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The Beast & His Beauty
They don't go to the brick wall. No one in the village does. Ever since I was a little girl, everyone has warned me not to go or even to look at it. And if you happen to find yourself close to the wall, run as fast and as far away as you can. The magic from the beast creeps beyond the wall, but not by much.
No one who values their life approaches the enchanted area, let alone searches out the gate. Everyone is sure not to provoke the enchanted area. Those who do, don't come back to tell their tales.
The magic is dark. And it's all from the beast.
FOR THE LAST 19 YEARS OF MY LIFE, I've heard the tales and been warned to stay away. The thing is though, I'm not a very good listener. I got lost in the magic. He scented me. He claimed me with a bite on my neck. And I ran. Quickly and with a new terror racing in my heart.
I swore I would never return. I would not trust the magic and allow it to entrance me again. I would not risk being caught in the hands of the Beast again.
But that was months ago and I miss the magic. Not only that, but I dream of the beast. It's not a dream I'd admit to out loud, but it's a dream I'd like to see come true.
No one who values their life approaches the enchanted area, let alone searches out the gate. Everyone is sure not to provoke the enchanted area. Those who do, don't come back to tell their tales.
The magic is dark. And it's all from the beast.
FOR THE LAST 19 YEARS OF MY LIFE, I've heard the tales and been warned to stay away. The thing is though, I'm not a very good listener. I got lost in the magic. He scented me. He claimed me with a bite on my neck. And I ran. Quickly and with a new terror racing in my heart.
I swore I would never return. I would not trust the magic and allow it to entrance me again. I would not risk being caught in the hands of the Beast again.
But that was months ago and I miss the magic. Not only that, but I dream of the beast. It's not a dream I'd admit to out loud, but it's a dream I'd like to see come true.
294 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2024
373 people are currently reading
4557 people want to read
About the author
Willow Winters
167 books21.1k followersWillow Winters is so happy to be a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Contemporary Best Selling Author!
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Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.
In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!
Want to know how to read Willow's books? Get a FREE PDF download from Willow here: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/o...
Stay up to date!
Want a text alert? Text "Willow" to (302) 205-3701
Sign up to my newsletter + get EXCLUSIVE content, sneak peeks, and FREE books monthly: https://willowwinterswrites.com
All the other details you need to know: https://geni.us/3B53kF
Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.
In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!
Want to know how to read Willow's books? Get a FREE PDF download from Willow here: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/o...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 503 reviews
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August 26, 2024EEEE! The Beast & His Beauty is here! I'm so freaking excited!
This one is spicy and smutty and everything! It's a Beauty & The Beast retelling and I hope you love it!
Get it here -> https://geni.us/thebeastandhisbeauty
This one is spicy and smutty and everything! It's a Beauty & The Beast retelling and I hope you love it!
Get it here -> https://geni.us/thebeastandhisbeauty
September 18, 2024
emmm...I liked it but could be better??
The plot was very intresting ...but the writing style could be better. It felt too plain for a fairytale retelling to me. Regarless, it was a fun and quick read. The smut was pretty good though.
Tags:
Virgin FMC 🌮💦👅
Paranormal MMC 🐺🐺🐺
Explicit Content 👀✨😈
Dystopian 💉 🩸🪒
Size difference 😲😵🥵
Wolf hybrid (ish)/ Human relationship 😈 👹 👺
Discrimination😐 😑 😬
Violence 🛑 ⛔️ 📛
Insta love-lust❤️🔥 ❤️
Morally grey characters 👤 👥🗣
Murders 🧨🧫 🧪
War themes/vendetta 🔫 💣 🪒
HEA🌠 🎇 🎆
The plot was very intresting ...but the writing style could be better. It felt too plain for a fairytale retelling to me. Regarless, it was a fun and quick read.
Tags:
Virgin FMC 🌮💦👅
Paranormal MMC 🐺🐺🐺
Explicit Content 👀✨😈
Dystopian 💉 🩸🪒
Size difference 😲😵🥵
Wolf hybrid (ish)/ Human relationship 😈 👹 👺
Discrimination😐 😑 😬
Violence 🛑 ⛔️ 📛
Insta love-lust❤️🔥 ❤️
Morally grey characters 👤 👥🗣
Murders 🧨🧫 🧪
War themes/vendetta 🔫 💣 🪒
HEA🌠 🎇 🎆
August 31, 2024
DNF 34%
Unfortunately I had to dnf this book.
It was very repetitive. Every chapter has the same thoughts or dialog around the inner struggle of the beast vs. the prince.
Unfortunately I had to dnf this book.
It was very repetitive. Every chapter has the same thoughts or dialog around the inner struggle of the beast vs. the prince.
September 4, 2024
RTC, beautiful writing style.
August 26, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS
This author has pulled out all the stops to deliver the sexiest retelling of a classic fairy tale! This story is hot, this story is spicy and this story is so alluring; it will surely tempt you in only the naughtiest ways. The Beast & His Beauty is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
This author has pulled out all the stops to deliver the sexiest retelling of a classic fairy tale! This story is hot, this story is spicy and this story is so alluring; it will surely tempt you in only the naughtiest ways. The Beast & His Beauty is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
August 9, 2024
I will never look at Beauty and the Beast the same way again, and I'm not even mad about it.
Get ready to get lost in a Tale as old as time with this incredibly steamy and captivating retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Elle should have never gone beyond the wall, as soon as she did the beast had her in his sights and she didn't stand a chance. from the Beast first awareness of Belle she was his and he would do what he had to do to keep her.
I've read a few retellings of Beauty and the beast but none as steamy and sensual as this one, from the first chapter I was pulled deep into the bare bones of it and held there, the intrigue and storyline made me glued to the pages.
It's so dirty, I absolutely love it!
Get ready to get lost in a Tale as old as time with this incredibly steamy and captivating retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Elle should have never gone beyond the wall, as soon as she did the beast had her in his sights and she didn't stand a chance. from the Beast first awareness of Belle she was his and he would do what he had to do to keep her.
I've read a few retellings of Beauty and the beast but none as steamy and sensual as this one, from the first chapter I was pulled deep into the bare bones of it and held there, the intrigue and storyline made me glued to the pages.
It's so dirty, I absolutely love it!
