Beast and Remedy

The Last of the Heirs #2

by L.L. Riley

Six Deities. Six Kingdoms. Each monarch gifted one of the Maker’s abilities…
But one heir is desperate to rectify a devastating mistake.
Vivienne suffers through perilous transitions from woman to bear, a burden forced on her as the future Queen of Belmur. She juggles her time between the two forms, grieving the loss of her mother, and relying on her twin sister, Marian, to help create a tonic to reduce the excruciating shifts. But when a failed experiment gets out of hand, her entire kingdom is forced to evacuate while she seeks to find a remedy.
King Beauvais of Torgem, Vivienne’s lifelong friend, is quick to step in and offer her support. But the king and Vivienne have a long history—a history of love, secret and forbidden, that weaves through their very souls. And when betrayal comes from a place Vivienne least expects, she fears that saving her kingdom and her family will come at a great cost

Can Vivienne push her boundaries and her heart? Or will she be forced to rely on the beast within?

Beast and Remedy is a reimagining of the popular fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. This story brings together a captivating and classic story retold and filled with fantasy, folklore, magic, and romance. This is a standalone book is the second book in an interconnected series. If you love fairytale/folklore retellings, check out Beast and Remedy today!

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fairy Tales, Beauty and The Beast, Friends To Lovers

496 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2025

About the author

L.L. Riley is a fantasy romance author with a passion for turning the timeless into the extraordinary. As a lover of fairytales, folklore, mythology, and all things magical, it’s her mission to transform the familiar into richly layered stories that feel unforgettable and wholly original.
L.L. Riley writes to enchant—to stir emotion—to spark curiosity. With lyrical prose, heartfelt depth, and worlds that glitter with magic, her work reflects who she is. Playfully bold, deeply feeling, and endlessly curious. With balancing whimsy and wonder with raw intensity, she invites readers to discover her uniquely composed stories meant to leave a lingering impact beyond the final page.
When L.L. Riley isn't immersed in worlds she creates, she's a homebody with her husband, where they take turns spoiling each other senselessly with jokes, sarcasm, and endless amounts of love. They're also surrounded and constantly smothered by their four needy, greedy, and utterly adorable cats.

Reviews

[Chasing Silhouettes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

"This unrest and foreboding will devour my mind, taint my soul, and ravish my heart.
It’ll keep going and going and going. Consuming me. Tormenting me. Until there is nothing left of me.
Nothing left to save.
Nothing left to fix.
And if I can’t stop this, who will?" (Ch 24)

Beauty and the Beast reshaped and reimagined into a spicy fairytale, one unlike any you have read before! This is a standalone in an interconnected series... BUT you should really read Frost and Death, too, if you haven't already, because it's good!!!

Love these kinds of interconnected stories where you get to revisit with main characters from a previous book, such as Tove and Jerrick from Book 1. It was good reading about them again.

"My blood, my bones, and my body ignite, the shift no longer deniable and the pain indiscernible as I charge .... my fury, my scream erupting into a roar as I drag my feet forward, unable to swallow down the wrath within as I transform." (Ch 48)

Vivienne'a gift is more of a curse, causing excruciating pain, though on the flipside she's a protector of the forest and has an affinity towards help animals. She longs to find a cure to her shifting pain and longs for her childhood love, Beau, who has been forbidden to her.

This is a story of a strong FMC, a selfless heroine. In a high-stakes journey and race against a vicious threat that's spreading across the kingdoms, Vi puts love on the back-burner (or tries to) and puts her sister and people before her own needs despite her agony and yearings.

Love the self-imposed torture, the blushes, friendships, and banter!

And AHHHHH!!!! The unexpected twist and betrayal! Sharp and straight to the heart. 💔 Tension, suspense gone savage!

[Update: Also had the pleasure of listening to the ALC. Will add updated review soon.]

eARC/ALC courtesy of Behind the Pages LLC

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a good Beauty and the Beast retelling and this book delivers and more. This is a story about love, about second chances, about secrets, and betrayal. Oh and what if instead of the male being the beast, it was the girl?

The love story between Vi and Beau is one of the best that I have read. From being friends as children, to ignoring each other in adolescence, to rekindling that friendship and it blossoming to more in early adulthood to have it all ripped out from under them by an unforeseen tragedy. I loved getting to watch these parts of the story unfold through the letters shared between the two throughout their lives.

The book actually starts when an injured wolf ingests something that causes it to carry a deadly infection that can spread between animals and humans. Vi and her sister must go behind their father's back and reach out to old friends who have been accused of their mother's death years prior in order to save not only their kingdom but all of the kingdoms.

This story if full of love, found family, heartache, and longing. The absolute betrayal towards the end of the book was one that even I did not see coming.

