Taming the Beast

Very romantic novel, a must read....

A rose garden, a cold and controlled beast, a warm and loving beauty full of fire and life, Taming the Beast is a modern adaptation of the beloved classic with a very sexy and almost humorous twist. Meet Sebastian Madison, the beast as his sister Zel calls him. A cold and isolated man locked up in his family home called The Madison Mausoleum. Meet Mercy, the lovely and sultry beauty, best friend to Zel, sister to Sebastian who has harbored a girlish crush for him and unbeknownst to her close friends had a very unforgettable and lust filled one night stand with him. Five years has passed and Seb and Mercy meet once again. They never forget that night despite all effort. And so Mercy has decided why fight it? Maybe engaging in a no strings affair will do the trick of which Seb wholeheartedly agrees. What they didn't bargain for is that no strings seemly meant more entanglements. This was pure charm and heat and poignancy and heartfelt emotions all with a very lighthearted almost humorous tone. The dialogue especially the internal ones was fantastic and just made everything work. Seb and Mercy were perfect reincarnation of those beloved fairy tale character. They fully embraced what the characters could be translated in real modern life personas. For a very short novella, nothing was missed and everything just fell in a smooth and wonderful pace. This was sweetness and sass and sexual heat all rolled into a very heartfelt tale.

a fun twist on the Beauty and the Beast story. A bit more character development to explain their drive would help, but otherwise a fun and easy summer read - 3rd in a series about 4 girlfriends. Would recommend.

You just have to love the amount of patience Mercy had to keep going back to Seb!

His character was very selfish and was not in the same mould other 'big brothers' take in most books when left to bring up a sibling. Most turn out to be strong and step into the protector role, while Seb fled, chasing his own demons. Definitely ready to read the next book now in this series!

I really enjoyed this one! This series of books is written featuring four women who originally meet at boarding school. Now ten years later they are all living in NY and settling into their lives. In this book Mercy has had it with Seb Madison, specifically the way he treats his sister. After the loss of their parents in an auto accident, Seb has basically shut himself off from everyone especially his sister Zelda. While he tries to stay distant and aloof, there is something about Mercy he can't resist! This is one I definitely recommend.

I received a copy of this story through NetGalley from the publisher for an honest review. This is the 3rd book in the Fairy Tales of New York series, loosely based on a modern version of the Beauty and the Beast theme. Each book is written by a different author and tied together by a group of friends from boarding school.

I really liked this one a lot. Mercy was very likable and Seb/Sebastian was just broody enough to add the right amount of tension and drama to the story. I finished this quick novella in one sitting as I couldn't wait for Mercy to open him up and make him start living again.

The Fairy Tales of New York series Book 1: Pursued by the Rogue by Kelly Hunter Book 2: Tempting the Knight by Heidi Rice Book 3: Taming the Beast by Lucy King Book 4: Seduced by the Baron by Amy Andrews

Taming the Beast is book number three in the multi-authored Fairy Tales of New York series and was written by Lucy King. Here we finally get the story of Seb Madison and Mercy Hernandez. Seb has always been a mysterious character, having been mentioned since the beginning of the series and portrayed as an unfeeling brother to his sister Zel. There's very little known about him other than his being the only survivor of a car crash that took his parents, making him Zel's legal guardian. He's used to be alone and appearing unaffected, but his confrontations with Mercy show that she may be the one person able to break through his walls and he's able to open up with her, even if it is in small increments.

Of course, I can't help but wonder why it's only Mercy that Seb reacts toward, especially since Zel was able to call him on his BS in the third book and he didn't appear to be fazed that much. Maybe he's so used to separating himself emotionally from her that nothing she says or does reaches him and it took a spitfire like Mercy to do so. Still, I think it's rather sad that his relationship with his own sister is so fractured that even when she confronts him and lets him know exactly how she feels, he remains somewhat unmoved. That's what guilt does, I guess--it may have made Seb feel as if he wasn't worthy of still being alive and that the darkness within him was something he didn't want to knowingly inflict on other people.

