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Kingdom #2
Gerard's Beauty
A not so classic retelling of Beauty and the Beast, as seen through the eyes of the villain...
Betty Hart has had it with men. Jilted in love, her life now consists of shelving books by day, watching too much Anime by night, and occasionally dressing up like a superhero on the weekends with her fellow ‘Bleeding Heart’ nerds. Men are not welcome and very much unwanted. Especially the sexy Frenchman who saunters into her library reeking of alcohol and looking like he went one too many rounds in the ring.
Gerard Caron is in trouble. Again. Caught with his pants down (literally) he’s forced to seek asylum on Earth while his fairy godmother tries to keep Prince Charming from going all ‘Off with his head’. Maybe, messing around with the King’s daughter hadn’t been such a great idea after all, not that Gerard knew the silly redhead was a princess. But his fairy godmother knows the only way to save his life is to finally pair Gerard with his perfect mate, whether he’s willing or not.
From the moment Gerard lays eyes on the nerdy librarian he knows he must have her, but Betty is unlike any woman he’s ever known. He thought Betty would come as willingly to his bed as every other woman before her, but she is a woman who demands respect and even… horror of all horrors… love. Is it possible for a self-proclaimed Casanova to change his ways?
Betty Hart has had it with men. Jilted in love, her life now consists of shelving books by day, watching too much Anime by night, and occasionally dressing up like a superhero on the weekends with her fellow ‘Bleeding Heart’ nerds. Men are not welcome and very much unwanted. Especially the sexy Frenchman who saunters into her library reeking of alcohol and looking like he went one too many rounds in the ring.
Gerard Caron is in trouble. Again. Caught with his pants down (literally) he’s forced to seek asylum on Earth while his fairy godmother tries to keep Prince Charming from going all ‘Off with his head’. Maybe, messing around with the King’s daughter hadn’t been such a great idea after all, not that Gerard knew the silly redhead was a princess. But his fairy godmother knows the only way to save his life is to finally pair Gerard with his perfect mate, whether he’s willing or not.
From the moment Gerard lays eyes on the nerdy librarian he knows he must have her, but Betty is unlike any woman he’s ever known. He thought Betty would come as willingly to his bed as every other woman before her, but she is a woman who demands respect and even… horror of all horrors… love. Is it possible for a self-proclaimed Casanova to change his ways?
188 pages, ebook
First published July 28, 2012
95 people are currently reading
1320 people want to read
About the author
Marie Hall
57 books2,094 followersMarie Hall is a USA Today Bestselling author and has always held a dangerous fascination for creatures that go bump in the night. And mermaids. And of course fairies. Trolls. Unicorns. Shapeshifters. Vampires. Scottish brogues. Kilts. Beefy arms. Ummm... Bad boys! Especially the sexy ones.
Then the day came she realized apart from the sexy bad boy she married, there'd be no vampires/shapeshifters/mermaids/fairies/or even stinky trolls in her future unless she wrote about them. More often than not she can be found roaming the wild, lush tropical forest she calls her backyard (a.k.a. Hawaii) and day dreaming constantly about her latest project.
Her Mad Hatter is the first book of her Kingdom Series.
She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at mariehallwrites@gmail.com!
Then the day came she realized apart from the sexy bad boy she married, there'd be no vampires/shapeshifters/mermaids/fairies/or even stinky trolls in her future unless she wrote about them. More often than not she can be found roaming the wild, lush tropical forest she calls her backyard (a.k.a. Hawaii) and day dreaming constantly about her latest project.
Her Mad Hatter is the first book of her Kingdom Series.
She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at mariehallwrites@gmail.com!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
May 10, 2020
SHORT AND STEAMY BUT LACKING IN DEPTH
The title pretty much says it all 😅
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Sweet and hot: Betty and Gerard were sweet together - especially when Betty's nephew with down syndrome was thrown into the mix. And they definitely had chemistry in spades.
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Depth: While this book had lots of steam it didn't have much of anything else. So if you're only looking for distraction to last you a couple of hours, this should be your go-to book.
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Blog: 7 Cliches I Am Absolutely Sick Of
The title pretty much says it all 😅
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Sweet and hot: Betty and Gerard were sweet together - especially when Betty's nephew with down syndrome was thrown into the mix. And they definitely had chemistry in spades.
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Depth: While this book had lots of steam it didn't have much of anything else. So if you're only looking for distraction to last you a couple of hours, this should be your go-to book.
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog: 7 Cliches I Am Absolutely Sick Of
August 2, 2013
I have an unhealthy obsession with Disney anything, when I heard about Marie Hall's Kingdom series I was so excited and instantly got book one because it is a freebie, long story short I loved it and needed to read more of the series. I didn't think it was possible, but Gerard's Beauty made me fall in love with the series even more.
Gerard Caron is a womanizer, and doesn't want to find love. He is forced out of Kingdom (picture angry villagers with pitchforks and torches) and told he has to find true love. His fairy godmother extraordinaire, Danika, helps him out by dropping him outside a library and tells him to find Betty Hart.
Recently recovering from a bad break up, Betty isn't looking for another relationship with a Casanova, so when she spots Gerard she wants nothing to do with him. They start off rocky, but quickly grow accustomed to each other and their relationship blossoms. I loved the twists that really makes this book (and series) unique. It's nothing like the Disney fairy tales we all know, but at the same time it includes the villains we all want to know more about. Gerard's Beauty is a novella, but one I think any lover of fairy tales will enjoy. If you haven't read this series yet, I highly recommend it!
Gerard Caron is a womanizer, and doesn't want to find love. He is forced out of Kingdom (picture angry villagers with pitchforks and torches) and told he has to find true love. His fairy godmother extraordinaire, Danika, helps him out by dropping him outside a library and tells him to find Betty Hart.
Recently recovering from a bad break up, Betty isn't looking for another relationship with a Casanova, so when she spots Gerard she wants nothing to do with him. They start off rocky, but quickly grow accustomed to each other and their relationship blossoms. I loved the twists that really makes this book (and series) unique. It's nothing like the Disney fairy tales we all know, but at the same time it includes the villains we all want to know more about. Gerard's Beauty is a novella, but one I think any lover of fairy tales will enjoy. If you haven't read this series yet, I highly recommend it!
