A Beastly Duke’s Wife: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (BERRINGTONS Book 1)
I was never meant to be his salvation… yet here I am, fighting for the heart of a man who never believed he deserved love.
Lady Viola Berrington’s life takes an unexpected turn when a scandal at a society ball forces her into a marriage of convenience with Ewan Thorne, the reclusive Duke of Thawswood, known as the Beast due to his tragic past.
Scarred by a devastating accident that shattered his family, Ewan has withdrawn from society, but his marriage to Viola challenges everything he thought he knew about love and trust. As they navigate their new life together, they slowly break down each other’s walls, discovering healing and passion along the way.
But when Ewan’s past resurfaces, threatening their fragile happiness, they must fight for the love they never expected but now can’t live without.
In a world of whispered secrets and dazzling ballrooms, the Berringtons navigate love, duty, and unexpected passion. When a bold heroine crosses paths with a gentleman bound by honor, their fates become entwined in a story of longing, intrigue, and undeniable chemistry. A rich and romantic Regency tale, full of heart and charm.
Step into the world of Berringtons, Book 1 available now!
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Customer Reviews
G******************t
If only
If inky life could be so precious all the time. This was a bit different from other romance stories but well done. A good read.May 19, 2025
M**V
A Fainting Spell/A Marriage/Evil Relatives!!
A carriage accident a few years back turns out to be not so; the Duke has married but is not the kind of husband his wife especially due to his stepmother & her son. But they will have their comeuppance for their horrid deed & love comes for the Duke & his lovely wife, Viola.April 18, 2025
L*****7
In the Society Papers
Viola was worried as she went into her second season without any admirers. Her sister Scarlett’s come out was both a happy and stressful time. When Viola found herself in the garden trying to get some fresh air, she felt herself swooning. The Duke of Thawswood hoping to secure a dance with her found the young woman struggling for breath on the ground. Of course, they were seen in a compromising position that forced them to marry. Viola was thrown into a new wife where the Duke with a terrifying reputation lived with his unpleasant step mother and brother as well as his invalid sister. Will love bloom among the intrigue and anger? This was a solid four star clean romance.April 9, 2025
R*****.
Good read!
Loved it!! Good writing, good characters, good storyline, suspense and love make for a good book! Loved it!!April 8, 2025
cd
A sweet treat
I thought it was fine. A good book to read while waiting at the doctor or while at soccer practice. Recommended if you subscribe to Kindle unlimited.March 31, 2025
C*****i
Loved it!
I will definitely be reading more from Sally Forbes. This was the first I have read from her but will not be the last.March 15, 2025
M**A
Another Great read from Sally!
I’ve read all of Sally Forbes. Almost all of them. This is the best one. Not too full of unnecessary commentary. Shorter than her usual stories, but more action. And thankfully, no extra extra long epilogue. Excellent book. I recommend.March 14, 2025
K*************r
Enough covetousness for….
Always great to feel the truthful debutante tame the wicked Duke. The story wouldn’t be complete without a wicked stepfamily. Loyal to their plan, their covetous attitude was exposed, and all turned out well, literally.March 13, 2025
I************n
another well written novel.
Sally Forbes continues to create stories that are interesting and full of well developed characters. This one will not disappoint.March 13, 2025
K*************r
Awesome book
I really liked the story line and the characters. The plot lines were great. It kept me reading until I was done in one night. I really enjoyed Ewan and Viola and how they came together. The villains Winston and his Mother finally got what they deserved. It was a great book. I highly recommend reading itMarch 11, 2025
K*************r
A Very Intriguing Story
This story starts with a shocking situation, and continues to grab your attention. You will enjoy the characters, the love story, the twists, and the love story. You won’t want to put it down.March 1, 2025
n*****d
A great read about love
Lady Viola Berrington, eldest daughter, didn’t find any suitors during her season. She helps her sister with her first coming out, and due to an unfortunate misunderstanding, she is now has a marriage of convenience with Ewan Thorne, the reclusive Duke of Thawswood, known as the Beast. Viola makes the best of the situation, and soon becomes friends with her sister-in-law, who was hurt badly in a carriage accident. The Duke’s step-mother and his half-brother come to stay at Thawswood for the season. For some reason, no one knows why they are there. A great read and one of those Can’t-Put-Down books. I really enjoyed reading this book.February 24, 2025
K*************r
How to overcome insecurity
The story is unique in a way that you would not assume. It tears down walls of insecurity, and loneliness and brings 2 people together who had no thoughts of being together in a marriage. The way the Duke is portrayed shows he is not very friendly, yet you can feel the loneliness as you read the book. She wants nothing more than to belong. As the story unfolds, you can know the two in an intimate way. Their longings and their insecurities. The ending is as wonderful as I suspected it would be.February 24, 2025
m*f
The Ton in all its glory
More plot and twists than a typical romance. Well written. Wonderful multidimensional character development. Although I received this for free, I do recommend.February 21, 2025
R*********e
Sally Forbes at her best!