The Seb and Mercy love match was one that evolved from two individuals who looked at engaging in a scheduled affair in a cerebral manner--examining the benefits and coming up with rules to be followed--to a more emotional one. I'm glad it wasn't rushed, especially since this is a rather short read, and that Seb didn't magically transform into some touchy-feely guy with his heart on his sleeve overnight. I also like that enough attention was focused on Seb's relationship with Zel without taking too much away from his ongoing love story with Mercy. This was a good story about finding both love and absolution and keeps the series on a definite high, leaving me excited for the fourth and final book. Taming the Beast gets four stars. ♥

The “Fairy Tales Of New York” continue to tame us with their sizzle and charm as Seb Madison gets in the hot seat with Mercedes Hernandez.

With emotional demons and guilt plaguing his life, Seb Madison keeps himself aloof from his only family alive, his sister Zelda Madison. Making work as his only salvation, any relationship is far away from his mind and once encounter with the beautiful Mercy is even further buried into his memory, but not forgotten.

For Mercy Hernandez, the crush on the gorgeous beast of a Seb turns into deep love and she gets into his face to question his very existence of a lonely life. The sparks of lust and attraction are stronger than ever and just being together for no strings attached sex sure doesn’t seem to work for them.

Book three in the “Fairy Tales Of New York” written by Lucy King is just as fun and captivating as the other books in the series. She did a super fine job of creating Seb and the calm and patient Mercy, and both make a loving couple as Lucy King weaves a story of love, friendship and forgiveness.

“Taming The Beast” is another sweet ride of a romance.

www.alimalivzletlivz.com

am loving this series and this one is based on Beauty and the Beast and what a fantastic story it is as Mercy and Seb journey to a HEA that is passionate sensual and very hot as Mercy does everything she can to help Seb open up and learn to feel again after the tragedy that changed his and Zelda's lives years before.

Mercy has had a crush on her friend Zelda's brother for many years but he is a hard man to get to even smile let alone notice her so for years she gets on with her life but Seb is always in her mind in the background but Mercy is strong and will always stand up for the people she loves and when she feels that Seb is not treating his sister right she lets him know and the sparks fly and they cannot keep their hands off of each other.

They decide on a sex only affair that either can end when they feel the need but neither of them see the true love coming for them and the way they open up and share their weekends together this is a fabulous story that will have you again grabbing for tissues and smiling I loved the feelings they shared with each other and the open way that Mercy gets Seb to see himself this is a story that you should not miss.

The Fairy Tales of New York continue with a book three, where Mercy and Seb has the chance to tell their story.
Mercy, the always happy, bubbly, caring and loyal friend, who would do anything for her friends, who likes to fix things, and always see the good in other people. And who has had a crush on Seb since the first time she saw his picture over a decade ago.
Seb was introduced previously in the series, and not in the best of lights, as Zel's older brother, who all but deserted her after the tragic accident where their parents died and Seb was seriously injured.
But Seb has much more to him, than it seems. There are deep wounds, guilt, and demons from the accident, that has driven him to be a secluded loner. He has pushed everyone out of his life, to avoid the possibility to hurt them and their life in any way. He has dedicated his life to his work, and nothing else has room in it. Until Mercy, once again fighting for her friend, Zel, pushes into his life, and things start to change. The planned 'just weekends hot affair' doesn't work so well, as the interest goes deeper, feelings start to develop, and the walls around Seb and his heart starts to come down. Seeing the development in Seb, the heartfelt pain, loneliness, and guilt starting to crumble, was a moment of victory. Seeing his true colors makes him likable, caring, appealing, even charming. Mercy is so perfect for him with her sass and non-stoppable ways pushing him forward. Together they are not only steaming hot, but the fragile feelings developing between them are adorable. There's trouble, agony, and anguish, but also passion, joy, and devotion. This series has been a true joy to read so far, with the allegiance of the friends and family, the fervor and intensity of the loving romances, and the true, lifelike troubles and feelings the characters go through, makes the stories true winners, one after the other, and Taming the Beast is no different in that regard
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Mercy has had a crush on one of her best friend’s brother Seb since she was sixteen years old. Seb feels guilty for the accident which involved his parents and in the process, he behaves badly towards his sister Zel.

