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The Beast in the Mirror
He watches her from the shadows of the ruins. But he can never let her see him, the cursed beast that he has become. But when he falls in love with her, he thinks just maybe she will accept him as he is.A twist on an old fairy tale, The Beast in the Mirror is a short, sweet love story between a beautiful young woman and a beast that has been cursed by a witch to be ugly forever.This is a short story of less than 5,000 words.
13 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 22 reviews
March 27, 2017
Art Work by abigaillarson.deviantart
“Then come out of hiding. Step out of the darkness and into the light. Let me see you just as you are. I’ll love you no matter what.” — Rose
Beauty and the beast is one of my all-time favorite stories, and I love reading different versions.. This short story is about Christopher (the beast) cursed by a witch and lives in the ruins... One day he sees, the beautiful, Rose. He stays hidden in the shadows, just watching her... Until one day she goes exploring and they meet... A truly hideous beast. Can Rose see through his ugliness?
December 8, 2019
Very interesting, very short version of Beauty and the Beast with an unexpected and rather profound ending.
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January 18, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Another twist of the classic “Beauty and the Beast” tale and in another contemporary is how it’s told. After reading Skye Warren’s novella Beauty Touched the Beast, I thought to give this a try. This book is also a free novella but very short, about 9 pages or so and no love scenes. I know. Bummer, that was!
Christopher has been cursed by a witch 3 yrs ago and been living in the ruins of a mansion/castle (?), not sure. He’s filthy rich I got that and used to be a playboy. But karma had befallen on him and life hasn’t been the same. No one knows he still resides in his place and a recluse without a doubt. Every day, he’d see Rose, a girl who has inhabited the nearby cottage very recently with her parents, from the shadows. She’s sweet and an artist but there’s something about her that calls out to him. So, to gain her attentions (somehow without showing himself), he carves beautiful pieces of woodworks and leaves them for her.
Rose is intrigued by this place. She loves paining in these ruins and feeling the environment. One day, she felt like exploring it. It was shadowy and kinda creepy, yet she still found the rose woodcarving on the very 1st day of her exploration. She immediately fell in love with the artwork and wanted to know the artist. The next day, she gets lucky but he won’t show himself. He would talk to her from another room. He says he’s badly scarred and not ready to reveal himself. But, Rose has found a kindred spirit and she’s up for taking a chance on him...
Honestly, I really liked the premise. If you can suspend your beliefs about a few things and don’t question about certain stuffs, I think you’ll like it. I’ve never read anything by this author before but it was a good one IMO. My few complaints were: 1st, the paragraphs of the story should’ve been formatted well. It bugged me a bit. 2nd, definitely I wanted more on the ‘hours’ of conversations Rose and Christopher apparently had. It would’ve given me a whole lot of information about the depth of their relationship because ultimately, when she said ILU to him, I was still kinda vacillating about it all. I’m not complaining about the lack of love scenes but I would’ve loved to know about the depth of their passion for each-other as well. For 9 pages, I guess it was ok and worth my 20 mins.
The ending was funny, actually. It had a little twist I found good, wasn’t expecting it. 3.5 stars and I would’ve certainly given it a higher rating if I got a few more pages of romancing the beast, or so to speak. ;) lol
“The Beast in the Mirror” is a free installment and can be downloaded from smashwords.
Another twist of the classic “Beauty and the Beast” tale and in another contemporary is how it’s told. After reading Skye Warren’s novella Beauty Touched the Beast, I thought to give this a try. This book is also a free novella but very short, about 9 pages or so and no love scenes. I know. Bummer, that was!
Christopher has been cursed by a witch 3 yrs ago and been living in the ruins of a mansion/castle (?), not sure. He’s filthy rich I got that and used to be a playboy. But karma had befallen on him and life hasn’t been the same. No one knows he still resides in his place and a recluse without a doubt. Every day, he’d see Rose, a girl who has inhabited the nearby cottage very recently with her parents, from the shadows. She’s sweet and an artist but there’s something about her that calls out to him. So, to gain her attentions (somehow without showing himself), he carves beautiful pieces of woodworks and leaves them for her.
Rose is intrigued by this place. She loves paining in these ruins and feeling the environment. One day, she felt like exploring it. It was shadowy and kinda creepy, yet she still found the rose woodcarving on the very 1st day of her exploration. She immediately fell in love with the artwork and wanted to know the artist. The next day, she gets lucky but he won’t show himself. He would talk to her from another room. He says he’s badly scarred and not ready to reveal himself. But, Rose has found a kindred spirit and she’s up for taking a chance on him...
Honestly, I really liked the premise. If you can suspend your beliefs about a few things and don’t question about certain stuffs, I think you’ll like it. I’ve never read anything by this author before but it was a good one IMO. My few complaints were: 1st, the paragraphs of the story should’ve been formatted well. It bugged me a bit. 2nd, definitely I wanted more on the ‘hours’ of conversations Rose and Christopher apparently had. It would’ve given me a whole lot of information about the depth of their relationship because ultimately, when she said ILU to him, I was still kinda vacillating about it all. I’m not complaining about the lack of love scenes but I would’ve loved to know about the depth of their passion for each-other as well. For 9 pages, I guess it was ok and worth my 20 mins.
