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London Fairy Tales #2
Whispered Music
Find out if love prevails in this regency retelling of how Beauty tamed the savage Beast…
Scarred at a young age, Dominique Maksylov, Royal Prince of Russia, has lived a reclusive life. As a musical prodigy, his music has made him famous, but few ever see his face. He never ventures into polite society, but when he discovers he is the only heir to the Earldom of Harriss, he goes to one ball.
That one ball, was enough to change the direction of his life forever.
She didn’t know how hard it would be to love the broken.
Isabelle Hartwell’s mother just sold her to the Beast of Russia. He’s mean, tem-peramental, and the most virile, handsome man she has ever encountered. But he has a secret, one he’s willing to die for and he refuses to let anyone in. Will she be able to reach his heart before it’s too late?
Scarred at a young age, Dominique Maksylov, Royal Prince of Russia, has lived a reclusive life. As a musical prodigy, his music has made him famous, but few ever see his face. He never ventures into polite society, but when he discovers he is the only heir to the Earldom of Harriss, he goes to one ball.
That one ball, was enough to change the direction of his life forever.
She didn’t know how hard it would be to love the broken.
Isabelle Hartwell’s mother just sold her to the Beast of Russia. He’s mean, tem-peramental, and the most virile, handsome man she has ever encountered. But he has a secret, one he’s willing to die for and he refuses to let anyone in. Will she be able to reach his heart before it’s too late?
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2012
About the author
Rachel Van Dyken
186 books18.7k followersRachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of mafia and contemporary romances.
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 8, 2013
04 APR: Beauty and the Beast
After reading this crap:
“Shh,” he said softly in her hair. “Believe me, it is better this way.” He tucked her into the bed and wiped a tear from her face and scowled. “I do not take kindly to tears.”
“Well, I don’t take kindly to being insulted and forced into marriage, then threatened to be killed!” Isabelle jerked her head away from his touch.
“Regardless of your feelings, Isabelle, I mean to protect you from evil men like the man who sold you to me, to keep you from the darkness, so you may possibly mature into a young woman without vanity and selfishness. And my protection must be firm with you, for I must protect you from the biggest threat at present.”
I just couldn't continue!
Yes, that's me
All the 17% I've read are horrible! The hero, if I could call him that, is a bi-polar asshole and the heroine is an idiot who doesn't think before talking. Besides this charming characters I can't find the plot, and I looked, but really, it wasn't there... And to add to this mess the author kept repeating the word "beast" like it would make EVERYTHING better.
After reading this crap:
“Shh,” he said softly in her hair. “Believe me, it is better this way.” He tucked her into the bed and wiped a tear from her face and scowled. “I do not take kindly to tears.”
“Well, I don’t take kindly to being insulted and forced into marriage, then threatened to be killed!” Isabelle jerked her head away from his touch.
“Regardless of your feelings, Isabelle, I mean to protect you from evil men like the man who sold you to me, to keep you from the darkness, so you may possibly mature into a young woman without vanity and selfishness. And my protection must be firm with you, for I must protect you from the biggest threat at present.”
I just couldn't continue!
Yes, that's me
All the 17% I've read are horrible! The hero, if I could call him that, is a bi-polar asshole and the heroine is an idiot who doesn't think before talking. Besides this charming characters I can't find the plot, and I looked, but really, it wasn't there... And to add to this mess the author kept repeating the word "beast" like it would make EVERYTHING better.
February 11, 2013
It could be very good book, if not some lacks of background. No time/clothes marks, until I came to the middle of the book where Napoleon was mentioned. Then I came back to the blurb and discovered, it's Regency novel. But where the Regency in the book, I shoul ask?
Then, after MCs disembarked from the ship, I lost my geographical sence. Where were they? Dominique was supposed to be Russian, or at last he had some Russian routes. So are they going to Russia? Well, I can agree with the point, that Belle was almost kidnapped, so she couldn't discover the truth soon, but still we're not her, we're readers, and we must get some clues.
Then they came to the castle near Brussels. I was puzzled, what servants were by nationality. It seemed, they spoke English, their names were English. Domonique were still Russian (though, there are no such names as Dominique in Russia, it's in French style), but he's got his castle in Belgium. Quite a mash.
But all above didn't mean I disliked the book. I enjoyed it very much. It's very close to Beauty and the Beast story. Castle, Beast's roars, forest horseriding, even ball for two, that was very remarkable and put additional value to the book.
I liked the main heroine, Belle, very much. She was very simpathetic and with good sense of humor, and she definitely wasn't damsel in distress, but strng and quite independent for her circumstances.
The main hero, Dominique, I really expected him to be ugly. But his face was untouched by flames, only hands were corrupted, so it was very easy to accept his deformities for Belle. He was funny enough to be attractive character, but sometimes he annoyed me with stupidness and selfishness.
I don't regret I read this book at all.
Then, after MCs disembarked from the ship, I lost my geographical sence. Where were they? Dominique was supposed to be Russian, or at last he had some Russian routes. So are they going to Russia? Well, I can agree with the point, that Belle was almost kidnapped, so she couldn't discover the truth soon, but still we're not her, we're readers, and we must get some clues.
Then they came to the castle near Brussels. I was puzzled, what servants were by nationality. It seemed, they spoke English, their names were English. Domonique were still Russian (though, there are no such names as Dominique in Russia, it's in French style), but he's got his castle in Belgium. Quite a mash.
But all above didn't mean I disliked the book. I enjoyed it very much. It's very close to Beauty and the Beast story. Castle, Beast's roars, forest horseriding, even ball for two, that was very remarkable and put additional value to the book.
I liked the main heroine, Belle, very much. She was very simpathetic and with good sense of humor, and she definitely wasn't damsel in distress, but strng and quite independent for her circumstances.