When Zel finds herself in a desperate situation, Mercy decides to confront Seb and make him aware of the effects his behaviour is having on his sister. She finds herself spending the night with him instead. Five years later, she finds herself on his door steps once again to make him see reasons but this time they both fight the attraction towards each other and Mercy leaves after speaking her mind. Seb goes on the defensive and denies that there is anything wrong with him or his relationship with his sister.

Mercy sees right through Seb and sets out to help him. They agree to have a casual relationship, no strings attached but as they spend more time together, it becomes apparent that they are heading towards hurt and destruction. Whilst Mercy is prepared to accept the way she feels, Seb remains indifferent or so he thinks! Then comes the point of no return. Will Seb come to his senses and put the past behind him to start living his life?

Mercy is a strong, passionate and loyal character whereas Seb lives with guilt which turns him into a broody character. It's an easy to read romance which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What is it with these young women who harbour FEELINGS for emotionally unavailable men and then think they can do the hot and heavy with them and walk away unscathed? Yes, gentle reader, we are in Romancelandia and tonight's Fairy Tale is Beauty and The Beast.

Seb is the distant and unfeeling brother of Zel from book two in the series. Since the death of his parents in a car accident when he was driving, he has shut himself away, spending years in the French Foreign Legion and when at home in the Madison Mausoleum tending his Rose Garden. Sound familiar?

Mercy (short for Mercedes so look out for a touch of humour around that later on) has had a teeny little crush on Seb since she was sixteen. Which wasn't helped by a *cough* confrontation with him five years ago when Zel was going through a tough time.

Despite the freezing New York weather, Seb is starting to thaw and Mercy is back in New York ready to take advantage of the chemistry she remembers.

This was a fairly light hearted take of the story despite dealing with some dark themes. Mercy is a bright and bubbly heroine, ideally suited to lightening Seb's days...and nights. I enjoyed the story and found the ending emotional and satisfying considering the shortness of the medium.

I received a copy from Netgalley to read and review. Honestly.

This is the third book in this series about four friends that met in boarding school. I really enjoyed this book. This is Mercy and Sebastian's story. Mercy is spunky and no nonsense and she is sick of how Seb treats his sister Zel who is one of her best friends so she calls him out on it. Seb basically leads a life emotionally shut off from everyone because he is dealing with some guilt from his past. Seb and Mercy had hooked up years ago and she has had a crush on him since she was a teen. Mercy and Sebastian come to an agreement and decide to have a no strings attached relationship based strictly on sex. While Seb tries to stay distant and keep his feelings out of it, he can't resist Mercy. It is nice to see Seb reveal his feelings and start on mending his relationship with his sister. Like I said, I enjoyed this book very much and I would recommend reading the others in the series.

Seb had turned into a beast of a brother after the accident that killed his and his sister, Zelda’s parents. The fun loving, supportive brother disappeared that night and Zel thought she’d never find him again. Seb was her older brother and with little thought, just when she needed him most he shipped her off to boarding school. Fortunately for Zel, at one of those schools she found Faith, Dawn and Mercy the best friends a girl could ever dream of. But dreams don’t last forever and one night of stolen altar wine would separate the friends and further drive the wedge between sister and brother.

Mercy had a super crush on the unfeeling brother of her best friend. Sure, she felt a bit guilty about that because of how Seb treated Zel – but goodness did he set her heart beating and her imagination soaring. Of course the arrogant beast looked right through her but that didn’t stop the dreams. Years later when Zel was at the bottom, Mercy found her and helped her get back on track. She went looking for Seb to try to get him to care about his sister but that ended in a night of passion that she didn’t regret but it resolved nothing.

Now, ten years after they were separated at Saint J’s, the women are all in New York City and back together again as though no time had passed at all. Once again Seb has treated Zel horribly over something that wasn’t entirely her fault, and he wouldn’t listen to his sister’s cry for help or understanding. The ladies descended upon the Madison Mausoleum in support and Mercy decided to give the beast a piece of her mind.

Five years hadn’t changed Seb’s effect on Mercy. She still found him to be a gorgeous, sexy – if entirely annoying – man. Unfortunately the first thing she really wanted to do was devour him, but thankfully that just ignited her fury again and she lit into him about how he was treating Zel. It was obvious that the spark of sexual attraction was still there between them, barely restrained. Mercy left with nothing resolved and her adolescent crush growing into an adult longing that she didn’t know what to do with.