The ending was funny, actually. It had a little twist I found good, wasn’t expecting it. 3.5 stars and I would’ve certainly given it a higher rating if I got a few more pages of romancing the beast, or so to speak. ;) lol
“The Beast in the Mirror” is a free installment and can be downloaded from smashwords.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2012
Book Description:
He watches her from the shadows of the ruins. But he can never let her see him, the cursed beast that he has become. But when he falls in love with her, he thinks just maybe she will accept him as he is.
A twist on an old fairy tale, The Beast in the Mirror is a short, sweet love story between a beautiful young woman and a beast that has been cursed by a witch to be ugly forever.
My Thoughts:
Downloaded as a free book from Smashwords, this was story was an interesting take on Beauty and the Beasty. Christoper, the Beast, was cursed by a witch but one sighting of the beautiful Rose and his heart was lost to her forever. This 5,000 word novella was sweet and heartwarming and has a very interesting twist of at the end.
He watches her from the shadows of the ruins. But he can never let her see him, the cursed beast that he has become. But when he falls in love with her, he thinks just maybe she will accept him as he is.
A twist on an old fairy tale, The Beast in the Mirror is a short, sweet love story between a beautiful young woman and a beast that has been cursed by a witch to be ugly forever.
My Thoughts:
Downloaded as a free book from Smashwords, this was story was an interesting take on Beauty and the Beasty. Christoper, the Beast, was cursed by a witch but one sighting of the beautiful Rose and his heart was lost to her forever. This 5,000 word novella was sweet and heartwarming and has a very interesting twist of at the end.
March 22, 2020
Perhaps it just wasn't my style...
I was thrilled to find another Beauty and the Beast retelling, and happily dived right in. But the writing was clipped, and I felt some of the wording felt like it was coming from a poorly written fan fiction piece rather than an author. I do think this author's retelling had potential, though, it just needed polishing up.
I was thrilled to find another Beauty and the Beast retelling, and happily dived right in. But the writing was clipped, and I felt some of the wording felt like it was coming from a poorly written fan fiction piece rather than an author. I do think this author's retelling had potential, though, it just needed polishing up.
February 19, 2012
This is a short story. It's perfect if you're looking for something sweet and light that you can read in under half an hour.
With that disclaimer aside, the story ia about Christopher who dated a witch who (upon being dumped) cursed him with a beastly face. Horrified, he ran and hid in some ruins. The story begins when he's been there for a couple of years, always reminded of his hideous appearance whenever he looks into a mirror that he can't break. Rose, the heroine, is an artist who takes an interest in the ruins. From the moment he sees her, he falls in love with her but knows she'll never love someone as ugly as him. Unable to resist her, he talks to her from another room but refuses to let her see him.
I won't say any more because I don't want to spoil it, but I enjoyed how being alone for years forced Christopher to understand why being a playboy wasn't a good way to live. I also enjoyed the sweet tone to the story and the moral that real beauty is on the inside, not the outside. There is a twist at the end which was neat, too. It's something I can't recall being done in any versions of the Beauty and the Beast type of stories I've read. So I recommend it for people who want something short, light and sweet.
With that disclaimer aside, the story ia about Christopher who dated a witch who (upon being dumped) cursed him with a beastly face. Horrified, he ran and hid in some ruins. The story begins when he's been there for a couple of years, always reminded of his hideous appearance whenever he looks into a mirror that he can't break. Rose, the heroine, is an artist who takes an interest in the ruins. From the moment he sees her, he falls in love with her but knows she'll never love someone as ugly as him. Unable to resist her, he talks to her from another room but refuses to let her see him.
I won't say any more because I don't want to spoil it, but I enjoyed how being alone for years forced Christopher to understand why being a playboy wasn't a good way to live. I also enjoyed the sweet tone to the story and the moral that real beauty is on the inside, not the outside. There is a twist at the end which was neat, too. It's something I can't recall being done in any versions of the Beauty and the Beast type of stories I've read. So I recommend it for people who want something short, light and sweet.
February 19, 2012
If you like the old Beauty and the Beast fairytale you’ll enjoy this modern version.
Cursed by a witch for rejecting her advances, Christopher transforms from free-spirited womanizer to lonely recluse, deeply ashamed of the face he sees reflected in the mirror every day. Having recently moved from the US to a tiny town in England, Rose is drawn daily to the same place, the shadowy crumbling ruins she feels compelled to paint from all different angles, at all times of the day. She is unaware of the figure watching her from within the ruins, and falling for her more each time she visits. When Christopher finally makes himself known to her, they begin a friendship on different sides of the wall, awaiting the day Christopher works up the courage to show Rose his “scars”.