August 21, 2018
This is a beautiful story. I would have loved have read an epilogue. I felt that it would have rounded the story out well.
November 16, 2022
Gerard was a manwhore extraordinaire. Aside from Belle, he never delved beneath the surface, never trusted that there was only one female for him. Misunderstood and bitter about it (I kinda felt bad for the guy), he acts out. Dude was immature and ridiculous. When he went a bit too far, he's punished by spending time on Earth and making his 'one true love' fall in love with him. But Betty isn't like the vapid or superficial ladies he's used to. His game doesn't work. I loved when he finally got real with her and with himself. There was so much more to the man hidden beneath the surface and the author did an amazing job with all of it.
August 26, 2013
I honestly didn't think a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast could be this awesome! I have read quite a few and one was alright, and most fall below the mark. You are walking on a slippery slop where the original tale, as well as the Disney version, are so embedded in our brains we have a hard time accepting any re-tellings.
That was until Marie Hall decided to take on the proverbial baddies of the fairy tale verse.
Gerard, from what I gather, is the living embodiment of Gaston from the animated version. He got a bad rap in the stories because he was a bit of a man-whore. A vengeful head Fairy decides to punish him for looking the other way, or rather not looking at her, and punishes him by claiming he was was the bad guy in the Beauty and the Beast story.
This story is brilliant. I ADORE Gerard! I want one of my own! He was the perfect living embodiment of what the beast should have been. The handsome man that is really needing to find the way to love deep inside. Betty was the PERFECT BELLE! She was a legit nerd to the core and she was hot and strong willed. She didn't whine and feel sorry for herself and she took the time to really love Gerard. It grew and bloomed and I couldn't but this installment down!
If you love Once Upon a Time, if you love fairy tales THIS is the series for YOU! Though, I come with a disclaimer--you may like this series WAY better than Once Upon a Time!
That was until Marie Hall decided to take on the proverbial baddies of the fairy tale verse.
Gerard, from what I gather, is the living embodiment of Gaston from the animated version. He got a bad rap in the stories because he was a bit of a man-whore. A vengeful head Fairy decides to punish him for looking the other way, or rather not looking at her, and punishes him by claiming he was was the bad guy in the Beauty and the Beast story.
This story is brilliant. I ADORE Gerard! I want one of my own! He was the perfect living embodiment of what the beast should have been. The handsome man that is really needing to find the way to love deep inside. Betty was the PERFECT BELLE! She was a legit nerd to the core and she was hot and strong willed. She didn't whine and feel sorry for herself and she took the time to really love Gerard. It grew and bloomed and I couldn't but this installment down!
If you love Once Upon a Time, if you love fairy tales THIS is the series for YOU! Though, I come with a disclaimer--you may like this series WAY better than Once Upon a Time!
November 28, 2012
I did not like this book. It took forever for me to read it even though it's fairly short. I was not interested in the h and Gerard barely surfaced on my radar.
The good:
This book gets two stars because I like the concept of Neverland and the different characters that inhabit it. That's a really refreshing take on fairytales. Otherwise this book would have gotten one star.
The bad (character-wise):
Betty - Betty was a complete and utter dork. And not like shy librarian by day/Dominatrix by night kinda nerd. Oh nerd she's one of those girls you see reading Manga, standing in line at comic book stores, dressing like a Star Trek reject, looking for life on Mars, playing Yu Gi Oh, Pokemon, and Dungeons and Dragons kind of nerd. Oh my god, I so did NOT care about her or her interests.
Gerard - cheesy and corny "cherie, ma petit, mon angel" - the French endearments were just plain whack. Really? That's how French men speak when they are wooing a woman that speaks English? REALLY? He just came off as very much a surface character. No depth. None that I cared about anyway. I wanted to give the man some Viagra mixed with a Ruphie and see if things picked up from there but alas I was not able to.
There story together was just so BLAH. Nothing memorable occurred. It was very predictable and around 65%, I skimmed to the end. I just couldn't take it anymore.
The ugly (story-wise):
TYPO AFTER TYPO AFTER TYPO. Drove me nuts. This is shocking to me because the first book was properly edited. This was needs the same fine tooth comb.
The story line didn't make a lot of sense to me. So Betty has a nephew with a disability and I guess Gerard gets to display his more vulnerable side by interacting with this child, therefore causing Betty to fall in love with him yada yada. Okay. Then Betty goes on to state Oh I love my family, whatever yada yada, I'll sacrifice and put my life on hold yada yada. Then it's like BOOM HEA occurs and all of a sudden you are not batting an eye at immortality? Really? REALLY?
I just didn't click with this book. I still want to read Red and Her Wolf. I'm interested in seeing how that will play out. I'm just not in a rush to read it.
The good:
This book gets two stars because I like the concept of Neverland and the different characters that inhabit it. That's a really refreshing take on fairytales. Otherwise this book would have gotten one star.
The bad (character-wise):
Betty - Betty was a complete and utter dork. And not like shy librarian by day/Dominatrix by night kinda nerd. Oh nerd she's one of those girls you see reading Manga, standing in line at comic book stores, dressing like a Star Trek reject, looking for life on Mars, playing Yu Gi Oh, Pokemon, and Dungeons and Dragons kind of nerd. Oh my god, I so did NOT care about her or her interests.
Gerard - cheesy and corny "cherie, ma petit, mon angel" - the French endearments were just plain whack. Really? That's how French men speak when they are wooing a woman that speaks English? REALLY? He just came off as very much a surface character. No depth. None that I cared about anyway. I wanted to give the man some Viagra mixed with a Ruphie and see if things picked up from there but alas I was not able to.
There story together was just so BLAH. Nothing memorable occurred. It was very predictable and around 65%, I skimmed to the end. I just couldn't take it anymore.
The ugly (story-wise):
TYPO AFTER TYPO AFTER TYPO. Drove me nuts. This is shocking to me because the first book was properly edited. This was needs the same fine tooth comb.
The story line didn't make a lot of sense to me. So Betty has a nephew with a disability and I guess Gerard gets to display his more vulnerable side by interacting with this child, therefore causing Betty to fall in love with him yada yada. Okay. Then Betty goes on to state Oh I love my family, whatever yada yada, I'll sacrifice and put my life on hold yada yada. Then it's like BOOM HEA occurs and all of a sudden you are not batting an eye at immortality? Really? REALLY?
