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Her Dark Promise: A Dark Romance Beauty and the Beast Retelling
Isolated. Unloved. Cursed.
Calathea Everhart, once a thriving princess, is now a cursed queen, haunted by a witch's dark promise. After centuries of solitude with only a few stray human companions, she's doomed to watch the life around her grow and change while she stays the same.
Outside the border of her lands, a village has come to fear her, claiming a beast lives within the woods, and the only way to appease it is to feed it. Calathea doesn't interfere with humans, at least, not until two brothers venture into the forest. One seeks to slay the beast, the other is intent on breaking her curse.
Little does she know, the arrival of the two brothers changes everything, and forces her to face the very past she's been running from. How far will she go to break her own curse? And what will she have to give up?
Her Dark Promise is a spicy, why choose, adult fantasy retelling of the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. Please read the content warnings on the author's website or in the front matter before reading as this book is for mature audiences only.
Calathea Everhart, once a thriving princess, is now a cursed queen, haunted by a witch's dark promise. After centuries of solitude with only a few stray human companions, she's doomed to watch the life around her grow and change while she stays the same.
Outside the border of her lands, a village has come to fear her, claiming a beast lives within the woods, and the only way to appease it is to feed it. Calathea doesn't interfere with humans, at least, not until two brothers venture into the forest. One seeks to slay the beast, the other is intent on breaking her curse.
Little does she know, the arrival of the two brothers changes everything, and forces her to face the very past she's been running from. How far will she go to break her own curse? And what will she have to give up?
Her Dark Promise is a spicy, why choose, adult fantasy retelling of the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. Please read the content warnings on the author's website or in the front matter before reading as this book is for mature audiences only.
443 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2024
74 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Bria Rose
3 books30 followersBria Rose is a Disney enthusiast turned dark romance author. She once dreamed
of being rescued by a prince, but now yearns for a morally grey 6'5" alpha male
who would burn the world for her. When she doesn't have her head in a book
she is a boudoir photographer, scuba diver, travels the world, and is currently
learning French.
of being rescued by a prince, but now yearns for a morally grey 6'5" alpha male
who would burn the world for her. When she doesn't have her head in a book
she is a boudoir photographer, scuba diver, travels the world, and is currently
learning French.
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December 11, 2024Beauty and the beast retelling.
But, she's the beast?
Okay I'm here for it.
But, she's the beast?
Okay I'm here for it.
September 14, 2025
Beauty and the beast retelling but shes the beast. These characters were so well written i was hooked in the story after 30 pages. The fmc is a witch who was cursed 300+ years ago and deemed a monster by everyone in town. She accepted the fact that she would never be loved and she would never die even though she tried countless times. Until one day they came and completely changed her and her story. The audiobook was fantastic! The voice actors did an amazing job. My only complaint with the book and why its 4 stars and not 5 is because it could have been shorter. I appreciate details but i felt like the story was over after 300 pages and the conflict with the villain didn’t last long and it was over quickly. Overall, the story was enjoyable and its worth the read!
December 1, 2024
“He still hadn’t decided if he was going to kill me or not because my blood was still tucked safely away in my body.”
-Callie
“I should let this heal on its own, but I wouldn’t want it to heal wrong and you need this hand if you are going to jerk yourself off at night when you’re listening to me being the whore you say I am.”
-Callie
A dark retelling you say? A Beauty and the Beast retelling you say? Yeah, okay. Show me what you got.
Calathea has been cursed and is trying to find away to break it. How she was trying to do that is a mystery to me as it seemed she was only interested in using he favorite boy toy and playing dress up with he surrogate sister.
Side note, her actual sister is called Belle. 🥀
Back to Callie. She isn't an evil queen, but she has been cursed for too long that her spiteful feelings have taken over her ability to make rational choices. It also has made her compliant ti the point where she neglects those closest to her. Not good when you have invited someone into your home that openly speaks of causing harm to you and all who protect you. Tok many distractions cause a hole where the bad can get in.
The story itself wasn't bad. This was long, though. It could have been said and done in 300 pages. I found myself just skimming pages before coming to and not remembering what was just read. Listen, that dinning room scene with Bast tied up to the chair? Ma’am. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
-Callie
“I should let this heal on its own, but I wouldn’t want it to heal wrong and you need this hand if you are going to jerk yourself off at night when you’re listening to me being the whore you say I am.”
-Callie
A dark retelling you say? A Beauty and the Beast retelling you say? Yeah, okay. Show me what you got.