Beautiful prose flows effortlessly from the page, ahem computer screen. This story has such an old world feel to it that I read with surprise references to the movies, the local art gallery and Christopher’s cell phone. I had been imagining a land far far away, a long time ago! The Beast in the Mirror is a charming little story that you can read in half an hour over a cup of tea.
Cursed by a witch for rejecting her advances, Christopher transforms from free-spirited womanizer to lonely recluse, deeply ashamed of the face he sees reflected in the mirror every day. Having recently moved from the US to a tiny town in England, Rose is drawn daily to the same place, the shadowy crumbling ruins she feels compelled to paint from all different angles, at all times of the day. She is unaware of the figure watching her from within the ruins, and falling for her more each time she visits. When Christopher finally makes himself known to her, they begin a friendship on different sides of the wall, awaiting the day Christopher works up the courage to show Rose his “scars”.
Beautiful prose flows effortlessly from the page, ahem computer screen. This story has such an old world feel to it that I read with surprise references to the movies, the local art gallery and Christopher’s cell phone. I had been imagining a land far far away, a long time ago! The Beast in the Mirror is a charming little story that you can read in half an hour over a cup of tea.
January 16, 2016
The Beast in the Mirror by Lauralynn Elliott
The Beast was once a playboy in modern day England. After being enticed by a beautiful woman, he quickly saw that within her she was pure evil. She didn't take rejection well and turned his good looks into something beastly. Giving him a unbreakable mirror so he could always see his horrid face.
Rose was enjoying her new surroundings. She lived in a lovely cottage with her folks and there were beautiful ruins nearby that she loved to paint. And then she met someone who lived within the ruins.
Christopher longs for Rose to care for him, but has no idea how will react to his cursed face. He's no longer the proud playboy with the handsome looks. He's the Beast who just longs for love. This is only about nine pages long, yet tells a whole story.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
The Beast was once a playboy in modern day England. After being enticed by a beautiful woman, he quickly saw that within her she was pure evil. She didn't take rejection well and turned his good looks into something beastly. Giving him a unbreakable mirror so he could always see his horrid face.
Rose was enjoying her new surroundings. She lived in a lovely cottage with her folks and there were beautiful ruins nearby that she loved to paint. And then she met someone who lived within the ruins.
Christopher longs for Rose to care for him, but has no idea how will react to his cursed face. He's no longer the proud playboy with the handsome looks. He's the Beast who just longs for love. This is only about nine pages long, yet tells a whole story.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
August 14, 2016
Loved this story. It's definetely for those who want a sweet, quick and satisfying prose with a HEA. And as the title indicates, a modern (And slightly different) take on a story we all love so much.
October 24, 2012
Average read. I like the characters and thought their developing romance was unusual, but sweet. The ending was unexpected, but don't know if I was completely in love with it. Otherwise though, I enjoyed the 'beauty and the beast' tale.
December 23, 2012
A new twist on an old fairy tale.
This is a sweet, but short love story between a young woman and a not so good looking beast that is cursed.
And as you know a witch played a part in this story.
Only this one have a surprising ending, but you will have to read the book....enjoy
This is a sweet, but short love story between a young woman and a not so good looking beast that is cursed.
And as you know a witch played a part in this story.
Only this one have a surprising ending, but you will have to read the book....enjoy
May 28, 2016
What a silly boy!
I confess, I knew the sending quickly. But it was a fun story to read, I really enjoyed it. The characters are simple, the plot clear, but the strongest part is the scenery. And I loved the scenery, from the dark, mossy ruins to the table filled with a feast.
I confess, I knew the sending quickly. But it was a fun story to read, I really enjoyed it. The characters are simple, the plot clear, but the strongest part is the scenery. And I loved the scenery, from the dark, mossy ruins to the table filled with a feast.
May 26, 2016
"I've been waiting for you forever..."
Lauralynn Elliott puts her own modern spin on a classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. This is a quick romantic read that I wish would have continued a wee bit longer. Look forward to more of her stories!
Lauralynn Elliott puts her own modern spin on a classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. This is a quick romantic read that I wish would have continued a wee bit longer. Look forward to more of her stories!
May 27, 2016
This is a short story that plays off the legend of Beauty and the Beast….with a surprising twist! Read this on a coffee break or over lunch, but read it. It’s sweet and magical. I loved the author’s unique slant on a classic fairy tale. Truly delightful!
March 25, 2012
The sap overfloweth...
June 19, 2012
Short story so was a quick read. It was an ok story.
July 27, 2012
Super short yet super sweet. Kinda musy and fast past but what do expect with thirty something pages?
January 8, 2013
A short, but cute and romantic take on Beauty and the Beast. The writing was lovely and I wish the story had been longer. Despite that fact, I enjoyed it!
July 19, 2013
short but cute
September 5, 2016
This was twist on an old fairy tale brought to our time.
A good an very short story
A good an very short story
September 5, 2016
Hahaha!!! Unbelievable!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 22 reviews