Beauty and the Wolf

The Cursed Princes #1

by Marina Myles

A Union Of Curses

Isabella Farrington’s marriage was hasty. For all her new husband’s riches, Lord Draven Winthrop is whispered about, avoided, and feared. Yet Isabella is drawn to Draven’s dark good looks, his strength, the charm he can turn on as easily as she can blink. The impoverished daughter of an Egyptologist, she knows there are rumors about her, too, and the amulet she wears. Nothing more than superstitious babble…

But when Isabella returns to Draven’s remote coastal manor, she senses there is something more at work in the grim gardens of Thorncliff Towers than superstition. Draven is passionate and seductive, but he has a brutal, uncontrolled side too, and a history of secrets. To live in peace she must discover the reasons behind a gypsy curse and a mother’s scorn. Especially when she learns Draven believes his sweet young bride is doomed to a fate even darker than his own…

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2013

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5🌟
There are so many fairytale retellings nowadays, each of them trying their best to be 'more original' than their original counterpart.

Some of them manage to capture and even enhance that timeless magic of the classic, while others remain only a pale shadow in comparison.

This book is unfortunately one of the latter.



Draven - the Beast/werewolf- a dark and supposedly mad and sinister lord - is under a Gypsy curse
while

Isabella - the beauty - is under an Egyptian curse
And they are both sitting and reading 'a relatively new novel called Mansfield Park'.
Because she cannot walk you see, as she got a 'rodent bite on the ankle and a nasty bump on her forehead'
Now doesn't anyone else think there may be something not quite right with that?

Leaving that aside, the characters seem inconsistent and the prose lacking.

'My soul has pounded with a sadness I have never known' writes Draven in a letter to Isabella. And despite him being 'dapper-looking' when he goes for a ride, my heart didn't skip a beat for him at all.

Isabella seems to be a darling, but I couldn't connect with her either. Not even when she tried to coax the doe (meaning female rabbit) to stand erect enough so that it could start pushing (to give birth that is - just to make it clear, in case you were thinking of something else).

All in all: this just wasn't for me! :(

Check out this review and more over at The Magic Book Corner

[Dianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beauty and the Wolf (The Cursed Princes)


Beauty and the Wolf (The Cursed Princes)
Price: $4.61




"A Union Of Curses Isabella Farrington's marriage was hasty. For all her new husband's riches, Lord Draven Winthrop is whispered about, avoided, and feared. Yet Isabella is drawn to Draven's dark good looks, his strength, the charm he can turn on as easily as she can blink. The impoverished daughter of an Egyptologist, she knows there are rumors about her, too, and the amulet she wears. Nothing more than superstitious babble. . .
But when Isabella returns to Draven's remote coastal manor, she senses there is something more at work in the grim gardens of Thorncliff Towers than superstition. Draven is passionate and seductive, but he has a brutal, uncontrolled side too, and a history of secrets. To live in peace she must discover the reasons behind a gypsy curse and a mother's scorn. Especially when she learns Draven believes his sweet young bride is doomed to a fate even darker than his own. . .
72.600 Words"






This review is from: Beauty and the Wolf (The Cursed Princes) (Kindle Edition)
This was one of the most overly melodramatic novels I have ever read. It was very difficult for me to keep a straight face while reading it. The conversations and inner-dialoguing was a little too much in parts of this book.

The story/plot could have been an interesting one had I been able to like either one of the main characters, but I was not able to. Through the majority of the book, they are just too manipulative and selfish. The erotic scenes are, for the most part, unsatisfying and leave you, as well as Isabella, wanting more. However, true to formula they are working up to something more later on.

For the life of me, I could not figure out what the author meant when she described Isabella's womanly parts as having "flanges" -I looked it up and I was flummoxed.

All in all I could not get into this book, these characters, the curse - I don't know why since so many others seem to have really liked it.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabella Farrington has not had many suitor since the day she put on a “cursed” necklace her father gave her from an archeological dig in Egypt. The necklace is suppose to carry dark magic, cursing the wearer with the death of the one they love and suicide for themselves.

