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A Beastly Kind of Duke
Everyone had heard the rumors. But no one was prepared for the truth...
Compromised by her lecherous betrothed, Lady Regina Bexley’s only option is to flee to the countryside. With serious doubts about her own legitimacy, receiving the unwelcome glares of the beastly Duke is only the beginning of her problems.
One thing that Alistair Benson, the Duke of Slater, cannot stand is having visitors. For people avoiding his hideous facial scars hurts more deeply than the wounds. So when a tiny, feisty lady refuses to avert her gaze, his frozen heart awakens.
To his utter indignation, Lady Regina is there to stay. And her proposal to enter a pretend marriage makes it even harder for him to restrain himself. For where does the scheme end and the truth start? And a trail of blood is enough to show him that someone is determined not to let him feel what happiness tastes like.
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then A Beastly Kind of Duke is the novel for you.
This is Violet's 22nd novel, a historical Regency romance novel of 60,000 words (around 300 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "A Beastly Kind of Duke" today to discover Violet's fantastic new story!
Compromised by her lecherous betrothed, Lady Regina Bexley’s only option is to flee to the countryside. With serious doubts about her own legitimacy, receiving the unwelcome glares of the beastly Duke is only the beginning of her problems.
One thing that Alistair Benson, the Duke of Slater, cannot stand is having visitors. For people avoiding his hideous facial scars hurts more deeply than the wounds. So when a tiny, feisty lady refuses to avert her gaze, his frozen heart awakens.
To his utter indignation, Lady Regina is there to stay. And her proposal to enter a pretend marriage makes it even harder for him to restrain himself. For where does the scheme end and the truth start? And a trail of blood is enough to show him that someone is determined not to let him feel what happiness tastes like.
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then A Beastly Kind of Duke is the novel for you.
This is Violet's 22nd novel, a historical Regency romance novel of 60,000 words (around 300 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "A Beastly Kind of Duke" today to discover Violet's fantastic new story!
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2021
About the author
Violet Hamers
98 books74 followersViolet Hamers knew from an early age that writing was something she always wanted to do. Growing up, her time was divided between writing stories and taking part in theatrical plays, that she used to perform exclusively for her family and friends.
As she loves reading and writing, she is rarely found without a book in her hands, or her fingers glued to a keyboard. Her love for reading led her to Jane Austen's world--the regency historical world that won her over in comparison to any other genre!
Even though being an author is not a simple task, her dream of becoming one has finally come true as she is currently writing Regency novels...romances her readers will love!
Follow Violet into a world of romance and fairytale, of passion and intrigue, and live unforgettable happy-ever-afters along with her protagonists that she guarantees you will remember forever.
As she loves reading and writing, she is rarely found without a book in her hands, or her fingers glued to a keyboard. Her love for reading led her to Jane Austen's world--the regency historical world that won her over in comparison to any other genre!
Even though being an author is not a simple task, her dream of becoming one has finally come true as she is currently writing Regency novels...romances her readers will love!
Follow Violet into a world of romance and fairytale, of passion and intrigue, and live unforgettable happy-ever-afters along with her protagonists that she guarantees you will remember forever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 8, 2021
EDIT: Since writing this review over a year ago, I have learned that the company that published this book, Cobalt Fairy, typically hires stables of writers to hammer out books that may not be original works. The author is most likely a conglomerate of hired hacks. KU continues to push these books. So reader beware.
I have changed my rating accordingly.
***********************************************************************
I have a soft spot for the "wounded warrior" trope, and I thought this book started off promisingly enough. The anachronisms were pretty apparent (for example, a single woman would never have been left alone on a man's estate in those days, especially if she were trying to weather a scandal. The aunt would have had to stay as a chaperone). I read on anyway, hoping to be rewarded with at least some zingy dialogue and flirty scenes. Those scenes faded as the book went on, unfortunately, while the storyline made a cringey attempt at a whodunit.
The biggest problems for me were the paper-thin characters and "tell" with little "show." We are told the H has been through terrible war trauma that has made him the way he is, but we never get any insight into his experiences, and he never opens up about any of it with h. In fact, his relationship with his steward remains much closer than with h. He yells and grouches to the point it becomes cartoonish and that's supposed to count for PTSD. Additionally, H/h's relationship is established too abruptly. They're sniping back and forth, with her thinking (rather shallowly) about how his scars really do bother her and he's a jerk, and suddenly she's asking him to marry her and lusting over him. Scenes necessary to establish their connection are absent. She merely decides she's gotten used to his scars and he's not as jerky as her former fiance, plus she really needs to marry someone to put the nasty rumors in the rearview, and it's supposed to be love.
When the guests arrive for the wedding, we're suddenly in the middle of a silly mystery. The h's former fiance is ridiculous and for no reason other than being a cog in the plot lingers during and after the wedding. The villain is easy to figure out after one strange, stilted conversation and the motive makes absolutely no sense for that time period (I don't want to give away any spoilers, but you'll know what I mean when you get there). Plus the h's father behaves like a total ass for no reason at all. I have no idea what he and the h's mother were supposed to add to the story.
Besides anachronisms, there are misspellings and grammar errors that should have been caught by an editor. The sex scenes are steamy on the surface, but since H/h lacked depth, these scenes were just ho-hum.
Bottom line: Some writers think these days that if you just throw in some British titles and estates and a couple sex scenes you have yourself a Regency romance. But you also need characters and a believable plot. And please, folks, stop just relying on software editing to do all your work.
I have changed my rating accordingly.
***********************************************************************
I have a soft spot for the "wounded warrior" trope, and I thought this book started off promisingly enough. The anachronisms were pretty apparent (for example, a single woman would never have been left alone on a man's estate in those days, especially if she were trying to weather a scandal. The aunt would have had to stay as a chaperone). I read on anyway, hoping to be rewarded with at least some zingy dialogue and flirty scenes. Those scenes faded as the book went on, unfortunately, while the storyline made a cringey attempt at a whodunit.
The biggest problems for me were the paper-thin characters and "tell" with little "show." We are told the H has been through terrible war trauma that has made him the way he is, but we never get any insight into his experiences, and he never opens up about any of it with h. In fact, his relationship with his steward remains much closer than with h. He yells and grouches to the point it becomes cartoonish and that's supposed to count for PTSD. Additionally, H/h's relationship is established too abruptly. They're sniping back and forth, with her thinking (rather shallowly) about how his scars really do bother her and he's a jerk, and suddenly she's asking him to marry her and lusting over him. Scenes necessary to establish their connection are absent. She merely decides she's gotten used to his scars and he's not as jerky as her former fiance, plus she really needs to marry someone to put the nasty rumors in the rearview, and it's supposed to be love.
When the guests arrive for the wedding, we're suddenly in the middle of a silly mystery. The h's former fiance is ridiculous and for no reason other than being a cog in the plot lingers during and after the wedding. The villain is easy to figure out after one strange, stilted conversation and the motive makes absolutely no sense for that time period (I don't want to give away any spoilers, but you'll know what I mean when you get there). Plus the h's father behaves like a total ass for no reason at all. I have no idea what he and the h's mother were supposed to add to the story.
Besides anachronisms, there are misspellings and grammar errors that should have been caught by an editor. The sex scenes are steamy on the surface, but since H/h lacked depth, these scenes were just ho-hum.
Bottom line: Some writers think these days that if you just throw in some British titles and estates and a couple sex scenes you have yourself a Regency romance. But you also need characters and a believable plot. And please, folks, stop just relying on software editing to do all your work.
August 30, 2021
Very enjoyable read!
Very excellent story. Lots of simmering with just the right amount of spice. A wonderful romance with a bonus murder mystery thrown in at the end.
I didn't have high hopes for this story but I was pleasantly surprised.
Very excellent story. Lots of simmering with just the right amount of spice. A wonderful romance with a bonus murder mystery thrown in at the end.
I didn't have high hopes for this story but I was pleasantly surprised.
October 17, 2021
The steamy scenes are good, but there's not enough of them!
The relationship develops too quickly. We're told that they talk, but we never get to read about these talks. I would have love to see the relationship develop more and over a longer time period (in the book it's like 2-3 weeks). In the span of like two pages they go from just starting to use first names to being engaged! And as for those key relationship-building conversations on tough subjects (e.g. sibling death, military service, illegitimacy, compromise), only a few occur and it's like briefly squeezed into the book!
I didn't mind the H. But... he's described as "broken" and we're never really showed why/how. The h calls him "kind" but we never really see him be kind. He mentioned a rough military experience, but he never really has PTDS.
The wedding was a little odd. It was a setup for a mystery to fluff the plot.
This book needs like 100 more pages to really flesh out the characters and the plot.
The relationship develops too quickly. We're told that they talk, but we never get to read about these talks. I would have love to see the relationship develop more and over a longer time period (in the book it's like 2-3 weeks). In the span of like two pages they go from just starting to use first names to being engaged! And as for those key relationship-building conversations on tough subjects (e.g. sibling death, military service, illegitimacy, compromise), only a few occur and it's like briefly squeezed into the book!