The great thing about friends is they will often help you see things, events, even people more clearly. After a night of drinks and confession at Faith’s family bar, Mercy decides to face her personal beast and offer him the one thing that she knows he won’t refuse. Her. She tracked Seb down and offered a no emotions, purely sexual arrangement between them. The sizzle between them was obvious so why not enjoy that with no commitments, no strings, no expectations. Just sex, mind blowing, heat inducing, amazing sex. Nothing personal, just weekends spent in a sexual haze until one or the other wanted to end it.

It was working wonderfully – until Mercy started to care, until she tried to fix Seb, until she fell in love.

In Taming the Beast, you need a bit more background from the other stories – that’s why this review is a bit more detailed than I’d usually give. But if you haven’t read the previous stories in this series, I felt you needed to understand just what an arrogant, unfeeling, closed off bastard Seb had become – he really had turned into the Beast and he needed to be rescued by the one person who saw through him, Mercy.

Taming the Beast is a steamy, sexy, heart wrenching tale of two people who need each other, even love each other but the past has made such an impact on one of them that a happy ending seems unlikely. Seb has such tunnel vision since the accident that killed his parents, that he can see, feel nothing but his guilt. Mercy has enough love to bring him into the real world, but will the beast in Seb allow that? Read for yourself and discover such a lovely, sizzling, emotional story that you won’t want to stop until the final page. I’d highly recommend Taming the Beast to anyone who needs a fairy tale ending and and everlasting love in their romance. Grab this one and indulge yourself.

*I received an e-ARC of Taming the Beast from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Taming the Beast is greatly named. Since an accident took his family, Seb has closed himself off to the world. No emotions what so ever, and really has become a beast to the one person who needs him more than anything. Thanks to loyalty to her best friend. Mercy will try one last time to make Seb realize he's making a mistake.

Seb knows Mercy can bring him to his knees, but that doesn't stop him from wanting her now or then. What starts off as something fun, turns into so much more.

This series is a winner for Tule Publishing Big Time! Every entry hits the mark. The emotions and heart come right through and you are captured with the story. The continuing characters throughout become like people you personally know and you root for them to get their HEA. Great job!

This third story in the fairy tales of New York series (can be read as a standalone but you'll want to read the others too), is the story of Mercy and Seb. Mercy has had a crush on her friend Zelda's brother Seb since she was a teen and they shared one night of passion when Mercy was 21. 5 years after that time, Mercy confronts Seb on his behavior towards his sister, her best friend Zelda, and when it appears that she's finally getting through to him, they recommence their previous affair with a weekend's sex-only fling. They've both agreed that one or the other will pull out if they can't stick to their no feelings agreement. But will this result in them losing out on what could be a beautiful future together?

This was another great addition to the series with two interesting and dynamic characters. Mercy is a fiery Argentinean woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind. She's a loyal friend and an empathetic woman. Seb on the other hand is a closed off, conservative and lonely (though he won't admit it) man. Opposites attract and they share several steamy love scenes. But it doesn't take long for Mercy to realize that she's in over her head, and while she's willing to move forward with Seb, she realizes that admitting it to him might cause him to back away completely. One of the things I really liked was that while Mercy's presence makes Seb rethink the way things are going in his life, she's not the cure for his problems. But she gets him to admit that things aren't the way he wants them to be and that he needs help to change. This was an entertaining, sometimes heart-wrenching, but overall enjoyable and sexy read. 4 stars.

Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1312022918

I definitely wasn't wrong when I said this would be a successful series! This 3rd in varied author series is a strong second chance at love, frenemies to lovers story. Lucy King writes a well crafted romance. Her characters are many faceted and interesting, and the passion factor was fairly high. I appreciated the beauty of her settings and the ease of the dialogue. This book could stand alone, however I recommend the series.
*I received my copy through NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Another fun story. Sebastian Madison was driving the car in the accident that killed his and Zelda's parents. Consumed by guilt and convinced it was his fault, he distanced himself from his sister and set about doing whatever he could to deal to punish himself. Five years ago, one person made him feel, and he hasn't forgotten it.
Mercedes "Mercy" Hernandez has had a crush on Seb since she first saw a picture of him. Once, five years ago, she tried to get through to him about how bad things were for Zelda and how much she needed him. The visit resulted in a one night stand she never forgot, or forgave him for, convincing herself he was a beast. Now, she has confronted him again, hoping he will finally see what an amazing sister he has and be a part of her life. When she confesses the failure and the past to her friends, they convince her that perhaps a no-strings weekend fling is just what she needs while working on her MBA. She just can't help trying to fix him, but can she avoid heartbreak?
A spin on Beauty and the Beast, these two characters are strong, but have their own pain and guilt. It turns into a wonderful romance, full of second chances, reconciliation and redemption. Another new-to-me author, this novella is another strong addition to the series, and slips seamlessly into its spot. I am really enjoying the stories and how the authors have worked together to keep the continuity.

4 - "I think I've been half in love with you for years." Stars!

Book three in the Fairytales of New York series explores the modern day retelling of my favourite of all favourites; Beauty and the Beast, add to that our Beast is none other than elusive, ornery, and not forgetting sexy; Sebastian Madison the older brother of Zelda (book two) and this was a story I was happy to get my hands on.

”I don’t do talking.”

This story has been building for a while, Mercy has had a crush on Seb since she was a young girl, but things changed between them irrevocably a few years after the ill-fated wine incident that saw all the girls going their separate ways from boarding school, when a visit to New York saw them spending one, unforgettable night together. Mercy now back in the thick of things studying in New York and reconnecting fully with her friends decides it’s time to see if the attraction that was once there, is still mutual.

IMAGE.

A no strings arrangement is agreed upon, but as the weeks pass, feelings develop, confidences are shared and intentions change on both sides.

The past still held him tightly in its grip.

I really enjoyed Taming the Beast, and Lucy King is an author whose work I would have no issues with reading again. Seb and Mercy were a likeable couple, the issues they faced and the way their reconnection played out weren’t massively unusual, but the drama was well balanced with the storyline, and the sex well-spaced with the actual building of their overall relationship.

Faith Sullivan is up next, in Seduced by the Baron and I cannot wait to get stuck in.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

Lucy King's Taming the Beast is the third in the Fairy Tales of New York series. Seb and Mercy's story is a fast paced, page turner that I finished much too soon. Tension runs throughout the story and it isn't only their attraction and chemistry. Seb's conflict is tangible. The balance between the characters was well written. I believed in them being together and reaching for their HEA. I've enjoyed this series of fairytales retold and can't wait for the fourth and last tale.

Have always loved the story of Beauty and the Beast. Lucy King gives it a modern day spin in Taming the Beast. A broken man, a determined woman. Seb has closed himself off emotionally. Having experienced the pain of loss he doesn't want to go through that again. Mercy finds Seb intriguing and frustrating. As Seb and Mercy journey through guilt, pain, misunderstandings and prejudgments they start to gain a better understanding of one another. My favorite book of this series so far.

Loving this series, loosely based on fairy tales. Beauty and the Beast, Seb feels he is damaged and does not deserve anyone like Mercy. Mercy is a fixer of people, but does she push Seb too far. Can their relationship just be fling, with no feelings.

Love the relationship of these four girls throughout these books. I highly recommend this series, better if you read the books in order.

Wow! Just wow! Taming The Beast is the third in the Fairytales of New York series and like the others this one just blew me away. Based on Beauty and the Beast, this book tells the story of winemaker extraordinaire and MBA student Mercedes (Mercy to her friends) and strong, surly and largely silent Seb, the brother of one of her best friends.
Seb is a damaged soul, having blamed himself for years for the car crash in which his parents died. He's frightened to get close to anybody in case he hurts them too, and his solution to this is to push the whole world away.
Mercy has had a crush on Seb ever since she first laid eyes on him when she was a seventeen year old schoolgirl and the attraction has only grown stronger over the years. She also sees through the gruff exterior Seb shows the world and after coming to a sex only arrangement with him she finds herself chipping away at his soul in a bid to heal him, something which Seb mightily resents.
I just loved this story and these two characters. The extraordinary depth of emotion portrayed in the book was breathtaking at times. There is so much depth to this story i found it hard to believe that it was all packed into a relatively short book. I defy you to read this story and not enjoy it! It's an absolute credit to its author Lucy King and I can't wait to read more from her.

