The Beast’s Ball

The Bluestocking War #9

by Eva Devon, Maire Claremont

Can one ball change a bluestocking’s life and mend a beast’s broken heart?

Scarred and sarcastic, the Earl of Argyle has abandoned society, choosing to live alone, away from Scotland in his London townhouse. But he needs an heir. Throwing a ball to find a woman who might be able to endure being married to someone so brutalized by war. . . He never imagined he could find the perfect woman in Miss Rosalind Worthing. The surprisingly tart young lady prefers hiding in the shadows, scribbling away as the ton dances in his glittering ballroom.

But surely, a lady could never, ever love a beast like him. . .

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Beauty and The Beast, Fiction, Historical Fiction

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2022

Reviews

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another nice story. Callum is scared, Because he ran into a burning buildings to rescue women and children, in the war in Spain.
Rosalind is a young lady, who preferred to read and write story. Than being at a ton ball. They meet in a dark alcove at a ball. Get along well, Callum decided she is the lady he will marry.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic story. Finished reading it at 2.30 this morning - couldn't put it down. Loved it! 5☆

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 51st book by Eva Devon. I read 1 of her books in 2016 and didn’t pick her up again until 2018. She is now one of my favorite.

I loved Rosiland and Callum's story. I loved their personalities, their interactions, their love story. What a great read.

[Mella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rosalind Worthing wants nothing more than to be an established author, making her way independently in life without a husband. But her aunt and uncle make it clear they will not support her if she chooses not to marry. And then the Earl of Argyle proposes.

Callum, the Earl of Argyle has refused to venture into society since being horrifically scarred in a fire. But he's well aware that his duty is to marry and produce an heir. If he can find a woman who can see past his scars. He believes it's nearly impossible, until he runs into Rosalind in an alcove at his ball.

The Beast's Ball is your typical historical romance. There's a bit of plot, a bit of romance and some average main characters. I liked Rosalind and her desire not to change Callum, but rather tempt him into himself. The romance was sweet and there were some good lines about being yourself and practising good mental health. There's not a whole lot to unpack but it was an enjoyable enough read.

I'm interested in picking up the next book, which is about Rosalind's cousin, Olivia. For this one though, 2.5 stars, rounded to 3.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy read

A laird, badly scarred from rescuing women and children in Spain, becomes a recluse for five years. Then he meets the lady he wants to marry and over time realizes he no longer needs to be a recluse

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

too short 😤😤😤

[Kristina Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a lot of things to like about this book. Callum and Rosalind's story is just beautiful. Yes, it was the Beauty and the Beast storyline which isn't always done well. This one was sweet and Rosalind really did "Belle" well. Callum, though dealing with tons of trauma, really is a knight in shining armor. It's easy to love him too. If I were to critique anything it would be the limited amount of tension. The couple gets along too well too soon. The author had one intimate scene fairly early in the book that was well written with a lot of intense feelings. However, all subsequent intimate interactions were "off stage". I feel like this was a missed opportunity by the author to create more tension and desire between the two characters. As far as we know Callum was gloved and masked in every sexual encounter until he took the mask off at the end. That definitely would have created tension had all those moments of longing to feel his/her skin if that all happened on stage. Still, it was a great story, I just wished there has been a little more tension.

[DemetraP · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the romance and how they both helped each other realize their dreams.

The book only had 1 graphic love scene in it and a few kissing scenes.

He does eventually take off his mask and let her and other people see his face.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, a little too sedate and perfect.

[Sfz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good ,fast read book

[T.A. Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very pleasant. A bit Mary and Manny Sue-ish. A bit thin of plot. But worth the read.

[Luz T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet romance! There was really not too much drama or angst between the MCs.
I loved that he was such an avid reader like her and they enjoyed similar stories.

[Zhora · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

there were many good ideas but very poorly executed ☹️

[athena graeme]

Great premise

The book started really strong, however it died a bit at the end, as if the author ran out of time or patience to finish. Great character development and great conflict. I just wish the ending had been less rushed.

[Peter Parking · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!!! It’s a bit of a slower read, but it’s a beautiful story about finding and accepting the kind of love you deserve. I’ve lost count of the times I was kicking my feet giggling over the sweet moments between Callum and Rosalind.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

Rosalind Worthing’s parents were scholars who traveled and wrote about their interesting lives, and they doted on their daughter until their deaths when Rosalind was very young. Young Rosalind was left with relatives who not only did not love her, but didn’t want her and therefore treated rather shabbily, except for her cousin Olivia. Olivia had a brain, but dutifully hid it under her attractive exterior. Rosalind was more interested in books than attracting a husband, and hated going to balls.

Callum, the Earl of Argyle was a reclusive war hero who covered his scars with a mask and by never going out into public. However, he was an Earl and a Scottish Laird so had responsibilities to his land and needed an heir. So Argyle held a ball for the explicit purpose of choosing a wife.

Finding Rosalind hiding in the same nook he was in, Argyle found her to be both bold and charming and ask for her hand the next day. Rosalind didn’t want to marry, she wanted to go to the Highlands and write. So Argyle made her an offer she couldn’t refuse.

This is a wonderful story about two lonely people, and how they found their way together. It was well done, well written, straightforward, and a beautiful love story.

[Mistyblue]

Fun, Quick Read

Fun to read. There is one sex scene. But the characters are fun. I'll read more books by this author.

[Genevieve · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Beast’s Ball” by Eva Devon as Marie Claremont is The Bluestocking War Book #9. I’m a sucker for wallflowers and the tortured men they fall in love with, so I picked it up randomly while scrolling KU.

The book tells the story of orphan Miss Rosalind Worthing, who is raised by her aunt and uncle, and accidentally catches the eye of reclusive the Earl of Argyle, who hasn’t been seen in years after returning scarred from wars with Napoleon in Spain. It’s a good thing the FMC loves Scottish romance novels (she marries the MMC on the condition they visit the earl’s family seat in Scotland) as it is in Scotland that Callum’s battered psyche heals with the help of his wife and people.

This is a Beauty and the Beast type tale; I like the writing and the exploration of the characters’ emotional lives.

I thought “The Beast of Beswick” by Amalie Howard or “My Darling Duke” by Stacy Reid manages the love story of a physically injured male and brave/determined/intelligent FMC better – but that is partially because the latter books are two of my all-time most favourite historical romance novels and so everything else that tries to do the same suffers by comparison.

I also tend to have strange standards when it comes to historical romance, and read a lot of the genre, so it has to be something different to wow me. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read this book, if the genre and tropes are to your liking, this is an eminently serviceable read. I would read other books in this series and will try more of Marie Claremont’s works, even though I was not originally a fan of Eva Devon’s book “The Spinster and the Rake” (serviceable, but boring).

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callum, Earl of Argyll badly wants a wife to carry on his family name and look after his family estate, but having lost his reputation, and being heavily scarred in the war against Napoleon (I initially though the two were linked, he'd been a captured spy or something similar), Callum holds a ball so he can pick a lady from watching her manners and treatment of others.
Whilst travelling round his home using his hidden passages he bumps into Rebecca sitting reading in a hidden alcove, and is intrigued by her and her behaviour.
Rebecca was orphaned as a child and brought up begrudgingly by her uncle and social climbing aunt, who disapproved of her parents. Rebecca loves to read and hopes to write novels, her only friend is her cousin Olivia.

On the whole I really enjoyed this book. But a few things stop me giving five stars. Olivia came to visit and was never mentioned again, either give us an explanation or ending or don't include it. in early chapters it's mentioned Callum lost his reputation when fighting Napoleon, but not how. Callum's scars of created by fire as described would be on his back and maybe his hands of he threw The child to safety he'd have been face down, but his hair is mentioned. The ending was disappointing, yes they obviously got their happy ever after, but with so much build up and years of angst and suffering, for Callum just to roll over and forget it just like that,doesn't fit his history. Maybe I'm over thinking it, and should read it for what it is a historical romance novel.

[Elisha Bugg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've not read any books by Eva Devon before, but after reading this one I know I shall read more!
I loved her writing style and the wonderful story that unfolded.
A quick and fast-paced read that didn't neglect the details or the interaction between the characters.

I loved how Callum and Rosalind respected one another and saw past each others 'flaws' and differences, understanding one another and talking things out rather than just bottling everything up.

The book is essentially a Beauty and the Beast retelling (which is one of my favourites). Callum is scarred from the war, burnt saving the women and children in Spain, and Rosalind is an orphan left to live with her aunt and uncle, and cousin. She loves her cousin and they have a lovely relationship, but her relations with her aunt and uncle are strained. They do the bare minimum for her. She likes to read and longs to write her own stories. Callum offers her the freedom to follow her dreams if she'll give him the heirs he needs. Neither expects to fall for the other.

A beautiful story unfolds. I loved their personalities and the chemistry.
I couldn't put this book down and finished it in a day.

Definitely recommend it to Historical romance and Beauty and the Beast retelling fans.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75
Laird Argyle Aka Callum knows his Duty and as suggested by one of his friends the elusive Earl throws a ball.
Rosalind is hiding at same ball with a book! She knows that no one will pick a mousy brown haired short almost spinster.
Rosalind has no desire to wed but after Callum meets her he admires her boldness and that she spoke to him and did not run screaming!
He send the request to her uncle who is thrilled because Callum is rich! The uncle will have one less mouth to feed and powerful connections!
Their path is very rocky as Callum wears all black and refused to remove his mask!
But Rosalind has some demands of her own and once met sees them on their path to the beloved Scotland! Rosalind who has never traveled loves the land and people! Callum mother and clan are thrilled he is home!
When these two disagree on Callum role and underestimate how his clan will react to his burns well there is friction to say the least!
When an almost tragedy occurs Callum will have to let go his past to embrace his future! Bravo

[Cindy Woltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tender story of our heroine, Rosalind, who was orphaned when both of her parents died. At age ten she was raised by an aunt and uncle. Her love for reading and knowledge drove her in the growing years. Callum, the Earl of Argyle was horribly scarred in the war. So much so that he didn’t show his face.
As he feels the pressure to produce an heir, he hosts a ball but does not plan to be seen by the guests. In a small curtained alcove, Rosalind is hiding when Callum bursts in. In their brief conversation he decides she will become his countess.
What follows is truly a story of love and acceptance, of healing scars deeply buried, of following your dreams and of course an HEA.
Like other stories in the series love hits the mark. Beautifully written! I highly recommend this lovely story. Find yourself lost on the Scottish Highlands for a time!

