A lonely scarred prince and a beautifully fierce young woman are tied together by heartache shortly after they first meet. After a very rough beginning, the pair begin a tentative friendship. It was hard to imagine a happy ending for them when there was so much pain and overwhelming odds stacked against them.
This is a story with some dark ish edges to it. Adam must decide whether he is ready to come out of the dark. Will he do it for love? After all, it is the most powerful of emotions. All on all, I very much enjoyed reading Beauty of the Beast. This friends-to-lovers tale is a recommended read! Demeter was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review. View all 17 comments. Mar 01, Katie rated it it was amazing Shelves: Demeter's writing is just beautiful. Here are some of my favorite quotes, character and scene descriptions: His music was enough to leave her breathless- and his refined mannerisms and the innate way he held and asserted himself reaffirmed that cultured upbringing" "Winter melted into spring, and along with it, the icicles that had clung to Adam's heart deftly fell away like shackles" "For so long, I've lived as if I'd died.
I've forgotten how it feels to be alive, to breath fresh air and feel the sun on my face. Her heart banged against her ribs as she sought the depths of his eyes. At this range, flicks of gold contrasted against his sky-blue irises. Much of the sadness seemed to have vanished, leaving an almost boyish delight in its wake" I highly recommend this book to ANYONE and EVERYONE who enjoys a good romance novel that toys with your emotions and leaves you with a shit-eating grin on your face after every page. View all 13 comments.
Feb 13, Nicola rated it it was amazing. Based on one of my favourite fairytales, Beauty of the Beast is a darker wonderful retelling of the classic with a Phantom of the Opera feel and, whilst there are naturally similarities, it's very much it's own story centralised around strong characters. Demeter is a new author to me and her storytelling kept me gripped from start to finish: Adam and Isabelle quickly worked their way into my heart, breaking it along the way and piecing it back together.
The Beast (book) - Wikipedia
For as long as I demand. But it's what she experiences before meeting Adam that shows her strength and whilst this is very much the darker element, it's pivotal to both hers and the overall story and Rachel has handled it with sensitivity. Needless to say I loved Isabelle, for her heart and her strong-willed determination despite her experiences. Prince Adam Delacroix is a contradiction of himself and for someone who is withdrawn and living his life as a recluse, he has a strong, confident presence, yet underneath is the more vulnerable, tormented but gentle, thoughtful man that you would expect.
But being with you It makes me yearn to be a greater man. Demeter brings us next and the twists she creates. Copy received courtesy of IndieSage PR for an honest and unbiased opinion. View all 23 comments. Do you guys have cameras on me?????? I'm onto you peopleeeeee -. I went into this book fully convinced I'd be getting a cute, fluffy, light read BUT you guessed it. Tweebs was definitely wrong. I was a few chapters in and then began to realize, "Wait, what the heck. And it was fucking amazing. View all 22 comments.
Apr 10, Sana rated it really liked it Shelves: This is the third?? Beauty and the Beast retelling I've read and it is unlike anything I've read before and I mean that in a good way. This book is dark, beautiful, lustful, and downright awesome. I loved reading it so much, though I had a few problems with it. I binge read this and finished it the day i started it. Thats how awesome it was. Also, "Love is joy, love is suffering, love is tenderness, love is beautiful. Prince Adam Delacroix our beast is left scarred and burned in a castle, isolating himself from everyone and letting them all think he died the night he witnessed his family brutally murdered in front of his eyes.
Isabelle Rose beauty has to take care of her blind and sick father and in order to get the money to treat him, she is forced to be married to rich Raphael aka Gaston aka mother fucker who sexually assaults her and does whatever he wants to her. When Isabelle and her father find a way to flee Raphael and hope for a better life, they get stuck in a storm and have to seek shelter in Adam's castle.
Adam slowly start feeling human again and starts to have these feelings for Isabelle. I loved Adam's character so much. I loved the way the author just has Adam characterized as a scarred human and not a beast who is cursed and must turn handsome in order for Isabelle to have her happy ending. He is scarred and broken and I loved how Isabelle falls in love with his every flaw and accept his scars and disfigurement. The love they felt for each other is so real, beautiful, and desperate.