Calathea has been cursed and is trying to find away to break it. How she was trying to do that is a mystery to me as it seemed she was only interested in using he favorite boy toy and playing dress up with he surrogate sister.
Side note, her actual sister is called Belle. 🥀
Back to Callie. She isn't an evil queen, but she has been cursed for too long that her spiteful feelings have taken over her ability to make rational choices. It also has made her compliant ti the point where she neglects those closest to her. Not good when you have invited someone into your home that openly speaks of causing harm to you and all who protect you. Tok many distractions cause a hole where the bad can get in.
The story itself wasn't bad. This was long, though. It could have been said and done in 300 pages. I found myself just skimming pages before coming to and not remembering what was just read. Listen, that dinning room scene with Bast tied up to the chair? Ma’am. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
December 11, 2024
Holy moly, this book was a definite 5 star read for me. The plot was so good and wasn't lost in the spice, which was definitely spicing! Kept me entertained and also so intrigued to find out what happened next.
At first, I was really having a hard time vibing with the Queen.. but as I read and her storyline unfolded, she became such an amazing and complex character. I was so in love with the MMFM part..I was not expecting it at all, which made it so much better!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves Enemies to Lovers because this was a perfect retelling!
At first, I was really having a hard time vibing with the Queen.. but as I read and her storyline unfolded, she became such an amazing and complex character. I was so in love with the MMFM part..I was not expecting it at all, which made it so much better!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves Enemies to Lovers because this was a perfect retelling!
November 3, 2025
this started out really solid but devolved into pure smut. i dont have an issue with that but the plot was what pulled me in initially
November 30, 2024
A deliciously dark Beauty and the Beast retelling with a twist. I could not put it down! The suspense was enough to keep me reading and the angst and the spice were so good. I love the power switches through out. It starts out with Queen Calathea as “the beast”, who already has Callum to handle her needs. She is the dominant and he worships the ground she walks on. Two brothers stumble across her castle and aren’t allowed to leave. Bastian starts out hating her but only because he feels for her. When they finally come together, he is dominant and bossy and she loves it. Soren is a lovely mix of both. He loves her before ever meeting her and would follow her anywhere, but in the bedroom he’s the complete opposite, taking charge and praising her obedience. She doesn’t trust anyone, but watching her fall in love with each of them and seeing how they love her through the hard times is amazing.
MMFM
Dark Romance
Enemies-Lovers
He Falls First
Found Family
MMFM
Dark Romance
Enemies-Lovers
He Falls First
Found Family
December 16, 2024
Childhood fav turned into my adulthood fav!
This book had all the spice and violent vibes right out of the gate if dark retellings are your love language. Getting to know the beastly personality of her Grace was such a ride.
Getting wrapped up in each character was so easy to do and feeling their joy, sarrow and devotion was the chefs kiss to rounding out this role reversal on a classic and turning it into a whole new adventure to fall for.
This book had all the spice and violent vibes right out of the gate if dark retellings are your love language. Getting to know the beastly personality of her Grace was such a ride.
Getting wrapped up in each character was so easy to do and feeling their joy, sarrow and devotion was the chefs kiss to rounding out this role reversal on a classic and turning it into a whole new adventure to fall for.
November 27, 2024
A great debut
Ms Rose has done a fantastic job with her first novel. I always enjoy a good fairytale retelling and this definitely falls into that category. I loved how the story was flipped on its head, with the princess becoming the beast. The curse to break is so symbolic of the mental health struggles many young girls suffer - you are unloved and unwanted.
While there is definitely room to improve as an author, this story is one Ms Rose should be proud of. I look forward to following her progress.
Ms Rose has done a fantastic job with her first novel. I always enjoy a good fairytale retelling and this definitely falls into that category. I loved how the story was flipped on its head, with the princess becoming the beast. The curse to break is so symbolic of the mental health struggles many young girls suffer - you are unloved and unwanted.
While there is definitely room to improve as an author, this story is one Ms Rose should be proud of. I look forward to following her progress.
November 5, 2024
I had the honor of beta reading this book and wow! Dark Fantasy in all its steamy glory 🥵! A little bit of a slow start. Would definitely reread this again! Recommended to all my grown up Disney girls who would like more than the child story we read when we were kids. 4.5 stars!
November 26, 2024
Rose (Calathea, Thea, her majesty) – is a complex, wonderful, twisted character I wasn't expecting to love. I really wasn't sure of her in the beginning. I very quickly realized she was the best in this Beauty and the Beast retelling and I could tell her character, morals, and very soul were on the line and I really didn't know if there was any shred of good left in her.
