It’s been way too long since I have picked up a beautifully-written Lorraine Heath novel. Her books have a sneaky way of catching you unawares by suddenly giving you the feels. And Beauty Tempts the Beast is no exception.

Althea and Benedict “Beast” are made for each other. Their courage and generosity to each other and to others less fortunate are what makes them so endearing to me. And of course, the sexual tension is blinding. So much so, that the simple act of Beast slowly and sensually removing her gloves and rolling up her sleeves as she prepares to divest her nasty ex-fiance of his money at the gambling table is an extremely swoon-worthy moment. And might I add his grand gesture at the ball had me bawling my eyes out.

As for the Trewlove’s, everyone dreams of having a wonderfully loving and welcoming family like theirs. Although they don’t share the same blood, it is unmistakeable how they all love and cherish each other. And there’s another grand gesture at the family Christmas party that made me lose it.

From the moment Althea and Ben meet, to their last words in the book, I fell in love with their extraordinary bravery, their exceptional kindness, and their unforgettable passion.

Overall, I love this extremely romantic novel with charming and playful characters and an unfailing familial bond. I look forward to reading about the other Trewlove’s in this series and reading about Althea’s brothers in the new Once Upon a Dukedom duology. If you need your fire stirred, give this book a try.

Thank you to Ms. Heath and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Beauty Tempts the Beast is the sixth and final book in Lorraine Heath's Sins for All Seasons series. I read the last book (first of the series that I read) and loved it. I figured this one could not possibly be better than that phenomenal book. I was totally wrong. I fell head over heels in love with Beast and Thea and did not want this book to end. I spent the last 25 percent of it bawling my eyes out. Yes, I am odd - to me that is the sign of a wonderful story; it shows how invested I become in the characters. Don't skip this if you haven't read the previous installments, as this stands alone perfectly well.

Althea Stanwick was a lady and the daughter of a duke. The world was her oyster...until a scandal erupts and she loses all she holds dear. She and her brothers are stripped of everything, and the lady is now a barmaid at the Mermaid and Unicorn. Here she meets huge and handsome Benedict Trewlove, who's also known as Beast. Beast is intrigued by this woman who so obviously doesn't belong here as a barmaid. He has a proposition for her: she will teach the women at the brothel he owns refinement and help them to prepare for a life and occupation outside of the brothel. Keep in mind our Beast is not a pimp; he looks out for these women and protects them from all harm. Thea agrees on one condition... Beast will teach her seduction so she can become a courtesan and re-enter society on her own terms. They strike a bargain, and Thea moves into the brothel; however, things don't go as planned, as they become more and more drawn to one another. When Beast discovers who he truly is, will he and Thea be torn apart?

OK, Beast is officially one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time. ~SIGH~ He's large, strong and handsome. He has a heart of gold and protects those who need help. When he falls he falls hard. He may be called Beast but he's truly beautiful inside. And he's a writer. I love that books was a central theme in this book and the previous installment. Thea is the perfect heroine for Beast. Though her world was turned upside down, she soldiered on and did all she could to help herself and her brothers. She planned to take on the world on her own terms. Though I think her idea of becoming a seductress to re-enter society was a bit wonky, it worked here. Beauty and her Beast were perfect for each other, evidenced in so many ways...including the many steamy bits. REALLY steamy bits. Ice water alert! I loved seeing more of the Trewlove clan and the epilogue was simply lovely. I'm very excited to discover that Thea's brothers, who made a brief appearance here, will have their own duology. Lorraine Heath shows us here how romance novels are properly done.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

When the children of a duke discover that their father committed treason, they lose titles, status, and all their possessions leaving Beauty sleeping on a mattress on the floor in a dingy room in a hovel without much furniture — or clothing — and working in a tavern where she is discovered by Beast Trewlove, a bastard left by his mother with a woman who took in by blows raising them as her own. Attraction is immediate and Beauty abandons her siblings to live in a brothel to tutor the women into more respectable professions. Over time, and many steamy encounters, the two share their histories falling inevitably into both love and lust. All is as it should be until Beast’s parents find and reclaim him. Suddenly the bastard child is both an earl and heir to a dukedom, and Beauty will have nothing more to do with him to protect his new status in society which would be harmed by his continued association with a daughter of a traitor. Lorraine Heath has written a fascinating tale with vividly realized characters as part of a long series of books. This one is as compelling as others in the series and I look forward to the next two books in this series focusing on Beauty’s brothers. I highly recommend this latest by this excellent author of historical fiction. #BeautyTemptstheBeast #NetGalley

I am so so glad we got Beast/Benedict's story. As I made my way through series, Beast was more intriguing to me than the others. It was the air of mystery surrounding him in the other books and I had hoped he would get his HEA. I enjoyed learning about his past though it meant Beast and Gillie lost that small connection of not knowing where they came from. I adore his compassion and desire to help protect the women around him and give them a better future.

I liked Althea and seeing her interact with the women in the brothel, Though I was sad to see Althea felt becoming a mistress was her only solution because of her new reputation. I feel like we don't have as many stories featuring heroines cast out of society so early on and determine to survive and carve a space out for themselves in the world. I am so glad she wound up with Beast in the end.

Overall I think Beauty Tempts the Beast was a great conclusion to the series. I loved reading the epilogue.

Beauty Tempts the Beast
Series: Book 6 in Sins for All Seasons series
Rating: 5 wonderful stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC given for review. All opinions are my own.

Beauty Tempts the Beast is the final book of the series and it brought the whole series to a wonderful conclusion. I've read most of the series, the first three books were good, didn't read the fourth one and the last two have been 5 star reads for me.
Beauty and the Beast tropes are one of my favorites and this one did not disappoint. I loved Benedict "Beast" Trewlove. He was such a rough around the edges man, but with a BIG heart of gold. He was so intimidating because of his size and reputation, but those that really knew him knew that he was a very good man who looked out for women who were in need. This is how he meets Althea. Thea was part of the aristocracy, but her father was part of a plan to kill the Queen. Therefore he was hanged and Thea's family lost everything. That is what lead her to work as a barmaid at one of Ben's siblings establishments.
They are both attracted to each other from the first time the meet and I loved how they did not know how to behave around each other. Ben comes up with a business plan that will help her improve her way of life, but she counters his offer with one that puts his limits to the test. Attraction limits that he does not know how to handle.
I loved how they slowly got to know each other. By the way I think she fell in love with him for the first time when he showed her his huge library! I thought it was so cute that they attempted to read when in reality they were looking for companionship and of course love. Ben from the very beginning became her protector. I liked how he always was there for her when she needed him the most. I enjoyed their tender and romantic moments.
It is not until the past comes back into his life that their love for each other is put to the test. The angst between them because they couldn't be together was so heartbreaking. It brought tears to my eyes. So good!! They then had to prove that their love for each other could conquer all.
Characters from the previous books appear in this final book which it was nice to revisit with them again.
I highly recommend this one, I will say it was my favorite from the series and it can be read as a stand alone.

Althea Stanwick used to be a lady, but my how things have changed. Now, she's working in a bar just to scrape by. When Benedict Trewlove "Beast" hires her to teach women in a brothel manners and help them move onto better work, Althea agrees. Her only request is that he teach her all about seduction.

Benedict has no idea of his actual parentage as he was given to the woman that raised him as an infant. All he knows is that it's his duty to protect those who need it. When he sees Althea, he sees someone who needs protecting. He accepts her request, but has no intention of teaching her anything. Unfortunately, turns out she's a natural at seduction, and he soon finds himself being the one that's seduced.

BEAUTY TEMPTS THE BEAST is enchanting. Benedict and Althea may not have grown up in the same circumstances, but a connection is forged despite it all. They fight their attraction to one another in the beginning, but that doesn't last long. Benedict thinks he's not good enough for Althea, but she disagrees. What will happen when his past comes to light? Do they still stand a chance? Find out in BEAUTY TEMPTS THE BEAST.

An interesting take on the classic Beauty and the Beast story. I didn't connect with the heroine as much as I hoped but the hero was well drawn.

A Beauty fallen on hard times and a Beast with a heart of gold. That pretty much sums up the wonderful Beauty Tempts the Beast. Althea wants Beast to teach her how to seduce a man. Who better than the owner of the local bawdy house? After refusing, they strike a deal where Althea must teach the prostitutes how to be more ladylike in hopes of getting different jobs.

The books has some light and funny moments and heavier fare as well. I definitely shed a few tears and just wanted to hug Benedict (Beast) through the whole book. He’s a wonderful man and his family is also amazing. I haven’t read the other books in this series which I regret and will rectify immediately.

If you’re looking for a historical romance with a lot of heart and great characters, this is for you. Lorraine is always a pleasure to read!

Beauty Tempts The Beast is the final installment in the "Sins For All Seasons" series and I believe my favorite. She saved the best for last!