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The character development for Adam is incredible. He goes from rude and cruel to loving, caring and more human. I felt Adam's need to be loved, his insecurities about his scarred body, and the way he also had to come terms with accepting himself for who he was. He's a disgusting sexual predator who assaults Isabelle and will do anything to have her. He's a dickhead and I hated him. It was extremely repetitive. Adam would constantly talk about Isabelle's "luscious chocolate curls. It got so annoying. Like, Adam, I get it.
Stop saying it over and over again. The repetitive writing is the only thing I disliked about this book and I'm glad it didn't make me entirely hate the book. I still enjoyed Rachel's writing. It's beautiful and descriptive.
Also, Rachel is such an amazing and cool author. She reaches out to her readers, talks to them and gladly takes any feedback! Overall, I really really really loved this book and I binge read it so fucking hard. I literally finished it in a day and abandoned my BR partner Solomon bc I just could not stop reading.
The author did say she was going to fix up the repetitive writing and I would love to do a reread of this book someday to see the new changes. I really enjoyed this and can't wait to read Rachel's other work! View all 49 comments. Mar 04, Yodamom rated it it was amazing Shelves: Belle aka Isabelle is a support your family, make sacrifices and do the best you can kind of beauty.
The beast is Prince Adam is a horribly scared man emotionally and physically, his best friend is a dog named Stranger who he rescued. Sebastian, is still a servant of sort to his family, more of a friend. The characters are complex, the relationship is earned, in a slow painful process that I completely enjoyed. Isabelle runs from her tormentor and home after a horrific series of events and sexual abuse at his hands. Her plan to take her blind, ill father and find a new life for them is thwarted when the weather turns and they are forced to seek shelter at a dank, depressed castle behind rusted gates.
When the door opens and she is greeted by a huge man in a dark cloak and a growling giant dog she nearly turns back toward the sure death of the storm. Forcing this dark giant to let them in drawing on her determination to improve their situation she begins a series of events that had me up all night reading while my household slept.
The beast, Adam, lives in his past. He is a living nightmare, swimming with the ghost of his past day and night. Living alone in a decrepit castle with his dog and family relics. He feeds his unhappiness and sorrow with solitude and bitterness. When this woman and her father crash into his solitude he does not adjust easily and become the gentle host.
He overreacts to a simple event that will cut a deep wound in Belles heart. He has little to no experience with other people, he is like a lost child acting out. He stole my heart. Demeter created a repulsive character in Raphael, Belles tormentor. Deplorable actions and words, a complete piece of rot. She gives him a background that almost had me feeling sorry for the vermin. That was a tricky little twist of the knife. A most trusted man broke the heart of his friend.
She twisted me around her finger with her wonderful story telling. The words were beautifully pulled together and created an adult version that does justice to the classic. Mar 14, Sylvia rated it it was amazing Shelves: These are just but a few words that come to mind when I think of this fantastical retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Not only has the author, successfully, woven a story filled with the heartbeat of the original, she has also fused it with the dark elements of The Phantom of the Opera, as well as snippets of Cinderella. I found myself immersed within the hauntingly beautiful pages fi Purely Magical, Breathtakingly Beautiful Dark, yet whimsical Enchanting, and haunting Mesmerising, and unforgettable.
I found myself immersed within the hauntingly beautiful pages filled with descriptive words that floated magically in a way that had me completely engaged and falling in love with this beautiful rendition of a story that is a favourite of mine. I cherished every word and felt every feeling. My heart pounded repeatedly and my senses heightened by the heartbreak the characters endured and the tenderness in which their love for one another grew over time.
Our Beast, Adam Delacroix is that of a scarred man, both physically and emotionally. He has shunned the outside world, living within the halls of his tormented past, withering away and forgetting what it's like to be alive. Enter our Beauty, Isabelle Rose and his non-existent life will forever change. Both escaping pasts that would consume them whole, if they allowed it, these two slowly strip away the layers that would unleash their truths and bring about a love that would stand the tests of time. It was such a breathtaking sight to behold, so to speak, and an experience that will forever be in my heart.
