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Curse of the Beast #1
Curse of the Beast
Alternate Cover Edition of ISBN13: 9780985570309
A dark shadow stalks the night, watching her—waiting to claim what is his.
Seventeen-year-old Tayla Jonas longs for a simple life, but after a traumatizing family loss, she is forced to be both mother and sister to her cousins while caring for her mentally unstable aunt. Moving to her grandma’s quiet town of Cody, Wyoming, Tayla finds some normalcy with her quirky green activist friend, Chel, who spends no time converting her to vegetarianism.
A few weeks into her new school, Tayla catches the eye of Kyle Harrington—the high school quarterback and resident millionaire—who can seduce any girl with his charismatic charm, including Tayla. But Kyle is anything but what he seems.
Walking through City Park, Tayla is unaware that an ancient curse has her in its crosshairs. The silver moonlight illuminates the path to her van, sprinkling shadows like evil twinkling eyes. Tayla’s skin prickles, and she turns. Something—or someone—is watching her.
A powerful werewolf steps from the shadows. An iridescent blue cord shoots from him and slams into her stomach, dissolving instantly. Pain wracks her body, and she tries to scramble to safety, but his silver eyes freeze her in place as the curse binds them together. The cord settles deep inside her body, coiling with dread around her heart.
Dismayed by the prospect of a werewolf for a shadow, Tayla fears for the safety of her friends and family. How will she keep the werewolf’s insatiable hunger in check? Her plans for a vegetarian lifestyle quickly dwindle away, and Tayla wrestles to fit her frazzled life back together—piece by piece. But what she didn’t expect was her attraction to the werewolf or the power of the full moon.
Will Tayla be strong enough to survive the Curse of the Beast? Or will it consume her like so many before? Find out in the first installment of this unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
A dark shadow stalks the night, watching her—waiting to claim what is his.
Seventeen-year-old Tayla Jonas longs for a simple life, but after a traumatizing family loss, she is forced to be both mother and sister to her cousins while caring for her mentally unstable aunt. Moving to her grandma’s quiet town of Cody, Wyoming, Tayla finds some normalcy with her quirky green activist friend, Chel, who spends no time converting her to vegetarianism.
A few weeks into her new school, Tayla catches the eye of Kyle Harrington—the high school quarterback and resident millionaire—who can seduce any girl with his charismatic charm, including Tayla. But Kyle is anything but what he seems.
Walking through City Park, Tayla is unaware that an ancient curse has her in its crosshairs. The silver moonlight illuminates the path to her van, sprinkling shadows like evil twinkling eyes. Tayla’s skin prickles, and she turns. Something—or someone—is watching her.
A powerful werewolf steps from the shadows. An iridescent blue cord shoots from him and slams into her stomach, dissolving instantly. Pain wracks her body, and she tries to scramble to safety, but his silver eyes freeze her in place as the curse binds them together. The cord settles deep inside her body, coiling with dread around her heart.
Dismayed by the prospect of a werewolf for a shadow, Tayla fears for the safety of her friends and family. How will she keep the werewolf’s insatiable hunger in check? Her plans for a vegetarian lifestyle quickly dwindle away, and Tayla wrestles to fit her frazzled life back together—piece by piece. But what she didn’t expect was her attraction to the werewolf or the power of the full moon.
Will Tayla be strong enough to survive the Curse of the Beast? Or will it consume her like so many before? Find out in the first installment of this unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
ebook
First published April 29, 2012
53 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Lavering
10 books125 followersA nomad at heart, I currently claim Nevada as my home. I have a wonderful husband and two young children that put up with my “writing time.” When I’m not pondering on a spell that will magically calm the ferocious winds that plague the air around me, you can find me, with notepad in hand, frantically jotting down ideas in those short moments between caring for my girls.
Art and science have always been my yin and yang. Throughout my college career, I shifted between the two, but in the end I graduated with a Bachelors of Mathematics and Science from the University of Wyoming.
Charging into adventures and discovering something new has always been a passion of mine, but as a teenager I use to run screaming from a reading or writing assignment. Looking back, the irony isn’t lost on me. Now you can’t catch me without a book in hand or without an open word document. Every time a new idea pops into my mind my heart races and my hand twitch to write it. In that moment, I have my writer's high and pray it will sustain me through thousands of hours of revision.
Art and science have always been my yin and yang. Throughout my college career, I shifted between the two, but in the end I graduated with a Bachelors of Mathematics and Science from the University of Wyoming.
Charging into adventures and discovering something new has always been a passion of mine, but as a teenager I use to run screaming from a reading or writing assignment. Looking back, the irony isn’t lost on me. Now you can’t catch me without a book in hand or without an open word document. Every time a new idea pops into my mind my heart races and my hand twitch to write it. In that moment, I have my writer's high and pray it will sustain me through thousands of hours of revision.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 18, 2015
this book featured a high school girl, Tayla, who recently moved to Wyoming. She was an orphan but had a weird aunt and a grandma who told stories about supernatural occurences to tyla and her cousins.
As the new girl, she caught the eye of the high school quarterback. That also put her on the hit list of his former girlfriend and her clique of friends.
One day after a fight with her boyfriend, Tayla took a walk into the woods and there she encountered a wolf. Tayla experienced a physical reaction and the wolf explained to her that they were now "bonded". They couldn't be too far from each other anymore.
Beast began grudingly explaining to Tayla about his pack and how she factored in. That truth also led to the revelation of Tayla's true family heritage--which was directly tied to her grandmother's stories.
the book was okay, it was just a tad boring. the writing wasn't as engaging and it lacked an emotional pull for me. I wanted to like Beast as an anti-hero but I wasn't sure if he was supposed to be her man or her dad because it got a little weird during the unraveling of her family tree. for a beauty and the beast retelling, I wasn't feeling the love at all. They weren't enemies, but they didn't connect for most of the book either.
I will read book 2 before I decide about the series.
BTW, I liked the song at the end of the audio that the author wrote.
As the new girl, she caught the eye of the high school quarterback. That also put her on the hit list of his former girlfriend and her clique of friends.
One day after a fight with her boyfriend, Tayla took a walk into the woods and there she encountered a wolf. Tayla experienced a physical reaction and the wolf explained to her that they were now "bonded". They couldn't be too far from each other anymore.
Beast began grudingly explaining to Tayla about his pack and how she factored in. That truth also led to the revelation of Tayla's true family heritage--which was directly tied to her grandmother's stories.
the book was okay, it was just a tad boring. the writing wasn't as engaging and it lacked an emotional pull for me. I wanted to like Beast as an anti-hero but I wasn't sure if he was supposed to be her man or her dad because it got a little weird during the unraveling of her family tree. for a beauty and the beast retelling, I wasn't feeling the love at all. They weren't enemies, but they didn't connect for most of the book either.
I will read book 2 before I decide about the series.
BTW, I liked the song at the end of the audio that the author wrote.
December 7, 2013
I just finished reading the 'whole' tale: the two books that form the complete story. Absolutely wonderful!I couldn't put it down, and was very relieved the second volume was out-and although I'm kind of getting used to what I would describe as the horrible literary version of 'Coitus Interruptus', that most dreadful hiatus accompanying the reading of an excellent series; I would have been extremely frustrated this time in having to wait for the conclusion!
I have read several retellings of Beauty and the Beast, and Ashley Lavering's version is now on my list of favorites.
Allright, I'll spit it out; I'm a sucker for both the fairytale in question and werewolves: and this story intertwines both oh so pefectly to my taste.
I found the werewolf lore well respected, and for once and not too often enough, the werewolves were of my favorite kind: the real ones that actually bite and transform their victims! No simple shapeshifters here.
Ashley Lavering is a great storyteller, whose writing style reads easily, and her characters have a life of their own. Most importantly in my opinion, the story builds up slowly in the beginning: the heroine guides us through the tale with her, and it really gave me the impression of living the story in the moment. I was so comfortable with the heroine, I did not anticipate anything,and I was actually surprised when the hero,Beast,finally did enter the scene.
All characters are humanized; by this I mean all characters have their depth, even the 'bad' ones.
One more note of praise for this tale before I present my reverence to the author and tuck in my tail: in retellings, the hardest part is to preserve that element of surprise. Even though Curse of the Beast is a retelling of a tale 'as old as time', and we all know the way it goes, Ashley Lavering managed to make me forget I was actually walking on a path I know by heart, and I felt as if I was treading blindly, albeit guided by a firm hand, towards the unknown.
Also,this book is on my rereading list, and I'm going to keep my ken out for anything written by Ashley Lavering.
Go!Read this book if you haven't yet!
I have read several retellings of Beauty and the Beast, and Ashley Lavering's version is now on my list of favorites.
Allright, I'll spit it out; I'm a sucker for both the fairytale in question and werewolves: and this story intertwines both oh so pefectly to my taste.
I found the werewolf lore well respected, and for once and not too often enough, the werewolves were of my favorite kind: the real ones that actually bite and transform their victims! No simple shapeshifters here.
Ashley Lavering is a great storyteller, whose writing style reads easily, and her characters have a life of their own. Most importantly in my opinion, the story builds up slowly in the beginning: the heroine guides us through the tale with her, and it really gave me the impression of living the story in the moment. I was so comfortable with the heroine, I did not anticipate anything,and I was actually surprised when the hero,Beast,finally did enter the scene.
All characters are humanized; by this I mean all characters have their depth, even the 'bad' ones.
One more note of praise for this tale before I present my reverence to the author and tuck in my tail: in retellings, the hardest part is to preserve that element of surprise. Even though Curse of the Beast is a retelling of a tale 'as old as time', and we all know the way it goes, Ashley Lavering managed to make me forget I was actually walking on a path I know by heart, and I felt as if I was treading blindly, albeit guided by a firm hand, towards the unknown.
Also,this book is on my rereading list, and I'm going to keep my ken out for anything written by Ashley Lavering.
Go!Read this book if you haven't yet!
July 10, 2013
Interesting...very interesting....
Kay song choice: I think its inappropriate to use the song "Tale as Old As Time" so i will refrain from doing that... officially that is ;). So now for serious choices: "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne for the MCs though they don't realize it yet cause they are fools...what?! seriously though... i will get to that later ;) "Life and Death" by Paul Cardall (which is a strictly instrumental song and since i refuse to use, well most of the times, songs that are mentioned in the book this is my replacement for Moonlight Sonata, which is a fantastic song!)
First thoughts: SO let me start off by saying a) I LOVE ALL THINGS WEREWOLVES b) I FUCKING LOVE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. anything to do with it, if you book mentions that is draws i don't know the freakin' talking candle - Lumiere - i might just end up reading your book, seriously :| <= that is my dead serious face. don't mess with it. So when I went into this book while obviously the clues are right there to say hey this might be beauty and the beast retelling i didn't actually start catching onto this fact until awhile into it. I didn't read any reviews going into this book just the summary so that might have been why as well. Anywhos! i thought was a very interesting take on not only the werewolves, but also the beauty and beast curse/tale.
Thoughts on Plot: SOOOO pretty much you can split this book into three parts, yes i am not kidding. While each part was interesting and worked pretty alright with each other it also ... how do i explain this without giving much away. In the first part of the book, the "first third" if you will, (and i am almost 100% it doesn't actually percentage out to 3rds so stop trying) anyways! the "first third" was not really completed and while I understand we will probably revisit it in the next book, I don't know it feels like we are going back you know, like we were moving forward now we have to go back? sad... anyways but the point is this was probably my biggest issue with the book, well one of two, i will get to the second in characters, yup sorry! anyways! it was the first third didn't fit as well as i would have liked with the last two thirds, or maybe its because i was thinking in the back of my head, when is this character going to show his ugly mug again? cause damn him he got under my skin and i kept wondering about him....crazy i know...and you don't even know who i am talking about sorry! Anyways so back to the werewolf stuff, while this is both the traditional half man half wolf form, it is also the new-age full wolf as well, confused? good, then read the book. hehehe :) i was giving you serious face again even though you didn't realize it! Anyways yeah i could see a lot of beauty and the beast aspects in this book, did that upset me? hell no but as i mentioned before i will take pretty much anything that says its even remotely like beauty and the beast.
Thoughts on Characters:
Tayla: (Tay) She had to grow up fast, while her parentage isn't really explained until I think a little after the amazon sample, so about 10% into the book we do learn what happened, father was insta-bail, mother was almost insta-bail, so she was raised by her aunt who she calls mom, and her uncle who happened to die, when and how again we don't learn for quite sometime. The point is here is that there was a lot of waiting on her past. Okay so here is the thing about Tayla i totally respected her, she was trying so hard to do everything at home, raise her two younger nieces, and help her with aunt who should probably consider going to a therapist/psychologist just saying, cause i am pretty sure she might be bipolar, and DEFINITELY depressed. Sooo getting off track as i do, re-grouping...So i respect her for that, and for not being angst-y about it. While i might not blame her for being angst-y she wasn't so thank god! BUUUTTT she is a bit of a pushover, and its mostly with Kyle, (god i really freakin' hated him, i was...calming down i will attack him later that is a promise). So anyways even with Beast she is a bit of a pushover, she doesn't fight, she avoids up until the end. then she starts singing a little different tone, and i mean she does have moments before hand but they are shottie at best...anywhoo in the end i did like her while i think she could have been a bit more i don't know...just more she was likable enough, but at points i wanted to punch her in the snout for being so nice...now i think i know how my friends feel, i should call them and apologize then take it back and be like i am not sorry for being nice! hows that for being nice! bwhaha.....i got side-tracked again opps!
Beast: mystery. to. be. solved. he was annoyingly bossy that is for sure but what can you expect from an alpha...it happens. i wish that we could have seen more of his playful side when i wasn't being pissed off at him. Beast characters are always hard to love at first because its their job to steal these girls from their families and be that stand-offish, rude, bossy, tempter-ish characters. While this Beast tried to be more charming and sweet, and funny and all that jazz i still wanted to be mad at him. though when he started opening up, my gosh i was ready to kiss him myself!
Kyle: I REALLY REALLY HATED HIM. i am narrowing eyes at you sir! i really disliked you and i cannot wait for more of you! i know that sounds super weird but god he was like the perfect, "oh i am so nice, but not really i am an asshole" character you think he is good somewhat but you just can't help but hate him, and I sincerely love LOVE that fact, fantastic! (this is the character that got under my skin)
The ending...okay first off are you kidding me? not nice ending a book like that, i do like the twist though, very cool. But also i cannot stop myself from saying this but really Tayla are ya that stupid? really? REALLY? ugh i will allow it... so yes i will continue on with the series... i am eager to see what is in store for the next book :)
alright so this the fun part of the review where everyone scatters for the hills and i am left alone crying in a corner...you didn't make me cry! i...i..um..i stubbed my toe...thats right i stubbed my toe that is why i am crying in the corner! so :p anyways if you don't want to make me cry (seriously i won't actually cry you don't have to do this) you can check out other books that i love, or liked, or disliked. or what my friend loved, liked....hated with a passion (she does contemp.fic) i do pretty much everything else, and a little bit of contemp. so yup here is the link to the blog that i am part of...http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
Kay song choice: I think its inappropriate to use the song "Tale as Old As Time" so i will refrain from doing that... officially that is ;). So now for serious choices: "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne for the MCs though they don't realize it yet cause they are fools...what?! seriously though... i will get to that later ;) "Life and Death" by Paul Cardall (which is a strictly instrumental song and since i refuse to use, well most of the times, songs that are mentioned in the book this is my replacement for Moonlight Sonata, which is a fantastic song!)
First thoughts: SO let me start off by saying a) I LOVE ALL THINGS WEREWOLVES b) I FUCKING LOVE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. anything to do with it, if you book mentions that is draws i don't know the freakin' talking candle - Lumiere - i might just end up reading your book, seriously :| <= that is my dead serious face. don't mess with it. So when I went into this book while obviously the clues are right there to say hey this might be beauty and the beast retelling i didn't actually start catching onto this fact until awhile into it. I didn't read any reviews going into this book just the summary so that might have been why as well. Anywhos! i thought was a very interesting take on not only the werewolves, but also the beauty and beast curse/tale.
Thoughts on Plot: SOOOO pretty much you can split this book into three parts, yes i am not kidding. While each part was interesting and worked pretty alright with each other it also ... how do i explain this without giving much away. In the first part of the book, the "first third" if you will, (and i am almost 100% it doesn't actually percentage out to 3rds so stop trying) anyways! the "first third" was not really completed and while I understand we will probably revisit it in the next book, I don't know it feels like we are going back you know, like we were moving forward now we have to go back? sad... anyways but the point is this was probably my biggest issue with the book, well one of two, i will get to the second in characters, yup sorry! anyways! it was the first third didn't fit as well as i would have liked with the last two thirds, or maybe its because i was thinking in the back of my head, when is this character going to show his ugly mug again? cause damn him he got under my skin and i kept wondering about him....crazy i know...and you don't even know who i am talking about sorry! Anyways so back to the werewolf stuff, while this is both the traditional half man half wolf form, it is also the new-age full wolf as well, confused? good, then read the book. hehehe :) i was giving you serious face again even though you didn't realize it! Anyways yeah i could see a lot of beauty and the beast aspects in this book, did that upset me? hell no but as i mentioned before i will take pretty much anything that says its even remotely like beauty and the beast.
Thoughts on Characters:
Tayla: (Tay) She had to grow up fast, while her parentage isn't really explained until I think a little after the amazon sample, so about 10% into the book we do learn what happened, father was insta-bail, mother was almost insta-bail, so she was raised by her aunt who she calls mom, and her uncle who happened to die, when and how again we don't learn for quite sometime. The point is here is that there was a lot of waiting on her past. Okay so here is the thing about Tayla i totally respected her, she was trying so hard to do everything at home, raise her two younger nieces, and help her with aunt who should probably consider going to a therapist/psychologist just saying, cause i am pretty sure she might be bipolar, and DEFINITELY depressed. Sooo getting off track as i do, re-grouping...So i respect her for that, and for not being angst-y about it. While i might not blame her for being angst-y she wasn't so thank god! BUUUTTT she is a bit of a pushover, and its mostly with Kyle, (god i really freakin' hated him, i was...calming down i will attack him later that is a promise). So anyways even with Beast she is a bit of a pushover, she doesn't fight, she avoids up until the end. then she starts singing a little different tone, and i mean she does have moments before hand but they are shottie at best...anywhoo in the end i did like her while i think she could have been a bit more i don't know...just more she was likable enough, but at points i wanted to punch her in the snout for being so nice...now i think i know how my friends feel, i should call them and apologize then take it back and be like i am not sorry for being nice! hows that for being nice! bwhaha.....i got side-tracked again opps!
Beast: mystery. to. be. solved. he was annoyingly bossy that is for sure but what can you expect from an alpha...it happens. i wish that we could have seen more of his playful side when i wasn't being pissed off at him. Beast characters are always hard to love at first because its their job to steal these girls from their families and be that stand-offish, rude, bossy, tempter-ish characters. While this Beast tried to be more charming and sweet, and funny and all that jazz i still wanted to be mad at him. though when he started opening up, my gosh i was ready to kiss him myself!
Kyle: I REALLY REALLY HATED HIM. i am narrowing eyes at you sir! i really disliked you and i cannot wait for more of you! i know that sounds super weird but god he was like the perfect, "oh i am so nice, but not really i am an asshole" character you think he is good somewhat but you just can't help but hate him, and I sincerely love LOVE that fact, fantastic! (this is the character that got under my skin)
The ending...okay first off are you kidding me? not nice ending a book like that, i do like the twist though, very cool. But also i cannot stop myself from saying this but really Tayla are ya that stupid? really? REALLY? ugh i will allow it... so yes i will continue on with the series... i am eager to see what is in store for the next book :)
alright so this the fun part of the review where everyone scatters for the hills and i am left alone crying in a corner...you didn't make me cry! i...i..um..i stubbed my toe...thats right i stubbed my toe that is why i am crying in the corner! so :p anyways if you don't want to make me cry (seriously i won't actually cry you don't have to do this) you can check out other books that i love, or liked, or disliked. or what my friend loved, liked....hated with a passion (she does contemp.fic) i do pretty much everything else, and a little bit of contemp. so yup here is the link to the blog that i am part of...http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
August 18, 2012
This was written by my brother-in-law's sister and I didn't really know what to expect before I read it. Turns out I really enjoyed it! It's a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story as a paranormal fantasy set in Wyoming. Her main character, Tayla, has a well-written back story that draws you into the story quickly, and there is just enough action and mystery, and romance, to keep the story interesting until the last page. I can't wait to read the second book.
July 5, 2012
I am a sucker for Beauty and the Beast and this book delivered! I loved the main characters and I was really sucked into the story because of them. I found it hard to put down and I cannot wait for the next book!
March 26, 2012
Writing this book has been a wonderful adventure, and I have grown a lot as a writer. So excited to share it with all of you! Without you, my readers, writing wouldn't hold the passion it does for me now. So thank you!!
July 26, 2012
5 Stars for Curse of the Beast
By Ashley Lavering
Curse of the Beast is an amazing modern twist on Beauty and the Beast with a dose of paranormal. For those of you that love to read modern fairytale's this is definitely the book for you. Words escape me, when describing this book. Ashley Lavering really out did herself, her writing amazed. I was really surprised by this, seeing as Curse of the Beast is her first novel. The only thing I didn't like was how it ended, it leaves you with the biggest cliffhanger I've read thus far. Ashley leaves her readers wanting so much more, I can't wait for the sequel of Curse of the Beast to be released.
Tayla hasn't always had the perfect life and it's not getting any better. Tayla lives with her aunt, who has raised her since birth, seeing how her mother abandoned her just days after being born. Tayla is also helping raise her aunt's two daughters. After her uncle died, her aunt had a break down and stopped living her life, therefore, leaving Tayla to take up all the slack.
Tayla was home schooled until a few years ago, when her uncle died. Now her only escape from her home life is school with her best friend Chel. Tayla is also getting attention from Kyle Harrington, the hottest guy in school. Being Kyle's girlfriend would be a dream come true. That was until she found out he was a possessive psycho, who will pummel anyone who even talks or looks at Tayla.
Now Tayla is trying to avoid Kyle as much as possible, but he continues to stalk her. Tayla is constantly watching her back with the help of her bestie Chel. She fears for what Kyle may do. However, Kyle wasn't the only one she should have been watching out for. After a couple sightings of what Tayla believed to be a wolf, she has a run end with a strange man named Beast. And Tayla's life isn't getting any better. Beast isn't just a man, he is cursed as a werewolf. By day he is a man and by night, a wolf.
Tayla tries to escape when she meets Beast, but realizes she can't. They are now connected by the Curse. This Curse will only allow them to be so far from one another. Tayla has no choice but to stay with Beast, in his home. Before leaving with him she soon finds out he has a secret and it involves her mother.
Spending so much time together, Tayla and Beast learn to tolerate each other and find out they are connected more than they thought. You see this isn't beast's first connection, and Tayla is a lot different from any of the others. Tayla can feel Beast's pain and when he is in trouble, she goes to his rescue only to be the one needing to be rescued in the end. Now Tayla's life is hanging in the balance and Beast is willing to let her go, but what will she decide? In order for us to find out what her decision is we must wait for the second book of Curse of the Beast.
By Ashley Lavering
Curse of the Beast is an amazing modern twist on Beauty and the Beast with a dose of paranormal. For those of you that love to read modern fairytale's this is definitely the book for you. Words escape me, when describing this book. Ashley Lavering really out did herself, her writing amazed. I was really surprised by this, seeing as Curse of the Beast is her first novel. The only thing I didn't like was how it ended, it leaves you with the biggest cliffhanger I've read thus far. Ashley leaves her readers wanting so much more, I can't wait for the sequel of Curse of the Beast to be released.
Tayla hasn't always had the perfect life and it's not getting any better. Tayla lives with her aunt, who has raised her since birth, seeing how her mother abandoned her just days after being born. Tayla is also helping raise her aunt's two daughters. After her uncle died, her aunt had a break down and stopped living her life, therefore, leaving Tayla to take up all the slack.
Tayla was home schooled until a few years ago, when her uncle died. Now her only escape from her home life is school with her best friend Chel. Tayla is also getting attention from Kyle Harrington, the hottest guy in school. Being Kyle's girlfriend would be a dream come true. That was until she found out he was a possessive psycho, who will pummel anyone who even talks or looks at Tayla.
Now Tayla is trying to avoid Kyle as much as possible, but he continues to stalk her. Tayla is constantly watching her back with the help of her bestie Chel. She fears for what Kyle may do. However, Kyle wasn't the only one she should have been watching out for. After a couple sightings of what Tayla believed to be a wolf, she has a run end with a strange man named Beast. And Tayla's life isn't getting any better. Beast isn't just a man, he is cursed as a werewolf. By day he is a man and by night, a wolf.
Tayla tries to escape when she meets Beast, but realizes she can't. They are now connected by the Curse. This Curse will only allow them to be so far from one another. Tayla has no choice but to stay with Beast, in his home. Before leaving with him she soon finds out he has a secret and it involves her mother.
Spending so much time together, Tayla and Beast learn to tolerate each other and find out they are connected more than they thought. You see this isn't beast's first connection, and Tayla is a lot different from any of the others. Tayla can feel Beast's pain and when he is in trouble, she goes to his rescue only to be the one needing to be rescued in the end. Now Tayla's life is hanging in the balance and Beast is willing to let her go, but what will she decide? In order for us to find out what her decision is we must wait for the second book of Curse of the Beast.
May 1, 2012
I love fairy tale retellings, but I am a VERY picky reader. That said, this book went beyond my expectations. I would never have thought to put Beauty and the Beast in a paranormal setting--with werewolves. It makes sense when you stop to consider the possibilities, but the author has not only woven werewolf legends into the story, but has also brought them into the foreground in a way that the reader can appreciate the depth and complexity of the plot. This novel opens with a prologue--a werewolf legend (in 3rd person) as it is happening in the past. This legend becomes key to the rest of the book.
It then jumps back to fist person with Tayla, at a high school football game, but Tayla is no cheerleader, although she is pursued by the football star and small town millionaire--Kyle--throughout much of the book. I loved that Tayla was a vegetarian, especially when she ended up hanging out with a werewolf. Much of the humor came from this character's quirk. Her best friend, Chel, was raised as a green rights activist with her parents and is responsible for Tayla's vegetarian change of heart. This brings an interesting twist into the story when Tayla has to hide her new double life from her best friend.
I appreciated the quick pace of the story. There were no long, drawn-out descriptions or wordy monologues. The setting is in Wyoming, near Yellowstone National Park. I LOVED this element of the book. I've been to the area she describes, and she stayed true to the setting. I appreciate when an author takes the time to bring the real world into their story.
There were several moments where my heart jumped in fright, I had no idea where the plot was heading, and several moments where I burst out laughing. The love triangles in this story keep you on your toes while still maintaining a PG rating, though, I'll admit that I'm somewhat in love with Beast. Why can't men in real life be like that? Oh, and if any men are wondering if this is only chick-friendly, there's plenty of action with the wolves to keep any heart pounding.
While this is only book one of this series, the plot has a satisfactory ending of its own as Tayla finds her own personal empowerment and the courage to let go of her past. The family dynamics of this story are also unique. I won't give them away, but I liked how the author created a nontraditional/blended family while weaving in the mystery of what happened to Tayla's real parents.
If you like romance, suspense, paranormal, werewolves, fairy tales, and even ghost stories, DON'T miss this one. The only thing I didn't like about the book? I have to WAIT for the next installment. Hurry and publish it, please, asap!
It then jumps back to fist person with Tayla, at a high school football game, but Tayla is no cheerleader, although she is pursued by the football star and small town millionaire--Kyle--throughout much of the book. I loved that Tayla was a vegetarian, especially when she ended up hanging out with a werewolf. Much of the humor came from this character's quirk. Her best friend, Chel, was raised as a green rights activist with her parents and is responsible for Tayla's vegetarian change of heart. This brings an interesting twist into the story when Tayla has to hide her new double life from her best friend.
I appreciated the quick pace of the story. There were no long, drawn-out descriptions or wordy monologues. The setting is in Wyoming, near Yellowstone National Park. I LOVED this element of the book. I've been to the area she describes, and she stayed true to the setting. I appreciate when an author takes the time to bring the real world into their story.
There were several moments where my heart jumped in fright, I had no idea where the plot was heading, and several moments where I burst out laughing. The love triangles in this story keep you on your toes while still maintaining a PG rating, though, I'll admit that I'm somewhat in love with Beast. Why can't men in real life be like that? Oh, and if any men are wondering if this is only chick-friendly, there's plenty of action with the wolves to keep any heart pounding.
While this is only book one of this series, the plot has a satisfactory ending of its own as Tayla finds her own personal empowerment and the courage to let go of her past. The family dynamics of this story are also unique. I won't give them away, but I liked how the author created a nontraditional/blended family while weaving in the mystery of what happened to Tayla's real parents.
If you like romance, suspense, paranormal, werewolves, fairy tales, and even ghost stories, DON'T miss this one. The only thing I didn't like about the book? I have to WAIT for the next installment. Hurry and publish it, please, asap!
March 24, 2013
OK, in my never ending quest for good werewolf books, I came across this one and its sequel, which had just come out. Then I realized it was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, which is a theme I love. And THEN I realized it was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with WEREWOLVES (!!!) and I fell off my chair (literally, I still have a bruise). And the best of all was that it was a two part series and I could read them together – so when the nasty cliffhanger inevitably comes at the end, I say “Ha Cliffie, you will not thwart me – I will just read the next book as if I were turning a page.” And then I feel a great sense of triumph (because it really doesn’t take a lot to make me happy).
So Ms. Lavering has written a paranormal book. I mean the book itself it paranormal. Allow me to explain:
I started reading it Friday night after I finished another awesome were series, and I will admit I had some trouble getting into it. I mean, I was enjoying hating Kyle, the evil stalker who apparently has two personalities (I’m not a doctor so I can’t certify that). But I was thinking “Where is the paranormal? Where is the paranormal”. And then all of a sudden, the paranormal jumped out of the woods and grabbed me. And that is where the supernatural properties of the book kicked in. I tried to get out of bed and get a bottle of water…and I couldn’t. I was literally chained to the bed. The book would not allow me to stop reading it. It had cast a magic circle around my bed and I had no choice but to read and read and read…and then it was 2:30 and I was done. Tayla is awesome. We know Beast is supposed to be the good guy but he is going to piss you off more than once. You will wonder why she doesn’t just grab a cheap lamp, knock him out, steal his car and get out of Dodge. But you’ll see – she can’t. Now I should have gone to sleep immediately, because I actually had a life to lead on Saturday. But there was that evil clifffie that had to be defeated. So naturally I had to start “Star Cursed”. And then next thing I knew the Kindle had fallen on my face and I fell asleep at dawn…only to be awoken by my wife a few hours later because it was my turn to do the grocery shopping…and that would keep me from “Star Cursed” as well. Sometimes life is just one big suck fest. Anyway…
So have I conveyed how amazingly awesome this book is without actually giving away much of the plot. I hope so. Because I don’t want to ruin this for anyone. But remember – when you buy this book, buy the sequel, because the cliffie is a killer and you will sob in frustration without it.
So Ms. Lavering has written a paranormal book. I mean the book itself it paranormal. Allow me to explain:
I started reading it Friday night after I finished another awesome were series, and I will admit I had some trouble getting into it. I mean, I was enjoying hating Kyle, the evil stalker who apparently has two personalities (I’m not a doctor so I can’t certify that). But I was thinking “Where is the paranormal? Where is the paranormal”. And then all of a sudden, the paranormal jumped out of the woods and grabbed me. And that is where the supernatural properties of the book kicked in. I tried to get out of bed and get a bottle of water…and I couldn’t. I was literally chained to the bed. The book would not allow me to stop reading it. It had cast a magic circle around my bed and I had no choice but to read and read and read…and then it was 2:30 and I was done. Tayla is awesome. We know Beast is supposed to be the good guy but he is going to piss you off more than once. You will wonder why she doesn’t just grab a cheap lamp, knock him out, steal his car and get out of Dodge. But you’ll see – she can’t. Now I should have gone to sleep immediately, because I actually had a life to lead on Saturday. But there was that evil clifffie that had to be defeated. So naturally I had to start “Star Cursed”. And then next thing I knew the Kindle had fallen on my face and I fell asleep at dawn…only to be awoken by my wife a few hours later because it was my turn to do the grocery shopping…and that would keep me from “Star Cursed” as well. Sometimes life is just one big suck fest. Anyway…
So have I conveyed how amazingly awesome this book is without actually giving away much of the plot. I hope so. Because I don’t want to ruin this for anyone. But remember – when you buy this book, buy the sequel, because the cliffie is a killer and you will sob in frustration without it.
August 9, 2012
Honestly, I am not much of a fan of a retelling or a remake, however I just couldn't resist the urge when the author had approached and offered me a chance to read her book : a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a werewolf twist, I knew I just couldn't refuse, and to my utter excitement, Curse of the Beast was the bomb!
There are 3 things I absolutely loved about the story.
1. Character development
We never really knew Belle before Beast took her away and kept her in his lair, but I appreciated that I got to know Tanya a bit more. From her creepily possesive admirer to her bubbly best friend and to her depressed aunt, we got to see the human and normalTayla before she was 'kidnapped' by Beast.
2. The unique werewolf twist.
If you thought that this is your ordinary werewolf story with the stereotypical werewolf traits, well, you aren't completely wrong, but I dare to say that the wolves seemed more menacing and mysterious! As the werewolves were only introduced in the later part of the story, we didn't really develop a deep understanding on how the "mysterious" wolves "run along", but we know enough to piqued our own curiosity and anticipate for the next book to come out! (I see what you did there Ms. Ashley *grins*)
There's still the moon and the furry looking appearance, but I was especially amazed by how the author managed to add in her own "twists", which made the story even more magical.
3. How everything was "woven" together
The perfect fairytale romance and the most desirable paranormal myth combined, this proved to produce an epic masterpiece! I was often left breathless at how gentleman-like Beast could be, yet at the same time completely animalistic and dangerous. The chemistry between Beast and Tayla made my heart flutter, and the ending nearly made me scream in desperation, I want the second book soon!
Curse of the Beast is definitely a different kind of story as compared to other werewolves books I've come across, and I highly recommend you to give it a try! You will be introduced to a whole new breed of alpha-werewolves *howl*
(There was a small part of me that kept on fantasizing that this is Tyler and Caroline's own story - The Vampire Diaries..only, without Caroline being a bloodsucker)
Reviewed by,
Natasha Anne
Dreamland : A Teenage Fantasy : Curse of the Beast
There are 3 things I absolutely loved about the story.
1. Character development
We never really knew Belle before Beast took her away and kept her in his lair, but I appreciated that I got to know Tanya a bit more. From her creepily possesive admirer to her bubbly best friend and to her depressed aunt, we got to see the human and normalTayla before she was 'kidnapped' by Beast.
2. The unique werewolf twist.
If you thought that this is your ordinary werewolf story with the stereotypical werewolf traits, well, you aren't completely wrong, but I dare to say that the wolves seemed more menacing and mysterious! As the werewolves were only introduced in the later part of the story, we didn't really develop a deep understanding on how the "mysterious" wolves "run along", but we know enough to piqued our own curiosity and anticipate for the next book to come out! (I see what you did there Ms. Ashley *grins*)
There's still the moon and the furry looking appearance, but I was especially amazed by how the author managed to add in her own "twists", which made the story even more magical.
3. How everything was "woven" together
The perfect fairytale romance and the most desirable paranormal myth combined, this proved to produce an epic masterpiece! I was often left breathless at how gentleman-like Beast could be, yet at the same time completely animalistic and dangerous. The chemistry between Beast and Tayla made my heart flutter, and the ending nearly made me scream in desperation, I want the second book soon!
Curse of the Beast is definitely a different kind of story as compared to other werewolves books I've come across, and I highly recommend you to give it a try! You will be introduced to a whole new breed of alpha-werewolves *howl*
(There was a small part of me that kept on fantasizing that this is Tyler and Caroline's own story - The Vampire Diaries..only, without Caroline being a bloodsucker)
Reviewed by,
Natasha Anne
Dreamland : A Teenage Fantasy : Curse of the Beast
November 11, 2012
I love fairy tales. They make me think that anything is possible Ever since I was a little girl, I fell for those great romantic stories that seemed to be about love and falling in love and I was hooked. One of the things I really love to read are retellings of fairy tales. I am a succor for those! But of all the fairy tales out there, the one that is my all time favorite is the story of Beauty and the Beast. I love how Beauty always wins out to tame the beast and break the terrible spell. But when you throw in a twist, then that is where it gets even more exciting.
For this reason, Curse of the Beast is now my very favorite retelling of this age old story. I love it so much that I am soo looking forward to the release of the next book in the story.
I picked up Curse of the Beast expecting to really like it because like I said, I LOVE Beauty and the Beast stories. But this story grabbed me and sucked me in and I couldn't stop reading it because I wanted to know what happened next because of the unexpected twists.
Tayla is trying to get her life back to semi normal after some terrible family events. She is in a new school in a small town where everyone already knows everything about everyone else and it's a little tough, but Tayla is figuring out the flow of things.
Then just when things are looking like it will all turn out with school with Tayla she finds herself hurtled into the clutches of an ancient curse that has her magically bound to a werewolf. No matter how she tires to break the bond she can't. And it changes everything for her. Now she must learn how to get along with a beast she doesn't want any part of, but finds that something about him draws her to want to know more. More about the curse, more about the beast, and more about what it all means for Tayla and her future.
Curse of the Beast leaves you wanting more. Wondering what happens next. And makes you anticipate the next book in the series Star Cursed
For this reason, Curse of the Beast is now my very favorite retelling of this age old story. I love it so much that I am soo looking forward to the release of the next book in the story.
I picked up Curse of the Beast expecting to really like it because like I said, I LOVE Beauty and the Beast stories. But this story grabbed me and sucked me in and I couldn't stop reading it because I wanted to know what happened next because of the unexpected twists.
Tayla is trying to get her life back to semi normal after some terrible family events. She is in a new school in a small town where everyone already knows everything about everyone else and it's a little tough, but Tayla is figuring out the flow of things.
Then just when things are looking like it will all turn out with school with Tayla she finds herself hurtled into the clutches of an ancient curse that has her magically bound to a werewolf. No matter how she tires to break the bond she can't. And it changes everything for her. Now she must learn how to get along with a beast she doesn't want any part of, but finds that something about him draws her to want to know more. More about the curse, more about the beast, and more about what it all means for Tayla and her future.
Curse of the Beast leaves you wanting more. Wondering what happens next. And makes you anticipate the next book in the series Star Cursed
July 19, 2013
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I also wanted to say that I won a signed paperback woot woot!! Go me! I will attach pictures :) this book was friggin amazing!it was so well done that it took me agile to realize that it was a paranormal re- telling of Beauty and the Beast. Yes, I know it was in the summary but I rarely read those, I like to surprise myself when I read. I loved everything about this book! I loved the fairytale, I loved the werewolf twist, I loved the story of how the first werewolf was created, I loved the characters, I loved the romance, I loved the action, I loved the flirting and the sarcasm.and everything about this book. I could not put it down, I devoured it like Beast devours meat!
Tayla was a great character to read about,I could really see her growth over the course of this book.in real life I would totally be her friend, she seems like a fellow bookworm :) I just wish that she would have trusted her gut with that creep Kyle. Gah! He got my blood boiling and not in a good way. And I definitely have a little "beastiality" crush on Beast. I mean he cooks, he cleans, he's buff, he's good looking and best of all he is a hero. I can deal with the hair and he does turn into a wolf in the day, but I'm willing to overlook that minor flaw :)
If this book is any indication of how the rest of the series continues, then "yes please!". I would recommend this book to everyone! Especially those who love fairytales and werewolves. And I'm extra special because my copy is signed :) also I received a picture of my lover ... I mean cruch, Beast ;)
Tayla was a great character to read about,I could really see her growth over the course of this book.in real life I would totally be her friend, she seems like a fellow bookworm :) I just wish that she would have trusted her gut with that creep Kyle. Gah! He got my blood boiling and not in a good way. And I definitely have a little "beastiality" crush on Beast. I mean he cooks, he cleans, he's buff, he's good looking and best of all he is a hero. I can deal with the hair and he does turn into a wolf in the day, but I'm willing to overlook that minor flaw :)
If this book is any indication of how the rest of the series continues, then "yes please!". I would recommend this book to everyone! Especially those who love fairytales and werewolves. And I'm extra special because my copy is signed :) also I received a picture of my lover ... I mean cruch, Beast ;)
April 18, 2013
I LOVED this book!! I could not put it down and read the book in about 4 hours. I absolutely love modern remakes of fairy tales and this one does not disappoint. I love this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Ashley Lavering is a great writer and story teller.
I loved Tayla and Beast. Tayla is a strong 17 year old girl that has gone through alot in her life. After her mother left her as a baby and being raised by her Aunt she has to mature at an early age to take care of her Aunt and 2 younger cousins after her uncle dies when her Aunt breaks down because of his death. Since moving to the town of Cody Tayla has a whole new set of problems to deal with.
After being home schooled her whole life she has to adapt to school and Kyle the obsessive quarterback that threatens ever other boy that look at her. With her best friend Chel she is able to avoid Kyle most of the time. When Tayla has to escape Kyle one night she meets Beast, the curse takes hold of her creating a link between them both that only lets them stray a short distance away from each other without being painful for both Tayla and Beast.
Once they are linked Tayla tries to fight as long as she can to stay with her family, after realizing she can't stay and keep them safe she is forced to live with Beast. Living with Beast reveals things about her past that she never would have learned, and also alters her future.
This is an amazing read and I can't wait to dive into the sequel.
I loved Tayla and Beast. Tayla is a strong 17 year old girl that has gone through alot in her life. After her mother left her as a baby and being raised by her Aunt she has to mature at an early age to take care of her Aunt and 2 younger cousins after her uncle dies when her Aunt breaks down because of his death. Since moving to the town of Cody Tayla has a whole new set of problems to deal with.
After being home schooled her whole life she has to adapt to school and Kyle the obsessive quarterback that threatens ever other boy that look at her. With her best friend Chel she is able to avoid Kyle most of the time. When Tayla has to escape Kyle one night she meets Beast, the curse takes hold of her creating a link between them both that only lets them stray a short distance away from each other without being painful for both Tayla and Beast.
Once they are linked Tayla tries to fight as long as she can to stay with her family, after realizing she can't stay and keep them safe she is forced to live with Beast. Living with Beast reveals things about her past that she never would have learned, and also alters her future.