Althea Stanwick was a born and bred lady, she was destined to marry a lord, until her father’s betrayal left her family striped of everything.

Benedict “Beast” Trewlove has a heart of gold and does everything in his power to protection wherever it is needed.

When he spies Althea working at his sister Gillie’s tavern he knows this is not where she belongs. Beast owns a brothel and he propose to Althea that she help teach woman manners and training in respectable jobs in order leave that world behind. He wants to turn the house into a respectable boarding house. In return Althea ask Beast to teach her how to become a mistress.

This was truly a love story. This book was the most touching and sentimental of the series. The Christmas scene involving Robin will bring a tear to your eye. I will have to say I did enjoy Althea former fiancé getting his put comeuppance.

I hated to say goodbye to the series but know we will hear from them again in Althea’s brother’s stories.

You know a book is good when it makes you cry happy tears.

Beauty Tempts the Beast is the final book in the Sins for All Seasons series by Lorraine Heath. I wanted to read this book quickly, but at the same time, let it simmer and build flavor, like my grandmother’s spaghetti sauce recipe does for 3 hours.

Althea is a young woman whose life is turned upside down by circumstances beyond and out of her control. She is at the mercy of Regency England even though her inner strength shines through. One night, while working at a tavern, she draws the attention of Benedict “Beast” Trewlove. He is the only unwed Trewlove sibling who has aspirations beyond his past. He does not know who his parents are, but he grew up in a loving family.

Althea decides to re-enter society on her own terms and asks Beast to help her seduce men. Beast is hesitant to accept Althea’s plan, but makes a deal with her to help several women become more than they are at the moment. Althea and Beast agree, but life has a way of changing the rules on us.

When someone from Beast’s past arrives with a shocking announcement, they must make the decision to follow their hearts or society’s dictates.

Whether you want to know how the story ends as all stories do, or want to find the truth behind the Trewlove family, you should read this conclusion.

I really enjoyed this story of Beauty Tempts the Beast, because it reminds me that who we become is more than the families we are born into, because life is what we make it.

II have to start by saying… I love this Hero (Beast/Ben/Benedict), he is a protective, caring man who made my heart melt. Each chapter I fell more and more in love with him. His heroine is Althea (Thea), who was a Lady, who lost the title and all her family’s possessions when her Father, a Duke, was involved in a plot to assassinate the Queen and was he was hung. Althea felt a burden to her brothers and wanted to try to be independent and earn her own way. This book is part of a series, which I did not read all the books, but after reading this story I do want to go back and read the other siblings’ stories. Lorraine Heath is a terrific writer who had me so into the story I sometimes forgot the time. I had to finish it as soon as I can. I loved the Epilogue; it was a nice happy finish. The author did set up future stories for Thea’s brothers, which I would like to read.
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

4.5 stars. This was my first Lorraine Heath novel, and I am now going to binge her backlist!

There is so much to love about this book. Both characters have difficult challenges that they face throughout the novel. Most importantly, Thea and Ben go on a journey to find themselves. Through their interactions together, they find out what their priorities are.

The judgement of "the ton" is ever present in this particular novel, especially in regards to Thea. Her father was hung as a traitor, and everything ripped away from her. Marriage prospects, her home, wealth, everything.

Ben was raised by a foster mom, and was ridiculed for a physical malady that he has had from birth. Though he and his foster siblings are well respected, he was always an outlier, preferring seclusion and his personal business ventures.
Their meeting was unexpected, and it helped them change everything.

This seems to be the end of this particular series, but we are getting a short spin off featuring Althea's brothers. I will definitely be checking that out!

4.5 stars

Althea Stanwick is the epitome of everything an aristocratic lady should be, but her father’s betrayal has left her family penniless and stripped of their titles and any honor they once had. Her plan for survival is now to learn the art of seduction so that she can attain some power over the men of society and return to that cutthroat world of her own accord. She’s just found the perfect man to teach her, a handsome and honorable man with the incongruous nickname of Beast.

Benedict Trewlove has no idea as to his own origins, but he’s comfortable with his position as the de facto ruler, and protector, of the darker side of London. He’s devoted much of his adult life to protecting and aiding women, but the request Althea puts to him is shocking. Ben knows Althea doesn’t belong in his world, but he’s more tempted by her than he’s ever been and it’s a struggle for him not to break his own rules against dallying with a woman who’s under his protection. But when Benedict learns who he really is, their newfound love will be sorely tested against new responsibilities and past mistakes.

