So Beauty and the Beast is pretty current right now - I give applause for that... but we all know the story. This new take on it wasn't really new enough to hold my attention. I found the story to be unnecessarily lengthy, without any real forward motion.
The beginning was very well written, horrible and heartbreaking and enthralling - but then the next 3/4 of the story was "meh". And lets say that someone stole your lover for clearly nefarious means: would you wait to go rescue her? Whats up with that?
It was alright, but unfortunately not memorable and not really able to piggyback on the retro craze right now.

The Listed books below I didn't finish because I either lost interest or didn't like them to finish them!

This is the first fairy tale retelling I've read and it fell a little flat for me. The flow of the writing was a little off for me and I just couldn't get into it.

Just not for me.

This is definitely not the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast unless Gaston is hiding way more deep dark secrets than the egomaniac lets on.

I was fully invested in the story and the characters. I loved that "the beast" Adam is given such a rich and compelling back story. Belle is somewhat similar to the character although with a dash of Cinderella and definitely less little girl and more woman.

The romance is a slow and simmering burn, worth every minute and look forward to the next book that the author writes.

Brilliant book. Excellent main characters and plot. I would recommend this book.

An attempt to sell on the coat tails of the new Beauty and the Beast movie currently out in theaters (March 2017). A decent and realistic concept behind the 'Beast.' No magic involved, just a prince who's family has executed and palace set aflame in the wake of the French Revolution. Disfigure by fire and living alone in an old decrepit home, this story follows the typical theme of Beauty following in her father's wake when he doesn't return. The difference is that her father dies of his illness and it is the Beast's supposed rescuer and friend Sebastian that sets the villain on them.

Isabelle is betrothed to an evil man in order to help support her sick father and two stepsisters. When she disappears, Sebastian believes she's been kidnapped by the Beast and gives her back to her betrothed. Isabelle and her beast have to find each other again and gain their HEA.

A dark romance, not for the faint of heart, as "Belle" discovers the beauty within her beast.

Beauty of the Beast is a historical romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast. There are no magic or fantasy elements in this book, which is normally not my cup of tea. However, I am so glad I picked this book up. It was romantic, heartbreaking, steamy, and thrilling. I had not heard of Rachel L. Demeter before this book, but immediately sought out her other works after finishing this one. If you love Beauty and the Beast, but need a little more kick to your story than talking candlesticks* and polite beasts, get this book.

*Side note: I love Lumière. No offense, mi amie

This book is beautifully written and is realistic (no magic) retelling of the tale of beauty and the beast.

I have never read this author before and this book has made sure I will be reading more of her books, I loved the authors writing style and their take on this tale.

Sometimes I simply try to find words to describe a book and these words describe my feelings of this story - warm, emotional, sensual and delightful.

Adam is the 'beast', his no cursed prince though but is a prince, he is a recluse hiding from the world due to events that happened in his childhood. He has his issues due to being away from people but my god I loved him.

Isabelle is 'belle' and she is a wonderful characther, her journey is different but similar to the original belle, she has a suitor but he's not a great person and she isn't keen on him but he expects her to marry him still - this suitor is the reason she meets Adam as she tries to escape him.

There are many differences to the original tale which all make this a new story that has a darker twist with adult scenes.

Loved it and highly recommend.

Further note - Just seen the new film Beauty and the Beast and I loved it but I still had this book in my mind and kept thinking how much I would love to see this tale in film.

Beauty of the Beast is the first book in a series of Fairy Tale Retellings by Rachel L. Demeter. This stand alone adult retelling is a mature version of a timeless tale in a setting that turns it into a historical romance.

This is the story of Isabella Rose and Adam Delacroix who are two captivating characters. Prince Adam Delacroix is the only survivor of the revolution in France where the towns people killed his mother, father and baby sister before setting fire to his home that caused him horrible burns to half his body. Now 25 years later Isabelle Rose, a beautiful young woman, has fled her home and her suitor with her sick father.

There is a lot of action, many developments with different twists in the plot up until the end, grief, and a hope for second chance romance. Rachel's third person point of view writing proved to be wonderful. The only area where I was disappointed was how that ending came about.