I just didn't click with this book. I still want to read Red and Her Wolf. I'm interested in seeing how that will play out. I'm just not in a rush to read it.
April 9, 2013
Where to begin?
First, being someone who has always adored fairy tales and the notion of 'true love' and happily ever after' I was hesitant, at first, to see my childhood 'heroes' cast as villians (Belle). But, it was only a few pages later that I found myself whisked away in to this different fairy tale.
Second, I began to love the way this 'bad boy' was thrust in to our world. Yes, his ego and overly confident sexual demeanor made me want to wring his neck, but then I could so much better side with Betty. Despite her senses, he wracked her to her very core. And, in her place, I am not so sure I could've held back like she did. *LOL*
Third, the writing is so engaging that I could NOT put it down. I did find myself blushing quite a bit and crying as well. I could feel them falling for each other, the pain that they felt not being able to express their feelings and their happiness in being with each other.
Yes, despite my constant blushing, I loved it AND am now hooked! I got this copy for free, but it is well worth more than the regular list price. The cover is well done as well. I've made sure to bookmark the author's blog to keep up to date on new developments. FAN FOR LIFE!
First, being someone who has always adored fairy tales and the notion of 'true love' and happily ever after' I was hesitant, at first, to see my childhood 'heroes' cast as villians (Belle). But, it was only a few pages later that I found myself whisked away in to this different fairy tale.
Second, I began to love the way this 'bad boy' was thrust in to our world. Yes, his ego and overly confident sexual demeanor made me want to wring his neck, but then I could so much better side with Betty. Despite her senses, he wracked her to her very core. And, in her place, I am not so sure I could've held back like she did. *LOL*
Third, the writing is so engaging that I could NOT put it down. I did find myself blushing quite a bit and crying as well. I could feel them falling for each other, the pain that they felt not being able to express their feelings and their happiness in being with each other.
Yes, despite my constant blushing, I loved it AND am now hooked! I got this copy for free, but it is well worth more than the regular list price. The cover is well done as well. I've made sure to bookmark the author's blog to keep up to date on new developments. FAN FOR LIFE!
May 18, 2013
The second book in Marie Hall's Kingdom Collection "Gerard's Beauty" is a new romantic and sizzling hot take on "Beauty and the Beast". And just like the first book, this one is going to charm your socks off.
Gerard, a prince that had a thing for Belle before she decided to be with the Beast, has to flee to the Earth realm after getting a bit too intimate with a princess. On Earth, due to some unforeseen circumstances he has to spend a month with Betty, a manga and comic loving librarian.
The month between those too is absolutely delicious. Marie Hall's description of their growing love is beautiful.
The characters are original. Betty is strong, loyal and caring and a bit crazy. I immediately had to like her.
And Gerard, well Gerard is...Gerard. And it is even better to imagine him looking like Gerard Butler. He could walk around my house naked anytime. ;-)
The interactions between the characters seem natural and realistic. It is not over the top but sweet and sexy.
The creativity in Marie Hall's book messes with my head. It is amazing how someone can come up with those wonderful twisted stories that are full of charm, humour, sensuality and sweetness.
Gerard, a prince that had a thing for Belle before she decided to be with the Beast, has to flee to the Earth realm after getting a bit too intimate with a princess. On Earth, due to some unforeseen circumstances he has to spend a month with Betty, a manga and comic loving librarian.
The month between those too is absolutely delicious. Marie Hall's description of their growing love is beautiful.
The characters are original. Betty is strong, loyal and caring and a bit crazy. I immediately had to like her.
And Gerard, well Gerard is...Gerard. And it is even better to imagine him looking like Gerard Butler. He could walk around my house naked anytime. ;-)
The interactions between the characters seem natural and realistic. It is not over the top but sweet and sexy.
The creativity in Marie Hall's book messes with my head. It is amazing how someone can come up with those wonderful twisted stories that are full of charm, humour, sensuality and sweetness.
October 21, 2020
3.5 Stars... This was an interesting retelling of the beloved "Beauty and the Beast" tale... Belle is villainized and the known character of Gaston, in this retelling Gerard, is the wronged party... After Gerard's jilting from Belle, he essentially becomes resentful of love and finds himself simply moving from one woman to the next with no connection other than sexual attraction... His wayward ways catch up to him when he is accused of relations with a princess leading to his banishment from Kingdom... Danika, Godmother Extraordinaire, hatches a plan to set Gerard up with his mate... Enter in Betty Hart, a quirky but spirited librarian, who steals his heart and saves his soul... Sweet, simple, and fun read that places a bit of a twist on our beloved story that is ever endearing and enchanting:)
February 25, 2018
Sweet
Gerard is an interesting character. Supposedly from Beauty and the Beast, but was cut out of the story . He is definitely a womanizer but he has some honor left in him. After being accused of forcing Cinderella's daughter he is sent to Earth. Betty and Trisha find him sitting outside their library of all places. I enjoyed how much more there was to Betty than what Gerard saw and how he eventually realized it too. There was more to Gerard than what he wanted others to see and he is weeter than expected.
Gerard is an interesting character. Supposedly from Beauty and the Beast, but was cut out of the story . He is definitely a womanizer but he has some honor left in him. After being accused of forcing Cinderella's daughter he is sent to Earth. Betty and Trisha find him sitting outside their library of all places. I enjoyed how much more there was to Betty than what Gerard saw and how he eventually realized it too. There was more to Gerard than what he wanted others to see and he is weeter than expected.
December 17, 2017
This story is a beauty and the beast retelling but very different.
We have this main guy who is a bit of a flirt with everyone and he gets in a lot of trouble and it's up to his fairy godmother to send him on the right track.
She sends him to Betty, a bookshop owner. Who his is true love yet she hates him.
He can't help feel attracted to him and that's where the story goes.
CHARACTERS-
I didn't really like the characters, they were just MEH for me.
I didnt have a strong hold on them which I do with other books.
ROMANCE-
I did enjoy the romance between the two main characters. It was just so entertaining to just sit back and watch.
WRITING-
The writing was good but it wasn't detailed or anything special but the story was very good and a cool concept.