Our dear and wonderful author has spun a tale that is filled with so much love and hope, of longing and beauty, of healing and faith, that what we see presented on the outside, is never what it seems. That the way we look isn't representative of who we are.
I would love to thank the author, Rachel L. Demeter for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. And in doing so, I have fallen in love with the way she can capture my heart with her splendid way with words. View all 10 comments. It is not glorified but it is extremely disturbing. The writing hooked me from page one. I mean seriously guys, this might be the best prologue I've ever read.
I had no doubt it was going to be a five star book. And then things started to change. First of all, I need to commend the writing. I can't even tell you how many lines I highlighted because of how beautifully written this book is. Perhaps its personal preference, but the story just didn't work for me. While the story is reminiscent of the Disney version probably the closest I've read yet , it still holds up on its own as unique.
No magic here folks, and it is MUCH darker. Not to mention the issues the book deals with everything from abuse, rape, PTSD, etc. Does it handle them well? Most of the time, yes, but I definitely had some issues with it. Especially with the rape. No, it is not glorified in the least OR made romantic in any way, but my question is Why describe it in great detail? No, it isn't the beast who does it.
Beauty of the Beast
It's the 'Gaston' character - FYI. I don't know, I was just disturbed. The other issues I had were the pacing. While I wanted to soak up the language, I was also trying to keep my eyes open for large chunks at a time. The overall story I. I think I'm just done reading Beauty and the Beast retellings. It's more than likely personal taste, but I'm just not into the disturbed man going after the damsel in destress trope.
I'm probably in the rare on that one. This book also reminded me of 'Romancing the Duke' - so that's probably a good tell on whether or not you'll like this. Additionally, I didn't connect to the romance. The author was certainly going for the 'healing' aspect of romance - where both characters involved are recovering from PTSD - but I just didn't buy it. Lust overtook the healing aspect and it just felt awkward at times.
Anyway, I think I'm a rare one here, as I've seen only positive reviews for the most part. But it just wasn't my cup of tea, unfortunately. Feb 23, Rachel L. Beauty and the Beast has always remained close to my heart and a constant source of inspiration. It fills me with such joy to share my own retelling of this timeless, breathtaking tale.
Although my interpretation is filled with shadows, it also embraces light, hope, second chances, and of course, true beauty and love. Mar 01, Michelle rated it it was amazing. I loved Beauty of the Beast. Totally and completely loved this book. I have been really into retellings lately, and this is a great one. This is a dark and gothic retelling, so it is not going to be light and fluffy, but it is so heartbreakingly romantic. I just loved seeing Isabelle and Adam. Isabelle is taking care of her sick father and Adam is a Prince and also the sole survivor of a raid on his castle when he was younger.
He now lives in seculsion and when Isabelle and her father happen upon his castle she trades herself to save her father and that is really where our story starts. This story made me super emotional. Both happy and sad emotions. There are two events that took place that really gutted me. I'm sorry, but there is never any reason to kill a dog! It is a testament to how much I loved the rest of the story if I still gave it five stars when a dog died. That is normally the kiss of death for me.
Which is really big for me if you know what one of the things was. But Beauty of the Beast was good enough that I made an exception in this case. I'm not sure who was more wounded and who I felt for more in the story. Adam and Isabelle really are kindred souls. Adam with his obvious hardship and past and Isabelle with her awful fiance and dealing with family issues.
Watching them come together and form a slow friendship and even slower romance was so sweet and satisfying. I really loved the slow burn romance in Beauty of the Beast. If you like retellings that take the bones of the tale and tell a really strong story with the basic plot, you will love Beauty of the Beast.
Rachel doesn't do anything too radical with the storyline and it feels pretty true to the original but she does do a really cool mash up beauty and the beast and the phantom of the opera. The end result is a great slow burn romance with a tortured hero and a really likable heroine. I devoured this story in one sitting!
This is a fantastic retelling. I can't wait to read more from Rachel. This is a book you do not want to miss, and it is one sale right now for preorders! This review was originally posted on Book Briefs Feb 10, Dianne rated it it was amazing Shelves: Another Fairy Tale grows up, gains some dark realism and proves that without love, even a saint can become a beast from within their heart and that love can make anyone beautiful in the eyes of those who love them. Demeter has shown her writing chops once again as she turns an already dark tale into an edgy read that will rock you back on your heels.