The main hero, Dominique, I really expected him to be ugly. But his face was untouched by flames, only hands were corrupted, so it was very easy to accept his deformities for Belle. He was funny enough to be attractive character, but sometimes he annoyed me with stupidness and selfishness.
I don't regret I read this book at all.
October 12, 2012
When I heard Rachel Van Dyken had a new book coming out, I was ecstatic. Always a fan of her novels, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Whispered Music, the second in her London Fairy Tales series. So, after a quick download from B&N, also known as my mecca, I promptly sat down and began reading this fun and new take on Beauty and the Beast by the master of character development herself. From Goodreads:
You know how sometimes when you read a character driven story you can just tell that the author totally fell in love with his or her characters based simply on the way said characters are written? That totally happened in Whispered Music. Van Dyken's connection with Dominique and Isabelle is so strong and added so much to this story allowing me as a reader to just connect on an entirely different level than I would have normally. Dominique is definitely Van Dyken's darkest and most troubled hero to date. Whispered Music is the seventh of her novels I've read and trust me when I tell you - Van Dyken does dark and brooding better than anyone. Her heroines shouldn't be forgotten either - nobody pushes these women around. Isabelle matches Dominique in wits with each tete-a-tete the two share. She reveals that she'll be a formidable foe for him early on in the novel when he tries to dominate her with his abrupt and rude manner. His surprise at her nonchalant and unabashed reactions to him both excite him and scare him. They excite him because he knows his time with her will be anything but boring and scare him because she may just be the person that touches his heart.
I cannot recommend reading this book enough. I know I say this in each of my reviews of Van Dyken's works, but she honestly grows leaps and bounds with each new book she comes out with. She raises her own standards with each new dark and complex character she creates. I try to consistently share her books with friends and push her works out there because I truly believe she is a name to follow in the world of historical romances. She rates in my top five favorite romance authors along with Tessa Dare, Eloisa James, Marie Force, and Lauren Royal. These five women know what it takes to write a romance that just makes your heart swoon. Add Van Dyken's novels to your to-read piles if you haven't already - I'm serious. Go. Now. Do it.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://wp.me/p18lIL-1e1
Scarred at a young age, Dominique Maksylov, Royal Prince of Russia, has lived a reclusive life. As a musical prodigy, his music has wide reach into the world, but few ever see his face. He never ventures into polite society, but when he dis-covers he is the only heir to the Earldom of Harriss, he goes to one ball. And that one ball, was enough to change the direction of his life forever.
But how could he possibly have known that other person— the other half of his whole—would not only need his help but threaten his very existence?
She didn’t know how hard it would be to love the broken.
Isabelle Hartwell’s mother just sold her to the Beast of Russia. He’s mean, temperamental, and the most virile, handsome man she has ever encountered. But he has a secret, one he’s willing to die for and he refuses to let anyone in. Will she be able to reach his heart before it’s too late?
You know how sometimes when you read a character driven story you can just tell that the author totally fell in love with his or her characters based simply on the way said characters are written? That totally happened in Whispered Music. Van Dyken's connection with Dominique and Isabelle is so strong and added so much to this story allowing me as a reader to just connect on an entirely different level than I would have normally. Dominique is definitely Van Dyken's darkest and most troubled hero to date. Whispered Music is the seventh of her novels I've read and trust me when I tell you - Van Dyken does dark and brooding better than anyone. Her heroines shouldn't be forgotten either - nobody pushes these women around. Isabelle matches Dominique in wits with each tete-a-tete the two share. She reveals that she'll be a formidable foe for him early on in the novel when he tries to dominate her with his abrupt and rude manner. His surprise at her nonchalant and unabashed reactions to him both excite him and scare him. They excite him because he knows his time with her will be anything but boring and scare him because she may just be the person that touches his heart.
I cannot recommend reading this book enough. I know I say this in each of my reviews of Van Dyken's works, but she honestly grows leaps and bounds with each new book she comes out with. She raises her own standards with each new dark and complex character she creates. I try to consistently share her books with friends and push her works out there because I truly believe she is a name to follow in the world of historical romances. She rates in my top five favorite romance authors along with Tessa Dare, Eloisa James, Marie Force, and Lauren Royal. These five women know what it takes to write a romance that just makes your heart swoon. Add Van Dyken's novels to your to-read piles if you haven't already - I'm serious. Go. Now. Do it.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://wp.me/p18lIL-1e1
September 30, 2012
Even better that the first one. I loved it and you can read my full review at RtB.
April 4, 2019
DNF finish @52%
I have a rule that I only review books if I've read more than 50% of them... This is the only time I have kept reading a book to the 50% mark just to review it!
I didn't have high hopes for Whispered Music, but after seeing the Beauty and the Beast movie I wanted to read some romances that used that trope. Having had Whispered Music on my backlist for a long-time and seeing as it was only £0.99 I thought it was the perfect right now choice. How more wrong could I be.
The characters in Whispered Music where completely deporable. The heroine is a moronic woman who constantly changes her mind and absolutely no character development. The hero is cruel, big-headed and arrogant. At the beginning of the book he has taken the heroine as his finance all in an effort to save her because he heard 'evil music' when he looked at her. But don't worry Dominique justifies his actions before he had her father's permission:
So don't worry everyone kidnapping a woman is totally legal if you had her biological father's permission!
While on the ship he is joined by his friend Hunter who is known as 'The Wolf'. He convinces our hero that Isabel isn't save unless they get married immediately. Rather than talking to Isabel and explaining the situation, or you know marry her before he took her from her family to a foreign place, Dominique and Hunter decide to use fear to make Isabel marry Dominique on the ship. The same day he kidnapped her:
By this point I was nearly done! I mean what are these characters??! Even Beast in the original Beauty and the Beast Dinsey film wasn't this bad! He was grumpy and had a temper but he wasn't cruel. Using fear to force someone into marrying even for 'the greater good' is evil. I just couldn't understand is motivations at all. He wanted to marry her to stop her being ravished or ruined? But then he wouldn't have sex wit her anyyway because she was too pure?!
I was pretty much done at this point. A grade-A arsehole of a hero and a heroine who had absolutely no character or backbone. To top it off Hunter decides the only way to make Dominique admit he has feelings for Isabelle is to aggressively kiss her in front of him...
LIKE WHAT THE ACTUAL F*CK!!!
So yeah that was the first 52% of this book... Can you see why I gave up when I did??
I have a rule that I only review books if I've read more than 50% of them... This is the only time I have kept reading a book to the 50% mark just to review it!
I didn't have high hopes for Whispered Music, but after seeing the Beauty and the Beast movie I wanted to read some romances that used that trope. Having had Whispered Music on my backlist for a long-time and seeing as it was only £0.99 I thought it was the perfect right now choice. How more wrong could I be.
The characters in Whispered Music where completely deporable. The heroine is a moronic woman who constantly changes her mind and absolutely no character development. The hero is cruel, big-headed and arrogant. At the beginning of the book he has taken the heroine as his finance all in an effort to save her because he heard 'evil music' when he looked at her. But don't worry Dominique justifies his actions before he had her father's permission:
The man who sold her to me, the valet to be exact, had an affair with her mother. So you see, it was legal
So don't worry everyone kidnapping a woman is totally legal if you had her biological father's permission!
While on the ship he is joined by his friend Hunter who is known as 'The Wolf'. He convinces our hero that Isabel isn't save unless they get married immediately. Rather than talking to Isabel and explaining the situation, or you know marry her before he took her from her family to a foreign place, Dominique and Hunter decide to use fear to make Isabel marry Dominique on the ship. The same day he kidnapped her:
The girl was scared and her fear was what was protecting her from crumbling. If he fed the fear, he would have her in the palm of his band
By this point I was nearly done! I mean what are these characters??! Even Beast in the original Beauty and the Beast Dinsey film wasn't this bad! He was grumpy and had a temper but he wasn't cruel. Using fear to force someone into marrying even for 'the greater good' is evil. I just couldn't understand is motivations at all. He wanted to marry her to stop her being ravished or ruined? But then he wouldn't have sex wit her anyyway because she was too pure?!
Sex had always been identified with using women, never something so intimate as what he was experiencing with Isabelle
I was pretty much done at this point. A grade-A arsehole of a hero and a heroine who had absolutely no character or backbone. To top it off Hunter decides the only way to make Dominique admit he has feelings for Isabelle is to aggressively kiss her in front of him...
LIKE WHAT THE ACTUAL F*CK!!!
So yeah that was the first 52% of this book... Can you see why I gave up when I did??
February 22, 2014
Reviewed by Crystal
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I fell in love with the first book in the London Fairy Tales, which was Upon A Midnight Dream. Whispered Music is an even greater story that is expertly weaved together and I didn’t think that it would get better but I was proved wrong. It was a great retelling of Beauty and the Beast and even better than the children’s version.
Isabelle is a beautiful young woman that suddenly has her world turned upside down. One moment she is at a ball and the next she is going to be married to a perfect stranger. Isabelle has so much love in her heart and she can’t help falling in love with the Beast, even if he does make her cry. Dominque was never going to marry but how could he ignore the music that was in his head that told him something bad was going to happen to Isabelle? He had learned at such an early age to listen to the music. You think the Beast is cruel and mean but that is just what he wants people to think. He had a bad childhood and never got to be a child except when he would go on his hourly rides. He makes such wonderful music. That’s the legacy that he does for his mother. He didn’t want his father to win but what he doesn’t realize is tha,t in a way, he is letting him win. Both characters have strong personalities and you really get to see how well they are made for each other. I just wish I had the ability to weave such a wonderful story to light!
I love a great romance book but if the Wolf hadn’t been in this book, it wouldn’t have been so enjoyable. I loved how he would rile Dominque about Isabelle. I think that Dominque would still be hiding behind his rough exterior if it wasn’t for him and I really got caught up in this story. I went through all the feelings and felt every emotion. It takes a wonderful woman to love a Beast and be able to see through all of his cruel words to what’s underneath and in his heart. I can’t wait to read the next story in the London Fairy Tales. I got a glimpse of the Wolf’s story and I hope that there will be even more after his story.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I fell in love with the first book in the London Fairy Tales, which was Upon A Midnight Dream. Whispered Music is an even greater story that is expertly weaved together and I didn’t think that it would get better but I was proved wrong. It was a great retelling of Beauty and the Beast and even better than the children’s version.
Isabelle is a beautiful young woman that suddenly has her world turned upside down. One moment she is at a ball and the next she is going to be married to a perfect stranger. Isabelle has so much love in her heart and she can’t help falling in love with the Beast, even if he does make her cry. Dominque was never going to marry but how could he ignore the music that was in his head that told him something bad was going to happen to Isabelle? He had learned at such an early age to listen to the music. You think the Beast is cruel and mean but that is just what he wants people to think. He had a bad childhood and never got to be a child except when he would go on his hourly rides. He makes such wonderful music. That’s the legacy that he does for his mother. He didn’t want his father to win but what he doesn’t realize is tha,t in a way, he is letting him win. Both characters have strong personalities and you really get to see how well they are made for each other. I just wish I had the ability to weave such a wonderful story to light!
I love a great romance book but if the Wolf hadn’t been in this book, it wouldn’t have been so enjoyable. I loved how he would rile Dominque about Isabelle. I think that Dominque would still be hiding behind his rough exterior if it wasn’t for him and I really got caught up in this story. I went through all the feelings and felt every emotion. It takes a wonderful woman to love a Beast and be able to see through all of his cruel words to what’s underneath and in his heart. I can’t wait to read the next story in the London Fairy Tales. I got a glimpse of the Wolf’s story and I hope that there will be even more after his story.
