3.5 stars

Cutie and the Beast is the first of E.J. Russell's new Fae Out of Water series that centered on three noble Welsh Fae brothers of the Seelie Court of Faerie. Alun, the eldest, had been cursed after fatalistic failing, was exiled out of Faeri for over two hundred years. In the Outer World, he's known as Dr. Alun Kendrik, a psychologist who helped Supernatural people and humans who traumatized after witnessing the supes. David temped at his private clinic as his office manager and there started the clash of two headstrong characters.

This is quite an entertaining tale and a promising start to the series. Set in AU Portland - proper choice in view of its reputation as the most haunted city of the Pacific Northwest, I think - the story was alternately told from Alun and David's POVs. As David was an allegedly human of the modern world, it's easier to take his thought and view on things. Alun's side was trickier as his past; such as his cursed and his supernatural ability or trouble with sibling, was only hinted in crumbs. So it's a bit of juggle for me at first; as much as I dislike info dump on a story, the insufficient amount of it could get me frustrated.

Alun and David were polar opposites in look and manner, that their engagements generate reader's (my) amusements. Picture "Beauty and the Beast" - minus the tower cell or dungeon - and you got part of the story down. Their yoyo-like romance might appear as typical in PNR story - somewhat instant and all that - yet I liked the character's approach on dealing with things once each realized they made mistakes and really go for what they want.

On another note, for all the power or ability the noble or Seelie Court of Faerie had, it bugged me that it took so long for them to detect the bad guy(s), and disliking the rigid bloody Fae principles, traditions yada yada. I guess that's dope for next installment, but still!!

That saying, I look forward to find out more of this universe on the next two installments, as this book hadn't reveal much in the world building or the intricacies between supernatural being. On a last note, I especially love the ending of Cutie and the Beast that brought the point beauty is in the eye of beholder.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cute. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing particularly standout and stellar about it either. Both characters are likable and there are some cute side characters. The plot moves along, though it’s 100% predictable. There is very little on page sex and it ends with a happily ever after. I’ll happily read the next one, but I’m not chomping at the bit to get it.

A fun and unique take on the fae and the beauty and the beast tale. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Cutie and the Beast by E.J. Russell is a unique alternative version to the classic Beauty and the Beast. I love David's character. He is spunky and sweet and a good compliant to Alun's more series demeanor.

I really enjoyed this tale, because it keeps some of the iconic elements from the classic tale, but it has it's own unique twists and turns that set it apart from other Beauty and the Beast alternative versions.

Cutie and the Beast, Fae Out of Water 1, E.J. Russell

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: LGBTQIA, Romance

I've enjoyed some of EJ's stories before and love tales around Fae so was eager to read this.
Just didn't work for me though, felt a little too "fluffy" and the characters too stereotyped. I couldn't really get into it, didn't care much about what happened to the people and it all just fell a bit flat for me.
A series that's clearly not for me. won't put me off reading different books by this author though. not all books suit all readers, even if we usually enjoy someone's wring style.
 
Stars: Two, I'll pass on the rest of this series but still look out for E.J Russell's other stories.  

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

Cutie and the Beast by E J Russell was a truly great fantasy romance book. There was an amazing amount of plot and character development with just a hint of romance. This isn’t a particularly steamy gay romance book but honestly, I was so engaged with the story itself that I really didn’t miss the romance much.

Story summary:

Basically, David is a human temp worker. He is a bit accident prone and things tend to ‘blow up’ around him so he is banished from actual office work. One of his transcription jobs was for Dr. Alun Kendrick and he just absolutely swooned over the man’s voice. So, when a mix up in the temp office sends David to Aun’s office to work for a few days, he jumps at the chance to see his fantasy doctor in person.

Dr. Alun Kendrick is a bit of a mystery. Sort of disgraced and cursed Fae royalty living in the human realm and trying to help the humans who have had unfortunate run-ins with the supernatural realm. His curse makes him extremely disfigured but David sees beyond the surface to the tortured but loving man underneath.