We have this main guy who is a bit of a flirt with everyone and he gets in a lot of trouble and it's up to his fairy godmother to send him on the right track.
She sends him to Betty, a bookshop owner. Who his is true love yet she hates him.
He can't help feel attracted to him and that's where the story goes.
CHARACTERS-
I didn't really like the characters, they were just MEH for me.
I didnt have a strong hold on them which I do with other books.
ROMANCE-
I did enjoy the romance between the two main characters. It was just so entertaining to just sit back and watch.
WRITING-
The writing was good but it wasn't detailed or anything special but the story was very good and a cool concept.
July 11, 2017
Since I read the first part of this series (Her Mad Hatter), and utterly adored it, I could hardly wait to read the second story.
Whilst not as gut-wrenchingly romantic as the first part (or maybe I just liked Hatter a bit more than Gerard), it was still beautiful. I sooooo love this series!.
Some minor problems with this instalment however. There were a couple of mistakes in the French (mon instead of ma etc), the author didn't know the difference between anime and manga (which is on of my major pet peeves), and one or two editing errors.
Whilst not as gut-wrenchingly romantic as the first part (or maybe I just liked Hatter a bit more than Gerard), it was still beautiful. I sooooo love this series!.
Some minor problems with this instalment however. There were a couple of mistakes in the French (mon instead of ma etc), the author didn't know the difference between anime and manga (which is on of my major pet peeves), and one or two editing errors.
October 28, 2013
Gerard's Beauty wasn't as spectacular as the first novel in the Kingdom series. Playing an all too familiar tune to Her Mad Hatter, which is probably a big reason for it being a tad frustrating, though it was still an enjoyable read.
We meet Betty, the young woman who currently has a hatred for men all over, after being scorned by her ex lover. By day she's a librarian and by night she can be found watching way too much anime.
Gerard cant seem to keep himself or his man parts out of trouble. He thinks he's safe from punishment, but this time he's not so lucky. Before given the verdict of his punishment, he is forced onto earth by his fairy god mother in search of and to pair with, his mate. He has no choice in the matter anymore.
^^^ Yes, I went there. Who couldn't? Isn't he just delish??
Betty is unlike any other woman Gerard has known. She is not so easily persuaded into his arms and bed like the others. No, she wants respect and maybe even...love. Is it possible for a self-proclaimed Casanova to change his ways?
3.75 stars
September 12, 2016
Reviewed for: Where the NightKind Roam
Gerard’s Beauty by Marie Hall is the second book in the Kingdom Series featuring the Bad Five the villains in some of the most popular fairy tales, but they are more than tales, they are real! I suspected I knew which fairy tale Gerard is from but we don't find out for sure until a little ways into this book. I didn't feel like this book had quite the same emotional connection as the first book. It was still entertaining but it missed a bit of that. Gerard is what we might call a manwhore, he got himself into a spot of trouble and go thrown out of Kingdom. Danika took the opportunity to introduce Gerard to his fated mate. It is not love at first site between Betty and Gerard.. Maybe a whole lot of lust but Betty is less than impressed with Gerard when they first meet.
Betty ends up taking in the homeless, jobless, confused Gerard and ends up stuck with him for a month. Gerard is cursed with pretty much his worst nightmare as part of his sentencing and is banned from Kingdom for one month. At the end of the month his fate is in Betty’s hands. I liked how this book wasn’t insta-love. It pretty much takes the full month for deep feelings to develop. It builds as they spend more time together and get comfortable. Betty was cute and I enjoyed her even her quirkiness. Gerard, I wasn’t feeling that much at first but little by little he turns himself around. We find out there is more to him than just his cock. If that's all he had there was no way he’s have been able to win Betty over. Overall, it was good; it wasn’t great but a fun quick read. And this one is available for free on Amazon in the three book collection.
Gerard’s Beauty by Marie Hall is the second book in the Kingdom Series featuring the Bad Five the villains in some of the most popular fairy tales, but they are more than tales, they are real! I suspected I knew which fairy tale Gerard is from but we don't find out for sure until a little ways into this book. I didn't feel like this book had quite the same emotional connection as the first book. It was still entertaining but it missed a bit of that. Gerard is what we might call a manwhore, he got himself into a spot of trouble and go thrown out of Kingdom. Danika took the opportunity to introduce Gerard to his fated mate. It is not love at first site between Betty and Gerard.. Maybe a whole lot of lust but Betty is less than impressed with Gerard when they first meet.
Betty ends up taking in the homeless, jobless, confused Gerard and ends up stuck with him for a month. Gerard is cursed with pretty much his worst nightmare as part of his sentencing and is banned from Kingdom for one month. At the end of the month his fate is in Betty’s hands. I liked how this book wasn’t insta-love. It pretty much takes the full month for deep feelings to develop. It builds as they spend more time together and get comfortable. Betty was cute and I enjoyed her even her quirkiness. Gerard, I wasn’t feeling that much at first but little by little he turns himself around. We find out there is more to him than just his cock. If that's all he had there was no way he’s have been able to win Betty over. Overall, it was good; it wasn’t great but a fun quick read. And this one is available for free on Amazon in the three book collection.
August 13, 2012
Bravo! What a creative story! It proved to be a delightful read. I laughed--the author did a wonderful job of bringing out the humor in the fictional situation. There was nothing deep about this one--just a short read that was fun, fun, fun. A guilty pleasure :-)
What a great idea for a book series. Fairy-tales for grownup girls, because most of us have figured out that prince charming isn't the most interesting guy in the Kingdom.
Note* Definitely a book aimed at adults. Some sex, some language.
A feel-good story.
I will read more of Hall's "Kingdom Series".
Five giggling stars.
What a great idea for a book series. Fairy-tales for grownup girls, because most of us have figured out that prince charming isn't the most interesting guy in the Kingdom.
Note* Definitely a book aimed at adults. Some sex, some language.
A feel-good story.
I will read more of Hall's "Kingdom Series".
Five giggling stars.
February 17, 2018
Again the second book blew me away it needs to be longer!!!!!!! Ha Ha
So It seems to be a beauty and beast retelling from Gaston or Gerard's POV either way i was enjoying reading about the hunky Frenchman.