September 26, 2012
Whispered Music is van Dyken‘s take on Beauty And The Beast, and what a brilliant take it is too. We were made aware of Isabelle’s plight towards the end of Upon A Midnight Dream – she had been taken by Dominique Maksylov and her family were setting off on a mission to get her back; Whispered Music picks up where the previous story left off (with the exception of a prologue to introduce more of Dominique’s character as a child. Isabelle is being taken to her captor’s estate in Belgium to become his wife, whether she wants to be or not. Not long into the story, they marry and enter into what can only be described as a tumultuous relationship. Dominique has a very tortured past and is determined that he will not open his heart for anything or anyone, but he is clearly torn as he wants to give his wife at least some modicum of respect. However, his nature means that he is close to being a regency version of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde – treating her with respect and borderline affection one minute, and snapping at her the next. Isabelle is keen to make the best of her situation, wanting to try and build some sort of affectionate, trusting relationship with her new husband but is quickly frustrated by his repeated efforts to keep her at arms length for all things even slightly personal. This is because Dominique has a secret, one that he’s kept for most of his life and not one that he feels that he’s ready to share with anyone. Question is, can Belle tame the Beast and get him to open up to what he’s missing out on.
I absolutely loved this story, from start to finish I was hooked on Dominique’s pain and Isabelle’s desperate attempts to understand her husband better. Rachel van Dyken has always written fantastic characters in my view, but these two might just be her best yet. Characters that have a dark past are always more interesting, and Dominique has plenty of darkness in him to make maim absolutely fascinating. His pain is tangible through the pages of the book and my heart went out to him for all the things that haunted him to the point where he felt he couldn’t enjoy what was right in front of him. He had suffered so much in his life by the time we reached him as a reader, that I often wondered if there was going to be any future for someone so damaged; I genuinely wanted to see some sort of happy ending for someone so hurt in his life. That’s the mark of a truly amazing character – I rooted for him despite all of his rudeness, bluntness and bad habits. Isabelle was interesting mainly because she was repeatedly willing to forgive Dominique for his treatment of her; it was almost like she understood him before he was willing to let her in.
Isabelle was very similar to the author’s first fairy tale female lead – her sister Rosalind – in the sense that she was just trying to make the best of the situation she found herself in. She didn’t try to fight her husband into taking her back home, or releasing her from their marriage, she just wanted to make the marriage one where she could talk to her husband and find some sense of mutual acceptance and respect.
The author was very clever when writing this story – instead of writing a beastly character and making the reader uncertain of whether or not they should like him, she allowed the reader to see both sides of the story throughout – constantly flicking between writing from Dominique’s point of view and Isabelle’s standpoint. This meant that even when Dominique was being unnecessarily callous to Isabelle, the reader was allowed to understand the reasoning behind such behaviour and see the internal struggle that Dominique faced as a result. This is what gave Whispered Music it’s edge – the complete understanding of both characters motives throughout mixed with a genuine uncertainty for what would eventually happen to this stubborn, damaged couple.
I also enjoyed the introduction to van Dyken‘s next fairy tale character – Hunter, The Wolf. He played a considerable part in this story, acting as Dominique’s conscience when it came to his treatment of his new wife. However, there were also darker undertones to the character – shown mainly in his flirtation with Isabelle; though harmless enough, it was clear to see that he was in some way pained as Dominique was. How his story seemed to tie in with the reintroduction of Isabelle’s family was brilliant; I loved a second chance to see Stefan and Rosalind together and the hints that were dropped at Gwen’s role in Hunter’s upcoming novel. The way I can’t wait to see what his story holds for van Dyken‘s loyal readership, and I know I’m not the only one to hold this opinion.
As a finishing sentiment on this review – Rachel van Dyken was kind enough to offer up quotes at the start of each chapter within this book and I wanted to share a couple that I felt were particularly brilliant:
“Can a man be more than he was born to be? Or will he be constantly haunted by the past? By what he was born into? Are we simply copies of those who bore us? Or can we live past that, can we exceed expectations? Can I exceed the consequences of my birth?”
“When you have lost your way, when the world appears as if it is crumbling around you, perhaps, just maybe, you should close your eyes. By looking outward we forget the strength that is given inward. We can only see part of the picture with our eyes open. But, when they are closed, we see as a whole. We concentrate not on what we can see, but on the faith of what we know to be true.”
I absolutely loved this story, from start to finish I was hooked on Dominique’s pain and Isabelle’s desperate attempts to understand her husband better. Rachel van Dyken has always written fantastic characters in my view, but these two might just be her best yet. Characters that have a dark past are always more interesting, and Dominique has plenty of darkness in him to make maim absolutely fascinating. His pain is tangible through the pages of the book and my heart went out to him for all the things that haunted him to the point where he felt he couldn’t enjoy what was right in front of him. He had suffered so much in his life by the time we reached him as a reader, that I often wondered if there was going to be any future for someone so damaged; I genuinely wanted to see some sort of happy ending for someone so hurt in his life. That’s the mark of a truly amazing character – I rooted for him despite all of his rudeness, bluntness and bad habits. Isabelle was interesting mainly because she was repeatedly willing to forgive Dominique for his treatment of her; it was almost like she understood him before he was willing to let her in.
Isabelle was very similar to the author’s first fairy tale female lead – her sister Rosalind – in the sense that she was just trying to make the best of the situation she found herself in. She didn’t try to fight her husband into taking her back home, or releasing her from their marriage, she just wanted to make the marriage one where she could talk to her husband and find some sense of mutual acceptance and respect.
The author was very clever when writing this story – instead of writing a beastly character and making the reader uncertain of whether or not they should like him, she allowed the reader to see both sides of the story throughout – constantly flicking between writing from Dominique’s point of view and Isabelle’s standpoint. This meant that even when Dominique was being unnecessarily callous to Isabelle, the reader was allowed to understand the reasoning behind such behaviour and see the internal struggle that Dominique faced as a result. This is what gave Whispered Music it’s edge – the complete understanding of both characters motives throughout mixed with a genuine uncertainty for what would eventually happen to this stubborn, damaged couple.
I also enjoyed the introduction to van Dyken‘s next fairy tale character – Hunter, The Wolf. He played a considerable part in this story, acting as Dominique’s conscience when it came to his treatment of his new wife. However, there were also darker undertones to the character – shown mainly in his flirtation with Isabelle; though harmless enough, it was clear to see that he was in some way pained as Dominique was. How his story seemed to tie in with the reintroduction of Isabelle’s family was brilliant; I loved a second chance to see Stefan and Rosalind together and the hints that were dropped at Gwen’s role in Hunter’s upcoming novel. The way I can’t wait to see what his story holds for van Dyken‘s loyal readership, and I know I’m not the only one to hold this opinion.
As a finishing sentiment on this review – Rachel van Dyken was kind enough to offer up quotes at the start of each chapter within this book and I wanted to share a couple that I felt were particularly brilliant:
“Can a man be more than he was born to be? Or will he be constantly haunted by the past? By what he was born into? Are we simply copies of those who bore us? Or can we live past that, can we exceed expectations? Can I exceed the consequences of my birth?”
“When you have lost your way, when the world appears as if it is crumbling around you, perhaps, just maybe, you should close your eyes. By looking outward we forget the strength that is given inward. We can only see part of the picture with our eyes open. But, when they are closed, we see as a whole. We concentrate not on what we can see, but on the faith of what we know to be true.”
July 26, 2015
DNF at around the 25% point.
Here are some of the reasons why:
* The story actually starts in the first book. All those things mentioned in the synopsis? They happened in book 1.
* Everything is so damn melodramatic. Dominique doesn't seem to know if he's coming or going, and his mood swings happen so quickly and so often that they're impossible to keep up with.
* There is no character building. There's a lot of heat between the characters, but absolutely nothing to back it up so I raelly just didn't care and felt awkward reading about their interactions.
* The contradictions.
-> Dominique orders Isabelle to get ready and come up on deck of the ship. When she does this and overhears a conversation about using a brothel, he gets annoyed that she evesdropped on him and his crew. Then he immediately sends her back below deck!
-> She hadn't even known he was in the same bed with her until his thrashing woke her
Next page: His touch would have been intimate, had his gloves been removed before bed. But when she asked if he was going to remove them he sneered...
* The stupidity:
-> The tears that Isabelle had been holding in burst. Unable to even see which direction the bed was in, she stood and cried like a small child.
How can you not know where the bed is in a bedroom when you've been standing in there for a while?
-> Must she be such a prude? After all, hadn't his hands spent the better part of the night running up and down her curves?
No, actually, he hadn't. According to the narrative he spent all of a few minutes - tops! - touching her, then slept on the other side of the room. That's a far, far cry from the better part of the night.
-> Isabelle hugs one servant, then kisses the cheek of another. This is supposed to be set in the regency period! Both of these actions took place within a very short time span after having met the servants. Members of the aristocracy were most definitely not so familiar with their servants.
I got to the point where I was starting to read the book, then finding other things to do instead of read any further. When I choose to fill in endless puzzels instead of read my book, I know it's time to admit defeat.
This story irritated me to no end. DNF.
Here are some of the reasons why:
* The story actually starts in the first book. All those things mentioned in the synopsis? They happened in book 1.
* Everything is so damn melodramatic. Dominique doesn't seem to know if he's coming or going, and his mood swings happen so quickly and so often that they're impossible to keep up with.
* There is no character building. There's a lot of heat between the characters, but absolutely nothing to back it up so I raelly just didn't care and felt awkward reading about their interactions.
* The contradictions.
-> Dominique orders Isabelle to get ready and come up on deck of the ship. When she does this and overhears a conversation about using a brothel, he gets annoyed that she evesdropped on him and his crew. Then he immediately sends her back below deck!
-> She hadn't even known he was in the same bed with her until his thrashing woke her
Next page: His touch would have been intimate, had his gloves been removed before bed. But when she asked if he was going to remove them he sneered...
* The stupidity:
-> The tears that Isabelle had been holding in burst. Unable to even see which direction the bed was in, she stood and cried like a small child.
How can you not know where the bed is in a bedroom when you've been standing in there for a while?
-> Must she be such a prude? After all, hadn't his hands spent the better part of the night running up and down her curves?
No, actually, he hadn't. According to the narrative he spent all of a few minutes - tops! - touching her, then slept on the other side of the room. That's a far, far cry from the better part of the night.
-> Isabelle hugs one servant, then kisses the cheek of another. This is supposed to be set in the regency period! Both of these actions took place within a very short time span after having met the servants. Members of the aristocracy were most definitely not so familiar with their servants.
I got to the point where I was starting to read the book, then finding other things to do instead of read any further. When I choose to fill in endless puzzels instead of read my book, I know it's time to admit defeat.
This story irritated me to no end. DNF.
January 17, 2016
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Published by: Astraea Press
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Series 2
Rating: 5
Review:
"Whispered Music"(London Fairy Tales#2) by Rachel Van Dyken was another one of her awesome regency historical romance series. This story picks up from 'Upon A Midnight Dream...being the story of Isabeth that had been kidnapped by Russian Prince....and then this story starts and this is where I say you must pick up this read to see what this author has in store for the reader. You will find that the story is paced well with well portrayed characters that keep you reading until the end. You will find Isabelle Hartwell who was intelligent, courageous, with a big heart and then their is Dominique 'The Beast' who only thought of his music. This was like 'Beauty and the Beast' that ended up a wonderful love story loses it all but after all is said and done were able to heal once again. I really enjoyed this author's 'fairy tale character 'Hunter, The Wolf who acted as Dominique's conscience when it came to the treatment of his 'new wife.'