This was quite a slow burn, but it was steaming right along and I loved it up until the point where Althea started pushing Ben away. Even though this is something I’m not crazy about and which typically is a major turn off for me, Althea’s reasons did make sense and she was for the most part always forthright with Ben about her feelings for him. The fact that she didn’t hide those feelings for too long was part of what saved this for me. As far as Ben is concerned, I adored him as a hero. He had a bit of everything going for him: tall, dark, and handsome; a little tortured; strong, silent type, and so noble. I adored him, especially when he allowed himself to be vulnerable. This was such a lovely way to finish out the Trewlove family’s stories and the epilogue gave me a lovely warm feeling. I’m so looking forward to the spin-off series and stories for Althea’s mysterious brothers.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ettie Trewlove got woke up out of a dead sleep. She went to the front door. and a girl as young as she stood there. She had a babe in her arms and hoped Ettie would care for him as her own.
Benedict Trewlove(Beast) was sitting in the back of a tavern watching. There was a serving girl he observed. She had excellent diction. He wanted to know what she was doing here. That she belongs in Mayfair.
Althea Stanwick was the daughter of a traitor. He had been tried, condemned, and hung. They had been turned out of their home and their things confiscated. She had nothing left. She had two brothers, the oldest she didn't know anything about where he was or what he was doing. Griffin was working at the docks ruining his hands. She had been assaulted when walking home and drugged into an alley, When she woke from that it was to find herself in a bawdy house.
I loved the story. There were a lot of things happening. She met some wonderful people that she was glad to know. It is but a small bit of Whitechapel and the life that went on there, and the life of one family. I especially enjoyed the teasing, joviality, and love. It was entertaining, easy to read, and absorbing. The characters were fun and saddening. You will run through the full gambit of emotions.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I could not put Lorraine Heath's book Beauty Tempts the Beast down or wait to get back to it when I had to pause reading it! I thoroughly enjoyed reading About Althea and Beast. This book is on par with Sarah MacLean's Bareknuckled Bastards. I highly recommend this book!

This is quite possibly the best book I’ve read in months, lengthy steamy scenes, plenty of romance, some mystery. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me feel all swoonie. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but I will add them to my to read list now.

Benedict, also known as Beast was abandoned on the doorstep of Ms. Trewlove when he was a baby with the promise from his biological mother she’d return. Now grown he owns a brothel and actually isn’t very beastly at all. He cares for the women who live in the brothel and wants them to better themselves so they can leave their current professions and he can get out of the business. Enter Althea Stanwick, she works at his sibling’s tavern, she was a member of the ton until her father took part in a treasonous plot to murder the queen. He was hanged for his crimes and she and her 2 brothers were stripped of their titles, their land, their possessions and left destitute.

Beast sees her at the tavern and is instantly attracted to her (the feeling is mutual) and eventually offers her a position in his household as a tutor to the girls living there. He offers to pay her and exorbitant sum of money if she can get them all ready for their new lives in 3 months. She agrees on the condition that he teaches her how to seduce men so when she’s done she can be a man’s mistress and she will have a protector. She doesn’t want to be a burden to her brothers and she knows she doesn’t have many other options. He agrees to this and the fun begins.

I love Benedict, I love the way he treats Althea, I love the way he treats his family members. He’s a wonderful hero. Althea could have been stronger but she was a sympathetic heroine.

I would read this again and wholeheartedly recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC, this review is given voluntarily and honestly.

Even though I haven't read the other books in this series, I LOVED reading this story. The tension between them, the role reversals and the exploration of society life/rules/regulations was so well written!

I'm disappointed to say that I just couldn't finish this one. The plot isn't anything new to romance- a big, scarred hero called Beast and a down on her luck lady working in a tavern. It felt like I've read this one before, and I didn't like either of the characters enough to care what happened to them. They also had a very insta-love attraction to each other, and then he did predictable things like follow her home and save her from a rapist. There's a lot of books in romance like this, and while I absolutely love Lorraine Heath, this one just didn't work for me.

I think this one may be my favorite of all of the Sins for all Seasons books by Lorraine Heath. I don't know what it was about Benedict (Beast) and Althea but this book was a fantastic end for the Trewlove crew.

Benedict can always spot when someone doesn't belong and the minute he sees Althea, he knows she isn't supposed to be where she is...serving drinks at his sister's bar. While Althea may be out of her element, she isn't afraid to stand up for herself so when Beast asks her what she's doing there, she basically tells him to mind his own business. From that moment on, he is intrigued. Beast is a protector so when he finds a way to help the ladies in his care alongside of Althea, he does what he can to make it happen.