Lord Draven Winthrop is considered mad but truly he has been cursed by an old gypsy woman. Keeping himself as a recluse in Thorncliff Towers, he sees Isabella as an end to his problem and nothing more. He never expected the unbridled passion and desire for the woman he married.

Two people cursed by black magic, makes for a vividly dark fantasy. Recreating an old tale and adding a few new twist Marina Myles paints us a dramatic picture of a world where werewolves, dark magic and sacrificial love can be found.

I did struggle with a connection to the characters and yet I still found this story enjoyable. I am hoping with the continuation of this series, we will see the changes needed to save the town, the impact Isabella would have on Thorncliff Towers and what comes next for the Gypsy group.

I received this ARC copy of Beauty and the Wold from Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication June 6, 2013.

[Jillyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Isabella never wanted to marry Draven. Sure, he is attractive. But he is also rumored to have a temper, and to have spent some time at an asylum. She's no stranger to odd looks and rumors herself. She wears an ancient Egyptian amulet that some whisper carries a curse that will doom her. After a quick escape, Isabella finds herself coming back to Draven's estate, in order to secure life for herself and her family, though Draven has his own intentions....

-There is way, way too much happening in this book. It seems like every possible book genre/topic is squeezed into this one. Fairy tale retelling? Check. Gypsy magic? Check. Asylums? Werewolves? Egyptology? Cursed amulets? Romance? History? Check, check. It seemed way over the top, to the extent that it was hard to read it with a straight face.

-None of the characters are likable. There's Draven, the hot but brooding misunderstood rich boy, who is a complete man whore with a violent temper. His mother is a miserable wretch, and the housekeeper is unpleasant and judgmental. And then there's Isabella. Sigh. She has utterly lost her mind. On one hand, I am pleasantly surprised to find that she's not just another damsel-in-distress. However, she was mouthy, argumentative, and demanding to the point that made it, again, unbelievable (yes, I am saying that in a book about werewolves). Oh, and at the beginning of the book, she spends all her time mentally complaining that Draven doesn't look his best on her wedding, on HER special day..... A few pages later it mentions that she didn't wear make up, why should she? REALLY? Pot, kettle. Kettle, meet pot.

-An overuse of words like "bloody" is also present in this book, which feeds into the unintentional hilarity of the story line and line delivery.

+One thing that I will say that I enjoy about this story is the werewolf-like twist on the classic "beast" character. Even Myles' version of a werewolf is unique in a new, intriguing way. It was a saving grace for this book.

+Another positive that this book has going for it is the cover. Whoever the model is is gorgeous, and it helped me to pick this book out right from the get-go.

Maybe it's because I'm not a huge fan of historic romance, or maybe I just didn't "get" what the author was trying to do, but I didn't enjoy this story and I won't be recommending it to any of my friends.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for my copy. This review can also be found on my quaint little blog, Bitches n Prose.

[Melissa J. Katano · Rating 1 out of 5]

I honestly don't know what to make of this book…….

Spoilers Alert….Spoilers Alert….Spoilers Alert….


On the one hand, this book has a lot of the tropes of a Gothic novel: remote estate, brooding male protagonist, innocent female protagonist, hints of madness, secret passageways, etc, etc, etc.

On the other hand, it also has very inconsistent characters: Our Brooding Protagonist, who was held in an Insane Asylum, may or may not have been insane. One minute, he's drinking down lithium and saying that it doesn't seem to be helping with his moods, the next, he's vehemently denying that he's insane. Our Innocent Protagonist, his "married-under-false-pretenses" wife, one minute resolves that she loves him, the next minute, she's behaving like she can't stand him….

Then, there's the gypsy curse he's been placed under: he's told that one way he can break the curse is to look at his faults and correct them--and the one he needs to change the most will be the one he's exhibiting the most. So, he sits down to try to figure this out, and concludes it's in how he treats women as objects, and chased everything in skirts, just to get in said skirts--not because he liked them, or found them attractive, but because "hey, you're female, I'm male, let's have sex." Except his been entirely faithful to his wife for two years *even* though she left him pretty much after the wedding ceremony….

