only pain and heartache, the secondary characters helped move that relationship along. They only wanted the best for Isabella and Elliot and a lifetime of happiness.
With her words, Ms. Barton describes the scenes and characters so vividly, that I had clear images in my mind. I felt Isabella and Elliot's pain and hoped as I read each page for a happily ever after.
I read many books and rarely have time to read a book a second time. I enjoyed this book so much that it will definitely be read again!
January 22, 2020
Beauty💃 and the Beast👹 Comes To Life
ARC received for a voluntary and honest review.
Isabella Tate💃, daughter of the Earl of Upperton, is devastated when he marries her👰 off to a man she has never met, never even seen!
Her father 👹is only interested in what her new husband🐺 can do for him! He is actually only interested in his daughter's welfare as it pertains to 💰money. He has the title of Earl, but his fortunes have been slipping away.
Isabella's👰 new husband is a wealthy recluse, Elliot Covington🐺🍆🌋💔, the Duke of Coldwell. He's of higher society than her Earl father👹 and thus her father is desirous of the Duke's money and stature. Isabella's father is a money grubbing conniving a$$.
Elliot🐺🍆🌋💔 has been a recluse for many years, after a 🔥fire in the family mansion killed the rest of his family and burned🔥 him very badly on one side of his face. He blames himself for not saving his family, he has survivors guilt. And now he is a scarred monster👹, or so the gossips say.
Elliott🐺🍆🌋 actually pays Isabella's father for her hand👰 in marriage! Isabella👰 faints dead away when she finally meets her betrothed at the altar! He is tall, ripped, and devastatingly handsome with glorious green eyes, until he turns, and she sees the devastation on the other side of his face.
Being the young girl that she is, and forced into marriage👰 she had no say in, preys on her mind for a few days. But Elliot🐺🍆🌋 is so kind to her and her loneliness in the huge estate finally gets to her. She begins to crave their hours in the evenings where they just sit and talk to each other and learn about each other.
The characters in the book seem to have a problem saying what they mean, and meaning what they say. They talk around each other at almost every opportunity. Some of the evading conversations almost brought me to tears. So sad..... Why did the characters waste time with trying to avoid each other and the truth? Elliott seems stuck in his guilt forever.
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍆, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
The real monster👹 in this book is The Earl of Upperton, Isabella's father. Much of the book is melancholy and sad, it's a tale of two broken people trying to find some common ground, some hope, some true love, a way to face the future together. This is strictly a historical romance, there are no xxx scenes.
ARC received for a voluntary and honest review.
Isabella Tate💃, daughter of the Earl of Upperton, is devastated when he marries her👰 off to a man she has never met, never even seen!
Her father 👹is only interested in what her new husband🐺 can do for him! He is actually only interested in his daughter's welfare as it pertains to 💰money. He has the title of Earl, but his fortunes have been slipping away.
Isabella's👰 new husband is a wealthy recluse, Elliot Covington🐺🍆🌋💔, the Duke of Coldwell. He's of higher society than her Earl father👹 and thus her father is desirous of the Duke's money and stature. Isabella's father is a money grubbing conniving a$$.
Elliot🐺🍆🌋💔 has been a recluse for many years, after a 🔥fire in the family mansion killed the rest of his family and burned🔥 him very badly on one side of his face. He blames himself for not saving his family, he has survivors guilt. And now he is a scarred monster👹, or so the gossips say.
Elliott🐺🍆🌋 actually pays Isabella's father for her hand👰 in marriage! Isabella👰 faints dead away when she finally meets her betrothed at the altar! He is tall, ripped, and devastatingly handsome with glorious green eyes, until he turns, and she sees the devastation on the other side of his face.
Being the young girl that she is, and forced into marriage👰 she had no say in, preys on her mind for a few days. But Elliot🐺🍆🌋 is so kind to her and her loneliness in the huge estate finally gets to her. She begins to crave their hours in the evenings where they just sit and talk to each other and learn about each other.
The characters in the book seem to have a problem saying what they mean, and meaning what they say. They talk around each other at almost every opportunity. Some of the evading conversations almost brought me to tears. So sad..... Why did the characters waste time with trying to avoid each other and the truth? Elliott seems stuck in his guilt forever.
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍆, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
The real monster👹 in this book is The Earl of Upperton, Isabella's father. Much of the book is melancholy and sad, it's a tale of two broken people trying to find some common ground, some hope, some true love, a way to face the future together. This is strictly a historical romance, there are no xxx scenes.
