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The Bluestocking War #4

The Beast's Beloved

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In the wilds of Scotland. . . A beast broods. The Duke of Clyde has been friend to many but none can climb the walls around his heart. None can thaw the ice that he has wrapped his soul in.

Until a bluestocking invades his castle, his life, and threatens to upend everything he has ever known.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2022

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Eva Devon

100 books537 followers

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5 stars
753 (49%)
4 stars
476 (31%)
3 stars
209 (13%)
2 stars
71 (4%)
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14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Lynn.
837 reviews18 followers
November 18, 2024
Wistful and Romantic

Angus, the Duke of Clyde was not only a powerfully built man, but a handsome one until his face was ruined fighting a duel to the death over his first love. The young woman in question was left with child by the man he eventually killed, and on her deathbed he promised to love and care for her child.

Lady Sophia Loveday had no idea the monstrous man who approached her so rudely in the ballroom saw her as revenge against her brother. Once in his arms she realized he wasn’t quite the monster he looked and she quite liked him and felt free to be herself. She realized his visage, though ruined, covered an intelligence that she very much enjoyed. She admitted to him that he was the most fun she’d had all evening and he found himself more than charmed.

Nigel Loveday, Sophia’s brother was cruel and would injure Sophia in ways that would always be covered by her clothing. That was until Angus came and offered to whisk her away from her brother’s evil influence and cruelty. As much as she feared Nigel would follow, Sophia took the risk, and went with Angus to his castle.

On the way the there, both Angus and Sophia felt the attraction between them, and there was only one room, and Sophia feared being alone in case Nigel were to catch up them. That night, Sophia asked Angus to “ruin” her, so that she would be free from any marriage her brother could arrange. Angus thought she would flinch away, but she fell into arms.

Angus took Sophia to his castle near a sea loch in Scotland, and there lived his sister Andromeda and his adopted daughter Margaret, who had been ruined by Nigel. They all grew very close and Angus and Sophia were lovers, and all was lovely and peaceful.

Of course, we can’t just have lovely and peaceful, can we? Nigel has ordered someone to kill the Duke of Clyde. Angus hopes with her freedom that Sophia will not go to far from him, for life has become precious. Angus has rescued so many, but who will rescue Angus?
Profile Image for Kiley.
1,823 reviews35 followers
August 12, 2022
The Beast’s Beloved, Book 4 of the Bluestocking War, was about His Grace Angus ? (no last name given...again), the Duke of Clyde, and Lady Sophia Loveday, sister to Lord Nigel Loveday, the Earl of ? (no title given).
Abused and ill-treated at the hands of her brother for as long as she could remember, and more so since the death of their parents five years before, Sophia longed for the day she finally reached her majority and could get her inheritance so she could leave her brother behind. Knowing he was trying to sell her to the highest bidder, whether it be in marriage or as multiple men's mistress, she knew the time was coming when he would eventually get his way if she didn't find an escape soon.
Angus had suffered much in his life. The loss of a loved one, a scarred face from a duel of honor, and more. He stood up for women who were wronged or ill-treated for one reason or another. But he was also out for vengeance against people who had wronged him and his loved ones as well. When his ward was compromised and ruined by Sophia's brother, Angus once again took it upon himself to seek vengeance for what had happened to her...and he thought to use Sophia to get it. As he began to work out his plan, he realized he had not taken into consideration that Sophia was just as much a victim of her brother's machinations as everyone else was, which caused him to change tactics.
Once again, this book and the characters in it were too modern for the time period. The language, how the women were more free and liberal than they were in the 1800s, and the way everyone acted were as if they were living in modern-day times. Also, the novel was full of fluff and introspection, so much so that they took up several chapters. There were so many things wrong with this book; too many things to elucidate, so suffice it to say, it was definitely not historical.
The emotions were a touch contrived. They felt false while at the same time didn't really make sense. There was chemistry, to be sure, but the passion was weak. The angst and drama were unexciting and bland. Though there were a few twists and turns, they were not impressive. They didn't give the reader the feeling of sitting on the precipice waiting to fall off the edge. It was more like a giant thud as the ending just...ended. There were no great thrills in this story to capture the reader's attention to hold on. It was just so passive-aggressive. It definitely did not earn a five-star rating. Such a disappointment so far for the entire series.
Profile Image for Dew.
762 reviews63 followers
May 19, 2022
hooked on phonics

Regretfully, I find it virtually impossible to enjoy books that have Scottish characters. For some unknowable reason authors think that to write dialogue for a Scottish character that they must write it phonetically. Otherwise, how would readers recall that the character is Scottish? Consequently, every other sentence starts with “Och”. Then they pepper it with “ye”, “ken”, “dinnae”, and “lass”.