Short but steamy.

Taming the Beast by Lucy King is the third book in the Fairy Tales of New York series. Beauty and the Beast is my absolute favorite Disney movie, so my expectations for this book were probably too high to be realistic. That being said, I enjoyed reading Seb and Mercy's love story. Mercy has had a crush on Seb for years and they did hook up once about 5 years previous. She thinks it was because he was trying to distract her, but in reality it was because Seb couldn't resist her. Seb had ghosts from his past that haunted him and caused himself to isolate himself and earn the nickname the Beast from his younger sister Zel. Mercy wants to help Seb work through his ghosts, but he tells Mercy that if they are going to be together they must keep it casual and she's not allowed to try to fix him. Well, that doesn't work for too long and it causes problems for them later. Mercy and Sebastien's story gets 4.5 stars from me. It is a good addition to this series and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Taming the Beast is the third book of the Fairy Tales of New York series and the one - loosely - based on the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. As The Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite Disney movie ever - just ask my father, he told me recently he still knows every words and songs - I actually read the series just for this one. Of course, I read the first one, Pursued by the Rogue, and I was hooked. Still this was the one I was waiting for the most, even more after reading Tempting the Knight where you get to meet Seb, the hero of this story.

Let's do a little recap first. The Fairy Tales of New York series revolves around four best friends : Dawn, Zelda, Mercy and Faith. Pursued by the Rogue is the story of Dawn and Finn, one of Faith's brother. In Tempting the Knight, you get to see Zelda fall in love without another of Faith's brother, Ty. You also meet Seb, Zelda big brother, her caretaker when their parents died in a car accident. Seb is absent, never getting really involved in Zelda's life, actually being an asshole most of the time.

At the beginning of Taming the Beast, you get a recap of the Altar Wine Catastroph that happened 10 years ago from the point of view for Mercedes "Mercy" Hernandez point of view. You then learn that Mercy had a gigantic crush on Seb, a "you're-damaged-but-I-want-to-take-care-of-you-and-cure-you" kind of crush. Fast forward 5 years, Zelda is at rock bottom and Mercy get her to rehab. She also contacts Seb to get him to take interest in Zelda and most of all give him a piece of her mine. Things go haywire and they have sex together. They don't see each other again for another 5 years, when Mercy tries once again to give Seb a piece of her mind over Zel.

I know I have a bias because of the Beauty and the Beast connection, but this was such a great novella! Seb is damaged and, God, it's so hard to resist a damaged, tall, dark and dangerous man. As for Mercy, she's strong, real, beautiful and loyal. She's got balls and plans for the future and she's determined to succeed. I get her and I hope to be as persistant in my life as she is in hers. As for the plot, maybe Seb sees the light a little too easily concerning his relationship with Zel, but really, sometimes all you need is someone with the guts to tell you the hard cold truths, the ones that hurt.

A little comment on the fact that this is indeed book 3 of 4 in a series. I read some of the reviews here on GoodReads and many seems to think that reading the first two is not necessary. They seems to say this book is a standalone. I disagreed wholeheartedly. This book would not be as enjoyable without reading the first two. I know, Lucy King is thorough and a background of the friends' story is included, but sincerely, you miss so much of the groundwork done in Tempting the Knight. So, don't risk it, read Pursued by the Rogue and Tempting the Knight too, they are also great reads!

Taming the Beast (Fairy Tales of New York Book 3) by Lucy King is a modern whimsical take on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. I enjoyed it as I have the first two girlfriends’ stories in the series. It is novella length, similar to Dawn’s and Zelda’s stories. I enjoyed catching up with each of the other girlfriends.

I am impressed with Ms. King’s telling of the story especially since she created a strong but caring Mercy. Mercy first turned her punishment of going home from the boarding school into something that she loved and found respect in her work with the family vineyard and winery. Then she broke free to go back to school for an MBA. This Mercy may be kind and giving but she is no shrinking violet. I loved her.