September 22, 2017
This is a variation of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, and for me, it worked up to a point. But I take some issues on the occasional time warp between our time and the Regency timeline. The use of some present day words and phrases certainly do that; and it is unsettling because it disturbs the flow of the story. When I read my romances, I usually want to be immersed into the plotline and be lost in that world for a time. Some editing flaws like separating articles, prepositions... etc. from getting attached to other words, although minor, but taken with the puzzling timeline does not help the whole story either. Other than these, Ms. Barton made a pretty good concept of a beloved fairytale. P.S. Whatever happened to Isabella's abusive father and the matricidal Anthony?
September 25, 2017
Very good
Isabella doesn't want to marry the scarred duke her father sold her to. She tries to run away but is caught she faints the first time she sees the duke. His scars come from a fire but he has other scars that Isabella tries to heal almost too late she realizes she loves him. Her father is a tyrant and is raising his son to be the same. Esme and Isabella try to get Elliot back into the public. Very good book about healing and learning to love again
Isabella doesn't want to marry the scarred duke her father sold her to. She tries to run away but is caught she faints the first time she sees the duke. His scars come from a fire but he has other scars that Isabella tries to heal almost too late she realizes she loves him. Her father is a tyrant and is raising his son to be the same. Esme and Isabella try to get Elliot back into the public. Very good book about healing and learning to love again
September 21, 2017
Wonderful sweet story!
I've enjoyed "A Beauty for the Scarred Duke" immensely!! A sweet love story that is a delight to read! I was drawn to all the characters immediately and would have read the whole book at once if something important had not been in my way. I finished it just now. I highly recommend this great love story!
I've enjoyed "A Beauty for the Scarred Duke" immensely!! A sweet love story that is a delight to read! I was drawn to all the characters immediately and would have read the whole book at once if something important had not been in my way. I finished it just now. I highly recommend this great love story!
September 22, 2017
I thought this was a beautiful retelling of beauty and the beast. Elliott is scarred on the inside and out after the loss of his mother and sister in a fire. After many years he takes a chance on an arranged marriage. Isabella is forced by her father to marry Elliott. She is very frightened by stories and by his scarred face. But spending time together will change them both forever.
September 24, 2017
Excellent Historical Romance. It doesn’t matter what era a husband and wife are in, there are always struggles and fears that they both must overcome. This is a beautiful story and so worth your time reading. I can’t even begin to convey how much I truly enjoyed reading this novel. Well done Ms. Barton, another exceptional story!
ARC read in exchange for honest review.
ARC read in exchange for honest review.
September 25, 2017
This book was such a sweet and wonderful book. Once I started reading - I had to finish, couldn't put it down!! The characters and story draw you in and keep you hooked. You fall in love with Elliot and Isabella and just want the best for both of them. You will love this book!!
September 25, 2017
STORY-LINE A BEAUTY FOR THE SCARRED DUKE BY BRIDGET BARTON:
Isabella Tate and Elliot Covington, The Duke of Coldwell, have starring roles in author Bridget Barton's latest historical Regency novel, A Beauty For the Scarred Duke. As children,Isabella and her best friend Esme, told stories of the monster who lived in the old mansion. A monster who lived in the same county they do.
Elliot, The Duke of Coldwell, scarred for life by fire, lived in seclusion for eighteen years; alone and grieving the ones he loved. He's the monster Isabella and Esme spoke of. Elliott's a scarred lonely man. He isolated himself from the world because of his deformity. His scars run deeper than the physical.
Isabella's hard-hearted father, The Earl of Upperton, has decided it's time she marry. He's desperately in need of money for his heir, Anthony. He sells Isabella in marriage. He has chosen, none other, than the scarred Duke of Coldwell. Believing Elliot a monster, Isabella's frighten to death. Forced into the marriage by her father, Isabella finds Elliot's face frightful; on one side would frighten children, and the other, win any woman's hand in England. So begins the marriage of Elliot and Isabella. Will Isabella be able to overlook Elliot's scars to see the true man inside? Can Elliot let go of his guilt to live life to the fullest with Isabella? Can this marriage survive it's flawed beginnings? Will love bloom between these two people in need of love and security? My Regency romance book reviews of A Beauty For The Scarred Duke follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
A Beauty For The Scarred Duke's filled with intense emotion and a touch of mystery. Barton skillfully wove into the story-line how Elliot's scarred; holding it close to the chest and revealing details only when necessary. Barton added a touch of mystery with the ruined tower. Through descriptive and skillful writing, I could feel Isabella's fear of Elliot and her evolving regard. I could see Elliot's scars and the burned tower. As well as, his home and the beautiful grounds in my mind's eye.