This is an amazing read and I can't wait to dive into the sequel.
August 12, 2012
I love it when fairytales get unique twist especially one with a paranormal twist. Ashley delivers a very unique twist to the Beauty and Beast Tale.
Tayla a girl who had to grow up to fast and must continue to grow up with out even enjoying her childhood.
Beast a werewolf who has been waiting for a long time to find just the right girl and has found her. Only that girl is Tayla. When they meet face to face for the first time Tayla was afraid but yet drawn to the stranger in the park. From there Tayla's not so normal life took a leap into a whole other world. One where werewolves existed. The world where what she thought was tales that her grandmother weaved was real.
Ashley has created well rounded characters a world we could actually live in. Ashley pulled at my heart strings with this book I had a love/hate relationship but in a good way. I felt for Tayla her character showed real depth and her character grew through out the book. Ashley definitely has created a new tale and I am looking forward to the next book in this series. This review is short only because I do not give spoilers and if I say to much it will give it away. The only thing I will say is go get this book and read it. Ashley retold a fairytale with a werewolf twist full of mystery and suspence that will leave you wanting more.
Tayla a girl who had to grow up to fast and must continue to grow up with out even enjoying her childhood.
Beast a werewolf who has been waiting for a long time to find just the right girl and has found her. Only that girl is Tayla. When they meet face to face for the first time Tayla was afraid but yet drawn to the stranger in the park. From there Tayla's not so normal life took a leap into a whole other world. One where werewolves existed. The world where what she thought was tales that her grandmother weaved was real.
Ashley has created well rounded characters a world we could actually live in. Ashley pulled at my heart strings with this book I had a love/hate relationship but in a good way. I felt for Tayla her character showed real depth and her character grew through out the book. Ashley definitely has created a new tale and I am looking forward to the next book in this series. This review is short only because I do not give spoilers and if I say to much it will give it away. The only thing I will say is go get this book and read it. Ashley retold a fairytale with a werewolf twist full of mystery and suspence that will leave you wanting more.
September 6, 2012
I love this book. I love how Ashley Lavering wove the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale with the paranormal werewolf legends. I love how absolutely relatable the lead character Tayla Jonas is with her quirky personality and typical teenage insecurities. Tayla's relationship with her best friend, Chel, is interesting but complicated as the story unfolds and Tayla is forced to keep secrets. Along the way she also catches the eye of Kyle Harrington who is the most popular guy in school. Kyle has secrets of his own. His bad temper and dominating tendencies have Tayla regretting his interest.
Now throw in an ancient werewolf legend, from the prologue of the book, that seems to relate directly to Tayla's life when a werewolf steps out from the shadows. He releases a mystical bond that slams in to Tayla and creates an unbreakable bond. Tayla's tries desperately to protect her family and friends, keep up with her school requirements all while learning what her new connection with Beast means she must ultimately give up.
When I finished this book I immediately started searching for the next book in the series. To my frustration in wasn't available yet! I wasn't ready for the story to end and I will be first in line when the
next book in this series in released.
Now throw in an ancient werewolf legend, from the prologue of the book, that seems to relate directly to Tayla's life when a werewolf steps out from the shadows. He releases a mystical bond that slams in to Tayla and creates an unbreakable bond. Tayla's tries desperately to protect her family and friends, keep up with her school requirements all while learning what her new connection with Beast means she must ultimately give up.
When I finished this book I immediately started searching for the next book in the series. To my frustration in wasn't available yet! I wasn't ready for the story to end and I will be first in line when the
next book in this series in released.
July 24, 2014
I knew I had to read this book when I realized it was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I love new renditions of the classics,especially Beauty and the Beast. This is one werewolf legend you haven't heard of before.One man's shallowness leads to a line of descents being cursed when the line between revenge and justice blur and a mistake causes more harm than good.
Tayla is a lovable character who has a lot of heartache and loss in her short life and things are about to take a turn for the worse that just may be the ultimate downfall of her family that is already on the bring of collapses from trauma.She must find a way to cushion her family from another loss while trying to persevere her life and fight the curse bestowed upon her.
As far Kyle is concerned,some one needs to put that boy in his place.Can we say, obsessive much?The boy don't know how to take no for an answer.
Then there's Beast.Is he as horrible and terrible as he looks? Or is there a heart still inside that chest of his that can be thawed with just a little glimpse of kindness?
And I love the way the author incorporates the love of reading and an the library from the original tale.Ok so we are book lovers so of course,who wouldn't appreciate that part of the tale,right?
Tayla is a lovable character who has a lot of heartache and loss in her short life and things are about to take a turn for the worse that just may be the ultimate downfall of her family that is already on the bring of collapses from trauma.She must find a way to cushion her family from another loss while trying to persevere her life and fight the curse bestowed upon her.
As far Kyle is concerned,some one needs to put that boy in his place.Can we say, obsessive much?The boy don't know how to take no for an answer.
Then there's Beast.Is he as horrible and terrible as he looks? Or is there a heart still inside that chest of his that can be thawed with just a little glimpse of kindness?
And I love the way the author incorporates the love of reading and an the library from the original tale.Ok so we are book lovers so of course,who wouldn't appreciate that part of the tale,right?
January 10, 2013
I had some strong feelings in this book, first was how much hatred I had for Kyle (think's he's all that and a bag of chips.) "I'm not going to look like an idiot in front of the guys. You will stay." His eyes flashed dangerously as he pulled me toward the building. In that moment, I saw Kyle clearly. I'd let his flattery blind me to the control he held over people, dominating everyone into submission. Stupid! How could I be so desperate?" I automatically fell in love with Beast, and his humor. "No need to worry ma'am. I may be a wolf, but mama raised a gentleman." I really did enjoy this book although I kept thinking that there were more (3 girls to be exact) before her, I kept thinking will there not be a happy ending for Beast and Tay. The cliffhanger killed me, and I'm ready for the second book in the series, and my favorite scene from this book has to be when Beast finally takes her home and he tells her he has more rules:
"You need to know the rules," he said firmly.
My mood instantly turned sour. "Good. More rules. As if the whole I'm-bound-to-you issue isn't restrictive enough," I grumbled.
I truly can't wait for the second book!
"You need to know the rules," he said firmly.
My mood instantly turned sour. "Good. More rules. As if the whole I'm-bound-to-you issue isn't restrictive enough," I grumbled.
I truly can't wait for the second book!
August 6, 2012
I love reading fairytale retellings. When I found out that this book was a modern retelling of one of my favorite fairy tales, Beauty and the Beast, I couldn't wait to read it. It has a little of everything in it: romance, magic, angst and a massive cliffhanger that leaves you jumping up and screaming because you have to wait until the next book to find out what and why? Don't you love it when an author does that to you? It truly has a great mix of the fairy tale and paranormal, with some very creative twists.
As a reader you feel for Tayla and all that she has struggled with in her life. You of course, love her hunky boyfriend Kyle, who is full of surprises! You have the best friend, Chel, who plays off of Tayla very well. There is also the bad girl, Natalie, that you would love to smack as she walks by.
For those of you that are just plain tired of vampires, and want a furry man (a werewolf!) to star in your dreams, this book is for you. Curse of the Beast is a great first novel from Ashley and you will of course be waiting anxiously for book 2 to come out.
As a reader you feel for Tayla and all that she has struggled with in her life. You of course, love her hunky boyfriend Kyle, who is full of surprises! You have the best friend, Chel, who plays off of Tayla very well. There is also the bad girl, Natalie, that you would love to smack as she walks by.
For those of you that are just plain tired of vampires, and want a furry man (a werewolf!) to star in your dreams, this book is for you. Curse of the Beast is a great first novel from Ashley and you will of course be waiting anxiously for book 2 to come out.
September 11, 2014
One of my favorite fairy tales is Beauty and the Beast. This was such an interesting twist on a classic.
Tayla has had a rough life--her mother disappeared when she was very young, her uncle died, and her aunt has checked out of reality. Tayla has so much responsibility for her younger cousins and her aunt. After moving to Cody, WY, she finds herself living a more normal life, even attracting the attention of the star quarterback, Kyle.
Life doesn't stay normal for long. Kyle isn't what he seems and a visit to the city park leads to a meeting with a scary creature--a werewolf named Beast. An ancient curse links her to him and only time will tell if she's strong enough...powerful enough...to withstand it.
I was very caught up in the story and can't wait to read more. For me, the Kyle angle was hanging a bit and I hope it gets resolved.
Content: no language; some violence--mild-moderate; mild romance.
**Currently FREE on Amazon**
Tayla has had a rough life--her mother disappeared when she was very young, her uncle died, and her aunt has checked out of reality. Tayla has so much responsibility for her younger cousins and her aunt. After moving to Cody, WY, she finds herself living a more normal life, even attracting the attention of the star quarterback, Kyle.
Life doesn't stay normal for long. Kyle isn't what he seems and a visit to the city park leads to a meeting with a scary creature--a werewolf named Beast. An ancient curse links her to him and only time will tell if she's strong enough...powerful enough...to withstand it.
I was very caught up in the story and can't wait to read more. For me, the Kyle angle was hanging a bit and I hope it gets resolved.
Content: no language; some violence--mild-moderate; mild romance.
**Currently FREE on Amazon**
July 14, 2016
***** spoilers *****
I am 30% into this book, which I got because I looked up Beauty and the Beast retellings. So far this is not what I expected.
The synopsis is misleading. She doesn't have a fight with her boyfriend. Kyle is an abusive, controlling, stalker who she went on one date with. He hurts her and any boy who even talks. Her life is miserable as she tries desperately to avoid him at school.
She as well as all the boys he threatens needs to report his behavior. It is sick and twisted. This kind of behavior is absolutely not okay.
Kyle's father is also abusive. Someone needs to report that so Kyle can be given a chance to get help and not become a horrible man. Evil prevails when good people do nothing.
I finished it. The ending frustrated me to no end. Why was all the crap with Kyle even important to the story. I think I will not finish this series
I am 30% into this book, which I got because I looked up Beauty and the Beast retellings. So far this is not what I expected.
The synopsis is misleading. She doesn't have a fight with her boyfriend. Kyle is an abusive, controlling, stalker who she went on one date with. He hurts her and any boy who even talks. Her life is miserable as she tries desperately to avoid him at school.
She as well as all the boys he threatens needs to report his behavior. It is sick and twisted. This kind of behavior is absolutely not okay.
Kyle's father is also abusive. Someone needs to report that so Kyle can be given a chance to get help and not become a horrible man. Evil prevails when good people do nothing.
I finished it. The ending frustrated me to no end. Why was all the crap with Kyle even important to the story. I think I will not finish this series
October 21, 2013
Love werewolf stories especially when they have twists. It's a Beauty and the Beast story with such a unique angle. Tayla's life is forever changed when she is being watched and followed then taken over by a werewolf. I hated Kyle (what a jerk) Im glad she isn't with him. Wow this story has so many surprises I couldn't stop turning the pages and cannot wait to read book 2. I love Beast I wanted to hold him and make him all better. Amazing story. I wanna share more but don't want to ruin it ...5 stars
February 16, 2014
This was unexpectedly good.
I didn't expect that to come out when I read the blurb. I mean, I had some guesses but not this absolutely amazing story.
Aside from some stupid choices Tay makes, that are really plot devices, this book was awfully great. :))
That Kyle is so messed up, I'm glad of his encounter with Beast in his wolf form :))) that was awesome.
I am so sad that the curse affects the wolves like that. I think that's a first for werewolf folklore.
Can't wait to read the next book. I'm so glad it's out because otherwise it would have been a nasty end.
I didn't expect that to come out when I read the blurb. I mean, I had some guesses but not this absolutely amazing story.
Aside from some stupid choices Tay makes, that are really plot devices, this book was awfully great. :))
That Kyle is so messed up, I'm glad of his encounter with Beast in his wolf form :))) that was awesome.
I am so sad that the curse affects the wolves like that. I think that's a first for werewolf folklore.
Can't wait to read the next book. I'm so glad it's out because otherwise it would have been a nasty end.
December 1, 2014
This book was different from other retellings of "Beauty & the Beast", I really like it when author's don't have to stick to the script to write something truly awesome! It was vivid, colorful, humorous, & very mysterious! I needed a book where I couldn't figure out what was happening, there have been so many lately where I know EXACTLY what came next but not with this one. It was very refreshing & so, so sweet! I'm already working on the next one! :)
June 12, 2012
I've always LOVED retold fairy tales- the creativity with working with an old story, but making it new, and the different perspectives. This DEFINITELY met all my expectations and I totally found myself lost in a different take of Beauty and the Beast's world- with better empathy for Beast and a different take on how he came to be :) soo much fun :D
January 15, 2013
I picked up this book at the bookstore in hopes of supporting a local author. Little did I know that it would actually be really good and something I wouldn't want to put down. I love fairy-tale retellings. Although I'm typically not into the werewolf phenomenon, the unique twist really added to the story. Definitely a good read for young adults or the young at heart.
April 3, 2013
So I’m gonna say right now I loved this book… I absolutely DESPISED KYLE. And Adored Mr. Well-mannered Beast. This is a modern take on beauty and the beast and it was awesome in its own way. And the cliffhanger has me biting my nails so I’m going to go read it now.
July 29, 2012
I love, love this book! Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tale and this retelling is amazing! Can't wait for book 2!
August 5, 2012
I enjoyed the retelling of Beauty and the Beast in this book! I would highly reccomend reading this wonderful book!
March 31, 2018
4.5 Stars
Review to come...
Review to come...
March 14, 2023
Tayla is a junior in high school who once lived in the city. When her mother abandoned her as a baby, her aunt stepped in to raise her. Her grandmother is an artist with legends of werewolves and how they came to be; one story in particular resonated within Tayla-the one about the fallen star who fell in love with a mortal man and gave him her eternal life and he betrayed her to become an animal by her curse. When her uncle dies, her aunt claims she has someone following her and moves them to Cody, where Tayla is now. Her aunt sank into a deep depression, which left Tayla responsible for raising her two nieces, herself, and caring for her aunt. She finally called for help in the form of her grandmother. When the star football player targets her as his, she feels happiness, until he showed his true colors. Something else was following her, who or what? Her life will be changed forever when she discovers who is trailing her and why. It is a curse her bloodline is linked too. Please read the book to discover how it all started and where Tayla ends up!
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