Taming Xavier: A contemporary Beauty & the Beast retelling

by Becki Lee

Love (and lies) weaves its own tangled web—and this one comes with a beast.

Xavier Titan has made a career out of his shadows. The reclusive thriller writer hasn’t been seen in public for nearly a decade, his life carefully constructed to keep the world—and any painful memories—at arm's length. But when his mother asks him to bring his non-existent fiancé to his sister's wedding, life gets complicated. Forced to confront his past and his reclusive lifestyle, he wonders if there’s any woman in New York willing to enter his world... and stay.

Aribelle—or “Ari” as everyone calls her—isn't looking for love, just a shot to prove herself in her career at a prestigious publishing house. Her new boss has set an impossible task for her: persuade the famous Xavier Titan to agree to a book tour. With his name, it should be easy. But when she meets Xavier, the brooding, secretive man she’s only read about, she’s caught between duty and an undeniable attraction.

A compromise that suits both of their agendas might be more trouble than either were expecting.

Two lives. One fake relationship. A twist on a classic romance where beauty and the beast might save each other—if they’re willing to risk their hearts.

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2025

About the author

Becki has been around books her whole life. But, it didn't occur to her to write one until the idea for Finding Dolly popped into her head in January of 2022.

It is a whole different ball of wax writing a story versus reading one. But, with the help of some fabulous friends, great editors, and guardian angels to keep her on track, Finding Dolly is finally ready for her preview!

When not writing, Becki has a podcast - Literary Escapes, and a book club - Literary Escape Book Club that keep her busy.

Becki resides in Florida with her husband and very fluffy cat, Miss Kitty.

Reviews

[Kristina Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this as an ARC read. This was a very quick read- I finished it in about 3 hours but it was really good. Well written, very likeable leading characters. A detestable villian that makes you gag right from the start (or at least that was my reaction). A story that draws you in and keeps you engaged. I hadn't read any of the other books in the series and I don't think it was necessary. I am guessing some of the characters may cross over but the book defintely stood on its own. A well written, quick read that has me looking for other books by the author to read next!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars- This book had me hooked from the beginning! I enjoyed the suspenseful vibes- it made for a fun twist on its Beauty and the Beast retelling. Ari was a resilient, strong woman who stood up for herself. And while I love a brooding MMC like Xavier, I love how his rough edges softened after each interaction with Ari. While I did not like the guy at all, Grayson was a force to be reckoned with in the story as well, and he got what he certainly deserved. If you’re looking for more of a suspenseful twist on a tale as old as time (see what I did there?), I think you would love this story like I did.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of an interconnected series with characters that overlap throughout the series. It's time for another tenant in the apartment building to find his match. He's become a recluse after a traumatic event that occurred years ago. Her new boss has given her the job of getting him to do what he has refused to do his entire time with their company. How will she get him to do a tour when he won't respond to her messages? Why is her boss forcing the issue? What happens when everything starts to come out?

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time for another installment of Nashville Billionaires...

A nepo-baby villain who holds a grudge

A hero hiding from the pain of his past

A strong heroine who controls her own destiny and won't let the world keep her down

I enjoyed this latest installment in the series. It can stand alone or be read along with the others. I enjoyed the Beauty and the Beast influence on the story.

Aribelle was the star of the story as she fights for what she wants and handles the men who are standing in her way, ultimately coming out on top.

[Claygirlsings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Beauty and Beast retelling with a modern NYC/Nashville setting so much! The fake dating, especially enticing with a forced proximity vacation island destination, was really comfortable yet quite romantic at times. A smart and strong FMC is always my preference, and Ari is just that! And the villain of the story is so well written.
While this is book #4 of the Nashville Billionaire series, it can be read as a stand-alone without feeling like you're missing anything. Easy 5 stars!

[Anna (Crochetsavetheday) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! It’s a wild spin on beauty and the beast. There’s lying about having a date, attraction, meddling, and more. Xavier has to bring his imaginary date to a wedding while Ari just wants him to sign the publishing contract. The guy in this book who is similar to Gaston is a very arrogant nasty man, he plays his part perfectly. I really enjoyed this story!

[Abby S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dramatic and gripping clean romance using the outline of Beauty and the Beast. I definitely enjoyed this book!
I deducted a star because of some grammatical errors and minor storyline continuity issues, but none of it made the story less enjoyable, just more of an editorial note.

[Britt Galbraith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Nashville, New York, and Grand Caymen Island! 🏝️

I could NOT put this book down and read it in one day! 🥰 📕

I love a good Beauty & the Beast retelling and this was a GOOD one!!! 😍🌹

I cannot resist a brooding & witty MMC. Xavier was 😘

And a fiery, brilliant FMC! 🔥 Yes, Please!!! 👏

Super swoony with a happy ending. 💖

Swearing: None
Intimacy Level: Level 1 (Kisses only) 💋
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Xavier Titan is a wildly successful psychological thriller author whose carefully constructed life of solitude conceals a mysterious past he thought he’d left behind—until fate forces it to resurface.

Ari Swinton, mover and shaker in one of New York City’s top publishing houses, is in a fight to keep not only her job, but her reputation. The very man she once humiliated by rejecting his viral proposal reemerges as her new boss and is determined to unsettle her world, Ari knows nothing will be the same.

When Xavier proposes a mutually convenient, temporary fake engagement, to help both of their predicaments, they are both unprepared for the delicate dance of pretense and genuine emotion. As their carefully constructed facades crumble, Xavier is forced to confront the secrets he’s long hidden, and wonders if their fake partnership might evolve into more than either could have imagined.