Barton slowly developed the bond between Elliot and Isabella. She gave them time to know each other and accept what could not be changed. As Barton developed and matured Isabella, did she came to see the man behind the scars? Bridget Barton shows outward appearance has nothing to do with a person's heart and soul. How sorry I felt for Elliot. The pain and suffering Barton described, the mental torment he endures, and the guilt he carries, will break your heart. In turn, how proud I felt of Isabella as she conquers her fears. I felt I came to know Elliot and Isabella. Each in their own way made mistakes, taking two steps towards and one back, as they come to know each other.
Every good story must have a villain and Isabella's father fits this role perfectly. Barton created a truly contemptible character in her father. You will love to hate him. He's a poor excuse for a father as he greatly favors his son, Anthony. Unfortunately you will not like Anthony any better than his father. He follows his father's character flaws and examples. Barton skillfully portrayed the family dynamics in Isabella's childhood home.
With well-developed characters and pacing which never lagged or bogged down, A Beauty For The Scarred Duke held my attention from the first page. Barton's writing flows well and her scenes transition smoothly. Barton included several surprises which left my mouth hanging open. A Beauty For the Scarred Duke's an emotionally charged story filled with grief, guilt, fear, and pain. However, the reader will find love and beauty, as well as, characters who grow and mature under Barton's skilled pen. A wonderful story of sacrifice, redemption, love, and acceptance, I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or friend.
A BEAUTY FOR THE SCARRED DUKE RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
Additionally, I purchased this book and received a copy from the author. I chose to voluntarily review the book with honest Regency romance book reviews. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, no one influences my voluntary Regency romance book reviews.
Isabella Tate and Elliot Covington, The Duke of Coldwell, have starring roles in author Bridget Barton's latest historical Regency novel, A Beauty For the Scarred Duke. As children,Isabella and her best friend Esme, told stories of the monster who lived in the old mansion. A monster who lived in the same county they do.
Elliot, The Duke of Coldwell, scarred for life by fire, lived in seclusion for eighteen years; alone and grieving the ones he loved. He's the monster Isabella and Esme spoke of. Elliott's a scarred lonely man. He isolated himself from the world because of his deformity. His scars run deeper than the physical.
Isabella's hard-hearted father, The Earl of Upperton, has decided it's time she marry. He's desperately in need of money for his heir, Anthony. He sells Isabella in marriage. He has chosen, none other, than the scarred Duke of Coldwell. Believing Elliot a monster, Isabella's frighten to death. Forced into the marriage by her father, Isabella finds Elliot's face frightful; on one side would frighten children, and the other, win any woman's hand in England. So begins the marriage of Elliot and Isabella. Will Isabella be able to overlook Elliot's scars to see the true man inside? Can Elliot let go of his guilt to live life to the fullest with Isabella? Can this marriage survive it's flawed beginnings? Will love bloom between these two people in need of love and security? My Regency romance book reviews of A Beauty For The Scarred Duke follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
A Beauty For The Scarred Duke's filled with intense emotion and a touch of mystery. Barton skillfully wove into the story-line how Elliot's scarred; holding it close to the chest and revealing details only when necessary. Barton added a touch of mystery with the ruined tower. Through descriptive and skillful writing, I could feel Isabella's fear of Elliot and her evolving regard. I could see Elliot's scars and the burned tower. As well as, his home and the beautiful grounds in my mind's eye.
Barton slowly developed the bond between Elliot and Isabella. She gave them time to know each other and accept what could not be changed. As Barton developed and matured Isabella, did she came to see the man behind the scars? Bridget Barton shows outward appearance has nothing to do with a person's heart and soul. How sorry I felt for Elliot. The pain and suffering Barton described, the mental torment he endures, and the guilt he carries, will break your heart. In turn, how proud I felt of Isabella as she conquers her fears. I felt I came to know Elliot and Isabella. Each in their own way made mistakes, taking two steps towards and one back, as they come to know each other.
Every good story must have a villain and Isabella's father fits this role perfectly. Barton created a truly contemptible character in her father. You will love to hate him. He's a poor excuse for a father as he greatly favors his son, Anthony. Unfortunately you will not like Anthony any better than his father. He follows his father's character flaws and examples. Barton skillfully portrayed the family dynamics in Isabella's childhood home.