So its Gerard's turn to find his one true love, Betty. A Latin fire-pistol that takes no prisoners but who is kind and compassionate, after evil fairy Godmother Zaps his crown jewels he has to win over Betty with his other traits.
Funny the chemistry between two is fab and i love the fairy tale twist.
So It seems to be a beauty and beast retelling from Gaston or Gerard's POV either way i was enjoying reading about the hunky Frenchman.
So its Gerard's turn to find his one true love, Betty. A Latin fire-pistol that takes no prisoners but who is kind and compassionate, after evil fairy Godmother Zaps his crown jewels he has to win over Betty with his other traits.
Funny the chemistry between two is fab and i love the fairy tale twist.
November 7, 2018
French & English reviews
Un tome aussi bon que le précédent =D Gerard et Betty m'ont fait fondre et j'ai adoré leur histoire =) J'ai aussi beaucoup aimé voir les fées sous un jour plus sombre (ce qui correspond plus aux contes et légendes originaux si on y réfléchit bien =))
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A second book as good as the previous one =D Gerard and Betty made me melt and I loved their story =) I also loved seeing the fairies in a darker light (which corresponds more to the original tales and legends if we think about it =))
Un tome aussi bon que le précédent =D Gerard et Betty m'ont fait fondre et j'ai adoré leur histoire =) J'ai aussi beaucoup aimé voir les fées sous un jour plus sombre (ce qui correspond plus aux contes et légendes originaux si on y réfléchit bien =))
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A second book as good as the previous one =D Gerard and Betty made me melt and I loved their story =) I also loved seeing the fairies in a darker light (which corresponds more to the original tales and legends if we think about it =))
November 27, 2021
I read the first book in this series a long time ago...2013? I'm giving Kindle unlimited a try though and Amazon was like "Hey! This is free now so read the next book." I shouldn't have listened.
I didn't enjoy this. There were a lot of spelling/syntax errors and it just wasn't polished. There was also no depth or growth from the characters. At least it was short so I didn't waste too much time on it.
I didn't enjoy this. There were a lot of spelling/syntax errors and it just wasn't polished. There was also no depth or growth from the characters. At least it was short so I didn't waste too much time on it.
August 25, 2017
Did not expect to like this one nearly as much as I did. I was totally in the mood for this and it was just what I needed.
Would I like it this much if I re- read it or had read a heap like this maybe not but right now this book was great.
Would I like it this much if I re- read it or had read a heap like this maybe not but right now this book was great.
dnf
October 3, 2023DNF @ end of chapter 1
I didn't like the first book, and I can tell that I'll dislike the second for the same reasons (don't like the writing style, don't care about the characters, found the plot confusing and not particularly engaging).
Giving up on this series.
I didn't like the first book, and I can tell that I'll dislike the second for the same reasons (don't like the writing style, don't care about the characters, found the plot confusing and not particularly engaging).
Giving up on this series.
March 30, 2020
Fun, light, easy. A little underdeveloped, but okay.
January 21, 2015
Gerard’s Beauty had a very important task – to convince me to continue reading Kingdom series by Marie Hall. Her Mad Hatter, first book in the series, spiked my interest with an interesting world that was mix of popular fairy tales and it had hilarious fairy godmother Danika as one of narrators. The problem was that the romance and couple in Her Mad Hatter left me cold.
I am happy to say that I liked Gerard’s Beauty. The romance… oh boy, it was hot! You could hear the chemistry sizzle between characters. Just read this:
"He could hardly breathe around the heat of her gaze. The room grew thick and cloying, filled with an impossible tension. Like stepping out in a storm only seconds after a lightning strike– ozone laced air still shivering with raw volts of power. Betty walked to him, but he couldn’t move. His heart beat a painful rhythm in his chest, demanding he do something, demanding he take control as he’d so often done before. But he wasn’t in control, she stripped him bare, made him forget who he was, what he was. All he knew in that moment, was that Betty was the most divine creation he’d ever seen."
But… Why there is always a ‘but’? Gerard’s Beauty is set in our world, so it’s too similar to other paranormal romance novels. No wonderful details from Kingdom.
Gerard escapes to the Earth from an angry mob who wants to lynch him for seducing Cinderella’s daughter. He does not want a mate, only to score another conquest. Bookish and nerdy Betty has another opinion.
"She was tired of dating, tired of men, and so far Gerard had done very little to make her feel in any way romantically inclined toward him. The man could kiss like nobody’s business, but that was just sex. Betty wanted all or nothing, and refused to ever settle again."
Gerard’s Beauty is one of those great romance stories where hero actually has to work on earning heroine’s love, not just look pretty. By the end, Gerard and Betty really get to know each other.
Gerard is supposed to be a character from famous fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. He is Belle’s spurned suitor and from time to time he will bad mouth both Belle and Beast. Why then is Gerard not mentioned in the story (at least the version known to humans)? Well, when you piss off some people and seduce enough women, you get punished. For Gerard, the punishment was to be unknown. But I don’t think that this is enough for Gerard’s Beauty to be classified as retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
IN THE END…
So… What to say? No interesting world full of fairy tale characters and very little narration from quirky Danika. But I loved how the romance developed. I will continue with Kingdom series and hope that next book will have it all. Red and Her Wolf is inspired by Red Riding Hood. That should be interesting.
Recommended for fans of paranormal romance stories with nerdy librarian heroines, womanizing heroes and romance with slow build-up.
I am happy to say that I liked Gerard’s Beauty. The romance… oh boy, it was hot! You could hear the chemistry sizzle between characters. Just read this:
"He could hardly breathe around the heat of her gaze. The room grew thick and cloying, filled with an impossible tension. Like stepping out in a storm only seconds after a lightning strike– ozone laced air still shivering with raw volts of power. Betty walked to him, but he couldn’t move. His heart beat a painful rhythm in his chest, demanding he do something, demanding he take control as he’d so often done before. But he wasn’t in control, she stripped him bare, made him forget who he was, what he was. All he knew in that moment, was that Betty was the most divine creation he’d ever seen."
But… Why there is always a ‘but’? Gerard’s Beauty is set in our world, so it’s too similar to other paranormal romance novels. No wonderful details from Kingdom.