Ewan married Viola after they were accused of a scandalous act in the garden during a ball. His odious stepmother (Olive) and his rakish stepbrother (Winston) were staying at his home for the season, much to his aggravation. Even more infuriating was how they pretended to be decent people around Viola while trying to paint Ewan as a beast and his mute, sickly sister, Isabel, as simply lazy. Viola developed a beautiful friendship with Isabel and began to realize that things were not as they seemed at Thawswood. When Ewan and Viola’s marriage became one of love, the true beasts were revealed. This book was hard to put down and the ending was very satisfying! Loved it! I think it is my favorite by Sally Forbes so far. Excited for the next book in this series!February 21, 2025
B***Y
Really good reading
Liked everything about the story. Interesting and entertaining.February 20, 2025
r********.
Fast paced, interesting.
This book reminds me of why this is one of my favorite authors. The hero was flawed but likeable, and the story moved swiftly and kept my interest. I also enjoyed the three chapters of another book included, which I will be purchasing once I finish this review. Congrats Ms Forbes!February 20, 2025
K**********n
Good clean read.
This story was very good, I started it right before bedtime, but wished I hadn’t, I could not put it down ,read it thru in one sitting . Very unput downable so good I had to make up words lolFebruary 19, 2025
G**.
worth it
This book is really worth reading as much as Viola and Ewan’s love is worth fighting for, I loved every page of it.February 18, 2025
L*********d
Loved it!!!
Loved this book. Dreadful circumstances led to a forced marriage between Duke Ewan and Lady Viola. It doesn’t take long for her grace, kindness and strong commitment to family begins to thaw the Duke’s heart. Then the Duke’s stepmother and stepbrother step in with their evil plans. But true love will win in the end! I can’t wait to read the next books in this new series.February 18, 2025
K*********.
Love this book!
Love the family dynamics in this book…unconditional love, trust, patience, humor, tenderness, as well as deceit, anger, secrets, and greed, lurking in the shadows. You will love this read!!February 18, 2025
r**e
Come what may
awell written, full of drama, romance, love, society, passion, trust, intrigue, twists and surprises. Duke Ewan ha shas a rough life from childhood till the present. Lady Viola also has had a hard time including a carriage accident that should have killed her. They meet up at a ball when Viola goes outside for some fresh air. She faints and is found by Ewan. He tries to untie her gown and is caught in that position. Surprise, surprise. So a marriage of convenience happens between them . The hard part is to make these issues they both have to be solved. Will take lots of work and feelings to get their happily ever after. Curl up and enjoy this book. Would recommend to others. I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.February 18, 2025
J*d
Good ead!
Lady Viola Berrington and Evan Thorne, the Duke of Thawswood were caught in a compromising position which ended with a marriage of convenience. The Duke was scarred by an accident and his sister was left unable to speak. As Viola and Evan were trying to make their marriage work, Evan’s step-mother and step-brother came to stay with them. Then trouble began yet much worse is yet to come.February 17, 2025
n*******0
Brutal Regency
This book is about 2 people who need each other. It shows how brutal regency was. This book is well written and you won’t want to put it down. Can’t wait for the next book.February 17, 2025
G**********y
Great characters and story line
Great story and a hard to put down book for me. Really liked the story development and how the characters started to see each other. Going from misunderstood to a true relationshipFebruary 17, 2025
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.February 17, 2025
D****e
A great read
These characters suck you in to their story and into your hearts. I loved this story and read it in only 2 days. It was a great read, and I hope there are more coming for the other sisters!February 17, 2025
k**********o
Exciting story.