With well-developed characters and pacing which never lagged or bogged down, A Beauty For The Scarred Duke held my attention from the first page. Barton's writing flows well and her scenes transition smoothly. Barton included several surprises which left my mouth hanging open. A Beauty For the Scarred Duke's an emotionally charged story filled with grief, guilt, fear, and pain. However, the reader will find love and beauty, as well as, characters who grow and mature under Barton's skilled pen. A wonderful story of sacrifice, redemption, love, and acceptance, I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or friend.
A BEAUTY FOR THE SCARRED DUKE RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
Additionally, I purchased this book and received a copy from the author. I chose to voluntarily review the book with honest Regency romance book reviews. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, no one influences my voluntary Regency romance book reviews.
December 5, 2017
There is a moral to this story: Don't judge anyone based on the opinions of others.
Isabella has been forced into a marriage with a duke, Elliot Covington. Her father has basically sold her to this duke and she couldn't be more terrified.
Elliot is a lot older than Isabella, a fact that I find a bit disconcerting, but that isn't the problem. Elliot is severely scarred on his face. He's been in a self-imposed exile for eighteen years. His estate is blocked by briars and trees that are not kept, giving it an eerie look from the outside.
As with anything that is mysterious, stories and rumors abound. These stories were passed to Isabella when she was a child. She believed a monster lived behind the facade of the overgrowth which shrouded the house and now she's forced to marry this ogre.
But Elliot isn't an ogre. He isn't a monster. He's a very kind, loving, caring man who had some bad stuff happen to him. He's lonely, keeping just two people around; his friend, Crawford, and one of his servants, Kitty. There are other servants and workers around, but he avoids them and he avoids Isabella until nightfall. He never wants her to see him in the light of day because he knows how she will react when she sees how scarred his face is. She fainted at the altar, for Heaven's sake.
All he asks is two hours of her time during the evening. That's it. She's afraid at first, but when she starts to get to know him, she realizes that he is a man of substance. He's intelligent, witty, and...broken.
It was quite sad. But, despite how long it took her to look at his face (months), she fell deeply in love with him as he did her. They got to know each other and genuinely liked to spend time together.
Both Isabella and Elliot are sweet and forgiving people. There were no hot arguments, no mocking, or the common female main character thing, "I'm tough. Look at me," crap that we read in almost every romance novel these days. It was refreshing to see a real lady and a real gentleman get to know each other and fall in love.
If you're looking for hot sex, this book is not for you. If you're looking for a genuine love story, you will love it. I loved the ending.
I gave it a four-star review because of some misspellings and some weird punctuation. Other than that, this is a fantastic read.
Isabella has been forced into a marriage with a duke, Elliot Covington. Her father has basically sold her to this duke and she couldn't be more terrified.
Elliot is a lot older than Isabella, a fact that I find a bit disconcerting, but that isn't the problem. Elliot is severely scarred on his face. He's been in a self-imposed exile for eighteen years. His estate is blocked by briars and trees that are not kept, giving it an eerie look from the outside.
As with anything that is mysterious, stories and rumors abound. These stories were passed to Isabella when she was a child. She believed a monster lived behind the facade of the overgrowth which shrouded the house and now she's forced to marry this ogre.
But Elliot isn't an ogre. He isn't a monster. He's a very kind, loving, caring man who had some bad stuff happen to him. He's lonely, keeping just two people around; his friend, Crawford, and one of his servants, Kitty. There are other servants and workers around, but he avoids them and he avoids Isabella until nightfall. He never wants her to see him in the light of day because he knows how she will react when she sees how scarred his face is. She fainted at the altar, for Heaven's sake.
All he asks is two hours of her time during the evening. That's it. She's afraid at first, but when she starts to get to know him, she realizes that he is a man of substance. He's intelligent, witty, and...broken.
It was quite sad. But, despite how long it took her to look at his face (months), she fell deeply in love with him as he did her. They got to know each other and genuinely liked to spend time together.
Both Isabella and Elliot are sweet and forgiving people. There were no hot arguments, no mocking, or the common female main character thing, "I'm tough. Look at me," crap that we read in almost every romance novel these days. It was refreshing to see a real lady and a real gentleman get to know each other and fall in love.
If you're looking for hot sex, this book is not for you. If you're looking for a genuine love story, you will love it. I loved the ending.