Readers who love historical romances that edge on the darker side will enjoy this one.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

So starting this book, I was so excited because not only was this a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, it had Phantom of the Opera undertones and y'all know I'm a slut for both of these stories. I felt that this book sucked me in, right from the beginning at the writing was such AMAZING! I cannot get over Ms. Demeter's writing. Her prose and ability to write such multi-faceted characters astounds me. Even down to her villain has a deeper character than just the generic, run of the mil big bad.
4.5 stars!

Just want to say thanks to the wonderful author, Rachel L. Demeter for an ARC of this book! :)

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Wow! I had read Rachel L. Demeter's book Finding Gabriel review and I really enjoyed this so I was chomping at the bit to read this beauty (pun intended)

BA-DUM-TSSS.

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Okay, I'm done...

So starting this book, I was so excited because not only was this a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, it had Phantom of the Opera undertones and y'all know I'm a slut for both of these stories. I felt that this book sucked me in, right from the beginning at the writing was such AMAZING! I cannot get over Ms. Demeter's writing. Her prose and ability to write such multi-faceted characters astounds me. Even down to her villain has a deeper character than just the generic, run of the mill big bad.

Can I just say I fell in love with Adam right of the get-go? He had the tortured soul but to go along with it was such a tender heart. I honestly think his stories was one of the saddest things I've ever had the opportunity to read. I think Rachel L. Demeter handled his story as well as Isabelle's in such a fantabulous way and ughhhh Isabelle was such a great and enduring character. I really liked her.

All in all, I think this was such a great read that really touches the soul and if you ever thought of reading this book, go for it, you won't regret it AT ALL.

Rated 3.5 Stars

I enjoyed it but would've found it more enjoyable had I connected with the characters. This reason is why this book didn't fully work for me.

Wow! I almost don't even know where to start with this review. Beauty of the Beast, a retelling of the fairy tale, 'Beauty and the Beast', was by far one of the most haunting, enchanting and beautiful stories I have read in a really long time. I am a huge sucker for brooding, scarred, reclusive heroes, so when I came across the plot for this book, I immediately knew I just had to read it! Normally a fairy tale retelling would not peak my interest because a realistic plot is a big factor for me in the books I read, however the author was able to develop the characters and their histories into a very believable story that not only came across as authentic, but was able to transport me to a time when the events that occurred would seem commonplace and not far fetched at all. I found myself completely lost in this book, turning page after page and not wanting to put it down to do anything else.

Adam Delacroix was only eleven years old when his family's palace was invaded and his parents and baby sister were murdered with unconscionable brutality. Narrowly escaping, and believed to be dead, he spent the next twenty five years living in total isolation, severely scarred on both the inside and out. He lived day to day with almost no human contact; and on the rare occasions he did come face to face with another person, their fear and revulsion from his appearance made him feel worthless and distrustful of people. After so many years, he came to accept that he would live an existence of complete loneliness for the rest of his life.

Isabelle Rose, also feels imprisoned by her circumstances, but for completely different reasons. After many years of caring for her sick father, who can no longer work and has become financially drained by her cold and selfish stepsisters, she agrees to marry Raphael Dumont, the richest and most eligible bachelor in her town. While most women throw themselves at him, Isabelle can see past his good looks and money to the cold and ruthless man he really is. Desperate to find a way out of her impending marriage, she uses a last chance work opportunity for her father as an excuse to flee with him, planning to never return. However, her father's declining health and a severe snowstorm thwart those plans and lead her right to Adam's door, where she has no choice but to beg him for help.

And that is where this story became un-put-down-able because Adam is the perfect combination of angry alpha male and polished prince. Conversely, Isabelle is sweet and innocent, but fierce. Together, their chemistry was HOT! There is no insta-love here, in case you're wondering. Their romance is a total slow burn that evolves from fear of one another to strong friendship to epic love story.

Beauty of the Beast is my first book by this author, but it most definitely will not be my last because I completely loved her style of writing. Her imagery is so descriptive, I felt like I could close my eyes and be transported into each scene, able to touch the objects and see exactly what the characters were seeing.

This book was absolute perfection for me, I loved it!

Publisher's Description:

Experience the world’s most enchanting and timeless love story—retold with a dark and realistic twist.

A BEAST LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF HIS PAST

Reclusive and severely scarred Prince Adam Delacroix has remained hidden inside a secluded, decrepit castle ever since he witnessed his family’s brutal massacre. Cloaked in shadow, with only the lamentations of past ghosts for company, he has abandoned all hope, allowing the world to believe he died on that tragic eve twenty-five years ago.