Gerard escapes to the Earth from an angry mob who wants to lynch him for seducing Cinderella’s daughter. He does not want a mate, only to score another conquest. Bookish and nerdy Betty has another opinion.
"She was tired of dating, tired of men, and so far Gerard had done very little to make her feel in any way romantically inclined toward him. The man could kiss like nobody’s business, but that was just sex. Betty wanted all or nothing, and refused to ever settle again."
Gerard’s Beauty is one of those great romance stories where hero actually has to work on earning heroine’s love, not just look pretty. By the end, Gerard and Betty really get to know each other.
Gerard is supposed to be a character from famous fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. He is Belle’s spurned suitor and from time to time he will bad mouth both Belle and Beast. Why then is Gerard not mentioned in the story (at least the version known to humans)? Well, when you piss off some people and seduce enough women, you get punished. For Gerard, the punishment was to be unknown. But I don’t think that this is enough for Gerard’s Beauty to be classified as retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
IN THE END…
So… What to say? No interesting world full of fairy tale characters and very little narration from quirky Danika. But I loved how the romance developed. I will continue with Kingdom series and hope that next book will have it all. Red and Her Wolf is inspired by Red Riding Hood. That should be interesting.
Recommended for fans of paranormal romance stories with nerdy librarian heroines, womanizing heroes and romance with slow build-up.
May 10, 2013
Originally posted in Adria's Romance Reviews.
Wow, now this was a really interesting and entertaining spin on Beauty and the Beast. Usually a romance based on the popular fairytale takes on the title's main characters, but Marie Hall took the opposite approach. What if the "villain" of the story was really the one wronged? What if the true story was covered up in an act of vengeance and Belle wasn't the nice girl she appeared to be?
Gerard Garcon was in love once but she turned out to be a cold, calculating gold digger and that experience has left Gerard with an aversion to love. He doesn't avoid women, in fact, he's one of the biggest players in Kingdom, a fact that has gotten him in trouble one too many times. The last straw comes when he is accused of seducing a princess (with well known parents). Desperate to save him, his fairy godmother Danika sends him to Earth, where he meets a woman that reminds him of the one who broke his heart. That doesn't stop him from trying to seduce her though.
Betty Hart has had one too many bad encounters with men but this one really takes the cake. He's gorgeous (which he knows), French and a little strange. Then again, so is Betty. When the truth of Gerard's origins are revealed, she has to make a difficult choice: Get to know this bad boy and risk heartbreak, or stay away from him and make him face a grim fate.
Gerard's Beauty isn't just a romance, there's humor in it as well. Gerard is so serious, so into conquering females that when he suddenly can't do that anymore, he really doesn't know what to do with himself! As he spends more time with Betty, she makes him experience life as it should be. There's a really funny scene when Gerard accompanies Betty to a "gathering" of sorts, I can't say more because I will spoil it, but let me just say that it had me giggling like mad just picturing the suave, sexy and serious Gerard in that particular setting. I love a steamy romance that doesn't take itself too seriously!
My only complaint is that Gerard's Beauty is too short. Or perhaps I just read good romances too quick. Either way, it was over much too soon. Pick up this book and the rest in the series if you'd like a new romantic twist on classic fairytales.
Wow, now this was a really interesting and entertaining spin on Beauty and the Beast. Usually a romance based on the popular fairytale takes on the title's main characters, but Marie Hall took the opposite approach. What if the "villain" of the story was really the one wronged? What if the true story was covered up in an act of vengeance and Belle wasn't the nice girl she appeared to be?
Gerard Garcon was in love once but she turned out to be a cold, calculating gold digger and that experience has left Gerard with an aversion to love. He doesn't avoid women, in fact, he's one of the biggest players in Kingdom, a fact that has gotten him in trouble one too many times. The last straw comes when he is accused of seducing a princess (with well known parents). Desperate to save him, his fairy godmother Danika sends him to Earth, where he meets a woman that reminds him of the one who broke his heart. That doesn't stop him from trying to seduce her though.
Betty Hart has had one too many bad encounters with men but this one really takes the cake. He's gorgeous (which he knows), French and a little strange. Then again, so is Betty. When the truth of Gerard's origins are revealed, she has to make a difficult choice: Get to know this bad boy and risk heartbreak, or stay away from him and make him face a grim fate.
Gerard's Beauty isn't just a romance, there's humor in it as well. Gerard is so serious, so into conquering females that when he suddenly can't do that anymore, he really doesn't know what to do with himself! As he spends more time with Betty, she makes him experience life as it should be. There's a really funny scene when Gerard accompanies Betty to a "gathering" of sorts, I can't say more because I will spoil it, but let me just say that it had me giggling like mad just picturing the suave, sexy and serious Gerard in that particular setting. I love a steamy romance that doesn't take itself too seriously!
My only complaint is that Gerard's Beauty is too short. Or perhaps I just read good romances too quick. Either way, it was over much too soon. Pick up this book and the rest in the series if you'd like a new romantic twist on classic fairytales.
November 7, 2013
Gerard's Beauty is the second novella, or short novel, in the Kingdom series by Marie Hall. This installment offers readers a fresh look at the story of Beauty and the Beast from the villain's perspective. Betty Hart is a librarian who has been jilted and is being harassed by her ex's new girlfriend. She spends her time with her nephew, watching too much Anime by night, and occasionally dressing up like a superhero on the weekends with her fellow ‘Bleeding Heart’ nerds, and men are no longer welcome. Gerard Caron has been caught with his pants down and is forced to hide on earth while his fate is decided in the Kingdom. His fairy godmother Danika knows that he only hope is to find his mate, which of course is Ms. Hart. However, she wants nothing to do with the strange man reeking of alcohol and looking like he was in a serious brawl. The fact that he spends two days on the library's bench does not help. It is only her soft heart that bring the two together and start them on a path that will either save them, or destroy both of their lives.
Gerard's Beauty is set in the real world for the most part, rather than the Kingdom. However I feel like we get a better look at the characters because of it, and a glimpse of the tension between the fairy's which becomes increasingly important as the series goes forward. Gerard is a Casanova and self proclaimed bachelor, but he has his reasons. He plays a part in the story of Beauty and the Beast, be he is far from the villain the story made him out to be. Betty is tired of womanizing men, and ready to be single for awhile. Gerard is far from what she thinks she wants, and a punishment from the Kingdom for Gerard binds the two together in a way that could put both of their hearts at risk. I really enjoyed the twist, and the inner struggles of both main characters since letting go of their baggage and falling in love was against both of their better judgement.
