Elizabeth Hoyt - To Beguile a Beast

CAN A WOUNDED BEAST . . . Reclusive Sir Alistair Munroe has hidden in his castle ever since returning from the Colonies, scarred inside and out. But when a mysterious beauty arrives at his door, the passions he's kept suppressed for years begin to awaken. 

TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST . . . Running from past mistakes has taken legendary beauty Helen Fitzwilliam from the luxury of the ton to a crumbling Scottish castle . . . and a job as a housekeeper. Yet Helen is determined to start a new life and she won't let dust-or a beast of a man-scare her away. 

TO TAME HIS MOST SECRET DESIRES? Beneath Helen's beautiful facade, Alistair finds a courageous and sensual woman. A woman who doesn't back away from his surliness-or his scars. But just as he begins to believe in true love, Helen's secret past threatens to tear them apart. Now both Beast and Beauty must fight for the one thing neither believed they could ever find-a happy ever after.

Comment: This is the third installment in the Legend of Four Soldiers series by author Elizabeth Hoyt. I have nor read this series as quickly as I wished, but this book now and the next one in October will mean one more series finished.

Sir Alistair Munroe was severely wounded in the colonies and returning home was not as easy as he imagined for his damaged face and missing eye put others away. He has secluded himself in his castle writing the naturalist books he adores, but he believes love isn't for him.

Helen Fitzwilliam and her children arrive at Alistair's castle hoping to have a fresh start, away from the duke of Lister, who had Helen as mistress for years. She now wants something more for her life but knows the duke won't let her go that easily, and being so far away in Scotland would help, but she wasn't counting on Sir Alistair's refusal...still, she preservers and her children seem to adapt but what will happen if the duke finds them? And how can she resist the alluring Alistair?

Following the other stories, featuring men who were in the colonies when an ambush caused their group to be caught and tortured, here is the story of Alistair, who was not an official, but traveled with the British troops to investigate native plants and fauna of the colonies, and that means he was imprisoned as well.

His story seems to be a traditional "beauty and the best theme", which I tend to enjoy, and apart from some pace issues, I was glad enough with this story, for it's pure entertainment.

Although the author makes several references to the fact this story is set in the 18th century, the truth is that many situations are not really realistic, these stories include facts to give it strength, but the fictional parts are certainly inventive. I don't mind this tactic of writing historical romances and it makes for a very entertaining experience, especially when characters don't really behave as properly as they are supposed to, but let it be said this might seem as too obvious for some readers who prefer more suitable content.

I liked the main couple, Helen and Alistair might be easily fit into a stereotype of story but as individuals, their back stories and their personalities made for an interesting pairing. It's not a surprise that their relationship is not as proper as it should but it was fun to see them slowly opening up to one another and to see they could be happy together and be each others' strength. I like these stories when the characters realize they are, indeed, better people with the other person instead of alone for it makes the romance sweeter.

I especially liked Alistair, although it's not such a novelty to read about a male character wounded in the war and now thinking he isn't worthy of this or that. I actually appreciate the author didn't turn him into someone too angry that he wouldn't respect others or would accept the presence of others or that he would be on a destructive path. i liked he went inwards, that he is a recluse who studies, who still does things he likes even if he, understandably, believes others would not want his company.

Helen was probably more complex, but the way she is portrayed might not be as well done as I think the author intended. She became a mistress of a man who seduced her, but when she finally explains her story to Alistair I thought she would not come as careless as it was; things were made to seem as if she let herself be seduced even though she was naive to think the duke was honest. I'd believe this more easily of Helen were a more narcissistic character or if she had been so before, so I don't really believe her choices were that unavoidable.

Nevertheless, their roads led them to each other and, all things aside, I did like seeing them as a couple. Helen's children are also cute kids, and the situations in which they participate, almost as an instant family really made for a sweet story. Of course, it's not news that conflict would happen and this allowed us to see the characters in a different, more predictable way, but the problems are solved quickly and they get their HEA. These books aren't meant to be challenging in terms of plot, after all, but it's nice to read about people who have their deserved happiness happening.

For pleasure reading alone, this was an anticipated story which offered no big surprises, but it was still fun and entertaining, as I've said. I also like the author's style in general which certainly helps.

Grade: 8/10