A BEAUTY IN PURSUIT OF A BETTER FUTURE

Caught in a fierce snowstorm, beautiful and strong-willed Isabelle Rose seeks shelter at a castle—unaware that its beastly and disfigured master is much more than he appears to be. When he imprisons her gravely ill and blind father, she bravely offers herself in his place.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Stripped of his emotional defenses, Adam’s humanity reawakens as he encounters a kindred soul in Isabelle. Together they will wade through darkness and discover beauty and passion in the most unlikely of places. But when a monster from Isabelle’s former life threatens their new love, Demrov’s forgotten prince must emerge from his shadows and face the world once more…

Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty of the Beast brings a familiar and well-loved fairy tale to life with a rich setting in the kingdom of Demrov and a captivating, Gothic voice.

Beauty of the Beast is the first standalone installment in a series of classic fairy tales reimagined with a dark and realistic twist.

Disclaimer: This is an edgy, historical romance retelling of the classic fairy tale. Due to strong sexual content, profanity, and dark subject matter, including an instance of sexual assault committed by the villain, Beauty of the Beast is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

My Thoughts:

I loved reading this retelling of Beauty and the Beast especially with the nationwide release of the Disney Action Movie of this tale.
This is of course a more adult version than the Disney one. There is violence and a deeply sensual nature to this story. It is very well written even though there is sexual violence as well as violence of the usual nature.
Adam is a prince who was the only survivor when the people revolted and killed his parents and his baby sister. The violent nature of his parents deaths and the memory of his baby sister burning to death haunt him. He was scared while trying to save his sister. His scars make him viewed as a beast and he is reclusive because of this.
Isabelle is the daughter of a merchant who is ill, nearly blind and most likely dying. In order to keep her family fed she has betrothed herself to the cruel Vicomte Dumont.
When her father decides he wishes to travel to the annual Merchants Fair she decides she must look to her betrothed for the means to travel there.
This is how she ends up with the reclusive and scared prince. It also culminates in the death of her father.
Can these two so different people find happiness together? Will they have their Happily Ever After?
This retelling of this classic French fairytale is very well written and told with the spin of an adult natured book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this retelling of a longtime favorite. It is of course more realistic in nature than the childhood fairytale.
The characters are well developed and the storyline excellent.
I gave this dark retelling 4.75 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book and I have voluntarily left my review.

Beauty of the Beast (Fairy Tale Retellings #1)
Rachel L. Demeter
Book Review: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ +
Captivating. I couldn't put this little gem down.

The fairytale of Beauty and the Beast we know but that doesn't mean you have read this story. I loved every minute of it and didn't want it to end. It follows the similar storyline of the Disney version. However, the plot is it's own.

Adam lost everything in a fire; his family, his personal possessions and his stunning good looks. He is disfigured- The beast. He turned his back on the world years ago.

Isabelle just wants to look after her sick father. She is willing to do whatever it takes. Isabelle is even willing to sell her soul to the devil. She dreams of finding true love, but her nightmares are becoming closer to reality.

This book is described as a dark re-telling of the story. However, I have to say it doesn't come close to Disfigured love by Georgia Le Carre. This book is a little dark, but there is also a lot of love. I have read quite a few Beauty and the Beast books and this is definitely one of my favourites (the other being Broken by Lauren Layne which is completely different to this).

I would say the intend audience for this beauty is 18+.

5+ stars out of 5. I couldn't get enough of this and I would definitely consider reading more by this author. Not many books make it onto my Goodreads favourite shelf but this one easily slides on. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Kindle Edition £2.44, 342 pages
Published March 15th 2017

3.75 Stars
An adult (or NA) adaptation of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale minus the magic element. I enjoyed this retelling (it was the first work I had read by the author) and I look forward to more of her novels in the future. The male MC is physically scarred as well as emotionally and the themes are a little darker than in other versions. If you like adult fairy tale adaptations, then this may be your cup of tea.

Net Galley Feedback

Let me start off by saying that I have never read any book from this author and that I do not read historical romance this is my first and I really loved it.