I highly recommend Gerard's Beauty to readers that enjoyed Her Mad Hatter and Hall's work in general. The pacing of the story was just about perfect, and did not race to the finish or make me feel like I was struggling towards the end.
Gerard's Beauty is set in the real world for the most part, rather than the Kingdom. However I feel like we get a better look at the characters because of it, and a glimpse of the tension between the fairy's which becomes increasingly important as the series goes forward. Gerard is a Casanova and self proclaimed bachelor, but he has his reasons. He plays a part in the story of Beauty and the Beast, be he is far from the villain the story made him out to be. Betty is tired of womanizing men, and ready to be single for awhile. Gerard is far from what she thinks she wants, and a punishment from the Kingdom for Gerard binds the two together in a way that could put both of their hearts at risk. I really enjoyed the twist, and the inner struggles of both main characters since letting go of their baggage and falling in love was against both of their better judgement.
I highly recommend Gerard's Beauty to readers that enjoyed Her Mad Hatter and Hall's work in general. The pacing of the story was just about perfect, and did not race to the finish or make me feel like I was struggling towards the end.
February 7, 2017
So this was still probably not the best place to go in my quest to discover WHAT ARE GOOD ROMANCE BOOKS ACTUALLY LIKE -- this was a silly trashy fun novella -- but the concept of Fairytale Villains In Love was just too great for me to resist.
I did genuinely like the dynamic between the heroine & 'hero', because they make the effort to develop a real emotional connection rather than just insta-romance. And the premise -- a fairy godmother to the villains, graduate of Fairytale Inc., is trying her utmost to pair her villainous bad boys with their true love matches -- is actually pretty cute and charming worldbuilding. (Danika is the best?? I just want this lil sassy fairy to be around all the time.) And Gerard (i.e. Gaston) is a dumb drunk who has to clean up his act and learn to take women seriously and fall in love before a curse kills him! He's embarrassed by his illiteracy! It's like a mirror of the Beauty & the Beast.
I also appreciate that he has internal rules about consent & about not seducing anyone who's intoxicated, because that could've gone to some iffy territory with a character like this.
The problems, though: the book is rife with typos; the French interjections were so ridiculous; and I didn't realise going in that Betty was supposed to be a Hot Nerd™, which ends up pretty embarrassing. I'm not... sure... how much the author actually knows about the subcultures she's referencing, because the line "Hello my name is Betty Hart, librarian by day, and Manga superhero slash anime fanatic by night." is absurd, and animated episodes kept being erroneously referred to as manga. Betty also had no real flaws, to the extent of Gerard explicitly pointing out how she was perfect and could do no wrong (ugh!). I'm hoping that other romance novels this year will be more well-rounded, but in the meantime, these 188 pages were an enjoyable enough read as I try to pad out my reading stats a bit. 2.5 stars!
I did genuinely like the dynamic between the heroine & 'hero', because they make the effort to develop a real emotional connection rather than just insta-romance. And the premise -- a fairy godmother to the villains, graduate of Fairytale Inc., is trying her utmost to pair her villainous bad boys with their true love matches -- is actually pretty cute and charming worldbuilding. (Danika is the best?? I just want this lil sassy fairy to be around all the time.) And Gerard (i.e. Gaston) is a dumb drunk who has to clean up his act and learn to take women seriously and fall in love before a curse kills him! He's embarrassed by his illiteracy! It's like a mirror of the Beauty & the Beast.
I also appreciate that he has internal rules about consent & about not seducing anyone who's intoxicated, because that could've gone to some iffy territory with a character like this.
The problems, though: the book is rife with typos; the French interjections were so ridiculous; and I didn't realise going in that Betty was supposed to be a Hot Nerd™, which ends up pretty embarrassing. I'm not... sure... how much the author actually knows about the subcultures she's referencing, because the line "Hello my name is Betty Hart, librarian by day, and Manga superhero slash anime fanatic by night." is absurd, and animated episodes kept being erroneously referred to as manga. Betty also had no real flaws, to the extent of Gerard explicitly pointing out how she was perfect and could do no wrong (ugh!). I'm hoping that other romance novels this year will be more well-rounded, but in the meantime, these 188 pages were an enjoyable enough read as I try to pad out my reading stats a bit. 2.5 stars!
September 5, 2016
"Bad Boys need LOVE too. . ."
This is a very cute retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
I pretty much enjoyed reading this story while unlike the 1st book where Alice was sent to Wonderland here Gerard was sent to Earth. I like reading the hero's Pov a lot and was swooning over him. Both the main couple had been burned by love and was both reluctant to fall in love and giving their hearts, afraid to get hurt.
I was surprised how fast paced this book felt for me and had devoured the entire book in an instant. I like Betty's niece a lot and how Gerard took careful care of him. Gerard was sent to Earth by Danika to let him escape from the pursuers who wants him punished for he had slept with a princess, daughter of Cinderella and her prince charming. When the verdict was decided the vengeful head fairy who was vent on revenge on Gerard because he didn't sleep with her when he slept with many girls decided to punish him by neutering and bounding him to Betty for a month.
I love both couples a lot. Betty's character was very refreshing and watching there love grew and blooms was great. Betty's friend Trisha was also very intriguing and can't wait to read her story with HOOK.
This is a very cute retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
I pretty much enjoyed reading this story while unlike the 1st book where Alice was sent to Wonderland here Gerard was sent to Earth. I like reading the hero's Pov a lot and was swooning over him. Both the main couple had been burned by love and was both reluctant to fall in love and giving their hearts, afraid to get hurt.
I was surprised how fast paced this book felt for me and had devoured the entire book in an instant. I like Betty's niece a lot and how Gerard took careful care of him. Gerard was sent to Earth by Danika to let him escape from the pursuers who wants him punished for he had slept with a princess, daughter of Cinderella and her prince charming. When the verdict was decided the vengeful head fairy who was vent on revenge on Gerard because he didn't sleep with her when he slept with many girls decided to punish him by neutering and bounding him to Betty for a month.
