Refreshing and Romantic: The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard

Series: Everleigh Sisters*

Release Date: November 26, 2019

Format: Kindle

Rating: 4.75/5 stars

*Each novel in the series is Standalone

The Beast of Beswick is a feminist twist on a historical romance retelling of beauty and the beast. Astrid, the heroine, is willing to marry the less of two evils, Lord Nathaniel Harte, the Duke of Beswick, to protect her younger sister from marrying the man who ruined Astrid when she was 16. 

The Beast of Beswick was such a wonderful historical romance. I’ve found while reading romance books in this genre that to enjoy the book, I have to overlook the treatment of women because, for the book to be realistic, women are the property of men. While the heroine might love her hero, she still loses all property and legal rights after marriage–she becomes legally dead, technically speaking. The Beast of Beswick was such a breath of fresh air because of Astrid–she was so aware of the unfairness of her situation but was also willing to work with what she got. It was honestly infuriating reading that a 26-year-old woman still needs a guardian! As if she hasn’t been a legal adult for years now–especially considering it’s acceptable for 16-year-olds to marry. But, I loved how self-aware she was, and how she raised her sister to ensure she would never make the same mistakes as Astrid. Astrid’s ability to be self-possessed in a world that saw her worth as next to nothing was so inspiring to read. Her ability to hold her own with the Duke of Beswick was also very entertaining. I especially loved how Astrid is an expert horsewoman–better than the Duke–who wears her version of breeches as a riding outfit (as they’re more sensible for handling high-spirited horses). She prioritizes functionality while not altogether eschewing her upbringing as a lady. Nothing in the book is gentrified, which I didn’t realize is unique in a historical romance (sadly). 

Lord Thane was the definition of an anti-hero who was very bitter about his loss of looks, and his resulting exclusion from Society. His temperament was not only surly but was backed up by crude vocabulary (there were a few fucks thrown about). Also, hilarious was Thane’s aunt, who was acting as chaperon–but, was the epitome of the rebelling rich widow. She was an example of how women during this time gained independence: being a wealthy widow, and rich enough so that the Society couldn’t blacklist them. 

The Beast of Beswick as a romance was a slow burn; while Astrid and Thane were attracted to each other, Astrid needed the protection of marriage, and Thane was so hung up on his ‘beastly-ness’ that he did not trust Astrid. But, the romance between Astrid and Thane was so freaking sweet. They both have fiery personalities and aren’t afraid of confrontation. Astrid’s willingness to have difficult conversations also meant that she didn’t let miscommunications hurt her relationship with Thane. She was willing to put in the work and to work through Thane’s hang-ups.

Also, probably one of the most refreshing aspects of Astrid’s characterization is that she’s not a prude–she owns her sexuality. While I admit, that was a work-in-progress before her marriage to Thane, the fact that she wasn’t a shrinking violet when it came to sex made sense with her personality. One of the most annoying tropes of historical romances is strong-opinionated women. They go all red and stuttery once the hero kisses her or quips a few innuendos (I know it’s realistic, but it’s still annoying to read). 

The one part of the book I found a bit off was Astrid’s willingness to trust her sister to handle their machiavellian uncle. When her sister runs away with their aunt and uncle to London, I honestly thought she was kidnapped. I didn’t understand how Astrid married the freaking Beast of Beswick all to protect her sister, and then let her deal with her conniving relatives (and sketchy intended). 

But, the romance between Astrid and Thane, as well as Astrid’s feminism, made The Beast of Beswick so freaking awesome. While some might find the book a bit trope-y, Howard’s unique spin on the historical romance novel made it shine. Of course, because of Thane’s “beastly” attitude, he has a lot of grovelling to do to make up for his behaviour. I think that Thane had such a grand ‘big gesture’–and I am typically really picky about what I think is a good grovel. Usually, the author doesn’t leave enough space for the apology to sink in or for the heroine to ensure the hero honestly won’t behave in such a way again. 

I read The Beast of Beswick in 3 hours. The consistent and compelling characterizations–and depth–of Astrid and Thane made the book such a page-turner. The added suspense of what would happen to Astrid’s sister ensured my need to finish the book in one sitting. 

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