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Cinderella Sisterhood #4
Bella and the Beast
Bella Jones' father, Sir Seymour Jones, was an explorer/adventurer who revealed to her on his deathbed that the late Duke of Aylwin, whom he helped inquire antiquities in Egypt, had promised him half of a pharaoh's treasure. However, Bella must find the map to the hidden trove to prevent her and her brother and sister from living in poverty.
Bella takes a job as a curator working for the late duke's son to help him catalogue his father's artifacts in London. She doesn't reveal who she is or what her motives are, but when the attraction between them because impossible to ignore, the issue of the hidden treasure becomes a more complicated secret than either of them could ever imagine.
Bella takes a job as a curator working for the late duke's son to help him catalogue his father's artifacts in London. She doesn't reveal who she is or what her motives are, but when the attraction between them because impossible to ignore, the issue of the hidden treasure becomes a more complicated secret than either of them could ever imagine.
345 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
77 people are currently reading
844 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Drake
32 books425 followersShortly after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, Olivia Drake sold her first novel two weeks after sending it to a publisher. She now lives in Texas in a cozy cottage with two feisty cats and a photographer husband. Her two daughters have flown the nest, but still come back whenever they want a home-cooked meal!
Olivia Drake is the author of 35 romance novels. Her most recent series is called 'Unlikely Duchesses' and began with THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW, followed by FOREVER MY DUKE. The third stand-alone book is WHEN A DUKE LOVES A GOVERNESS.
Her other series include 'Heiress in London' (SEDUCING THE HEIRESS, NEVER TRUST A ROGUE, SCANDAL OF THE YEAR) and 'The Cinderella Sisterhood' series (IF THE SLIPPER FITS, STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, ABDUCTED BY A PRINCE, BELLA AND THE BEAST, HIS WICKED WISH, THE SCANDALOUS FLIRT).
Many of you also knew Olivia as Barbara Dawson Smith. She is a New York Times bestseller and winner of numerous honors, including the Golden Heart Award and the coveted Rita Award for excellence in the historical romance genre.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/olivia...
Olivia Drake is the author of 35 romance novels. Her most recent series is called 'Unlikely Duchesses' and began with THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW, followed by FOREVER MY DUKE. The third stand-alone book is WHEN A DUKE LOVES A GOVERNESS.
Her other series include 'Heiress in London' (SEDUCING THE HEIRESS, NEVER TRUST A ROGUE, SCANDAL OF THE YEAR) and 'The Cinderella Sisterhood' series (IF THE SLIPPER FITS, STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, ABDUCTED BY A PRINCE, BELLA AND THE BEAST, HIS WICKED WISH, THE SCANDALOUS FLIRT).
Many of you also knew Olivia as Barbara Dawson Smith. She is a New York Times bestseller and winner of numerous honors, including the Golden Heart Award and the coveted Rita Award for excellence in the historical romance genre.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/olivia...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
October 28, 2015
DNF at 41%
I just can't take any more of this... thing.
Full
Arc provided by St. Martin's Press through Netgalley
Release Date: November 3rd
Confession time:
This story provoked such a reaction in me _ and no, it wasn't a good one_ that even after deciding to DNF it, I am still mad as... hell.
Yes, I am not being impartial, because back in the day when I started reading historical romances, most guys behaved as atrociously as this did does, and I would read them and like them.
Thing is, we're in 2015 and violence against women is still the main cause of women's death. More than cancer.
Being a woman our days still means that you're probably going to receive inferior wages compared with guys.
It also means that you're probably going to be subject to sexual abuse.
And to read something that tries to romanticize this type of behaviour in our time and age, really gets under my skin.
I've honestly been going over and over in my head, trying to find a way to write this review without going into a rant, but I cannot.
I can't get over the fact, that during the first interaction between Bella and _ I've come to think about him as the Pig _ Alwynn, he lifts up her skirts so than he can see if she was a specific tattoo (the one you see on the model's ankle) . Now, you're probably thinking: Oh, its just the ankle. It could be worse...
But it is, because not only did she not consent to it, soon enough he is grabbing her leg, and thinking about he would like to do with parts of her anatomy.He has all the power, and she has to submit to his whims.
Not hot. Not sexy.
_______
_____________
__________
To make matters even worse, Bella and all the other characters _ from what I read _ just felt flat to me.
I read a review in which the reviewer basically tells that if you liked the Mummy, especially Evie, you were going to love this.
I am not a fan of horror movies. I don't like to see scarabs eating people's... faces. -_-
But I've seen that movie a couple of times because I like the characters.
I loved Evie's personality. Even Rick's. And I loved their romance.
Bella is no Evie.
No.
So, let me recapitulate:
I hate the guy.
The woman is a nitwit who is supposed to be strong and brave but instead feels like an Anastasia.
Then I can't stop thinking that this book should be called "Bella and The Pig".
-_-
No. No. And no.
Not sexy. Not hot.
I want him tramped by a horse carriage.
And I want her shaken until her brain cells get back into place!
There: this is what this book has made me feel. I cannot be more honest than this.
I can deal with brooding, ill mannered Beasts. What I can not do, is stand abusive borderline rapists.
Also to call this a retelling of Beauty and The Beast is really, really pushing it.
First book that I've read by this author, and the thing is, I have been curious about the first book in this series for a long time now.
Now, not so much.
July 16, 2016
Beasts who don’t recognise love.
***3.5 Stars***
A wee bit spoilery, so proceed with caution
Yep, we’ve been here before. Those blasted men and their inability to see what’s right in front of them. In Bella and the Beast we have the beastly Miles Grayson, Duke of Aylwin, who is paying for his sins. Unfortunately, he’s such a grouchy man that everyone else around him seems to pay for his sins too. Miles is studying Egyptian hieroglyphics to unlock the secrets of the pyramids. It is his lifelong mission and he has no time for social niceties or doing his part to carry on the family name. He’s leaving it to his cousin Oscar to carry on the name and tradition. Bloody fool. Even if he didn’t want to waste his time in falling in love he should have done his duty just to avoid Oscar getting his hands on the estates. Being a Duke and all, Miles has marriage minded ladies falling, pushed and thrown at him on a regular basis. Any woman who crosses his threshold is put under his scrutiny, but he’s not tempted in the least…until one day.
Bella doesn’t want the beast but she does want a job working for him. Bella’s father was an archaeologist who left Bella and her brother and sister who are twins with very little funds to survive. He passed in Persia and Bella had only enough funds to get them passage back to Oxford in England. Luckily her father, Sir Seymour Jones, left them a little cottage to live in. After attempting to find work without success Bella is desperate. After a disastrous day job-hunting, Bella returns home to find a Lady Milford waiting for her. Turns out Lady Milford knew her father and after a little chatting, Lady Milford tells Bella about a curator's job with the Duke of Aylwin. Thinking that her prayers have been answered, Bella follows Lady Milford’s suggestions and hare-brained scheme to get into meet the Duke and talk him into giving her a chance.
Bella and Miles meet and it’s not a great start. Luckily, Bella isn’t scared of the Beast and has no problems dealing with such a cranky man. Both Miles and Bella are keeping secrets from each other but neither can deny the fierce attraction they have for each other. It seems the more time they spend in each other’s company the more they like each other.
This is the second book I have read by this author and in this series. I hate to say it, but I enjoyed His Wicked Wish a lot more. Miles is an arrogant jerk, talks down to everyone and seems to miss things that go on right beneath his nose. There were some things that turned me off Miles and made him a less than desirable hero. Obviously, as time goes on Miles and Bella can’t deny their feelings. Bella knows that she is way out of the Duke’s league and should be thinking with her head not her heart as she has her siblings to consider.
I liked Bella and the Beast but I did struggle with it as well. There are a couple of steamy scenes and a mystery to solve as well. Normally at the end of the story, I’m grinning with delight and happy that love has found its way. Unfortunately, it went from insults to endearments too quickly. One minute the Beastly Duke is shouting and the next he’s all…My Love…My Darling…I can’t live without you… Oh geez… cue the eye rolls.