A socially awkward duke, a wallflower duchess created by the ton gossips, and the consummate evil stepmother. Intrigue, plotting, and long-held secrets coming to light.February 17, 2025
W***********r
Beast tamed by a Wallflower
Wonderful read. A beast is tamed by a wallflower. I connected with the mfc because she is the oldest & always trying to do what is best for her family & doesn’t feel like she is the beauty. I always read this author’s next book.February 17, 2025
r*b
From fear to deepest happiness
After an accidental situation, Viola marries a man she doesn’t know at all. She’s frightened and he simply doesn’t know how to behave. But she grew up in a warm, loving family and that is the way she knows how to behave. How will such a beastly man respond to this? I like how warm and affectionate, strong and resilient Viola is. Of course, there is a plot going on and they are in danger. What a great story! I enjoyed it.February 17, 2025
Jo
Outstanding
Outstanding story with amazingly interesting characters and plot.February 17, 2025
S******l
Great romance
After the forced marriage due to a scandal. Both parties had to overcome tragedy. Magical storytelling. Enjoyable read.February 17, 2025
C**********k
Loved this book!
I really liked this book for how the characters grew in it. Viola starts out as a shy wallflower and blossoms into a person who seems to be confident and courageous. Ewan starts out as a grumpy Lord who wants to be left alone and turns into a wonderful person that is loving and kind. I read this book so fast because I really did not want to put it down. It is such a great book and well worth reading!!February 17, 2025
C*****a
Recommended
Regency England was a harsh place for young women. Any false step resulted in scandal, and, sometimes, A forced marriage.February 16, 2025
M***i
taming the beast
Is delightful story of two people who needed each other to become all they could be. The Duke’s relatives added a touch of intrigue. In all I really enjoyed this book.February 15, 2025
M***********r
A not so beastly Duke after all…
This book has a completely different voice to the author’s previous books. They always felt so authentic to the era. This is so different I actually checked to make sure this was indeed a Sally Forbes book. The story itself is also different from previous books, which is a nice change. It has an element of intrigue as well. Overall, that made it an interesting story. There are several threads with no conclusion, like the outcome of the arrest, the injured young man, etc. The ending is different compared to previous books. Hard to explain. Unfortunately there is also several instances of blasphemy throughout the story, which was very disappointing. I have been reading this author’s books for quite some time so this development is very sad. We’ll see where it goes…February 15, 2025
B********6
Romance well done!
Characters had depth and felt relatable. Ewan ‘s emotions were valid and insightful. He was still a caring person just couldn’t remember how to be that way. Viola was quiet but strong and caring and more aware of the other Characters feelings. I honestly enjoyed the storyline and how they grew to love each other. It wasn’t overly done and this is one of Ms. Forbes best yet. Highly recommend!February 15, 2025
R*****a
incredible story
Brooding duke and timid duchess in the start. Then they went out with a roar. Some typos in the work. Cannot wait for the next book in the series.February 14, 2025
K***y
First book in this series!
I didn’t want this book to end. Now I can’t wait for the next one! Viola and Ewen’s story is one of triumph over tragedy. Sally Forbes is like a magician with her storytelling. I find myself immediately drawn to these characters and their story. This is the first book in the new Berrington series. I’m looking forward to the next!February 14, 2025
D********t
A Beastly Duke’s Wife
A delightful book. Just the right amount of love and mystery to keep you reading to the end. Thank you for a very good book!February 13, 2025
J**********e
Wonderful romance
First Viola had to fight for Ewan’s love, then for her life. Ewan had to learn to love and how to be the Duke he was meant to be. A wonderful romance with a twist, this book kept me riveted.February 13, 2025
C******F
Excellent Author
Highly recommend this bookFebruary 12, 2025