My thoughts on the characters:

Honestly, I loved both of these characters and they were incredibly well thought out. David isn’t intimidated by anything….he meets challenges head on and refuses to back down to Alun’s brashness. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to this character but I won’t give away his secrets! Suffice it to say, he has a loyal and influential group of people that he calls family.

Alun is (outwardly) quite a jerk. However, he is so tortured inside over a past that he wishes he could change but can’t. He tries so hard to push David away but there is something that just draws him to his quirky office manager. He is a big man, all gruff on the outside but soft and loving inside….my favorite combination!

Secondary characters are amazing. Benji, the little dragon shifter, is so darn cute! I love how so many of Alun’s clients were given a voice in this great fantasy romance book!

Story and Setting

E J Russell does a fabulous job setting the scene for this story. While much of the book takes place in the human realm, there is also a significant part of it that takes place in the Fae realm. The descriptions of the people and places of the Fae are fabulous…you can almost hear the hellhounds barking as the give chase though trickling rivers that morph into raging rapids. Absolutely amazing story telling!

Only one thing I didn’t really like

I must say that the only thing I didn’t care for was that when Alun goes back to the Fae realm, he is once again beautiful (temporarily) and this is where their first real romantic interaction occurs. It seemed a tad bit superficial. However, David’s affection for Alun doesn’t diminish at all when they return to the human realm and the curse once again takes effect.

Overall, Cutie and the Beast by E J Russell is a fabulous gay romance book that is low on heat but filled with great characters and a fabulous story that is quite a page turner. If you are looking for a great fantasy romance book, I definitely recommend this one!

I truly enjoyed the first two-thirds of this book, but then it felt a bit flat to me.

When the story began, quirky temp worker David's character was lots of fun to read, as he invariably got himself into one sticky situation after another, especially where his bosses were concerned.

Then it was a joy to see him finally find his footing and become more useful around the supernatural psychologist's office than grumpy doctor Alun ever imagined.

I really enjoyed David's interactions with Alun's Clients and his extremely unorthodox methods of helping those in need, particularly the young dragon prince and the aging leader of the vampire clan.

The banter and snark between the bizarre office temp and the obstinate doctor was very entertaining to watch.

However, once they visited Faerie, the world from which Alun had been exiled, because he was no longer beautiful (#ShallowMuch), the previous dynamic changed a bit and it didn't quite hold my interest as it had before.

The book was a tiny bit predictable, but I didn't really mind. It was pretty low-steam and did end with an HEA, but David's antics kept me (mostly) entertained, so I will most likely read the next two books in the series, those for Alun's brothers.

I'd rate this one at around 3.25 stars.

David Evans is a temp who would love to work in the healing fields but so far, every opportunity has ended in disaster. In fact, he's been forbidden by his boss from helping in any doctor's office. But when she's out sick he jumps at the chance to work for Doctor Alun Kendrick, he of the hot voice, David jumps at the chance. Even if it means that he might never work again. He's just seduced by The Voice.
Alun Kendrick is only starting to get used to his hideous features. After 200 years with this curse, you'd think he'd be more at peace but every look in the mirror reminds him of the love he lost. The love to whom he brought death. Not only to the lover, but to the man's entire family. So Dr. Kendrick got some major guilt going on. Of course, that guilt leaks over to his love life. It's too darn bad he's so attracted to David. And, amazingly, David seems to feel the same attraction.
There are a lot of complicating factors. Like the fact that he has to go back to Seelie Court and swear fealty to his Queen. But only the most beautiful are allowed in and he is most certainly not that.
A fun story that I mostly enjoyed. The writing was not my favorite but that is definitely a personal preference but I am still very much looking forward to the next book.

Four stars
This book comes out July 24

<<<“They only know tales and legends, so they can do nothing but shoot in the dark. As if you held a guitar in one hand and strings in another, knowing the two could be put together to make music. But without knowledge, you’d be more likely to break the strings, warp the neck of the guitar, than you would be to play the simplest of songs.”>>>

When it comes to books, the ones I choose easily please me. I’m not very picky. My ratings are always high. It’s not a lie; I simply enjoy almost every book I read. Since the beginning of my Goodreads adventure I have given 2 stars or less to very few books. Those books deceived me because they looked and sounded good, just what I needed and then huge disappointment. I’m usually lucky, though.

I was in the mood for a light read with a happy ending and I was lucky Netgalley approved my request for this book that had a lot of elements that are usually a nice mix resulting in a joyful reading session. Supernatural, urban fantasy, Portland in Oregon (the Grimm’s home; I love him), magic, seelie court, bards, vampires, dragons, werewolves, and all kinds of other shifters and interesting characters.

<<<David loved big men, but he didn’t like bullies, and the good doctor’s body language was all me-Tarzan-you-twink.>>>

The cutie is a young handsome boy who answers to the name of David. He lives with his aunt and her friends and is unlucky when it comes to love and work. Wherever he goes he seems to cause riots and angry mobs. But he needs a job and he gets one as a temp as Dr. Kendrick’s assistant. He is attracted to his voice but then he will be attracted to almost everything else. He will get what he wants; he’s just stubborn like that.

The beast is Alun Kendrick, the Lord of the Sidhe, cursed and exiled from the faerie’s realm. His curse has given him a disfigured face and the soul of a martyr. He glares and scowls and is bitchy with our poor David, the only one who looks him in the eye. He can’t have a human so near his patients, oh excuse me, his clients, since they are all supernatural beings. Benji, the little dragon shifter is adorable and I loved his interactions with David.

<<<Let’s see—pissy elves, demon hounds, and a tidal wave in a knee-high creek, not to mention swords, magic, and sex.” He flung his arms wide. “Best. First date. Ever.”>>>

I thought this was going to be a cute and steamy retelling of the well known fairy tale with the beauty and the beast starting off badly, then getting to know each other, falling in love and breaking the curse. I was wrong, so wrong; this book was completely something else and I loved every part of it. There are twists, battles, revelations, sweet moments, a couple of steamy episodes as well, faerie ceremonies, flirtatious characters, fun dance moves, and so so much more.

<<<“Ignorance does not equal safety. Ignorance equals ignorance, and that can get you just as dead.”>>>

It has a very nice message, too. A message I can’t tell you (maybe you can get a hint of it from the quote above), so you’ll have to find out by yourself. This was so cute and funny and worth every hour I spent reading it, even as sick as I am right now. Summer cold is annoying but this book made my day a little bit better. I can’t wait to read about the two other faerie brothers; luckily I won’t have to wait much. Now excuse me while I go dancing with zero rhythm or coordination like dear David. Y-M-C-A!!!!

<<<This is my true superpower: dance as an offensive weapon.>>>

David Evans becomes temporary office manager for Dr Alun Kendrick who is a psychologist tending Portland’s supernaturals and people damaged by contact with them.. David cares for his elderly aunt Cassie who has been his only relative since the death of his parents in a car crash. He is a bit of a human disaster area.

Alun is under a curse and is in exile because of the events surrounding the death of his lover, Owain. He has severe facial disfigurement and a beautiful voice. initially he finds David very annoying, as well as attractive, but he knows of the great dangers attendant on a relationship between human and fae.

David proves to be very useful in coming up with solutions to the problems faced by some of Alun”s patients-an elderly vampire with an aversion to blood and an unacquisitive dragon-shifter, for instance. After David encounters danger at the hands of a patient and the Consort of the Faerie Queen, Alun relents and there is a happy ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and Riptide Publishing for the ARC.

My comment to the publishers would be that the cover did not do justice to David or the story.

This was a little different to my usual reading.I have not read an m/m with a supernatural background before.Fans and the author will have to forgive me if I do not use the correct terminology.

It is the first in a series about three Fae brothers Alun, Mal and Gareth. This is Alun’s story.

David Evans becomes temporary office manager for Dr Alun Kendrick who is a psychologist tending Portland’s supernaturals and people damaged by contact with them.. David cares for his elderly aunt Cassie who has been his only relative since the death of his parents in a car crash. He is a bit of a human disaster area.