And then there's the language: "She had even softened like a wet leaf during their brief wedding kiss." "It seemed like an eternity before his titilating, aristocratic voice poured forth again." "Isabella could see Draven's veins pump with aggravation." Um…..yeah….

So, yeah, I really can't give this a good rating….

[Sweets Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ♥ ♥ ♥ this one! This is the second book I've read in this series, yes sadly I read book 2 before book 1! ;-) N✴ways, this was such a great read and retelling of 'Beauty & the Beast'. Its has everything one could want from a book adventure, mystery, cheese, etc...! Draven & Isabella were not what you would ever expect! Not only did they both enter into their marriage with alternative motives but also neither of them loved each other. They both saw the marriage as a means to sand for different reasons that unfortunately were not to come to fruition due to Isabella running away on their wedding night!

But when she returns 2 years later they've both changed! She has grown more of a spine I guess you would say! She does my let Draven boss her around and she is better at hiding her initial fear of him! Draven he's become more shut in and more desperate than anything! But as time goes by they both tear down the others walls! Overall its a great read!

Till next time ~ Sweets Books

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

**My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Although this book is completely actioned packed, by the end I felt as if I had read a 500 page novel or longer but it just didn't do anything for me or even grab me.

The book has a Gypsy curse, an Egyptian curse, murder, regret, love, were-wolves and childhood pain to name but a few. So much was thrown in that at times it was just overwhelming.

Neither character stood out as being particularly strong but there were lots of twists and turns especially at the end that I felt that I just had to keep reading to find out what happened.

The epilogue was also disappointing for no reason that I can put my finger on. Unfortunately this book, although it sounded promising, did nothing for me.

[Arianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Non capita spesso che io non riesca a finire un libro ma stavolta ci siamo. E' una storia che proprio non mi garbava. Scritta male, con un'eroina insipida che ho odiato a prima vista, che continua a scappare (letteralmente!) dai problemi. Gioia non sei più una bambina, cresci. Lui invece è un personaggio che più che inspirare pietà non fa. Quindi no, proprio non ci siamo.

Si ringrazia NetGalley per la gentile preview.

Voto: 1 stella

[Victoria (nocturnalintimacy) · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I made it 66%

I stand by the idea that this would be a cool book, if it was written by someone else.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I went on Netgalley to get this copy, I was really excited, because the synopsis sounds way good, and I had heard good things about it. This is the first book by this author, that I know of, and oh boy I was IMPRESSED!!! She has been bumped up my list of favorite authors, I just wished that she had more books out, because I just thought the Beauty and the wolf was a astounding read with a intense plot and enriching characters that lifted my spirits, and made me feel alive. So its coming out this week, so when it does....you HAVE to read this...its a MUST!!! You won't regret it.

Draven and Isabella have courted and married. Isabella didn't have much choice, with being a governess she had little option but to marry a man that is rumored to be mad. Draven had spent many years in the asylum, having thought that he was really cursed. Draven many years ago made a mistake that cost him his life and happiness. He knows that he is cursed, to spend every month under the moon, to turn into something wild and bloodthirsty. When he marries Isabella, he ends up feeling himself turn on their wedding night, and scaring her into leaving. Now two years later Isabella wants children, and with little money, goes back to her husband, so she can have security for herself and her father, and children. Only she has one problem---seduce a man that keeps resisting even though she knows he wants her. Even though Isabella knows that there is something scary and fierce about Draven, she senses something good and pure in him. There is also a part of him that terrifies her, and she doesn't know what he really is. Even though she finds herself falling in love with him, she feels that he is keeping a huge secret from her that could change their relationship. Draven is terrified into what this curse is turning him into. He feels the curse changing who he is, and now that he has found Isabella again, she represents everything good in the world, and he wants her more than air. But he wonders if this curse could destroy them both.

Draven is one of my favorite heroes, the emotional tortured kind. I really liked his strength of character, and even though there is a wild nature to him, he also has a good heart that is very evident. I enjoyed seeing how tender and feeling he is toward Isabella. He isn't too bitter with her, more with himself. He is a bit brooding, and stubborn but I enjoyed how rich his character was, and very intense at times. Isabella isn't exactly the most trusting, but I understood her side of things. I admire her strength especially when it seemed that Draven could be pretty scary. She tended to deal with it pretty well.

A very well written retelling of the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. I found this one to be well done and in some ways very similar to the actual tale, but there were certain differences that added a certain flair of originality. One other aspect that I loved was that it was set in a historical setting--which isn't very common. I found it to be a fun setting for the plot. It does have a bit more of a Gothic edge to it, but I thought that was one of the positive elements to the story. Intensely packed filled romance with adventure, mystery, curses, dark paranormal elements and a exciting edge that will have you from beginning to end. Very Impressed!!! I can hardly wait for the second one to come out later this year!!

[Shauni · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can I even begin to describe the concept of this dark and deadly book? Honestly? I can't so I am going to take the words straight from Marina Myles' Website

"BEAUTY AND THE WOLF, a Gothic, paranormal romance set in Regency England.. "

Let me expound..

It's name evokes fairytales such as Beauty and the Beast and Little Red Riding Hood (Fairy tale)..
It has the dark brooding feel of a gothic romance, (Gothic),
It is set in Regency England (Regency) most of these books are positive feel good romances
It's about a werewolf (PNR)
Oh yeah and the heroine is cursed by an Egyptian Amulet (Mythology, Egyptian)
And I almost forgot there are Gypsies...
One would think a reader would get lost in all the crossing of genres and concepts but nope.. instead you get to spend an enjoyable time reading a dangerously delicious.. whodunit.. ooops I forgot the Mystery part..

Isabella Farrington, the dutiful daughter of a famed Egyptian Archeologist is in a bit of a bind. When she placed the infamous amulet sent to her by her father for safe keeping, around her neck, she evoked a curse that said she would kill her lover, then herself. Now Isabella doesn't believe in curses but the rest of the world seems to and consequently her life has gotten a bit dire. She lost her job, lost most of her prospects for marriage and is financially strapped. So when the handsome and slightly devilish Lord Draven Winthrop offers marriage Isabella is thrilled and halfway in love...

Lord Draven Winthrop has a curse of his own.. seems as a teenager he accidentally killed a gypsy girl.. while he was devastated that didn't matter to the gypsies.. his own grandmother cast a curse upon him dooming him to release the monster on his 27th birthday if he couldn't figure out how to escape the curse. As time draws ever nearer Draven is afraid, afraid of what he will become.. so when he hears about Isabella's amulet and curse he is actually quite thrilled, she is destined to kill her lover.. since he can't kill himself this would work perfectly. Only trouble is.. from the very first moment he met her he started falling under her spell.

After a catastrophic wedding night and a brief (two years) separation Isabella and Draven are back together.. Each has his/her own reason but are tentatively willing to try and work on their marriage.. Draven slowly begins to trust Isabella and things edge towards a HEA.. well except for the fact that Isabella's father suddenly hates Draven. Someone has tried to kill Draven's stepmother, Draven's beast keeps getting harder and harder to control and oh yeah... Isabella is starting to figure things out..

There is a twisted trail of tangled tragedies (couldn't help myself) that weaves their way throughout this book. One moment you are convinced you know what is going on and the next, well all bets are off. I picked up this book because I thought.. oh another shifter story.. but this is more reminiscent to Lon Cheney rather than Alcide. A more traditional werewolf story but it is a romance not a horror story... Exciting, creative, delicious.. give it a try, it is well worth your time

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Beauty and the Wolf provided by netgalley and scheduled for release on June 6, 2013

[Sheri (Tangled Up In Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Tangled Up In Books

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Beauty and the Wolf was exactly how I thought it was going to be and it lived up to every one of my expectations. In part it was every bit the historical romance book that I loved to read and exclusively read for years. The castle like estate, the moody Lord of the manor, a marriage of convenience. All that delicious historical appeal. And then in another part we have the enchanting retelling of a well known fairytale.