I didn't mind the H. But... he's described as "broken" and we're never really showed why/how. The h calls him "kind" but we never really see him be kind. He mentioned a rough military experience, but he never really has PTDS.
The wedding was a little odd. It was a setup for a mystery to fluff the plot.
This book needs like 100 more pages to really flesh out the characters and the plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2021
Hysterical, badly written, trite junk.
Absolutely no point to this book. None.
Characters were one dimensional. No development. No changes.
Plot was the stereotypical" beautiful, disgraced woman saves the damaged man" garbage. Nothing innovative occurred .
Language was stilted, overwritten.
Enormous physical gaps on the page between what the editor assumed were paragraphs. There was no reason for this except perhaps the author was paid by the number of words?
Started it, read 30 pages, began to predict what was going to happen long before it did and just started laughing. Unbelievable .
Do not waste time or money.
Absolutely no point to this book. None.
Characters were one dimensional. No development. No changes.
Plot was the stereotypical" beautiful, disgraced woman saves the damaged man" garbage. Nothing innovative occurred .
Language was stilted, overwritten.
Enormous physical gaps on the page between what the editor assumed were paragraphs. There was no reason for this except perhaps the author was paid by the number of words?
Started it, read 30 pages, began to predict what was going to happen long before it did and just started laughing. Unbelievable .
Do not waste time or money.
August 3, 2021
Pleasing love story. While I'm not a fan of villains in historical romances, the mystery introduced toward the end of the book added a fun element. The reasoning for the "mischief" was a bit of a song and dance though. It doesn't bear up under too much scrutiny. Nevertheless, the story was absorbing. Plus, there was a double scoop of epilogue goodness. Sweeeet.
May 1, 2021
A beauty and beast tale.
This one is hot guys and so good it starts with a scandal but what Regina thinks is humiliation and devastation may turn out to be a blessing. Dear Miss Benson may think her nephew will not mind the visit but Slater Estate’s owner may not feel this way. Chapter two introduces the reader to the duke Alistair Benson a former soldier who came back changed in more ways than one. The twists start right from the beginning and the author just keeps on giving them it will keep you on your toes brilliant writing. Great drama and the ending chapter was splendid. Then came the epilogues and they were a lovely touch to the story. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This one is hot guys and so good it starts with a scandal but what Regina thinks is humiliation and devastation may turn out to be a blessing. Dear Miss Benson may think her nephew will not mind the visit but Slater Estate’s owner may not feel this way. Chapter two introduces the reader to the duke Alistair Benson a former soldier who came back changed in more ways than one. The twists start right from the beginning and the author just keeps on giving them it will keep you on your toes brilliant writing. Great drama and the ending chapter was splendid. Then came the epilogues and they were a lovely touch to the story. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
May 12, 2021
Alistair and Regina
Well written with wonderful characters intrigue. Alistair felt he was scared and no one would ever seen beyond the scares until he meant Regina. But things worked out for them and the aunt he thought was helping became the one who killed his sister in the end they get their HEA love the epilogue and extended epilogue would highly recommend this author and her books
Well written with wonderful characters intrigue. Alistair felt he was scared and no one would ever seen beyond the scares until he meant Regina. But things worked out for them and the aunt he thought was helping became the one who killed his sister in the end they get their HEA love the epilogue and extended epilogue would highly recommend this author and her books
April 28, 2021
A fantastic book
She has been Compromised by her lecherous betrothed so she runs away
Then she meets the Duke and proposal to enter a pretend marriage he is not very happy with this
He has hideous facial scars that hurts more deeply and is not sure if anyone will see behind the scars will she be the one
She has been Compromised by her lecherous betrothed so she runs away
Then she meets the Duke and proposal to enter a pretend marriage he is not very happy with this
He has hideous facial scars that hurts more deeply and is not sure if anyone will see behind the scars will she be the one
April 30, 2021
A beautiful soul or a beautiful body?
Some may consider it a new version of The Beauty and the Beast but I would say that it just is a 'must read' book. The long lasting beauty is inside and this is what you should choose. Get inspired by Regina and choose what it counts not what it fades in time. I truly recommend it!
Some may consider it a new version of The Beauty and the Beast but I would say that it just is a 'must read' book. The long lasting beauty is inside and this is what you should choose. Get inspired by Regina and choose what it counts not what it fades in time. I truly recommend it!
May 1, 2021
Beastly? Not really, but it's how Alistair sees himself and so withdraws from society. A breath of air breaths into his world, by the name of Regina. Touching tale of leaving darkness by learning to trust in yourself and others. Paints a true picture of the good and bad in characters. Good read!
Voluntarily read ARC for honest review.