He was just a child the day his world became a living nightmare that stole his family, his youth, his heart and created a monster scarred Another Fairy Tale grows up, gains some dark realism and proves that without love, even a saint can become a beast from within their heart and that love can make anyone beautiful in the eyes of those who love them.
He was just a child the day his world became a living nightmare that stole his family, his youth, his heart and created a monster scarred and disfigured. It was better that the world thought the entire royal family died that day than to know their prince was too disfigured to look upon. Alone in an ancient castle, Adam has no one except the ghosts of his past and a promise of a lonely and bleak existence until the day he finally breathed his last breath. But a terrible storm brought strangers to his door, a beautiful young woman and her deathly ill father.
Isabelle is running from a monster already. The monster she was betrothed to, handsome to look upon, but vile enough to ruin her for any other man in the most demeaning and dehumanizing way. What had Isabelle got them into in this dark and dank castle? In an act of a seriously ill and delirious man, her father makes a mistake that causes Adam to literally toss him into his dungeon like the beast he appears to be. It will be that act that reminds him of the love of family as Isabelle makes a bargain in hopes of saving her father.
It will be a bargain that will open both of their eyes to the meaning of true beauty far beyond the mere flesh. Prepare to be horrified, to feel uncomfortable at times and to be charmed by the resiliency of blossoming love. Demeter wants us to feel more than the enchantment of a fairy tale romance.
She wants us to react with more than sighs as she adds some dark reality to her tale. All the better to see how love can transform two lonely souls into one powerfully bonded love. I cannot recommend this one enough! Definitely a gem to be uncovered! March 15, Publisher: View all 7 comments. A perfect retelling of one of the most famous fairy tales. This version doesn't involve talking teapots or enchanted roses, but this retelling is still beyond magical. Prince Adam isn't a hairy beast with sharp teeth. He is just a man with a painful past. On the outside, he has scars all over his body from being burned.
On the inside, he is hiding from civilization and himself. He doesn't trust anyone. If he is a monster, it is because others made him that way. When Isabelle and her ill father stumbled onto his doorsteps during a blizzard, he tried to turn them away. But she held her head high and refused to be ignored. Eventually, their hearts thawed, and a relationship stronger than any spell was created.
This book isn't for young adults because there are some steamy scenes towards the end. And as the Prince has never been with a woman before, he fantasizes a lot about Isabelle. I loved the story and the way the prince desired to be a better man all because of Isabelle. There were some moments where it was a little repetitive. For example, the story kept bringing up dust motes flying in the air.
There were also some abrupt stops when the two were making out. But overall, I enjoyed every second, and I can't wait to read more by Rachel L. View all 6 comments. Mar 01, Julie rated it it was amazing Shelves: I've never been super excited about fairy tale retellings. I'm not really sure why that is but I have a pretty good feeling that it's because when you grow up hearing stories or watching movies about these fairy tales, you grow attached. Beauty and the Beast was a big one for me. I adore that Disney movie and it's hard to believe that it can be improved upon.
So when Rachel Demeter sent me a message asking me to give her newest novel a read, I was a bit nervous. What if I picked it up and abso I've never been super excited about fairy tale retellings. What if I picked it up and absolutely hated it? That's a reader's worst nightmare. But that's not how it turned out. First of all, the cover is absolutely beautiful. I'm definitely a cover-judger. Now on to the most important part As I started reading, I kept finding myself sitting on the edge of my chair, just waiting for this book to mimic Beauty and the Beast.
I was just so sure that it was going to happen and I think that it really took something away from those first few chapters. I ended up stopping and going back to the beginning but without the jaded thoughts. Because not once did it mimic Beauty and the Beast. Of course it was reminiscent but it never went to mimicry. It was so much more. This is what Beauty and the Beast should have been. It's probably what it would have been if it had been written for an adult audience.
Isabelle was the perfect heroine. She was the perfect combination of contradictions. She was so very strong but at the same time, very fragile. She was extremely brave yet skittish. She loved beauty but also saw the beauty in flaws. She was exactly what I envisioned our beloved Belle would be like.
