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Sins for All Seasons #6
A Tentação do Bastardo
O mocinho mais aguardado na Harlequin chega para contar sua história na conclusão da série Irmãos Trewlove!
ALTHEA STANWICK era a dama perfeita, destinada a se casar com o lorde perfeito, até que uma traição deixa sua família sem título, sem dinheiro e sem perspectivas. Mas, apesar de ter perdido sua antiga vida, Althea arquiteta um plano escandaloso: se tornar perita na arte da sedução, para poder controlar os homens que a esnobaram e retornar à sociedade em seus próprios termos. E ela até já tem um professor em mente.
BENEDICT TREWLOVE, mais conhecido como Fera, pode não conhecer sua ascendência, mas sabe seu lugar: na parte mais sombria de Londres, oferecendo proteção a quem precisa. Quando uma beldade misteriosa, deslocada em meio ao vício e ao pecado, chama sua atenção, Fera não sabe se é seu instinto protetor falando ou algo mais complexo. Para descobrir, ele lhe oferece um emprego como tutora de suas protegidas. Ele só não esperava uma contraproposta…
A tentação do bastardo é o sexto e último livro da série best-seller de Lorraine Heath, autora premiada de romances de época e uma verdadeira rainha do gênero.
ALTHEA STANWICK era a dama perfeita, destinada a se casar com o lorde perfeito, até que uma traição deixa sua família sem título, sem dinheiro e sem perspectivas. Mas, apesar de ter perdido sua antiga vida, Althea arquiteta um plano escandaloso: se tornar perita na arte da sedução, para poder controlar os homens que a esnobaram e retornar à sociedade em seus próprios termos. E ela até já tem um professor em mente.
BENEDICT TREWLOVE, mais conhecido como Fera, pode não conhecer sua ascendência, mas sabe seu lugar: na parte mais sombria de Londres, oferecendo proteção a quem precisa. Quando uma beldade misteriosa, deslocada em meio ao vício e ao pecado, chama sua atenção, Fera não sabe se é seu instinto protetor falando ou algo mais complexo. Para descobrir, ele lhe oferece um emprego como tutora de suas protegidas. Ele só não esperava uma contraproposta…
A tentação do bastardo é o sexto e último livro da série best-seller de Lorraine Heath, autora premiada de romances de época e uma verdadeira rainha do gênero.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2020
370 people are currently reading
3262 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Heath
90 books4,376 followersAlso writes Young Adult under Rachel Hawthorne, Jade Parker, and with her son as J.A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
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October 28, 2020
4.5 steamy beauty and the beast retelling stars
It's been awhile since I have had the chance to read a Lorraine Heath book, and boy have I missed them! She almost always includes all the elements of a historical romance that I love: fast-moving story line, swoon-worthy H's, relatable/likeable h's, a twist or two along the way, and STEAMY GOODNESS GALORE!
Benedict Trewlove (know as "Beast" in Whitechapel) is one of the several bastard children placed in the care of Mrs. Trewlove when he was an infant. His birth mother was desperate to protect her son, and though she swore she would return for him as soon as possible, 33 years later, Beast has found his own path as a businessman with the makeshift family that he loves. He has also inadvertently taken on the role of protector for several ladies of the night... a situation that came about because of his significant size and his kind nature. When he visits his sister's pub for a scotch, he can't help but notice a new barmaid who is definitely out of place in this part of London. Though he isn't sure why, Beast finds himself drawn to her and wanting to help her --- and he knows just how. As a lady, she can help the women who work for him learn the ways of polite society and assist them in honing their other skills so that they can find respectable employment, and he can get out of the protector/brothel business he never intended to be involved in.
Althea Stanwick was the daughter of a nobleman who was accused of and hung for treason; thus, she and her two older brothers have had all of their titles, properties, entailments, and belongings stripped from them. Her mother died of the heartbreak and shame, and her fiancee, an earl, immediately cut her from his life. She has tried a few jobs, but has yet to find one that she is good at and that she can make enough money to support herself. Her latest barmaid gig has resulted in her receiving way too many inappropriate proposals, suggestive comments, and even the occasional bottom pinching... She's had it. So when the man at the back of the bar says he has a proposition for her, she is NOT INTERESTED and firmly lets him know.
But Althea can't help but feel drawn to Beast, and he to her, so when she finally actually asks what the proposition is and learns that it is not only respectable but could also be very lucrative, she accepts. She has a counteroffer though... Beast must teach her how to be a temptress so that she can attract a wealthy protector and have both means and control over her life once again. But what will happen when the "lessons" reveal a deeper connection between them that they cannot ignore? Can Althea abandon her dreams of re-entering the nobility as a sought after courtesan? Will Beast realize that his birth status doesn't matter to the woman who truly loves him for who he is? And what will happen when the secrets of Beast's past are revealed?
What I liked:
--- Beast was definitely the kind of H I like: tough but gentle, smart but not condescending; stronger despite his lot in life; and tall, dark, & handsome! Althea was a likeable h who was taking control of her life instead of wringing her hands or throwing herself at the mercy of a desperate wealthy creep to save her, she gets a job and comes up with a plan
--- Chemistry between the two was very apparent and very enjoyable -- I like that their relationship developed over time that they actually got to know each other vs just falling on each other and going from there
--- Beast's family dynamics were fun to see even though I had not read the books specifically about the other "siblings," but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of their involvement in the story
--- STEAMY GOODNESS
What I didn't like as much:
--- I usually like a little more action/adventure/intrigue in my stories, and while this had a little bit of that with Beast's story coming to light, it wasn't as much as I typically enjoy
--- I don't like angst once the couples have agreed to be together; I get the reasons, though
Overall, an engaging and fast-paced plot with likeable H/h couple, steamy goodness, and (of course) the HEA the readers were rooting for! The plight of Althea's brothers grabbed my attention, so I am hoping to get my hands on their stories next!
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- some (f word)
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
It's been awhile since I have had the chance to read a Lorraine Heath book, and boy have I missed them! She almost always includes all the elements of a historical romance that I love: fast-moving story line, swoon-worthy H's, relatable/likeable h's, a twist or two along the way, and STEAMY GOODNESS GALORE!
Benedict Trewlove (know as "Beast" in Whitechapel) is one of the several bastard children placed in the care of Mrs. Trewlove when he was an infant. His birth mother was desperate to protect her son, and though she swore she would return for him as soon as possible, 33 years later, Beast has found his own path as a businessman with the makeshift family that he loves. He has also inadvertently taken on the role of protector for several ladies of the night... a situation that came about because of his significant size and his kind nature. When he visits his sister's pub for a scotch, he can't help but notice a new barmaid who is definitely out of place in this part of London. Though he isn't sure why, Beast finds himself drawn to her and wanting to help her --- and he knows just how. As a lady, she can help the women who work for him learn the ways of polite society and assist them in honing their other skills so that they can find respectable employment, and he can get out of the protector/brothel business he never intended to be involved in.
Althea Stanwick was the daughter of a nobleman who was accused of and hung for treason; thus, she and her two older brothers have had all of their titles, properties, entailments, and belongings stripped from them. Her mother died of the heartbreak and shame, and her fiancee, an earl, immediately cut her from his life. She has tried a few jobs, but has yet to find one that she is good at and that she can make enough money to support herself. Her latest barmaid gig has resulted in her receiving way too many inappropriate proposals, suggestive comments, and even the occasional bottom pinching... She's had it. So when the man at the back of the bar says he has a proposition for her, she is NOT INTERESTED and firmly lets him know.
But Althea can't help but feel drawn to Beast, and he to her, so when she finally actually asks what the proposition is and learns that it is not only respectable but could also be very lucrative, she accepts. She has a counteroffer though... Beast must teach her how to be a temptress so that she can attract a wealthy protector and have both means and control over her life once again. But what will happen when the "lessons" reveal a deeper connection between them that they cannot ignore? Can Althea abandon her dreams of re-entering the nobility as a sought after courtesan? Will Beast realize that his birth status doesn't matter to the woman who truly loves him for who he is? And what will happen when the secrets of Beast's past are revealed?
What I liked:
--- Beast was definitely the kind of H I like: tough but gentle, smart but not condescending; stronger despite his lot in life; and tall, dark, & handsome! Althea was a likeable h who was taking control of her life instead of wringing her hands or throwing herself at the mercy of a desperate wealthy creep to save her, she gets a job and comes up with a plan
--- Chemistry between the two was very apparent and very enjoyable -- I like that their relationship developed over time that they actually got to know each other vs just falling on each other and going from there
--- Beast's family dynamics were fun to see even though I had not read the books specifically about the other "siblings," but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of their involvement in the story
--- STEAMY GOODNESS
What I didn't like as much:
--- I usually like a little more action/adventure/intrigue in my stories, and while this had a little bit of that with Beast's story coming to light, it wasn't as much as I typically enjoy
--- I don't like angst once the couples have agreed to be together; I get the reasons, though
Overall, an engaging and fast-paced plot with likeable H/h couple, steamy goodness, and (of course) the HEA the readers were rooting for! The plight of Althea's brothers grabbed my attention, so I am hoping to get my hands on their stories next!