[Jennifer]

DNF (paused) @ 56%

Notes:
- This is book 2 in the series. I haven't read the first book, and you don't HAVE to, but I feel like it would have been better to, because characters from the first book are quite a lot of the first 20% of the book.
-@ 4%: the quote "... every male approaching me lacking substantial intellect." hahahahahaha!!
- I don't think I've heard Christian Leatherman narrate anything before, but he's a fantastic narrator! His voice is especially perfect for regal characters.
- @ 55%: Okay, yes she said she'd "find a husband", but why can't that husband be Beau, exactly? Also, she's apparently just okay with her randomly ghosting her for 7 years with no explanation?!?
- @56%: This whole "double squeeze" thing is getting annoying. It's done wayyyyyy too often!
- I'm reading The Poison Daughter at the same time as listening to this, and in both books characters keeping their magic abilities a secret is a big thing, so I'm going to pause this for awhile so I don't mix up the plots, or blend them together in my mind.

[Rikke's Reading Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an arc review.

I love Viv and Beau so much - Beau is actually the first blonde MMC that I've liked. I love their kindness and grace towards each other. Their struggles, and the yearning! Throughout I've been kicking my feet in joy, ugly crying from heartbreak and ultimately left with a feeling of happiness on their behalf at the end.

This book is everything a fantasy Romance should be - excellent world building, characters to fall in love with and hate, ‘save the world’ plot and of course romance. I love Lacey's take on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, how she's weaved it into her wider world. I felt every shift in my bones, it was very visceral.

I said in my review of Frost and Death, that she's an author I'd keep an eye on because I think she has great potential and I think she's proven this again by delivering a great story that now lives rent free in my head. She’s firmly on my auto-buy list.

I can't wait to read book 3 and see where this series will end up.

[Maddy Freitas · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨OH, SWEET MAKERS. I am SHATTERED. HEALED. REBORN. INFINITY STARS ✨

Beast and Remedy by L.L. Riley – A Book Review from the Deepest Part of My Soul

Happy release day to yet another book that owns my heart and soul by L.L Riley - Beast and Remedy. Let me be very clear: THIS BOOK IS AN INFINITY-STAR READ. If I could tattoo it on my soul, I would.

This was my #1 most anticipated read of 2025, and rightfully so. I devoured Frost and Death twice last year (my favorite of 2024!), and I knew this sequel would absolutely destroy me in the best way. I was hesitant to start it, knowing it would completely consume me… and I was 100% right.

This book is immaculate. Perfection. Raw and beautiful and achingly powerful. I don’t even have the right words because all the words fall short. I teared up. I laughed. I felt everything deeply in my soul. I fell in love with the characters, and the emotional grip it had on me was UNREAL.

Let’s talk about Beau and Vi. Oh, my heart. I ADORE THEM. I didn’t think anyone could top Tove and Jerrick (my beloveds from book one), but L.L. Riley said watch this - and now I’m absolutely obsessed. Vi, our redheaded, stubborn, fierce animal-loving apothecary, gifted with forest magic and cursed/blessed with the form of a bear is nothing short of ICONIC. And Beau- King Beau, her banished childhood friend/love, perfect, selfless, letter-writing, starry-eyed, healing masterpiece of a man? I fell for him immediately. He is literally the perfect MMC.

AND THOSE LETTERS. Sprinkled between chapters, from their childhood through their separation—they were so sweet to read and added so much depth to their connection. I’ve seen this done in other books, but never this well. These letters weren’t filler—they deepened their bond, layered their story, and made the love between them feel timeless and soul-deep. It gave us the insight as to how they are so fiercely protective of each other, and why their love is worth it.

“Because nothing. Death. Banishment. Infection. Curses. Beast or not, nothing will ever stop me or keep me from loving you.” AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

And then, the stakes: When Vi accidentally creates a disease while trying to heal an injured wolf, the plot kicks into high gear. The illness spreads—from animals to humans—and she and Beau must find a cure. Vi’s journey to accepting and owning her magic was so personal, so moving. And all while navigating politics, secrets, and betrayal right under her stubborn father’s nose. (Speaking of… Bernie? I loved you in book 1. But you’ve officially entered my literary villain list. Do BETTER.)

The worldbuilding, pacing and plot were all perfect. The snippets of Tove and Jer melted my heart because I wasn't ready for their story to be over from book 1 and seeing them as the united front that they are now was beautiful. The side characters are ALL gems. Every element was woven together so flawlessly that I didn’t want to leave this world. I need 500 more pages. Minimum.

And L.L. Riley… HOW is this only her second book? Her skill, her emotion, her storytelling—she’s outwriting some of the most hyped traditional authors out there. I will scream about her books until my lungs give out. She deserves ALL the recognition, ALL the fandom love, ALL the awards. I’m not kidding when I say I will follow this woman’s career like it’s my religion.

THANK THE MAKERS a novella is coming before book 3 because I physically cannot wait.

If you haven’t read Frost and Death or Beast and Remedy yet… you need to right this second.

[Joleen Turns Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BehindThePages and LL Riley for the ALC releasing May 19th

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | L.L. Riley Delivers a Lush, Emotion-Driven Fairytale Reimagining

Jacci Prior and Christian Leatherman deliver a great duet narration and the immersive sounds add such a nice touch!

With Beast and Remedy, L.L. Riley leans fully into what she does best—taking something familiar and reshaping it into something emotionally immersive, layered, and distinctly her own.