I still enjoyed it enough to go back for more. Olivia Drake writes interesting storylines and interesting characters. I think there were just a few too many niggles that made this one a like instead of love.
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
June 23, 2017
A cute & fine read. It was very sappy and cutesy. It definitely is not a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It's about an intelligent penniless spinster girl with an agenda of finding a treasure, works for a grouchy hermit of a man (he's young and hot). Slight murder mystery. More romance and everyone being suspicious of everyone. The end.
August 7, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
*May Contain Spoilers*
Bella and the Beast is part of a sweet and fun fairy tale retelling series "Cinderella Sisterhood" and I have enjoyed (for the most part ) each installment in the series. These books aren't going to work for everyone, but they REALLY work for me. There is just something about these books and the couples I have read so far that I am totally on board with. This book features the retelling (which is pretty obvious) Beauty and the Beast and adds in a twist of a mystery, Boss and Employee trope/and a bit of Enemies to Lovers with some sexy sensuality, a grumpy hero, a fun heroine and a treasure to find.
Clarissa, is our fairy godmother of the series, and when she hears word of a certain young lady returning to England, her matchmaking mind goes at warp speed and starts to make her plans.
Isabella (Bella) grew up traveling along with her father and her twin siblings. Her mother died when she was young, but now her father has just passed away with his last words being "Find Aylwin and the Pharoahs Treasure". So she goes back to England, to the only home that she and her siblings have....a small cottage and goes out in search for a job. But with her middle eastern clothing, she is having a hard time being accepted anyone. But when she comes home, she sees a stranger in her home, drinking tea with her siblings who isn't fazed by their eccentrics. She claims she can help her find a job, if she wears certain "slippers" and seek out the job as Aylwin's assistant.
Miles Grayson, is busy studying his artifacts and doesn't like to be bothered by anyone, most especially a young lady that may be beautiful, but she is entering his private domain, where he wants to be left alone, only to be somehow convinced to take her on as his assistant in cataloguing the artifacts. And what is worse is that she is the daughter of the man he suspects killed his father in Egypt.
Miles and Bella have a history of when they were children, and their fathers worked together and Miles might have found the six year old girl annoying at times to a thirteen old boy, but he saved her life. As Bella starts to work with the artifacts and slowly gets to know Miles, she start to remember flashes of her life with her father in Egypt, and most especially her interaction with Miles. But Bella has a job to do, to find the treasure that will keep her siblings fed with a roof over their heads. But when she goes in search for clues in his "forbidden" wing he comes upon her and his words come back to her and she knows she is in trouble but she is also thrilled by his touch and his kiss. But there is a problem, no matter how hot their chemistry, or how emotions are starting to get in the way of their professional relationship, Bella doesn't believe she is good for a Duke. She may have Aristocracy blood running through her veins, but she has lived out of England most of her life and wouldn't know the first thing about being a duchess. But right when she begins to feel like she is finding a place, her life is threatened and by someone she would never expect because searching for a lost treasure has its consequences...
Bella and the Beast was such a whirlwind of a romance and I really enjoyed this book SO much and I am relieved that I finally grabbed it up because it was REALLY good. I loved the group of themes we have introduced and these characters were delightful. I did find the hero slightly darker than the other books that I have read from Drake, but considering he is the big bad beast of a man, it is to be expected. The dynamics of these characters are "opposites attract" and holds so true for Miles and Bella. Miles is a grouch, grumpy, rough around the edges, impatient and likes his solitude. Bella is happy and cheerful, nothing gets her down, she is responsible but also spirited and quick witted. She keeps Miles on his toes and is definitely a "glass half full" type of gal. She even has a tattoo...which was so cool. You rarely see that in historical romance. We get some fun moments with Bella's siblings, and boy I loved these twins. They were so funny and totally fit the bill for teenagers just wanting to spread their wings. At we get some great moments with Bella and Miles cousin and his wife (who are horrible) but Bella totally puts them in their place and I LOVED that. Seeing this heroine be so quick witted and defending Miles was pure delight.
I really liked how this story played out in the end, and boy the romance was really great too. I adored the way their chemistry builds between them and man this book got me so hot and bothered at times without even meaning to. The hero is very dark and sensual and yeah his whole " you dare come to my wing which is forbidden, I will taste you" got shivers up and down my spine but in a good way. I did find the sexy times to be really sensual and a bit more steamier than I was expecting from this author, but I really enjoyed the writing style in bring the powerful chemistry to the pages. There aren't many sexy moments, but the ones that are in the book are very well written.
Overall I found Bella and the Beast to be a KEEPER....this story had me on my toes, it kept me interested, the romance was sexy and the plot was killer and plus you get to solve a mystery....can you get it right? A PURE DELIGHT IN REAWAKENING A FAIRY TALE!!
[foogallery id="21128"]
*May Contain Spoilers*
Bella and the Beast is part of a sweet and fun fairy tale retelling series "Cinderella Sisterhood" and I have enjoyed (for the most part ) each installment in the series. These books aren't going to work for everyone, but they REALLY work for me. There is just something about these books and the couples I have read so far that I am totally on board with. This book features the retelling (which is pretty obvious) Beauty and the Beast and adds in a twist of a mystery, Boss and Employee trope/and a bit of Enemies to Lovers with some sexy sensuality, a grumpy hero, a fun heroine and a treasure to find.
Clarissa, is our fairy godmother of the series, and when she hears word of a certain young lady returning to England, her matchmaking mind goes at warp speed and starts to make her plans.
Isabella (Bella) grew up traveling along with her father and her twin siblings. Her mother died when she was young, but now her father has just passed away with his last words being "Find Aylwin and the Pharoahs Treasure". So she goes back to England, to the only home that she and her siblings have....a small cottage and goes out in search for a job. But with her middle eastern clothing, she is having a hard time being accepted anyone. But when she comes home, she sees a stranger in her home, drinking tea with her siblings who isn't fazed by their eccentrics. She claims she can help her find a job, if she wears certain "slippers" and seek out the job as Aylwin's assistant.
Miles Grayson, is busy studying his artifacts and doesn't like to be bothered by anyone, most especially a young lady that may be beautiful, but she is entering his private domain, where he wants to be left alone, only to be somehow convinced to take her on as his assistant in cataloguing the artifacts. And what is worse is that she is the daughter of the man he suspects killed his father in Egypt.
Miles and Bella have a history of when they were children, and their fathers worked together and Miles might have found the six year old girl annoying at times to a thirteen old boy, but he saved her life. As Bella starts to work with the artifacts and slowly gets to know Miles, she start to remember flashes of her life with her father in Egypt, and most especially her interaction with Miles. But Bella has a job to do, to find the treasure that will keep her siblings fed with a roof over their heads. But when she goes in search for clues in his "forbidden" wing he comes upon her and his words come back to her and she knows she is in trouble but she is also thrilled by his touch and his kiss. But there is a problem, no matter how hot their chemistry, or how emotions are starting to get in the way of their professional relationship, Bella doesn't believe she is good for a Duke. She may have Aristocracy blood running through her veins, but she has lived out of England most of her life and wouldn't know the first thing about being a duchess. But right when she begins to feel like she is finding a place, her life is threatened and by someone she would never expect because searching for a lost treasure has its consequences...
Bella and the Beast was such a whirlwind of a romance and I really enjoyed this book SO much and I am relieved that I finally grabbed it up because it was REALLY good. I loved the group of themes we have introduced and these characters were delightful. I did find the hero slightly darker than the other books that I have read from Drake, but considering he is the big bad beast of a man, it is to be expected. The dynamics of these characters are "opposites attract" and holds so true for Miles and Bella. Miles is a grouch, grumpy, rough around the edges, impatient and likes his solitude. Bella is happy and cheerful, nothing gets her down, she is responsible but also spirited and quick witted. She keeps Miles on his toes and is definitely a "glass half full" type of gal. She even has a tattoo...which was so cool. You rarely see that in historical romance. We get some fun moments with Bella's siblings, and boy I loved these twins. They were so funny and totally fit the bill for teenagers just wanting to spread their wings. At we get some great moments with Bella and Miles cousin and his wife (who are horrible) but Bella totally puts them in their place and I LOVED that. Seeing this heroine be so quick witted and defending Miles was pure delight.
Bella darling, I want you so very much. You're a fever in my blood.
I really liked how this story played out in the end, and boy the romance was really great too. I adored the way their chemistry builds between them and man this book got me so hot and bothered at times without even meaning to. The hero is very dark and sensual and yeah his whole " you dare come to my wing which is forbidden, I will taste you" got shivers up and down my spine but in a good way. I did find the sexy times to be really sensual and a bit more steamier than I was expecting from this author, but I really enjoyed the writing style in bring the powerful chemistry to the pages. There aren't many sexy moments, but the ones that are in the book are very well written.
The treasure can remain hidden....as long as I have you
Overall I found Bella and the Beast to be a KEEPER....this story had me on my toes, it kept me interested, the romance was sexy and the plot was killer and plus you get to solve a mystery....can you get it right? A PURE DELIGHT IN REAWAKENING A FAIRY TALE!!
[foogallery id="21128"]
November 15, 2015
Unfortunately, I didn't like this as much as the last book. "Beauty and the Beast" retellings have to be very good to win me over, and I wasn't convinced of the love connection until the very end. But overall, this was entertaining.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
October 19, 2015
Netgalley for an honest review.
2.5
Heroine, Bella who is after a treasure map that will save her siblings and herself from poverty. She gets a job in the hero's home who she believes has this map. The hero, Miles is a Duke and a recluse and not very happy person. These two do not like each other in the beginning and fought their attraction but finally give in as the story progresses. The heroine I liked okay, but Miles not very much.Miles doesn't come across well in this story and he does some things that are just not acceptable as a hero (leaving a prostitutes bed and then trying to bed the heroine, yuck and not okay!!)
We have Ancient Egyptian history throughout the story and some treasure map mystery. It was a slow start and at times throughout the book it did drag somewhat. I found this story and characters difficult to engage and like.
2.5
Heroine, Bella who is after a treasure map that will save her siblings and herself from poverty. She gets a job in the hero's home who she believes has this map. The hero, Miles is a Duke and a recluse and not very happy person. These two do not like each other in the beginning and fought their attraction but finally give in as the story progresses. The heroine I liked okay, but Miles not very much.Miles doesn't come across well in this story and he does some things that are just not acceptable as a hero (leaving a prostitutes bed and then trying to bed the heroine, yuck and not okay!!)
We have Ancient Egyptian history throughout the story and some treasure map mystery. It was a slow start and at times throughout the book it did drag somewhat. I found this story and characters difficult to engage and like.
March 29, 2016
I honestly do not understand why this book was nominated for a RITA. The romance is completely unbelievable. The heroine has spent her entire life as her father's research assistant, housekeeper, and nanny to her twin siblings. She's so starved for physical intimacy that she would fall in love with a tree if it had an arm shaped branch she could lean on. There is no romantic interaction between the hero and the heroine. Bickering is not falling in love. And as for calling the hero a beast, a fabulously wealthy duke who is handsome but committed to his work and doesn't socialize doesn't really make a beast. The characters are flat, the writing is flat and full of telling us about the characters instead of showing us about them. There is no character development. He falls in lust and then gets used to having her around. It's two lonely people falling in love with the first person they spend any prolonged time around. I wouldn't recommend this story.
April 15, 2016
Unconvincing.
That's the word I would use for this book. Actually, lame-ass would also be a pretty good substitute.
The blurb. Sounds pretty good, right? Hidden Egyptian treasure, unconventional heroine, and an ass of hero that reforms? I'd read that.
How disappointing to find that the only Egyptian treasure we find is what's been hogged from fifteen years ago, painted ankles as the only unconventional thing about Bella, and Miles' personality not changing but being swept under the rug.
Every reason behind every secret or mystery was so unconvincing, and yes lame, that it has me frustrated of how much it was built up.
That 60% status update I marked? Things took a nosedive from there on. Not only did we have a sex scene that made no sense at all, all that allure about secret treasure map just went up in flames (literally) before anything could come of it. Bella and Miles didn't even step out the house, forget country, before the book concluded.
And that villain? That made me see red. Because f-ck foreigners, right? It's not like they might've spent their entire life sharing the same space as you, doing and feeling the same thing as you. Of course, if anything goes wrong, take the easiest way out to resolve your conflict: blame the foreigner. Even if it makes no sense.
Big, fat NO to this book. Ugh!
October 28, 2015
Book provided by netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
DNF at 65%
I struggled to make it as far as I did. The characters were flat and I couldn't make myself care.
Miles the hero of the story was boring and brooding. The heroine Bella was just boring.
After Bella's father dies she returns to England to find the Duke and search for a map to a treasure. Miles the Duke hires Bella to see if she can remember anything from the night his dad was murdered. The pace of the story was very slow. At 65% I still really don't know anything and now I'm done.
DNF at 65%
I struggled to make it as far as I did. The characters were flat and I couldn't make myself care.
Miles the hero of the story was boring and brooding. The heroine Bella was just boring.
After Bella's father dies she returns to England to find the Duke and search for a map to a treasure. Miles the Duke hires Bella to see if she can remember anything from the night his dad was murdered. The pace of the story was very slow. At 65% I still really don't know anything and now I'm done.
August 12, 2017
This was a very interesting and enjoyable book. Obviously, it employs the Beauty and the Beast theme and it does that very well. Bella and Miles were great, sympathetic characters. There was a bit of mystery and intrigue that enhanced the story. It could have been a 5-star book except for a couple of things: crippling issues were resolved too easily, a small amount of headhopping, and overuse of the word "core." Very good book, but a little short of terrific.
October 27, 2015
I don't know that Bella would qualify as a curator but the girl has the enthusiasm to get things done. Miles is a grump. A suspicious grump. He does have his reasons. Bella sees beyond his rough exterior to the man that her former acquaintance has become. Good development. Interesting plot.
ARC received in exchange for honest review.
ARC received in exchange for honest review.
November 19, 2015
I’m always looking for something a little different in my romances, so I was intrigued when I stumbled across the cover for Bella and the Beast and noticed that the heroine of a historical romance had a tattoo on her ankle. Then I read the description and knew that I had to read this book.
Here’s what’s going on: Bella Jones has just returned to England with her younger siblings. Having been raised by her explorer father abroad, she doesn’t really fit into English society and she doesn’t really care. What she does care about is finding Aylwin, the man her father spoke of one his deathbed, and the ancient treasure that is half hers. When a friend of her father comes calling and offers her a way into the Duke’s household, she gladly accepts, even if it means honoring the lady’s odd request and wearing the red slippers.
Miles Grayson, Duke of Aylwin, has had enough of meddling women hoping to snare him into marriage. He wants to be left alone with his Egyptian antiquities then Bella shows up at his door. His first instinct is to refuse her, although he’s certain she has the answers about his father’s murder in Egypt all those years ago. Although her father already proved to him he couldn’t be trusted and he knows that Bella’s hiding something yet there’s an attraction blooming between.
Will their search for answers regarding a mystery that stems from their childhood bring them together or tear them apart? And does the Pharaoh’s treasure really exist?
Okay, so this was one of those books that I couldn’t put down. It kept me guessing and it kept me wondering if Bella and Miles were ever going to get it together.
The characters were truly intriguing but both have the potential to be unlikable to some readers.
Bella was very interesting and completely different from your normal historical romance heroines. She’s been raised abroad by her explorer father so she’s more than a little wild. She’s doesn’t fit in with the prim and proper English society and she’s okay with that. I liked that she doesn’t want to conform. She’s comfortable in her own skin and she can hold her own.
Oh, Miles, you surly thing, you. I think a lot of readers will probably have a problems with Miles, but I have a thing for dark, broody heroes so I thoroughly enjoyed most of Miles. There’s a lot going on with Miles and it’s slowly revealed as the plot unfolds but it sort of makes him, occasionally, come off as cold and distant. There’s a spot in the book where Miles definitely wins the ‘wanker of the year’ award and I wasn’t sure if he was going to get back in my good graces, but he does eventually redeem himself.
The relationship between Miles and Bella was fun to watch. Although Bella doesn’t remember it, she and Miles knew each other when they were children and I enjoyed watching him reveal their history. While there is a slight spark of chemistry at the beginning, the novel starts with the two of them at each other’s throats and it takes away before they finally get into a comfortable groove.
Throughout the book a mystery slowly unravels regarding what happened in Egypt all those years ago, why Bella’s father left Miles with a man he hardly knew, the Pharaoh’s treasure, and ghostly specter lurking in the halls of Aylwin House. While I had my suspicions about what was going on it was still fun watching it play out and a few things that was revealed did surprise me.
There is a lot going on in this book. And even though there was a lot of backstory and recollections thrown in, I felt that the pacing and plot sailed smoothly. Each aspect from the mystery to the romance was balanced out and flesh-out. I wasn’t left wanting more and I love it when an author can find that perfect balance of history, mystery, and romance.
Overall, this book, as a whole, was great. It was engaging, unique, vivid, and mysterious with a great romance thrown in. I enjoyed that this was a Victorian romance and the characters scholarly. Another plus was the fact that this book dealt with Egyptian artifacts. I was expecting something fresh, new, and exciting and I that’s exactly what I got.
Bella and the Beast is the fourth book in the Cinderella Sisterhood but it works perfectly as a standalone. This is the first book in the series that I’ve read and I did not encounter a single problem from missing the first three.
Here’s what’s going on: Bella Jones has just returned to England with her younger siblings. Having been raised by her explorer father abroad, she doesn’t really fit into English society and she doesn’t really care. What she does care about is finding Aylwin, the man her father spoke of one his deathbed, and the ancient treasure that is half hers. When a friend of her father comes calling and offers her a way into the Duke’s household, she gladly accepts, even if it means honoring the lady’s odd request and wearing the red slippers.
Miles Grayson, Duke of Aylwin, has had enough of meddling women hoping to snare him into marriage. He wants to be left alone with his Egyptian antiquities then Bella shows up at his door. His first instinct is to refuse her, although he’s certain she has the answers about his father’s murder in Egypt all those years ago. Although her father already proved to him he couldn’t be trusted and he knows that Bella’s hiding something yet there’s an attraction blooming between.
Will their search for answers regarding a mystery that stems from their childhood bring them together or tear them apart? And does the Pharaoh’s treasure really exist?
Okay, so this was one of those books that I couldn’t put down. It kept me guessing and it kept me wondering if Bella and Miles were ever going to get it together.
The characters were truly intriguing but both have the potential to be unlikable to some readers.
Bella was very interesting and completely different from your normal historical romance heroines. She’s been raised abroad by her explorer father so she’s more than a little wild. She’s doesn’t fit in with the prim and proper English society and she’s okay with that. I liked that she doesn’t want to conform. She’s comfortable in her own skin and she can hold her own.
Oh, Miles, you surly thing, you. I think a lot of readers will probably have a problems with Miles, but I have a thing for dark, broody heroes so I thoroughly enjoyed most of Miles. There’s a lot going on with Miles and it’s slowly revealed as the plot unfolds but it sort of makes him, occasionally, come off as cold and distant. There’s a spot in the book where Miles definitely wins the ‘wanker of the year’ award and I wasn’t sure if he was going to get back in my good graces, but he does eventually redeem himself.
The relationship between Miles and Bella was fun to watch. Although Bella doesn’t remember it, she and Miles knew each other when they were children and I enjoyed watching him reveal their history. While there is a slight spark of chemistry at the beginning, the novel starts with the two of them at each other’s throats and it takes away before they finally get into a comfortable groove.
Throughout the book a mystery slowly unravels regarding what happened in Egypt all those years ago, why Bella’s father left Miles with a man he hardly knew, the Pharaoh’s treasure, and ghostly specter lurking in the halls of Aylwin House. While I had my suspicions about what was going on it was still fun watching it play out and a few things that was revealed did surprise me.
There is a lot going on in this book. And even though there was a lot of backstory and recollections thrown in, I felt that the pacing and plot sailed smoothly. Each aspect from the mystery to the romance was balanced out and flesh-out. I wasn’t left wanting more and I love it when an author can find that perfect balance of history, mystery, and romance.
Overall, this book, as a whole, was great. It was engaging, unique, vivid, and mysterious with a great romance thrown in. I enjoyed that this was a Victorian romance and the characters scholarly. Another plus was the fact that this book dealt with Egyptian artifacts. I was expecting something fresh, new, and exciting and I that’s exactly what I got.
Bella and the Beast is the fourth book in the Cinderella Sisterhood but it works perfectly as a standalone. This is the first book in the series that I’ve read and I did not encounter a single problem from missing the first three.
July 14, 2016
Bella Jones grew up with her father Sir Seymour Jones, moving from one place to another, digging sites and studying archaeological artifacts. When her father died, he told her to find Sir Aylwin and claim the other half of the pharaoh's inheritance. Thanks to Lady Milford, Bella learned about that the Duke of Aylwin was looking for a curator for Egyptian artifacts, and Bella grabbed that opportunity to investigate. Little did she know that she was being match-made and that the Duke was very much part of her childhood.
Miles Grayson, the fifth Duke of Aylwin had always kept for himself, never going out of his palace, not wanting to be disturbed from his antiquities. He didn't expect the audacious Bella Jones barging into his life and awakening his desires. But there was something about Bella that mystified him and he intended to find it out.
This is a regency-styled retelling of Beauty and The Beast, but it is more on the erotic side. The previous retellings I've read were mostly fairytales and fantasies and romance. Bella and the Beast is quite different and it surprised me. I learned more about Egyptian anthropology and archaeological finds in this book, more than what I learned in high school. (Ha, that may sound weird but it's true. I guess I wasn't listening much to my history teacher during that time. LOL) I think, that aspect alone got my attention until the end.
Regarding The Duke and his treatment with Bella, I wasn't really impressed. He was no gentleman at all. I thought he was an arrogant aristocrat which perfectly fit his role as The Beast. Bella is no beauty either, as she fully admitted that her gypsy attitude often discouraged men from approaching her. But she's one feisty and reckless daredevil. She didn't take no for an answer, she bent rules.. why, she even fought with ghosts! This damsel wasn't in distress and didn't need rescuing, thank you very much.
Overall, I enjoyed the lessons in anthropology, the quirks and mettlesome attitude of Bella , plus the steamy scenes at that. I could have enjoyed it more if the Duke wasn't overly manwhorish. Ugh.
Miles Grayson, the fifth Duke of Aylwin had always kept for himself, never going out of his palace, not wanting to be disturbed from his antiquities. He didn't expect the audacious Bella Jones barging into his life and awakening his desires. But there was something about Bella that mystified him and he intended to find it out.
This is a regency-styled retelling of Beauty and The Beast, but it is more on the erotic side. The previous retellings I've read were mostly fairytales and fantasies and romance. Bella and the Beast is quite different and it surprised me. I learned more about Egyptian anthropology and archaeological finds in this book, more than what I learned in high school. (Ha, that may sound weird but it's true. I guess I wasn't listening much to my history teacher during that time. LOL) I think, that aspect alone got my attention until the end.
Regarding The Duke and his treatment with Bella, I wasn't really impressed. He was no gentleman at all. I thought he was an arrogant aristocrat which perfectly fit his role as The Beast. Bella is no beauty either, as she fully admitted that her gypsy attitude often discouraged men from approaching her. But she's one feisty and reckless daredevil. She didn't take no for an answer, she bent rules.. why, she even fought with ghosts! This damsel wasn't in distress and didn't need rescuing, thank you very much.
Overall, I enjoyed the lessons in anthropology, the quirks and mettlesome attitude of Bella , plus the steamy scenes at that. I could have enjoyed it more if the Duke wasn't overly manwhorish. Ugh.
October 11, 2015
I loved this book. There were several times that I forgot that this had anything to do with a Beauty and a beast yet this was such an intriguing novel. Bella sets out to find hidden treasure her father mentioned on his deathbed in order to take care of her younger siblings. To get the treasure she needs to find a map that's in the possession of the beastly Miles, rude and arrogant as well as totally opposed to people. However while spending time with Miles, treasure takes back seat in Bella's mind as she seeks to uncover the inner working of Miles' mind.
This book was a gripping, romance read with just enough mystery to keep me hooked till the last page
This book was a gripping, romance read with just enough mystery to keep me hooked till the last page
October 29, 2015
This is the four installment of the Cinderella Sisterhood Series. This is the first book, I have read from this author. I can't wait to read more. Isabella Jones is the daughter of Sir Seymour Jones who was a fellow scholar and explorer with Mile's father. Bella is independent and feisty. I could not stop laughing when she pull a dagger on the owner of the dress shop.
Miles Grayson, the Duke of Aylwin filled in his day with the research or a detailed examination and analysis of many Egyptian artifacts.
Review pending.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru NetGalley for an honest review.
Miles Grayson, the Duke of Aylwin filled in his day with the research or a detailed examination and analysis of many Egyptian artifacts.
Review pending.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru NetGalley for an honest review.
October 13, 2015
3.5 Cocktails
I enjoyed the archeological aspect of the story, but there just wasn't anything in the interactions between either of these characters that made me believe their romance. They went from being so absolutely combative with each other to suddenly being in love. I didn't buy it and it took away from the part of the story I did like.
I enjoyed the archeological aspect of the story, but there just wasn't anything in the interactions between either of these characters that made me believe their romance. They went from being so absolutely combative with each other to suddenly being in love. I didn't buy it and it took away from the part of the story I did like.
September 10, 2016
Bella and the Beast is the fourth book in the 'Cinderella Sisterhood' series by Olivia Drake. I haven't read any of the other books, so can safely say this book can be read as a stand alone book with no problem.
The story is about Bella Jones, and Miles Grayson, the Duke of Aylwin. Bella has been living with her father and two young siblings abroad. On his death bed his father tells Bella that she must return to England, to look for Aylwin. Apparently he has the other half to a treasure map which she possesses. The treasure being that of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. They barely have enough money to travel back to England, and to keep residence in a small cottage that belonged to her father. But it would serve as a base when she went in search of Aylwin. If she could find his half of the treasure map, they could split whatever the treasure was and she would have enough money to bring up her siblings without financial worry. Of course Bella doesn't want to let on to Miles what she is up to. As far as he is concerned she wants to work with him purely because of her interest in Egypt and because she would thoroughly fascinated cataloguing his late father's finds.
Miles Grayson is known as the beast because he's been a hardened man since his father was murdered. He's locked himself in his house, brought as many of his father's finds from abroad. His only focus being on cataloguing them, studying them, and perhaps lending some out to museums. He has no time for relationships, not even knowing his horrid cousin will be heir to the dukedom and the wealth that entails if he doesn't marry and produce an heir. He is too bitter though, because not only did he lose his father to murder, another man whom he looked up to as a father ran away the same day he found his father dead. He can't help but feel betrayed.
So of course when Bella turns up at his house, saying that she wants /needs a job with him, to be a curator of sorts with him, helping him catalogue all the antiquities, he is none too happy. Bella tells him who she is. Which happens to be the daughter of the man who ran away and left him to fend for himself in Egypt after his father died. He doesn't remember Bella, after all they were only children when he knew her. There was one way to be certain of her identity though. After a fascinating way of proving Bella is who she says she is, Miles decides to take her on. He does need help with the work, but more to the point he needs to know why the man he thought of as a dear man, a friend, a father figure, ran away. He hopes spending time with Bella will help answer his questions, and maybe help him dissolve the anger that has burned through him over the years.
The more time Bella and Miles spend together, the more attracted they are to each other. Neither is happy about it, and each of them are keeping secrets from each other, which is never a good thing. Miles can be a true arse, there is no other word for it, particularly in one part of the story where he has been to a brothel, had sex with a prostitute and then when he got home he tried to get intimate with Bella!! Ugh, hello, NO. I think that was a perfect way for the author to show what a beast Miles was, making sure that the readers were horrified at his antics.
I really enjoyed this book because not only was there the possible romance, and of course the passion between our couple, there was also the mystery of the treasure map, and the treasure. Also we had the story of Miles' cousin and the man's wife, both horrid characters who want nothing more than to make Bella leave. They don't want any romantic relationship to form, and definitely don't want Miles and Bella to marry and have a child because that would ruin their chances of becoming the next Duke and Duchess of Aylwin. How far will they go to get rid of Bella, and what dangers lurk for her and Miles either from them, or interested parties who also know of a certain treasure map?
I love how the author truly gets you to despise Miles, especially in the beginning of the book, she truly makes him a beast. I also love how Bella finds out about the possible job working for him in the first place. The crimson slippers, the story behind them, and the woman who gives them to her gives a lovely added extra to the story too. If you don't mind feeling at times that you want to kill the hero of the story, or shake the heroine occasionally, then you will definitely enjoy this book.
For me, the only negative, which is why I have only given a 4 star rating, is that at times the book did seem a bit slow. I never lost interest in the plot, but at the same time, a 5 star rated book for me is one that I can't put down until I reach the very end, or one where my kindle ends up dropping on my nose because I have fought sleep in order to get to the end, and lost! This book didn't have that need to finish ASAP pull, but was still well worth the read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The story is about Bella Jones, and Miles Grayson, the Duke of Aylwin. Bella has been living with her father and two young siblings abroad. On his death bed his father tells Bella that she must return to England, to look for Aylwin. Apparently he has the other half to a treasure map which she possesses. The treasure being that of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. They barely have enough money to travel back to England, and to keep residence in a small cottage that belonged to her father. But it would serve as a base when she went in search of Aylwin. If she could find his half of the treasure map, they could split whatever the treasure was and she would have enough money to bring up her siblings without financial worry. Of course Bella doesn't want to let on to Miles what she is up to. As far as he is concerned she wants to work with him purely because of her interest in Egypt and because she would thoroughly fascinated cataloguing his late father's finds.
Miles Grayson is known as the beast because he's been a hardened man since his father was murdered. He's locked himself in his house, brought as many of his father's finds from abroad. His only focus being on cataloguing them, studying them, and perhaps lending some out to museums. He has no time for relationships, not even knowing his horrid cousin will be heir to the dukedom and the wealth that entails if he doesn't marry and produce an heir. He is too bitter though, because not only did he lose his father to murder, another man whom he looked up to as a father ran away the same day he found his father dead. He can't help but feel betrayed.
So of course when Bella turns up at his house, saying that she wants /needs a job with him, to be a curator of sorts with him, helping him catalogue all the antiquities, he is none too happy. Bella tells him who she is. Which happens to be the daughter of the man who ran away and left him to fend for himself in Egypt after his father died. He doesn't remember Bella, after all they were only children when he knew her. There was one way to be certain of her identity though. After a fascinating way of proving Bella is who she says she is, Miles decides to take her on. He does need help with the work, but more to the point he needs to know why the man he thought of as a dear man, a friend, a father figure, ran away. He hopes spending time with Bella will help answer his questions, and maybe help him dissolve the anger that has burned through him over the years.
The more time Bella and Miles spend together, the more attracted they are to each other. Neither is happy about it, and each of them are keeping secrets from each other, which is never a good thing. Miles can be a true arse, there is no other word for it, particularly in one part of the story where he has been to a brothel, had sex with a prostitute and then when he got home he tried to get intimate with Bella!! Ugh, hello, NO. I think that was a perfect way for the author to show what a beast Miles was, making sure that the readers were horrified at his antics.
I really enjoyed this book because not only was there the possible romance, and of course the passion between our couple, there was also the mystery of the treasure map, and the treasure. Also we had the story of Miles' cousin and the man's wife, both horrid characters who want nothing more than to make Bella leave. They don't want any romantic relationship to form, and definitely don't want Miles and Bella to marry and have a child because that would ruin their chances of becoming the next Duke and Duchess of Aylwin. How far will they go to get rid of Bella, and what dangers lurk for her and Miles either from them, or interested parties who also know of a certain treasure map?
I love how the author truly gets you to despise Miles, especially in the beginning of the book, she truly makes him a beast. I also love how Bella finds out about the possible job working for him in the first place. The crimson slippers, the story behind them, and the woman who gives them to her gives a lovely added extra to the story too. If you don't mind feeling at times that you want to kill the hero of the story, or shake the heroine occasionally, then you will definitely enjoy this book.
For me, the only negative, which is why I have only given a 4 star rating, is that at times the book did seem a bit slow. I never lost interest in the plot, but at the same time, a 5 star rated book for me is one that I can't put down until I reach the very end, or one where my kindle ends up dropping on my nose because I have fought sleep in order to get to the end, and lost! This book didn't have that need to finish ASAP pull, but was still well worth the read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 30, 2021
What does it say about me that my biggest complaint about the cover is that her tattoo doesn't look at all Egyptian? 😂 But seriously, why do all romances insist on having covers that make me cringe? (At least make it accurate, Bella could not have catalogued Egyptian antiquities in that dress. 🙄)
This would have been a "meh" read had it not been for the rich backstory and interesting bits about archeology during the time period. I REALLY wish there had been an epilogue. Mild spoiler: I like to think Bella went back to wearing her Persian robes.
I'm assuming Lady Milford has something to do with the other books in this series as she could have been easily eliminated from the plot and replaced with another character already involved in the story, imho.
I think I'm going to hang onto this one and read it again in a year or so when I've inevitably completely forgotten the plot. 😂
This would have been a "meh" read had it not been for the rich backstory and interesting bits about archeology during the time period. I REALLY wish there had been an epilogue. Mild spoiler: I like to think Bella went back to wearing her Persian robes.
I'm assuming Lady Milford has something to do with the other books in this series as she could have been easily eliminated from the plot and replaced with another character already involved in the story, imho.
I think I'm going to hang onto this one and read it again in a year or so when I've inevitably completely forgotten the plot. 😂
August 24, 2016
My reaction to the RITA nominated Bella and the Beast just goes to show just how subjective readers’ tastes can be. Obviously the book was highly regarded by the RWA and I suppose some people are comfortable ignoring the triggers that I thought slightly distasteful. Unfortunately I found myself seeing red too often by a dull premise and horribly one-dimensional characters.
When a story is patterned after Beauty and the Beast there needs to be someone who either looks or acts in a completely “beastly” manner and Miles Grayson fits the bill. He is a brooding recluse who is more interested in studying Egyptian artifacts than socializing or even concerning himself with his dukedom. Into his lair walks Bella Jones, a woman raised around the ruins in Egypt by her archaeologist father and recently returned to England to fulfil a promise she made at her father’s deathbed to find the Duke of Aylwin. Years before. the two older men found a map to a Pharaoh’s treasure but the elder Aylwin was murdered before they could uncover the tomb. His son Miles believes that Bella’s father may have been responsible for his father’s death so he hires her on as a curator so that he can question her about the past.
To say that both Miles and Bella have daddy issues would be an understatement. Bella and her younger siblings always came in second to their father’s obsession with Egyptian relics. Miles feels it’s his burden to bring his father’s murderer to justice while fulfilling that man’s dream to find the Pharaoh’s treasure. Unconsciously they have both assumed the same obsessions that destroyed their parents; however working together to solve the map’s mystery lets them both slowly let go of the past and begin living life for themselves.
If the storyline had just focused on the Egyptology and solving the Pharaoh’s mystery (with a little romance on the side) the book might have worked better, sort of like the Regency version of The Mummy. Instead it concentrates on the fairy tale retelling and making Miles as beastly as possible. His behavior towards Bella is inexcusable, bordering on sexual harassment, and then crossed a line when he attempted to seduce her while still smelling like the perfume of the prostitute he’d just slept with. I was only excited by their relationship when Bella stood up for herself and showed she was an intellectual equal to Miles, and yet those moments began to dwindle to better serve the romance. That, along with several other story choices that pricked at my sensibilities, made this an incredibly frustrating read.
This review featured on All About Romance
When a story is patterned after Beauty and the Beast there needs to be someone who either looks or acts in a completely “beastly” manner and Miles Grayson fits the bill. He is a brooding recluse who is more interested in studying Egyptian artifacts than socializing or even concerning himself with his dukedom. Into his lair walks Bella Jones, a woman raised around the ruins in Egypt by her archaeologist father and recently returned to England to fulfil a promise she made at her father’s deathbed to find the Duke of Aylwin. Years before. the two older men found a map to a Pharaoh’s treasure but the elder Aylwin was murdered before they could uncover the tomb. His son Miles believes that Bella’s father may have been responsible for his father’s death so he hires her on as a curator so that he can question her about the past.
To say that both Miles and Bella have daddy issues would be an understatement. Bella and her younger siblings always came in second to their father’s obsession with Egyptian relics. Miles feels it’s his burden to bring his father’s murderer to justice while fulfilling that man’s dream to find the Pharaoh’s treasure. Unconsciously they have both assumed the same obsessions that destroyed their parents; however working together to solve the map’s mystery lets them both slowly let go of the past and begin living life for themselves.
If the storyline had just focused on the Egyptology and solving the Pharaoh’s mystery (with a little romance on the side) the book might have worked better, sort of like the Regency version of The Mummy. Instead it concentrates on the fairy tale retelling and making Miles as beastly as possible. His behavior towards Bella is inexcusable, bordering on sexual harassment, and then crossed a line when he attempted to seduce her while still smelling like the perfume of the prostitute he’d just slept with. I was only excited by their relationship when Bella stood up for herself and showed she was an intellectual equal to Miles, and yet those moments began to dwindle to better serve the romance. That, along with several other story choices that pricked at my sensibilities, made this an incredibly frustrating read.
This review featured on All About Romance
December 4, 2015
Review Originally Posted at Ramblings From This Chick
http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
If you hadn't guessed it from the title, Bella and the Beast is a historical romance with a Beauty and the Beast fairy tale influence. It's the fourth book in the Cinderella Sisterhood series by Olivia Drake. I am a huge lover of fairy tales, and Beauty and the Beast was my favorite for quite a long time. When I got the chance to review this book I was pretty excited!
Bella Jones is a 29 year old spinster who has been raising her 15 year old twin siblings since their mother's death. Her family has been living in Persia because her father is an archaeologist. Bella has helped her father and the exotic is something she has always loved. Unfortunately her father has also now just passed away. On his death bed he tells her of a treasure and to go back to England and Aylwin to find it.
Miles Grayson (the Duke of Aylwin) is a beast of a man. He's not beastly in the sense of his appearance, but in his personality. He secludes himself in his home studying the Egyptian artifacts he brought back from his father's expedition there. He has some deep animosity for Bella's father who had also been in Egypt.
With the help and urging of the Countess of Milford, Bella applies to Aylwin to assist him in his endeavors with his Egyptian collection. Aylwin agrees with the goal of learning about what happened back when they were children in Egypt. She is trying to find the treasure map. The two butt heads quite a bit, until little by little they start learning the truth about each other. Though they both don't think it possible, a romance grows.
Bella and the Beast was very well done for a retold fairy tale. There was just enough influence to give it the magic feeling, but the story was unique. I was impressed with Bella's resolve through out the whole book. She had a lot of responsibility. It was endearing to watch Miles' beast-like nature shed away to reveal a very loving man. This was the first Olivia Drake book I've read and I now have the rest of the Cinderella Sisterhood series on my to read shelf! So glad to find another author to obsess over!
**ARC provided by Publisher**
http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
If you hadn't guessed it from the title, Bella and the Beast is a historical romance with a Beauty and the Beast fairy tale influence. It's the fourth book in the Cinderella Sisterhood series by Olivia Drake. I am a huge lover of fairy tales, and Beauty and the Beast was my favorite for quite a long time. When I got the chance to review this book I was pretty excited!
Bella Jones is a 29 year old spinster who has been raising her 15 year old twin siblings since their mother's death. Her family has been living in Persia because her father is an archaeologist. Bella has helped her father and the exotic is something she has always loved. Unfortunately her father has also now just passed away. On his death bed he tells her of a treasure and to go back to England and Aylwin to find it.
Miles Grayson (the Duke of Aylwin) is a beast of a man. He's not beastly in the sense of his appearance, but in his personality. He secludes himself in his home studying the Egyptian artifacts he brought back from his father's expedition there. He has some deep animosity for Bella's father who had also been in Egypt.
With the help and urging of the Countess of Milford, Bella applies to Aylwin to assist him in his endeavors with his Egyptian collection. Aylwin agrees with the goal of learning about what happened back when they were children in Egypt. She is trying to find the treasure map. The two butt heads quite a bit, until little by little they start learning the truth about each other. Though they both don't think it possible, a romance grows.
Bella and the Beast was very well done for a retold fairy tale. There was just enough influence to give it the magic feeling, but the story was unique. I was impressed with Bella's resolve through out the whole book. She had a lot of responsibility. It was endearing to watch Miles' beast-like nature shed away to reveal a very loving man. This was the first Olivia Drake book I've read and I now have the rest of the Cinderella Sisterhood series on my to read shelf! So glad to find another author to obsess over!
**ARC provided by Publisher**
October 18, 2015
This is my first time reading Olivia Drake and I must say its a very nice find. Its a good old regency romance with plenty of mystery thrown in. This book is part of a series (Cinderella Sisterhood), but you do not need to have read the previous books to enjoy it. The plot description pretty much sells it all-a missing treasure map, ancient Egyptian mysteries and an undeniably handsome duke prowling around- what more do you really need for a light read that helps you escape the drudgery of everyday life? How about if I say Bella is a lovely character. She lands in England, completely uncharted territory, having been used to living in Persia, and does not have a clue about social decorum. But she is brave, smart and knows how to survive. She is pretty much left with nothing and needs to support her younger siblings.
She enters the cold and dark Aylwin estate with her head held high and confronts the Duke to give her a job and would not take no for an answer. The fact that the place may hold the key to her father’s secrets was too tantalizing. Miles had been used to being alone with craters of artifacts, scrolls and sketchers. Bella is instantly a curious disturbance to his usual routine. For one thins she has a connection to his own father, and may be able to unlock mysteries that began when they were children. She is also the only other person his age that shares his passion with ancient history.
There’s no joke about it, he really is a beast. His aggressive manner and short temper instantly repulses Bella. And he does veer towards the rape-ish, but I do think the author quickly pulls it back in time before it gets disturbing. The chemistry between them is dynamite, totally swoon worthy. Bella gradually unveils that behind the monster is a sensitive man wrestling with the ghosts of his past. To complicate matters a murderer is on the loose, possibly someone close to them! So plenty to entertain yourself…
She enters the cold and dark Aylwin estate with her head held high and confronts the Duke to give her a job and would not take no for an answer. The fact that the place may hold the key to her father’s secrets was too tantalizing. Miles had been used to being alone with craters of artifacts, scrolls and sketchers. Bella is instantly a curious disturbance to his usual routine. For one thins she has a connection to his own father, and may be able to unlock mysteries that began when they were children. She is also the only other person his age that shares his passion with ancient history.
There’s no joke about it, he really is a beast. His aggressive manner and short temper instantly repulses Bella. And he does veer towards the rape-ish, but I do think the author quickly pulls it back in time before it gets disturbing. The chemistry between them is dynamite, totally swoon worthy. Bella gradually unveils that behind the monster is a sensitive man wrestling with the ghosts of his past. To complicate matters a murderer is on the loose, possibly someone close to them! So plenty to entertain yourself…
November 3, 2015
A captivating read!
From the opening I felt like I'd stumbled into a scene worthy of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. Only set back a couple of hundred years to Regency England. Here it's the Cinderella Sisterhood and the magic artifact is not denim jeans but Garnett beaded slippers, (to me) reminiscent of those Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz.
Bella Jones has returned from Persia with her younger brother and sister to a small cottage in Oxford, England. On his deathbed her father, a noted ancient civilizations scholar instructs her to find the other half of an Egyptian treasure map from Alwyin. Who this is remains a mystery until her 'fairy godmother' the Countess of Milford, sends her off to secure a position as a curator with the taciturn, withdrawn Miles Grayson, the Duke of Aylwin, an avid collector of ancient artifacts.
Suspicious of all, Miles wants nothing to do with Bella. Despite his best intentions, he is totally beguiled by her. Not to worry, he can always set her up as his mistress. Bella of course has plenty to say about that. The sparks fly with these two, and the plot deepens with ghost sightings, theft and the threat of bodily harm. Bella continues to search for the all important half of the map.
As an aside, I do so love that Bella can use a small dagger to great effect.
Even as the very thought of Bella worms it's way into his heart, Miles finds it hard to overcome his mistrust of everyone, including her. After all, 'Miles kept his thoughts and emotions tightly locked inside the surly facade of a beast. And like a caged beast he snarled at anyone who dared to venture close to him.'
The Miles and Bella story, more Beauty and the Beast than Cinderella, is quite different from the usual regency story with just the right touch of the exotic.
A NetGalley ARC
From the opening I felt like I'd stumbled into a scene worthy of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. Only set back a couple of hundred years to Regency England. Here it's the Cinderella Sisterhood and the magic artifact is not denim jeans but Garnett beaded slippers, (to me) reminiscent of those Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz.
Bella Jones has returned from Persia with her younger brother and sister to a small cottage in Oxford, England. On his deathbed her father, a noted ancient civilizations scholar instructs her to find the other half of an Egyptian treasure map from Alwyin. Who this is remains a mystery until her 'fairy godmother' the Countess of Milford, sends her off to secure a position as a curator with the taciturn, withdrawn Miles Grayson, the Duke of Aylwin, an avid collector of ancient artifacts.
Suspicious of all, Miles wants nothing to do with Bella. Despite his best intentions, he is totally beguiled by her. Not to worry, he can always set her up as his mistress. Bella of course has plenty to say about that. The sparks fly with these two, and the plot deepens with ghost sightings, theft and the threat of bodily harm. Bella continues to search for the all important half of the map.
As an aside, I do so love that Bella can use a small dagger to great effect.
Even as the very thought of Bella worms it's way into his heart, Miles finds it hard to overcome his mistrust of everyone, including her. After all, 'Miles kept his thoughts and emotions tightly locked inside the surly facade of a beast. And like a caged beast he snarled at anyone who dared to venture close to him.'
The Miles and Bella story, more Beauty and the Beast than Cinderella, is quite different from the usual regency story with just the right touch of the exotic.
A NetGalley ARC
November 20, 2015
Bella is the daughter of an archeologist and has been traveling with her nomadic family in foriegn lands since childhood. She doesn't know a thing about society rules, but she needs money to support herself and her siblings after her parent's death. A fairy godmother of sorts points her in the direction of Miles, a beastly duke. Their father's worked together in Egypt and he needs a curator for all of his ancient artifacts. I love the Beauty and the Beast trop, and this started out well enough. Miles has beastly manners not a beastly appearance. Abrupt, rude and inconsiderate. He was growly enough that I enjoyed his interaction with Bella, who kept calling him a dog. It made me smile and I was lulled into a lovely, happy haze until he slept with a prostitute and called out Bella's name. Then he further ruined things by forcing a kiss on a refusing Bella, after returning from the bothel and smelling like another woman. This is 35% into the book, a good hero doesn't do things like that. Then he justifies his aweful behavior by deducing she was jealous so his actions were acceptable. He was never properly redeemed for me, he did apologize but that was it. I liked Bella because she pulled her dagger on him more then once. There wasn't enough romance here for me, Bella was looking for a map, there was a possible ghost, interfering relatives. Too much other stuff and not enough love.
November 3, 2015
I think I have enjoyed reading about 1 historical romance that I can say I enjoyed ( a book called How the Marquess Was Won: Pennyroyal Green Series) and the genre as a whole usually does not interest me because of the restrictions put upon the characters, especially females.
Now with that said I can safely say I REALLY enjoyed this one, I think on of my PR type contacts must have sent this to me because I can't see me picking it out but I was in a odd mood the other night and grabbed it and was captivated by the premise within a few pages and could hardly put it down.
The conversation and verbal jousting between Miles (the beast of the title) and Bella was exceptional reading and kept the book entertaining in places where the story normally would have dragged.
One other thing I REALLY liked is that there is no requirement to read the other books in this series before this one, it stands alone with no problem, there was no sense of confusion at any point in the reading that happens many times when you read a series out of order.
I was sure I was going to give this 5 Star but it seems like it kind of sputtered into the ending in the last few pages after "the big bad thing" was taken care of, I wish the author has taken just a bit more time but it may well be I am the only one who feels this way but for my money this is Highly recommended and 4 Stars, your mileage may vary :)
Now with that said I can safely say I REALLY enjoyed this one, I think on of my PR type contacts must have sent this to me because I can't see me picking it out but I was in a odd mood the other night and grabbed it and was captivated by the premise within a few pages and could hardly put it down.
The conversation and verbal jousting between Miles (the beast of the title) and Bella was exceptional reading and kept the book entertaining in places where the story normally would have dragged.
One other thing I REALLY liked is that there is no requirement to read the other books in this series before this one, it stands alone with no problem, there was no sense of confusion at any point in the reading that happens many times when you read a series out of order.
I was sure I was going to give this 5 Star but it seems like it kind of sputtered into the ending in the last few pages after "the big bad thing" was taken care of, I wish the author has taken just a bit more time but it may well be I am the only one who feels this way but for my money this is Highly recommended and 4 Stars, your mileage may vary :)
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November 11, 2015This review originally appeared on Heroes and Heartbreakers:
http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
Bella Jones has a mission—to provide for her fifteen-year-old twin brother and sister, Cyrus and Lila, whom she had helped raise since the time of their birth when she was fourteen. After the recent loss of their father, Sir Seymour Jones, an archeologist, while they all lived in Persia, Bella moved the three of them to England, to the small cottage in Oxford they inherited. Bella’s reason for moving revolves around her father’s dying words to her: “Promise me. Find Aylwin. You have half...the pharaoh’s treasure.” Bella has been trying, without luck, for a month to track down Mr. Aylwin, a man she assumes to be a former colleague of her father’s.
Bella and Miles each have their own reasons for Bella’s presence at Aylwin House, and they remain unaware of Lady Clarissa’s. While the two of them attempt to gain the information they seek, they discover a mutual attraction along the way.
Bella and Miles had very different relationships with their respective fathers yet both characters remain ruled by those relationships and what they interpret as their duty in their present lives, deftly juxtaposed by the author. Bella and the Beast provides an interesting character study in addition to a believable, satisfying romance.
http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
Bella Jones has a mission—to provide for her fifteen-year-old twin brother and sister, Cyrus and Lila, whom she had helped raise since the time of their birth when she was fourteen. After the recent loss of their father, Sir Seymour Jones, an archeologist, while they all lived in Persia, Bella moved the three of them to England, to the small cottage in Oxford they inherited. Bella’s reason for moving revolves around her father’s dying words to her: “Promise me. Find Aylwin. You have half...the pharaoh’s treasure.” Bella has been trying, without luck, for a month to track down Mr. Aylwin, a man she assumes to be a former colleague of her father’s.
Bella and Miles each have their own reasons for Bella’s presence at Aylwin House, and they remain unaware of Lady Clarissa’s. While the two of them attempt to gain the information they seek, they discover a mutual attraction along the way.
Bella and Miles had very different relationships with their respective fathers yet both characters remain ruled by those relationships and what they interpret as their duty in their present lives, deftly juxtaposed by the author. Bella and the Beast provides an interesting character study in addition to a believable, satisfying romance.
October 17, 2015
Thanks so much for the eARC. This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last.
Everything is in here -- Egyptian priests, murder, attempted murder, robbery, suspense, ghosts -- not to mention romance. I read it straight through without stopping!! I love that several of the books I've read lately are based on fairy tales -- this one -- Beauty and the Beast .
Bella Jones, daughter of a famed archaeologist is left with no money and two young siblings to care for after her fathers death in Persia. On his death bed, he told her she had half a treasure map and Aylwin had the other. Of course, she had no idea who Aylwin was until the Countess of Milford paid a call at their small cottage.
Miles Grayson, the Duke of Aylwin, has locked himself away in his huge London home. He's surrounded himself with all of the antiquities his father had discovered in Egypt before he was murdered. Miles has nothing to do with society and has (of course) sworn he'll never marry.
When Bella enters Miles' world -- she turns him and his world upside down.
I hope you'll elect to read this book because I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Everything is in here -- Egyptian priests, murder, attempted murder, robbery, suspense, ghosts -- not to mention romance. I read it straight through without stopping!! I love that several of the books I've read lately are based on fairy tales -- this one -- Beauty and the Beast .
Bella Jones, daughter of a famed archaeologist is left with no money and two young siblings to care for after her fathers death in Persia. On his death bed, he told her she had half a treasure map and Aylwin had the other. Of course, she had no idea who Aylwin was until the Countess of Milford paid a call at their small cottage.
Miles Grayson, the Duke of Aylwin, has locked himself away in his huge London home. He's surrounded himself with all of the antiquities his father had discovered in Egypt before he was murdered. Miles has nothing to do with society and has (of course) sworn he'll never marry.
When Bella enters Miles' world -- she turns him and his world upside down.
I hope you'll elect to read this book because I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
October 11, 2015
This is the first novel that I have read by Olivia Drake. While historical romances are not usually my first choice when I pick up a book, I did enjoy this one. Although I will say that it took me a while to get into the story, since at times the storyline was on the slow side. While there was a hint of the paranormal early on in the story, it really did not play much of a role in the developing relationship between Bella and the "beast," Miles. In reality, Miles was simply a man very much set in his ways, a loner that never intended to do anything other than immerse his life in Egyptian relics. The very relics that had cost his father his life. While Bella was a spinster at 29 who had spent her life taking care of her father and younger siblings. The matchmaker in this case merely had to contrive circumstances to bring these two matched souls together. Overall it was a good story.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2015
Bella’s father was an Egyptologist and on his deathbed he tells his daughter, Bella, that he was promised some ‘treasure’ by the Duke of Aylwin and that she needs to find the other half of a treasure map.
She wants to help her family so decides that she needs to investigate. She takes a curators job helping the late duke’s son, Miles, catalogue some Egyptian artefacts. He doesn’t present as a very welcoming character. He is quite unpleasant- but Bella gets under his skin. They don’t like each other at all in the beginning- but there is a spark of interest that develops over the course of the book. Miles is the 'Beast' of the story and he doesn't have many redeeming qualities.
I liked the Egyptian aspect to this book as it’s an era that interests me. There is a mystery that must be solved to help them both move on.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
She wants to help her family so decides that she needs to investigate. She takes a curators job helping the late duke’s son, Miles, catalogue some Egyptian artefacts. He doesn’t present as a very welcoming character. He is quite unpleasant- but Bella gets under his skin. They don’t like each other at all in the beginning- but there is a spark of interest that develops over the course of the book. Miles is the 'Beast' of the story and he doesn't have many redeeming qualities.
I liked the Egyptian aspect to this book as it’s an era that interests me. There is a mystery that must be solved to help them both move on.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2015
Bella and The Beast is an adventurous read that intermingles with a burgeoning love story. Olivia Drake did an exquisite job with her descriptive writing. It makes the story so much more enjoyable because the reader feels like they are a part of the story and experiencing the exotic locations first hand. I was even a fan of Bella. Determined to provide for her siblings she did not sit back and wait to be rescued. She took charge and went to any means necessary. Strong female characters are a great asset to any story. I did not like the love story. It came across forced and rushed. I received an ARC of Bella and the Beast from NetGalley. For anyone who has an adventurous spirit this is the book that will satisfy that craving.
November 18, 2015
For me, it was just one of the books which you close at the end and think, yeah I liked it. A bit of romance, a bit of adventure and a sexy duke ... what else do you need? For more romance reviews, check out my website:https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
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