My Rating

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.

She wants lessons in seduction

Althea Stanwick was a perfect lady destined to marry a wealthy lord, until betrayal left her family penniless. Though she’s lost friends, fortune, and respectability, Althea has gained a scandalous plan. If she can learn to seduce, she can obtain power over men and return to Society on her terms. She even has the perfect teacher in mind, a man whose sense of honor and dark good looks belie his nickname: Beast.

But desire like this can’t be taught

Benedict Trewlove may not know his parentage but he knows where he belongs—on the dark side of London, offering protection wherever it’s needed. Yet no woman has ever made such an outrageous request as this mysterious beauty. Althea is out of place amongst vice and sin, even if she offers a wicked temptation he can’t resist. But as the truth of his origin emerges at last, it will take a fierce, wild love to overcome their pasts.

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