STORY-LINE A BEAUTY FOR THE SCARRED DUKE BY BRIDGET BARTON:
Isabella Tate and Elliot Covington, The Duke of Coldwell, have starring roles in author Bridget Barton‘s latest historical Regency novel, A Beauty For the Scarred Duke. As children,Isabella and her best friend Esme, told stories of the monster who lived in the old mansion. A monster who lived in the same county they do.
Elliot, The Duke of Coldwell, scarred for life by fire, lived in seclusion for eighteen years; alone and grieving the ones he loved. He’s the monster Isabella and Esme spoke of. Elliott’s a scarred lonely man. He isolated himself from the world because of his deformity. His scars run deeper than the physical.
Isabella’s hard-hearted father, The Earl of Upperton, has decided it’s time she marry. He’s desperately in need of money for his heir, Anthony. He sells Isabella in marriage. He has chosen, none other, than the scarred Duke of Coldwell. Believing Elliot a monster, Isabella’s frighten to death. Forced into the marriage by her father, Isabella finds Elliot’s face frightful; on one side would frighten children, and the other, win any woman’s hand in England. So begins the marriage of Elliot and Isabella. Will Isabella be able to overlook Elliot’s scars to see the true man inside? Can Elliot let go of his guilt to live life to the fullest with Isabella? Can this marriage survive it’s flawed beginnings? Will love bloom between these two people in need of love and security? My Regency romance book reviews of A Beauty For The Scarred Duke follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
A Beauty For The Scarred Duke‘s filled with intense emotion and a touch of mystery. Barton skillfully wove into the story-line how Elliot’s scarred; holding it close to the chest and revealing details only when necessary. Barton added a touch of mystery with the ruined tower. Through descriptive and skillful writing, I could feel Isabella’s fear of Elliot and her evolving regard. I could see Elliot’s scars and the burned tower. As well as, his home and the beautiful grounds in my mind’s eye.
Barton slowly developed the bond between Elliot and Isabella. She gave them time to know each other and accept what could not be changed. As Barton developed and matured Isabella, did she came to see the man behind the scars? Bridget Barton shows outward appearance has nothing to do with a person’s heart and soul. How sorry I felt for Elliot. The pain and suffering Barton described, the mental torment he endures, and the guilt he carries, will break your heart. In turn, how proud I felt of Isabella as she conquers her fears. I felt I came to know Elliot and Isabella. Each in their own way made mistakes, taking two steps towards and one back, as they come to know each other.
Every good story must have a villain and Isabella’s father fits this role perfectly. Barton created a truly contemptible character in her father. You will love to hate him. He’s a poor excuse for a father as he greatly favors his son, Anthony. Unfortunately you will not like Anthony any better than his father. He follows his father’s character flaws and examples. Barton skillfully portrayed the family dynamics in Isabella’s childhood home.
With well-developed characters and pacing which never lagged or bogged down, A Beauty For The Scarred Duke held my attention from the first page. Barton’s writing flows well and her scenes transition smoothly. Barton included several surprises which left my mouth hanging open. A Beauty For the Scarred Duke‘s an emotionally charged story filled with grief, guilt, fear, and pain. However, the reader will find love and beauty, as well as, characters who grow and mature under Barton’s skilled pen. A wonderful story of sacrifice, redemption, love, and acceptance, I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or friend.
A BEAUTY FOR THE SCARRED DUKE RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
Additionally, I purchased this book and received a copy from the author. I chose to voluntarily review the book with honest Regency romance book reviews. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, no one influences my voluntary Regency romance book reviews.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR BRIDGET BARTON:
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