He has put up these walls around himself and his heart, refusing to let anyone in. Getting to experience Prince Adam as he tries to traverse the rocky landscape of his transforming life was something I wish I could get back. I want that first read magic again because it was absolutely phenomenal. I don't want to say too much about the story itself because I don't want to ruin any of the many surprises. All I will say is that it is a story that will stay with me. I'll definitely be rereading this one and I absolutely cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out because THIS is what Rachel Demeter was meant to do.
These fairy tale retellings. It blew me out of the water and I'm so excited about this little sub-genre but I know I can't read something from someone else because it just won't be as good. Just have to wait for the next one from Demeter. And it won't be a patient wait! Mar 09, Myla rated it it was amazing. Prince Adam Delacroix spends his adult life in hiding after a tragic event befallen his family, leaving him orphaned and physically scarred.
Even though Isabelle has two step-sisters, they are more of a burden than help, they are always a Prince Adam Delacroix spends his adult life in hiding after a tragic event befallen his family, leaving him orphaned and physically scarred. Even though Isabelle has two step-sisters, they are more of a burden than help, they are always asking for things for her father to give to them. Travelling throughout the night, unexpected storm came and Isabelle has no choice but to stop and look for a shelter and came across a Gothic castle. She knocks and the door opens… a tall figure wearing a cloak appears and annoyed at the same time.
After a time, Adam reluctantly gives in and let Isabelle and her father stay. While staying in the castle, something happened and Isabelle blames it all to Adam. They continue to mind their own business, but as time goes by, Isabelle discovers the real Adam behind the scars and Adam, who admire the beauty and grace of Isabelle from afar. Without a doubt they are in love!!! After learning what happened, Adam went out and searching for his beloved Isabelle.
I was amazed how beautiful it was flawlessly written turning a classic story into this edgy, dark and sexy story is just brilliant. The pacing is just right and the characters are well defined! This is my first book by Author Rachel L. Demeter and what an introduction it was. Time well spent reading this book and looking forward to read more story written by this author. ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. View all 14 comments. Feb 26, Lisa Jayne rated it really liked it.
He brought the darkness. That, in addition to it being one of my favourite fairy tales meant that I was more than happy to read and review this latest book by Rachel L Demeter. In my opinion this author has done a gorgeous job at retelling this popular fairy tale and I'm glad to say that I was happily lost in a world of days gone by. What did I love? I was pleasantly surprised by my engagement with this book, even though I knew the path that the story would take, I was still entertained and pinned to the pages of this novel.
I loved the light and dark of the story telling and I was most certainly sold on this hero finding his way from darkness to true love. Plenty of action, brilliant story telling and a hero and heroine to die for. Overall this is a lovely historical romance that I have to say won me some happy reading hours. This book was thoroughly enjoyed by myself, I just had a few niggles that wouldn't let go of me to allow a five star rating.
One of the issues I had was some of the repetition of words used throughout the story telling and once I'd noticed it, sadly it distracted me from time to time. I also would have liked to have had some length in parts of the story telling to fill some of the gaps that I found in the plot. However, these were minor quibbles and nothing that should put a romance reader off giving this book a chance. All in all a really fabulous reading experience and a solid four star rating. Those romance readers who adore the beauty and the beast fairy tale should enjoy this book as much as I have.
With just the right amount of heat and a lot of swoon I was one happy reader. Apr 01, Natalie The Biblioholic rated it really liked it Shelves: Prince Adam Delacroix has lived a life of solitude in a secluded castle for 25 years, ever since he witnessed the massacre of his family during the revolt. His solitary existence is disrupted when Isabelle and her sick father seek shelter from a storm. After what he perceives as a transgression against his hospitality, Adam locks her father away in the dungeon. And then we all kind of know what happens next.
I like how the author took artistic license of the classic tale and spun her own twists and turns. There was no true magic here but real magic took place. The magic of love. Yeah, that does sound pretty corny, but it doesn't make it any less true. Adam was disfigured and no magic spell was going to change that, however, Isabelle was able to see beyond that to the beauty that was at the core of this man.
