To Beguile a Beast-Elizabeth Hoyt

To Beguile a Beast
Elizabeth Hoyt
Forever, May 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9780446406932

In 1765 needing escape from the Ton and her overly protective guardian, Widow Helen Fitzwilliam accompanied by her two children nine year old Abigail and five year old Jamie flee London to dilapidated Castle Greaves in Scotland. Hiding behind the falling down walls is Sir Alistair Munroe, who has not recovered emotionally from his physical and mental ordeals as a soldier fighting in the colonies. His scarred face and sunken pit instead of a left eye serves as a reminder. The recluse learns Lady Vale, wife to brother in arms Jasper Renshaw (see TO SEDUCE A SINNER), hired Helen Halifax, the name she gives him, as his new housekeeper.

Alistair may be damaged but he can see clearly that Helen is remarkably beautiful. However, it is her caring for her kids and him that begins to bring him out of his shell. As they fall in love and he likewise also with her children, her “protector” is coming to demand she return with him to London.

The third Legend of the Four Soldiers (see TO TASTE TEMPTATION) Georgian romance continues the saga of the few survivors of a Regiment who were slaughtered at the battle of Spinner’s Falls by the Wyandot tribe due to an apparent betrayal. Although the overarching theme of finding out who the traitor is does not go forward much, Elizabeth Hoyt is three for three with a beguiling tale starting with Abigail’s scream upon seeing Alistair’s face and never misses a beat until the final confrontation.

Harriet Klausner