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Regency Magic Faerie Tales #2
The Beast's Magician
With her father's estate entailed, Isabelle Morton has but two options for securing her marriage or becoming a governess. Having no interest in her village's most eligible bachelor, she's prepared to choose the latter, until she receives an unexpected job offer involving magic, books, and best of all, no spoiled children.
Thomas Hughes, the reclusive Duke of Harborough, has an ulterior motive for hiring his beautiful new magician. To break the Faerie curse that stole his own magic and hideously transformed him, he needs to fall in love. But with claws and fangs, he can hardly look for a wife in a London ballroom.
Can Isabelle see past the fur and the fangs to save the man beneath? Is the monstrous duke even worth saving?
Enjoy this YA retelling of “Beauty and the Beast," set in a Regency England where Faeries are real and magic is an acceptable accomplishment for young ladies.
Thomas Hughes, the reclusive Duke of Harborough, has an ulterior motive for hiring his beautiful new magician. To break the Faerie curse that stole his own magic and hideously transformed him, he needs to fall in love. But with claws and fangs, he can hardly look for a wife in a London ballroom.
Can Isabelle see past the fur and the fangs to save the man beneath? Is the monstrous duke even worth saving?
Enjoy this YA retelling of “Beauty and the Beast," set in a Regency England where Faeries are real and magic is an acceptable accomplishment for young ladies.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2023
15 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 11, 2025
Content:
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. Scratches, one accident with broken bones.
Sexual: Mild. Hand-holding, a few kisses (not steamy).
Okay, book two was just as cute as book one. I did slightly prefer book one because it had more of a regency feel to it along with the fairy tale/magic aspect than this one. I kept forgetting this one was a regency setting rather than the typical medieval type setting most fairy tales are, simply because it was contained to one house for the most part. Every time they'd talk about cravats I'd go "oh, yes, we're in regency".
Isabelle was a fun mix of the other iterations of "Beauty" that we all know. She's a book lover, but in this also a lover of magic. She's confident in what she wants, and she's determined to not marry unless it's to someone she truly loves and who knows her and won't stifle her. (I saw that as a nod to Pride and Prejudice). I also kept wondering if Isabelle's friend, Miss Emily Watson, was a nod to Emma Watson's portrayal of Belle in Disney's live action B&tB. Coincidence? Maaaaybe.
Thomas was well done in his characterization. His anger popped out whenever he was actually sad or afraid, which, in general, is how men are taught to channel those emotions. Anger is okay, sadness and fear are not. I liked that immensely as it felt realistic. It took him quite a while, and by steps to open up to Isabelle and allow some vulnerability to show.
I appreciated that the drama/angst was low throughout the novel, and that the Vicar (the Gaston character) was not over-the-top bad guy in this. It easily could've gone that direction and I was waiting for it, and pleased when it didn't happen. The story was much more true-to-life than fantastical in how the relationship developed, which was a breath of fresh air for me. Sure, drama can be fun to read, but that's the default now, and I wish more authors would let things be real-life difficult instead of intense difficult in their plots.
example: Isabelle worries about her elderly father, and that's the crux of why she leaves in this retelling. He needs her, and she's conflicted, and a miscommunication happens. A believable one. The lack of a mob in this was nice.
I'm tickled to death at this series, it's exactly the fun I need for my summer reading. And there are so many out! Cue my happy giggles. On to the next one!
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. Scratches, one accident with broken bones.
Sexual: Mild. Hand-holding, a few kisses (not steamy).
Okay, book two was just as cute as book one. I did slightly prefer book one because it had more of a regency feel to it along with the fairy tale/magic aspect than this one. I kept forgetting this one was a regency setting rather than the typical medieval type setting most fairy tales are, simply because it was contained to one house for the most part. Every time they'd talk about cravats I'd go "oh, yes, we're in regency".