I loved these two characters from the moment they met and the way their story progressed was perfectly done. As the story progresses, they have their challenges based on who they are to society. As Althea has fallen through no fault of her own, Beast learns who he is and why he ended up with the Trewloves. Both events create some tough decisions that these two have to make and face.

I'll definitely be picking up more Lorraine Heath books and since the mystery behind what Althea's brothers are doing is still to be resolved, I'm extra happy that they will get their own stories.

I picked up this entire series based on a recommendation and I'm really happy I did. The characters are all well developed and getting to see the entire family throughout the series made it even better as I love when I get to peek back into past characters lives to see how it's going. If you're looking for a historical romance series that will keep you engaged and interested, definitely check this one out. Make sure you grab this installment for sure!

This being book 6 of Heath's current series, it works surprisingly well as a stand alone. I have read book 2 in the series also. The series follows the Trewlove family (rather hate the name, but that's just me) and the next book in the series I believe will be Althea's two brothers (the heroine from this book). This book has a few character appearances from other family members from previous books.

Althea was a lady. WAS. Sadly, those days are over and now her life is filled with attempting to find her niche with the working class. After multiple jobs, she's chosen to be a barmaid. But she knows if she can just become a seductress then she will have more freedom and choices in life. She wants to learn to be the most desired mistress in London and have some life in society again.

Benedict is a bastard living in the darker side of London. He comes across Althea when he frequents the bar for a drink. He knows she doesn't fit in there and wants to know her story. Soon they strike a bargain that bring them together under the same roof. WARNING: The hero's name is Beast. I know some people love it and some don't, so just prepare yourself haha.

Give this book a try if you are in the mood for
-an “almost” antihero – he technically runs a brothel, but that's not all there is to it
-Victorian time period – this book takes place in 1873
-Whitechapel setting – most of this book takes place in the darker area of London
-medium to high steam
-one of the main characters in this book has a disability. I don't want to be specific because you find out rather late in the book but I love that it was included.
-no villain or mystery to solve – there's a few plot devices at work here, but most of the focus is on the couple and their relationship
-this story includes 'riches to rags' and 'rags to riches' elements
-class differences – heroine was raised a lady, hero is a bastard in Whitechapel
-ruined heroine – socially, utterly ruined, the heroine receives the cut direct any social place she goes
-MC ages – hero is 33 and heroine is 29

So overall I really enjoyed this story. When I saw where the plot was going with the bargain, I thought it was a little silly (heroine wants seduction lessons, hero wants a tutor) but I was also excited. The characters are together for most of the book and I love that. It's quite steamy, which I also love.

The thing I loved the most was that it just felt a bit different from what I've read lately. The fact that the heroine was a lady and has lost everything was a fairly new plot focus for me. I also adore books that take place in the darkness of London, so that hit another sweet spot for me.

I enjoyed the hero a lot. He was a tad alpha, a bit jealous, but super mushy and caring inside. Here's one of my favorite scenes from him staking his claim:

“Beast held silent for all of a minute before bestowing upon him the grin that men had been displaying for centuries when they knew they possessed what another man coveted. “I know everything she likes.””

But, and I find this a lot with Lorraine Heath, she just doesn't take it quite as far as I want her to. It's totally a personal preference. But I just want more. More pain, more darkness, more emotion. She tends to delve into these topics and just doesn't push it as much as I want. But I'm also a jaded psycho. So I think many others will be so happy with her writing. (I think Kerrigan Bryne has ruined me)

My other minor complaint is that some of the heroine's behavior didn't really make sense to me. I didn't know her as a character very well in the beginning (not sure if she was introduced in other books?) so the whole 'I want to be a seductress' seemed to come out of nowhere to me. But what really got me was her behavior while she was working as a barmaid. It wasn't the behavior of someone who was contemplating being a courtesan. Things like dumping drinks over people's heads. And while I fully support her choice to douse some groping drunkard, I just couldn't stop thinking how much she was going to hate being a courtesan. Being a mistress, sure it might open doors for her in society and give her some stability in life, but it was like she hadn't even considered what it REALLY meant. Faking it for a man. Putting up with atrocious or undesirable behaviors. It just came off as really naive to me.

Lastly I really disliked how the heroine behaved at the end. It knocked a star for me.