And let me just tell you while putting her own spin on the tale of Beauty and the Beast it never lost that feel of it's original tale, but with our beast turning into a werewolf. Yet laced throughout the story you still saw glimpses of that original telling inside of this adaptation. It was such a fun read. With gypsy curses and betrayals and both murder and attempted murders you never know what's going to happen with each turn of the page and I was truly captivated. There were actually two curses going on throughout this book simultaneously. One being the gypsy curse and another, an Egyptian curse. Both with very fascinating lore that you learned about through the progress of the book. They added a unique spin to this classic tale.

Draven was your ideal, true to form historical hero. He was moody and had a temper. People talked about him and rumors swirled. He was pretty much a womanizing outcast who didn't know how to love anyone but himself, but you know there's something there beneath that surface. It all tied in well with the werewolf side to him and I liked him a lot. Then we have Isabella. Impoverished former governess who wants nothing more than to take care of her father and have a family of her own.

The love story. Ahhh the love story. Sigh. It was completely swoon worthy. Just enough will they, won't they conflict to keep you on your toes. Just enough steam to leave you wanting more. It was easy to become attached to these two and watch as they drift apart and then together through a mess of emotions ultimately to find that deep passionate love. Because it isn't worth it in the end if Beauty doesn't get her Beast right?

I couldn't have been more pleased with this book. Having been stuck in a rut of books with weak heroines who had absolutely no backbone and absolutely irredeemable heroes. I was desperately needing something to bounce back with and I put all my faith in Beauty and the Wolf...and it delivered without disappointment. AND eeep I'm so excited!! At the end there's an author's note saying that if we liked Beauty and the Wolf, in December to look for Snow White and the Vampire. Are you kidding me?! Ahhh I am so jumping on board with that one!

I'd like to thank Kensington Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!

[ancaraisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written For Confessions From Romaholics


At the very beginning of this book I had a moment of distrust. The blurb of this story shows me a hero worthy of my attention. But right in the first lines, the hero, Lord Draven Winthrop, wakes up in bed with a naked woman after a drunken night. On top of that, in thirty minutes he is expected to wed Miss Isabella Farrington, the heroine. So, I was just wondering: is this the hero I must fall in love with? No way!! But after I read some more I discovered that a lot of things pushed our hero on the path to perdition. He is a strong character that I find very well developed and I do fall for him. He is a tortured hero. Resented by his stepmother, neglected by his father and the guilt of a terrible act he committed at a young age, Draven makes the kind of hero that you will grow to love one step at the time. After a terrible act caused anger and inattention, he was cursed with becoming a beast: a werewolf at every full moon, and he struggles to hold on to his humanity and in the process finds his way out to the light and a great love.

His reasons for marrying Isabella are very selfish at the beginning. He believes in the curse attached to her medallion and he hopes that will eventually help him in removing his own. What he wasn’t expecting were his growing feelings for Isabella and he no longer wishes for her to fulfill the prophecy, quite the contrary; he longs to protect her and find his redemption with her help.

Isabella’s reasons for marrying Draven weren’t without gain either. In spite of her attraction for his dashing looks and boyish smile, money is the main reason. She is foolish and naive at her age, and she believes she can make Draven fall in love with her and give her a child to secure her future. I didn’t like her character at all, I just couldn’t connect with her, she kept changing her mind. Draven is pouring his heart out and unveiling his secrets in front of her and she just crashes his hopes over and over again. Considering that period of time and all the gossip she is hearing about her husband, maybe it is the appropriate thing to do, I only wish she could be a strong and determined heroine, instead of a stubborn and wishy-washy one.

There were scenes and moments in this book where I was caught by surprise. The turns and twists that were showing up, especially at the end of the story, led me to wonder what surprises I was up for, in how this book would end.

This is a clever mix of historical romance and paranormal elements. It has it all: intrigue, combined with a lovely storyline, secrets that keep you eager to discover them, a magical element and an Egyptian curse. All this makes “ Beauty and the Wolf ” a wonderful read.

This review can also be found here: Confessions From Romaholics

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually surprised myself with how much I liked "Beauty and the Wolf." It kind of reminded me of an even more dark twist on the classic tale, "Beauty and the Beast," with a mix of historical and paranormal romance and of course A WOLF.