Isabelle was a fun mix of the other iterations of "Beauty" that we all know. She's a book lover, but in this also a lover of magic. She's confident in what she wants, and she's determined to not marry unless it's to someone she truly loves and who knows her and won't stifle her. (I saw that as a nod to Pride and Prejudice). I also kept wondering if Isabelle's friend, Miss Emily Watson, was a nod to Emma Watson's portrayal of Belle in Disney's live action B&tB. Coincidence? Maaaaybe.
Thomas was well done in his characterization. His anger popped out whenever he was actually sad or afraid, which, in general, is how men are taught to channel those emotions. Anger is okay, sadness and fear are not. I liked that immensely as it felt realistic. It took him quite a while, and by steps to open up to Isabelle and allow some vulnerability to show.
I appreciated that the drama/angst was low throughout the novel, and that the Vicar (the Gaston character) was not over-the-top bad guy in this. It easily could've gone that direction and I was waiting for it, and pleased when it didn't happen. The story was much more true-to-life than fantastical in how the relationship developed, which was a breath of fresh air for me. Sure, drama can be fun to read, but that's the default now, and I wish more authors would let things be real-life difficult instead of intense difficult in their plots.
example: Isabelle worries about her elderly father, and that's the crux of why she leaves in this retelling. He needs her, and she's conflicted, and a miscommunication happens. A believable one. The lack of a mob in this was nice.
I'm tickled to death at this series, it's exactly the fun I need for my summer reading. And there are so many out! Cue my happy giggles. On to the next one!
June 10, 2025
This is an enjoyable and different retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I never imagined combining historical (Regency, in this case) with fantastical elements (fae and magic), but it certainly works well.
Regency is not my usual go-to when I'm in the mood for historical, but I found myself thoroughly charmed by this sweet and adorable retelling. Belle is so kind and good-natured, yet firm in her convictions and loyal. Thomas, so despairing after all these years, is a sold MC. He has his moments, but after what he's endured, who could blame him?
This is a clean and wholesome romance, with a few long-awaited kisses and some emotional angst. The secondary characters are lovely as well. Prokopovits must be commended for the flawless combination of historical and fantasy. The thorough "world building" of sorts with the inclusion of magic is flawless and something for aspiring writers to take note of.
There are no content warnings. As usual with BatB retellings, the hero is under a curse that places him in a form most find hideous. A few characters come to injury.
In conclusion, Prokopovits offers readers a delightful blend of Regency England and fantasy magic in this darling retelling I'll be sure to read again.
Regency is not my usual go-to when I'm in the mood for historical, but I found myself thoroughly charmed by this sweet and adorable retelling. Belle is so kind and good-natured, yet firm in her convictions and loyal. Thomas, so despairing after all these years, is a sold MC. He has his moments, but after what he's endured, who could blame him?
This is a clean and wholesome romance, with a few long-awaited kisses and some emotional angst. The secondary characters are lovely as well. Prokopovits must be commended for the flawless combination of historical and fantasy. The thorough "world building" of sorts with the inclusion of magic is flawless and something for aspiring writers to take note of.
There are no content warnings. As usual with BatB retellings, the hero is under a curse that places him in a form most find hideous. A few characters come to injury.
In conclusion, Prokopovits offers readers a delightful blend of Regency England and fantasy magic in this darling retelling I'll be sure to read again.
April 11, 2025
Really fun take on the classic fairy tale in Regency England! Which is my favorite place to read. :)
August 25, 2024
I read a lot of Beauty and the Beast retellings, but this might be the first one I'd describe as...cozy. The same stakes are there: the Beast needs our Beauty character to fall in love with him to break his curse. But like some other retellings, in this one, the Beast's curse doesn't extend to his castle or his servant. His home and his staff remain as they were, and he only chooses not to go out into society, but is capable of it if he wants. He carries on the business of running his dukedom by correspondance, and while it's a lonely life, it's not one of total isolation. Nor is there any kind of issue of the curse being permanent if he doesn't find love within a certain time, or his possibly dying, etc.
Instead, the book neatly blends many tropes of a clean Regency romance with a fairy tale retelling, by having the Duke hire Isabelle, an amateur magician, to help with household tasks. She can come and go as she chooses.