Alun is under a curse and is in exile because of the events surrounding the death of his lover, Owain. He has severe facial disfigurement and a beautiful voice. initially he finds David very annoying, as well as attractive, but he knows of the great dangers attendant on a relationship between human and fae.

David proves to be very useful in coming up with solutions to the problems faced by some of Alun”s patients-an elderly vampire with an aversion to blood and an unacquisitive dragon-shifter, for instance. After David encounters danger at the hands of a patient and the Consort of the Faerie Queen, Alun relents and there is a happy ending.

A summary does not do justice to the ins-and-outs of this tale which has at its heart an age-old love story of men from different worlds battling to be together.

I enjoyed this novel much more than I expected and look forward to the others in the series.

So far my biggest pet peeve is that cover. That model looks like a mildly dispeptic, lewd Balki-having-a-really-bad-face day kind of guy. If the description hadn't made this seem interesting I would not have been able to force myself past the cover.

This was a fast-paced cute little romp. A perfect light summer read with elves, vampires, dragons, curses, and romance. Though I did guess most of the twists beforehand, that didn't detract from the overall story. (After all, it's not a mystery.)

So, yes, worth getting past the cover!

Fae, fights and falling in Love - this is a very entertaining story.

Dr Alun Kendrick is a sidhe lord who has been banished from the fairy kingdom. Cursed and deformed he now lives in the human realm and has a career as a psychologist treating supes (supernatural beings) who have psychological problems, and humans who have had traumatic brushes with the world of the supernatural. He is estranged from his two brothers, banished from the fairy kingdom and scarred by his past. He is a loner and keeps to himself working from his dull grey office, grieving for his lost love and his glorious past. And he exists in this grey world until he meets David.

Despite having a disastrous employment record as a temp David has managed to finagle his way into employment and he is determined to make this temp role as office manager work. He needs the money to look after his ageing aunt. When he meets Dr Alun Kendrick he is surprised to find that he is deformed but David is determined to spread some light and colour in Alun's office and he does so.

Alun is surprised by how much he is attracted to David and the lightness he brings with him but he knows he can't have a relationship with David because because relationships between the supes and human beings are forbidden. When Alun's brother pays him a surprise visit he suggests that there may be a way for Alun to be with David. There may even be a way for Alun to return to the fae kingdom but it will involve facing down his enemies.

Meanwhile David is entranced when he realises that he is attracted to Alun and that there is much to Alun beneath his scars and deformity. David also comes to realise that mysteries also lie within his own life and as he takes steps to explore this attraction with Alun he embarks on an adventure that will leads him to discovering himself, discovering love and discovering an entire new world.

This is an excellent story with a fairy tale feel to it. It has a beauty and the beast feel to it but it is of course a broader more complex and highly entertaining story than the well known fairy tale.

It is a very rich story with characters who don't play by the rules and lots of escapades and funny moments. David who is prepared to take a chance on love even when it comes in the form of a grumpy and strange man. David is able to look beyond Alun's physical deformities to see Alun's heart and the heart of the situation.

Alun is the heavy hearted and burdened hero who is a bit lost in his personal tragedy but as he gets to know David he becomes determined to seek something different and break free of the past which has kept him down. In David he sees an opportunity to have something new and even though it may be forbidden he is willing to take a chance.

I adored David. I think he must be one of my favourite mm characters after Jory of the Mary Calmes fame. David was snarky, funny, endearing, courageous and simply funny and his character brought life to the story. David refuses to let circumstances dictate who he should be and he doesn't settle for the obvious way out either which leads him to do the unpredictable and to be unpredictable in a very entertaining way.

And all of this makes for a very entertaining read.

This is the first story in a trilogy and it creates a setting for future stories and still manages to be very amusing and has a way of engaging the reader. It was a pleasure to read and I am looking forward to reading the whole series This author has a real knack for telling stories with magic and the supernatural, and the author does so in a way that is creative and fresh.

I really enjoyed this and I will definitely be reading the others in the series.

Copy provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.