A Cursed Devotion: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling Novella

Enchanted Desires #4

by Cleo Calloway

You know this story: a monstrous beast, a cursed castle, a beauty who stumbles into a fate not her own. A love powerful enough to break an unbreakable spell.

But this is not quite the fairytale you remember.

Arabella has always hungered for adventure. When offered the chance to reside in a mysterious castle deep in the woods, she leaps at it—eager to meet the creature said to haunt its stone halls. The monster. Yet the Beast is not what the old tales claim. His golden eyes hold too many secrets. His growls soften into words. And the shadows that cling to him whisper of a past steeped in regret and ruin.

Henry was cursed to be forgotten—a prince turned into a creature, a kingdom left to decay. For years, he has endured exile within crumbling walls, certain no one could ever see past the monster he has become. Until Arabella: the defiant girl who challenges him, who refuses to cower, who speaks to him as if he’s still a man.

But curses are never easily broken, and desires are not so easily tamed. As the line between man and beast blurs, a darker force stirs beyond the castle walls—one that will not let Arabella go without a fight.

Step into a world of shimmering enchantment and smoldering passion in A Cursed Devotion, the fourth novella in Cleo Calloway’s Enchanted Desires series, where beloved fairytales take a seductive, spellbinding twist.

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2025

About the author

Cleo Calloway is a passionate storyteller who delights in reimagining timeless fairytales and myths with a sensual, evocative twist. When not crafting her next story, Cleo can be found in her art studio, painting vibrant pieces that echo her love for creativity and storytelling. She lives in Minnesota, where the changing seasons provide endless inspiration for her art and writing.

Reviews

[Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairy tales and Cleo created a great retelling! I liked being able to see the source story while also noticing the new details of this version. The dream subplot was really cool and I liked how the beast was not completely gone at the end. A quick, fun read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A monster’s curse. A woman’s choice. A love that refuses to die.

When Arabella leaves behind the quiet village of Rosenhollow, it's not out of fear. It’s a deliberate step into the unknown. A stolen rose, a desperate bargain, and a castle swallowed by silence pull her into the shadow of a creature trapped by time. What she finds is not horror, but a watching presence that begins to shift the air around her.

The Beast is not what he seems. Once a man twisted by pride, now broken and bound by a curse, he hides behind fur and fangs. But Arabella’s boldness draws him out. Curiosity turns to connection. Their silence becomes a language of its own, filled with tension, hesitation, and the slow unfurling of trust.

Night after night, her dreams pull her deeper. There, Henry, a man with burning gold eyes and a voice like memory reaches for her. These dreams are sensual, surreal, intimate, charged with heat and emotion that linger long after she wakes. As passion builds, so does the risk. The world outside begins to close in.

The shift comes when he tries to push her away. The balance of power changes, not with dominance, but with vulnerability. Arabella chooses to stay. She chooses him. Their connection grows in small moments, in aching glances, in the longing.

Arabella learns to trust her instincts, confront fear, and choose love on her own terms. Henry transforms from a bitter, cursed beast into a man who confronts his past and opens himself to vulnerability and change.

Hot and steamy, grumpy sunshine, BATB, fairytale, erotic romance, exploring love, transformation, sacrifice, identity, power, freedom, and choosing to see someone for all they are. It’s not just about breaking a curse, but about rebuilding something stronger from the ruins.

[Orchid · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW 📚

While reading this book, it felt as if I stepped into an actual fairytale - dreamlike and enchanting from the beginning. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and appreciated how the author stayed true to the original tale while adding a unique twist to the ending. The romantic tension between the main characters was a slow burn, which worked well for the most part. That said, I do wish there had been more clarity regarding the link between the spicy dreams and the real-life buildup - I still have questions.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the dynamics between Arabella and Henry. Arabella was assertive, bold, and adventurous - and wasn't afraid to challenge Henry. Henry, though grumpy and broody, revealed an honest and deeply passionate side in his human form. Finally, the spicy scenes were light and sweet, which suited the tone of the story. Still, I wish there had been spicy moments in Henry's beastly form - it's something left to be desired, I suppose.

I WOULD RECOMMEND IF 📒

If you're looking for a short and spicy fairytale retelling of Beauty and the Beast with featured themes such as "grumpy and sunshine," "forced proximity," "obsessed/stalker MMC," "tortured hero," "take charge heroine," "he falls first," "size difference," and "HEA," then this is the book for you.

Note: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this short story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a short retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast, with hints of the Disney version, such as when describing Arabella's golden gown. But unlike Disney, this fairy tale is distinctly adult. This is a sweet but steamy and graphic retelling of the story. Arabella is smart and sassy, and loves books, and pursued by a man in her village who seeks to own her, without appreciating her. Her father trespasses against the Beast and as punishment, Arabella must stay with the Beast. The Beast is under a curse, that can only be broken by true love.... we all know the story. But this one has hints of Eros and Psyche in that Arabella and the Beast share steamy desirous dreams of each other, and in those dreams, Arabella experiences the Beast in his human form, Henry.

I do love a twist on fairy tales and this one has a sweet familiarity with a dash of sexy heat and spice.

4 stars out of 5

[pages_n_phases · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was so much fun. It was a fast paced, quick, spicy read.

This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, without the magical candelabra, Mrs. Potts, and Chip.

The story stayed pretty true to Beauty and the Beast.
What I really liked about this story, was Arabella’s longing for something more, her persistence and her head strong character. I also really enjoyed that she was headstrong and went after what she wanted, and didn’t allow societies expectations to dictate her life.

There was a good bit of spice, but it was tastefully done. There was plot, romance, spice, and misogynistic men put in their place.

If you want a quick adult version of Beaty and the beast, then I highly suggest this story z.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This hit just right. It’s a spicy, grown-up take on Beauty and the Beast, but with teeth. Arabella’s hunger for more than village life immediately hooked me, and the Beast, well, Henry, is all brooding heat and sorrow, which I’m always here for. The dream sequences were lush and haunting, and I loved how those blurred with reality in ways that felt sexy and unsettling. Honestly, I didn’t expect to get so pulled into the emotional ache behind the curse, but damn. The connection between them builds slow and deep, and while some parts were softer than I prefer, the payoff still smoldered. Would I have liked a bit more spice with the Beast still beastly? Absolutely. Still, it was a fast, dreamy read that left me craving more from this series.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! a re-telling we all know and love... beauty and the beast .. love Arabella and Henry... this is their story... she wanted adventure and this is what she got ... her life in her village was boring ... Henry was cursed long ago... his kingdom was decaying... then, she came for her adventure ...she's fearless and bold, she is unlike anyone he has ever meet... he's a monster... things change... so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I haven't read anything by this author before, but based on this, I would like to read more. This had a lovely fairytale quality with all the essential elements of the original story, adding a good dash of spice.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha Millican · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beauty and the Beast retelling short that will hold you for its duration! Perfectly sweet with steam. Henry is cursed to reflect what he was inside, a monster. Arabella, is a defiant woman wanting her freedom, who doesn’t see him as a monster. What they find with each other is a love that breaks barriers. This was great escape into a story that was the perfect length.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terriann Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, adult, twisted retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story. Arabella is forced to go to the castle beyond the woods as payment for her father's crime. Being told that there is a horrible Beast that resides in the castle, but that is not what she finds. Maybe Beauty is not always found on the outside, and you have to look within. Good retelling, just not as spicy as I usually like 😊.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arabella lives in the village of Rosenhollow which seemed to her quite restrictive. She longed for more. With an annoying suitor and dreams for more, she was ready for more.
Great story, a retelling and it’s quite well done. Spicy and sweet, perfect combination! Go ahead and grab this and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bre E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast, adventurous Arabella moves into a cursed castle to face its legendary monster. Instead, she meets Henry—a cursed prince whose eyes reveal his lost humanity. As their bond deepens through defiance and compassion, they must confront greater dangers together.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short but steamy retelling of one of my favorite fairy tells. I enjoyed the spin on the ending but I miss chip.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheyenne Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great retelling. The story is beautifully done and the characters are wonderful. This sucks you in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Enchanted Desires series. If you love any retelling of fairy tales this is for you. This is a well-written Beauty and the Beast plot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Smutty Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I loved the dynamica between the main characters. Devoured it from front to back. Definitly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like a short steamy version of the Beauty and the Beast story, but without the dancing furniture.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Clarkfamilybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know the story: a monstrous beast, a cursed castle, a beauty who stumbles into a fate not her own. Now read the adult version. The same basic story but with added spice. Grab this and enjoy!.