Customer Reviews

Beauty And The Beast (Harlequin Historical)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Unlike the other reviewer who did not finish the book, I actually did even though I wanted to stop. I've always hated when people leave reviews when they haven't actually finished the book not to mention that their facts are wrong. Marke never actually moved in with Claymore she was a houseguest of Sitter, a woman that lived at his house.

I really disliked the title of this book. It didn't really make any sense to me. I'm wondering who's supposed to be the Beauty & whose is supposed to be the beast? Marke (yes, the female) is described as not being a beauty & she's certainly not a beast. And, I hated the names in this book: Marke (the main female), Lord Perfect (come on now), Heaven (a man's name), & Sitter (yeah, it was short for a last name but still...). That's really not a big deal but I just didn't like it.

Aside from my nitpicking I just really didn't like the story & I never got to like the characters. Sorry to say but I can't recommend this book.

Early 1800's Ireland

Nineteen-year-old Miss Margaret Catherine Penwell, a.k.a. as Marke, is last of nine children born to the late Captain Horace P. Penwell and Mrs. Mary Ashley Penwell. Mrs. Penwell is affectionately referred to as Mrs. "P" and she lives in the family's Irish estate of St. Catherine's Court while the remainder of the family resides in London. Mrs. "P's" health has been in steady decline and since Marke's lack of interest in debuting the London season, she volunteered to return to Ireland to care for their mother. Once settled, Marke makes the acquaintance of Mrs. Elisa Sittlemeyer, a.k.a. Sitter and Lord Claymore William Perfect, the Marquis of Boothe-Ashmore of nearby Innisfree. Marke and Sitter become instant friends, but Lord Perfect is another matter all together. The plucky Marke is the only one that seems to be able to withstand the depressed and sour Claymore's disposition. With her tenacious and cheery determination, can she bring to the once debonair Claymore back to his former self? And could they make a happy world of their own?

A delightfully quick and easy-to-read interpretation of the beloved and timeless tale. Ms. Taylor writes with feeling and her detailed character descriptions and explanations are what reading enjoyment is all about.


Very enjoyable!

This book starts with the hero in a sad state and the heroine, a green young girl, goes for an extended visit to his mansion to help his family/staff with his medical care. Not to get too Marvin Gaye, the rich and famous hero recovers and must decide what to do about his Florence Nightingale once the reality of his Aristocratic responsibilties comes for a Christmas visit. This is a a fun, positive little book that I just love! It's not War & Peace, but a fun little book to read in the bathtub to cheer a body up during a yucky work week. Not too much sex or drama. Just fun.

I'm sorry, but this was one of the most WORTHLESS books I have had the misfortune to read. I really don't see how it ever got published in the first place. Forget about the annoying & irritating frivolous character names. The story itself is tediously dull and pointless. It just goes on & on about useless crap that has no true meaning or bearing upon the story or characters. Oh yes, I finished it, but it took me a week & severe discipline on my part. I can normally read a good book in hours or less and this one makes me just want to choke someone. Not sure whose neck I want to get my hands around, the author or the silly characters. I mean who gives a fig about puppy crap behind the sofa when 2 lovers are having their moment? It's horrid about dogs and the mentally disabled Marke's mother who thinks all 30+ of them are her children. "Ohh! The spaniel is giving birth on the new divan, isn't it sweet?" Geesh!

This is a very pleasing, happy Christmas story. One of my favorites, in fact.
And, honestly, of course it's predictable. It's a romance novel. What, like they aren't going to end up together?

So, I'll warn you straight off: I have not finished this book. But it's only because I can't stomach it. It's one of those books where you know what will happen, not just because you're smart like that, but because you are all but told! I can't wrap my mind around the hero's petulance or the heroine's naivete. I mean, who really just up and moves in with a random stranger? Who does that? No, really! It just doesn't seem genuine, you know?

Taylor Ryan has a way with words. The words just flow. This book is captivating throughout - from cover to cover. Good Job. Got more?