Riley’s strength is her ability to transform the timeless into something that feels personal and alive, and you see that all over this story. This isn’t just a Beauty and the Beast retelling—it’s a version that feels heavier, more intimate, and driven by emotional consequence. The way she threads grief, duty, and identity through Vivienne’s journey adds a depth that elevates the narrative beyond the typical romantasy structure.

Her writing style is where the book really shines. There’s a lyrical quality to it that pulls you in, balanced with moments of raw intensity that keep the stakes feeling urgent. Riley has a clear knack for building tension—both romantic and plot-driven—and sustaining it. The slow burn between Vi and Beau isn’t just romantic tension, it’s layered with history, mistrust, and longing, which makes every interaction feel earned and charged.

What stands out most is how intentional Riley is with emotion. She writes characters who feel deeply, and she’s not afraid to let them sit in that discomfort. The internal conflicts, the moral gray areas, the questioning of loyalties—it all reflects her signature style of blending whimsy with something more intense and grounded.

If there’s anything that keeps this from a full five stars, it’s that some of those emotional and plot transitions could have used just a bit more space to breathe. At times, the pacing moves quickly through moments that feel like they deserved to linger longer, especially when it comes to major revelations.

Overall, this is a strong, author-driven romantasy that showcases exactly why L.L. Riley is carving out her place in the genre. It’s emotional, atmospheric, and quietly addictive—the kind of story that proves fairytale retellings can still feel fresh when placed in the right hands.

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Beast and Remedy✨

Author: LL Riley
Release: August 29, 2025
Series: Standalones with an overarching plot, The Last of Heirs, book 2

I knew I was going to love Riley’s second standalone in her current series, because Frost and Death was one of my top reads in 2024, and she did NOT disappoint. Honestly, I was so beyond impressed with this - especially with our dashing MMC cinnamon roll with a dash cayenne (AKA a dirty mouth 🫠).

We follow our FMC, Vivienne, the crown princess of a kingdom that soon finds themselves under attack by wolves that have an infection that spreads to other animals as well as people. When her twin sister is infected and their kingdom is evacuated, Vivienne makes a rash decision to find refuge in the kingdom that is not only enemy to theirs but is also ran by the man she has loved since childhood.

This book is so full of yearning, found family, healing and support, and banter. Our MMC is EPIC and full of green flags yet accompanied by a delightfully dirty mouth. 🤭 He is all in and a phenomenal support despite the stakes being entirely against them. Betrayals and questions surround our found family. Secrets from the past cause strife and freedom. Chronic pain and anxiety rep is intentional and thoughtful throughout. And that ending!! See, I had a theory. And then it totally changed because Riley is just that good. And then the plot twist occurs. 🫠 so good.

Once again, it is confirmed how much I love LL Riley’s books. They are deep, dark, spicy, emotional, and yet never fail to make you laugh or feel seen. Thank you for letting me be an arc reader for you again!

Tropes you may find in BAR are childhood friends to lovers, second chance, forced proximity, shifter x healer, beauty and the beast unique retelling, cinnamon roll MMC, reluctant hero, found family, plot twists, political intrigue, forbidden love, nicknames, bonding over books and letters, and a HEA.

[xXTomeRaiderXx · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK so boom 👏 this one didn’t just deliver spice— it was swinging with spicy spice. And not only do we get my favorite flavor of retelling (Beauty and the Beast, aka the book that started my monster-lover era and cemented my lifelong enemies-to-lovers obsession), but this author looked at that blueprint and said: “Nah… let’s make the Beauty the Beast.” 😍 And bébés… it worked so well!

Our FMC? Strong, intelligent, independent; she’s got bite, she’s got brains, and she doesn’t bend for anyone. But don’t get it twisted, she still has a phenomenal arc, and watching her transform made me feral in the best way.

And the yearning… LORD. The kind of yearning that makes you kick your feet like you’re sixteen again. When the spice finally hits? It doesn’t just smolder— it slaps, it claws, it love-taps you across the forehead and you say thank you. 😌🔥

Now L… girl, who hurt you? Because the betrayal and the twist in this book topped the last one. My jaw was on the damn floor. Like, DN Hoxa-level GAGGED. I live for an author who can devastate me and have me begging for more, and you nailed it.

So, for my fellow Beauty & the Beast addicts: if you love your heroines fiery and defiant, your MMCs sweet-as-sin but with a mouth filthier than the bottom of your garbage can, and your betrayals so sharp they could slice your soul… highly, highly recommend you dive into this one immediately. 🥀

[A Court of Stars and Sapphire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Beauty and the Beast retelling! I especially loved that the FMC (Female Main Character) was the beast!

This is the 2nd book in a series of standalone fairytale retellings. I read the first book in the series, Frost & Death, before reading Beast & Remedy, but reading it first isn't necessary to still thoroughly enjoy Beast & Remedy. That being said, there are some fun references to Frost & Death that you'll love if you've read it already!