September 10, 2024
3,5 stars
Tropes : fantasy romance, beauty and the beast retelling, werewolf, J/P H, touch her and 💀
Ending : HEA (to be married)
Triggers : violence, gore
Spice : 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ /5
Angst : 🔥 🔥 🔥 /5
OM/OW drama : OM (H’S ex best friend)
Celibate while separated : yes
Intimacy details : virgin h, rough sex, no condom, oral
Standalone / Series : standalone
Hero : The Beast/Prince Henry (late 30s-40s)
Heroine : Elle (early 20s)
I enjoyed beauty and the beast retelling that I’ve read so far.
Tropes : fantasy romance, beauty and the beast retelling, werewolf, J/P H, touch her and 💀
Ending : HEA (to be married)
Triggers : violence, gore
Spice : 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ /5
Angst : 🔥 🔥 🔥 /5
OM/OW drama : OM (H’S ex best friend)
Celibate while separated : yes
Intimacy details : virgin h, rough sex, no condom, oral
Standalone / Series : standalone
Hero : The Beast/Prince Henry (late 30s-40s)
Heroine : Elle (early 20s)
I enjoyed beauty and the beast retelling that I’ve read so far.
November 24, 2024
Instant lust not for me.
August 26, 2024
The Beauty and Beast story is my jam—so are any retellings. I can read different versions of the tale and never tire of it. Willow Winters’s “The Beast and His Beauty” gave off a wolf-shifter vibe, and I was all for it. The magical aspect was there, but it wasn’t over-the-top fantasy. I loved the darkness conveyed through the story as The Beast protected his castle and claimed his Beauty. Many parts stay true to the original tale, but I liked the reason the witch turned the Prince into the Beast in this one.
“The Beast and His Beauty” is only 242 pages in an ebook, and the spice hits quickly and is detailed well; I was all for that. The story is entertaining, and I’d reread it.
“The Beast and His Beauty” is only 242 pages in an ebook, and the spice hits quickly and is detailed well; I was all for that. The story is entertaining, and I’d reread it.
January 4, 2025
This is Beauty and the Beast as smut. There's not a ton of actual plot here, just scenes and them tiptoeing around each other while thinking about wanting each other in between. One interesting element was The Beast presented as a duo- the prince and the Beast fighting for control of one form.
I did think it got repetitive, but it was a fast read. I wish there had been more plot. I enjoyed the steam, although the wording and moments there also felt redundant. From a dark romance perspective, their relations were mild. From a vanilla perspective, he's into D/s in thoughts, but I didn't think it was pushed into the actual scenes much.
I'd like to thank both Willow Winters and Hambright PR for sending me an e-copy and a physical signed copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own.
I did think it got repetitive, but it was a fast read. I wish there had been more plot. I enjoyed the steam, although the wording and moments there also felt redundant. From a dark romance perspective, their relations were mild. From a vanilla perspective, he's into D/s in thoughts, but I didn't think it was pushed into the actual scenes much.
I'd like to thank both Willow Winters and Hambright PR for sending me an e-copy and a physical signed copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own.
August 10, 2025
This is a spicy Beauty and the Beast re-telling. I wanted to love it, I really did, but it fell flat for me sadly. I the writing to be simplistic and the story to be dry as it sort of followed the original pretty closely. I did like the little twist at the end. That was cool! An easy little read.
August 27, 2024
This was such a fun Beauty and the Beast retelling!! I loved that there were some similarities to the original story, it made me excited when I came across some of those! It is spicy, it is cute and I love the storyline! Although it is a retelling, I really love that not everything is exactly the same and it still feels as if you are reading an original story (the ending is different aswell)! The only small thing that bothered me was the pacing, it’s not a very long book but it kinda lost me in the middle because of the pacing BUT the ending made up for that again!
So overall, I would defenitely recommend this one if you are looking for a spicy Beauty & The Beast retelling!
So overall, I would defenitely recommend this one if you are looking for a spicy Beauty & The Beast retelling!
April 29, 2025
Hmm, I didn’t particularly enjoy this one; it was kinda boring for me and not much actually happened in the plot.
I DID like the laidback personality of Elle and how willing she was to accept the beast as opposed to a “Belle” that immediately hates him.
Also, the ending felt really abrupt and felt anticlimactic. Oh well 🤷♀️…
I DID like the laidback personality of Elle and how willing she was to accept the beast as opposed to a “Belle” that immediately hates him.
Also, the ending felt really abrupt and felt anticlimactic. Oh well 🤷♀️…
August 6, 2024
Elle knew never to go over the wall where the beast lived in his enchanted caste. He was cursed by witches from what everyone whispered but that didn’t stop her. When a beast finds his beauty, get ready for a growling good time! ;) This is a STEAMY…and I mean H O T T retelling of a certain fairytale that will have you fanning yourself. Grab some ice as you’re gonna need it…and maybe a blindfold for later with someone special ;). This.Is.So.Good!!That is all. Told in first person and dual POV.
August 31, 2024
I don't think I will ever be tired of Beauty and the Beast retelling! And when it comes in a dark paranormal package, I cannot resist it. The Beast & His Beauty should come with a spice level warning. This is filthy and dirty and absolutely scorching hot. Elle and The Beast will take you on a spicy magic filled heartaching ride.
This is not a huge variation of the original story. Elle has grown up listening to the dark tale of the Beast who lives in the castle beyond the magical wall. The legend says that the prince was fed to Beast by a dark witch. The whole castle is swirling in dark magic. Villagers have tried to kill the Beast but it killed them instead. But Elle is curious and she finds the magic oddly comforting. Before she knows, the flowers and the vines take her to the castle...and The Beast sees her. The Prince isn't dead. The Beast lives in his body. And it's a constant struggle to not let it overpower him completely. But now their obsession is same. To claim Elle.
sometimes I think why we love this fairytale so much? The antihero? The heroine seeing the real man behind the ugliness? The heroine rescuing the hero for a change? Or that beauty isn't external? Whatever it is, I loved this retelling same way. The magic added a level of intrigue. Here the magic runs everything. The Prince and The Beast are in this power struggle. While the Beast craves violence, power and destruction..The Prince still hold onto humanity. But for Elle, the both sides are equally ravenous. Stealing her, holding her in the castle, ravishing her..it all came easy to him. Elle couldn't understand why the castle's magic has such a beautiful calming effect on her or why she wants more and more of the Beast she should hate or fear. Then there is their scorching hot chemistry! It's so so so spicy! She saw the Prince behind the beast and she loves that man.The ending will make you swoon as usual. A tale that never gets old.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
This is not a huge variation of the original story. Elle has grown up listening to the dark tale of the Beast who lives in the castle beyond the magical wall. The legend says that the prince was fed to Beast by a dark witch. The whole castle is swirling in dark magic. Villagers have tried to kill the Beast but it killed them instead. But Elle is curious and she finds the magic oddly comforting. Before she knows, the flowers and the vines take her to the castle...and The Beast sees her. The Prince isn't dead. The Beast lives in his body. And it's a constant struggle to not let it overpower him completely. But now their obsession is same. To claim Elle.
sometimes I think why we love this fairytale so much? The antihero? The heroine seeing the real man behind the ugliness? The heroine rescuing the hero for a change? Or that beauty isn't external? Whatever it is, I loved this retelling same way. The magic added a level of intrigue. Here the magic runs everything. The Prince and The Beast are in this power struggle. While the Beast craves violence, power and destruction..The Prince still hold onto humanity. But for Elle, the both sides are equally ravenous. Stealing her, holding her in the castle, ravishing her..it all came easy to him. Elle couldn't understand why the castle's magic has such a beautiful calming effect on her or why she wants more and more of the Beast she should hate or fear. Then there is their scorching hot chemistry! It's so so so spicy! She saw the Prince behind the beast and she loves that man.The ending will make you swoon as usual. A tale that never gets old.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
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September 25, 2024*ARC Review*
This is a Beauty and the Beast spicy dark retelling. I couldn't quite picture what the beast / prince looked like until the end. I was confused and fixated. Was he a werewolf? Was he 50/50? What was going on? Good news, you do get some clarification at the end. I thought parts were fun and spicy and then other parts I had to actually stop reading (Page 83 & 151) because omg wth is happening.
Recommended If You:
- While watching Beauty and the Beast you were attracted to the beast
- Like spicy and dark romances
- Like touch her and die (literally) trope
- Fast Spice (we are talking page 10)
Quotes
"Reading was something I did only as a girl back when my mother was alive. Back then it seemed there was more time in the day and more things to do for pleasure. I know part of that was simply being a child and not knowing how harsh the world could be."
"I'm so lonely that I would talk to a teacup. All the fine things in the world can't replace a person who listens to you and tells you their ideas."
This is a Beauty and the Beast spicy dark retelling. I couldn't quite picture what the beast / prince looked like until the end. I was confused and fixated. Was he a werewolf? Was he 50/50? What was going on? Good news, you do get some clarification at the end. I thought parts were fun and spicy and then other parts I had to actually stop reading (Page 83 & 151) because omg wth is happening.
Recommended If You:
- While watching Beauty and the Beast you were attracted to the beast
- Like spicy and dark romances
- Like touch her and die (literally) trope
- Fast Spice (we are talking page 10)
Quotes
"Reading was something I did only as a girl back when my mother was alive. Back then it seemed there was more time in the day and more things to do for pleasure. I know part of that was simply being a child and not knowing how harsh the world could be."
"I'm so lonely that I would talk to a teacup. All the fine things in the world can't replace a person who listens to you and tells you their ideas."
September 19, 2024
The Beast and His Beauty by Willow Winters is a mesmerizing and interesting retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, but with a dark, sensual twist that will keep you enthralled.
In a village where no one dares to approach the enchanted wall, Elle ignores the warnings and finds herself entangled in the dark magic of the Beast. She escapes after being claimed by him but is tortured by dreams and a desire to return.
The story beautifully intertwines fear, desire, and magic, creating an atmosphere that is both intriguing and captivating.
Willow Winters masterfully crafts a tale that is as haunting as it is enticing. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and the tension keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. This is steamy, spicy, and extra hot. You will need water or ice with you. It was unlike any retelling I have read and had a lot of originality too. The magic here was unique. It is a quick read that will have you swooning in the end.
The prose is beautiful, painting a vivid picture. The Beast is both terrifying and alluring, while Elle's bravery and curiosity make her a compelling character to root for.
Fans of dark romance and fairy tale retellings will find this book irresistible. Willow Winters has created a story that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.
Thank you @hambrightpr and the author for the book.
In a village where no one dares to approach the enchanted wall, Elle ignores the warnings and finds herself entangled in the dark magic of the Beast. She escapes after being claimed by him but is tortured by dreams and a desire to return.
The story beautifully intertwines fear, desire, and magic, creating an atmosphere that is both intriguing and captivating.
Willow Winters masterfully crafts a tale that is as haunting as it is enticing. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and the tension keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. This is steamy, spicy, and extra hot. You will need water or ice with you. It was unlike any retelling I have read and had a lot of originality too. The magic here was unique. It is a quick read that will have you swooning in the end.
The prose is beautiful, painting a vivid picture. The Beast is both terrifying and alluring, while Elle's bravery and curiosity make her a compelling character to root for.
Fans of dark romance and fairy tale retellings will find this book irresistible. Willow Winters has created a story that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.
Thank you @hambrightpr and the author for the book.
August 26, 2024
I LOVE a good Beauty and the Beast retelling and this story did not disappoint! It is steamy and dark and I straight up devoured this book!!
Elle knew she shouldn’t go past the wall, but something drew her to the castle…the Beast’s castle. She could feel the magic and never except the Beast to claim her. She ran…but the Beast wasn’t going to let her go!
This is steamy and dark and I loved Willow’s take on Beauty & the Beast! Elle and the Beast had this intense chemistry. He tried to resist her but the prince/beast couldn’t resist. I definitely felt for the beast and I liked the back story on him.
I really loved Elle. She was caring and kind and I liked the scenes where she was exploring the castle. I loved how magic was woven into the story too! This is a quick read - be sure and read the epilogue!!!
✨What to Expect:
🥀Dark Beauty & the Beast Retelling
🖤Gothic Vibes
🔮Paranormal
💙Fantasy Romance
🔥Forced Proximity
🖤Dub Con
⛓️Abduction
🌶️High Heat
🪄Magic
Elle knew she shouldn’t go past the wall, but something drew her to the castle…the Beast’s castle. She could feel the magic and never except the Beast to claim her. She ran…but the Beast wasn’t going to let her go!
This is steamy and dark and I loved Willow’s take on Beauty & the Beast! Elle and the Beast had this intense chemistry. He tried to resist her but the prince/beast couldn’t resist. I definitely felt for the beast and I liked the back story on him.
I really loved Elle. She was caring and kind and I liked the scenes where she was exploring the castle. I loved how magic was woven into the story too! This is a quick read - be sure and read the epilogue!!!
✨What to Expect:
🥀Dark Beauty & the Beast Retelling
🖤Gothic Vibes
🔮Paranormal
💙Fantasy Romance
🔥Forced Proximity
🖤Dub Con
⛓️Abduction
🌶️High Heat
🪄Magic
October 17, 2024
'Once Upon a Time, there was a book with a beast and his beauty, it enchanted this reader so much so, that she fell in love with it as much as they did with each other. And they all had a Happily Ever After' - The British Bibliophile
Thank you to Willow and her VPO--Sophie--for sending me an ebook Advanced Reader Copy for me to read and leave an honest review as part of her ARC/Promo team. Special thanks also to these ladies for my stunning paperback copy of the rose cover edition. It's even more magnificent in person as it was to look at digitally. Its now proudly in my growing Willow Winters physical collection on my bookcase.
NOTE - - This review will be spoiler-free as standard, but it will contain references to contents within the book's blurb. If you wish to go into this book as a blind read without knowing a single thing about it, please exit my review now :)
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀📖 A R C ⠀ R E V I E W 📖
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
The Beast & His Beauty is a new standalone, fairytale re-telling/re-imagining by the one and only Willow Winters. If you think you've read all there is to read about this classic fairytale, think again. You're about to get to know The Beast in a whole new, and steamier, way.
Fear not, it's not all as it may seem or sound. There's nothing untoward about this story. You'll see exactly where Willow takes this and why. Trust this seasoned reader's word for it, you'll thoroughly enjoy it.
If you're new to reading Willow's work or new to her works outside of contemporary romance/mafia romance/dark romance, welcome. This isn't her first trek into the realm of the paranormal, for she has written quite a few stories with different themes already. This experience in writing about vampires, werewolves and even dragons lends itself here to the wiles and ways of The Beast. This is a woman who knows what she wants and is what she's doing. We as readers, are in the safest of literary hands.
'The magic of this place, and of the curse, is powerful indeed. But love is more so.'
Imagine a little town, a quiet village, where every day is like the one before, a little town full of people who wake up to say not to go over 'the wall'. No villager dares to go over the wall. This is a warning that Elle has heard echoed throughout her village since her childhood about the forbidden wall. She is not even allowed to go near or look at it. If anyone finds themselves even remotely near the wall, they are to run away as fast as their legs can carry them, for the magic of The Beast lies beyond the wall. Though, not by much.
All the villagers of Elle's small community all value their lives and humble ways they go about their days. As such, those who value their lives and what they have in it don't approach the enchanted area, let alone the gates thereof, where mysterious and unexplainable things happen, thanks to the magic that has seeped through and embedded itself within the land. To the few that do, well, they don't make it back home to tell the stories of what they have seen. The dark magic--all stemming from The Beast within the abandoned grounds--claims them before they can flee to save their lives.
This is how time has been for the last nineteen years. Almost two decades have passed in an endless, vicious cycle of foolish bravery of those tempted to step within the grounds where nothing but death has been brought, followed by the spill of their blood, and the tales of those who perished whispered and spoken on a breath from one villager to the next. From within the village, Elle has heard first-hand of these tales spoken of those who perished, with warnings to stay away following closely behind.
If only she was a good listener and heeder of those stories and warnings. Stepping onto the enchanted grounds, she soon finds herself lost to its alluring magic and a bite on her neck. That's right, a bite. From the one and only Beast. With that realisation as to who was responsible for leaving the throbbing mark on her neck, she wisens and runs away with great speed in her feet and overwhelming terror in her heart.
Safe within the walls of her home within the village she calls home, Elle vows to never return to the place in which she fell victim to temptation. She doesn't trust the magic and won't let it lure her there another time. There is no way that she would put herself in such a defenceless position that would allow The Beast to get his hands--or rather, paws--on her again.
This was a vow made two months ago. Time has passed and much to Elle's surprise, she misses the magic that she once feared. Not only that, she isn't safe when her body is at rest and her mind alive, for she sees The Beast in such a dream that she couldn't let its contents leave her lips when she was awake once more. The dream is for her and her alone, one she wishes like nothing else would come true in reality.
-Growing up, Beauty and the Beast was my favourite classic fairytale. Not necessarily because of the pretty young woman in a big, yellow dress, but because of the Beast. The character was severely misunderstood, misread and was so much more than what people assumed at first glance. Something I have related to since my childhood and all the years that have followed it. Going from those things to seeing the character development and numerous positive connotations that we saw and read by the time the Beast was a prince again and we saw/read 'The End' with his and Belle's happily ever after.
It was my personal wish that I would see the same love for the classic (and Disney 1991) version of this fairytale echoed here within this re-telling/re-imagining. I wanted to feel the same, or as similar a love, as possible through the words of an author whose talent in writing within this genre--and others--is just as enchanting as she. There was never a drop of doubt that I wouldn't like it, merely for the fact that this story was written by one of my romance Queens, but I wanted to be IN LOVE with it.
Luckily for me, that's exactly what transpired. In fact, I wholeheartedly am going so far as to say that out of all of the re-tellings and re-imaginings that I have read of this classic fairytale since my childhood, this currency holds the crown as my hands-down favourite.
My faith in Willow never wavered for a second, and I was quite sad when I had to turn the last page and finish the story. Elle and The Beast are quite honestly two people I could happily read about forever and ever. Especially with that little link at the end, there. Fans of Willow will know exactly what it references but if you don't, may you have fun exploring it and where it takes you.
For my own personal reading taste, what would have elevated this read to the full five stars is something I can't disclose for fear of spoilers. However, I can give an example. If there's a proposal in the final chapter, show the wedding or reception in the epilogue. If there's a pregnancy announcement, show at least the birth in the last pages of the book (to make up for not showing the pregnancy progression), etc. Events like these are easy to come to terms with more if we are able to see them come to fruition in a follow-up book, even if it is in someone else's story, but a minor irk when it is a standalone where we do not. Still, I respect Willow's wishes to tell the story, and end, it, how she did.
I, for one, would champion another dive into the world of Elle and The Beast, should the opportunity arise. Or at least, another dive into this world.
