🐾 Book Review: The Bulldog and the Beast – A Short Story by Georgette Heyer (Kindle Edition, Heyer Short Stories Book 3)
A charming slice of early 20th-century romantic comedy, this short story showcases Heyer’s wit, warmth, and her surprising affection for four-legged characters.
🧠 Overview
Originally published in 1923 in the UK’s Happy Mag, The Bulldog and the Beast is a 15-page short story by Georgette Heyer, reissued as part of the Heyer Short Stories collection. Known for her Regency romances and detective fiction, Heyer here offers a contemporary romantic vignette that’s light, clever, and delightfully pet-centric.
The story revolves around two neighbors—both dog lovers, both seemingly misanthropic—who find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other. Their mutual disdain for social niceties is matched only by their devotion to their pampered bulldogs, and what begins as a battle of wills slowly turns into something more tender.
✨ Key Highlights
- 🐶 Dog lovers unite: The bulldog is arguably the story’s emotional anchor, offering comic relief and unexpected matchmaking
- 💬 Signature dialogue: Heyer’s trademark wit and banter shine through, even in this brief format
- 💘 Enemies-to-lovers energy: The protagonists’ initial friction gives way to reluctant admiration and romantic tension
- 🕰️ Historical charm: Though set in the 1920s, the story feels timeless in its humor and emotional beats
“Full of Heyer’s signature clever dialogue and arguably featuring the first instance of a pampered pooch in her canon…” — Goodreads summary
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.47/5 from over 100 readers
- 📖 Fans praise the story’s light tone, character chemistry, and animal charm
- 🧾 Many consider it a delightful bonus for Heyer enthusiasts, especially those curious about her lesser-known works
- 💬 “Short, sweet, and surprisingly funny. A perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads.” — Goodreads reviewer
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Very short format: At 15 pages, it’s a quick read—more of a character sketch than a full narrative arc
- 📚 Not Regency-era: Unlike most of Heyer’s famous works, this is a contemporary romance
- 🧾 Best for fans: Newcomers may prefer starting with her longer novels like The Grand Sophy or Frederica
🏁 Final Verdict
The Bulldog and the Beast is a delightful miniature that captures Georgette Heyer’s humor and romantic sensibility in a bite-sized package. With its quirky characters, snappy dialogue, and canine charm, it’s a must-read for fans of Heyer’s lighter side—and a fun discovery for anyone who believes love can be found in the most unexpected places.