Even the love these two come to feel, feels rather sudden, and there's little really holding them back. Certainly no threat of a "Gaston" or "Avenant" type character, though it seems like the book is setting us up for that.
I liked the idea of magic being a part of this Regency world, and how it also reflects the limited access women had to education and work in certain fields at the time. But I also had so many questions, first among them, if magic spells can help with chores, especially many that seem easy to do, why don't more people learn/know them? I know that it's said that not all people in this world can work magic, but in that case, why don't more wealthy households hire servants who can, like the Duke does?
The same goes with doctors and healing spells.
But these are minor things. The star of the show should be the Beauty and the Beast story. In the front material, the author says that "Beauty" by Robin McKinley is the greatest Beauty and the Beast retelling, and you can feel that influence here, with the Duke being a sort of master magician with knowledge that he imparts to Isabelle, changing her life. But there is none of that still, sober energy of "Beauty" - not that that's a bad thing. The Beast's Magician drags on at certain moments, and as in many romances, some sentiments/internal monologues are repeated nearly word-for-word at times, but overall, it moves along nicely enough.
I also appreciated the author's nod to things like the importance of dreams that we find in the original and many early Beauty and the Beast retellings, as well as a few cheeky, blink-and-you'll-miss-them clin d'oeils at more modern retellings, including both Disney film versions.
But the stakes aren't quite so high and the romance isn't quite swoon-worthy enough for me to give this book a higher rating. The Beast's Magician makes for a pleasant, enjoyable read - a bit like a carriage ride through particularly pretty country. But it's not like you're seeing an enchanted palace or breathtaking landscape.
Instead, the book neatly blends many tropes of a clean Regency romance with a fairy tale retelling, by having the Duke hire Isabelle, an amateur magician, to help with household tasks. She can come and go as she chooses.
Even the love these two come to feel, feels rather sudden, and there's little really holding them back. Certainly no threat of a "Gaston" or "Avenant" type character, though it seems like the book is setting us up for that.
I liked the idea of magic being a part of this Regency world, and how it also reflects the limited access women had to education and work in certain fields at the time. But I also had so many questions, first among them, if magic spells can help with chores, especially many that seem easy to do, why don't more people learn/know them? I know that it's said that not all people in this world can work magic, but in that case, why don't more wealthy households hire servants who can, like the Duke does?
The same goes with doctors and healing spells.
But these are minor things. The star of the show should be the Beauty and the Beast story. In the front material, the author says that "Beauty" by Robin McKinley is the greatest Beauty and the Beast retelling, and you can feel that influence here, with the Duke being a sort of master magician with knowledge that he imparts to Isabelle, changing her life. But there is none of that still, sober energy of "Beauty" - not that that's a bad thing. The Beast's Magician drags on at certain moments, and as in many romances, some sentiments/internal monologues are repeated nearly word-for-word at times, but overall, it moves along nicely enough.
I also appreciated the author's nod to things like the importance of dreams that we find in the original and many early Beauty and the Beast retellings, as well as a few cheeky, blink-and-you'll-miss-them clin d'oeils at more modern retellings, including both Disney film versions.
But the stakes aren't quite so high and the romance isn't quite swoon-worthy enough for me to give this book a higher rating. The Beast's Magician makes for a pleasant, enjoyable read - a bit like a carriage ride through particularly pretty country. But it's not like you're seeing an enchanted palace or breathtaking landscape.
January 16, 2025
A cute, quick read, retelling of Beaty and the Beast. I especially enjoyed that in this retelling Belle isn’t being held captive. She’s there of her own choosing.
November 26, 2024
Eight years ago, the Duke of Harborough was magically transformed into a beast and has lived as a recluse ever since. Isabelle, a young woman with skill in magic, is planning for her future by looking for work as a governess, though she's not keen on children. Harborough hires Isabelle to perform household magic to help his staff and to catalog his library. They become friends and despite his frightening appearance, Isabelle finds herself falling in love with the man inside the fur.