This is the is the retelling of beauty and the beast but with the authors little twists to it. When Isabelle Rose takes her ill father into town they encounter and very bad storm so they have to find shelter and they come across a dark and gloomy castle and of course they are not welcome when they knock but the owner still lets them in that is until her father makes the mistake of putting something that doesn't belong to him in his jacket when the owner of the house sees he puts him straight in the dungeon but Isabelle refuses to leave her father, when the stranger offers a deal that will get her father out of this castle and away from the dungeon Isabelle takes it. Then by morning tragedy has struck and have changed. Slowly they build a friendship but they both are keeping secrets and Isabelle is keeping a big one with someone looking for her someone who she doesn't want them to find her. When friendship turns into love and secrets are out will they survive will this beauty tame the beast, will the beast finally have his happiness that he thinks he shouldn't have well you will just have to read it to find out. I must say I really loved this book very different from what I normally read so I wasn't too sure at the start but then ill never know if I dont try and I'm so glad I picked it up.

This book blew me away . I have always love the story of Beauty and the Beast . But as i grew up the fairy tale became a little bit darker and a little bit edgier and a lot more twisted . The author transports us back to a time of princes and noblemen . Wonderful woman who are strong and yet vunerable at the same time . The story has the same lessons to be learned to love based on ones heart and not how they look . Th author dives deeper into the story and also takes us to a dark place .
    The characters are so intense and so well written . Isabelle is a tender woman who loves her father with all of her heart . She will do anything to keep her family safe . Even become engaged to an evil man who just wants to own her and torture her . She seems so weak and frail at the begining of the book and a total book worm . As you read you see that she is stronger and more feirce then she lets on . The moment she sets eyes on Prince Adam . Her life changes and she grows int o a woman who will do anything to protect her man . Prince Adam is such a tortured soul after surviving a fire that wiped out everything and everyone he loved . He has gone into hiding , hiding his wounds from the world . When he meets Isabelle . Things start to change for him . He reawakens the feelings that he has had hidden for a very long time . His heart starts to open up as Isabelle falls for him. He becomes the man that will save his beloved at any cost . He is the man that we all dream of . The man that will mover heaven and earth to bring his beloved back to him. The supporting cast is also very well written . They all add to the story in some way . Some we see as evil but the others have more to them and then bam it hits you they are evil and have been taken in .
    Another story that grew up . The author wove a magical tale which i couldn't put down . I got this book and started reading in one evening and finished it that night . The way the author weaves the tale is masterful . She actually transports us back to the time .  This isn't your childrens fairy tale . There is now Mrs Potts or chip , or magical candalabras dancing around . This story is darker and grittier with a twist . Their are some very dark parts in this book . There is a sexual assault in the book that might make you want to stop . But don't it adds to the story a lot . There is also strong sexual content and some swearing . This book isn't for the feint of heart. So if you want a grown up twisted fairy tale that will sweep you off your feet . Check out Beauty of the Beast by Rachel L Demeter

This retelling of one of my absolute favorite fairy tales was exactly how I envisioned an adult version to go. Adam and his back story are quite tragic and explain his character perfectly. The events that lead Isabelle to leave home with her ill father were horrible, no spoilers, promise. The moment she knocks on Adam's door and demands entry during the storm pretty much set the tone for how she was going to be the one to pull Adam out of the past and into living life. I very much liked the small adult changes to the plot, it took it from a Disney fairy tale to a full blown passion filled love story centered around two people who find love and happiness out of the ashes that were their pasts. My only negative was that it started off slowly and at times the descriptions seemed a bit drawn out. It took some time for things to pick up and for the plot to become engrossing. The moment that the plot does pick up was when Isabelle had stayed at the "Beast's" castle for a few weeks and their friendship began to grow into something more. Once that happens, it was hard to put the book down. I enjoyed it, it was a fun read.

Beauty of the beast was a perfect balance between a fairy tale retelling and an original story. It is definitely a unique and quite dark take on Beauty and the Beast that does lend itself well to the original tale.

The multiple points of view definitely enhance the story as the reader is receiving a 360 view of events. In terms of perspectives I particularly preferred Adam’s as he has quite an interesting back story. Each character in the book is well fleshed out, so much so that the reader feels for them when events unfurl.

Isabelle is a strong female character to have as she would do anything to help someone she loved but also develops into someone who can stand up for herself and be her own woman.

In terms of retelling, the plot itself loosely followed Beauty and the Beast while at the same time developing its own very dark originality, other aspects of fairy tales can be seen through the book such as Cinderella and sleeping beauty elements.

I would definitely recommend this for anyone needing to get a Beauty and the Beast fix but wanting something a lot darker.