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- some (f word)
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 8, 2021
For many readers, Beauty Tempts the Beast, is the book we have all been waiting for from the Sins for All Season series.
Finally, we have the story of Benedict Trewlove, also known as Beast. Although Beast is huge, he does not earn his nickname the way you might think. He is knows as Beast for a reason rarely discussed in HR.
A young woman, obviously in fear and promising to return in a few days, dropped the Beast off into the tender care of baby farmer Ettie Trewlove. Baby farming was one of the more heinous practices in Victorian London. Mothers or fathers brought their by-blows to women who were usually paid a lump sum to “care” for the child. Sometimes the child made it to an orphanage. Usually the baby farmer murdered the child outright or let the child die. The aristocrats usually preferred door number two.
Ettie decided to raise and love the five children brought to her. Fourteen years later Ettie gave birth to her own daughter. The other children have known their parentage, except for Beast. He has always felt forgotten.
One night Beast is hanging out at the pub his sister owns and spots that one of the new barmaids is obviously an aristocrat, and a true fish out of water.
The two youngest children of a duke, Althea (Thea) Stanwick and her brother were ejected from their home in the middle of the night. After the humiliating end to their aristocratic way of life, they were forced to move to Whitechapel and find work. They lost money, prestige and titles.
Beast devises a plan that would help him finally close the brothel that he never wanted, he only owned the building to keep the women safe. He would need Thea’s help in preparing the women for new lives.
Thea conceives an audacious and shocking plan that would result in her claiming some of the power she lost. She has decided to never again be at the mercy of men, including Beast. But the plans are perfect for them to aid themselves and each other. Of course there is heat between them. Heat they try so hard to resist.
Thea is a fascinating woman; she conceives her plan in order to return to her rightful world, even as she learned to hate it. Thea also took a long look at her behavior toward others and found out there was more than one kind of shame.
Beast and Thea both conceived original plans, but then much of Heath’s writing is refreshing as it encompasses aspects of the aristocracy HR’s usually ignore.
Heath always writes intriguing characters with a large dose of heart.
As this is the last Trewlove book, all of the previous brothers and sister made their appearances. The Trewloves will probably pop up in two other books featuring Thea’s brothers.
Beauty Tempts the Beast ends with a lovely epilogue, set 37 years in the future when the Trewlove family gather. It is there that a sweet secret Ettie has been keeping for 25 years is revealed, saucy minx that she is.
I can’t really think of a discordant note, in Beauty Tempts the Beast. The writing, plot and characters are all like Thea’s former life, first class.
Thank you to NetGalley for an Arc. The opinion in the review are all my own.
Finally, we have the story of Benedict Trewlove, also known as Beast. Although Beast is huge, he does not earn his nickname the way you might think. He is knows as Beast for a reason rarely discussed in HR.
A young woman, obviously in fear and promising to return in a few days, dropped the Beast off into the tender care of baby farmer Ettie Trewlove. Baby farming was one of the more heinous practices in Victorian London. Mothers or fathers brought their by-blows to women who were usually paid a lump sum to “care” for the child. Sometimes the child made it to an orphanage. Usually the baby farmer murdered the child outright or let the child die. The aristocrats usually preferred door number two.
Ettie decided to raise and love the five children brought to her. Fourteen years later Ettie gave birth to her own daughter. The other children have known their parentage, except for Beast. He has always felt forgotten.
One night Beast is hanging out at the pub his sister owns and spots that one of the new barmaids is obviously an aristocrat, and a true fish out of water.
The two youngest children of a duke, Althea (Thea) Stanwick and her brother were ejected from their home in the middle of the night. After the humiliating end to their aristocratic way of life, they were forced to move to Whitechapel and find work. They lost money, prestige and titles.
Beast devises a plan that would help him finally close the brothel that he never wanted, he only owned the building to keep the women safe. He would need Thea’s help in preparing the women for new lives.
Thea conceives an audacious and shocking plan that would result in her claiming some of the power she lost. She has decided to never again be at the mercy of men, including Beast. But the plans are perfect for them to aid themselves and each other. Of course there is heat between them. Heat they try so hard to resist.
Thea is a fascinating woman; she conceives her plan in order to return to her rightful world, even as she learned to hate it. Thea also took a long look at her behavior toward others and found out there was more than one kind of shame.
Beast and Thea both conceived original plans, but then much of Heath’s writing is refreshing as it encompasses aspects of the aristocracy HR’s usually ignore.
Heath always writes intriguing characters with a large dose of heart.
As this is the last Trewlove book, all of the previous brothers and sister made their appearances. The Trewloves will probably pop up in two other books featuring Thea’s brothers.
Beauty Tempts the Beast ends with a lovely epilogue, set 37 years in the future when the Trewlove family gather. It is there that a sweet secret Ettie has been keeping for 25 years is revealed, saucy minx that she is.
I can’t really think of a discordant note, in Beauty Tempts the Beast. The writing, plot and characters are all like Thea’s former life, first class.
Thank you to NetGalley for an Arc. The opinion in the review are all my own.
September 21, 2022
I will never know peace again. Beast is the ultimate hero in this series. I loved seeing the characters from the next series and how they overlapped here! I just loved the plot and the relationship and literally everything. The third act breakup mirrored Fancy’s book and TRIED to break me but I remained calm and beautiful in the face of adversity. The epilogue destroyed my peace and I’ll never get a full night’s sleep again.
September 24, 2020
Beauty Tempts the Beast is the final book in the Sins for All Seasons series and while I didn't read the previous books it read fine as a stand alone. I thought this book was ok. For starters I didn't like Althea. She is a proper young lady who needs to reinvent herself after her fathers betrayal that left her and her brothers outcast. Benedict is basically a kind hearted pimp who doesn't take money for the ladies who entertain in the home they all live in. He has helped all the woman to get new jobs but the ones left are a little harder. His idea is to have Althea train them in how to be respectable young woman. Althea's idea is she wants to be a Mistress and strikes a deal with Benedict for him to train her. Honestly the whole idea of the story was just not for me.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own***
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own***
August 29, 2020
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Beauty Tempts The Beast is the final installment in the "Sins For All Seasons" series and I can't believe this series is over. Although I definitely can see hints for a spin off series if the author chooses to do so, which, I am very curious to see if she does or will she leave us hanging. I guess we will find out what happens. And even though this series I have struggled with I really have appreciated where Lorraine Heath has taken this in the theme of "Baby Farmers" definitely a topic that is so rarely addressed in historical's. And I will say that I was really looking forward to Beast's story, he has always been one of my favorites of the siblings, but, the heroine really ruined this book for me.
Althea Stanwick was once a member of the Aristocracy, but then, her father was found to be a traitor to the crown and conspired against their country and her mother died from the shock and she and her brothers lost everything. She is a barmaid at a pub "The Mermaid" where she meets Beast. There is a connection from the beginning. But after some thinking Althea decides to take control of her life and wants to learn to seduce men and have that power over them and she wants Beast to train her. But Beast offers her an additional proposition.....if she teaches the women at a brothel he owns to be proper and more respectable so they can stop making money by selling their bodies he will give her seduction lessons. But before long those lessons turns into something more than just an agreement between Beast and Althea....it turns into love when they least expect it.
Beauty Tempts The Beast was a likable story in many ways but to be honest the heroine really turned this off for me in the beginning. At first I was really drawn into this story but having just read a book with a similar plot where the heroine wants to seduce and control men ....not really my cup of tea or at least not the way it was written to be honest. I can definitely understand why Althea wants to take control over her own life especially with how she and her brothers were so horribly treated, but the way she goes about this plan just rubbed me the wrong way.
However, the HERO ....*sigh* such a dream boat. I love the various levels to his character that we see in this book and I just fell for him instantly. At first we just see him as this broody hero who is protective of Althea and really any woman to be honest. He has money and connections and uses his wealth to help others. And he is an author. Just a man of many talents and so strong in his character and loyalty to his family and those he loves the most. I love how he is always fighting for Althea even when she spurns his love. He is so devoted to her in many ways and never stops fighting.
I wish that I could have enjoyed this book a bit more, I really had high hopes for it but I think just reading two books in a row with similar plots and unlikable heroines just turned me off from this book. But I am not sure I was ever fully endeared to this heroine, especially since she doesn't really redeem herself in the end, the ending actually made me like her even less. But I am hoping that the next book from this author I will enjoy way more and curious to see what she has planned for us in the future.
Beauty Tempts The Beast is the final installment in the "Sins For All Seasons" series and I can't believe this series is over. Although I definitely can see hints for a spin off series if the author chooses to do so, which, I am very curious to see if she does or will she leave us hanging. I guess we will find out what happens. And even though this series I have struggled with I really have appreciated where Lorraine Heath has taken this in the theme of "Baby Farmers" definitely a topic that is so rarely addressed in historical's. And I will say that I was really looking forward to Beast's story, he has always been one of my favorites of the siblings, but, the heroine really ruined this book for me.
He understood the power of touch, of feeling a connection, of knowing someone was there for him, would always be there for him
Althea Stanwick was once a member of the Aristocracy, but then, her father was found to be a traitor to the crown and conspired against their country and her mother died from the shock and she and her brothers lost everything. She is a barmaid at a pub "The Mermaid" where she meets Beast. There is a connection from the beginning. But after some thinking Althea decides to take control of her life and wants to learn to seduce men and have that power over them and she wants Beast to train her. But Beast offers her an additional proposition.....if she teaches the women at a brothel he owns to be proper and more respectable so they can stop making money by selling their bodies he will give her seduction lessons. But before long those lessons turns into something more than just an agreement between Beast and Althea....it turns into love when they least expect it.
It had been only a kiss in the same manner a feast was merely one dish or a storm a single raindrop or a blizzard a solitary snowflake.
Beauty Tempts The Beast was a likable story in many ways but to be honest the heroine really turned this off for me in the beginning. At first I was really drawn into this story but having just read a book with a similar plot where the heroine wants to seduce and control men ....not really my cup of tea or at least not the way it was written to be honest. I can definitely understand why Althea wants to take control over her own life especially with how she and her brothers were so horribly treated, but the way she goes about this plan just rubbed me the wrong way.
However, the HERO ....*sigh* such a dream boat. I love the various levels to his character that we see in this book and I just fell for him instantly. At first we just see him as this broody hero who is protective of Althea and really any woman to be honest. He has money and connections and uses his wealth to help others. And he is an author. Just a man of many talents and so strong in his character and loyalty to his family and those he loves the most. I love how he is always fighting for Althea even when she spurns his love. He is so devoted to her in many ways and never stops fighting.
I wish that I could have enjoyed this book a bit more, I really had high hopes for it but I think just reading two books in a row with similar plots and unlikable heroines just turned me off from this book. But I am not sure I was ever fully endeared to this heroine, especially since she doesn't really redeem herself in the end, the ending actually made me like her even less. But I am hoping that the next book from this author I will enjoy way more and curious to see what she has planned for us in the future.
February 12, 2022
Heath sure knows how to end a series...
5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
July 2, 2020
Rating 3.5
ARC provided by NetGalley and Avon in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.
We open the first chapter with "beasts"/Benedict's as a baby being dropped off to Ettie Trewolves who cares for unwanted children (babies born out of wedlock). It's a sad first chapter but is key to who Benedict is and becomes.
Beast and Thea meet when she's a barmaid at the Mermaid and Unicorn. He becomes intrigued and realizes that she doesn't belong in this rough and offensive atmosphere. Beast believes that she is a lady and isn't part of his world. They strike up a conversation and he frequents the bar often. As time passes he proposes to Thea that she help teach woman manners and training in a certain vocation. The woman live in a brothel under Ben's protection, he is just there to provide a "safe environment". He believes she can help them find a new life and move on and he can shut down the building. But Thea has a proposition for Beast, she wants him to teach her how to become a seductress. Beast was right that Thea isn't part of his world, Thea has been expelled from society as her family has been accused of treason so her life there is over. Hence her desire to find a way to provide for herself. They agree to a three month timetable.
The two have chemistry from day one and the more time they spend together the attraction and feelings intensify. As time passes there are new revelations about Thea and Ben that cause some shift in their relationship and each have to face some tough decisions individually and as a pair.
I really liked Ben, even in past books he was this big teddy bear. His character evolves and at times a little off but all in all my favorite. Thea wasn't my favorite heroine of LC. I found her somewhat wishy washy and somewhat off putting at times.
Their love story was a rollercoaster but sweet and definitely had a happy ending. I loved the epilogue!! The story line was good and pacing was good as well.
ARC provided by NetGalley and Avon in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.
We open the first chapter with "beasts"/Benedict's as a baby being dropped off to Ettie Trewolves who cares for unwanted children (babies born out of wedlock). It's a sad first chapter but is key to who Benedict is and becomes.
Beast and Thea meet when she's a barmaid at the Mermaid and Unicorn. He becomes intrigued and realizes that she doesn't belong in this rough and offensive atmosphere. Beast believes that she is a lady and isn't part of his world. They strike up a conversation and he frequents the bar often. As time passes he proposes to Thea that she help teach woman manners and training in a certain vocation. The woman live in a brothel under Ben's protection, he is just there to provide a "safe environment". He believes she can help them find a new life and move on and he can shut down the building. But Thea has a proposition for Beast, she wants him to teach her how to become a seductress. Beast was right that Thea isn't part of his world, Thea has been expelled from society as her family has been accused of treason so her life there is over. Hence her desire to find a way to provide for herself. They agree to a three month timetable.
The two have chemistry from day one and the more time they spend together the attraction and feelings intensify. As time passes there are new revelations about Thea and Ben that cause some shift in their relationship and each have to face some tough decisions individually and as a pair.
I really liked Ben, even in past books he was this big teddy bear. His character evolves and at times a little off but all in all my favorite. Thea wasn't my favorite heroine of LC. I found her somewhat wishy washy and somewhat off putting at times.
Their love story was a rollercoaster but sweet and definitely had a happy ending. I loved the epilogue!! The story line was good and pacing was good as well.
January 15, 2024
5-The-Original-Beauty-And-The-Beast-Can-Go-Hang-Stars
“Sometimes when life puts us on a path we don’t necessarily want to travel, we discover it was a journey we needed to take in order to secure happiness.” - The Earl of Rosemont.
Make a way people a new favourite has arrived. Finally, I can see what is the fuss with Lorraine Heath. Not having had the best experience with her, with this book, I am absolutely ready to hop on board the LH train.
Ten - The number of stars it deserves.
Six - The number of hours it took to read this.
Five - The number of stars I gave it.
Two - The number of proposals Ben doled out.
One - The number of lines it took to follow the declarations of love.
Zero - The number of faults in this story.
It's been a while since I read an elegant, sensual, mysterious, intriguing, loving, beautiful, romantic story. This little countdown to Ben and Thea's HEA constituted a well-spent day.
Everything - The number of things that worked in this book.
Review
- It's a shame I had to work today, or I would have read this in a single sitting. This was such a wonderfully penned novel.
- Even with the unusual plot, the romance was front and centre. A perfect character-driven setting made it all the more deep. There were layers to this story that unfolded to tell a tale of love, not only between Ben and Althea but with the familial bonds of birth or adoption.
- I found myself rooting for these two every step of the way, along every hurdle, all the pain, suffering and humiliation. They were each other's strength, and I adored that.
- I especially admired how Althea's character evolved. It must not have been easy to plummet from the pinnacle of society, but not once did I see entitlement emerge. There were realisations, deep-rooted understanding, eye-opening experiences, (tremendous) adaptation and humility to top it all off. She garnered my respect with her dignity and kindness.
- Benedict will forever have a place on my book-boyfriend shelf. How dare they refer to him as a beast? He was a huggy-squishy panda bear. A man of few words but all the right ones. He was an alpha marshmallow and a kind soul.
- There was a tenderness to their romance, and I lapped it all up. I loved how attuned they were to each other, unafraid to share the deepest, darkest secrets, seeking comfort and solace from one another, and open, accepting and loving towards each other.
- A special shoutout to the author for her touching description of the prostitutes. She went beyond the trade and painted them in humanitarian light without pity and judgement, and I found it admirable. It was a small part of the story but a commendable one.
- This book hooked me enough to want to read the following series with Marcus and Griffith.
Honestly, this drab review is taking away the pretty glow of this story. Just read it.
“Sometimes when life puts us on a path we don’t necessarily want to travel, we discover it was a journey we needed to take in order to secure happiness.” - The Earl of Rosemont.
Make a way people a new favourite has arrived. Finally, I can see what is the fuss with Lorraine Heath. Not having had the best experience with her, with this book, I am absolutely ready to hop on board the LH train.
Ten - The number of stars it deserves.
Six - The number of hours it took to read this.
Five - The number of stars I gave it.
Two - The number of proposals Ben doled out.
One - The number of lines it took to follow the declarations of love.
Zero - The number of faults in this story.
It's been a while since I read an elegant, sensual, mysterious, intriguing, loving, beautiful, romantic story. This little countdown to Ben and Thea's HEA constituted a well-spent day.
Everything - The number of things that worked in this book.
Review
- It's a shame I had to work today, or I would have read this in a single sitting. This was such a wonderfully penned novel.
- Even with the unusual plot, the romance was front and centre. A perfect character-driven setting made it all the more deep. There were layers to this story that unfolded to tell a tale of love, not only between Ben and Althea but with the familial bonds of birth or adoption.
- I found myself rooting for these two every step of the way, along every hurdle, all the pain, suffering and humiliation. They were each other's strength, and I adored that.
- I especially admired how Althea's character evolved. It must not have been easy to plummet from the pinnacle of society, but not once did I see entitlement emerge. There were realisations, deep-rooted understanding, eye-opening experiences, (tremendous) adaptation and humility to top it all off. She garnered my respect with her dignity and kindness.
- Benedict will forever have a place on my book-boyfriend shelf. How dare they refer to him as a beast? He was a huggy-squishy panda bear. A man of few words but all the right ones. He was an alpha marshmallow and a kind soul.
- There was a tenderness to their romance, and I lapped it all up. I loved how attuned they were to each other, unafraid to share the deepest, darkest secrets, seeking comfort and solace from one another, and open, accepting and loving towards each other.
- A special shoutout to the author for her touching description of the prostitutes. She went beyond the trade and painted them in humanitarian light without pity and judgement, and I found it admirable. It was a small part of the story but a commendable one.
- This book hooked me enough to want to read the following series with Marcus and Griffith.
Honestly, this drab review is taking away the pretty glow of this story. Just read it.
April 7, 2021
This is the last book in the Sins For All Seasons series. I enjoy retellings - this is one of my favorites!
Hero Benedict Trewlove aka Beast, was orphaned as a baby. His mother appearing on the doorstep of Ettie Trewlove known for taking in babies born out of wedlock. He’s one of six babies Ettie’s taken in - all have their own story in this series.
Our heroine went from Lady Althea to Miss Stanwick.. losing her fiancé, friends and her lifestyle. Her father, the Duke of Wolfford, has been hung for treason, the Crown confiscating his titles and properties. He was involved in a plot to assassinate the Queen, her mother passing shortly after. After losing everything, Althea has to learn to do for herself.
Althea now lives (w/Griffith, her brother + the spare) on the dark side of London in Whitechapel, and works as a barmaid where she meets Beast. He’s immediately intrigued with her. She doesn’t talk, look or carry herself like other women living in Whitechapel. He knew the woman didn’t belong there. As much as he knew he’d never planned to be a brothel owner. Beast protects the women there which is why they’re living in the home he owns.
After Beast saves Althea from a man attacking her, he reaches out to Althea offering her a better paying job. With his protection, of course, living under his roof.
To not be a burden on her brothers, she strikes a bargain with Beast. She’ll do Beast’s bidding by tutoring the women living in the brothel on how to act proper to find respectable jobs -AND- Beast will teach her how to be a seductress - as she wants to be a Lord’s mistress and return to society on her own terms.
Every moment forward, Beast is struggling not to give in to the temptation of Thea. Thea doing her best to tempt Beast. Their chemistry is off-the-charts. I adored their witty conversations, and that scene at the gambling hall was hilarious. I loved these characters. I loved watching Beast struggle to find a way to keep Thea in his life. Loved his family’s involvement in helping that along. I can’t stop gushing - Lorraine Heath blew me away with her writing, again!!
You can read about Althea’s brothers in the new Once Upon a Dukedom duology. The first book released 3/30/21 is Scoundrel of My Heart.
Hero Benedict Trewlove aka Beast, was orphaned as a baby. His mother appearing on the doorstep of Ettie Trewlove known for taking in babies born out of wedlock. He’s one of six babies Ettie’s taken in - all have their own story in this series.
Our heroine went from Lady Althea to Miss Stanwick.. losing her fiancé, friends and her lifestyle. Her father, the Duke of Wolfford, has been hung for treason, the Crown confiscating his titles and properties. He was involved in a plot to assassinate the Queen, her mother passing shortly after. After losing everything, Althea has to learn to do for herself.
Althea now lives (w/Griffith, her brother + the spare) on the dark side of London in Whitechapel, and works as a barmaid where she meets Beast. He’s immediately intrigued with her. She doesn’t talk, look or carry herself like other women living in Whitechapel. He knew the woman didn’t belong there. As much as he knew he’d never planned to be a brothel owner. Beast protects the women there which is why they’re living in the home he owns.
After Beast saves Althea from a man attacking her, he reaches out to Althea offering her a better paying job. With his protection, of course, living under his roof.
To not be a burden on her brothers, she strikes a bargain with Beast. She’ll do Beast’s bidding by tutoring the women living in the brothel on how to act proper to find respectable jobs -AND- Beast will teach her how to be a seductress - as she wants to be a Lord’s mistress and return to society on her own terms.
Every moment forward, Beast is struggling not to give in to the temptation of Thea. Thea doing her best to tempt Beast. Their chemistry is off-the-charts. I adored their witty conversations, and that scene at the gambling hall was hilarious. I loved these characters. I loved watching Beast struggle to find a way to keep Thea in his life. Loved his family’s involvement in helping that along. I can’t stop gushing - Lorraine Heath blew me away with her writing, again!!
You can read about Althea’s brothers in the new Once Upon a Dukedom duology. The first book released 3/30/21 is Scoundrel of My Heart.
September 15, 2020
Series: Sins for All Seasons #6
Publication Date: 9/29/20
Number of Pages: 384
It is poignant and bittersweet to bid farewell to the Trewlove clan in this, the final book in the series. This world needs more Ettie Trewloves in it. She took in six children in the stews of London – cast-off children, by-blows of the aristocrats – and she raised those children as her own. She loved them, taught them love and respect, and saw that they were educated, even though that meant teaching themselves. I’ve loved each of Ettie’s children – Mick, Gillie, Finn, Aiden, Fancy, and now Beast (Ben). I have been anxiously awaiting Beast’s story because he’s always like a shadow – secretive and in the background of each story – and he has intrigued me. All I can say is that I think it is the best story of the series. Not only is the story steamy and romantic with a hero who is one of the most generous and honorable men you’ll ever meet, but the Epilogue is absolutely to die for. It may be one of the best Epilogues I’ve ever read.
Benedict Trewlove began protecting people when he was just a young lad. He was big and gangly at the time, but he still had the nickname of Beast. That caring and protectiveness are how he came to be the owner of a brothel. He hates owning the brothel. He assures the ladies are protected. He takes no money from the ladies. He also does not partake of the ladies themselves. He has found other occupations for most of the ladies, but he still has a few for whom finding other employment has been more difficult. If he could just do something for them, he could close the place down. What he needs is someone to teach them proper ways of doing things so they can become seamstresses or whatever else they’d like to be.
Just the person he needed dropped right into his lap when he went to his sister’s pub for a drink. She was riveting and she definitely didn’t belong in this place. He was sure she had Mayfair written all over her – but she very firmly rebuffed his questions. That, of course, only piqued his interest more. When he told her that he had a proposition for her, she went ballistic and made assumptions that weren’t true, but he could see where she might leap to that conclusion since she didn’t know him.
Lady Althea Stanwick, daughter of a duke, once the darling of the ton, had her world turned upside down. Everything was stripped from her and her brothers when her father was caught and hanged for treason. They were turned out of their home with little more than the clothes on their backs. She was now just plain Miss Althea Stanwick and she and her younger brother, Griffin were living in a cold, unfurnished shack in Whitechapel. Nobody would hire her as a governess or companion, so she’d tried other jobs – like a seamstress, but she was soon dismissed because her stitching just wasn’t fine enough for quality clothing. Now, she’s working at the Mermaid and Unicorn serving drinks to customers. She tries to keep her head down in order to escape being noticed by the men, but that doesn’t always work. She’ll just have to do her best because she cannot afford to lose her position.
After overhearing a conversation between her brothers, Althea makes a life-changing decision. She will take the Beast up on his proposition and become his mistress. OH! MY! However, when she tells him she’ll be his mistress – he tells her that wasn’t his proposition. Sharp and quick thinker that she is, she makes an alternate proposal.
I absolutely loved how resolute Beast was – how protective. Althea was determined to get some ‘lessons’ for herself and Beast was determined not to give them. I loved watching them fight their attraction. When Beast loves, it is totally, deeply, and forever. He is a wonderfully sigh-worthy hero.
I hope you’ll read and enjoy this book as much as I did. Just be prepared – you’ll run the gamut of emotions right along with Beast and Althea. Joy, heartbreak, anger, shock, triumph, revenge – you’ll experience it all. Then, you’ll get to the Epilogue and OMGoodness. It is wonderful and perfectly wraps up the series.
BTW – although we’ve sadly said farewell to the Trewloves, there is a two-book series (duology?) coming and it will feature Althea’s two brothers who are trying to redeem the family name by identifying the co-conspirators in their father’s treachery. Maybe we’ll get some cameo appearances by a Trewlove or two in those.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 9/29/20
Number of Pages: 384
It is poignant and bittersweet to bid farewell to the Trewlove clan in this, the final book in the series. This world needs more Ettie Trewloves in it. She took in six children in the stews of London – cast-off children, by-blows of the aristocrats – and she raised those children as her own. She loved them, taught them love and respect, and saw that they were educated, even though that meant teaching themselves. I’ve loved each of Ettie’s children – Mick, Gillie, Finn, Aiden, Fancy, and now Beast (Ben). I have been anxiously awaiting Beast’s story because he’s always like a shadow – secretive and in the background of each story – and he has intrigued me. All I can say is that I think it is the best story of the series. Not only is the story steamy and romantic with a hero who is one of the most generous and honorable men you’ll ever meet, but the Epilogue is absolutely to die for. It may be one of the best Epilogues I’ve ever read.