----------------------
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 G E N R E S 📚
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Erotic Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Steamy/Spicy Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Paranormal Romance
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R O P E S
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Strangers to Lovers
⠀⠀⠀↳ Forced Proximity
⠀⠀⠀↳ Fairytale reimagining
⠀⠀⠀↳ Opposites Attract
⠀⠀⠀↳ Hidden Identity
⠀⠀⠀↳ Magic
⠀⠀⠀↳ Different Worlds
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀ ⠀ 🌶️ S T E A M Y/S P I C Y? 🌶️
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ OH MY BEAST, YES!
⠀⠀⠀↳ New k!nk unlocked
⠀⠀⠀↳ 4.75/5 on the spice-o-meter
⠀⠀⠀↳ Clean-up required
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R I G G E R S?
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ None
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀M U S T ⠀ R E A D?
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Absolutely, yes!
⠀⠀⠀↳ A must for fairytale lovers
⠀⠀⠀↳ Lovers of paranormal romance NEED to read this
⠀⠀⠀↳ Your next spicy best friend
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀F O R M A T S
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Ebook - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beast-His-Beauty-Willow-Winters-ebook/dp/B0DF6BFYDV/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AoqN-j8ATS89th7gCaQ02wq4CpkTV3SabJ-MSztKoOpb37Erd2ZNcjuhgr4KuryFr1ff7WbnY1YM9wE-I1Z_ODLDfhm6WI48GLzMDPzzA2uMXF8x_oCNIkM6LPRq7z9mE9flrDGT5J5HX6OUnT2A4w.Ilh51QRgmtNY4bD3MLG2WT6-JUn49x8oCds1wg1nO_s&qid=1729075529&sr=8-1
⠀⠀⠀↳ Paperback - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beast-His-Beauty-Willow-Winters/dp/B0DCZSV45G/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AoqN-j8ATS89th7gCaQ02wq4CpkTV3SabJ-MSztKoOpb37Erd2ZNcjuhgr4KuryFr1ff7WbnY1YM9wE-I1Z_ODLDfhm6WI48GLzMDPzzA2uMXF8x_oCNIkM6LPRq7z9mE9flrDGT5J5HX6OUnT2A4w.Ilh51QRgmtNY4bD3MLG2WT6-JUn49x8oCds1wg1nO_s&qid=1729075529&sr=8-1
⠀⠀⠀↳ Discreet Paperback - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prince-Elle-Beast-Beauty-Discreet/dp/B0D5D4KTR7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3AQ4AR32SCUUY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AoqN-j8ATS89th7gCaQ02wq4CpkTV3SabJ-MSztKoOpb37Erd2ZNcjuhgr4KuryFr1ff7WbnY1YM9wE-I1Z_ODLDfhm6WI48GLzMDPzzA2uMXF8x_oCNIkM6LPRq7z9mE9flrDGT5J5HX6OUnT2A4w.B0vAM20flLuhhkcaB2lwSDi3ZTEvdvQPumzAtKjF-5o&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+beast+and+his+beauty+willow+winters&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1729125770&sprefix=the+beast+and+his%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-3
⠀⠀⠀↳ Artist Cover Paperback - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beast-His-Beauty-Artist-Rendition/dp/B0D5D8W48G/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3AQ4AR32SCUUY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AoqN-j8ATS89th7gCaQ02wq4CpkTV3SabJ-MSztKoOpb37Erd2ZNcjuhgr4KuryFr1ff7WbnY1YM9wE-I1Z_ODLDfhm6WI48GLzMDPzzA2uMXF8x_oCNIkM6LPRq7z9mE9flrDGT5J5HX6OUnT2A4w.B0vAM20flLuhhkcaB2lwSDi3ZTEvdvQPumzAtKjF-5o&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+beast+and+his+beauty+willow+winters&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1729125770&sprefix=the+beast+and+his%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-2
⠀⠀⠀↳ Hardcover - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beast-His-Beauty-Willow-Winters/dp/B0DDRMCG2W/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AoqN-j8ATS89th7gCaQ02wq4CpkTV3SabJ-MSztKoOpb37Erd2ZNcjuhgr4KuryFr1ff7WbnY1YM9wE-I1Z_ODLDfhm6WI48GLzMDPzzA2uMXF8x_oCNIkM6LPRq7z9mE9flrDGT5J5HX6OUnT2A4w.Ilh51QRgmtNY4bD3MLG2WT6-JUn49x8oCds1wg1nO_s&qid=1729075529&sr=8-1
⠀⠀⠀↳ Audiobook - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Beast-His-Beauty-Audiobook/B0DFRCLKGH?qid=1729125835&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=Z10Z1DY5NM3CH31K5QMB&pageLoadId=2P4K9zfXa1kSdhIV&creativeId=41e85e98-10b8-40e2-907d-6b663f04a42d&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1
⠀⠀⠀↳ Willow's Website - https://willowwinterswrites.com
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀F O L L O W ⠀ W I L L O W!
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━��━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWillowWinters
⠀⠀⠀↳ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/willowwintersshouldbewriting/
⠀⠀⠀↳ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwintersauthor
⠀⠀⠀↳ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@willowwintersshouldbewriting
Thank you to Willow and her VPO--Sophie--for sending me an ebook Advanced Reader Copy for me to read and leave an honest review as part of her ARC/Promo team. Special thanks also to these ladies for my stunning paperback copy of the rose cover edition. It's even more magnificent in person as it was to look at digitally. Its now proudly in my growing Willow Winters physical collection on my bookcase.
NOTE - - This review will be spoiler-free as standard, but it will contain references to contents within the book's blurb. If you wish to go into this book as a blind read without knowing a single thing about it, please exit my review now :)
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀📖 A R C ⠀ R E V I E W 📖
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
The Beast & His Beauty is a new standalone, fairytale re-telling/re-imagining by the one and only Willow Winters. If you think you've read all there is to read about this classic fairytale, think again. You're about to get to know The Beast in a whole new, and steamier, way.
Fear not, it's not all as it may seem or sound. There's nothing untoward about this story. You'll see exactly where Willow takes this and why. Trust this seasoned reader's word for it, you'll thoroughly enjoy it.
If you're new to reading Willow's work or new to her works outside of contemporary romance/mafia romance/dark romance, welcome. This isn't her first trek into the realm of the paranormal, for she has written quite a few stories with different themes already. This experience in writing about vampires, werewolves and even dragons lends itself here to the wiles and ways of The Beast. This is a woman who knows what she wants and is what she's doing. We as readers, are in the safest of literary hands.
'The magic of this place, and of the curse, is powerful indeed. But love is more so.'
Imagine a little town, a quiet village, where every day is like the one before, a little town full of people who wake up to say not to go over 'the wall'. No villager dares to go over the wall. This is a warning that Elle has heard echoed throughout her village since her childhood about the forbidden wall. She is not even allowed to go near or look at it. If anyone finds themselves even remotely near the wall, they are to run away as fast as their legs can carry them, for the magic of The Beast lies beyond the wall. Though, not by much.
All the villagers of Elle's small community all value their lives and humble ways they go about their days. As such, those who value their lives and what they have in it don't approach the enchanted area, let alone the gates thereof, where mysterious and unexplainable things happen, thanks to the magic that has seeped through and embedded itself within the land. To the few that do, well, they don't make it back home to tell the stories of what they have seen. The dark magic--all stemming from The Beast within the abandoned grounds--claims them before they can flee to save their lives.
This is how time has been for the last nineteen years. Almost two decades have passed in an endless, vicious cycle of foolish bravery of those tempted to step within the grounds where nothing but death has been brought, followed by the spill of their blood, and the tales of those who perished whispered and spoken on a breath from one villager to the next. From within the village, Elle has heard first-hand of these tales spoken of those who perished, with warnings to stay away following closely behind.
If only she was a good listener and heeder of those stories and warnings. Stepping onto the enchanted grounds, she soon finds herself lost to its alluring magic and a bite on her neck. That's right, a bite. From the one and only Beast. With that realisation as to who was responsible for leaving the throbbing mark on her neck, she wisens and runs away with great speed in her feet and overwhelming terror in her heart.
Safe within the walls of her home within the village she calls home, Elle vows to never return to the place in which she fell victim to temptation. She doesn't trust the magic and won't let it lure her there another time. There is no way that she would put herself in such a defenceless position that would allow The Beast to get his hands--or rather, paws--on her again.
This was a vow made two months ago. Time has passed and much to Elle's surprise, she misses the magic that she once feared. Not only that, she isn't safe when her body is at rest and her mind alive, for she sees The Beast in such a dream that she couldn't let its contents leave her lips when she was awake once more. The dream is for her and her alone, one she wishes like nothing else would come true in reality.
-Growing up, Beauty and the Beast was my favourite classic fairytale. Not necessarily because of the pretty young woman in a big, yellow dress, but because of the Beast. The character was severely misunderstood, misread and was so much more than what people assumed at first glance. Something I have related to since my childhood and all the years that have followed it. Going from those things to seeing the character development and numerous positive connotations that we saw and read by the time the Beast was a prince again and we saw/read 'The End' with his and Belle's happily ever after.
It was my personal wish that I would see the same love for the classic (and Disney 1991) version of this fairytale echoed here within this re-telling/re-imagining. I wanted to feel the same, or as similar a love, as possible through the words of an author whose talent in writing within this genre--and others--is just as enchanting as she. There was never a drop of doubt that I wouldn't like it, merely for the fact that this story was written by one of my romance Queens, but I wanted to be IN LOVE with it.
Luckily for me, that's exactly what transpired. In fact, I wholeheartedly am going so far as to say that out of all of the re-tellings and re-imaginings that I have read of this classic fairytale since my childhood, this currency holds the crown as my hands-down favourite.
My faith in Willow never wavered for a second, and I was quite sad when I had to turn the last page and finish the story. Elle and The Beast are quite honestly two people I could happily read about forever and ever. Especially with that little link at the end, there. Fans of Willow will know exactly what it references but if you don't, may you have fun exploring it and where it takes you.
For my own personal reading taste, what would have elevated this read to the full five stars is something I can't disclose for fear of spoilers. However, I can give an example. If there's a proposal in the final chapter, show the wedding or reception in the epilogue. If there's a pregnancy announcement, show at least the birth in the last pages of the book (to make up for not showing the pregnancy progression), etc. Events like these are easy to come to terms with more if we are able to see them come to fruition in a follow-up book, even if it is in someone else's story, but a minor irk when it is a standalone where we do not. Still, I respect Willow's wishes to tell the story, and end, it, how she did.
I, for one, would champion another dive into the world of Elle and The Beast, should the opportunity arise. Or at least, another dive into this world.
----------------------
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 G E N R E S 📚
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Erotic Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Steamy/Spicy Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Paranormal Romance
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R O P E S
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Strangers to Lovers
⠀⠀⠀↳ Forced Proximity
⠀⠀⠀↳ Fairytale reimagining
⠀⠀⠀↳ Opposites Attract
⠀⠀⠀↳ Hidden Identity
⠀⠀⠀↳ Magic
⠀⠀⠀↳ Different Worlds
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀ ⠀ 🌶️ S T E A M Y/S P I C Y? 🌶️
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ OH MY BEAST, YES!
⠀⠀⠀↳ New k!nk unlocked
⠀⠀⠀↳ 4.75/5 on the spice-o-meter
⠀⠀⠀↳ Clean-up required
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R I G G E R S?
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ None
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀M U S T ⠀ R E A D?
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Absolutely, yes!
⠀⠀⠀↳ A must for fairytale lovers
⠀⠀⠀↳ Lovers of paranormal romance NEED to read this
⠀⠀⠀↳ Your next spicy best friend
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀F O R M A T S
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Ebook - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beast-His-Beauty-Willow-Winters-ebook/dp/B0DF6BFYDV/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AoqN-j8ATS89th7gCaQ02wq4CpkTV3SabJ-MSztKoOpb37Erd2ZNcjuhgr4KuryFr1ff7WbnY1YM9wE-I1Z_ODLDfhm6WI48GLzMDPzzA2uMXF8x_oCNIkM6LPRq7z9mE9flrDGT5J5HX6OUnT2A4w.Ilh51QRgmtNY4bD3MLG2WT6-JUn49x8oCds1wg1nO_s&qid=1729075529&sr=8-1
⠀⠀⠀↳ Paperback - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beast-His-Beauty-Willow-Winters/dp/B0DCZSV45G/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AoqN-j8ATS89th7gCaQ02wq4CpkTV3SabJ-MSztKoOpb37Erd2ZNcjuhgr4KuryFr1ff7WbnY1YM9wE-I1Z_ODLDfhm6WI48GLzMDPzzA2uMXF8x_oCNIkM6LPRq7z9mE9flrDGT5J5HX6OUnT2A4w.Ilh51QRgmtNY4bD3MLG2WT6-JUn49x8oCds1wg1nO_s&qid=1729075529&sr=8-1
⠀⠀⠀↳ Discreet Paperback - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prince-Elle-Beast-Beauty-Discreet/dp/B0D5D4KTR7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3AQ4AR32SCUUY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AoqN-j8ATS89th7gCaQ02wq4CpkTV3SabJ-MSztKoOpb37Erd2ZNcjuhgr4KuryFr1ff7WbnY1YM9wE-I1Z_ODLDfhm6WI48GLzMDPzzA2uMXF8x_oCNIkM6LPRq7z9mE9flrDGT5J5HX6OUnT2A4w.B0vAM20flLuhhkcaB2lwSDi3ZTEvdvQPumzAtKjF-5o&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+beast+and+his+beauty+willow+winters&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1729125770&sprefix=the+beast+and+his%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-3
⠀⠀⠀↳ Artist Cover Paperback - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beast-His-Beauty-Artist-Rendition/dp/B0D5D8W48G/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3AQ4AR32SCUUY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AoqN-j8ATS89th7gCaQ02wq4CpkTV3SabJ-MSztKoOpb37Erd2ZNcjuhgr4KuryFr1ff7WbnY1YM9wE-I1Z_ODLDfhm6WI48GLzMDPzzA2uMXF8x_oCNIkM6LPRq7z9mE9flrDGT5J5HX6OUnT2A4w.B0vAM20flLuhhkcaB2lwSDi3ZTEvdvQPumzAtKjF-5o&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+beast+and+his+beauty+willow+winters&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1729125770&sprefix=the+beast+and+his%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-2
⠀⠀⠀↳ Hardcover - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beast-His-Beauty-Willow-Winters/dp/B0DDRMCG2W/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AoqN-j8ATS89th7gCaQ02wq4CpkTV3SabJ-MSztKoOpb37Erd2ZNcjuhgr4KuryFr1ff7WbnY1YM9wE-I1Z_ODLDfhm6WI48GLzMDPzzA2uMXF8x_oCNIkM6LPRq7z9mE9flrDGT5J5HX6OUnT2A4w.Ilh51QRgmtNY4bD3MLG2WT6-JUn49x8oCds1wg1nO_s&qid=1729075529&sr=8-1
⠀⠀⠀↳ Audiobook - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Beast-His-Beauty-Audiobook/B0DFRCLKGH?qid=1729125835&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=Z10Z1DY5NM3CH31K5QMB&pageLoadId=2P4K9zfXa1kSdhIV&creativeId=41e85e98-10b8-40e2-907d-6b663f04a42d&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1
⠀⠀⠀↳ Willow's Website - https://willowwinterswrites.com
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀F O L L O W ⠀ W I L L O W!
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━��━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWillowWinters
⠀⠀⠀↳ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/willowwintersshouldbewriting/
⠀⠀⠀↳ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwintersauthor
⠀⠀⠀↳ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@willowwintersshouldbewriting
August 27, 2024
The darker, adult, extra spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling we didn't know we needed. Or maybe we did know 😂
If you are a fan of the movie you'll love this book. Its a pretty close to the original storyline retelling but with a darker tone. The beast has more demons to battle and his obsession with Elle is all consuming. The spice in this was 🔥 and is what kept me coming back for more!!
The end of the book leaves it wide open for the story to continue and I am excited to see where Miss Winters takes us!
If you are a fan of the movie you'll love this book. Its a pretty close to the original storyline retelling but with a darker tone. The beast has more demons to battle and his obsession with Elle is all consuming. The spice in this was 🔥 and is what kept me coming back for more!!
The end of the book leaves it wide open for the story to continue and I am excited to see where Miss Winters takes us!
Read
October 29, 2024This one wasn't for me. It has nothing to do with the fact that it is pure smut. I'm a huge Jessa Kane fan, so that can't be the problem.
The writing was just meh for me. It felt sloppy and about 50% through I was so over hearing about "The Magic". We are well aware there is magic pulling you there, I don't need to be reminded every 3rd sentence.
Also, lack of communication trope is right there at the top of my dislike lists, and I felt like if these two had just vented their issues they would realize they wanted each other.
The writing was just meh for me. It felt sloppy and about 50% through I was so over hearing about "The Magic". We are well aware there is magic pulling you there, I don't need to be reminded every 3rd sentence.
Also, lack of communication trope is right there at the top of my dislike lists, and I felt like if these two had just vented their issues they would realize they wanted each other.
October 2, 2024
Dubious consent…. Like at least the Prince didn’t want to harm her so like yay! But also uhm….. hm… oof. So two stars 🫡 Also this book is 99.9% heat. 😂 There was one line that sent shiver downs my spine multiple times and if you listen to the audiobook version…. You’ll know.
September 9, 2024
Had a lot of potential
August 25, 2024
The Beast and His Beauty by Willow Winters. This is a real refreshing take on the classic children's tale of Beauty And The Beast with an adult upgrade along with an infusion of magic. Elle has heard the stories regarding the beast and the magic that surround the castle. These stories did not deter her curiosity. In fact, the magic speaks to her and draws her to the castle. One fateful day while outside the wall, not only does she experience the magic, but she has an encounter with something or someone. Instead of being afraid of the encounter, she finds herself more intrigued regarding the castle and it's inhabitant. Initially, I thought this was just a retelling of the classic tale with an adult sexual twist. I was wrong. I enjoyed the author's twist on many of the similar scenes that took place in the original and in this magical retelling of the story. I was taking a journey the author took me on. The journey was enjoyable, especially the development of the relationship between Elle and the Beast. What really took this story to the next level was the conclusion and epilogue of this story. It's just an absolutely exciting way to end this story. Kudos to the author. A 4 star read for me.
August 26, 2024
Willow Winters has taken a ‘tale as old as time’ and put a unique spin on it. You have a little bit spicy, a little bit true to the original, and a little bit magical all rolled into one quick and easy, albeit slightly repetitive read.
Elle and The Prince/The Beast stayed pretty close to their traditional roles with a little twist. Elle and her father have fallen on tight financial times. This causes her father to do something out of character. Upon finding this out, she is distraught. Elle has been warned her entire life that she needs to avoid the forest, because of lingering magic, but Elle does not listen too well. She gets caught up in the magic of the forest and encounters the beast. I’m sure you can imagine what happens from here.
The Beast/Prince is true to form. He’s growly, mean, and a little OTT. He does not want to see anyone, interact with anyone, and is fiercely protective of his home. Yet when he finds Elle on his property, he turns from growly and mean to curious and protective.
The Beast and His Beauty is a super quick read, and it made me wish for some of that magic to help with my daily chores.
Elle and The Prince/The Beast stayed pretty close to their traditional roles with a little twist. Elle and her father have fallen on tight financial times. This causes her father to do something out of character. Upon finding this out, she is distraught. Elle has been warned her entire life that she needs to avoid the forest, because of lingering magic, but Elle does not listen too well. She gets caught up in the magic of the forest and encounters the beast. I’m sure you can imagine what happens from here.
The Beast/Prince is true to form. He’s growly, mean, and a little OTT. He does not want to see anyone, interact with anyone, and is fiercely protective of his home. Yet when he finds Elle on his property, he turns from growly and mean to curious and protective.
The Beast and His Beauty is a super quick read, and it made me wish for some of that magic to help with my daily chores.
August 27, 2024
A tale as old as time but with a dark, sexy twist!
I really enjoyed this retelling. It had the magic of the original fairytale but added that Willow Winters spice.
I thought the characters, especially The Beast/Prince were super interesting. I liked how The Beast/Prince had a bit of a Jekyll & Hyde dynamic but they’re united on their desire for Elle. If you like Belle, you'll like Elle. She's innocent but not naïve. I liked the relationship between the characters too. This is a darker retelling so there are tropes from dark romance that are seen here such as abduction and dub con. I thought these tropes fit well into the story and made it more exciting. I also thought the magic had an interesting effect on the story. It was like a character itself.
Winters really threw the spice rack at this story! This had such high heat! I could not listen to this at work haha. The spicy scenes were really hot and well written. Reminded me of Beast by Jenika Snow.
If you like retellings and don't mind them a bit dark, I would definitely recommend this!
I really enjoyed this retelling. It had the magic of the original fairytale but added that Willow Winters spice.
I thought the characters, especially The Beast/Prince were super interesting. I liked how The Beast/Prince had a bit of a Jekyll & Hyde dynamic but they’re united on their desire for Elle. If you like Belle, you'll like Elle. She's innocent but not naïve. I liked the relationship between the characters too. This is a darker retelling so there are tropes from dark romance that are seen here such as abduction and dub con. I thought these tropes fit well into the story and made it more exciting. I also thought the magic had an interesting effect on the story. It was like a character itself.
Winters really threw the spice rack at this story! This had such high heat! I could not listen to this at work haha. The spicy scenes were really hot and well written. Reminded me of Beast by Jenika Snow.
If you like retellings and don't mind them a bit dark, I would definitely recommend this!
August 24, 2024
Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite Disney movies so why not read a retelling of one of my faves? Listen, I don’t think I’ll ever look at this story in the same way again and I say that in a good way!
This spicy retelling was just that, spicy! Willow always seems to deliver in that category and I definitely wasn’t disappointed. As far as the rest of the story goes, it was a little slow for me in the beginning but it picked up and I started to enjoy it more. Elle and the Beast had great chemistry! I really enjoyed the magic aspect of the storyline of course but I would have loved to have more specifics on how the magic actually worked but I do love how it reacted so well to Elle. I’m hoping that from the sounds of the epilogue, there may be more to come!
Overall I really enjoyed this one. I look forward to reading more of Willow’s stories in the future for sure!
Thanks so much to Willow Winters and Hambright PR for the ARC of this book for an honest review!
This spicy retelling was just that, spicy! Willow always seems to deliver in that category and I definitely wasn’t disappointed. As far as the rest of the story goes, it was a little slow for me in the beginning but it picked up and I started to enjoy it more. Elle and the Beast had great chemistry! I really enjoyed the magic aspect of the storyline of course but I would have loved to have more specifics on how the magic actually worked but I do love how it reacted so well to Elle. I’m hoping that from the sounds of the epilogue, there may be more to come!
Overall I really enjoyed this one. I look forward to reading more of Willow’s stories in the future for sure!
Thanks so much to Willow Winters and Hambright PR for the ARC of this book for an honest review!
August 19, 2024
I loved Beauty and the Beast growing up, so when I saw the sign ups for this book, I was curious. It's a cute retelling with spice. I liked some parts of the story, while I struggled with the middle part due to the pacing, and some parts felt repetitive. The FMCs name is Elle (yes, very similar to Belle). This book does include some scenes from the original such as the iconic library entrance scene that we all know and love, the Beast asks Elle to read to him, and they also have a snowball fight. There is a library scene if ya know what I mean 🤭 it had a good ending that's different from the original.
August 23, 2024
Someone bleach my mind!! Wtf did l just read👀😭
This book will never let me look at beauty & the beast the same way!!
I freaking LOVED this version a whole lot. The spice, the writing & the flow of words will have you hooked right of the first page. I for sure was.
I’ve never not wanted a book to end like this one because l just wanted to stay in this perfect world Willow created ahhh.
I definitely don’t want to spoil this but trust me book besties when l say read this book NOW, not tomorrow, not later, l mean NOW.
Thank you Hambright & Willow for a gifted copy, y’all are the best ✨✨☁️🍃
This book will never let me look at beauty & the beast the same way!!
I freaking LOVED this version a whole lot. The spice, the writing & the flow of words will have you hooked right of the first page. I for sure was.
I’ve never not wanted a book to end like this one because l just wanted to stay in this perfect world Willow created ahhh.
I definitely don’t want to spoil this but trust me book besties when l say read this book NOW, not tomorrow, not later, l mean NOW.
Thank you Hambright & Willow for a gifted copy, y’all are the best ✨✨☁️🍃
August 25, 2024
I believe that every girl who grew up reading has put herself as Belle in Beaty and the Beast. A girl whose nose is stuck in a book, is held prisoner in a palace with the largest library you have ever seen. Then the beast turns out to be a handsome prince?! Yes please!
Ok let’s do that, but make it spicy! Just a few pages in and the heat is turned up. It will have you pretending you are Elle. This retelling will leave you fantasizing you are the one that was held captive. The places this story takes you is unlike any other fairy tale. The storyline is fantastic something only Willow Winters can bring us.
Ok let’s do that, but make it spicy! Just a few pages in and the heat is turned up. It will have you pretending you are Elle. This retelling will leave you fantasizing you are the one that was held captive. The places this story takes you is unlike any other fairy tale. The storyline is fantastic something only Willow Winters can bring us.
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