Circe – we hear about her talked about in both past tense and current tense at the start of the book and you really do question what role and even what position she has in the storyline, but also what her very relationship with Rose is.
Then we have Emilia – this character was one who always wore her heart and soul on her sleeve at all times. When we learned her back story, it tore my heart out, and I cried, and the horror of what she lived through and the tender age she lived through it was just so horrifying. I had to put my Kindle down for a few minutes.
Callem – dear sweet Callum. I really did love Callem. He was the lover, consort, little bird of Rose. Sometimes, I think his character was written just for us women. And it's not just in terms of how he looks (although I am not saying anything against those) or his abilities in the bedroom. Rather, it was about his emotional maturity, the maturity of his understanding, and the patience he had. It was all about the unconditional love that he had for Rose. Those are really the things that made you love and adore him.
Soren was the scholar who came into his own. He found his own voice and confidence and realized he had so much to offer the world even though his own head was stuck in the world of his books. He was the perfect chef's kiss of a character. He is so much more than just Rose's one true love after she sees him save his childhood friend. She admires him once she learns why he saved that friend from the reaping.
Bastian – rugged, quick-witted, stubborn hunter who is secretly tender with a huge heart he was terrified to show. He was the one character who took forever to grow on me and was honestly the last one I really loved. Honestly, I found his actions more hideous and monstrous than Rose's. It was really only after he realized that Rose wanted, and I mean REALLY, wanted to keep him safe, that he finally felt it. And watching and feeling him go from hating Rose to falling in love with her and Callum, it was such a beautiful thing, and it was magnificently written.
I loved how this was such a beautiful take on a classic story, including the spicy scenes, its such a beautiful work of art, and reading it and getting to watch it unfold slowly and perfectly was so magnificent. This was my first Bria Rose novel, and I absolutely loved it, and the way she tortured me with this delicious slow burn was so perfect. And she didn't spare any of the small details. This was so much more than just a simple story. it's an all-encompassing story including loss, grief, abuse, and how to grow, heal, and survive.
Rose's story is so important, and it's always going to be important not only in the world of literature but also out in the real world. It makes you realize that no matter the sins we have to pay for, even if it is for other people, we can't keep any hate in our hearts. When Rose saved Emilia in the woods, she knew that Emilia was broken and that she had been abused (she didn't know about the sexual component until later) and Rose knew that Emilia needed safety and Rose offered her that safe place and didn't push her to talk about what happened and didn't expect anything in return. Rose just saved Emilia the way Rose needed to be saved as a child herself.
Rose had such a patience and the utmost tenderness for and with Callum, and you could see that from the first moment she saved him, and you could see that as she recalled their story as he was the only man he didn't kill in his party because he didn't agree with stealing from the castle, even if it didn't impact anyone directly, she saw the good in him, and in return saved and spared him and found love and kindness from and with him.
Circe – she is the real witch in this story. She's the murderer, liar, thief. She did the worst thing possible. She befriended Rose, gained her trust, love, and respect, and then killed the one person that Rose loved the most, Annabelle (Belle). Circe focused on killing the entire royal line and the entire royal family just because the king decided the wage war on magic, and she didn't spare an innocent child's life. It was her focus on revenge that when Emilia was at her lowest, she took her body she she could further enact more revenge on Rose, not caring how it would/could affect Emilia.
La bête's story really takes you into the mind of Rose and forces you to think about all the wrong that has been done to you, but at the same time it makes you think about the wrong that you've done to others. It also gives us the reminder that we can grow and overcome anything with time and hope without becoming a monster.
There are only a handful of books that I have read recently that I wish I could go back and read again for the first time, and this is one of them. It is beautifully written and has so many nuanced unpinned stories that deserve to be told. This is a beautifully re-imagined and re-masted classic story that deserves to stand on its own on its own merrit. The biggest takeaway from this story is the reminder that it is NOT cruel to be kind.
Circe – we hear about her talked about in both past tense and current tense at the start of the book and you really do question what role and even what position she has in the storyline, but also what her very relationship with Rose is.
Then we have Emilia – this character was one who always wore her heart and soul on her sleeve at all times. When we learned her back story, it tore my heart out, and I cried, and the horror of what she lived through and the tender age she lived through it was just so horrifying. I had to put my Kindle down for a few minutes.
Callem – dear sweet Callum. I really did love Callem. He was the lover, consort, little bird of Rose. Sometimes, I think his character was written just for us women. And it's not just in terms of how he looks (although I am not saying anything against those) or his abilities in the bedroom. Rather, it was about his emotional maturity, the maturity of his understanding, and the patience he had. It was all about the unconditional love that he had for Rose. Those are really the things that made you love and adore him.
Soren was the scholar who came into his own. He found his own voice and confidence and realized he had so much to offer the world even though his own head was stuck in the world of his books. He was the perfect chef's kiss of a character. He is so much more than just Rose's one true love after she sees him save his childhood friend. She admires him once she learns why he saved that friend from the reaping.
Bastian – rugged, quick-witted, stubborn hunter who is secretly tender with a huge heart he was terrified to show. He was the one character who took forever to grow on me and was honestly the last one I really loved. Honestly, I found his actions more hideous and monstrous than Rose's. It was really only after he realized that Rose wanted, and I mean REALLY, wanted to keep him safe, that he finally felt it. And watching and feeling him go from hating Rose to falling in love with her and Callum, it was such a beautiful thing, and it was magnificently written.
I loved how this was such a beautiful take on a classic story, including the spicy scenes, its such a beautiful work of art, and reading it and getting to watch it unfold slowly and perfectly was so magnificent. This was my first Bria Rose novel, and I absolutely loved it, and the way she tortured me with this delicious slow burn was so perfect. And she didn't spare any of the small details. This was so much more than just a simple story. it's an all-encompassing story including loss, grief, abuse, and how to grow, heal, and survive.
Rose's story is so important, and it's always going to be important not only in the world of literature but also out in the real world. It makes you realize that no matter the sins we have to pay for, even if it is for other people, we can't keep any hate in our hearts. When Rose saved Emilia in the woods, she knew that Emilia was broken and that she had been abused (she didn't know about the sexual component until later) and Rose knew that Emilia needed safety and Rose offered her that safe place and didn't push her to talk about what happened and didn't expect anything in return. Rose just saved Emilia the way Rose needed to be saved as a child herself.
Rose had such a patience and the utmost tenderness for and with Callum, and you could see that from the first moment she saved him, and you could see that as she recalled their story as he was the only man he didn't kill in his party because he didn't agree with stealing from the castle, even if it didn't impact anyone directly, she saw the good in him, and in return saved and spared him and found love and kindness from and with him.
Circe – she is the real witch in this story. She's the murderer, liar, thief. She did the worst thing possible. She befriended Rose, gained her trust, love, and respect, and then killed the one person that Rose loved the most, Annabelle (Belle). Circe focused on killing the entire royal line and the entire royal family just because the king decided the wage war on magic, and she didn't spare an innocent child's life. It was her focus on revenge that when Emilia was at her lowest, she took her body she she could further enact more revenge on Rose, not caring how it would/could affect Emilia.
La bête's story really takes you into the mind of Rose and forces you to think about all the wrong that has been done to you, but at the same time it makes you think about the wrong that you've done to others. It also gives us the reminder that we can grow and overcome anything with time and hope without becoming a monster.
There are only a handful of books that I have read recently that I wish I could go back and read again for the first time, and this is one of them. It is beautifully written and has so many nuanced unpinned stories that deserve to be told. This is a beautifully re-imagined and re-masted classic story that deserves to stand on its own on its own merrit. The biggest takeaway from this story is the reminder that it is NOT cruel to be kind.
November 25, 2024
I received a copy of this book as an ARC reader, any and all views are of my own opinion.
Calathea (Rose, Thea, her majesty) - is such a wonderfully complex character. The beginning of the story is written in a way that makes you feel unsure of her character and her morals, but you’re waiting to find the hope that she has good in her.
Circe - is talked about in both present and past tense in the beginning which makes you question her role and position not just in the story line but in her relationship with Calathea.
Emilia - my heart and soul, her character is truly a heart on her sleeve kind of gal, her back story is one that is TRULY heartbreaking once you find out the horror of what she had lived through at such a young age.
Callum - lover, consort, little bird; truly a character that is written for the female gaze! I don’t just mean the way that he is written about in his looks or abilities in the bedroom, but his emotional maturity, his understanding, patience and truly non conditional love for her majesty is one that makes you ADORE him!
Soren - the scholar; Is definitely one that comes into his own. Reading about Ren not only finding his voice and his own confidence, but realizing he has so much to offer the world even though his head is in a book? Chefs kiss! He not only has a true love for Rose after seeing her save his friend in childhood, but also an admiration for her once he learned WHY she saves children from the reaping.
Bastian - the hunter; rugged, quick witted, stubborn, secretly tender which a huge heart that he was too afraid to show. Bast took time to grow on me as his actions where more monster like in some situations than Thea’s, but once he came to the realization that Thea truly wanted nothing more than to keep him safe, he felt just that. Watching him going from hating her to slowly falling in love with her and Callum was beautiful and so beautifully written!
This story is such a beautiful take on a classic (including the spicy scenes, truly a work of art!) that as I was reading I could see the story unfolding. By giving small details that do not seem important Bria Rose managed to slowly build more dramatics, details and a beautiful story about loss, grief, abuse, and how to overcome all of them.
Thea’s story is one that is always going to be important not just in the book world but the real world, that regardless of the sins we have to pay for on the behalf of others; we cannot harbor their hatred in our hearts. Thea saving Emilia from the woods knowing that she was broken and had been abused (not knowing of the sexual abuse until later on) and needed safety and offered her exactly that, she did not push her to talk about what happened, did not EXPECT anything from her. She simply saved her the way that she needed saving as a child herself.
Her majesty’s patience and tenderness for Callum was clear the moment she saved him, as she recalls the story he was the only man that she did not kill in his group that is because he did not agree with stealing from the castle regardless of if it directly impacted anyone if he had; she recognized the good in him and in return he saw hers and loved her for that.
Circe - the true witch, the murderer, the liar and thief. She did one of the worst things you could do to anyone, she gained Calathea’s trust, gained her love and respect, and in turned killed the person that Thea loved the most: Annabelle (Belle). Circe was so focused on killing the ENTIRE royal family because of the Kings war on magic that she did not spare an innocent child’s life. She was so focused on her revenge that at Emilia’s lowest she took her body so that she may try to enact her revenge on Thea with no care how it would/could affect Emilia.
The story of La bête is truly one that whisks you away into the mind of Calathea and makes you stop to think about all the wrong doings that have occurred towards you, but also makes you think about what you have done to others, it is a great reminder that you can overcome your circumstances without becoming the monster who created them.
I truly wish that I could read this again for the first time, it was such a beautifully written twist on a classic story, and one that reminds you that it is NOT cruel to be kind.
Calathea (Rose, Thea, her majesty) - is such a wonderfully complex character. The beginning of the story is written in a way that makes you feel unsure of her character and her morals, but you’re waiting to find the hope that she has good in her.
Circe - is talked about in both present and past tense in the beginning which makes you question her role and position not just in the story line but in her relationship with Calathea.
Emilia - my heart and soul, her character is truly a heart on her sleeve kind of gal, her back story is one that is TRULY heartbreaking once you find out the horror of what she had lived through at such a young age.
Callum - lover, consort, little bird; truly a character that is written for the female gaze! I don’t just mean the way that he is written about in his looks or abilities in the bedroom, but his emotional maturity, his understanding, patience and truly non conditional love for her majesty is one that makes you ADORE him!
Soren - the scholar; Is definitely one that comes into his own. Reading about Ren not only finding his voice and his own confidence, but realizing he has so much to offer the world even though his head is in a book? Chefs kiss! He not only has a true love for Rose after seeing her save his friend in childhood, but also an admiration for her once he learned WHY she saves children from the reaping.
Bastian - the hunter; rugged, quick witted, stubborn, secretly tender which a huge heart that he was too afraid to show. Bast took time to grow on me as his actions where more monster like in some situations than Thea’s, but once he came to the realization that Thea truly wanted nothing more than to keep him safe, he felt just that. Watching him going from hating her to slowly falling in love with her and Callum was beautiful and so beautifully written!
This story is such a beautiful take on a classic (including the spicy scenes, truly a work of art!) that as I was reading I could see the story unfolding. By giving small details that do not seem important Bria Rose managed to slowly build more dramatics, details and a beautiful story about loss, grief, abuse, and how to overcome all of them.
Thea’s story is one that is always going to be important not just in the book world but the real world, that regardless of the sins we have to pay for on the behalf of others; we cannot harbor their hatred in our hearts. Thea saving Emilia from the woods knowing that she was broken and had been abused (not knowing of the sexual abuse until later on) and needed safety and offered her exactly that, she did not push her to talk about what happened, did not EXPECT anything from her. She simply saved her the way that she needed saving as a child herself.
Her majesty’s patience and tenderness for Callum was clear the moment she saved him, as she recalls the story he was the only man that she did not kill in his group that is because he did not agree with stealing from the castle regardless of if it directly impacted anyone if he had; she recognized the good in him and in return he saw hers and loved her for that.
Circe - the true witch, the murderer, the liar and thief. She did one of the worst things you could do to anyone, she gained Calathea’s trust, gained her love and respect, and in turned killed the person that Thea loved the most: Annabelle (Belle). Circe was so focused on killing the ENTIRE royal family because of the Kings war on magic that she did not spare an innocent child’s life. She was so focused on her revenge that at Emilia’s lowest she took her body so that she may try to enact her revenge on Thea with no care how it would/could affect Emilia.
The story of La bête is truly one that whisks you away into the mind of Calathea and makes you stop to think about all the wrong doings that have occurred towards you, but also makes you think about what you have done to others, it is a great reminder that you can overcome your circumstances without becoming the monster who created them.
I truly wish that I could read this again for the first time, it was such a beautifully written twist on a classic story, and one that reminds you that it is NOT cruel to be kind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
Spice, Banter, Angst, and Tension? Check!
This dark fantasy is packed with all the spice you could want, layered with banter, angst, and tension that will leave you begging for more. The witty, often hilarious exchanges between the characters perfectly balance the high stakes and intense emotions, adding warmth and humor to the darkness. Every interaction sharp retorts, heated arguments, or vulnerable confessions is charged with meaning and keeps you hooked.
Set against a lush, haunting backdrop, Her Dark Promise reimagines Beauty and the Beast with a darker, spicier edge. The story follows Calathea (Rose, Thea, Her Majesty), a cursed queen burdened by a witch's promise and the weight of her choices. Her journey of survival and self-discovery is gripping, her soul hanging precariously in the balance.
What truly sets this book apart is its unforgettable characters:
Rose: A queen fighting to outwit her curse, Rose’s struggle for redemption is raw and heart-wrenching. Her journey forces you to question whether there’s any light left in her darkened soul.
Callum: Sweet, devoted Callum Rose’s “little bird” and loyal consort is pure perfection. His unwavering love and tender strength make him a character you’ll fall for instantly.
Soren: The scholarly Soren undergoes a satisfying transformation, stepping out of his books to embrace confidence and charisma. His sexy, nerdy charm makes him irresistible.
Bastian: The rugged hunter with a guarded heart learns to embrace vulnerability, balancing his stubborn wit with surprising tenderness. His journey with Rose and Callum is deeply moving.
The love triangle-turned-trio is masterfully written, blending fiery chemistry and emotional intimacy with themes of love, trust, and sacrifice. Dark, enchanting, and beautifully written, this story will linger long after the final page.
Rating:❤️❤️❤️❤️
Darkness:🖤🖤.5
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Burn:🔥🔥🔥
POV: First Person
Ending: HEA
This dark fantasy is packed with all the spice you could want, layered with banter, angst, and tension that will leave you begging for more. The witty, often hilarious exchanges between the characters perfectly balance the high stakes and intense emotions, adding warmth and humor to the darkness. Every interaction sharp retorts, heated arguments, or vulnerable confessions is charged with meaning and keeps you hooked.
Set against a lush, haunting backdrop, Her Dark Promise reimagines Beauty and the Beast with a darker, spicier edge. The story follows Calathea (Rose, Thea, Her Majesty), a cursed queen burdened by a witch's promise and the weight of her choices. Her journey of survival and self-discovery is gripping, her soul hanging precariously in the balance.
What truly sets this book apart is its unforgettable characters:
Rose: A queen fighting to outwit her curse, Rose’s struggle for redemption is raw and heart-wrenching. Her journey forces you to question whether there’s any light left in her darkened soul.
Callum: Sweet, devoted Callum Rose’s “little bird” and loyal consort is pure perfection. His unwavering love and tender strength make him a character you’ll fall for instantly.
Soren: The scholarly Soren undergoes a satisfying transformation, stepping out of his books to embrace confidence and charisma. His sexy, nerdy charm makes him irresistible.
Bastian: The rugged hunter with a guarded heart learns to embrace vulnerability, balancing his stubborn wit with surprising tenderness. His journey with Rose and Callum is deeply moving.
The love triangle-turned-trio is masterfully written, blending fiery chemistry and emotional intimacy with themes of love, trust, and sacrifice. Dark, enchanting, and beautifully written, this story will linger long after the final page.
Rating:❤️❤️❤️❤️
Darkness:🖤🖤.5
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Burn:🔥🔥🔥
POV: First Person
Ending: HEA
December 1, 2024
From the moment I picked it up, Her Dark Promise by Bria Rose had me completely hooked. Everything—the cover, the first chapter, the pacing—was perfect for what I want in a book. Callie is one of the best female leads I’ve read in a long time. She’s fierce and independent but also vulnerable, which makes her feel so real.
And those male leads? Callum, Bastian, and Soren were all so distinct. That’s something I don’t always get in Why Choose romances, where the guys can sometimes blur together. Not here. Each of them had their own personality, and it made every moment with them even better.
The pacing was fast—so fast I had to slow myself down because I didn’t want to miss anything. The romance and smut scenes weren’t just there for filler, they actually drove the story and deepened the characters. Normally, I skim those scenes because they get repetitive, but not this time. Everything felt intentional and relevant.
Some scenes stood out so much they’re still on my mind: the pond scene, anything with Callum and Bastian, and the birthday party (beautiful and tragic all at once). Bria Rose’s writing is so good that I found myself wishing there were more POVs. I would have loved to know what the guys—and even Emelie—were thinking during certain moments with Callie.
The ending? Let’s just say Bria Rose pulled a Liv Zander on me. It’s an HEA, but is it really? I’m still sitting here wondering if I should be happy or emotionally devastated.
If you love MMFM, dark romances, strong female leads, or you’re a fan of Liv Zander, this book is for you. I can’t recommend it enough.
And those male leads? Callum, Bastian, and Soren were all so distinct. That’s something I don’t always get in Why Choose romances, where the guys can sometimes blur together. Not here. Each of them had their own personality, and it made every moment with them even better.
The pacing was fast—so fast I had to slow myself down because I didn’t want to miss anything. The romance and smut scenes weren’t just there for filler, they actually drove the story and deepened the characters. Normally, I skim those scenes because they get repetitive, but not this time. Everything felt intentional and relevant.
Some scenes stood out so much they’re still on my mind: the pond scene, anything with Callum and Bastian, and the birthday party (beautiful and tragic all at once). Bria Rose’s writing is so good that I found myself wishing there were more POVs. I would have loved to know what the guys—and even Emelie—were thinking during certain moments with Callie.
The ending? Let’s just say Bria Rose pulled a Liv Zander on me. It’s an HEA, but is it really? I’m still sitting here wondering if I should be happy or emotionally devastated.
If you love MMFM, dark romances, strong female leads, or you’re a fan of Liv Zander, this book is for you. I can’t recommend it enough.
December 10, 2024
my heart!!!! omg my heart!!!!
This book is was absolutely brilliant. Just really truly brilliant!!!!
Does anyone ever get that slight sting in your chest after you finish a really good book that has you just feeling every emotion?? It almost like a loss or grief feeling because it ended?? This book gave me that.
The seriously accurate description of the mental heath the FMC is dealing with really just got me it was like my own feelings on the page, on how my thoughts can spiral and go dark.
This book is was absolutely brilliant. Just really truly brilliant!!!!
Does anyone ever get that slight sting in your chest after you finish a really good book that has you just feeling every emotion?? It almost like a loss or grief feeling because it ended?? This book gave me that.
The seriously accurate description of the mental heath the FMC is dealing with really just got me it was like my own feelings on the page, on how my thoughts can spiral and go dark.
January 29, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and devoured it!! I am a HUGE beauty and the beast fan and love to read all the retellings of it that I can find and this is probably my most favorite one! Words can’t express how much I loved it!
December 4, 2024
I don’t even know where to start
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that I felt was so well rounded
The spice was a++ and done so well
The character development amazing , all the characters played a huge roll and all got there own little pieces of story .
The plot line was seriously all the way through gripping , interesting , thoughtful , and just so very good .
And it is so so so unexpected , but that what makes an amazing book , one who hasn’t unique characteristics .
I was glue into every page . Please please please this book deserve so much more attention !!!
I will be holding out for more writing from this author . I don’t doubt at all her books will be nothing short of amazing after this one !
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that I felt was so well rounded
The spice was a++ and done so well
The character development amazing , all the characters played a huge roll and all got there own little pieces of story .
The plot line was seriously all the way through gripping , interesting , thoughtful , and just so very good .
And it is so so so unexpected , but that what makes an amazing book , one who hasn’t unique characteristics .
I was glue into every page . Please please please this book deserve so much more attention !!!
I will be holding out for more writing from this author . I don’t doubt at all her books will be nothing short of amazing after this one !
December 6, 2024
Spicy and Conflicting~
This story was a VERY unexpected twist on a classic fairytale. From a beautifully tortured FMC to the lovely characters (and lovers) that she surrounds herself with, I enjoyed all of them. While the story itself kept me on my toes, the level of spice was VERY enjoyable. Thought it was a long read, I would say this story was a fun pallet cleanser. I highly recommend getting cozy with some snacks, a drink, and delving into this action-packed, dark romantasy~
This story was a VERY unexpected twist on a classic fairytale. From a beautifully tortured FMC to the lovely characters (and lovers) that she surrounds herself with, I enjoyed all of them. While the story itself kept me on my toes, the level of spice was VERY enjoyable. Thought it was a long read, I would say this story was a fun pallet cleanser. I highly recommend getting cozy with some snacks, a drink, and delving into this action-packed, dark romantasy~
December 8, 2024
THE EMOTIONS!!
I'm not going to lie the first couple of chapters had me so irritated! HOWEVER...this book had me laughing, crying, angry, second guessing things and every other emotion you could think of! It was an amazing retelling that switched roles! The character development of every person was amazing. Such a good read!
I'm not going to lie the first couple of chapters had me so irritated! HOWEVER...this book had me laughing, crying, angry, second guessing things and every other emotion you could think of! It was an amazing retelling that switched roles! The character development of every person was amazing. Such a good read!
December 8, 2024
Must read! This was the perfect dark spin on beauty and the beast! The spice level and the dialogue between the characters made me wanting more! I love spicy romance novels and while this is a new genre for me you have won me over! Wonderful job!!
December 8, 2024
A deliciously dark and gripping Beauty and the Beast retelling!
I loved the flip of having Calanthea as the “best”! This book was also one of my fave tropes which is why choose 😏
This is beauty and the beast for all DR girlies and I absolutely loved it!
Add this to your TBR immediately!
I loved the flip of having Calanthea as the “best”! This book was also one of my fave tropes which is why choose 😏
This is beauty and the beast for all DR girlies and I absolutely loved it!
Add this to your TBR immediately!
December 6, 2024
Loved how strong willed and independent the beast is, and how the story unfolds. Super spicy too I can't say that enough.
Read it!
Read it!
December 4, 2024
From the moment I picked this book up I was hooked! The romance and smut!! Perfection. The amount of emotion I felt throughout reading this book! Amazing. I’d definitely recommend this to all my dark romance girlies!!
December 3, 2024
Bria Rose's debut book was a captivating read that had me interested from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the background of the characters and getting to understand their actions and feelings. My heart has a special spot for Callum. I am really looking forward to more from this author.
December 4, 2024
This was a good read although not what I expected. I enjoyed it from a different perspective.
December 1, 2024
When I got past the first few pages I expected all spice (which there is A LOT😉) and possibly no story. I was very pleasantly surprised by the storyline and character growth in the book! And honestly it got me in my feels a few times more than most spicey books do. But this is definitely for spice readers who at least want a good story along with it !
November 27, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
Her Dark Promise by Bria Rose
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Dark: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Recommend: 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽
Speechless
I don't know how to explain how much I loved this story. It was captivating and warm, but yet so dark.
My heart was so consumed in this story. I laughed and felt so many emotions, but I cried the most.
The struggles each character had to go through were heartbreaking, but necessary for them to move forward.
The end broke me completely. I cried so much. Fair warning... grab several boxes of tissues.
You will definitely need them. This book was a beautiful story, such a great retelling of a tale as old as time. 🥹
Her Dark Promise by Bria Rose
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Dark: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Recommend: 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽
Speechless
I don't know how to explain how much I loved this story. It was captivating and warm, but yet so dark.
My heart was so consumed in this story. I laughed and felt so many emotions, but I cried the most.
The struggles each character had to go through were heartbreaking, but necessary for them to move forward.
The end broke me completely. I cried so much. Fair warning... grab several boxes of tissues.
You will definitely need them. This book was a beautiful story, such a great retelling of a tale as old as time. 🥹
November 20, 2024
I absolutely loved this twisted Beauty and the Beast retelling. It’s dark, witty, has a wonderful story, great character development, and some super spicy scenes. I highly recommend this book!
December 8, 2024
Lots of great characters all with distinct and set personalities, definitely inspired by Beauty and the Beast but not like any retelling I've ever read.
November 5, 2024
Her Dark Promise is a delicious reverse Beauty and the Beast retelling that is to die for. Who doesn’t want a shadow mommy with touch him or die, why choose, and enemies to lovers vibes. Bria is an amazing story teller and I’m amazed at her writing skills, especially with this being her first book!
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