Draven and Isabella are a newly wedded couple that both bestow some kind of curse hexed upon them: Draven, punished by a gypsy with the rauna curse for an accidental crime he committed which turns him into a bloodthirsty werewolf. And Isabella, cursed with killing her true love and herself by an amulet she wears. Sounds romantic eh?

Draken and Isabella's marriage is not an easy one with both curses foreshadowing deadly consequences and secrets surrounding Draken's birth arise. How will it all turn out for them? Will Draven be able to break the curse the gypsy bestowed upon him and fix his ways? And will Isabella be forced to take Draken and her own life?

...............
Both characterizations of Draven and Isabella I liked which is a rare thing for me since normally I favor one character over the other or I simply don't like a major character. However, in this case, it was a side character that annoyed me *cough cough* like Draven's "mom" Helena. She was a cold, frigid bi*& towards Draven and even Isabella. I wanted her out of the novel. lol.

As for the plot and it's pacing, the plot was wonderful but could have sped up a little more at times since I felt at certain parts it lagged.

My only complaint is for Draven: why would you hastily marry a girl knowing that you are both cursed and hope for her to be the one that ends your curse even if it means you die? I know you readers are thinking, "what is she talking about?" but you will know once you read "Beauty and the Wolf." Other than that, no complaints about this novel from me!

Readers pick up "Beauty and the Wolf" on June 6th!!

[Utena · Rating 5 out of 5]

When she dons on a cursed necklace that carries with a dark magic to it, Isabella Farrington finds herself without a suitor or a governess job. Her only hope is her marriage to Lord Draven Winthrop but on her wedding night she flees from him.

Lord Draven Winthrop is also cursed but by the Gypsies when he accidentally kills a young girl. Unfortunately on the day of his wedding he finds himself in bed with another woman who has tended to his wounds after being bitten by a wolf. Draven only sees Isabella as a means to an end. He plans to use the curse of the necklace in his favor should the wolf inside of him cause more problems for him.

It has been quite some time since I had picked up any sort of romance novels but the blurb to this one really caught my attention and I couldn't help but pick it up. I must say I was not disappointed. I really love this version of Beauty and the Beast meets Egyptian and Gypsy Curses. It was a much different version of all the other Beauty and the Beast stories that seemed to follow the traditional version of it. Isabella was a fiesty heroine who was determined to seduce her husband upon her return and in that produce an heir. It was in her nature to nurture and to love as she had done it in the past with her ailing mother and her father.

Draven was broody and tortured by what he had done in the past but he was also willing to use Isabella's curse to kill himself if he felt that that he could be a threat to his wife's life. He is the sort of dark prince that any woman could not only feel drawn to but also sorry because he has had a terrible life. Most of it spent in an asylum.

I cannot wait to see what else this author produces with her next book in this series.

[Crystal Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical romances use to be my go to books all of the time. I enjoy the way the writers can write about things that happened back in the 1800’s and in such a way that it was almost as if they were there themselves. Passing their stories onto you that they had experienced while in that time. Now even with genres that you love, there is always something about it that would drive you crazy. And as much as I love Historical Romance, at times it seems as though the stories can drag on.

While reading this book, at first it was the cover that had grabbed my attention. The blurb was also extremely well written. With paranormal books being one of the big sellers on the market, it was also great that two genres that I love would be combined. There aren’t that many books that have a historic value as well as a paranormal.

During the course of this book, it was interesting to see the way that the characters interacted with each other. You could tell their desire to be with each other, yet you could also tell how hard they were fighting that desire. The interesting part of this story was the twist as to how Draven became a werewolf.

Isabella’s character showed a strength that not a lot of women had during that time. She shows her devotion to her family when she agreed to a marriage to help her father out; her desire to have children, because she would take care of other’s children while wishing for her own. She also shows that she won’t be pushed around by her husband, that she is her own person.

While this book did have its parts where it dragged on, and I wished that something would happen, it was a good book overall.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
There is something that I have always enjoyed about reading books on my iPad....its so I don't have to feel awkward, or sense that people are judging me by the books that I read. Come on, you were all thinking it. This cover isn't necessarily the best, but didn't your mother ever tell you to judge a book by its cover. Well case and point.

