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A Fairy Tale Romance #3
Beauty & the Beach
She's finally free to follow her heart!
When her mother died, local beauty Isabelle Kenna was left with the task of raising a much younger sister and dealing with a lovable but increasingly alcoholic father. Now, with a nursing degree firmly in hand, her father on the wagon, and her sister off to college soon, Isabelle finally has the chance to live her own life and get a taste of the freedom she's craved. She might even find time for a bit of romance with the scarred yet attractive Marine who comes into the hospital. That's the plan, anyway.
Add in 100,000 reasons keeping them apart.
Adam Wilder, a hot-headed Marine-turned-master-jeweler, has a big crush on the pretty nurse at the VA hospital, and he plans to keep asking until she goes out with him. When his store manager 'borrows' and loses a $100,000 necklace, Adam goes ballistic. Too late, he realized the man's daughter is the pretty nurse he's hoping to impress. Maybe threatening her father and taking her freedom aren't the brightest ideas he's ever had. Unless he can make Isabelle fall for him, he obviously can't keep her forever. And it's not helping that they're also dealing with Adam's nosy neighbors, a few matchmaking Marines, and her sister who hates his guts! Can he still win Izzy's heart? Or will he simply lose his own?
When her mother died, local beauty Isabelle Kenna was left with the task of raising a much younger sister and dealing with a lovable but increasingly alcoholic father. Now, with a nursing degree firmly in hand, her father on the wagon, and her sister off to college soon, Isabelle finally has the chance to live her own life and get a taste of the freedom she's craved. She might even find time for a bit of romance with the scarred yet attractive Marine who comes into the hospital. That's the plan, anyway.
Add in 100,000 reasons keeping them apart.
Adam Wilder, a hot-headed Marine-turned-master-jeweler, has a big crush on the pretty nurse at the VA hospital, and he plans to keep asking until she goes out with him. When his store manager 'borrows' and loses a $100,000 necklace, Adam goes ballistic. Too late, he realized the man's daughter is the pretty nurse he's hoping to impress. Maybe threatening her father and taking her freedom aren't the brightest ideas he's ever had. Unless he can make Isabelle fall for him, he obviously can't keep her forever. And it's not helping that they're also dealing with Adam's nosy neighbors, a few matchmaking Marines, and her sister who hates his guts! Can he still win Izzy's heart? Or will he simply lose his own?
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
16 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Diane Darcy
56 books144 followersDiane Darcy loves to read and write lighthearted and funny books. She’s a member of the Heart of the West, and RWA. She was a finalist for Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart® Award. She’s written romantic comedies in several different genres; some historical, some contemporary, all lighthearted and fun. She makes her home in Utah with her family and dogs, and is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 21, 2016
How can I not love this story? Give me my favorite fairy tale in a modern setting with a beach and I'm in heaven!
Adam is a former Marine, or I guess a once-a-Marine-always-a-Marine. He's got a temper and when Isabelle's dad "borrows" an expensive necklace for his younger daughter to wear to prom and it gets lost, that temper comes out in full force. Izzy is Adam's nurse at the VA hospital and he's been trying to woo her. An exchange is made--if she'll live with him to help him with odds and ends, he'll postpone any prosecution to see if the necklace turns up.
There are some great characters in this story and I loved cheering them on. Izzy is pretty, but down-to-earth, and yet she doesn't take anything sitting down. She's feisty, yet shy, if that makes sense. I could see a little of me in her--she doesn't really like confrontation and assumes the worst at times. I really liked Adam, especially because he's not the typical guy. He's got some surprises up his sleeve. I love that he's not cocky--he has some insecurities just like any regular person does.
I wanted to see a little more intimidation in their encounters, as well as to see her do a little more to help him out. There are some humorous moments that had me laughing and captured my attention, one of them being her ideas of how to cook for Adam and his poker buddies. I also loved the spin on a fake relationship to keep the neighbors at bay.
This is a great read for those who love a sweet and clean, contemporary fairy tale re-telling.
Content: mild romance (kissing, some innuendo, living together in a platonic relationship). Clean!
Adam is a former Marine, or I guess a once-a-Marine-always-a-Marine. He's got a temper and when Isabelle's dad "borrows" an expensive necklace for his younger daughter to wear to prom and it gets lost, that temper comes out in full force. Izzy is Adam's nurse at the VA hospital and he's been trying to woo her. An exchange is made--if she'll live with him to help him with odds and ends, he'll postpone any prosecution to see if the necklace turns up.
There are some great characters in this story and I loved cheering them on. Izzy is pretty, but down-to-earth, and yet she doesn't take anything sitting down. She's feisty, yet shy, if that makes sense. I could see a little of me in her--she doesn't really like confrontation and assumes the worst at times. I really liked Adam, especially because he's not the typical guy. He's got some surprises up his sleeve. I love that he's not cocky--he has some insecurities just like any regular person does.
I wanted to see a little more intimidation in their encounters, as well as to see her do a little more to help him out. There are some humorous moments that had me laughing and captured my attention, one of them being her ideas of how to cook for Adam and his poker buddies. I also loved the spin on a fake relationship to keep the neighbors at bay.
This is a great read for those who love a sweet and clean, contemporary fairy tale re-telling.
Content: mild romance (kissing, some innuendo, living together in a platonic relationship). Clean!
February 10, 2014
This was a really cute retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I loved Adam and Isabelle and thought they had a fun relationship. It's just a fun, lighthearted read that will warm your heart. Highly recommend to those who enjoy fun romantic comedies.
Content
Romance: Clean
Content
Romance: Clean
June 30, 2016
3.5 Stars
Adam is a retired Marine who has a crush on his nurse, Isabelle, at the VA hospital. He has asked her out a few times but has always been turned down. He doesn't know if it's the scars on his face or if it's for other reasons. But he is determined to keep asking her until she says yes.
Izzy's life has always been a bit crazy. Between taking care of her little sister after their mom passes away, taking care of her dad when he's drinking himself into oblivion, going to college and working, she has very little time left to do anything else... especially date. But now that her sister is getting ready to graduate high school, her dad is in recovery and holding down a steady job, she can finally start taking steps to move out on her own. Now there isn't anything stopping her from saying yes to Adam the next time he asks her out.
But when her dad "borrows" a necklace worth $100,000 for her sister to wear to prom and she loses it, their lives are thrown into chaos! Especially when her dad's boss turns out to be Adam. Now Izzy is forced to stay with him until the necklace is found and returned. But how can they start a relationship with the lost necklace hanging over all their heads? Adam doesn't know if it will be possible but decides that while Izzy is living with him, he will do everything he can to woo and romance her. Only time will tell what the future has in store for them.
I did enjoy Adam and Izzy's relationship for the most part. It was cute and fun. But I do wish Adam would have given her more to do while her family was looking for the necklace. It was like she was there on vacation. And don't even get me started on the way she acted once the necklace was found. I seriously wanted to Gibbs slap her!
Another thing I just have to get off my chest... her sister, Courtney, is a spoiled brat and their dad, Stephen, is a moron! Their behavior at times was ridiculous and I found myself rolling my eyes while muttering under my breath. They acted like immature teenagers! *le sigh* Okay.. rant over. ;)
All in all this was a cute, quick read. If you're in the mood for a beauty and the beast type story that's light and fun then I would say give this one a try!
And of course my casting... I really like these two! :)
Adam is a retired Marine who has a crush on his nurse, Isabelle, at the VA hospital. He has asked her out a few times but has always been turned down. He doesn't know if it's the scars on his face or if it's for other reasons. But he is determined to keep asking her until she says yes.
Izzy's life has always been a bit crazy. Between taking care of her little sister after their mom passes away, taking care of her dad when he's drinking himself into oblivion, going to college and working, she has very little time left to do anything else... especially date. But now that her sister is getting ready to graduate high school, her dad is in recovery and holding down a steady job, she can finally start taking steps to move out on her own. Now there isn't anything stopping her from saying yes to Adam the next time he asks her out.
But when her dad "borrows" a necklace worth $100,000 for her sister to wear to prom and she loses it, their lives are thrown into chaos! Especially when her dad's boss turns out to be Adam. Now Izzy is forced to stay with him until the necklace is found and returned. But how can they start a relationship with the lost necklace hanging over all their heads? Adam doesn't know if it will be possible but decides that while Izzy is living with him, he will do everything he can to woo and romance her. Only time will tell what the future has in store for them.
I did enjoy Adam and Izzy's relationship for the most part. It was cute and fun. But I do wish Adam would have given her more to do while her family was looking for the necklace. It was like she was there on vacation. And don't even get me started on the way she acted once the necklace was found. I seriously wanted to Gibbs slap her!
Another thing I just have to get off my chest... her sister, Courtney, is a spoiled brat and their dad, Stephen, is a moron! Their behavior at times was ridiculous and I found myself rolling my eyes while muttering under my breath. They acted like immature teenagers! *le sigh* Okay.. rant over. ;)
All in all this was a cute, quick read. If you're in the mood for a beauty and the beast type story that's light and fun then I would say give this one a try!
And of course my casting... I really like these two! :)
March 4, 2014
BEAUTY AND THE BEACH, by Diane Darcy, is a sweet (clean) contemporary romantic comedy. I thoroughly enjoyed the premise that brought Izzy (Isabella) and Adam together...and these secondary characters did so much to enrich this enjoyable read.
Izzy works at the V.A. hospital where Adam obtains treatment...and Izzy's father also works at Adam's jewelry store. But no one knows this until the worst happens, and Izzy and Adam meet under less-than-romantic circumstances. The humor inherent in the situation had me smiling throughout.
The romance develops beautifully, the pacing is exquisite, and the emotional connection between our hero and heroine is so well motivated. Fans of PG contemporary romantic comedy will want to add this title, and Diane Darcy's many other titles, to their keeper shelves. Kudos to the author!
Izzy works at the V.A. hospital where Adam obtains treatment...and Izzy's father also works at Adam's jewelry store. But no one knows this until the worst happens, and Izzy and Adam meet under less-than-romantic circumstances. The humor inherent in the situation had me smiling throughout.
The romance develops beautifully, the pacing is exquisite, and the emotional connection between our hero and heroine is so well motivated. Fans of PG contemporary romantic comedy will want to add this title, and Diane Darcy's many other titles, to their keeper shelves. Kudos to the author!
April 1, 2014
Cute! I thought it was a fun modern day re-telling. I don't think Adam was "beast" enough. He was so nice that the two sides they tried to connect just didn't always fit.
Just a fun light hearted read.
PS I have four girls(granted they are not teenagers yet), and never in a million years would I think to loan them a $100,000 necklace. That whole plot was just SILLY!
Just a fun light hearted read.
PS I have four girls(granted they are not teenagers yet), and never in a million years would I think to loan them a $100,000 necklace. That whole plot was just SILLY!
May 14, 2022
2.5 stars. Another nice piece of fluff from Diane Darcy. OK, so it's not great literature and some of the characters are a bit two dimensional but it's romantic and fun.
This one was a little hard to get into as the premise felt a bit contrived but I started enjoying the story more as I got further along.
This one was a little hard to get into as the premise felt a bit contrived but I started enjoying the story more as I got further along.
October 12, 2014
It's cute and I enjoyed it but the ending was pretty cheesy. The epilogue was good though.
June 7, 2017
Awesome as always
I loved this book most out of the three in the series. It had whimsy and lightheartedness mixed with sadness and even a bit of mystery. Love the series and wish there was more!
I loved this book most out of the three in the series. It had whimsy and lightheartedness mixed with sadness and even a bit of mystery. Love the series and wish there was more!
August 22, 2017
Cute modern take on Beauty and the Beast.
October 1, 2016
A little different take on the Beauty and the Beast theme that had potential but I found kind of boring at times. The Beast is a wounded veteran of the Afghan war with a crippled leg and a big scar on his face. He is a jeweler by trade and has done quite well. He has purchased himself a "castle" right on the beach in Southern California. While seeing a doctor at the V.A. he notices a beautiful nurse that he decides he wants to know (a lot) better. He becomes a little bit of a nuisance in his quest.
Meanwhile, at his jewelry store his manager "borrows" a $100,000 necklace for his daughter to wear to her prom. The manager, a recovering alcoholic, feels bad that he's never been able to give his daughters the kind of life they deserved and thinks letting his youngest daughter wear the beautiful necklace will help. Until, she loses the necklace and it can't be found anywhere.
Turns out the older daughter is the nurse at the V.A. and she volunteers to work for the jeweler at his home until the necklace is found or some repayment is worked out. So, beauty is now living at the beast's home.
As I said, it got a little boring at times. Both leading characters were wonderful people, probably too wonderful for me. But it was a pleasant read and fairytales do come true.
Meanwhile, at his jewelry store his manager "borrows" a $100,000 necklace for his daughter to wear to her prom. The manager, a recovering alcoholic, feels bad that he's never been able to give his daughters the kind of life they deserved and thinks letting his youngest daughter wear the beautiful necklace will help. Until, she loses the necklace and it can't be found anywhere.
Turns out the older daughter is the nurse at the V.A. and she volunteers to work for the jeweler at his home until the necklace is found or some repayment is worked out. So, beauty is now living at the beast's home.
As I said, it got a little boring at times. Both leading characters were wonderful people, probably too wonderful for me. But it was a pleasant read and fairytales do come true.
February 18, 2014
I don't know why the title was not a dead give-away but this book is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It was basically a nice story--generally speaking. There were things I was not wild about. I felt the premise of Beauty's staying with the Beast was not strong or it was a bit implausible. I felt Beauty's fleeing after the necklace was found was pretty strange. I felt that at times the characters did things inconsistent with themselves...if that makes sense. I did not like that the POV switched to Courtney at the end. I also felt that arranging the reunion at the end was kind of odd. On the up-side, I did like Adam's character and did like the relationship that developed between Adam and Izzy. I liked that Adam took the honest approach when he found the necklace and at other times in the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2016
Final feeling: Loved it!
Sweet and engaging B&B story set in modern times. The final scene where they finally admit their love to each other was one of the best scenes I've read in a while. I was laughing so hard! but also feeling that warmth that only a good romance book gives. I'll definitely reread this one.
Sweet and engaging B&B story set in modern times. The final scene where they finally admit their love to each other was one of the best scenes I've read in a while. I was laughing so hard! but also feeling that warmth that only a good romance book gives. I'll definitely reread this one.
May 21, 2014
This is one of her best! I actually had a couple laugh out loud moments and was left wanting more! Who will Courtney trap? Will Grace ever see her brothers friend as more? Will wealthy heiress/beauty queen ever find honest true love? And let's not forget those hunky poker players! I'm ready for more... Bring it.
July 6, 2014
Awesomeness
This story was up beat and fun to read. it's clean and good for all readers. I liked how Adam and Isabelle got to know each other and finally get around Isabelles father and sister problems of the necklace. I liked the humor and teasing among The marine friends of Adam. A very good book. Look forward for more like it.
This story was up beat and fun to read. it's clean and good for all readers. I liked how Adam and Isabelle got to know each other and finally get around Isabelles father and sister problems of the necklace. I liked the humor and teasing among The marine friends of Adam. A very good book. Look forward for more like it.
March 20, 2014
I liked the non-fantasy parallels of the story to the original. It was a fun read for a night I couldn't sleep and was trying to keep my mind off some stress.
March 27, 2014
A good, clean romance with cute parallels to the fairytale!
April 28, 2014
Not bad, I just got bored halfway through and skimmed the rest.
May 17, 2014
This was cute for what it was, a very improbable fairy tale. A sweet clean romance
June 2, 2014
Loved it! This is a good contemporary romance. The set up, based on Beauty and the Beast, was well done! I really enjoyed it. Clean and really nice chemistry!
September 11, 2014
Another fun read by Diane Darcy. Cute title, cute story! And what a great pairing; I enjoyed the humor and repartee' between the two!
March 29, 2016
Capers
May 12, 2014
Fun, clean read - probably my favorite re-telling of Beauty and the Beast...
Content: Clean
Content: Clean
August 15, 2014
This book was lovely. A fun, sweet modern fairytale retelling. Clean and adorable.
February 23, 2016
Clean romance, but lots of Swoony, aboveboard attraction. Really cute take on Beauty and the Beast and an all-around feel good story. I'm going to look for more Diane Darcy books!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews