Review: “The Beast of Bath”, by Chasity Bowlin

“You make me feel like a man again, and not like a thing to be feared or reviled.”

[image error] Lord Victor Mayhew, Viscount Norcross, lives in the shadows, hiding his scarred face from those who would fear him… or worse, pity him. He’s become accustomed to the dark, and to the aching loneliness that is his only and constant companion. But while traversing the city in the dark of night, he encounters a beautiful woman who is running for her life. 

Lady Thessaly Shade has discovered that the prettiest of faces can hide the ugliest of hearts. While Lord Norcross keeps his face carefully concealed from her, he cannot hide the fact that he is a man of honor, a man for whom the word gentleman is a way of life and not merely an honorary title. 

With no way to repay him for his kindness, for his courage in aiding her at great risk to himself, Thessaly bargains with the only thing she possesses of value… herself. Can she convince him to trust her, to believe that she can see beyond the scars he bears to the man he is? Or will he push her away out of fear and retreat into the loneliness that he knows so well? 

My Review

Goodreads Rating: 4*

I am so happy I decided to grab my free copy of this novella when it was shortly on promotion on Amazon! And I’m also happy that I decided to read it last night.

The story is short and sweet, with some erotic scenes (so, be warned!) that I found actually added to the story, so, all in all, it was a nice surprise.

[image error]

The biggest “twist” in this Regency retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” is probably the lack of magical elements (curses, hem!) And the result is originally a good one. Of course, the great narrative techniques of the author help to draw the readers into the story and keep them turning the pages till the very end.

[image error]

My main “issue” with the book was the length. Whereas I don’t think the novel should have been much longer, I do believe some scenes could have been further developed to add more tension, tenderness and other feelings that were left for the reader to build.

All in all, it was a nice, sweet read. And, if you have the time, you should definitely check it out!