Sometimes your just in the mood for something saucy, but you also don't want to just read saucy. A girl needs a damn good plot as well to keep her interested. I love retellings, so when I noticed that this book had more of a 'naughty' retelling how could I resist.

It isn't set in modern times, and the characters language and clothes definitely reflect this. In the beginning I found it incredibly hard to get into, and some of the descriptions in regards to attraction were sort of cringe worthy. But you do get used to it.

Overall I really loved Isabella as a main character. I found her to be incredibly funny and strong willed, which is what I enjoy in female leads. The prophecy surrounding her neckless and the way this tied in with Draven's curse was really interesting to read. But in all honesty at the beginning I really didn't like Draven. I found him to be too egotistical, too tortured, and way too representative of the time period. Of course my opinion changed as his and Isabella's relationship grew.

The scenery was beautiful, and the characters were incredibly well written. If your in the market for a dark, intriguing, magical romance, the check this one out come June.

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Book source ~ Many thanks to Kensington & NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lord Draven Winthrop spent time in an asylum when he was 16 and he believes he’s under a rauna curse, so his prospects for making a good marriage are dismal. Isabella Farrington’s prospects are no better since she is believed to be cursed by an Egyptian amulet given to her by her father after an archaeological dig. In addition, they have run out of money to support themselves. Isabella marries Draven to save herself and her father from starvation even though she doesn’t know him very well and Draven marries Isabella for her curse since she is fated to kill her lover and he wants his life ended. But in this using of each other they find something else. The question is can they survive being doubly cursed?

The premise for this story is intriguing, but I had a hard time connecting to the main characters. Their emotions jumped around so wildly and it seemed like Isabella kept leaving only to return again. The plot wasn’t too bad and though I had an inkling of what the twist was before it was revealed, it was still a decent one. I think the story would have faired better with more development and less rushing to the conclusion.

[Nicky Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love fairy stories - always have, and Beauty & the Beast is one of my personal favourites. Marina does a great job of weaving the old child's fairytale into an adult version whilst adding in a few supernatural twists. I truly think that there isn't enough romance in the world, so to spend a few hours in a gothic paranormal traditional romance novel - is precious indeed. It certainly doesn't hurt that the guy on the front is an eye-treat! The story was solid and the twists were a welcome addition to the traditional story.

From a writer's perspective, there were a few cliches littered through the book - but I don't think that can be helped as she was following quite a strict fairytale plot. There were some lovely turns of phrase in there and the plot moved quickly enough for me to not even notice I'd read the whole thing in only a few days.

I'd give Beauty and the Wolf 4 out of 5 stars - if your life is feeling a bit tired, your husband/boyfriend isn't paying you enough attention, then grab a copy of this and immerse yourself in a supernatural Wuthering Heights style fairytale with an adult twist - you deserve it!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former governess Isabella Farrington didn't kid herself that her marriage to Lord Draven Winthrop was a love match, she knew it was not. She hoped at least over time they would be pleased with one another and is anxious to begun her duties as his wife. The minute I do is said it all goes awry, Draven is drunk and their wedding night is a disaster, leaving Isabella fleeing.

Two years later Isabella is back and willing to try again, but Draven is holding a secret and it is forcing him to keep Isabella at a distance. The last thing Draven wants is to hurt Isabella, but he is cursed and does not see any solution but keeping her at a distance. He didn't expect to fall so deeply for his wife and the feat of impregnating her and having the curse carry on to his sons.

This reminded me a bit of the Dracula stories with a gothic feel but you also have letters that are a part of the story, there is also a Egyptian twist with an amulet that Isabella keeps close. There are no vampires, but as you know with Beauty and the Beast there is a curse and wolves. I thought this was a fun read, I was definitely intrigued until the end.

[Dani C. (Polly's Place) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talk about a book that has just about everything in it. I am not kidding; there are Egyptian and Gypsy curses, a werewolf, murder and a rich Lord who marries a poor girl so she can kill him. Even though this felt like a slightly darker retelling of a Beauty and the Beast, I just didn’t fall in love with this novel.