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It was wondrous to be able to watch them fall together. For years, Adam's heart was full of anger, bitterness and resentment. With Isabelle he was able to start replacing them with hope and love. The short and sweet of it is this: March 15, Genre: Dual - 3rd person Steam: Standalone - Book 1 of the Fairy Tale Retellings series View all 32 comments.
I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review, and once I started reading it This is my first book that I've read with this author, and it's like she knew that I adore Beauty and the Beast. I think she's psychic??! That being said, if anyone is a fan of the classic, Beauty and the Beast, you have to give this book a try because you won't be disappointed! Demeter is very good at describing everything, she makes you feel like you're actually in the book with the characters, experiencing what they're feeling and what not.
Also, it flowed very nice. For Isabelle to really be strong and find herself, she needs to get her and her father away from the antagonist of the story Raphael. Did I mention the author is good at making you feel what the characters are feeling? Because you will really dislike that man! I fell in love with his character. Apr 02, Elizabeth rated it really liked it Shelves: With a severely damaged hero both physically and emotionally and a beautiful young maiden, this retelling of the classic tale Beauty and the Beast held me captive the entire time.
The painful memories of his past haunt him day in and day out. Living a life of solitude has left him completely devoid of human contact or affection. Destined to live a painfully lonely life, he has found comfort in creating music, and his sole companionship has been his dog. When a young girl and her ailing father show up at his doorstep, he is frightened and outraged by their presence in his world. Please come back to me Despite the painful existence of her two evil step sisters, Isabelle has found peace in her simple way of life.
When her family's financial situation takes a turn for the worse, she is forced to agree to marry the wealthy Vicomte Raphael Dumont. Although she has tried to accept the upcoming nuptials, Raphael is a monster and has made no secret of his plans to make her life miserable. When Isabelle sees an opportunity for an escape, she takes it! Isabelle and her father venture out into the darkness. When a storm causes them to find shelter, she ends up trading one monster for another. But as you know sometimes things are not at all as they seem!
Beauty & the Beast
And yet, Isabelle and Adam create an entirely new story full of romance, tenderness, and friendship. The setting comes to life with the rich description full of dark and bright colors. The characters are complex with their broken past and a strong desire for a better future. Although I found myself drawing connections to the original story, I found this retelling to be even more fascinating and touching.
The sexual tension that blooms between Isabelle and Adam is off the charts! Adam and Isabelle both find a way to discover passion, beauty, and love together. The supporting characters enhanced the tale greatly with their love or disdain for Adam and Isabelle. The blend of action, suspense, and romance was well dispersed throughout the read, and anyone who enjoys a broken hero finding love will devour every word of this beautifully crafted tale! Overall, Beauty of the Beast is sure to delight romance fans who enjoy a beautiful fairy tale and good overcoming evil.
This is my first book by Rachel L. As in many of his later works, Heinlein refers to the idea of solipsism , but in this book develops it into an idea he called " World as Myth " — the idea that universes are created by the act of imagining them, so that all fictional worlds are in fact real and all real worlds are figments of fictional figures' fancy, which is why Heinlein uses the Ouroboros symbology in later works like The Cat Who Walks Through Walls. Jack Kirwan wrote in the National Review that the novel is "about two men and two women in a time machine safari through this and other universes.
But describing The Number of the Beast thus is like saying Moby Dick is about a one-legged guy trying to catch a fish". He goes on to say that Heinlein celebrates the "competent person". Hurwitz said in her review for the School Library Journal that it is "a catalog of Heinlein's sins as an author; it is sophomoric, sexist, militantly right wing, and excessively verbose", and comments that the book's ending was "a devastating parody of SF conventions—will have genre addicts rolling on the floor.
It's garbage, but right from the top of the heap". Heinlein buff David Potter explained on alt. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. For other uses, see Number of the Beast disambiguation. For Us, The Living: Edgar Rice Burroughs 's Barsoom. Princess of Mars John Carter. Warlord of Mars board game. Kaldane Tharks Barsoomian language. The Home Front " short story Rainbow Mars short story collection.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Jinnicky the Red Jinn Kabumpo.
Adaptations and other derivative works. Back to Oz Retrieved from " https: