The Beast and the Bookseller by Eva Devon

💖💖💖💖💖/5

The Beast and the Bookseller by Eva Devon, is an enjoyable, emotional, and wonderful combination of Beauty and the Beast and Pride and Prejudice; an enchanting historical romance about a reclusive duke and a strong-willed woman who runs her family’s bookstore.

Garrett Maximilian, the Duke of Montrose, a recluse who is the main patron of the bookstore, charges into Elizabeth’s bookstore as her intoxicated father is not meeting the Duke’s expectations. Elizabeth agrees to take over her father’s duties and promises to deliver the Duke his books. This begins a friendship between Garrett and Elizabeth as they bond over their love of literature.

Elizabeth and Garrett are well-developed characters with compelling stories that highlight many of the problems that occurred during that time period. Gender inequities, the mistreatment of women, abuse, the horrific treatment of patients in mental institutions, alcoholism, and the lack of control women had over their own lives are all shown through Elizabeth and Garrett’s situations and struggles.

Elizabeth and Garrett connect over their love of books, using it to battle their worries and grow closer. Garrett has such terrible memories of his childhood, and it has scarred him tremendously, even though he does everything he can to right the wrongs he witnessed. With an alcoholic and verbally abusive father, Elizabeth has experienced her fair share of turmoil; which is why their book talks become so important to both characters. Garrett has his own issues with his crusade against treacherous mental asylums and he has been somewhat of a cold recluse. With Elizabeth’s visits, they grow closer and he wants very much to care for her.

 

Ms. Devon wrote an entertaining and enjoyable story that is not to be missed. She tackled some heavier subjects and included some very touching moments. You can’t go wrong with a Darcy-like hero, a bookworm heroine, and a swoon-worthy romance in my book; I highly recommend The Beast and the Bookseller to other readers.

 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. 

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