Seb is certainly beastly in his mannerisms, treatment of his sister, Zelda and is overall emotionally stunted. He did not deserved to carry around so much guilt but refused to give it up. Perhaps without Mercy, he would never have found happiness with any degree of satisfaction. While I was angry several times over Seb’s lack of care towards his hurting little sister, like Mercy I couldn’t help but want more for him. Somehow the author created a character both beastly and with prince potential. I wanted to shake him then give him the hug he so desperately needed.

This is the first book by Lucy King that I have read. She writes in a way that makes me care about the outcome of the characters, forming a definite opinions about what they should and shouldn’t do. Mercy love Seb. Check. Seb realize that he loves Mercy. Check. Seb grovel. Definitely check. Predictable. Check. Satisfying. Double check! Recommend this story and all of the Fairy Tales of New York.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.

Mercedes met best friends Zelda, Faith, Dawn while attending st. John the Apostle Academy. This one is about Mercy. One night they all got drunk and got caught. They all got into trouble in different ways. Mercy is from Argentina and her parents decided to take her back to her home land after the incident and learns from her family winery. She comes back to New York to get her MBA and meets up with her friends. Zelda is going through some rough patches with her brother and Mercy is trying to help both out by talking to Seb. Seb and Mercy had crazy chemistry but both couldn't act on it. Seb is Zelda's brother who abandoned his sister when he lost his parents and running away from his responsibilities. He didn't know better how to be a parent when he lost them both and he blames himself for parents accident since he was the one driving the car. Sebastian was my least favorite character from previous series. He was never nice or social with anyone. But in this book, it really shows why he was so closed to everyone including his sister. Mercy really help Seb come out of his shell and finally talking to his sister. But there is a twist in the story.. Their love goes through many ups and downs. But Seb makes biggest mistake. Sebastian is a definitely a beast and i understood why Zelda felt so alone. It was fun read..

Seb and Mercy's story is truly Beauty and the Beast like. Seb is cold, unfeeling, ruthless. He lives with his demons, isolating himself from everyone including his only living family, his sister Zel. But the only person that gets under his skin, in spite of him being a horrible beast to her is Mercy, Zel's best friend.

Mercy is the complete opposite of Seb, passionate about everything; her family's winery, her friends and even her feelings for Seb. But now she has had enough of his icy attitude towards Zel. So when she goes to confront him about Zel she is surprised to find that what she once thought was ploy to get her off his case was actually feelings that he had suppressed, tried to bury deep down so she could escape the disaster that was Seb.

Rating 4.5 A great modern day version of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, with a strong, passionate and determined heroine contrasting with the obstinate, insular and dour Beast of a hero. Both characters are robust in their own manner. The inner turmoil, guilt and tension experienced by Seb are portrayed brilliantly as is Mercy’s reaction to him because the story is related from the point of view of these two characters. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes to escape into a fairy tale romance!

Zelda’s parents were tragically killed in a car crash in which her older brother, Sebastian Madison was scarred both physically and emotionally. His main reaction to becoming the guardian of Zelda is to go off to join the Foreign Legion whilst sending her to boarding school and having as little contact with her as possible. At boarding school four girls become best friends. They are Faith, Dawn, Zelda and Mercedes (better known as Mercy). Together they support each other, together they get into serious bother (getting drunk on stolen communion wine!) that has them taken away from there when they are sixteen years old.

The girls remain friends despite being split up and travelling to different parts of the world. Zelda continues to get into bother, even needing to go into rehab whilst working as a world class model. Mercy has had a crush on Zelda’s brother for years, even though she’s only actually being in his presence a couple of times. He has built a fortress around his heart, protecting it from every emotional contact and this is reflected in his behaviour and relationship with his sister. Mercy is not impressed by the impact of his behaviour is having on her friend and goes to confront him about this. The result of this is a night neither will forget - one kiss leads on to a night where talking is not the main activity, but it is only one night.