I loved the quotes that this author used at the beginning of each chapter.......one I loved:
"When you have lost your way, when the world appears as if it is crumbling around you,
perhaps, just maybe, you should close your eyes. By looking outward we forget the
strength that is given inward. We can only see part of the picture with our eyes open.
But, when they are closed, we see as a whole. We concentrate not on what we can
see, but on the faith of what we know to be true."
All I am left to say is that I found "Whispered Music" a excellent read that only this author is known to put out. Would I recommend this read? YES!
Published by: Astraea Press
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Series 2
Rating: 5
Review:
"Whispered Music"(London Fairy Tales#2) by Rachel Van Dyken was another one of her awesome regency historical romance series. This story picks up from 'Upon A Midnight Dream...being the story of Isabeth that had been kidnapped by Russian Prince....and then this story starts and this is where I say you must pick up this read to see what this author has in store for the reader. You will find that the story is paced well with well portrayed characters that keep you reading until the end. You will find Isabelle Hartwell who was intelligent, courageous, with a big heart and then their is Dominique 'The Beast' who only thought of his music. This was like 'Beauty and the Beast' that ended up a wonderful love story loses it all but after all is said and done were able to heal once again. I really enjoyed this author's 'fairy tale character 'Hunter, The Wolf who acted as Dominique's conscience when it came to the treatment of his 'new wife.'
I loved the quotes that this author used at the beginning of each chapter.......one I loved:
"When you have lost your way, when the world appears as if it is crumbling around you,
perhaps, just maybe, you should close your eyes. By looking outward we forget the
strength that is given inward. We can only see part of the picture with our eyes open.
But, when they are closed, we see as a whole. We concentrate not on what we can
see, but on the faith of what we know to be true."
All I am left to say is that I found "Whispered Music" a excellent read that only this author is known to put out. Would I recommend this read? YES!
January 7, 2013
The second in the London Fairy Tales series has completely stolen my heart and is currently my favorite book. I absolutely hated that it had to end!
Picking up where Upon A Midnight Dream left off, Whispered Music is the story of Isabelle, Rose's younger sister {possibly the youngest?} who was "kidnapped" - more like sold off to the highest bidder - by the Russian Prince, who also happens to be the heir apparent to the girls' family fortune.
Isabelle is a fun character. She's spunky, determined, stubborn, and isn't afraid of her husband no matter how much he thinks he can scare her. It's obvious she loved her husband; no one else could or would put up with that hot and cold personality of his!
Dominique is a tortured soul whose story broke my heart. I wanted to kill his father not even two pages into the prologue! No matter how awful he tried to be - to guard his heart, of course - he just didn't really follow through. No matter how he tried not to fall in love with the lovely Isabelle, he was a goner the moment he saw her regardless of what he thought. I loved his diary entries at the beginning of each chapter.
While Dominique doesn't always charm you, I absolutely loved watching him come out of his shell the further along his relationship with Isabella progressed. Especially when Hunter was helping him.
Hunter! Oh how he cracked me up! I can't WAIT to read his story next. His and Dominique's friendship is truly unique and extremely entertaining.
While there is talk of sex, there are no real explicit sex scenes. I still consider this a "sweet" romance as there were no real body parts discussed or explicit sex talk.
Picking up where Upon A Midnight Dream left off, Whispered Music is the story of Isabelle, Rose's younger sister {possibly the youngest?} who was "kidnapped" - more like sold off to the highest bidder - by the Russian Prince, who also happens to be the heir apparent to the girls' family fortune.
Isabelle is a fun character. She's spunky, determined, stubborn, and isn't afraid of her husband no matter how much he thinks he can scare her. It's obvious she loved her husband; no one else could or would put up with that hot and cold personality of his!
Dominique is a tortured soul whose story broke my heart. I wanted to kill his father not even two pages into the prologue! No matter how awful he tried to be - to guard his heart, of course - he just didn't really follow through. No matter how he tried not to fall in love with the lovely Isabelle, he was a goner the moment he saw her regardless of what he thought. I loved his diary entries at the beginning of each chapter.
While Dominique doesn't always charm you, I absolutely loved watching him come out of his shell the further along his relationship with Isabella progressed. Especially when Hunter was helping him.
Hunter! Oh how he cracked me up! I can't WAIT to read his story next. His and Dominique's friendship is truly unique and extremely entertaining.
While there is talk of sex, there are no real explicit sex scenes. I still consider this a "sweet" romance as there were no real body parts discussed or explicit sex talk.
September 5, 2012
Just like most of Rachel's characters I fell in love with Dominique and Isabelle. Dominique, a musical prodigy with a tortured past so devastating that to survive he created walls and barriers so solid no one could get through (or so he hoped). Isabelle, the younger sister of Rosalind, sold like property to the one they call the beast. On her way to captivity Isabelle asks Dominique why did he buy her he responds "Because when I saw you the music changed." With that cryptic response Isabelle is whisked off to a castle with no idea what was in store. Dominique enlists the help of his friend the "Wolf" and it is an interesting and funny journey as beauty tries to tame her beast but are the walls to thick for even Isabelle to break thru? It was an amazing read truly! I swear Rachel gets better and better with each book she writes OH and the teaser at the end for Wolf's story had me in tears begging for more! The London Fairy Tale series is a MUST READ for all that love regency OR fairy tales (or if you are like me BOTH!) Cant wait to see what else this talented writer has up her sleeve!
October 2, 2012
Whispered Music was everything I expected and so much more. The author did amazing job. So now I can't wait for Wolf and Gwen story to come out.
This was amazing story about man who only has his music, because everything else around him shattered in pieces, but everything changes as he meet his Bella. Bella who will love him for who he is and will do anything to get his heart to love again.
'Beauty and the Beast' wrapped in one beautiful story about true love, that can help person who lost everything, to heal and thrust again.
I must say Isabelle was such awesome character. I loved her so much for her spirit and power to be so strong despite her circumstances.
My favorite quote;
“Love does not always make sense, Dominique. Sometimes it asks great tasks of us, asks us to sacrifice everything in hope of finding the one true thing in this life. Love makes us bleed; it makes us fight, for if we did none of those things, how would it ever be worth it? And how would we ever deserve its rewards?”
This was amazing story about man who only has his music, because everything else around him shattered in pieces, but everything changes as he meet his Bella. Bella who will love him for who he is and will do anything to get his heart to love again.
'Beauty and the Beast' wrapped in one beautiful story about true love, that can help person who lost everything, to heal and thrust again.
I must say Isabelle was such awesome character. I loved her so much for her spirit and power to be so strong despite her circumstances.
My favorite quote;
“Love does not always make sense, Dominique. Sometimes it asks great tasks of us, asks us to sacrifice everything in hope of finding the one true thing in this life. Love makes us bleed; it makes us fight, for if we did none of those things, how would it ever be worth it? And how would we ever deserve its rewards?”
September 12, 2012
I was in love by Dominique "The Beast" since the beginning. Even when he was being a complete jerk with Isabelle "Belle"... the books was written from both perspectives - so we know, even when he's being a real "Beast", why he was doing it and how much it cost him.
Belle is an extraordinary heroine, because she faces all that is thrown at her and didn't give up on him - she got that he was a troubled person and needed her help and love...
Amazing book - coudn't stop reading it
From the book...
" When you have lost your way, when the world appears as if it is
crumbling around you, perhaps, just maybe, you should close your eyes.
By looking outward we forget the strength that is given inward. We can
only see part of the picture with our eyes open. But, when they are closed,we see as a whole. We concentrate not on what we can see, but on the faith of what we know to be true. - Whispered Music"
Belle is an extraordinary heroine, because she faces all that is thrown at her and didn't give up on him - she got that he was a troubled person and needed her help and love...
Amazing book - coudn't stop reading it
From the book...
" When you have lost your way, when the world appears as if it is
crumbling around you, perhaps, just maybe, you should close your eyes.
By looking outward we forget the strength that is given inward. We can
only see part of the picture with our eyes open. But, when they are closed,we see as a whole. We concentrate not on what we can see, but on the faith of what we know to be true. - Whispered Music"
December 5, 2013
I didn't exactly love it, but it is likeable. The story is the reworking of the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast".
Dominique, the Russian crown prince and an English earl, is the 'Beast' who is haunted by his past and can't let go. Music is the one thing that keeps him sane. He acquires himself an English wife, Isabelle, who is the 'Beauty'. As 'Beauty' and the 'Beast' live together, they begin to understand each other and gradually fall in love. Isabelle captures Dominique's heart, forces him to let go of his past and finally, they find happiness together.
There isn't much to this story except this. Dominique growls, yells and glares most of the time. Isabelle, with all her prettiness, flits in and out of the house with nothing much to do but bear with her moody husband.
The one character who makes this tale more interesting and absolutely humorous, is Hunter. The next book in the series is about him and I am expecting it to be the best.
Dominique, the Russian crown prince and an English earl, is the 'Beast' who is haunted by his past and can't let go. Music is the one thing that keeps him sane. He acquires himself an English wife, Isabelle, who is the 'Beauty'. As 'Beauty' and the 'Beast' live together, they begin to understand each other and gradually fall in love. Isabelle captures Dominique's heart, forces him to let go of his past and finally, they find happiness together.
There isn't much to this story except this. Dominique growls, yells and glares most of the time. Isabelle, with all her prettiness, flits in and out of the house with nothing much to do but bear with her moody husband.
The one character who makes this tale more interesting and absolutely humorous, is Hunter. The next book in the series is about him and I am expecting it to be the best.
September 27, 2012
Such a beautiful story and so well written I never wanted it to end.
October 28, 2012
FABULOUS!! Another Van Dyken masterpiece! ;-) Very sweet Beauty & the Beast story. Couldn't put it down!
January 4, 2013
I really loved this book. It was a Beauty and the Beast love story. Great characters, and exciting story line. I look forward to the next in the series releasing this month!
December 18, 2012
Best declaration of love. Ever. :)
November 27, 2016
This is the second book in the London Fairy tale series (which honestly I'm horribly late in reading as they came out in 2012), so I do have to say that I feel like the author is writing much better now days. In fact, she is one of my favorite authors now so I'm glad I read her newer stories first.
As for this story in particular, this was another unfortunate case of a interesting premise that delivered unlikable characters. Dominique was often unnecessarily cruel, alternating between pushing his wife away and then accusing her of finding affection elsewhere. Not that she did, but I wouldn't have blamed her if she had. At the same time, Isabelle cows to him instead of standing up to him. Together it made for a very tiresome story. One step forward in the relationship and three steps backwards.
Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to some readers. I would read more from this author.
As for this story in particular, this was another unfortunate case of a interesting premise that delivered unlikable characters. Dominique was often unnecessarily cruel, alternating between pushing his wife away and then accusing her of finding affection elsewhere. Not that she did, but I wouldn't have blamed her if she had. At the same time, Isabelle cows to him instead of standing up to him. Together it made for a very tiresome story. One step forward in the relationship and three steps backwards.
Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to some readers. I would read more from this author.
March 29, 2023
3.5 🌟
Beauty and the Beast retelling.
Isabelle is sweet and innocent. The youngest daughter of a prominent English family, she is betrothed (against her knowledge) to a russian prince, Dominick. He is a music prodigy with a dark past which has rendered him unable, or at least unwilling to trust or love a woman.
Dominick is a tortured soul. He is determines that Isabelle's life is in danger, so engineers their betrothal to keep her safe. Unfortunately, he is an emotional cripple, and so runs completely hot and cold with her. Sometimes he's kind and gentle, but if he fears either he or Isabelle is growing too attached, he switches to gruff treatment and disinterest.
Both MC's have some growing to do. Isabelle is patient with Dominick. She can see glimpses of the man he tries to keep hidden, and she realises she could love him, if only he could begin to forgive and love himself.
This book contains mildly descriptive love scenes.
Beauty and the Beast retelling.
Isabelle is sweet and innocent. The youngest daughter of a prominent English family, she is betrothed (against her knowledge) to a russian prince, Dominick. He is a music prodigy with a dark past which has rendered him unable, or at least unwilling to trust or love a woman.
Dominick is a tortured soul. He is determines that Isabelle's life is in danger, so engineers their betrothal to keep her safe. Unfortunately, he is an emotional cripple, and so runs completely hot and cold with her. Sometimes he's kind and gentle, but if he fears either he or Isabelle is growing too attached, he switches to gruff treatment and disinterest.
Both MC's have some growing to do. Isabelle is patient with Dominick. She can see glimpses of the man he tries to keep hidden, and she realises she could love him, if only he could begin to forgive and love himself.
This book contains mildly descriptive love scenes.
May 1, 2020
Hold your breath and wait for the rapture! You are about to be ravaged by the beast! He brings along his best friend the wolf for a little comic relief because without him this would be entirely too dark. Being a Russian prince with a cruel father, loveless parents. Mother who either had an affair with the music teacher or the jealous father believed she did have. Consequently Father murdered both Mother and the music teacher. In a fit of rage, he never wanted his son to be musical so he pours hot wax on his hands to damage them so he can never play again.
Saving an English lady from tragedy he quickly marries her and takes her to his Belgian castle. He vows she will be a proper wife but he will not love her for he is incapable of love.
She is kind and loving and tries to tame the rage and hurt that consumes his soul.
Saving an English lady from tragedy he quickly marries her and takes her to his Belgian castle. He vows she will be a proper wife but he will not love her for he is incapable of love.
She is kind and loving and tries to tame the rage and hurt that consumes his soul.
October 23, 2017
A romantic retelling of beauty and the beast
Sold to her husband, Belle finds herself stuck with a ill tempered a-hole for a husband that only tends to make things worse. But he has a reason, he is stuck living in the past and is too wrapped up in his pain to see what he has in his new wife. Disfigured by his father, the beastly Dominique, slowly learns to control his temper. With the help of his friend,Hunter, he gains perspective and with Belle’s help he learns to let go of his past and heal.
Sold to her husband, Belle finds herself stuck with a ill tempered a-hole for a husband that only tends to make things worse. But he has a reason, he is stuck living in the past and is too wrapped up in his pain to see what he has in his new wife. Disfigured by his father, the beastly Dominique, slowly learns to control his temper. With the help of his friend,Hunter, he gains perspective and with Belle’s help he learns to let go of his past and heal.
March 8, 2023
That was just a bad book.
The author managed to show her main characters (Dominique and Isabelle) as bipolar instead of conflicted, tortured, or confused. The author's narrative was very choppy and disconnected.
The only reason I gave the book 2 stars was for Hunter. He was the only character I liked, and his interaction with Dominique was just fun.
Hopefully, the last installment in the series would be better as it is about Hunter's love interest.
The author managed to show her main characters (Dominique and Isabelle) as bipolar instead of conflicted, tortured, or confused. The author's narrative was very choppy and disconnected.
The only reason I gave the book 2 stars was for Hunter. He was the only character I liked, and his interaction with Dominique was just fun.
Hopefully, the last installment in the series would be better as it is about Hunter's love interest.
May 9, 2017
Two star rating
Book was just ok for me. Still not certain how main character "purchased" his wife!---perhaps that was revealed in a book before this one of the series. Anyway main character is a music lover suffering from emo damage as well.as physical damage. Main female character loves and supports him so he can be part of their world together
.
Book was just ok for me. Still not certain how main character "purchased" his wife!---perhaps that was revealed in a book before this one of the series. Anyway main character is a music lover suffering from emo damage as well.as physical damage. Main female character loves and supports him so he can be part of their world together
.
October 21, 2019
Beauty and the Beast
Oh my! When Dominique bought Isabella in the first book he said such horrible things that he would do to her and then he doesn't quite do those things. What a tragic life he has had. What a suspenseful and beautiful book. The Beast does become the Prince through the Beauty. A great read.
Oh my! When Dominique bought Isabella in the first book he said such horrible things that he would do to her and then he doesn't quite do those things. What a tragic life he has had. What a suspenseful and beautiful book. The Beast does become the Prince through the Beauty. A great read.
January 21, 2018
A sweet romantic read. I'm a fairy tale kind of girl, so I was drawn to its Beauty and the Beast theme. It's not a hot steamy book, so if that's what you're looking for you won't find it here. There's 3 more in the series which I will read. I'll let you know how they are.
May 15, 2019
Fun
This one was better than the first. Still need more editing. I like the character development with Dominique. The motivations made more sense.
This one was better than the first. Still need more editing. I like the character development with Dominique. The motivations made more sense.
September 20, 2019
Oh my goodness! That is really all I have to say on this book! The twists and turns and there wasn't really a antagonist. Just a fabulous book!
July 10, 2020
I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling, they are my all time favourite. More angst and drama the better is the happily ever after.
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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