I gave it a four-star review because of some misspellings and some weird punctuation. Other than that, this is a fantastic read.
May 22, 2020
Love Conquers All
This is a sweet and lovely romance. Both main characters have painful pasts yet they are both gentle and good at heart. Consequently, the reader really pulls for them and wants to see them look past their challenges and embrace love.
This is a sweet and lovely romance. Both main characters have painful pasts yet they are both gentle and good at heart. Consequently, the reader really pulls for them and wants to see them look past their challenges and embrace love.
September 22, 2017
I enjoyed this twist on Beauty and the Beast. I was unsure of Isabella at first, but grew to like her more and more. I loved Elliot from the beginning. I did have two small problems. 1) The editing could have been better. There were several instances where there was no spacing between words. This got to be aggravating. 2) There was a crime committed, but nothing was ever said about what happened to the perpetrator. Felt this was a small issue, but it needed to be tied up. Did he totally get away with it without consequences? I received a copy of this book at no charge.
September 22, 2017
Beautful love story
I would recommend this book to all my friends...Such a touching story of love and acceptance...in this love story I stopped and thought about the world we live in and how people can't except when others are different...Amazing work by Bridget Barton...I have voluntarily read this book and have given an honest review
I would recommend this book to all my friends...Such a touching story of love and acceptance...in this love story I stopped and thought about the world we live in and how people can't except when others are different...Amazing work by Bridget Barton...I have voluntarily read this book and have given an honest review
September 22, 2017
Charming
This charming love story between two people who have been terribly hurt, him by society because of his disfigurement and her by her family, has you wondering if they can find their way to deep love or if they will just have a polite relationship.
This charming love story between two people who have been terribly hurt, him by society because of his disfigurement and her by her family, has you wondering if they can find their way to deep love or if they will just have a polite relationship.
September 23, 2017
Simply WOW!!
Highly recommended. Such a sweet story and a beautiful ending.
Although this is the first book I've read by ms. Barton I can promise it will not be the last. Will definitely be following her success
Highly recommended. Such a sweet story and a beautiful ending.
Although this is the first book I've read by ms. Barton I can promise it will not be the last. Will definitely be following her success
August 20, 2018
The first half was decent for a romance novel, but then it quickly fell apart from there. The characters personalities were sort of all over the place and while it was cute that she got the guy to come out of his shell, it was just kinda meh.
December 4, 2017
Beauty and the beast, but the duke is not the real beast in this story.
A beautiful story with so much pain and love! And, luckily, healing.
I received a copy and chose to review it.
A beautiful story with so much pain and love! And, luckily, healing.
I received a copy and chose to review it.
September 16, 2018
Great
I found this a really good book. Elliot and Isabella have both suffered in life. Elliot by the loss of all his family and the scarring he suffered at that time. Isabella by the cruel and indifference of her family. Can they overcome the difficulties of the day of their marriage.
I found this a really good book. Elliot and Isabella have both suffered in life. Elliot by the loss of all his family and the scarring he suffered at that time. Isabella by the cruel and indifference of her family. Can they overcome the difficulties of the day of their marriage.
March 21, 2020
Well written beautiful story
Before Scarlett Scott there was Bridget Barton. Bridget introduced me to historical romances and I have not been the same since. I really loved how she built the characters love for each other. It wasnt lust that started it all. It all started with a simple conversation. The dialogue between Elliot and Isabella was truly amazing.
Before Scarlett Scott there was Bridget Barton. Bridget introduced me to historical romances and I have not been the same since. I really loved how she built the characters love for each other. It wasnt lust that started it all. It all started with a simple conversation. The dialogue between Elliot and Isabella was truly amazing.
April 9, 2021
My Musings
This is an emotionally charged romance with compelling characters and an intriguing plot. It a take off from the fairy tale Beauty and the beast. I am so glad I found this book. Happy ☺reading 📚!
This is an emotionally charged romance with compelling characters and an intriguing plot. It a take off from the fairy tale Beauty and the beast. I am so glad I found this book. Happy ☺reading 📚!
January 19, 2022
Both the title and the cover of this book made alarm bells go off for someone who has been reading historical romances for 20ish years - and my gut feeling served me well. Possibly suits better for new readers of the genre?
DNF 5%
DNF 5%
September 23, 2017
I don’t have a good strong woman in this story. Isabella rarely rebels because her father will punish her. I don’t have much to say about this book because the blurb and the title tells enough about this story. You might want tissues for this book. I did enjoy the book.
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