The reason I find this practice so odd and off-putting is that they rarely do it with any other regional accents.
Profile Image for Robin L.
1,267 reviews9 followers
May 16, 2022
The first half of this book was very promising, but the latter half was a whole bunch of nothing. All the shit talking that Angus did at the beginning only to act like a tender little bitch for the rest of the book. And I’m so sick of women trying to emotionally carry men. Honey, he’s a titled aristocratic, if he can’t take care of himself no one can.
Profile Image for Karen Darling.
3,248 reviews22 followers
June 10, 2022
This story was ok. I was disappointed that the cruel brother died. I wanted him to live in misery for the rest of his life. I would have loved it if the heroine and the hero's ward had drugged him, broken both of his thumbs and pointer fingers. Broken both big toes. Broken both ankles. Scar up his face and have him live out his miserable days in a shack in the woods on water and whatever fruits he can find.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Candy.
881 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2022
I ended up skimming through much of this book. I love this author but this whole series was hard to read.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,051 reviews93 followers
September 16, 2022
A lovely heart-rending story of Angus, Duke of Clyde, who happens to have a scarred face, and Lady Sophia, who has an evil brother. Lots of angst in this book to start with. Good characters, but storyline, hmm, well not as good as others in this series - this is only my opinion. It's not my favourite by any means, but still a 3.5*/4*just.
1,585 reviews14 followers
March 1, 2022
What a read - I really enjoyed the journey.

The opening scene with someone dying, who was close to the H really tugged at my heart! Their journey to HEA was like a roller coaster. The h was in an awful situation with a brother who made her life miserable.

There is some drama, violence, bad villain and interesting secondary character's. I understood why the H felt no-one could love him for himself because he was badly scarred. The h tried to reassure him she didn't notice it after the first initial shock. The H is honorable to a fault and has great friends. The h takes responsibility for herself when she is given an opportunity to leave her cruel brother.

Lovemaking, outside of marriage - heat level 2 out of 5. Most of the time it is told after the fact.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, nice epilogue, HEA, romance builds slowly and a tad of spice. Even though part of a series, it is a stand alone.

I received a free copy and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
Profile Image for Germaine.
167 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2022
I'm quitting at 60%. This book started out fine, but the main characters who are escaping from the heroine's evil brother, have just crossed over into Scotland, and now the author is compelled to write in dialect. Female characters are addressed as "lass", all conversations begin with "och" and are peppered with "dinnae". You becomes "ye", and not becomes "nae". Wading through these colloquialisms has completely distracted me from the story, and I just don't care enough to try and pick up the thread.
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,731 reviews122 followers
March 6, 2022
Hard to believe this is my 44th book by Eva Devon.
I have loved her writing from book 1.

This is a great series.

I really enjoyed Angus and Sophia a lot. What they went through and the love they had for one another. So good.

I would definitely recommend this book, this series and all her books.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,282 reviews27 followers
February 28, 2022
Love you not your looks

Angus sought revenge for his first love Margaret mother and received a scar so brutal that people call him a beast! Sophia was to a part of another revenge this time a man Sophia brother ill used Margaret and Angus again seeks to protect those he holds dear!
When Angus interrupts Sophia brother using violence against her he gives him a taste of his own and puts Sophia into more danger! Angus offered her a choir she takes it but he has such low self esteem he believes she has no choice!
When Sophia evil brother is brought to Scotland things take an surprising turn! Sophia and Margaret sacrifice finally convinces Angus he is loved in truth and worthy of it! The five stars are for the journey to love and a person character can make them beautiful inside and out!
963 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2023
sensitive issues about abuse of women

The Duke of Clyde has always been honorable. Scarred in a duel caused by the other man’s abusive behavior toward the women the Duke loved. He had a battled young manhood controlled by his father that caused him to lose the girl he loved. It set him on a life time of fighting wrongs. Sophia is the abused sister of the Earl of Loveday. He’s abusive to women both physically and mentally. He crosses paths with the Duke and that is how Sophia meets the Duke. Sophia has many behaviors of an abused women but in the Dukes care she starts to heal.
The story is sensitive about abuse but shows the control an abusive man will use to maintain control over a women, Sophia. The Duke of Clyde’s personality is very different. It is an endearing love story with a HEA. Well written, logical, emotional, and enthralling.
3,834 reviews19 followers
November 13, 2022
This story is the retelling of the fairytale BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. It is set in Regency England with an evil brother Nigel Loveday. He is attempting to sell off his sister Lady Sophia to the highest bidder to pay off his gambling debts and set him up for life. However, Nigel has tampered with Margaret, the Duke of Clyde's daughter. He plans to ruin Nigel. However, he finds out about the problematic relationship between Nigel and Sophia and offers to take her away from Nigel. She accepts. They expect Nigel to follow them to Scotland and have it out with Angus (Duke of Clyde).

The conflict between Nigel and Angus was resolved in a rather strange manner. Also, I would have liked the author to address the significant age difference between the couple.
100 reviews
January 13, 2023
So I've been in a reading slump for a while now and was looking for something short and sweet to try and get back into reading. I read the synopsis and thought, I like beauty and the beast themed stories so what the heck, I'll give this book a try. Unfortunately though this book wasn't very good. The characters were boring and bland and I couldn't stand the usage of random Scottish being used whenever the duke/his family would talk. I get that he's Scottish and all but it just takes me out of the story when I'm constantly seeing 'dinnae, nae, ken, och...' it just becomes tedious. So yeah, if you're looking for a short read with boring characters where nothing happens this is the book for you 🤷‍♀️
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,327 reviews41 followers
March 1, 2022
Poignant

In the wilds of Scotland. . . A beast broods. The Duke of Clyde has been friend to many but none can climb the walls around his heart. None can thaw the ice that he has wrapped his soul in.
Until a bluestocking invades his castle, his life, and threatens to upend everything he has ever known.
Angus and Sophia are a marvelous couple.
The Duke is a beast ala beauty and the beast. Sophia is a beautiful young girl who is controlled by her brother.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
Eva Devon has done a remarkable job with this rendition of Beauty and the Beast. 
1,711 reviews6 followers
May 29, 2022
The Duke of Clyde fell in love as a young boy. The problem was she was a commoner and he was forbidden to be with her. He was sent away and didn't return until his father died. By then the young girl was ruined and living in horrible poverty. She was giving birth to her illegitimate child and dying in the process.Angus (the Duke of Clyde) took the child a girl to raise.
Sophia Love day was the ward of her brother Nigel. They were both beautiful but Nigel was self absorbed and cruel. He had quickly spent his family money and now was seeking the richest person to sell Sophia's innocence to. Nigel was famous for seducing innocent girls.
Profile Image for Megan.
773 reviews6 followers
March 11, 2024
This is Book 4 and is about a romance between a scarred Scottish duke and laird and a young Aristocratic, Sophia who is being "sold" by her evil brother to the suitor who offers him the most for her hand in marriage. Her plan is to compromise herself so that she becomes worthless and she can gain her freedom once she reaches her majority (if she can stay alive long enough till then). This story was about two passionate people who fall in love very quickly but circumstances force them into situations not of their own making but they do have their HEA after a lot of trial. The book was well written with interesting characters and it was an enjoyable read.
637 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2022
An awesome read!

I enjoyed reading about Sophia and Angus, the Duke of Clyde, how he was out to rid the world of an evil man. Sophia's brother wad a very cruel man and he knew it and enjoyed inflicting pain on anyone he could, especially his sister. Angus met Sophia at a ball and decided he needs to help save her from her cruel brother so he talked Sophia into going to Scotland with him. This story made you feel the emotions right along with the characters. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤
Profile Image for Patricia.
838 reviews
March 1, 2022
SPLENDID INDEED!

Cover. Check. It's gorgeous.
Prolonged. Check. It's heart-rending.
Book, from beginning to end, from elegant ball to energetic flight across the country, from tension filled carriage to emotion filled inn rooms to a Scottish castle with tapestry covered walls...Check. umm. Check. How many checks?
Right.
Duels, scars, potential scandal, definitions of scandal and, of freedom.
Ultimately, honest conversation, and, again, definition of freedom.
Epilogue. Check. Heartwarming.
Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Wendy Tavenner.
1,309 reviews12 followers
May 19, 2022
She’s worth it all

I absolutely loved Sophia and Angus’s story. He lost his love when he was young because he did not stand up to his father. Sophia has know cruelty since the death of her parents. She knows she needs to find away to leave her brothers cruel clutches. A chance meeting the Duke of Clyde just might be her salvation. A beautifully written story with a wonderful ending.
307 reviews
November 6, 2022
Duke of Clyde and the Lady Sophia

Duke of Clyde is a protector and has come to London to bring misfortune on Lord Loveday. Lord Love day does not love anyone and considers his inferior. Lady Sophia is under his thumb since his and Lady Sophia parents have died. Love day is wanting for Lady Sophia to marry anyone with enough money to help from being without funds. The Duke and Lady Sophia find love.
Profile Image for Martha B..
831 reviews10 followers
November 9, 2022
A Steamy Beauty and the Beast

All in all, The Beast's Beloved by Eva Devon (as Maire Claremont) has a good story with individual personalities. I only wish that there had been a bit more depth. Also, there was a bit too much of internal thoughts, which slowed the pace.
By the climax, the good ending and epilogue I felt this read fell between okay and good. Hence the 4 star review.

Content 411: In addition to secular and religious swearing, this book also contains a detailed sex scene.
Profile Image for Marcy Barth.
278 reviews12 followers
December 18, 2022
loved it!

It was such a quick & easy read. I loved the characters and the story so much.

Sophia had such a hard life and never thought she’d be safe.

Angus didn’t think he’d ever have love.

Together they made the best couple. I loved the honesty and openness you don’t see even in modern romance novels. It truly was a breath of fresh air. Highly recommend it for historical romance lovers. Hopefully I’ll find more from this author similar to this story to love.
Profile Image for Stephanie Bolen.
2,101 reviews28 followers
January 6, 2023
Lacking substance

The plot is a new one. But it's amorphous, kidnapping, running away in hot pursuit, only it's not hot pursuit and this was the plan all along.
The characters are sketches. Painted in broad strokes without the finer detail that brings them to life.
The writing is subpar without research into motivation or true understanding of people.
The pacing is truly terrible.
The world building is a vacation card from Scotland.
12 reviews
January 12, 2025
Ratings of this series so far, content warnings at the end
Book one- 4*
Book two- 5*
Book three- 3*
Book 4 (this one) 5*

Content warnings : physical+psychological abuse, non-graphic references to grooming and sexual exploitation/violence, threats of future sex trafficking, death, dueling, justice that doesn't follow the legal route

Mild spice with good consent between protagonists
Profile Image for Cindy Woltman.
288 reviews
February 27, 2022
Emotionally drawing

The Duke of Clyde has appeared in other stories, though his story hasn’t been told. A man bent to right the wrongs done to women. A man with scars won defending others. What a hero! The heroines Sophia and Margaret are strong, bold and courageous full of love and loyalty. The villain is truly vile. Of course there is a HEA,
1,107 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2022
I have to say it was a good read because I so enjoy Devon's writing. However, the theme through this series is the same and that brings no surprises, which I'm not so crazy about. I did like the characters and the plot as stated earlier was good but repetitious. Looking to see what she does with the next release.
298 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2022
freedom and power to all

angus was so engulfed with emotion he could not stop living in the past. As happened sometime history repeats itself. It seems worse when horror happens to our loved ones. Finding love in an unexpected way proved to be a surprise to Angus. Kept my interest. That is a true test for this reader.
958 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2022
Angus and Sophia

Well written . so much heartache with a abuse from Sophia's own brother. Angus goes though life helping others never realizing that when he meets Sophia his life WILK change for the better and open new doors for him because if her live. Would highly recommend. And they vet their HEA. Wonderful book and author. 🙂
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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