In this alternate Regency England, magic is a skill that is acceptable for young women, and I love how Prokopovits explains it and utilizes it in her plot. The characters were delightful and the plot charming. I wasn't fully satisfied with how Isabelle was hired, it felt rushed and not fully explained, but once past that small hiccup, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the book.
In this alternate Regency England, magic is a skill that is acceptable for young women, and I love how Prokopovits explains it and utilizes it in her plot. The characters were delightful and the plot charming. I wasn't fully satisfied with how Isabelle was hired, it felt rushed and not fully explained, but once past that small hiccup, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the book.
August 19, 2025
What an excellent interweaving of fae curses with feminine independence. Belle's situation is not unusual in the Regency England world - young lady to be left alone and penniless after her father's passing - although her determination to make her own way rather than marry to avoid that impending fate is somewhat unusual (except in romance novels). That made for an excellent seque for her introduction into the household of a certain cursed duke, and the retelling of Beauty and the Beast unfolds. I particularly found the local rector playing the part of Gaston to be a nice touch. This is a lovely retelling that has everything that make a regency romance a regency romance. Now for the next book!
April 7, 2025
This was a fun, quick read! It was different than normal Beauty and the Beast retellings, but still had most of the familiar elements mixed with a cozy regency story! It was completely clean, and I really enjoyed the characters and plot! I thought the magic in this world was cool, and while I’m normally wary of books with spells, this one was written very non witchcrafty, but more like some people are born with the natural ability to harness magic, and there’s various spells for like cleaning and healing and stuff.
May 6, 2024
It takes a lot for me to give 5 stars! This book definitely fits that criteria. I liked this version of Beauty and the Beast better than the children’s Disney version, and better than many I have read! It was the perfect mix of clean regency romance mixed with wonderful clean fantasy fairytale, and had a gorgeous epilogue at the end! It left me smiling and feeling like I would be happy to live in that world for a very long time yet!
May 23, 2025
This was an interesting beauty and the beast retelling. I liked the fact that Belle wasn't a captive in this story, but rather worked for the beast as a magician. I loved the idea that the upkeep of the house could be done through the use of magic. The story still follows the basic theme of seeing the person underneath the unpleasant exterior. I enjoyed the book and will read more of the author's work.
October 26, 2025
A fun Regency retelling of Beauty and the Beast, loved it!
Belle is hired as a magician by a furry beast who can do no magic. You can see where and why all the growling would come from. I quite liked Belle persevering in learning spells and standing her ground - very Lizzy Bennett of her - and taming the Beast, ofc. Closer to Disney version than the original grim tale.
Recommended for lovers of clean and sweet BnB retellings with a Regency twist.
Belle is hired as a magician by a furry beast who can do no magic. You can see where and why all the growling would come from. I quite liked Belle persevering in learning spells and standing her ground - very Lizzy Bennett of her - and taming the Beast, ofc. Closer to Disney version than the original grim tale.
Recommended for lovers of clean and sweet BnB retellings with a Regency twist.
January 11, 2025
Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairytale (this is an understatement), and this story had all my favorite elements from the traditional story, as well as being set in my favorite time period (Regency) on top of having a flare of magic and fantasy. The story was both unique and familiar, and I know I'm going to reread this soon.
April 9, 2025
It's impossible not to love Belle. She's a woman of courage and kindness. The Duke thaws as he watches her ability to adapt and take care of people. Her kindness to him, even when he deserved none, melts his selfishness. Harshness greeted by kindness and sacrifice makes the Duke think twice about how he has lived his life. No matter how this story is presented, it's still a story that's ageless as time.
April 8, 2025
Loved it! Wonderful fairytale retelling of B and the B. Set in a regency like setting where women do not have the opportunity of a formal (magical) education, and are expected to be subservient to men.
Belle is a fantastic FMC. Intelligent, compassionate and industrious. The rapport and relationship that develops between her and the Duke (the beast) builds beautifully.
Highly recommended.
Belle is a fantastic FMC. Intelligent, compassionate and industrious. The rapport and relationship that develops between her and the Duke (the beast) builds beautifully.
Highly recommended.