Five years later Mercy is back to confront him again and this time they agree it was an unforgettable night, deciding to have a no strings relationship based on having sex together every weekend. Can Mercy lay siege to his heart and destroy the obstacles he has in place to protect himself? Will their love ever have a chance or will he freeze it forever? You’ll just have to read it yourself to find out what happens.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley too,
for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book three of the Fairy Tales of New York follows Mercedes "Mercy" Hernandez and Sebastian "Seb" Madison (Zelda's jerk of an older brother) as they find their happily ever after and work through their issues.

I really liked the story but I wanted to read about Seb's reconciliation with Zelda. That was a pivotal point for his character and we only get the implication that he fixed things with his sister.

Mercy I absolutely loved, not that right there is a true friend. I was also very happy for her when she went back to South America after Seb pushed her away; she made him have to work a little to get to her, except she should have made him grovel a bit more.

Overall loved the continuation of the series and how these four friends stories interrelate. Rating 3.5 out of 5 Read@Book

Loved this book!

The Fairy Tales of New York series starts with the same life-changing event in the lives of 4 misfit friends - propelling them into different life trajectories. There is a nod to famous romantic fairy tales but it is subtle and not too domineering in the story. There is a common thread of insta-love/lust that jumpstarts all the relationships but the interwoven stories and well-written characters (main and supporting) do the series justice.

This third one has a lot more elements of the Beauty and the Beast with Mercy as Beauty and Seb as Beast. Mercy is as her name suggests, a caring and supportive friend that won't hesitate to fight their battles for them. Seb has turned into a Beast following the tragic loss of his parents and the very adult responsibilities that it thrust onto his shoulders. throw them together and the chemistry is off the charts. Beast er Seb learns to live again and be less beastly as Mercy shows him the way. Still steamy.

Another spectacular addition to The Fairy Tales of New York series.

Beauty and the Beast is one of my all time favorite fairy tales, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this story!
I loved the connection to book two with Sebastian being Zelda's older brother. But even if you haven't read the books before in this series, there's no loss on this one. This reads very well as a standalone.
Mercy is the perfect match for our reclusive hero, Sebastian. She's been crushing on him forever so she sees the real man Sebastian is behind that cold exterior.

It should be noted that altho this can be read as a standalone as I mentioned earlier, the series itself does revolve around four women who met in boarding school and became fast friends ....

ARC provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley

***This ebook was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Taming the Beast is book #3 in The Fairy Tales of New York series.

Once upon a time, Mercedes ‘Mercy’ Hernandez had the most enormous crush on her best friend’s older brother, Seb Madison and as much as she can't stand him today she keep thinking about the disastrous one night stand they once had and when she meets him again their chemistry hasn’t faded and, when hostility turns to attraction, a no-strings affair seems the logical solution.

Mercedes is sure that she can keep her emotions out of this no string affair but the more time she spends with Seb the harder is become to keep her distance.

I wasn't sure how Lucy King will make Seb Madison a characters that readers will love and will see as a romantic hero since that things we read about him in previous books in the series showed him in a very bad light.

I think Lucy King did a good job showing readers the real Seb and what made him the man he is today- he's far from perfect but you don't have to be perfect to be a good hero.

I really enjoyed reading about Mercedes and Seb- the story was full of emotions and family drama.

Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Yay! Seb realized what a jerk he was being! Yay! Mercy gets a happy ending! Yay! The author really made these characters likeable...which was a challenge considering how Seb had been portrayed in Zelda's book. Now I can't wait for Faith's prince!

Taming the beast is an amazing book by an amazing writer, i have read many Lucy King books in my time and they have never failed to hook me in right from the very start.

I adore the characters they are second to none, i love love the supporting characters. and adore how these two fall head over heals in love.

Mercy had a crush on her best friend’s older brother Seb in the past. They did have a one night stand but now Mercy can’t stand Seb as she feels he is not a good brother to her best friend and is very manipulative. Seb feels guilty over the accident that took his parents. When Mercy comes into his life again he is bewildered but one thing is very true the attraction is still there. I like this story, especially the characters. You kinda felt a love/hate thing for Seb for the way he handled things, but Mercy forces him to come back to life although this was a bit rushed. I did enjoy it though. I recommend.