I love both couples a lot. Betty's character was very refreshing and watching there love grew and blooms was great. Betty's friend Trisha was also very intriguing and can't wait to read her story with HOOK.
March 14, 2013
This was the 3rd in the Kingdom Series novellas that I have read by this author (although the second in the series) and it did not disappoint. With her clever twisting of the traditional faerie tale, incorporating pop culture references, humor and a last chance effort for the faerie godmother to the “bad boys of the tales” to match her boys with their soulmates, the chase is now on for Gerard.
In a twisting of the Beauty and the Beast, Gerard is the ultimate bad boy beast, with enough cracks in his armor to make him huggable, even at his worst. Betty has a great heart, but was very reluctant to trust in another man: let alone one with Gerard’s track record. Danika believes that these two are just perfect for one another and tricks, cajoles, browbeats and gloats as the story proceeds.
Marie Hall’s stories will grab your interest quickly, with characters that you will recognize as believable even with the magical elements. Conversations sparkle and attitudes are clearly defined, humor is liberally sprinkled throughout: usually in the heroine’s voice and observations. I had, back in 2012 called her one of my favorite authors to read – and nothing has changed. While this book will stand alone without the reader losing plot points or being confused , you will want to (and I suggest that you do) pick up the other installments in the series.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
In a twisting of the Beauty and the Beast, Gerard is the ultimate bad boy beast, with enough cracks in his armor to make him huggable, even at his worst. Betty has a great heart, but was very reluctant to trust in another man: let alone one with Gerard’s track record. Danika believes that these two are just perfect for one another and tricks, cajoles, browbeats and gloats as the story proceeds.
Marie Hall’s stories will grab your interest quickly, with characters that you will recognize as believable even with the magical elements. Conversations sparkle and attitudes are clearly defined, humor is liberally sprinkled throughout: usually in the heroine’s voice and observations. I had, back in 2012 called her one of my favorite authors to read – and nothing has changed. While this book will stand alone without the reader losing plot points or being confused , you will want to (and I suggest that you do) pick up the other installments in the series.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
May 30, 2013
I remember only half liking this book the first time I read it. But now re-reading it so that I could put my review up I was surprised to find my opinion changing. I liked it a whole lot more now. While I love Betty and her nerdiness (probably because I have some nerd-like tendencies myself, though quite on her level) the first time around I really didn't like Gerard that much.Too much of the egotistical, chauvinistic male. This time around though I definitely enjoyed more the sweetness with which Gerard starts to come around. HIs attitude with Briley is so sweet.
I felt bad for Gerard and his troubles. He's a bit of an idiot for getting himself into the situation in the first place, but mean old fairy vendetta's can be hard to avoid. Without it though, Gerard probably would have never come around. The set up worked perfectly to give him the time to really get to know Betty and see what she as a person, not just as a woman, had to offer him. His pain at admitting his faults, not being able to read, was so sweet. I loved the thought of them cuddling in bed with him struggling to get better all the time while reading to Betty.
Altogether, while I liked Alice and Hatter better as characters, I liked the story development better here. I felt like I got a more complete tale.
I felt bad for Gerard and his troubles. He's a bit of an idiot for getting himself into the situation in the first place, but mean old fairy vendetta's can be hard to avoid. Without it though, Gerard probably would have never come around. The set up worked perfectly to give him the time to really get to know Betty and see what she as a person, not just as a woman, had to offer him. His pain at admitting his faults, not being able to read, was so sweet. I loved the thought of them cuddling in bed with him struggling to get better all the time while reading to Betty.
Altogether, while I liked Alice and Hatter better as characters, I liked the story development better here. I felt like I got a more complete tale.
July 4, 2015
Gerard Caron has been betrayed by Belle's love and now only wants fast and easy hook ups. Gerard is caught with his pants down Prince Charming is clamoring for Gerard's head. Danika the Fairy Godmother must come up with a way to keep Gerard safe and out of harm's way. Her solution is for Gerard to go to Earth thus meeting his true soul mate Betty Hart. Betty Hart is a librarian that has been burned by love and now her ex boyfriend's crazy girlfriend won't let her alone no matter how many times she says she wants nothing from her ex. Betty meeting Gerard doesn't go well at first until he's not allowed to use his charms. Gerard needs to learn how to connect with Betty on a personal level. Will Betty believe Gerard? Can Gerard learn? Your answers await you in Gerard's Beauty.
Interesting re~telling of Beauty and the Beast. The characters are real, honest, intriguing, and compelling. The story is a classic in it's telling yet boldly different and unique all the same. Looking forward to my next adventure in this series.
Interesting re~telling of Beauty and the Beast. The characters are real, honest, intriguing, and compelling. The story is a classic in it's telling yet boldly different and unique all the same. Looking forward to my next adventure in this series.
May 4, 2013
Stars: 5
Overall: A Casanova that can't use his best feature, what is a man to do? And why you ask can't he use his best feature; Go ask Cinderella and Prince Charming's daughter. I was squealing like a little girl at the part because it was so funny. This is definitely not your average beauty and the beast kind of fairy tale. I loved Betty from the beginning because she was witty, smart and she seemed to be understated sexy. It was a nice change to see a man have to use his upper head, instead of always relying on is lower part to woo the ladies. I just wish we got to explore more of the time they got to share after everything was done and over. I hope the author will write futures for ALL the bad boys.
Characters: Gerald & Betty
Page Turner: Yes!
Series Cont: Yes!!
Recommend: I HIGHLY recommend this book
Overall: A Casanova that can't use his best feature, what is a man to do? And why you ask can't he use his best feature; Go ask Cinderella and Prince Charming's daughter. I was squealing like a little girl at the part because it was so funny. This is definitely not your average beauty and the beast kind of fairy tale. I loved Betty from the beginning because she was witty, smart and she seemed to be understated sexy. It was a nice change to see a man have to use his upper head, instead of always relying on is lower part to woo the ladies. I just wish we got to explore more of the time they got to share after everything was done and over. I hope the author will write futures for ALL the bad boys.
Characters: Gerald & Betty
Page Turner: Yes!
Series Cont: Yes!!
Recommend: I HIGHLY recommend this book
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