This Gothic Romance just didn’t have a good romantic feel to it. The first half of the book I just did not like the hero Lord Draven. Even after everything was explained, I just couldn’t get over my first impression of him. Then we have Isabella who just couldn’t seem to make up her mind and stick with it. She was very wishy-washy and I didn’t see what Draven liked about her.

When I finally reached the end I thought I had read a 400 page novel. I was surprised to find that it only has 224 pages. The plot has so much in it with so many twists and turns, well I just felt like I had been reading forever. There were quite a few surprises for me that is why I finished it, to see how the author gave them their HEA. It was an interesting book, to say the least!

[Alpha Possessive Heroes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! A historical paranormal romance that is worth reading!

I was craving for some good paranormal book but was a little hesitant to read this one as I've never been a big fan of historical/paranormal genre. I'm so glad I took the risk because I had a hard time putting this down!

The story started pretty slow but it eventually picked up that I was glued into it! The characters are well written, I specially love Draven- He's a tortured hero but despite that he has a strong character that I adored!

The title Beauty and the Wolf might sound a little cheesy but don't get fooled, this is not a typical beauty and the beast romance. The writing is flawless with great pace that flows right throughout the book. It's intriguing, thrilling, magical, romantic and solid storyline that will flood your imagination!

It's a wonderful paranormal novel that had me hooked right from the beginning! I'm pretty impressed with this book and looking forward to the next series!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Lord Draven Winthrope and his new bride Isabella have their own curses to deal with. Hers comes in the form of an Egyptian amulet that curses her to kill the one she loves and then herself and his comes in the form of a werewolf. Can these two doomed lovers curses cancel each other out?
This book is written in the time honored tradition of Gothic romance. I could see this in a black and white movie kind of way. It was a fun throw back type of story and I truly got a kick out of it.

I received a copy of this from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Heather A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable historical paranormal romance. A good mix of sizzling romance and heart wrenching angst with a delightful cast of characters. I loved both Draven and Isabella. Both were strong willed and determined to see things through to their own needs and desires but find themselves intrigued with each other. The two curses working against each other were fascinating. I loved Egyptian and Gypsy lore mixed together along with the fairy tale retelling.

A very satisfying read and I look forward to more from this author.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a different werewolf story and I liked it. Draven he's a hard one to read, "I sleep best in my own bed," he growled. "The sooner you come to know my preferences, the better off we will be." He can be a harda** well he's always a harda**. Isabella she's not a mild girl she has a temper on her, "a husband who denies his wife intimacy. Under those circumstances, you will never be anything but a monster to me," she said." This book had action, romance, and a bit of conflict a well written book.

[Artemiz · Rating 1 out of 5]

What would I say about Marina Myles' Beauty and the Wolf?

Well... if you take the classical Beauty and the Beast, rip away all that was classic in it, add an werewolf, sprinkle some Twilight in it, add a lot of absurdity and plain old stupidity and you will get this story that will make you laugh and cry. You will laugh about all the absurdity and you will cry, because you are waisting your precious reading time.

It's one the worst classics's remake I have ever read!

[Angie Peoples · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a well written book about a nobleman who found out he was born a bastard and cursed since the day of his father's death. However, in marrying Isabella, he rediscovers himself and how to love unconditionally; therefore, he breaks the curse he has suffered with for most of his life. I enjoyed all the suspense and mystery this book offered, not to mention, the added bonus of the budding romance/love. :)

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beauty and The Beast retelling aside this story of Draven and Isabella/Bella had its own merits for originality but for me it did not have the allure of the original tale.

Fairytales have their own magical quality to them and when re-imagined, no matter how well, it just does not appeal to me as much.

Plus my love for the television show of Beauty and the Beast overshadowed my appreciation for this story from page one on, unfortunately for me as it was quite well put together.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. I have gotten away from historical novels, but Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale so I couldn't resist. Both Isabella and Draven are under curses when they wed. It's is amazing how they change their future.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite fairy tales is that of Beauty and the Beast. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is different from those other stories I have read but has the main characteristics of the fairy tale.