Benedict Trewlove began protecting people when he was just a young lad. He was big and gangly at the time, but he still had the nickname of Beast. That caring and protectiveness are how he came to be the owner of a brothel. He hates owning the brothel. He assures the ladies are protected. He takes no money from the ladies. He also does not partake of the ladies themselves. He has found other occupations for most of the ladies, but he still has a few for whom finding other employment has been more difficult. If he could just do something for them, he could close the place down. What he needs is someone to teach them proper ways of doing things so they can become seamstresses or whatever else they’d like to be.
Just the person he needed dropped right into his lap when he went to his sister’s pub for a drink. She was riveting and she definitely didn’t belong in this place. He was sure she had Mayfair written all over her – but she very firmly rebuffed his questions. That, of course, only piqued his interest more. When he told her that he had a proposition for her, she went ballistic and made assumptions that weren’t true, but he could see where she might leap to that conclusion since she didn’t know him.
Lady Althea Stanwick, daughter of a duke, once the darling of the ton, had her world turned upside down. Everything was stripped from her and her brothers when her father was caught and hanged for treason. They were turned out of their home with little more than the clothes on their backs. She was now just plain Miss Althea Stanwick and she and her younger brother, Griffin were living in a cold, unfurnished shack in Whitechapel. Nobody would hire her as a governess or companion, so she’d tried other jobs – like a seamstress, but she was soon dismissed because her stitching just wasn’t fine enough for quality clothing. Now, she’s working at the Mermaid and Unicorn serving drinks to customers. She tries to keep her head down in order to escape being noticed by the men, but that doesn’t always work. She’ll just have to do her best because she cannot afford to lose her position.
After overhearing a conversation between her brothers, Althea makes a life-changing decision. She will take the Beast up on his proposition and become his mistress. OH! MY! However, when she tells him she’ll be his mistress – he tells her that wasn’t his proposition. Sharp and quick thinker that she is, she makes an alternate proposal.
I absolutely loved how resolute Beast was – how protective. Althea was determined to get some ‘lessons’ for herself and Beast was determined not to give them. I loved watching them fight their attraction. When Beast loves, it is totally, deeply, and forever. He is a wonderfully sigh-worthy hero.
I hope you’ll read and enjoy this book as much as I did. Just be prepared – you’ll run the gamut of emotions right along with Beast and Althea. Joy, heartbreak, anger, shock, triumph, revenge – you’ll experience it all. Then, you’ll get to the Epilogue and OMGoodness. It is wonderful and perfectly wraps up the series.
BTW – although we’ve sadly said farewell to the Trewloves, there is a two-book series (duology?) coming and it will feature Althea’s two brothers who are trying to redeem the family name by identifying the co-conspirators in their father’s treachery. Maybe we’ll get some cameo appearances by a Trewlove or two in those.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 24, 2022
Fine but not my favorite trope combo - too much gender dynamic angst for me (heroine in a financially precarious position that the hero then has control over). But, as per usual with Lorraine Heath, very well crafted so recommended from that perspective
April 7, 2022
If you are a Lorraine Heath fan, then this series is a must! Each book in the
Sins for All Seasons
series is about one of the Trewlove family members. All of whom have been born on the wrong side of the blanket and handed over to Edie Trewlove to raise. All but two were from different mums and dads but Edie loved them with all she had.
I was smitten with all of them, but I have to say that this last one, Benedicts story was my favorite. You meet Benedict or as his brothers and sisters lovingly refer to him as Beast throughout all the other books. I didn’t know what to make of him and my curiosity was getting the better of me. I was anxious to get to his story and I wasn’t disappointed.
I thought his book was perfect and that Althea was quite the match for him. I loved that his siblings were present along with their spouses. It was the Epilogue that pushed this one to a 5 star read!
I hope you check these books out. I listened to all of them through Scribd. The narrator Kate Reading did a fabulous job.
I was smitten with all of them, but I have to say that this last one, Benedicts story was my favorite. You meet Benedict or as his brothers and sisters lovingly refer to him as Beast throughout all the other books. I didn’t know what to make of him and my curiosity was getting the better of me. I was anxious to get to his story and I wasn’t disappointed.
I thought his book was perfect and that Althea was quite the match for him. I loved that his siblings were present along with their spouses. It was the Epilogue that pushed this one to a 5 star read!
I hope you check these books out. I listened to all of them through Scribd. The narrator Kate Reading did a fabulous job.
April 18, 2021
The beast was soooo sweet. They are so besotted with each other I loved it ❤️
3/5 because I feel like I’d forget the plot soon.
3/5 because I feel like I’d forget the plot soon.
July 17, 2020
4 Stars!
It's been awhile since I last read from Ms. Heath, good thing her writings still didn't disappoint.
The story has very low angst in it. Beast is feared by many, but contradict to his huge structure, he actually cares about women. Quite a gentleman in fact. Loved him. Althea on the other hand, is not someone I would root for because I really cannot fathom her reason to become a mistress. Like what??!
I love the Trewloves, their bond as a family was really strong and their relationship funny.
When the part about Benedict's lineage was revealed, it was so sudden and so fast that it felt rushed. Good thing this book has a great and satisfying epilogue.
Some parts were left unanswered, which was explained in the end that the next book is gonna be about him.
Although this book is part of a series, it could be read as a standalone. But to fully understand each Trewlove, I highly suggest you read the whole series.
ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
It's been awhile since I last read from Ms. Heath, good thing her writings still didn't disappoint.
The story has very low angst in it. Beast is feared by many, but contradict to his huge structure, he actually cares about women. Quite a gentleman in fact. Loved him. Althea on the other hand, is not someone I would root for because I really cannot fathom her reason to become a mistress. Like what??!
I love the Trewloves, their bond as a family was really strong and their relationship funny.
When the part about Benedict's lineage was revealed, it was so sudden and so fast that it felt rushed. Good thing this book has a great and satisfying epilogue.
Some parts were left unanswered, which was explained in the end that the next book is gonna be about him.
Although this book is part of a series, it could be read as a standalone. But to fully understand each Trewlove, I highly suggest you read the whole series.
ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 2, 2020
Somehow I knew Beast would end up being my favorite. I so loved his journey. Packed with emotion, deeply sensual, and filled with humor and heart, I was immersed in the story from start to finish. And that Epilogue! My heart burst with joy while my eyes overflowed with tears and I laughed out loud. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to one of my favorite Lorraine Heath series. And, bonus! Heath is bringing us two future books featuring secondary characters (Thea's brothers) from Beauty Tempts the Beast with the possibility of Trewlove sightings in those stories. Color me beyond excited!
Extended review at the blog when the book releases.
ARC received from Avon via Edelweiss for an unbiased review.
Extended review at the blog when the book releases.
ARC received from Avon via Edelweiss for an unbiased review.
January 31, 2021
This being book 6 of Heath's current series, it works surprisingly well as a stand alone. I have read book 2 in the series also. The series follows the Trewlove family (rather hate the name, but that's just me) and the next book in the series I believe will be Althea's two brothers (the heroine from this book). This book has a few character appearances from other family members from previous books.
Althea was a lady. WAS. Sadly, those days are over and now her life is filled with attempting to find her niche with the working class. After multiple jobs, she's chosen to be a barmaid. But she knows if she can just become a seductress then she will have more freedom and choices in life. She wants to learn to be the most desired mistress in London and have some life in society again.
Benedict is a bastard living in the darker side of London. He comes across Althea when he frequents the bar for a drink. He knows she doesn't fit in there and wants to know her story. Soon they strike a bargain that bring them together under the same roof. WARNING: The hero's name is Beast. I know some people love it and some don't, so just prepare yourself haha.
Give this book a try if you are in the mood for
-an “almost” antihero – he technically runs a brothel, but that's not all there is to it
-Victorian time period – this book takes place in 1873
-Whitechapel setting – most of this book takes place in the darker area of London
-medium to high steam
-one of the main characters in this book has a disability. I don't want to be specific because you find out rather late in the book but I love that it was included.
-no villain or mystery to solve – there's a few plot devices at work here, but most of the focus is on the couple and their relationship
-this story includes 'riches to rags' and 'rags to riches' elements
-class differences – heroine was raised a lady, hero is a bastard in Whitechapel
-ruined heroine – socially, utterly ruined, the heroine receives the cut direct any social place she goes
-MC ages – hero is 33 and heroine is 29
So overall I really enjoyed this story. When I saw where the plot was going with the bargain, I thought it was a little silly (heroine wants seduction lessons, hero wants a tutor) but I was also excited. The characters are together for most of the book and I love that. It's quite steamy, which I also love.
The thing I loved the most was that it just felt a bit different from what I've read lately. The fact that the heroine was a lady and has lost everything was a fairly new plot focus for me. I also adore books that take place in the darkness of London, so that hit another sweet spot for me.
I enjoyed the hero a lot. He was a tad alpha, a bit jealous, but super mushy and caring inside. Here's one of my favorite scenes from him staking his claim:
“Beast held silent for all of a minute before bestowing upon him the grin that men had been displaying for centuries when they knew they possessed what another man coveted. “I know everything she likes.””
But, and I find this a lot with Lorraine Heath, she just doesn't take it quite as far as I want her to. It's totally a personal preference. But I just want more. More pain, more darkness, more emotion. She tends to delve into these topics and just doesn't push it as much as I want. But I'm also a jaded psycho. So I think many others will be so happy with her writing. (I think Kerrigan Bryne has ruined me)
My other minor complaint is that some of the heroine's behavior didn't really make sense to me. I didn't know her as a character very well in the beginning (not sure if she was introduced in other books?) so the whole 'I want to be a seductress' seemed to come out of nowhere to me. But what really got me was her behavior while she was working as a barmaid. It wasn't the behavior of someone who was contemplating being a courtesan. Things like dumping drinks over people's heads. And while I fully support her choice to douse some groping drunkard, I just couldn't stop thinking how much she was going to hate being a courtesan. Being a mistress, sure it might open doors for her in society and give her some stability in life, but it was like she hadn't even considered what it REALLY meant. Faking it for a man. Putting up with atrocious or undesirable behaviors. It just came off as really naive to me.
Lastly I really disliked how the heroine behaved at the end. It knocked a star for me.
MAJOR SPOILER WITH MINOR COMPLAINT
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Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All of these thoughts and opinions are totally mine.
Althea was a lady. WAS. Sadly, those days are over and now her life is filled with attempting to find her niche with the working class. After multiple jobs, she's chosen to be a barmaid. But she knows if she can just become a seductress then she will have more freedom and choices in life. She wants to learn to be the most desired mistress in London and have some life in society again.
Benedict is a bastard living in the darker side of London. He comes across Althea when he frequents the bar for a drink. He knows she doesn't fit in there and wants to know her story. Soon they strike a bargain that bring them together under the same roof. WARNING: The hero's name is Beast. I know some people love it and some don't, so just prepare yourself haha.
Give this book a try if you are in the mood for
-an “almost” antihero – he technically runs a brothel, but that's not all there is to it
-Victorian time period – this book takes place in 1873
-Whitechapel setting – most of this book takes place in the darker area of London
-medium to high steam
-one of the main characters in this book has a disability. I don't want to be specific because you find out rather late in the book but I love that it was included.
-no villain or mystery to solve – there's a few plot devices at work here, but most of the focus is on the couple and their relationship
-this story includes 'riches to rags' and 'rags to riches' elements
-class differences – heroine was raised a lady, hero is a bastard in Whitechapel
-ruined heroine – socially, utterly ruined, the heroine receives the cut direct any social place she goes
-MC ages – hero is 33 and heroine is 29
So overall I really enjoyed this story. When I saw where the plot was going with the bargain, I thought it was a little silly (heroine wants seduction lessons, hero wants a tutor) but I was also excited. The characters are together for most of the book and I love that. It's quite steamy, which I also love.
The thing I loved the most was that it just felt a bit different from what I've read lately. The fact that the heroine was a lady and has lost everything was a fairly new plot focus for me. I also adore books that take place in the darkness of London, so that hit another sweet spot for me.
I enjoyed the hero a lot. He was a tad alpha, a bit jealous, but super mushy and caring inside. Here's one of my favorite scenes from him staking his claim:
“Beast held silent for all of a minute before bestowing upon him the grin that men had been displaying for centuries when they knew they possessed what another man coveted. “I know everything she likes.””
But, and I find this a lot with Lorraine Heath, she just doesn't take it quite as far as I want her to. It's totally a personal preference. But I just want more. More pain, more darkness, more emotion. She tends to delve into these topics and just doesn't push it as much as I want. But I'm also a jaded psycho. So I think many others will be so happy with her writing. (I think Kerrigan Bryne has ruined me)
My other minor complaint is that some of the heroine's behavior didn't really make sense to me. I didn't know her as a character very well in the beginning (not sure if she was introduced in other books?) so the whole 'I want to be a seductress' seemed to come out of nowhere to me. But what really got me was her behavior while she was working as a barmaid. It wasn't the behavior of someone who was contemplating being a courtesan. Things like dumping drinks over people's heads. And while I fully support her choice to douse some groping drunkard, I just couldn't stop thinking how much she was going to hate being a courtesan. Being a mistress, sure it might open doors for her in society and give her some stability in life, but it was like she hadn't even considered what it REALLY meant. Faking it for a man. Putting up with atrocious or undesirable behaviors. It just came off as really naive to me.
Lastly I really disliked how the heroine behaved at the end. It knocked a star for me.
MAJOR SPOILER WITH MINOR COMPLAINT
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Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All of these thoughts and opinions are totally mine.
September 20, 2020
I’ve read and enjoyed all of the books in this series and I was thrilled to see Beast’s story be the last one.
I loved Althea. She’s a little uncertain at the beginning, but quickly figures it out and goes after what she wants. Beast is all marshmallow, as I suspected. I loved reading them talk and learn about each other. Their chemistry and honesty was fantastic.
Plot wise, it was good. The build up was a slow burn and the conflict didn’t happen until I was through 3/4 of the book. I did enjoy the grand gesture, but it’s the epilogue that encompasses the entire series that really did it for me.
Overall, it was delightful reading this HEA and getting to see glimpses of everyone’s happiness. I can’t wait to read Althea’s brother’s books.
**Huge thanks to Avon for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Althea. She’s a little uncertain at the beginning, but quickly figures it out and goes after what she wants. Beast is all marshmallow, as I suspected. I loved reading them talk and learn about each other. Their chemistry and honesty was fantastic.
Plot wise, it was good. The build up was a slow burn and the conflict didn’t happen until I was through 3/4 of the book. I did enjoy the grand gesture, but it’s the epilogue that encompasses the entire series that really did it for me.
Overall, it was delightful reading this HEA and getting to see glimpses of everyone’s happiness. I can’t wait to read Althea’s brother’s books.
**Huge thanks to Avon for providing the arc free of charge**
October 18, 2020
At 50% I thought I was going to give this 4 stars, but when I reached 80% I knew Beast and his Beauty deserve nothing less than the full five stars. I cried non-stop at the way Thea and Benedict are breaking each other’s heart because of society even as I know there’s going to be a grand event that will bring them back together in the end.
Lorraine Heath tied up the Sins for All Seasons series so wonderfully with this reverse-Cinderella tale. So, so good.
Lorraine Heath tied up the Sins for All Seasons series so wonderfully with this reverse-Cinderella tale. So, so good.
August 23, 2022
I loved the hero in this one, Benedict/Beast. He was all kinds of amazing to the heroine, Althea, but also to other women. Exhibit A - he reluctantly owned a brothel building because he wanted women who were making money that way to be in a safe place. Exhibit B - he hires a tutor, Althea, to help the women who are left in the brothel to find different occupations. Beast was huge and brooding, but swoony. I was less in love with Althea's character, but she had a lot of strengths and was mostly likable. Her life had been upended because her father was arrested and hanged for being a traitor, which cast a shadow on her whole family and left her brothers and her scrabbling for livings. Her life plan that she concocts had significant holes to me and some of the conversations surrounding it didn't feel consistent. These two main characters meet and despite a rocky start, become friends and slowly fall in love. The story is written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama, h is a virgin and H is not but wasn't made out to be a manwhore, bc used but not clear what.
This is the last book in this series and I read book 1 a long time ago so don't remember it clearly, but I wasn't lost in this one so it stands alone nicely. Prior characters make appearances since this is a close-knit family and they added excellent support to both main characters. The brothel ladies were also great side characters. The story as a whole is character-driven and paced a bit slow. The burn is also slow as Beast fights his attraction because he doesn't want to dishonor Althea and limit her options. There's nice tension and eventually it does get very steamy.
The main conflict of the story was hard for me and while I understood it, I was put out a bit because Althea ends up hurting both of them. The resolution was also not my favorite, but may have been because I wasn't a fan of the conflict. I did enjoy their connection and felt their romance had depth so when the extended epilogue shows them decades into the future surrounded by their family, it really made my heart all warm and fuzzy. Althea's brothers have a series coming after this one and the hints we get of what's happening with them following their father's execution are intriguing. I've read several of Ms. Heath's books with mixed results but she'll continue to be one I pick up here and there.
This is the last book in this series and I read book 1 a long time ago so don't remember it clearly, but I wasn't lost in this one so it stands alone nicely. Prior characters make appearances since this is a close-knit family and they added excellent support to both main characters. The brothel ladies were also great side characters. The story as a whole is character-driven and paced a bit slow. The burn is also slow as Beast fights his attraction because he doesn't want to dishonor Althea and limit her options. There's nice tension and eventually it does get very steamy.
The main conflict of the story was hard for me and while I understood it, I was put out a bit because Althea ends up hurting both of them. The resolution was also not my favorite, but may have been because I wasn't a fan of the conflict. I did enjoy their connection and felt their romance had depth so when the extended epilogue shows them decades into the future surrounded by their family, it really made my heart all warm and fuzzy. Althea's brothers have a series coming after this one and the hints we get of what's happening with them following their father's execution are intriguing. I've read several of Ms. Heath's books with mixed results but she'll continue to be one I pick up here and there.
September 3, 2020
4.5 stars
Althea Stanwick is the epitome of everything an aristocratic lady should be, but her father’s betrayal has left her family penniless and stripped of their titles and any honor they once had. Her plan for survival is now to learn the art of seduction so that she can attain some power over the men of society and return to that cutthroat world of her own accord. She’s just found the perfect man to teach her, a handsome and honorable man with the incongruous nickname of Beast.
Benedict Trewlove has no idea as to his own origins, but he’s comfortable with his position as the de facto ruler, and protector, of the darker side of London. He’s devoted much of his adult life to protecting and aiding women, but the request Althea puts to him is shocking. Ben knows Althea doesn’t belong in his world, but he’s more tempted by her than he’s ever been and it’s a struggle for him not to break his own rules against dallying with a woman who’s under his protection. But when Benedict learns who he really is, their newfound love will be sorely tested against new responsibilities and past mistakes.
This was quite a slow burn, but it was steaming right along and I loved it up until the point where Althea started pushing Ben away. Even though this is something I’m not crazy about and which typically is a major turn off for me, Althea’s reasons did make sense and she was for the most part always forthright with Ben about her feelings for him. The fact that she didn’t hide those feelings for too long was part of what saved this for me. As far as Ben is concerned, I adored him as a hero. He had a bit of everything going for him: tall, dark, and handsome; a little tortured; strong, silent type, and so noble. I adored him, especially when he allowed himself to be vulnerable. This was such a lovely way to finish out the Trewlove family’s stories and the epilogue gave me a lovely warm feeling. I’m so looking forward to the spin-off series and stories for Althea’s mysterious brothers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Althea Stanwick is the epitome of everything an aristocratic lady should be, but her father’s betrayal has left her family penniless and stripped of their titles and any honor they once had. Her plan for survival is now to learn the art of seduction so that she can attain some power over the men of society and return to that cutthroat world of her own accord. She’s just found the perfect man to teach her, a handsome and honorable man with the incongruous nickname of Beast.
Benedict Trewlove has no idea as to his own origins, but he’s comfortable with his position as the de facto ruler, and protector, of the darker side of London. He’s devoted much of his adult life to protecting and aiding women, but the request Althea puts to him is shocking. Ben knows Althea doesn’t belong in his world, but he’s more tempted by her than he’s ever been and it’s a struggle for him not to break his own rules against dallying with a woman who’s under his protection. But when Benedict learns who he really is, their newfound love will be sorely tested against new responsibilities and past mistakes.
This was quite a slow burn, but it was steaming right along and I loved it up until the point where Althea started pushing Ben away. Even though this is something I’m not crazy about and which typically is a major turn off for me, Althea’s reasons did make sense and she was for the most part always forthright with Ben about her feelings for him. The fact that she didn’t hide those feelings for too long was part of what saved this for me. As far as Ben is concerned, I adored him as a hero. He had a bit of everything going for him: tall, dark, and handsome; a little tortured; strong, silent type, and so noble. I adored him, especially when he allowed himself to be vulnerable. This was such a lovely way to finish out the Trewlove family’s stories and the epilogue gave me a lovely warm feeling. I’m so looking forward to the spin-off series and stories for Althea’s mysterious brothers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 21, 2020
This was a beautifully written, swoon-worthy read! Benedict was a lovable sweetheart! He had a huge capacity to love and I could see why Althea appealed to him on many different levels. I was just as intrigued by Althea, selfish moments and all, but it took a bit to warm up to her. Once she started opening up to Benedict though, everything snapped in to place. I even enjoyed the conflict! I was thrilled it wasn’t prolonged and completely nonsensical, but resolved in a logical, understanding manner.
And the Trewlove family! They were a colorful group of friendship, acceptance, and so much love...I had such a blast with this story!
I haven’t read the entire series (actually just book one) and had no difficulty following along. This can easily be read as a stand alone.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley and Avon books. This is my honest review.
And the Trewlove family! They were a colorful group of friendship, acceptance, and so much love...I had such a blast with this story!
I haven’t read the entire series (actually just book one) and had no difficulty following along. This can easily be read as a stand alone.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley and Avon books. This is my honest review.
June 24, 2021
"Era stato solo un bacio come un banchetto era soltanto un piatto, un temporale una goccia di pioggia o una bufera un fiocco di neve.
Era stato tutto: il sole più splendente, la luna più grande, migliaia di stelle. Era stato ben più di un contatto tra le labbra che si muovevano all’unisono, assaggiandosi e adeguandosi a vicenda"
Si chiudono le vicende della famiglia Trewlove e l'autrice ci ha incuriosito già sui personaggi dei due prossimi libri , Marcus e Griff , i fratelli di Thea.
Era stato tutto: il sole più splendente, la luna più grande, migliaia di stelle. Era stato ben più di un contatto tra le labbra che si muovevano all’unisono, assaggiandosi e adeguandosi a vicenda"
Si chiudono le vicende della famiglia Trewlove e l'autrice ci ha incuriosito già sui personaggi dei due prossimi libri , Marcus e Griff , i fratelli di Thea.
May 11, 2021
Thea was just ok, I don't think 3 months of struggling gave her any depth as a heroine.
Benedict was a perfect hero. The real star was the epilogue, I couldn't help but shed a few tears. A well rounded book for the last of the series.
Benedict was a perfect hero. The real star was the epilogue, I couldn't help but shed a few tears. A well rounded book for the last of the series.
May 7, 2022
Romantic and spicy, great read.
November 14, 2024
This was a sweet read with a very kind Hero.
October 13, 2020
I went into this book with trepidation because I felt Beast was the least developed of all the Trewlove siblings. I should have never doubted Lorraine Heath and her magical ways because this book is a close second to the first book Beyond Scandal and Desire which is my absolute favorite.
Althea Stanwick, the daughter of a duke, is disgraced and shunned from society and begins to work at the Mermaid to make ends meet. As soon as Beast lays eyes on her, he knows she's Quality and doesn't belong in Whitechapel. He's blown away by her beauty but it's her sassy mouth that keeps him intrigued. He falls for her and falls hard and decides to help her out of the dire circumstances she is obviously in.
And this is where Heath takes what could be a tired trope and breathes life into it. Althea begins to work at Beast's brothel (he's not a pimp, I swear 😅) as a sort of etiquette teacher for the ladies of the night. She's also there to learn how to be a seductive courtesan which is what she plans to become once her students "graduate". Who is her teacher? None other than the resident Beast!
This was a slow burn and I am usually not a fan but honestly I hardly even noticed because the emphasis was most definitely on the BURN. And when they finally got down to business... All I can say is that I think this is Heath's hottest book to date 🥵
I enjoyed everything about this book. The characterization and plot development, the character arcs, Althea who was strong and independent, and the fact that this was shown and not told. Beast is just the swooniest beta hero and he's made my list of top heroes this year.
This was a perfect end to a solid series and the epilogue will have you shedding a tear of two. Absolutely perfect. My one and only quibble is that an aspect of the plot resembled Beyond Scandal and Desire a bit much for my liking. But this was a minor quibble.
Althea Stanwick, the daughter of a duke, is disgraced and shunned from society and begins to work at the Mermaid to make ends meet. As soon as Beast lays eyes on her, he knows she's Quality and doesn't belong in Whitechapel. He's blown away by her beauty but it's her sassy mouth that keeps him intrigued. He falls for her and falls hard and decides to help her out of the dire circumstances she is obviously in.
And this is where Heath takes what could be a tired trope and breathes life into it. Althea begins to work at Beast's brothel (he's not a pimp, I swear 😅) as a sort of etiquette teacher for the ladies of the night. She's also there to learn how to be a seductive courtesan which is what she plans to become once her students "graduate". Who is her teacher? None other than the resident Beast!
This was a slow burn and I am usually not a fan but honestly I hardly even noticed because the emphasis was most definitely on the BURN. And when they finally got down to business... All I can say is that I think this is Heath's hottest book to date 🥵
I enjoyed everything about this book. The characterization and plot development, the character arcs, Althea who was strong and independent, and the fact that this was shown and not told. Beast is just the swooniest beta hero and he's made my list of top heroes this year.
This was a perfect end to a solid series and the epilogue will have you shedding a tear of two. Absolutely perfect. My one and only quibble is that an aspect of the plot resembled Beyond Scandal and Desire a bit much for my liking. But this was a minor quibble.
March 18, 2021
I should definitely check if there’s a list in Goodreads with all the variations of Beauty and the Beast coz I’m sure I have read enough of them in the historical romance genre. Beauty Tempts the Beast by Lorraine Heath is a mild retelling of the enchanting fairy-tale.
A highly born gentle bred lady Althea Stanwick is in dire straits due to her father’s treason. Fate is of course, cruel, as her previous life of comfort and safety is gone like smoke and along with her brothers Althea is forced to live the life of a commoner. But admirably she’s not twiddling her thumps, to help get things moving she’s working as a barmaid and lady luck is finally smiling down on her in the form of one BEAST!
Benedict Trewlove is called BEAST coz of his size and handicap which honestly was not convincing but the story progresses wonderfully with a kind-hearted Benedict aiming to care for Althea as he does for every woman under his care.
Propositions are made, deals and agreements are signed but when has a fickle thing called heart followed the written words. Seductive and alluring, Althea and Benedict’s chemistry is scorching hot but it was the loving family of brothers and sisters in the Trewlove family that attracted me to this story the most. There’s a warm and affectionate feeling of togetherness that Lorraine Heath has conveyed beautifully so much that I am looking forward to reading the entire series.
The angst caused by the identity surprise was not too challenging but it was easily understandable from the heroine’s point of view. Benedict’s character was simply swoon-worthy, the loyalty and care he provides for the women in the brothel striving to give them a better life makes him one endearing hero.
Delightfully steamy, Beauty Tempts the Beast is book #6, the last in the series of Sins for all Seasons by the author. It is perfectly good as a stand-alone.
A highly born gentle bred lady Althea Stanwick is in dire straits due to her father’s treason. Fate is of course, cruel, as her previous life of comfort and safety is gone like smoke and along with her brothers Althea is forced to live the life of a commoner. But admirably she’s not twiddling her thumps, to help get things moving she’s working as a barmaid and lady luck is finally smiling down on her in the form of one BEAST!
Benedict Trewlove is called BEAST coz of his size and handicap which honestly was not convincing but the story progresses wonderfully with a kind-hearted Benedict aiming to care for Althea as he does for every woman under his care.
Propositions are made, deals and agreements are signed but when has a fickle thing called heart followed the written words. Seductive and alluring, Althea and Benedict’s chemistry is scorching hot but it was the loving family of brothers and sisters in the Trewlove family that attracted me to this story the most. There’s a warm and affectionate feeling of togetherness that Lorraine Heath has conveyed beautifully so much that I am looking forward to reading the entire series.
The angst caused by the identity surprise was not too challenging but it was easily understandable from the heroine’s point of view. Benedict’s character was simply swoon-worthy, the loyalty and care he provides for the women in the brothel striving to give them a better life makes him one endearing hero.
Delightfully steamy, Beauty Tempts the Beast is book #6, the last in the series of Sins for all Seasons by the author. It is perfectly good as a stand-alone.
January 6, 2022
4 stelline e mezzo
Ci ho impiegato qualche anno per concludere la lettura dei romanzi sui fratelli Trewlove, ma come altre serie di Lorraine Heath ne valeva la pena e anche questo quinto volume si è rivelato ottimo, con in più una parte corale finale che mi ha fatto ritrovare tutti i personaggi noti e che ho molto apprezzato.
Peraltro avevo un motivo in più per essere curiosa su Benedict, il fratello più ombroso, schivo e avvezzo alla vita nei vicoli di una Londra cenciosa e piena di pericoli (non per nulla per tutti è ormai Beast): oltre ad apparire nei romanzi precedenti, lo avevo trovato di sfuggita nel romanzo "L'eredità di Lady Kathryn", libro che apre l'altra serie dedicata alla famiglia decaduta degli Stanwick (C'era una volta un ducato #1).
Purtroppo ho letto prima quello e sapevo che il destino di Beast si sarebbe incontrato con quello di Althea Stanwick, solo non sapevo quando e in quali circostanze.
Ma è presto detto. Ridotta in miseria, allontanata e dimenticata da tutti, quella che era una volta una splendida figlia di duchi non ha altra scelta per sopravvivere a fame e freddo di arrangiarsi come può, anche se questo vuol dire vendere il proprio corpo.
Magari non proprio in strada, magari in un bordello con un certo stile, magari facendo pratica con il padrone di casa, uno che si è ritrovato anche lui in un ruolo che non gli piace e non si è scelto.
Insomma, Beast meritava di trovare la sua bella, anche se lei non è per nulla remissiva e ha un caratterino tosto al pari del bestione.
Una bella storia d'amore, la giusta vendetta verso ex-amici troppo rapidi a tradire, l'intera famiglia Trewlove che si stringe intorno alla nuova coppia.
Se non avete ancora iniziato questa serie, la consiglio. Non tutti i romanzi sono allo stesso livello, ma il livello complessivo è alto, con trame ben strutturate e coinvolgenti.
Ci ho impiegato qualche anno per concludere la lettura dei romanzi sui fratelli Trewlove, ma come altre serie di Lorraine Heath ne valeva la pena e anche questo quinto volume si è rivelato ottimo, con in più una parte corale finale che mi ha fatto ritrovare tutti i personaggi noti e che ho molto apprezzato.
Peraltro avevo un motivo in più per essere curiosa su Benedict, il fratello più ombroso, schivo e avvezzo alla vita nei vicoli di una Londra cenciosa e piena di pericoli (non per nulla per tutti è ormai Beast): oltre ad apparire nei romanzi precedenti, lo avevo trovato di sfuggita nel romanzo "L'eredità di Lady Kathryn", libro che apre l'altra serie dedicata alla famiglia decaduta degli Stanwick (C'era una volta un ducato #1).
Purtroppo ho letto prima quello e sapevo che il destino di Beast si sarebbe incontrato con quello di Althea Stanwick, solo non sapevo quando e in quali circostanze.
Ma è presto detto. Ridotta in miseria, allontanata e dimenticata da tutti, quella che era una volta una splendida figlia di duchi non ha altra scelta per sopravvivere a fame e freddo di arrangiarsi come può, anche se questo vuol dire vendere il proprio corpo.
Magari non proprio in strada, magari in un bordello con un certo stile, magari facendo pratica con il padrone di casa, uno che si è ritrovato anche lui in un ruolo che non gli piace e non si è scelto.
Insomma, Beast meritava di trovare la sua bella, anche se lei non è per nulla remissiva e ha un caratterino tosto al pari del bestione.
Una bella storia d'amore, la giusta vendetta verso ex-amici troppo rapidi a tradire, l'intera famiglia Trewlove che si stringe intorno alla nuova coppia.
Se non avete ancora iniziato questa serie, la consiglio. Non tutti i romanzi sono allo stesso livello, ma il livello complessivo è alto, con trame ben strutturate e coinvolgenti.
May 15, 2020
"The world in which she'd grown up lacked magic, depth, satisfaction. Only now did she realize it, only now id she understand that without him, her world had been an arid place where she never would have truly come into herself."
Amazing! BEAUTY TEMPTS THE BEAST is a gentle, sweet, quieter romance that is low in angst but high in attraction. I've tried reading previous Heath's books and couldn't get into them, but I decided to take a chance with this one, since I'm weak for anything involving Beauty and the Beast. This book delivers, and more.
Although this is the last of a series, it was easy for me to follow, and the cameos made by previous characters in the series are minimal. Usually I get annoyed when it feels like there's a push for other characters' stories, but it wasn't overt in BEAUTY TEMPTS THE BEAST and didn't take away from the story, which I appreciated.
We start this book with the meeting of Beast, or Benedict, and Althea at the pub she works at. He thinks she doesn't belong there, while she's struggling to continue life after her father, a Duke, was revealed to be a traitor to the crown. He has a proposition for her: help him teach rules of etiquette for the women who work at the brothel he lives at, and he will teach her seduction to attract men as a mistress after her terms of employment ends. It's high paying, and an opportunity for her to release her brothers' responsibility for her. They agree, and the fun starts.
Check out the rest of my review on the blog, One Way Or An Author!
Amazing! BEAUTY TEMPTS THE BEAST is a gentle, sweet, quieter romance that is low in angst but high in attraction. I've tried reading previous Heath's books and couldn't get into them, but I decided to take a chance with this one, since I'm weak for anything involving Beauty and the Beast. This book delivers, and more.
Although this is the last of a series, it was easy for me to follow, and the cameos made by previous characters in the series are minimal. Usually I get annoyed when it feels like there's a push for other characters' stories, but it wasn't overt in BEAUTY TEMPTS THE BEAST and didn't take away from the story, which I appreciated.
We start this book with the meeting of Beast, or Benedict, and Althea at the pub she works at. He thinks she doesn't belong there, while she's struggling to continue life after her father, a Duke, was revealed to be a traitor to the crown. He has a proposition for her: help him teach rules of etiquette for the women who work at the brothel he lives at, and he will teach her seduction to attract men as a mistress after her terms of employment ends. It's high paying, and an opportunity for her to release her brothers' responsibility for her. They agree, and the fun starts.
Check out the rest of my review on the blog, One Way Or An Author!
October 29, 2020
Too sweet hero, he was incredibly perfect.
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