This book was very emotional, it deals with some very heavy topics like loss of a parent and self-loathing. I thought L.L. Riley handled these topics very well and the way the characters dealt with them was very relatable and realistic.

There's exploration of complicated relationships in this book as well. I really enjoyed reading about all of the different dynamics between the characters and seeing how they played out. I'm looking forward to continuing to learn more about this world and the characters in the next standalone book in the series.

Overall, this was a fantastic, heartfelt story and since it is a standalone it does have a guaranteed HEA! :)

[Isa Newbury | reading_isa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to the Author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**

4.25 ⭐️
3 🌶

Beast & Remedy is a solid sequel and a solid romantasy novel. I had a fun time reading this one and getting back into the Last Heirs world! L.L. Riley is very good at writing complicated characters with difficult feelings and experiences. I enjoyed getting to know Vi since her introduction in the first book, and seeing her and Beau pine after one another was the star of the show! I loved all the side characters and can't wait to see who book 3 will be about!

(spoilers-ish: I did feel like the plot-twist at the end was meh? Not bad, but it wasnt my favorite.)

If you like:
☆beauty & the beast vibes
☆friends-to-lovers
☆magic
☆betrayal
☆tragedy
☆found family
Check this one out!!

[Falling_Into_Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal book two!!!

I was fortunate enough to Gamma read this beauty and then again to ARC it!

This book had me jumping, kicking, swearing, cursing LL Riley out, fanning myself to cool down and of course, sobbing my heart out!

The growth that our MCs have across their journey towards love, happiness and safety for their Kingdoms first and themselves second is just beyond breathtaking.

There are so many wonderfully intricate nods, plot points, references to not only book 1, or what happened across book 2 but im sure there are some for book 3 aswell.

The spice as per usual in this one is next. Level. I loved it!

The romance is soooo swoonworthy and had me loving a blond MC!

Book 1 was my roman empire book, and book two is just as amazing. I really can't wait to see where you take us next!

[Toshokan · Rating 4 out of 5]

story that make me feel happy because the retelling is very very very is well exploited.
I recommande you this book at 100%

[kym ✨ the midnight review · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐½
Beast and Remedy
The Last of the Heirs #2
By LL Riley
Narrated by Jacci Prior & Christian Leatherman


I received an ALC of this book from Behind the Pages LLC and LL Riley. All opinions are my own.

Beast and Remedy is a timeless fairytale romance - with a shifter twist. It follows Vivienne, a princess who can turn into a bear, on a quest to save her kingdom from a mysterious virus that she believes she had a role in beginning. Knowing her father will be upset, she requests aid from a childhood friend & romantic interest who has been banned from her kingdom in a political scandal involving the death of her mother years before.

This is advertised as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but I would say that probably the only similarities are that our FMC loves to read, her kingdom is vaguely French, and, in a twist, the beauty IS the beast.

This book is technically the second in series, the first following the Snow Queen, who we briefly see in this story, but the books can be read as standalones.

Beast and Remedy felt, somehow, like Once Upon a Time and Brigderton joined forces and threw in a shifter for good measure. The plot and premise were actually fairly unique, and I really enjoyed the storytelling through letters.

With that said I do think that the focus was less on the events of the story and more on the romance, which was kind of a bummer because the worldbuilding could have been amazing! Magical kingdoms whose rulers carry hidden powers, the BRUTAL and agonizing shifts our FMC experienced, and the race to find a cure for the virus sweeping the land were all really engaging.

Sometimes it felt like our FMC lost focus on her goal, thinking too much about the king she's in love with which would feel realistic in a YA novel, but not for a 26-year-old scholar like Vivienne.

King Beaux is all green flags, super soft and sweet and kind. No complaints here other than I'd like to know more about him.

My major qualm is how quickly Vivienne seemed to get over the events at the end of the book. I can't say more without spoiling it, but the twist was a GREAT one I did not see coming, and I thought it deserved a lot more afterthought than it was given.

The audiobook narration was great! I was a little taken aback when music would play randomly, but I adjusted pretty quickly. Jacci Prior especially did a wonderful job with our FMC and the main narration, and Christian Leatherman was solid at the supporting male characters.

All in all, the story was really solid, though I think I'd have preferred less emphasis on the romance and more on the plot, and the audiobook was well executed. I would recommend if you enjoy spicy shifter romances, Once Upon A Time, and Brigderton.

⭐⭐⭐½

[Sydney Victorson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

Beast and Remedy is another solid entry into this world of interconnected standalones! You don’t have to read Frost and Death first (though I recommend it just because that book is great as well), but I really enjoyed seeing some of the callbacks to events in the previous book as well as seeing some of those characters from a different POV.

Vi and Beau are a sweet couple. They start out as friends growing up, eventually growing apart due to *certain* circumstances, but their reunion makes it seem as though they’d never been apart. Beau is a really caring and attentive MMC, and I loved getting to see the way he cared for Vi. He kept her grounded throughout their journey in this book.

I really liked the friend group/found family as well. The group is full of banter that really showcases the way the group grew up together. You could just tell they had been friends since they were children.

Perhaps my favorite part of this book though was the letter entries throughout. Those letters allowed us to get a feel of Vi and Beau’s relationship as kids and how it progressed without having the characters having to recall these memories on page. It was a nice way to show rather than tell, which I really appreciated. Their letters to one another were just so sweet and full of love.


Semi spoiler but also not really?? I’m not naming anyone or providing details but you know, still proceed at your own risk I guess:
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My one final thought that I just have to get out is this: vindication!!! I just love when I read a book and I instantly don’t like a character but can’t pinpoint an exact reason, all for it to be justified in the end. *chefs kiss* really feeds my ego 😂

Thank you L.L. Riley for the early review copy of Beast and Remedy! All opinions are my own!

[Annie (Houseofbooksandboardgames) · Rating 3 out of 5]

ALC Review

I love a unique retelling so I was excited about the premise of this! It was interesting having her be the one who transforms into a beast and the descriptions of that were well done.

The duet narration by Jacci Prior and Christian Leatherman was well done and each of the characters had a unique voice. Personally I wasn't a big fan of the background music during dramatic moments as it distracted me but I can see how most people would like that.

I did also enjoy the letters between Beau and Viv as a way to show their childhood friendship turned romance.

I think this book would be great for those who are tired of/looking for a change of pace from powerful FMCs who want to do everything on their own or those who are looking for a story that isn't overly complex.

Unfortunately that was not me when I read this so there was a lot that frustrated me. I had initially been excited that the FMC was almost thirty but I found her to be very immature. Most of the conflict throughout the story was that she was too afraid to stand up to her father and yet he was not the villain. Obviously their family was all dealing with grief/trauma but by the end it still didn't really feel like anything had actually changed in their relationship. This was a very long character-driven book for the main characters not to really experience growth.

Thanks to Behind the Pages for the ALC!

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars!

This is a very sweet, very heartwarming beauty and the beast retelling, that hits you with some unexpected twists.

My favourite parts of this book are the letters. They beautifully depict the innocence of friendship and childhood, touch on the struggles of adolescence and feeling alone, and morph into feelings of giddiness and longing as a result of first love.

Vi and Beau are both strong willed, passionate characters that have deep connections with those in their lives and would move mountains for those they care about. Their story is full of forbidden romance, second chances, lots of yearning, and a healthy amount of dirty talk ;)

The friendships in this story are also so special. This group of friends will give you the warm and fuzzies with their endless amounts of adoration and support for eachother. Even in the face of heartache and betrayal, they never waiver.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who is new to romantasy or loves a fairytale retelling!

[Mom Needs Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★★.5 (4.5/5)

This just keeps getting better and better! My brain was working overtime trying to figure out which of my theories was the one 😮‍💨 I was switching sooo fast between potential culprits it was crazy… and I loved every second of it!!! So YES!, Plot and intrigue? A solid 5/5 ✨

Now, Beau and Vi… I can’t think of a better description for them than ABSOLUTE BEAUTY 🌹(yes, totally intentional 👀). Their love was pure, wholesome, and passionate 🌶️ I just can’t 🥹

The world building? It was exactly what I needed, the pacing was great, and I genuinely couldn’t peel my eyes away from the pages.
Now add the amazing and interesting side characters and you get a winner!🥇 Also, Tove + Jerrick? loveeeed!

This one delivered, and it delivered hard!

P.S. Can we talk about the Letters? That was such an exquisite touch 🤌🏻

[Sara Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beast and Remedy was such an entertaining read and the characters were honestly so easy to love. I really enjoyed the emotional tension, the relationships, and the way the plot kept building as secrets, loyalty, and danger started colliding. There was always something happening that kept me curious about where the story was going next.

While I did want a little more depth from the world building and some parts of the romance, I still had a great time reading it and found myself invested in both the characters and the overall storyline.

Overall, this was a fun and enjoyable continuation to the series and a solid 3.5 star read for me.

Thank you so much to the author and Behind the page spa for allowing me to be part of this ALC Team!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Behind The Pages for the advanced listener copy of this audiobook. Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my favorite stories, so retellings can be very hit or miss for me, but this one completely won me over. Riley’s journey was magical, emotional, and captivating from beginning to end. The romance was filled with genuine tension and chemistry that felt authentic and believable. Watching Riley and Beau reconnect after years apart, moving from childhood friends to strangers, back to friendship, and ultimately something deeper, made their relationship even more compelling. Overall, this was an enchanting story and an audiobook experience I truly enjoyed.

[Victoria | Readingwith-Wolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The amount of theories I had while reading this! Usually I am pretty good at figuring things out but this book kept me guessing.
I was on the edge of my seat for this whirlwind of a story. The absolute soul deep love brought me to tears a few times. It was just so sweet!
🖤The yearning!
🔥The tension!
Yes please! The amount of times this book had me squealing and kicking my feet. Love love love! This read will break your heart and mend it!
If you love:
* Friends to Lovers
* Yearning
* Mending bonds
* Found Family
* Soul deep love
Then you will love this book! Add this one to your tbr! Beast and Remedy releases August 29th!!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in a series of books that can be read as standalone. Firstly, if anyone knows me, I love fairytale retellings! And this was so well done. I will be honest, I didn't read book 1, however I will be asap. Vivienne and Beau are meant for each other! Whether they want it or not 🤭 Omg the tension and chemistry! The yearning! Romantasy at its finest! The world building brings you in immediately. This is one of my favourite retellings, it brought the stories together. You still knew it was a retelling but had its own form and world.

[Krista Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty and the beast retelling where SHE is beauty AND the beast! Yes please!

Not usually a fan of friends to lovers but this one was great 😍 the twists at the end 😳🤯

[Adreanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, let me start by saying book 1 of this interconnected standalone series gave me some major PTSD from the love interests involved. So I was suspicious of Beau, the MMC, in Beast and Remedy at first but I am glad to say I had nothing to worry about!

The characters, plot, and emotional depth of this book blew my mind out of the water! I absolutely love everything about it and the VILLAIN!!! The villain will make you want to throw it across the room and curl up in a sad little ball.

Vivienne, the FMC, is very relatable in the struggles she faces and Beau is right there next to her through it all. Along with all her friends and family the found family trope is strong and comforting. I would definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy a blend of classic romance tropes, high-stakes adventure, and deeply emotional character development.

[breezy.readss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean wow. This book is for the lovers. Beau? He is every woman’s dream, I mean god he loves unconditionally. I seriously want to blush just thinking about him. The flirting, the pining, the want….it was all SO good!! Frost & Death is definitely for people who like the mysterious broody man//enemies to lovers but Beast & Remedy is for the girls who want a man who yearns, who will fight for what he wants, and also a friends to lovers dynamic!! I usually am not a fan of friends to lovers, but the way Riley does it just worked perfectly for me! We get to see glimpses of the past of the friendship and their journey and then go through the present alongside Vivienne where they tackle what their relationship looks like now. I think what helped tremendously is we weren’t stuck in the friend zone for most of the book. Both of the characters knew what they wanted, but also had to fight for their kingdoms and families as well. Vivienne’s emotional battle and growth is so amazing in this book and it was a pleasure to watch her grow from book 1 to the woman she becomes in book 2.

The TWIST? Honestly maybe I’m a silly little one but I did NOT SEE IT COMING AT ALL. Like I’m still flabbergasted by it. I’m not sure what this means but it opens up so many questions for book three and I am SO looking forward to not only finding out what retelling it will be/characters it will follow but also to see how this plot will continue and unfold! I’m already theorizing SO MUCH 🫣😅😀 LIKE WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN

If you haven’t read Frost & Death (book 1 of this standalone series!!) I seriously suggest going and reading it!! Not only for all the easter eggs and crossovers between the two books, but because it is yet another great love story. Riley does an amazing job of weaving a fantasy retelling perfectly with a romance. It has the romance and spice, but also has an amazing plot and cast of characters that just all come together to create an amazing world!! I seriously recommend these books even if you don’t like fairytale retellings because Riley takes them and puts her own spin on them to the point where it’s fun to see where the stories are the same or share similar aspects, but they truly take on a direction of their own where it doesn’t even feel like a retelling and feels like an incredible fantasy world with love stories to go around.

4.75? 5 stars? I don’t know I keep going back and forth but every time I think of something that I’m like well ehhh I always come back with a but it doesn’t matter because blah blah. I am an enemies to lovers fiend, so while I LOVE Beau and my god is he a dream man (like seriously he is what every woman dreams of, or at least what I dream of 🤣) I think I still love the couple in Frost & Death better. Seeing them in Beast & Remedy only made me love it more, but the support Tove had for Vivienne in this book really made it such a heartwarming story. Overall another amazing retelling that doesn’t feel like a retelling and addition to the Last of the Heirs realm!!


God I’m still blushing over Beau, GET THIS MAN OUT OF MY HEAD HE IS A BLONDE (I love a blonde and that is hard to do man, but GOD Beau could take my heart and crush it and put it back together and I’d say thank you even though he would never crush it in the first place)

[Josipa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of the eARC!

“Beast and Remedy” is a vivid and ambitious fairytale retelling that takes the bones of Beauty and the Beast and reshapes them into something grittier, more magical, and emotionally resonant. L.L. Riley blends folklore, romance, and high-stakes fantasy into a story that feels both familiar and brand-new, with a heroine whose struggles are as internal as they are external.

Vivienne, the heir to Belmur, bears the Maker’s gift as both blessing and curse: shifting between woman and bear is not only painful but also isolating, leaving her torn between responsibility and self-preservation. Her journey—marked by grief, experimentation, and the weight of leadership—touches deeply on themes of identity, sacrifice, and what it means to be whole. Alongside her, King Beauvais brings steadiness, loyalty, and a quietly beautiful dynamic that balances out Vivienne’s turmoil. Their history together feels genuine, and their relationship—equal parts banter, tenderness, and vulnerability—was one of the most rewarding aspects of the novel. The addition of love letters was an especially moving touch, adding intimacy and grounding to their romance.
The novel shines in its mental health representation, its diverse cast, and its willingness to let its characters be flawed—sometimes frustratingly so. Riley doesn’t shy away from gore or darker turns, which only heightens the emotional payoff when the plot takes its unexpected twists. And yes, the ending is one of those that lingers long after you close the book—equal parts devastating and satisfying.

That said, the book isn’t without its flaws. At times, the characters’ interactions veer into overly youthful territory, almost like watching an animated adventure about “the power of teamwork,” which can feel tonally off against the heavier themes. There’s also a noticeable repetition of certain phrases, which dulled some of the narrative’s otherwise sharp edge. And while some characters are instantly endearing, others lean into unlikable traits a bit too strongly, making them harder to root for.

Still, those minor quibbles don’t overshadow the strengths here. Between the rich magic system, the balance of humor and heartbreak, and the sheer emotional weight of Vivienne’s journey, Beast and Remedy stands out as both a strong addition to Riley’s interconnected series and a compelling retelling in its own right.
If you love fairytale retellings that aren’t afraid to get dark, characters who feel raw and imperfect, and romances built on friendship, loyalty, and soul-deep connection, this book is well worth picking up.🐻❤️‍🩹

[Mackenzie RM · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This world has six deities, six kingdoms, and each monarch has been gifted one of the Maker’s abilities. One heir to the throne is desperate to rectify a devastating mistake that will impact wildlife and people in every kingdom. Vivienne’s burden is shifting from woman to bear for her future role of Queen of Belmur. She is working alongside her sister, Marion, to find a tonic that will make these transitions less painful. When a failed experiment gets out of hand, the kingdom of Belmur is forced to evacuate as Vivienne searches for a remedy. King Beauvais of Torgem is a childhood friend of Vivienne and is quick to offer support as she searches for a cure.

BEAST AND REMEDY is the second installment within an interconnected series but can be read as a standalone. It is a reimagining of the classic, Beauty and the Beast. BEAST AND REMEDY is set within a world that has six kingdoms with each monarch gifted with a secret ability from the Maker.

Vivienne is the protagonist of this story and the heir to the throne of Belmur. Her gifted ability is to shift from woman to bear. I thought this ability was really cool and a nice twist on the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. It was interesting to see how her abilities, and that of other monarchs, worked, as well as how their abilities impact their kingdoms and those surrounding them.

The plot is centered around Vivienne finding a cure for a failed experiment that causes a deadly infection to spread between wildlife and humans. Vivienne is fierce, stubborn, and selfless in her quest to find a remedy. I found the plot to be fast paced with high stakes. I really enjoyed the journey to finding the cure and the romance that is able to blossom because of it.

I loved seeing Vivienne reconnect with Beauvais. They have been friends since their childhood with a turn to something more before a tragedy tears them apart. There’s a series of letters exchanged between the two that are interspersed between chapters which was a really cute touch and gave a deeper understanding of the relationship they shared. I adored the romance that is rekindled – it’s beautifully done with several open-door spicy scenes.

The audiobook narration is duet style and excellently done, bringing the story to life beautifully. I adored the soft music and immersive sounds interspersed. I believe I’ll need to read this author’s first book in the series soon!

I would like to thank Behind the Pages PA and the author of this ALC for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of Beauty and the Beast and Brave will devour this book! Forced to transition into a bear at times due to her inherited magic, Vivienne is trying to create a tonic that will help ease the pain from the shifts along with her twin sister. In doing so, Vivienne accidentally creates a plague that threatens the realm and forces her to seek help from her kingdom's enemy and her secret love.

While this story is marketed as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, I did get a lot of Brave vibes from it as well. First was our FMC turning into a bear. But also because the forest spirits reminded me of the will-o'-the-wisps from the movie. It was nice to have a retelling where FMC is the beast instead of the MMC as well.

I enjoyed the characters, as well as the side characters. Our FMC was relatable and our MMC was so sweet to her. There was plenty of tension and yearning and banter. I liked the conflict of her father hating him because he believed that the MMC killed his wife. It made the romance more forbidden and only kept alive through the letters the MC's wrote to each other in secret. The side characters are fun and supportive, giving that found family aspect as well. I also knew there was going to be a big twist reveal at the end, but I was not expecting it to be what it was! So I did get a surprise with that one.

I received the first book in this series after winning a giveaway, so I jumped at the chance to read the second one early. I didn't have the chance to read the first before listening to this audiobook but didn't think it would be too much of an issue since each book is a standalone. I do wish I had read it first though, as some of the backstory would have made more sense. This could have been why I wasn't completely hooked on it. But as long as you're okay with having to gloss over details, it can definitely be read on its own.

As for the audiobook, I was fine with the narrators but the random music was a bit too much for me. I know it was supposed to add to the suspense and all, but it just seemed too random and like it didn't belong. I would have honestly preferred just the narration instead.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I will be going back to the first book to see if I can have a better understanding of all that happened.

I received an advance listener copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you so much to Behind the Pages LLC and the author for this ALC.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this "Beauty and the Beast" reimagining, where the princess is both beauty and beast, we have a story focused on the race to find a cure to save her sister, and a love that cannot be denied. The MMC in this book is all green flags. Completely a cinnamon roll and absolutely crown over heels over this girl. The FMC, however, is so self sacrificing that she denies her own feelings and happiness to help her sister and not upset her father. Because these kingdoms are "enemies" since the FMC's father assumed and refuses to believe otherwise that the MMC is the one who killed his wife.

After years of estrangement, she turns to him for help to save her twin, and their will-they-won't-they begins. I really liked King Beauvais, there was not a thing wrong with him. Give the guy some bad qualities will ya? How is she to resist such perfection? Princess Vivienne upset me on many occasions. Yes, she wants to do what is right and what is best, but putting everyone else before her is not how to be a good future queen. It's about balance girly. She suffers with her magic passed on from her mother - the painful shifting into a bear, causing all bones to break and reform each time. While trying to develop a remedy for her ailment, she ends up causing a bigger problem and really struggles with accepting help from others. She pushes back against her magic, her feelings, and her destiny so many times that it gets my eyes rolling.

I will say that the pacing is slow for me. This is a lengthy book, and it felt drawn out quite a bit for the first half maybe. It does get really good when they are finally deep in the search and development of the cure, and the romance and spice takes off. Then the twist reveal at the end was shocking! I definitely didn't expect that and I do enjoy when a book can completely surprise me. The ending with convincing the king felt a little too easy but I suppose it was time for him to get with it.

I listened to the audio and it was well done. The duet narration was great and I enjoyed all the voices and story telling. I also enjoyed the letters shared between the two main characters sprinkled in between chapters to help build their history and romance.

Overall it was enjoyable, a solid 3.5 stars.

I received an advance listener copy from Behind the Pages for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[KMart Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beauty and the Beast retelling where SHE is doing the transformation. I liked that immediately. Beyond that detail the similarities to the fairytale I know are pretty loose, which honestly is my preference. I like when fairytales are just used as a framework for an author's own story and this one did that perfectly. I saw another reviewer mention Brave as well because of the bear transformation and yes! The first book had echos of Frozen and I complimented the author for using more modern Disney movies as inspiration in addition to the older ones and I think that is shown again here.

The heart of this one is a childhood friends to lovers story with a long history of forbidden feelings, loss, and yearning running underneath everything. From childhood friendship to something more in their late teens to having it ripped away by tragedy, and then having to find their way back to each other... That arc is so sweet and genuinely melted my heart. Beau is so thoughtful throughout and the way he wants her to fight for their relationship rather than just accepting whatever scraps she'll give him added a really nice layer of emotional complexity. The romance is soft and loving and the spice is surprisingly excellent. The dirty talk in particular is so good. I loved that these two are deeply tender with each other and still have a great sex life. That combination in books is rarer than it should be. And it doesn't feel out of place like in some other books because it's a nice blend during their spice scenes.

The details around Vivienne's shifts into beast form are interesting and the complex family dynamics add depth beyond just the central romance. The twist genuinely surprised me, though I'm not entirely sure I loved it.

My complaints are mostly about length. There's a lot of repetition and the book runs longer than it needs to given that the focus stays pretty squarely on the romance. The audiobook music is also back and still jarring. The narrators themselves are wonderful, the music interruptions less so.

Sweet, heartfelt, and worth it for the yearning alone.

Thank you to the author and Behind the Pages for the audiobook copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an ALC for my honest opinion.

Beast and Remedy is a deeply emotional and captivating romance that blends intensity, vulnerability, and healing into a story that feels impossible not to become invested in. L.L. Riley creates characters that are flawed and layered, allowing their emotional journeys to feel authentic from beginning to end.

One of the strongest aspects of this book is the connection between the main characters. Their relationship carries both tension and tenderness, creating a dynamic that feels powerful without ever losing its emotional core. There’s a rawness to the way they interact, especially as walls begin to come down and trust slowly starts to form. The emotional chemistry between them is one of the driving forces of the story, and it’s incredibly easy to become attached to their journey.

The emotional depth throughout the book adds so much weight to the romance. Themes of pain, healing, and learning to let someone in are explored in a way that feels genuine rather than overly dramatic. Watching the characters confront their pasts while trying to move forward made their journey feel meaningful and real. The pacing worked well overall, balancing emotional moments, relationship development, and enough tension to keep the story moving. Some of the quieter scenes carried just as much impact as the bigger emotional moments, which made the story feel immersive and well-rounded.

I also appreciated how the book didn’t shy away from vulnerability. The characters are forced to face difficult truths about themselves and each other, and those moments added another emotional layer to the story. It’s the kind of book that really pulls you in and keeps you emotionally invested in the characters and their growth.

The narrators, Jacci Prior and Christian Leatherman, did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. I could feel every bit of the drama, love, fear, and emotional tension through their performances, which made the audiobook experience even more impactful.

I would like to thank behind the pages, and the author for the opportunity to review this book.