[Laura Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

psychological, intelligent story of loss, change and acceptance

Seriously deformed and psychologically scarred the Earle of Argyle needs to find a wife. Rosalind is a bookish orphan being raised by her Aunt and Uncle who did not value her parents and have insisted she marry. She meets him by accident in a hidden alcove where she was hiding during his ball. She does not judge him but accepts and seems to understand him and they each sense a commonality between them. The story is a look at fear and loss and the choices we make to deal with change. They grow together not because of beauty but because of who they are. It is a sweet love story based on patience, understanding, kindness, and honest communication. Well worth reading. these characters are so endearing that this maybe my favorite book of the series.

[Judy W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very easy read. 3.5 stars. The hero Callum is severely disfigured by a fire. Not just a dashing scar across his cheek but ropey scar tissue and missing bits. Enough that he's never seen without a mask. He needs a wife but wants one who can at least try to look past his face and not be terrified. Rosalind is the heroine who just wants to write books and hopefully live off the income. She's just average looking especially compared to her beautiful sister. The H/h meet at a ball thrown by Callum to "look over" the selection of possible brides but he chickens out and only watches from the fringes. Rosaline is also trying to stay on the fringes of the party so they bump into each other in an alcove. It's a predictable tale but done nicely and better than a lot of others out there.

[Susan Sieger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

I enjoyed reading about Callum and Rosalind, how they met to how they fell in love. The Earl of Argyle was disfigured when he rescued some women and children from a barn that had been set a flame during the war. He decided to host a ball to find a wife and he stumbled across her in one of his alcoves, she was reading a book hiding from everyone, they had a nice conversation. He decided he wanted to marry her so he went to ask her the next night, she had been told by her aunt she either accepts the proposal or she'll end up out in the streets. She made a bargain with him to take her to Scotland and to head there and get married on the way. I'm glad they got their HEA. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story!

I thoroughly enjoyed this beauty and the beast adaptation. The Earl of Argyle, full of anger and fear, made an ideal “beast”, while patient and pragmatic Rosalind boldly spoke her thoughts to her cousin and, eventually, the Earl. Her acceptance of his masked appearance and her bold honesty in conversation entranced Calum, the Earl of Argyle, and he finds himself choosing Rosalind to be his wife. The majority of the story is about their trip north to the Highlands and Rosalind’s acceptance and adaptation into clan life as the laird’s countess. The beauty of the tale is how Rosalind’s presence and belief in her husband draws Calum back into the daylight and the living. I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Carol A. Seddens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tale of Love and Valor

This is the story of two people who've suffered trauma. Rosalind Worthing's parents died, leaving her to the grudgingly, reluctant care her aunt and uncle. She is relegated to wallflower status by her unwillingness to hide her intelligence. Callum, the Earl of Argyle, was left horribly scarred by war. His return to England was met with derision and rejection by society, and a near total disregard for his bravery and sacrifice. Each becomes home to the other. Their journey reveals what true love and beauty look like. I loved this book I couldn't put it down.

[Cyn's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarred hero is my catnip, and I really liked this book, there were just a few errors in it that took me out of the story. The largest error being two occasions of a different surname being used for the heroine.
I appreciated that Rosalind did not seek to change Callum, he had to make the decision to change on his own. Rosalind's insight and empathy ensured that she was there for him every step of the way, but he took the steps when he was ready, excepting for the conditions of her acceptance of his proposal. They definitely had an unconventional beginning, rarely is the hero shown as vulnerable as Callum.

[Lex · Rating 3 out of 5]

The romance was very cute and the heroine and hero were perfect for each other. This book would have been 4 stars for me but I didn't liked how the ending was written.

I found the ending abrupt and everything was wrapped up too quickly. The heroine was hurt one chapter and it was immediately resolved in the next chapter. In the final chapter, the hero seemed like a completely different person from the rest of the book. The author should have included more interactions with the laird and his people to show his change over time.

[Jackie Carbonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reaction

I loved this story. Rosalind meets Callum when he holds a ball to choose a wife. His decision is complicated by mask he wears to hide his scars from the Napoleonic War. He chooses her because she's different from other ladies. He gives into her request and takes her to the Highlands where she challenges him to live rather than just exist. Will he accept her challenge?.?