Voluntarily read ARC for honest review.
April 28, 2021
It was a great read. Loved the character development and how the hero and heroine let loose their real feelings and not what society expected of them. I also loved the little intrigue and twist at the end, really well played by Ms. Hamers. Looking forward to more books by her.
May 12, 2021
Regina / Allstair
This book was like a modern Beauty and the Beast with a twist. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Allstair, disfigured and believing he had killed his sister never to be happy until Regina walked into his life. A must read.
This book was like a modern Beauty and the Beast with a twist. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Allstair, disfigured and believing he had killed his sister never to be happy until Regina walked into his life. A must read.
May 23, 2021
Beastly Duke
A scarred war hero allows a compromised lady to hide out for a while at his estate while things hopefully calm down for her in London. I liked the characters and the story and would recommend this book.
A scarred war hero allows a compromised lady to hide out for a while at his estate while things hopefully calm down for her in London. I liked the characters and the story and would recommend this book.
June 11, 2021
This story was great! Although it was a bit wordy in places, the story line was enjoyable. Alistair is a war veteran and a Duke who was scarred in the war and Regina is a young woman embroiled in a scandal and needs a place to recoup to save her reputation.
July 21, 2021
4.5 🤩
I love a beauty and the beast retelling!
This was very cute, well done and the h/H combo were just adorable!
Quick and engaging read, some grammatical errors but easily overlooked. I enjoyed this author and will read her books again.
I love a beauty and the beast retelling!
This was very cute, well done and the h/H combo were just adorable!
Quick and engaging read, some grammatical errors but easily overlooked. I enjoyed this author and will read her books again.
April 10, 2022
Excellent story
This was an excellent story. It contained an unique who done it mystery that was not revealed until the end. It was written in such a way as to be a surprise in the end. It also contained a wonderful love story. Well worth reading!
This was an excellent story. It contained an unique who done it mystery that was not revealed until the end. It was written in such a way as to be a surprise in the end. It also contained a wonderful love story. Well worth reading!
April 15, 2022
A Rogue’s Mistake!
Josephine is ruined by the advances of her almost fiancée, runs to the country with her best friend and her aunt. To the estate of a recluse Duke, who was disfigured in the war, want to be alone! But you know this won’t happen! Delightful book.
Josephine is ruined by the advances of her almost fiancée, runs to the country with her best friend and her aunt. To the estate of a recluse Duke, who was disfigured in the war, want to be alone! But you know this won’t happen! Delightful book.
May 19, 2022
Loving Beast
Enjoyed the love, the mystery and all the scheming between the secondary characters. The story shows us it’s what’s on the inside of our hearts and not outwardly appearances.
Enjoyed the love, the mystery and all the scheming between the secondary characters. The story shows us it’s what’s on the inside of our hearts and not outwardly appearances.
June 1, 2022
Totally riveting!
In all the plot twist and turns I would never have envisioned the outcome. This is an emotional rollercoaster of a tale. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the best of Violet Hamers.
A must read!
In all the plot twist and turns I would never have envisioned the outcome. This is an emotional rollercoaster of a tale. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the best of Violet Hamers.
A must read!
August 2, 2024
I really liked it in the beginning. Thought it was going to be intriguing since Beauty and the Beast retellings are a favourite of mine. This went downhill after chapter 12. Plot was ridiculous and don't get me started on the villain. Wasted opportunity.
October 2, 2024
Mystery, heartbreak and love
Mystery, heartbreak, mistrust, and love, what more can a reader want in a story! From beginning to the end this story captures your attention immediately.
Mystery, heartbreak, mistrust, and love, what more can a reader want in a story! From beginning to the end this story captures your attention immediately.
April 29, 2021
Enjoyed this Regency romance.
May 3, 2021
This is a great read.....there is mystery, intrigue, long-held hatred, murder and of course a wonderful romance......very hard to put down.....a must read.....❤️🇦🇺❤️
May 16, 2021
This was good.
April 12, 2022
Regina fled London supposedly comprised. Fled to countryside and stayed in manor belonging to Alistair who was scarred from his service against France. Intrigue and poison affect both them.
June 17, 2022
love love it . was a page turner didn't want to put down a must read almost like Beauty and the Beast which is my favorite movie.
July 18, 2022
I couldn’t put this book down!
From the first page I was interested and I finished the 2 nd half of the book in one sitting. I will look for more books by this author!
From the first page I was interested and I finished the 2 nd half of the book in one sitting. I will look for more books by this author!
February 1, 2023
It was kind of meh tbh...
August 18, 2025
Felt like everything happened way to suddenly and I really disliked the push and pulling between them constantly
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews