Beautiful Rebellion

Untamable #1

by Eva Rayne

Alaric wants her and he’s prepared to be the beast in her story to get her

As nothing more than a country nobleman’s daughter, Thea believed her future held only the mundane running of a household and soothing the egos of self-important men.

When her father stages a rebellion - grasping at a better life for their often neglected corner of the kingdom - and fails, everything changes and Thea knows her life will never be the same.

Alaric is ruthless, bloodthirsty, and never flinches away from the darker side of what it means to be King. If the whispers are to be believed, he’s as likely to take a head as consider a diplomatic solution.

When he left the palace, Alaric’s only intention was to quash a rebellion, and crush anyone who stood in his way.

But then he saw Thea.

Alaric knows he wants her, and doesn’t care what she has to say about it.

He always gets what he wants.

Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Dark, Smut, Dark Romance

307 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Eva spent her childhood running through the Tennessee mountains, on foot and horseback, daydreaming and creating worlds of her own.

She has been telling stories since she was old enough to talk, and writing them since she learned how to hold a pencil. It was always her goal to turn that love of the written word into a full-time career, and she considers herself truly lucky that she has been able to turn that dream into a reality.

These days, she has found herself branching out from her fantasy and paranormal roots to dive headfirst into the world of romance. Blending the new with the old, adding a pinch of snark, and splashing a dash of spice, she has no plans to ever look back.

Reviews

[Robyn Luther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just Wow! Talk about character building!!! Eva knocked this one out of the park and that is the reason why! You can tell how much time and thought and love she put into building out two main characters!!!

In Beautiful Rebellion we meet our FMC, Thea, the daughter of a country nobleman, Kane. Her father had been leading, and failed, the rebellion against the King, for whom we are led to believe is cruel and cares little for his subjects. And now the King has come to their home. Upon initial introductions, King Alaric is surprised to find that Kane has a daughter. He presses Kane as to why she has never been brought to court. As the conversation unfolds King Alaric proclaims that Thea will be returning to the castle with him. He left no room for argument, though he father did attempt to. The King stated he would give his men and horses 1 night in real beds and that they would leave in the morning.

While Thea agrees, mainly to save her father from possible execution, she is not happy and she makes no qualms about showing exactly that at every turn.

The quips, the banter, the $exual tension, the build up, the romance, the… everything!!! I went back and forth between loving and hating King Alaric and at other times I was shouting at Thea in my head “What are you doing?”!

Alaric and Thea take you on a wild ride and once you start reading… you don’t want to put it down!!! I didn’t want it to end!!! And you won’t either!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love all the banter and tension between Thea and Alaric. This is an angsty beauty and the beast retelling, with an amazing slow burn build up, steamy encounters, and enemy to lover feels.
Thea's attitude is everything, and I love that she rebels against him, even though she is secretly intrigued, It explores her conflicted desires so well. And Alaric is definitely more than he seems, with his cruelty and caring sides in balance.

🖤"Your body, your time, your desires, and I'll be damned, Thea, your very soul, belong to me. You are mine and you will not forget it"

🖤"Sleep now, little lamb. I'll keep you safe"

🖤"Do you want to ruin me, Alaric?"

[Melissa Thyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thea and Alaric. Thea is a young woman who lives at home with her countryside nobleman, father, and brothers. When the king comes and says he wants her to come to live in the kingdoms castle with him. It gave me a Beauty and the Beast vibe. Their romance may have started out in a nonmetal affection, but as Thea grows into her womanhood, the beautiful love story comes together. ❤️ truly enjoyed this story.

[Micki-D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark and delicious retelling. An enemies to lovers forced proximity slow burn that will set you a blaze.

The banter, the tension, the heat the whole story is outstanding.

Thea has always been the good daughter doing as she was told. All well being told Alaric was a monster but that if the stories are wrong? What if he isn’t a beast after all?

Beautiful rebellion will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride.
I laughed
I smiled
I cried
I gasped
I needed more

[Elaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part 1
The story is incomplete with many open plot lines. Other woman drama (loosely, bc she wants him but he doesn’t seem to give her the time of day), the weird comment from a lady’s maid about her not being hurt.
It’s kind-of-sort-of fade to black in the sense we don’t see any real action but we get the graphic foreplay and the build up.

[Linsey Toney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Rebellion is book one in the Untamable series. Please read warnings for this book.

I really LOVE this story! I picked up this book today thinking I'll read a couple of chapters in-between cleaning.. Bad idea lol.. I read this entire book all at once. It is absolutely fantastic! I thought I wasn't going to like the MMC but I love him lol.. The characters, and storyline are great. I really love how the author started the story and the build up throughout. This book also has some spice with discipline, and my favorite hand necklaces.

Tropes: Touch her and die, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, one bed, and more!!

Please write book 2 ASAP! I need it please !!!!

[Rhea Vynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Rebellion takes a classic and adds a deliciously dark and sexy spin to it that will leave you craving more; whether it is more of the story or more of Alaric the answer is most definitely 'yes.'

Alaric knows what he wants and won't let anyone or anything stand in his way to get it but what he wasn't expecting was that who he wants has a spitfire personality that will give him a run for his money.

The banter between Thea and Alaric is impeccable. Their chemistry surpasses that of most romantic couples to the point where you feel that you've truly connected with the characters and can feel every emotion with the turn of each page.

Sexual tensions will rise and Thea will get what she has coming for her, but only if she uses her words.

I laughed.
I cried.
I swooned.
...I may have yelled at the book a time or two.

Thank you so much Eva for providing me with an advanced copy, I can't wait to continue watching this love story blossom.

My overall rating:
5 Star
4 Spice

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

So the concept of this book is good, the execution, not so much. I found the FMC kind of annoying and childish. Towards the end of the book the chapters felt jumpy and didn’t flow well, she was rebellious for 75% of the book and then just gave into submission. This could have been one book instead of a duet, not sure I’ll bother with the second book.

[Tash Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Rebellion by Eva Rayne - ARC review.
Enemies to lovers / Forced Proximity / Beauty and the Beast

This story of King Alaric and Thea was an interesting one.

Thea is the daughter of a rebellious nobleman. The King visited her father to discuss and decide on his future, but at the same time Alaric laid eyes on her and decided he will have Thea for himself. To save the life of her father she agreed to his insane request. She also had little say in the matter, as the King will have his way regardless of what she wanted.

With the stories Thea heard growing up, she was made to believe the King was ruthless and a bloodthirsty man.

We follow the story of Thea and Alaric starting out as a bumpy ride, literally - as they had to travel back to the palace over a period of time.

I enjoyed reading how they grew and how the relationship took form. Not only her relationship with the King, but also her learning who to befriend and whom to stay away from.

I felt that Thea brought out the beast within the King. Trying to put a truth to the whispers and stories of her younger years. At times I got annoyed with her and I thought she was unnecessarily difficult but then when you think about her situation again it might make more sense.

Overall there were many emotions throughout the book and it was a fun easy read. A great love story of a protective “touch her and die” King :) and a feisty nobleman’s daughter.

If you think you will enjoy a Beauty and the Beast story with a spin, then this book will be for you.

[Felicia Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Rose has its thorns…right?

Apologies in advance for the musical reference there, and if you don’t get it, you probably shouldn’t be reading this haha.

Anyway, Beautiful Rebellion was easily one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings of its time. Eva Rayne brought to life a love story of a stubborn young woman whose life was quickly turned upside down after a rebellion her father enacted, and then was swept away by the King. Assuming she was just a toy for the King she held tons of hatred for him on the surface while feelings deep down seemed to be entirely more sophisticated. Alaric will forever go down in my history books as easily one of the best and most well written men in dark romance yet. The complicated nature of this character will leave you with a deep sense of wonder and want for a love just like that. At least that’s what it did for me.

With a little bit of spice, a crap ton of banter, and a love that burns hotter than the sun itself, I don’t think a better retelling of the classic fairy tale could have ever been written. Congratulations to you on the release of this book Eva, and I hope it was a successful one!

If you haven’t read this one yet, make sure you wear your gloves, lord knows them thorns hurt ;)

Until the next one, Muah! 😘

[Itzel Aguilera · Rating 4 out of 5]

a deliciously dark romance that is not in modern times and i enjoyed it none the less. With beauty and the beast vibes, a little of hateful banter on her side and just plain banter on his.

you know he chose her because he wanted her from the moment he saw her in her father's home. he's the king after all and he will get anything he wants, even if she didn't want to at first. Only doing it to make sure he wouldn't kill her father.

she's heard the stories about him. the blood thirsty cruel king. but seeing how he is in the castle doesn't relate to what she's heard. there's instances where the stories are true but he still has another side he only shows a few.

she knows he wants her, why else would he make her share a bed with him in the giant castle. it has plenty of rooms for her. but she won't make it easy on him. she will speak her mind. and he enjoys their banter but he won't always let her behave without some punishment and those are.. well.. quite enjoyable hehe

[Kinsey B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her father rebels against the king, so the king takes her in exchange for her father's life. This is a very clear Beauty and the Beast retelling. It was enjoyable and took me very little time to read. The story was good, but I'd love to see it revised and given more details. Alaric never truly gave off beastly vibes for me. He always seemed genuinely kind, but was just the type of man that should not be crossed. Clearly, he can't be a completely terrible king if all of his servants seem to adore him. That being said, touch her and die...was a real thing in this story. The majority of the book is Thea learning she likes to be dominated in the bedroom and resisting her desires, while Alaric waits patiently for her to beg for him. It's very spice driven.

Tropes:
One bed/One tent
Forced Proximity
Touch her and Die
Good girl
Domination

Quote:
"I have the suspicion I won't be the only one craving a little destruction before long."

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Eva! Where do I begin?! Do they like each other? Do they hate each other? Is it lust? Is it love? Does he want her because he has feelings? Or does he want her because he collects pretty things? To say I couldn't put this down is an understatement. I could not stop reading I devoured this library! There were times when I disliked Thea and Alaric and there were times I loved them. Thea is snatched from her home by King Alaric who decided he wants her. Rayne writes the hottest slow burn I think I've ever read. It is a duet, so I better be getting my answers soon! There is no way that this entire story in one book & if Rayne had tried it would have been a subpar book. I cannot wait to read the rest. Rayne wrote a richly described book; she painted the pictures in my head. I've already started another book, and this one still lived on in my head. Read this book!

[Tabatha Slagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva did a beautiful job with this story. The story building and characters were unique and very intense to read. The fairy tale elements were more prominent than I have seen in some retellings and I absolutely loved it. The elements were woven in from the beginning to the end. The internal struggle that Thea had about Alaric felt so raw and real. There were moments in the story where I was literally holding my breath waiting to see what was going to happen next. I wouldn't call the ending a cliffhanger by any means, but you'll definitely want more. You'll feel the "everything isn't always what it seems" and "never judge a person until you get to know them" elements very strongly in this book. I'll patiently wait to see what Thea and Alaric get up to next.

[Sanri Du · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 1 of a Dark Romance, Beauty and the Beast inspired duet.

Blurb:
Alaric wants her and he’s prepared to be the beast in her story to get her.

As nothing more than a country nobleman’s daughter, Thea believed her future held only the mundane running of a household and soothing the egos of self-important men.

Alaric knows he wants her, and doesn’t care what she has to say about it.

He always gets what he wants.

My thoughts:
I was totally engrossed in the story and finished it in one sitting. Great storyline and background, strong main characters, funny moments, serious moments & spicy. Was very dissatisfied that the book ended so suddenly, but can’t wait for the next one in the series.

[Nadia Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Untameable duet. I saw the terms ‘king’ and “nobleman” and wasn’t sure this story was something I could get into. I am so happy to report that I am very, very wrong!
Alaric, the MMC, is my type of guy. He is morally gray, possessive and has the “touch her and die” vibes. Thea, the FMC, is a mouthy, sassy and very protective of her family and friends. I loved reading how their relationship evolved from their first meeting. The scenes between them were intense and smexy!
Thank you, Eva Rayne for such a titillating read! I can’t wait until the second book “Beastly Temptation” is released!

[chesirern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Rebellion by Eva Rayne is a gothic romance novel. I just love the thought of a gothic romance novel. This novel reads just like a fairytale. The plot is well scripted and enticing. It is filled with intrigue, betrayal, adventure, love/romance and so much more. The characters are fit perfect with the story and balance each other out. And the world building is fabulous. Eva Rayne did a great job making feel you as if you were there.

Thea’s father led a rebellion against the king Alaric. Well guess who lost yep Kane her father. Well now the only way to save her father is for Thea to go with the King. Of course this leads to all sorts of excitement.

I highly recommend this story.

[Naira Naledi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good:) when I tell you it exceeded my expectations I mean it. The tension from the first time they met kept on increasing every moment they spent together 😩 Eva Rayne wrote this book in such a way that you can put it down, it leaves you wanting to know what happens next. Chapter 18/22 had be kicking my legs up at night cause what sir 🔥🥵 Thea I get you girl, I hope you don’t mind sharing cause King Alaric just got added on my top list of book boyfriends🧎🏽‍♀️Wesley had it coming honestly 🫣 the lake scene will forever be stuck in my mind. A definite read⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to see the story continue in book two. The enemies to lovers slow burn was absolute fire and I was hooked from the start. I loved the MC Thea and how she went from an obedient daughter to a badass woman. She deserves the life she was handed and I cannot wait to see more scenes between her and Alaric.

[Jessica Horner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely could not put this book down! Thea and Alaric are now my favorite couple 🤣. The chemistry of the characters, flow of the story and plot is captivating. I do not like to include spoilers in my reviews. So with that being said PLEASE give this book a read! You will not regret it! I cannot wait for book two now 🙌 this is sexy dark and romantic all in one.

[Sinead Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Both characters were amazingly written. Alaric the King is a man who knows what he wants and will do what it takes to get it...all while being kind, compassionate, and caring. Thea..she is an absolute firecracker! I love her spunk, strong-will and fierce attitude. I cannot wait for the second book to see where their story takes me!

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept reading waiting for something to happen and it just… didn’t. This book seems like its sole purpose was to just set you up for the second book, which at that point… why not just write one book?

I didn’t hate it, but I don’t know if I was roped in enough to read the second book.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really truly enjoyed this retelling. Once I started reading, it was incredibly hard to put down. The banter was great. beautifully executed and I'm pretty sure I need more.

[Corazón · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first historical read. I liked it, but wouldn't read the second book.

[Shatana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I felt everything from love to hate, and I even found myself laughing at times. It was like a wild ride through my feelings. The characters were incredible, especially the female lead, who resonates deeply with my own heart and soul. I'm so excited to dive deeper into their stories and experience all the ups and downs that come with it.

[The Book Babbler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the fmc and her attitude/wit. The character building and banter between Thea and Alaric was perfect!

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Rebellion was a spicy and dark romance with elements from Beauty and the Beast. I love that it played heavily on the beginning of tale, a father's action results in his daughter being taken by the beast in the story. The interactions between Thea and Alaric are intense, between the verbal sparing and physical chemistry, it was just addicting. Thea is fighting her attraction to Alaric tooth and nail and Alaric keeps showing Thea his different sides - a just ruler, a sensitive partner, and ruthless and domineering lover. This is the first book in the series and throughout there are breadcrumbs, building to the plot to continue into the next book. There are serious undertones of political intrigue and I cannot wait to see how this all plays out.