August 16, 2025
I love Beauty and the Beast retellings
Eliza Prokopovits has crafted a fascinating story on the bare bones of the familiar fairytale. The Regency and character variations she introduced kept me reading eagerly and the magic is wonderful. I really recommend this book. I will reread it often.
Eliza Prokopovits has crafted a fascinating story on the bare bones of the familiar fairytale. The Regency and character variations she introduced kept me reading eagerly and the magic is wonderful. I really recommend this book. I will reread it often.
April 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this novel. It was a retelling of beauty and the best but was told differently than most. There were a few sprinkles from the Disney version which I loved! I also loved that it involved the Fae and Regency time period. It was fun to see how the author combined them all.
April 7, 2025
I liked it. It is inspired by "Beauty and the Beast" and it has some fresh original takes and spins to the story. I recommend it to anyone who likes fairytale inspired books with no spice clean romance.
June 23, 2025
This is such a delightful book!
The Regency backdrop is fun and the magic system is well balanced. The romance is sweet and has healthy conflict resolution woven through the classic elements of this tale.
Definitely my new favorite retelling of Beauty and the Beast!
The Regency backdrop is fun and the magic system is well balanced. The romance is sweet and has healthy conflict resolution woven through the classic elements of this tale.
Definitely my new favorite retelling of Beauty and the Beast!
November 14, 2025
I enjoyed this just as much as the other amazing BatB retellings out there. I just waited too long to write this review and now I don't remember enough (any) details to point out exactly what I liked about it.
August 5, 2024
Not for me
I struggled to get into this book. It bored me. Clean romance with magic. Beauty and the beast fairytail retelling.
I struggled to get into this book. It bored me. Clean romance with magic. Beauty and the beast fairytail retelling.
April 4, 2025
I adored this Regency fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast! That's my favorite fairy tale, and I always love it when I find such a wonderful new spin on that classic story.
April 19, 2025
such a cute read! perfect timing of slow burn and the story was really well written. i really enjoyed it!! i have to read more books from this author.
September 23, 2025
I loved this story.
Content: clean
Content: clean
November 17, 2025
"What I dislike are the spoiled children of silly parents." The main character & I would get along so well. I started this book at 10pm & finished it at 1:30am. This book had me giggling & kicking my feet at how cute the story is. Beauty & the beast retellings are always my favorite.
The 'Gaston' character added some nice conflict. "I am prepared to overlook your compromising situation, but not everyone would be as generous and forgiving as I am."
Here are all my favorite cute quotes, that had me humming. There's something there, that wasn't there before
The words "he likes you, Miss Belle," set something aglow inside her.
He groaned, "The last spell we adapted took hours." Carrey smirked, "I believe that was intentional." An unrepentant grin stole across his face. He had indeed taken much more time discussing the spell with Miss Belle.
He couldn't stop smiling. He had dinner plans with the most beautiful, thoughtful woman in all of England.
"Thank you, Miss Belle. I can't...You've...Thank you."
The 'Gaston' character added some nice conflict. "I am prepared to overlook your compromising situation, but not everyone would be as generous and forgiving as I am."
Here are all my favorite cute quotes, that had me humming. There's something there, that wasn't there before
The words "he likes you, Miss Belle," set something aglow inside her.
He groaned, "The last spell we adapted took hours." Carrey smirked, "I believe that was intentional." An unrepentant grin stole across his face. He had indeed taken much more time discussing the spell with Miss Belle.
He couldn't stop smiling. He had dinner plans with the most beautiful, thoughtful woman in all of England.
"Thank you, Miss Belle. I can't...You've...Thank you."
June 21, 2025
A cute retelling
A cute retelling of beauty and the beast. I enjoyed the magical twist to this tale. It is a light, true to the original story, rendering of one of my favorite fairy tales. In all a nice quick read.
A cute retelling of beauty and the beast. I enjoyed the magical twist to this tale. It is a light, true to the original story, rendering of one of my favorite fairy tales. In all a nice quick read.
April 9, 2024
This was a very sweet young adult retelling of beauty and the beast.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews