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Beasts of the Briar #1
Bonded by Thorns
A Beauty and the Beast Fantasy Romance Retelling
Four handsome fae princes.
One awkward bookworm.
An Enchanted Vale.
A beastly curse to break.
Rosalina O’Connell lives her life in Orca Cove as quietly as she can.
When her father turns up missing, Rosie goes after him and finds herself in the Enchanted Vale, the land of the fae. Where her father has been imprisoned and Rosie has no choice but to make a deal with four fae Princes to take his place.
As Rosie begins to learn more about the four Princes, she discovers that they have been cursed. The Princes must take on the form of demonic wolves every night and with every year that passes, more of their magic fades away.
If the Princes can each find their mate, they will break their curse and free their realm. Rosie is determined to help them…
The only problem is, the more time she spends with the Princes, the more she’s convinced that she’s the one they’re all meant to be with.
A spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling filled with enchanted fae, morally grey characters, a stupidly hot villain and a princess who has found her Prince Charming. All four of them.
Four handsome fae princes.
One awkward bookworm.
An Enchanted Vale.
A beastly curse to break.
Rosalina O’Connell lives her life in Orca Cove as quietly as she can.
When her father turns up missing, Rosie goes after him and finds herself in the Enchanted Vale, the land of the fae. Where her father has been imprisoned and Rosie has no choice but to make a deal with four fae Princes to take his place.
As Rosie begins to learn more about the four Princes, she discovers that they have been cursed. The Princes must take on the form of demonic wolves every night and with every year that passes, more of their magic fades away.
If the Princes can each find their mate, they will break their curse and free their realm. Rosie is determined to help them…
The only problem is, the more time she spends with the Princes, the more she’s convinced that she’s the one they’re all meant to be with.
A spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling filled with enchanted fae, morally grey characters, a stupidly hot villain and a princess who has found her Prince Charming. All four of them.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published February 7, 2023
11375 people are currently reading
140751 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Helen
13 books3,541 followersElizabeth Helen is the combined pen name of sister writing duo, Elizabeth and Helen. Elizabeth and Helen write fantasy romance and love creating enchanting adventures for their characters. When they’re not writing, you can find them snuggling their cats, exploring their rainforest home in British Columbia, Canada, or rolling the dice for a game of Dungeons & Dragons. You can connect with them on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.
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Website: https://elizabethhelen.carrd.co
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Website: https://elizabethhelen.carrd.co
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,189 reviews
May 28, 2023
Bonded by Thorns is undeserving of its 4 star rating. I am genuinely surprised by the number of raving reviews. Why are people swooning over a story this uninteresting and problematic? Rose - Rosie - Rosalina was as dimwitted as she was dull.
Lots of spoilers going forward! Read at your own risk.
When Rosalina is first mentioned in the book, she's quiet and easily cowed by her previous abusive boyfriend. She tolerates his presence because it gives her some comfort to be near the man that carved his name into her arm (a fact that is never addressed later on in the book, but definitely should have been). She was willing to entertain the idea of marriage to someone that discarded her - repeatedly - as he went around and did whatever he wanted. How could she have been so naïve and cared so little about herself? Where was her sense of self-preservation? If the authors really wanted to make it believable, they should have written it better.
Going back to her personality, it's like she's a completely different person once she reaches fae lands. She's brave, courageous, stands up for herself and others - something she's never done before - and it was just too fucking unbelievable. Don't even get me started on the ridiculousness of the princes and their curse. The Prince of Thorns? Laughable. No one even blinked at him calling her "princess." Why wasn't that ever addressed? Also, why does he even care? Poorly explained, poorly executed, poorly written.
If I'm being completely honest, I went into this one for the romance and reverse harem theme, but even that was a disappointment. If you're going to have a terrible, nearly nonexistent plot, then at least entertain your readers with steamy sex scenes and erotic content. Bonded by Thorns failed on all accounts. There were some okay moments between Dayton and Farron, but even those were short and excluded the main character.
The dialogue was awful and cringey.
Examples:
1. In a burst of I-just-about-died rage, I glower up at him. “How the fuck am I supposed to answer you when you’re choking me out, you overgrown tin can?”
2. Heh heh.
3. He wrapped his hand around my throat and choked me out.
4. But I am no Peeping Tom, so I force my eyes up. Only, ogling his eight-pack abs and perfect pecs doesn’t seem less creepy at the moment.
5. ...at least death by a monstrous wolf is a bit more awesome than falling off the bookstore stool.
6. That traitor trash panda.
7. “He was really mean!”
I'm not even going to attempt to touch on all of the inconsistencies and grammatical errors. 😑 The princes also kept referring to their human forms and calling themselves men. They're not supposed to be human... At least Sarah J. Maas did that right. Males, males, males.
I went into this book expecting to be enamored with four fae princes all vying for one woman's attention, and them enjoying her separately and together. However, Rosalina was horrible. Her "bewilderment" and "acceptance" not believable for a second. It was also too similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses for my liking, but whatever.
A man behind a mask, her being placed in the Spring Court section of the castle, cursed to turn into animals and needing to find love to break the spell... sound familiar?
This book was a complete waste of my time and money. I hope this review saves a few others from making the same mistake. (★★☆☆☆)
Blog | Instagram | Amazon
Lots of spoilers going forward! Read at your own risk.
When Rosalina is first mentioned in the book, she's quiet and easily cowed by her previous abusive boyfriend. She tolerates his presence because it gives her some comfort to be near the man that carved his name into her arm (a fact that is never addressed later on in the book, but definitely should have been). She was willing to entertain the idea of marriage to someone that discarded her - repeatedly - as he went around and did whatever he wanted. How could she have been so naïve and cared so little about herself? Where was her sense of self-preservation? If the authors really wanted to make it believable, they should have written it better.
“His name is Lucas. We’ve been on and off since I was fifteen, but I think it’s serious now. Super serious.” I take a deep breath. “Or at least it could have been, if I hadn’t been imprisoned by the fae.”
Going back to her personality, it's like she's a completely different person once she reaches fae lands. She's brave, courageous, stands up for herself and others - something she's never done before - and it was just too fucking unbelievable. Don't even get me started on the ridiculousness of the princes and their curse. The Prince of Thorns? Laughable. No one even blinked at him calling her "princess." Why wasn't that ever addressed? Also, why does he even care? Poorly explained, poorly executed, poorly written.
If I'm being completely honest, I went into this one for the romance and reverse harem theme, but even that was a disappointment. If you're going to have a terrible, nearly nonexistent plot, then at least entertain your readers with steamy sex scenes and erotic content. Bonded by Thorns failed on all accounts. There were some okay moments between Dayton and Farron, but even those were short and excluded the main character.
The dialogue was awful and cringey.
Examples:
1. In a burst of I-just-about-died rage, I glower up at him. “How the fuck am I supposed to answer you when you’re choking me out, you overgrown tin can?”
2. Heh heh.
3. He wrapped his hand around my throat and choked me out.
4. But I am no Peeping Tom, so I force my eyes up. Only, ogling his eight-pack abs and perfect pecs doesn’t seem less creepy at the moment.
5. ...at least death by a monstrous wolf is a bit more awesome than falling off the bookstore stool.
6. That traitor trash panda.
7. “He was really mean!”
I'm not even going to attempt to touch on all of the inconsistencies and grammatical errors. 😑 The princes also kept referring to their human forms and calling themselves men. They're not supposed to be human... At least Sarah J. Maas did that right. Males, males, males.
I went into this book expecting to be enamored with four fae princes all vying for one woman's attention, and them enjoying her separately and together. However, Rosalina was horrible. Her "bewilderment" and "acceptance" not believable for a second. It was also too similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses for my liking, but whatever.
A man behind a mask, her being placed in the Spring Court section of the castle, cursed to turn into animals and needing to find love to break the spell... sound familiar?
This book was a complete waste of my time and money. I hope this review saves a few others from making the same mistake. (★★☆☆☆)
Blog | Instagram | Amazon
June 18, 2024
I read this in a day. A DAY. That’s how fucking epic it is. Apart from being my dream pitch: a why-choose Beauty and the Beast retelling with four fae princes (I MEAN, HONESTLY), this story was so compelling and visual and funny, AND THE SPICE. Holy shit, the spice. I didn’t want this book to end. AND I ESPECIALLY DIDN’T WANT IT TO END ON AN ALMIGHTY CLIFFHANGER, ELIZABETH AND HELEN. *clutches at pearls*
Thankfully the next book comes out in June, so I guess I’ll just be holding my breath til then.
(Er, just in case you’re a little slutty reader like me and need to know these things, this is a series and there isn’t any, ah, group activities in this first book.)
5⭐️ 2.5-3🌶️ (MM and FM scenes)
Thankfully the next book comes out in June, so I guess I’ll just be holding my breath til then.
(Er, just in case you’re a little slutty reader like me and need to know these things, this is a series and there isn’t any, ah, group activities in this first book.)
5⭐️ 2.5-3🌶️ (MM and FM scenes)
Read
January 22, 2023Hello!
We're Elizabeth Helen (the combined pen name of sisters Elizabeth and Helen!)
When we set out to write this book, we knew we wanted to take elements from the classic fairytale, the beloved movie, and weave in fae romance and fated mates. Plus, make it four princes
That meant including not only steamy romance, but also action and adventure, laugh-out-loud moments, and a tantalizing villain! We had so much fun writing the beginning of the series and can't wait for everyone to read it!
🥀🥀🥀🥀
Want to meet the characters?
🌹The Beauty - Rosalina 🌹
Rosalina O’Connell: superhero, knight, secret agent, mafia princess... Or at least she’s those things in her books. In reality, she’s an average bookworm who’s just found herself in a real fairytale. She’s imprisoned by four beastly princes in an enchanted castle. And in the dangerous realm of the fae, happily ever afters are never guaranteed.
Belle meets Evie from the Mummy
❄️ The Winter Prince - Keldarion ❄️
The Winter Prince may seem cool on the outside, but he’s all hot-blooded male. Keldarion, Master of the enchanted castle and Prince of the Winter Realm, has been spurned in love before and he’s determined not to find his mate. But when a stubborn and beautiful bookworm walks through his doors, he just might be persuaded to change his mind.
Geralt of Rivia meets The Beast
🌷 The Spring Prince - Ezryn 🌷
Tall, metal, and handsome. What’s underneath the helmet of the mysterious Spring Prince, Ezryn? Only his fated mate will ever find out. In the meantime, this deadly but graceful prince makes sure no one ever hurts his family... Because he hurts the enemy first. But he’s got a gentle side too... even if that means pinning you down to heal you.
The Mandalorian meets John Wick
☀️The Summer Prince ☀️
Dayton, Prince of the Summer Realm, has never found a problem he can’t fight, drink, or f*ck his way out of. Until Rosalina gets imprisoned in his enchanted castle. She’s as stubborn as she is beautiful, and she’s not letting him get off easy. Which is just fine with him, because he’s not going to let her get off without working for it, either.
Achilles meets Han Solo
🍁The Autumn Prince 🍁
Farron, Prince of the Autumn Realm, is more comfortable surrounded by books and research papers than with other people. But when Rosalina gets imprisoned in his castle, he finds himself drawn to the beautiful bookworm. And she could be just the person to get this anxious professor to loosen his tie...
Milo Thatch meets Peter Parker
🖤The Prince of Thorns 🖤
Sure, the Prince of Thorns may be sending goblin raids against all the fae realms. And yes, his thorns are attacking the source of all magic for the fae. And FINE, he is totally harassing the Winter Prince for an unknown reason. But so? He’s the goddamn Prince of Thorns. Evil is in his blood. And he looks damn fine doing it.
The Darkling meets Damon Salvatore
🥀🥀🥀🥀
Thank you so much for reading! Bonded by Thorns comes out on Febuary 7th and will be the first of a series!
BONDED BY THORNS is a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling set in a fantasy fae realm. In this version, our beautiful bookworm doesn't have to choose between the four sexy fae princes. It is a full-length novel that ends on a cliffhanger. It includes MF and MM content. It is intended for mature readers only.
We're Elizabeth Helen (the combined pen name of sisters Elizabeth and Helen!)
When we set out to write this book, we knew we wanted to take elements from the classic fairytale, the beloved movie, and weave in fae romance and fated mates. Plus, make it four princes
That meant including not only steamy romance, but also action and adventure, laugh-out-loud moments, and a tantalizing villain! We had so much fun writing the beginning of the series and can't wait for everyone to read it!
🥀🥀🥀🥀
Want to meet the characters?
🌹The Beauty - Rosalina 🌹
Rosalina O’Connell: superhero, knight, secret agent, mafia princess... Or at least she’s those things in her books. In reality, she’s an average bookworm who’s just found herself in a real fairytale. She’s imprisoned by four beastly princes in an enchanted castle. And in the dangerous realm of the fae, happily ever afters are never guaranteed.
Belle meets Evie from the Mummy
❄️ The Winter Prince - Keldarion ❄️
The Winter Prince may seem cool on the outside, but he’s all hot-blooded male. Keldarion, Master of the enchanted castle and Prince of the Winter Realm, has been spurned in love before and he’s determined not to find his mate. But when a stubborn and beautiful bookworm walks through his doors, he just might be persuaded to change his mind.
Geralt of Rivia meets The Beast
🌷 The Spring Prince - Ezryn 🌷
Tall, metal, and handsome. What’s underneath the helmet of the mysterious Spring Prince, Ezryn? Only his fated mate will ever find out. In the meantime, this deadly but graceful prince makes sure no one ever hurts his family... Because he hurts the enemy first. But he’s got a gentle side too... even if that means pinning you down to heal you.
The Mandalorian meets John Wick
☀️The Summer Prince ☀️
Dayton, Prince of the Summer Realm, has never found a problem he can’t fight, drink, or f*ck his way out of. Until Rosalina gets imprisoned in his enchanted castle. She’s as stubborn as she is beautiful, and she’s not letting him get off easy. Which is just fine with him, because he’s not going to let her get off without working for it, either.
Achilles meets Han Solo
🍁The Autumn Prince 🍁
Farron, Prince of the Autumn Realm, is more comfortable surrounded by books and research papers than with other people. But when Rosalina gets imprisoned in his castle, he finds himself drawn to the beautiful bookworm. And she could be just the person to get this anxious professor to loosen his tie...
Milo Thatch meets Peter Parker
🖤The Prince of Thorns 🖤
Sure, the Prince of Thorns may be sending goblin raids against all the fae realms. And yes, his thorns are attacking the source of all magic for the fae. And FINE, he is totally harassing the Winter Prince for an unknown reason. But so? He’s the goddamn Prince of Thorns. Evil is in his blood. And he looks damn fine doing it.
The Darkling meets Damon Salvatore
🥀🥀🥀🥀
Thank you so much for reading! Bonded by Thorns comes out on Febuary 7th and will be the first of a series!
BONDED BY THORNS is a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling set in a fantasy fae realm. In this version, our beautiful bookworm doesn't have to choose between the four sexy fae princes. It is a full-length novel that ends on a cliffhanger. It includes MF and MM content. It is intended for mature readers only.
April 8, 2023
Wow.
1. Booktok needs to stop promoting this book. There are so many better re-tellings of Beauty and the Beast.
2. I never would have picked it up if I knew it was going to be a trilogy and the last two books weren’t out.
3. This read like a really bad fan-fiction. It literally has so many lines from the original story and Disney film.
4. I…just…don’t understand why so many people are talking about this one? It’s spicy, sure, but the plot makes like .002% sense and the spice isn’t even that good. Idk.
My suggestion would be to find another fantasy romance instead of trying this one. Maturity warning: Why Choose, MMFM, spicey.
1. Booktok needs to stop promoting this book. There are so many better re-tellings of Beauty and the Beast.
2. I never would have picked it up if I knew it was going to be a trilogy and the last two books weren’t out.
3. This read like a really bad fan-fiction. It literally has so many lines from the original story and Disney film.
4. I…just…don’t understand why so many people are talking about this one? It’s spicy, sure, but the plot makes like .002% sense and the spice isn’t even that good. Idk.
My suggestion would be to find another fantasy romance instead of trying this one. Maturity warning: Why Choose, MMFM, spicey.
May 5, 2023
Beautiful cover but …..
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
October 29, 2023
What kind of homie hopping wattpad wolf book did I just read
March 2, 2025
2.75⭐️
April 3, 2023
I got 10 chapters in, hard DNF.
Writing was juvenile, very rushed initial love interest (definitely some trauma bond there, yikes) and then suddenly our FMC was able to find what her dad has been trying to find for 25 years within 2 minutes of searching? It’s not adding up.
Also didn’t enjoy the modern day vocabulary either but that’s a personal pet peeve of mine.
Not for me. I can’t see myself ever finishing this and it had promise being a Beauty and the Beast retelling.
Writing was juvenile, very rushed initial love interest (definitely some trauma bond there, yikes) and then suddenly our FMC was able to find what her dad has been trying to find for 25 years within 2 minutes of searching? It’s not adding up.
Also didn’t enjoy the modern day vocabulary either but that’s a personal pet peeve of mine.
Not for me. I can’t see myself ever finishing this and it had promise being a Beauty and the Beast retelling.
April 13, 2025
“And every moment I am not touching you, it eats my soul inside out, tearing me apart, until merely looking at you is an anguish I would only wish upon my worst enemy.”
this book was so angsty and tension filled, i got addicted so fast. this is a beauty and the beast retelling, but it’s more in concept rather than following the original fairytale. the fmc Rosalina is a human who’s father goes missing and she ends up stumbling into the fae realm in search of him. in her desperate plea to save him, she makes a bargain with the ruler of Castletree to be his prisoner instead. but the longer she’s there, she starts to find her place and home with the people who inhabit Castletree. all while trying to find a way to break the 4 fae princes curse, which forces them and everyone in Castletree to turn into feral beasts every single night. there’s also the very imminent threat from the below and its ruler: Caspian, the prince of thorns.
”There is nothing in this world I would not give up for you, no sacrifice I would not make.”
at first, i thought this would be a mindless read but i actually really loved the characters and got so invested. Rosalina is very naive, but she’s self aware and is one of those main characters who’s on the softer side. the four fae princes: Keldarion, Farron, Dayton and Ezryn had me fighting for my life could I COULD NOT choose a favorite.. im obsessed with them all. i liked how they each have their own separate kingdom within Castletree and are the princes of seasons (Winter, Autumn, Summer and Spring). they’re personalities are all so different and the bond they each form with Rosalina was everything to me. I’m so curious about Caspian and his situation with Kaldarion. this was such a painful slow burn and the agony of their situation really bled through. I’ve fell down a rabbit hole with this series and now im panicking cause I learned it’s not even finished!!
this book was so angsty and tension filled, i got addicted so fast. this is a beauty and the beast retelling, but it’s more in concept rather than following the original fairytale. the fmc Rosalina is a human who’s father goes missing and she ends up stumbling into the fae realm in search of him. in her desperate plea to save him, she makes a bargain with the ruler of Castletree to be his prisoner instead. but the longer she’s there, she starts to find her place and home with the people who inhabit Castletree. all while trying to find a way to break the 4 fae princes curse, which forces them and everyone in Castletree to turn into feral beasts every single night. there’s also the very imminent threat from the below and its ruler: Caspian, the prince of thorns.
”There is nothing in this world I would not give up for you, no sacrifice I would not make.”
at first, i thought this would be a mindless read but i actually really loved the characters and got so invested. Rosalina is very naive, but she’s self aware and is one of those main characters who’s on the softer side. the four fae princes: Keldarion, Farron, Dayton and Ezryn had me fighting for my life could I COULD NOT choose a favorite.. im obsessed with them all. i liked how they each have their own separate kingdom within Castletree and are the princes of seasons (Winter, Autumn, Summer and Spring). they’re personalities are all so different and the bond they each form with Rosalina was everything to me. I’m so curious about Caspian and his situation with Kaldarion. this was such a painful slow burn and the agony of their situation really bled through. I’ve fell down a rabbit hole with this series and now im panicking cause I learned it’s not even finished!!
Want to read
April 1, 2024I just found out that one of the MMCc in this book was inspired by Kovu from Simba's Pride.
I also might have just figured out 7yo me was probably a furry🤔
I also might have just figured out 7yo me was probably a furry🤔
April 6, 2023
I am obsessed. This is the best Beauty & the Beast retelling that I have read in a very long time, and it's truly unique because it's the first reverse harem/why choose B&TB retelling that I've come across. In some ways the story is similar to the one we all know, however, I was hooked the entire time and could not put it down (I was even reading while I was at work). I was never bored. I am just mad because I didn't realize that this a new and unfinished series, and now I have to wait SO long for book 2. The cliffhanger is really bad. Also, check triggers because this gets dark (kidnapping/imprisonment, violence, attempted sexual assault, past emotional and physical domestic abuse (by her ex-boyfriend), etc.).
This is pretty slow-burn, but it has a few spicy scenes here and there. This is a fated mates/rejected mates reverse harem fairytale retelling with MM scenes. The female main character has 4 (maybe 5) love interests. All of the princes have distinct personalities and traits, and they each got a good amount of time on page (Winter Prince probably got the most though). I do hope we get a bit more of the Spring Prince in book 2 because he probably got the least amount of time on page until the very end. I also really liked the FMC--she wasn't annoying or bitchy or naive. She was just pretty normal and likable.
Low key, I kind of hope Caspian is another one of her mates, and that's why she has a connection to the briars and can hear Caspian in her head (did Caspian rescue her at the beginning when someone called her "my mate"?). I think it would be fun if Rosalina does get sent to the Court of Thorns for a bit too and ends up loving it too. It could be like Rhysand/Night Court vibes. I can't tell if Caspian is actually evil or if they just want you to be confused about him, but he really has reasons for everything. I think we have enough villains between Lucas, the evil guy in the Winter Court, possibly the missing Queen, and possibly the Enchantress. It seems like the FMC, Rosalina, is definitely going to be some sort of supernatural. I'm guessing her mom was the Enchantress, and that will help break the curse.
The only thing that's annoying in this book (besides having to wait so long for book 2!) is that it really is sooo slow in terms of learning new things in the plot. This book ends and NONE of them know what Rose is to them or have acknowledged having romantic feelings for her (beyond lust). None of them besides the Winter Prince even suspect she is their mate. We also have learned basically nothing about the history between the Winter Prince and the Prince of Thorns (seems like they were lovers with a bad betrayal in the end) or what their bargain is or what the Winter Prince did to make the realm hate him, as well as the other princes' backgrounds in their kingdoms that are so often eluded to. Rather, we keep getting these random references without any further info. I think it made sense because the book was really focused on building the world, setting the stage, and developing each character individually and together, which worked for book 1, but we need more in book 2. The stage has been set!
I also really want Rosalina to realize that she has been a victim of emotional, mental, and physical abuse with Lucas, and she needs to confide in the princes in the next book. I can't wait for them to go absolutely feral when they learn about what Lucas did to her. It's ironic because Rosalina was worried about getting stockholm syndrome with the princes, but it seems like she already had it a bit with Lucas with the way he would suck her in, and then she would justify his abuse.
That said, I'm SO excited to see what comes next in this series. I thought this book really struck the perfect balance of romantic tension, inner monologue, dialogue between characters, description, and action. I loved the side characters and Rosalina's little family dinners with the princes too. This series has so much potential. I am already going back to re-read my favorite scenes.
This is pretty slow-burn, but it has a few spicy scenes here and there. This is a fated mates/rejected mates reverse harem fairytale retelling with MM scenes. The female main character has 4 (maybe 5) love interests. All of the princes have distinct personalities and traits, and they each got a good amount of time on page (Winter Prince probably got the most though). I do hope we get a bit more of the Spring Prince in book 2 because he probably got the least amount of time on page until the very end. I also really liked the FMC--she wasn't annoying or bitchy or naive. She was just pretty normal and likable.
Low key, I kind of hope Caspian is another one of her mates, and that's why she has a connection to the briars and can hear Caspian in her head (did Caspian rescue her at the beginning when someone called her "my mate"?). I think it would be fun if Rosalina does get sent to the Court of Thorns for a bit too and ends up loving it too. It could be like Rhysand/Night Court vibes. I can't tell if Caspian is actually evil or if they just want you to be confused about him, but he really has reasons for everything. I think we have enough villains between Lucas, the evil guy in the Winter Court, possibly the missing Queen, and possibly the Enchantress. It seems like the FMC, Rosalina, is definitely going to be some sort of supernatural. I'm guessing her mom was the Enchantress, and that will help break the curse.
The only thing that's annoying in this book (besides having to wait so long for book 2!) is that it really is sooo slow in terms of learning new things in the plot. This book ends and NONE of them know what Rose is to them or have acknowledged having romantic feelings for her (beyond lust). None of them besides the Winter Prince even suspect she is their mate. We also have learned basically nothing about the history between the Winter Prince and the Prince of Thorns (seems like they were lovers with a bad betrayal in the end) or what their bargain is or what the Winter Prince did to make the realm hate him, as well as the other princes' backgrounds in their kingdoms that are so often eluded to. Rather, we keep getting these random references without any further info. I think it made sense because the book was really focused on building the world, setting the stage, and developing each character individually and together, which worked for book 1, but we need more in book 2. The stage has been set!
I also really want Rosalina to realize that she has been a victim of emotional, mental, and physical abuse with Lucas, and she needs to confide in the princes in the next book. I can't wait for them to go absolutely feral when they learn about what Lucas did to her. It's ironic because Rosalina was worried about getting stockholm syndrome with the princes, but it seems like she already had it a bit with Lucas with the way he would suck her in, and then she would justify his abuse.
That said, I'm SO excited to see what comes next in this series. I thought this book really struck the perfect balance of romantic tension, inner monologue, dialogue between characters, description, and action. I loved the side characters and Rosalina's little family dinners with the princes too. This series has so much potential. I am already going back to re-read my favorite scenes.
December 30, 2023
This was such a fun why choose Beauty and the Beast retelling! I thought that the princes were so interesting and really liked their dynamics with one another. They were all very different and developed different relationships with the heroine. She strikes a bargain with them that once she finds their mates to break the curse, she can return home. It ended on a cliffhanger that has be really intrigued, so I'm excited to pick up the next book!
May 1, 2023
2.8
**CONTAINS SPOILERS AT THE END**
Once again BookTok has hyped up a book that wasn’t as good as the hype, I really wish someone would have been honest but with any book recommended by BookTok you have to take it with a grain of salt, because not everyone rates books the same. With that being said I really wished I knew what I was actually getting into.
Firstly this book is technically a Isekai (in short it means it starts off in one era/dimension/realm then the protagonist somehow is transported into another) this book is also a reverse harem and I do enjoy a good reverse harem none of these aspects makes the book bad. My problem is that this fantasy book takes place in modern day society, the main protagonist is from the Pacific Northwest. Ive read a couple books like this and my problem is that the author LOOOOOVES to make too many pop culture and modern day references that I’m trying to escape from. It just becomes my biggest ICK and I personally dislike mixing both fantasy with reality, thats just a preference. But too me these references came across as corny and cringy, I’ll definitely give examples toward the end.
Secondly the writing style was too fanfic for my liking, no disrespect to the author. There is a clear difference between someone who is more seasoned and an establish writer who does this everyday for a living and has multiple series vs someone who likes this genre and is a fan of others works and wants to become that one day. Like we all have to start somewhere, I do understand that tremendously, but with that being said I do feel like it makes the book come off more YA or juvenile than adult but the spicy scenes are well written like those didn’t feel YA at all. (MM AND MF)
Lastly I do want to add that this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast I think thats why so many of us wanted to read it and why so many people raved about it, and since its a retelling I do understand that its suppose to take inspiration from the original but this book is plainly obvious that it almost feels plagiarized, yes it has a few unique differences but overall I could totally tell this was just Beauty and the Beast. I prefer authors to take the theme and make it an underlining factor but this book had several lines and situations that happened exactly like Beauty and the Beast that was too on the nose. Like I said before this did have a unique twist like instead of one beast there was 4 fae princes each pining for the main character. Each prince had a different personality/archetype and each prince represented a season…Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. There was some dialogue that again made me feel like I was reading fanfic or an underdeveloped story and there was so many times I wanted to not finish. Overall this wasn’t as good as everyone made it, I kinda felt disappointed and low-key cheated, its not until about past 86% that this story actually picks up and gets down to the nitty-gritty. I honestly feel like the author one day had an epiphany or version of one of the scenes and decided she wanted to make a book but didn’t know how but she did her best to get us to that one particular point. Those last few chapters were definitely that envision and it wasn’t bad actually and it almost felt like its own book just getting there wasn’t enjoyable. The spicy scenes, banter, and sexual tension also weren’t bad but it didn’t make up for all the wasted time.
***EXAMPLES AND ICKS****
Spoilers ahead from this point on.
So there were times I wanted to delete the book off kindle and then delete kindle cause of the corny dialogue and cheesy references. There was a part were she was trying to escape from being a prisoner and she’s hanging off the ledge of the window and BAM “I hope I don’t die like Mufasa” BFFR Ugh there was another point were she was refusing food then finally she caves in and said “well this beats stale cold pop tarts at home”. She was trying to get away from one of the princes and tells him to “kick rocks”! Childish. And my last example is when she was researching with one of the fae in the library and in his POV he’s basically just staring at her tits and when she realizes she goes “I’m so sorry I normally wear hoodies” and the prince is like ???? What’s a hoodie. Honestly I half expected her maids to say SLAAAY QUEEEENN or something cringy like that at some point and that would've been my 13th reason.
WHOEVER SAID THIS WAS 5 STARS YOUR MOMS A HOE!
**CONTAINS SPOILERS AT THE END**
Once again BookTok has hyped up a book that wasn’t as good as the hype, I really wish someone would have been honest but with any book recommended by BookTok you have to take it with a grain of salt, because not everyone rates books the same. With that being said I really wished I knew what I was actually getting into.
Firstly this book is technically a Isekai (in short it means it starts off in one era/dimension/realm then the protagonist somehow is transported into another) this book is also a reverse harem and I do enjoy a good reverse harem none of these aspects makes the book bad. My problem is that this fantasy book takes place in modern day society, the main protagonist is from the Pacific Northwest. Ive read a couple books like this and my problem is that the author LOOOOOVES to make too many pop culture and modern day references that I’m trying to escape from. It just becomes my biggest ICK and I personally dislike mixing both fantasy with reality, thats just a preference. But too me these references came across as corny and cringy, I’ll definitely give examples toward the end.
Secondly the writing style was too fanfic for my liking, no disrespect to the author. There is a clear difference between someone who is more seasoned and an establish writer who does this everyday for a living and has multiple series vs someone who likes this genre and is a fan of others works and wants to become that one day. Like we all have to start somewhere, I do understand that tremendously, but with that being said I do feel like it makes the book come off more YA or juvenile than adult but the spicy scenes are well written like those didn’t feel YA at all. (MM AND MF)
Lastly I do want to add that this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast I think thats why so many of us wanted to read it and why so many people raved about it, and since its a retelling I do understand that its suppose to take inspiration from the original but this book is plainly obvious that it almost feels plagiarized, yes it has a few unique differences but overall I could totally tell this was just Beauty and the Beast. I prefer authors to take the theme and make it an underlining factor but this book had several lines and situations that happened exactly like Beauty and the Beast that was too on the nose. Like I said before this did have a unique twist like instead of one beast there was 4 fae princes each pining for the main character. Each prince had a different personality/archetype and each prince represented a season…Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. There was some dialogue that again made me feel like I was reading fanfic or an underdeveloped story and there was so many times I wanted to not finish. Overall this wasn’t as good as everyone made it, I kinda felt disappointed and low-key cheated, its not until about past 86% that this story actually picks up and gets down to the nitty-gritty. I honestly feel like the author one day had an epiphany or version of one of the scenes and decided she wanted to make a book but didn’t know how but she did her best to get us to that one particular point. Those last few chapters were definitely that envision and it wasn’t bad actually and it almost felt like its own book just getting there wasn’t enjoyable. The spicy scenes, banter, and sexual tension also weren’t bad but it didn’t make up for all the wasted time.
***EXAMPLES AND ICKS****
Spoilers ahead from this point on.
So there were times I wanted to delete the book off kindle and then delete kindle cause of the corny dialogue and cheesy references. There was a part were she was trying to escape from being a prisoner and she’s hanging off the ledge of the window and BAM “I hope I don’t die like Mufasa” BFFR Ugh there was another point were she was refusing food then finally she caves in and said “well this beats stale cold pop tarts at home”. She was trying to get away from one of the princes and tells him to “kick rocks”! Childish. And my last example is when she was researching with one of the fae in the library and in his POV he’s basically just staring at her tits and when she realizes she goes “I’m so sorry I normally wear hoodies” and the prince is like ???? What’s a hoodie. Honestly I half expected her maids to say SLAAAY QUEEEENN or something cringy like that at some point and that would've been my 13th reason.
WHOEVER SAID THIS WAS 5 STARS YOUR MOMS A HOE!
November 2, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS/Bloom Books for an ARC of this book!
A beautiful blend of retelling and fantasy. If you are someone who enjoys retellings especially this is a MUST READ. As someone who reads a decent amount of retellings I can happily report that this is one retelling that won't have you feeling as if you've read the same damn thing 185686 times. There really is such a double edged blade when it comes to retellings.. the "retelling" part implies it's going to be slightly repetitive. Yet we tend to mentally tap out when we find ourselves reading the same thing over & over. As an author of retellings you really need to have a talent for balance. This book is an excellent demonstration of such talent. The reader is going to feel as if their receiving a hug from nostalgia itself while simultaneously getting taken on a new journey. Even if retellings aren't your cup of tea you're still going to want to check this book out! It's just one of those books thats really for anyone who loves to read
Until next time
Hades
🩵
A beautiful blend of retelling and fantasy. If you are someone who enjoys retellings especially this is a MUST READ. As someone who reads a decent amount of retellings I can happily report that this is one retelling that won't have you feeling as if you've read the same damn thing 185686 times. There really is such a double edged blade when it comes to retellings.. the "retelling" part implies it's going to be slightly repetitive. Yet we tend to mentally tap out when we find ourselves reading the same thing over & over. As an author of retellings you really need to have a talent for balance. This book is an excellent demonstration of such talent. The reader is going to feel as if their receiving a hug from nostalgia itself while simultaneously getting taken on a new journey. Even if retellings aren't your cup of tea you're still going to want to check this book out! It's just one of those books thats really for anyone who loves to read
Until next time
Hades
🩵
October 30, 2025
Any time there's a Beauty and the Beast retelling fantasy book...I will be reading. And this did not disappoint! A five star for the vibes book haha.
When Rosalina's father wanders into the fae realm, she must rescue him. In doing so, she bargains with the four fae princes. If she can help them break the curse afflicting the Enchanted Vale, she can return home. But threats to the realm are closing in, and it's up to Rosalina to save everyone.
I flew through this in one sitting. Short, sweet, spicy, and excellent pacing. While the middle portion was on the slower side, I appreciated how fast the plot moved along. I love when I'm quickly immersed in the world-building and dynamics of the court. Something about the writing felt very fairytale. I think because Rosalina's POVs seemed modern, while the princes' POVs had more of an old-fashioned aura.
While this is definitely a guilty pleasure read (lol), the characterization was excellent. I find that often in these romantasies and romances where there are multiple main characters, some of them blend together. But each prince was unique, and I loved how Rosalina had a distinct dynamic with each one. But absolutely would recommend, though I'd go in with expectations of a simply fun, escapism read in mind!
When Rosalina's father wanders into the fae realm, she must rescue him. In doing so, she bargains with the four fae princes. If she can help them break the curse afflicting the Enchanted Vale, she can return home. But threats to the realm are closing in, and it's up to Rosalina to save everyone.
I flew through this in one sitting. Short, sweet, spicy, and excellent pacing. While the middle portion was on the slower side, I appreciated how fast the plot moved along. I love when I'm quickly immersed in the world-building and dynamics of the court. Something about the writing felt very fairytale. I think because Rosalina's POVs seemed modern, while the princes' POVs had more of an old-fashioned aura.
While this is definitely a guilty pleasure read (lol), the characterization was excellent. I find that often in these romantasies and romances where there are multiple main characters, some of them blend together. But each prince was unique, and I loved how Rosalina had a distinct dynamic with each one. But absolutely would recommend, though I'd go in with expectations of a simply fun, escapism read in mind!
May 17, 2024
I regret this.
August 16, 2024
Spectacular give me 14 of them right now
February 19, 2023
Okay tiktok got me on this one
I wanted to like it but I just didn't! There was a lot going on and it felt like not enough time was spent on any of it, maybe it was too short or needed to be split in half to let things develop more depth? I don't know but it wasn't my jam
I think I'm going to pivot away from romance for a bit after this one tbh
I wanted to like it but I just didn't! There was a lot going on and it felt like not enough time was spent on any of it, maybe it was too short or needed to be split in half to let things develop more depth? I don't know but it wasn't my jam
I think I'm going to pivot away from romance for a bit after this one tbh
September 9, 2024
3.5 stars! wait why was this so fun??? a really great beauty and the beast retelling, fast paced, and such lovable characters! I had a few issues (mainly cheesy dialogue) but overall genuinely enjoyed this and I think this may be my first reverse harem I really liked. all of the love interests are fairly well rounded as interesting characters and I can’t wait to see more! also there is great imagery in the writing and the world feels verrrrrry fairytale which is always a huge plus for me. the last line of the book gagged me a bit. I’m excited to continue on with the series!
July 14, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ Spicy beauty and the beast retelling. Not a lot of depth it’s more of a fun fairytale story. With a retelling of this nature it’s cliche and you know what’s going to happen but it’s more of a guilty pleasure read. Cliffhanger ending so I’m immediately reading on because it started to get so good?? Found myself struggling to put it down just because it was an easy, fun read.
October 14, 2025
this was actually so fun?! very excited to continue the series 🙂↕️
July 29, 2023
Do you like books with little-to-no plot, one-dimensional characters, and gay sex scenes? Then congratulations, this is the book for you!
I mean, it was okay. If you wanted to read something just for some spice in your life then I suppose you would enjoy it.
The characters:
Rosalina: She’s pretty much your average Mary-Sue. Her only character trait is that she is beautiful and traumatized and everybody in this book is unsurprisingly enchanted with her. The fae men around her often remark that shes got beauty AND brains but I didn’t see her use a single brain cell the entire time. Let’s go into the dungeon and remove the chain from this hot fae man while he LITERALLY BEGS HER not to.
Farron: hes a researcher who somehow didnt find a peculiar book on mates while he was locked in this castle for 25+ years.
Dayton: I’ll fuck you! And you! And you there in the corner? Yes you too!
Ezryn: tin man? Heals things. He’s just there.
Kel: big daddy of the castle with major anger issues and about as self-loathing as a man could be.
The plot: WHAT PLOT?
They are cursed. Why? Well I’m not telling you lolol.
World builiding: did you really think a book like this would have some beautifully written exposition and world building? I did. Clearly I need to keep looking for something well written and smutty.
I mean, it was okay. If you wanted to read something just for some spice in your life then I suppose you would enjoy it.
The characters:
Rosalina: She’s pretty much your average Mary-Sue. Her only character trait is that she is beautiful and traumatized and everybody in this book is unsurprisingly enchanted with her. The fae men around her often remark that shes got beauty AND brains but I didn’t see her use a single brain cell the entire time. Let’s go into the dungeon and remove the chain from this hot fae man while he LITERALLY BEGS HER not to.
Farron: hes a researcher who somehow didnt find a peculiar book on mates while he was locked in this castle for 25+ years.
Dayton: I’ll fuck you! And you! And you there in the corner? Yes you too!
Ezryn: tin man? Heals things. He’s just there.
Kel: big daddy of the castle with major anger issues and about as self-loathing as a man could be.
The plot: WHAT PLOT?
They are cursed. Why? Well I’m not telling you lolol.
World builiding: did you really think a book like this would have some beautifully written exposition and world building? I did. Clearly I need to keep looking for something well written and smutty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2023
y’all are absolutely tweaking this book was shockingly bad.
I desperately need you all to STOP promoting and liking these books with stream of consciousness writing. I have said this once and I’ll say it again, ITS BAD FOR WORLD BUILDING. It creates an extremely narrow narrative, and that would be fine if the purpose of the book was an unreliable narrator, but let’s be honest, I don’t think that the book could be that complex to do so. The main character isn’t supposed to acknowledge the reader unless they’re trying to break some meta 4th wall, which again, don’t think the book is complex enough. But that’s exactly what the writing felt like to me- Rosalina speaking directly at the reader.
I understand that not everyone reads books for their writing technicality’s, but there does have to be a line drawn eventually. You cannot let writing like this continuously get published just because the demand is high. You’re better off reading fanfiction of Wattpad!
I desperately need you all to STOP promoting and liking these books with stream of consciousness writing. I have said this once and I’ll say it again, ITS BAD FOR WORLD BUILDING. It creates an extremely narrow narrative, and that would be fine if the purpose of the book was an unreliable narrator, but let’s be honest, I don’t think that the book could be that complex to do so. The main character isn’t supposed to acknowledge the reader unless they’re trying to break some meta 4th wall, which again, don’t think the book is complex enough. But that’s exactly what the writing felt like to me- Rosalina speaking directly at the reader.
I understand that not everyone reads books for their writing technicality’s, but there does have to be a line drawn eventually. You cannot let writing like this continuously get published just because the demand is high. You’re better off reading fanfiction of Wattpad!
July 9, 2023
When I say nothing happened, I truly mean it!! From beginning to end nothing happens!!
Also, the story line was ridiculous . The dialogue was awful and cringey. I eye roll so much I'm surprised my eyeballs haven't rolled out of my face.
Also, the story line was ridiculous . The dialogue was awful and cringey. I eye roll so much I'm surprised my eyeballs haven't rolled out of my face.
May 17, 2025
Better than I expected
February 17, 2023
Meh. I have a lot of thoughts on this book and I am just not sure I'll continue the series.
Plot:
This plot is pretty close to the original beauty and the beast and of course has actual quotes from it in the dialogue. Other than the basic outline the 400 page book does not really have a plot moving forward. Curse, Mates needed, the end. We have a ton of build up but the author seems to really want that second book because nothing gets resolved.
Romance:
If I wanted to read MM romance this would be the book for me, but the lack of romance with the heroine and the princes left me wanting. We get romance between princes and a hint of a past romance with winter and the prince of thorns but barely any movement on the romance with Rose. I wanted more, I wanted at least one guy to step up.
Characters:
Honestly rose left a ton to be desired. I understand that this book has created a sad back story to give her some depth but they stripped her of any of the strength belle has in almost every other story close to beauty and the beast. She let Lucas do what? Not only use and abuse her for YEARS but carve his name into her arm with a hunting knife, and she still went back to him? Honest to God I almost stopped reading the book then and there. That is ridiculous.
I am not sure I'll read the next book. I can't say I'm really invested since we got no closure only questions, and I feel this author is thinking 3-4 books based on how long they can drag this out. We may get rose with one prince or two next book, and we won't see all four or closure for the group any time soon.
Plot:
This plot is pretty close to the original beauty and the beast and of course has actual quotes from it in the dialogue. Other than the basic outline the 400 page book does not really have a plot moving forward. Curse, Mates needed, the end. We have a ton of build up but the author seems to really want that second book because nothing gets resolved.
Romance:
If I wanted to read MM romance this would be the book for me, but the lack of romance with the heroine and the princes left me wanting. We get romance between princes and a hint of a past romance with winter and the prince of thorns but barely any movement on the romance with Rose. I wanted more, I wanted at least one guy to step up.
Characters:
Honestly rose left a ton to be desired. I understand that this book has created a sad back story to give her some depth but they stripped her of any of the strength belle has in almost every other story close to beauty and the beast. She let Lucas do what? Not only use and abuse her for YEARS but carve his name into her arm with a hunting knife, and she still went back to him? Honest to God I almost stopped reading the book then and there. That is ridiculous.
I am not sure I'll read the next book. I can't say I'm really invested since we got no closure only questions, and I feel this author is thinking 3-4 books based on how long they can drag this out. We may get rose with one prince or two next book, and we won't see all four or closure for the group any time soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
I had absolutely no idea what was going on, but my brain had fun trying. Don’t read if you’re a stickler for grammar… the sentences do somersaults. Cute somersaults, but still
Edit for midnight tangent- I hate books written about small towns, by people that aren’t from a small town. I was born and raised on an island with roughly 1,200 people on it (googled the census just for this review) and half of those people aren’t even permanent residents. Fuuuuuckkkkk off with all the small town trope bullshit. It’s not real. What is real is someone’s aunt showing up to church in her pajamas and it becoming gossip for the next 10 years. Also, somehow everyone’s related. I’m so glad most of it took place in another realm that was not a “small town” or I would have had to tap out. That whole trope is the only thing keeping me away from only reading cowboy romances:( and I love them so much
ALSO WHY IS THERE ALWAYS A TOWN DOCTOR and why does everyone always have his number???? We never had a doctor, but I think a few firemen are like paramedic certified if you need them. We had to drive 45 minutes off of the bridge to urgent care for anything emergency related. Anyway, sorry for the departure from my normal content but it’s the one trope that gets me lmao…also I kinda miss home. Today was my birthday and it was quieter without all of the noise I used to hate
Edit for midnight tangent- I hate books written about small towns, by people that aren’t from a small town. I was born and raised on an island with roughly 1,200 people on it (googled the census just for this review) and half of those people aren’t even permanent residents. Fuuuuuckkkkk off with all the small town trope bullshit. It’s not real. What is real is someone’s aunt showing up to church in her pajamas and it becoming gossip for the next 10 years. Also, somehow everyone’s related. I’m so glad most of it took place in another realm that was not a “small town” or I would have had to tap out. That whole trope is the only thing keeping me away from only reading cowboy romances:( and I love them so much
ALSO WHY IS THERE ALWAYS A TOWN DOCTOR and why does everyone always have his number???? We never had a doctor, but I think a few firemen are like paramedic certified if you need them. We had to drive 45 minutes off of the bridge to urgent care for anything emergency related. Anyway, sorry for the departure from my normal content but it’s the one trope that gets me lmao…also I kinda miss home. Today was my birthday and it was quieter without all of the noise I used to hate
April 21, 2024
A disgrace.
January 22, 2024
This was surprisingly good and I am going to take this opportunity to state a point "about originality" after the review if you are interested in reading - especially after my review of Fourth WIng.
⚜Theme: RH - Fated/rejected mate (this is one of my guilty pleasure reads although I feel no guilt at all💜💜💜
⚜Characters: fae - humans
⚜TW: emotional abuse - violence
⚜ tropes: slow-burn, one bed, touch her and you die
⚜ POV: multiple but mostly from Rosalina
⚜ spice 🌶🌶 🌶 with MM scenes
⚜ rating: 4.25 🌟🌟🌟🌟🔅
⚜standalone: No, a trilogy
⚜Ending: cliffhanger
Bonded by Thornes is Why-Choose paranormal retelling of Beauty and the Beast. As a matter of fact, it is heavily inspired by Disney's Beauty and the Beast to the point that many "direct lines" and "scenes" are taken.
Rosalina, an introverted 26-year-old bookstore seller, finds herself in the Realm of the Fae after she attempts to save her father. She makes a bargain with the Prince of Winter, Keldarion, to help him and his three Prince friends break their curse and find their mates in exchange for her freedom. But the Four Realm is filled with secrets of the past and nothing is at seems.
The book started with little expectations. I was this close to stopping reading because of how much pathetic Rosalina was depicted and how much she gave in to Lucas (Gastone). But thank God I endured because I enjoyed seeing Rosalina coming to her strength slowly and finding her way to rival the four Princes.
I know that for paranormal RH, smut usually dominates the chapters, and I was expecting and dreading this because usually, these scenes overshadow the plot. Not in this case! I loved how the connection between the 4 (maybe 5???) characters was slowly brewing.
Oh, there are sexy times, but they were not tasteless to belittle the story.
I quite enjoyed the book, but I wished we got more POV from the 4 males. I also found certain parts to be quite stretched and repetitive. But I will definitely continue the series.
===========================================================
Note on Originality
for those of you who've read my review on FW AND UNDERSTOOD it - or not, I would like to repeat my point briefly just for emphasis.
"My issue with FW is not that it heavily took, borrowed, and was inspired by other books, but the fact that it did not bring anything that we would call "belongs to FW". Personally, it is ok to "feel free to quote certain parts" from other books as long as you do it with your own style or twist - add a certain flavor."
for example, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies heavily took from the OG. like word by word. But "the originality" comes in my opinion from the fact that Seth Grahame Smith included freaking female- zombie fighters in a book that satires a society that saw women as inferior to men.
or how about a book like The Sword and The Spark which is heavily influenced by Shakespeare's Macbeth that took the OG story and set it in a Galaxy far far away.
I mean Shakespeare himself was influenced by Greek Tragedy. His Hamlet is a retelling of Oedipus. But while Oedipus literally killed his father and married his mother, Hamlet is a Prince whose father was already killed, his mother was married to his uncle, and Hamlet wishes to kill his uncle and metaphorically replace his father.
So, when we talk about Originality, I do not mean bringing in a 100% pure idea!! Even though a number of brilliant modern writers were able to do that or at least 90%, a writer who is inspired by other books should be able to bring at least 20% new to the table.
Let's take this book for instance. Bonded by Thornes has heavily quotes Disney's Beauty and the Beast. You will find lines there that were taken word by word. Would I consider this work origianl? Yes I would.
The author took the story and set it Fae world with all the secrets, background, deceptions, and traitors, throw in RH romance and you have a nice retelling with its own taste.
so this will always be my question when there a book "inspired" by another or when it is promoted as "this and that " meets "this and that": "Not how much did it take from others, but what new concepts did it bring to the table?"
⚜Theme: RH - Fated/rejected mate (this is one of my guilty pleasure reads although I feel no guilt at all💜💜💜
⚜Characters: fae - humans
⚜TW: emotional abuse - violence
⚜ tropes: slow-burn, one bed, touch her and you die
⚜ POV: multiple but mostly from Rosalina
⚜ spice 🌶🌶 🌶 with MM scenes
⚜ rating: 4.25 🌟🌟🌟🌟🔅
⚜standalone: No, a trilogy
⚜Ending: cliffhanger
Bonded by Thornes is Why-Choose paranormal retelling of Beauty and the Beast. As a matter of fact, it is heavily inspired by Disney's Beauty and the Beast to the point that many "direct lines" and "scenes" are taken.
Rosalina, an introverted 26-year-old bookstore seller, finds herself in the Realm of the Fae after she attempts to save her father. She makes a bargain with the Prince of Winter, Keldarion, to help him and his three Prince friends break their curse and find their mates in exchange for her freedom. But the Four Realm is filled with secrets of the past and nothing is at seems.
The book started with little expectations. I was this close to stopping reading because of how much pathetic Rosalina was depicted and how much she gave in to Lucas (Gastone). But thank God I endured because I enjoyed seeing Rosalina coming to her strength slowly and finding her way to rival the four Princes.
I know that for paranormal RH, smut usually dominates the chapters, and I was expecting and dreading this because usually, these scenes overshadow the plot. Not in this case! I loved how the connection between the 4 (maybe 5???) characters was slowly brewing.
Oh, there are sexy times, but they were not tasteless to belittle the story.
I quite enjoyed the book, but I wished we got more POV from the 4 males. I also found certain parts to be quite stretched and repetitive. But I will definitely continue the series.
===========================================================
Note on Originality
for those of you who've read my review on FW AND UNDERSTOOD it - or not, I would like to repeat my point briefly just for emphasis.
"My issue with FW is not that it heavily took, borrowed, and was inspired by other books, but the fact that it did not bring anything that we would call "belongs to FW". Personally, it is ok to "feel free to quote certain parts" from other books as long as you do it with your own style or twist - add a certain flavor."
for example, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies heavily took from the OG. like word by word. But "the originality" comes in my opinion from the fact that Seth Grahame Smith included freaking female- zombie fighters in a book that satires a society that saw women as inferior to men.
or how about a book like The Sword and The Spark which is heavily influenced by Shakespeare's Macbeth that took the OG story and set it in a Galaxy far far away.
I mean Shakespeare himself was influenced by Greek Tragedy. His Hamlet is a retelling of Oedipus. But while Oedipus literally killed his father and married his mother, Hamlet is a Prince whose father was already killed, his mother was married to his uncle, and Hamlet wishes to kill his uncle and metaphorically replace his father.
So, when we talk about Originality, I do not mean bringing in a 100% pure idea!! Even though a number of brilliant modern writers were able to do that or at least 90%, a writer who is inspired by other books should be able to bring at least 20% new to the table.
Let's take this book for instance. Bonded by Thornes has heavily quotes Disney's Beauty and the Beast. You will find lines there that were taken word by word. Would I consider this work origianl? Yes I would.
The author took the story and set it Fae world with all the secrets, background, deceptions, and traitors, throw in RH romance and you have a nice retelling with its own taste.
so this will always be my question when there a book "inspired" by another or when it is promoted as "this and that " meets "this and that": "Not how much did it take from others, but what new concepts did it bring to the table?"
August 3, 2023
A wonderfully crafted start to this series. Rosalina and the fae princes make for an exciting take on a reimagined beauty and the beast retelling. I'm hooked and looking forward to the release of the next in the series this June.
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