Beauty And The Beast (Harlequin Historical) [Paperback]

Taylor Ryan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996 | Series: Harlequin Historical (Book 342)

Lord Claymore Perfect was mired in brooding isolation, until a small bundle of sass and optimism, otherwise known as Marke Penwell, arrived to disrupt his quiet seclusion. Crowned with a riot of rusty-hued curls and fresh as an autumn breeze, the disarming nuisance had somehow given him a reason to live.

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373289421
• ISBN-13: 978-0373289424
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,617,589 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Didn't care for it..., May 11, 2007

By 

ThisThatNEverything "thisthatneverything" (Columbus, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Beauty And The Beast (Harlequin Historical) (Paperback)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beauty and The Beast is truly beautiful!, August 22, 2004

By 

Nancy Compton (Boise, Idaho) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beauty And The Beast (Harlequin Historical) (Paperback)

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!

4.0 out of 5 stars Just enjoy it!, October 20, 2011

By 

txBoulet - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beauty and the Beast (Mass Market Paperback)

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.