A Curse of Beasts and Magic

Beautiful and Beastly #1

by Jeaniene Frost

New York Times bestselling author of The Night Huntress series Jeaniene Frost returns with a brand-new series! It’s Beauty and the Beast meets The Witcher in this dark fantastical retelling, except Beauty IS the Beast, and he’s the Warden keeping mythical beings in check in our world and beyond.

Raine Stone was the sole survivor of a horrific creature while camping. Her account of the attack was attributed to shock, but Raine knows all too well that her story is true because now she carries that same Beast inside her!

She’s been restraining its violent urges by letting it 'feed' on the pain and chaos she’s exposed to as an ER nurse, and by playing vigilante against would-be muggers at night. But when Raine uses the Beast’s energy to heal a frail elderly gentleman from a seemingly random attack, she opens herself to a new world of danger—literally.

Remington “Remy” Byrne knows that the wall between a realm of deadly mythic creatures and our own world is very thin; he’s the Warden who guards the gateways between them. He also rules the supernatural creatures living in secret among us. Raine’s Beast makes her an intruder on Remy’s territory, but the elderly gentleman she saved is Remy’s grandfather, and her Beast contains power that could tip the scales in a sinister plot against Remy’s rule—if Raine allies with him.

Will they be friends or foes…or will the dangerous attraction between them turn into something else? And can our world be saved by their explosive alliance?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Audiobook, Urban Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Retellings

368 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication May 26, 2026

About the author

Jeaniene Frost is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author. Works include the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, the Broken Destiny series, the Night Rebel series, and the Beautiful and Beastly series. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty-three different countries. Jeaniene lives in Maryland with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies with her husband, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her.

For information on Jeaniene's books, please visit: www.jeanienefrost.com

Reviews

[Marquise]

"Beauty and the Beast meets The Wticher in this darkly fantastical retelling," they said.

They continue to waste too many words on pitching retellings to me, eh? As I said in my summary of 2025 Beauty & Beast retellings: Beastslaying is for Beauties.

Sold!

[Mai ༊*·˚]

another hit for the old school urban and paranormal fantasy lovers (me)

RTC.

_____________

Thank you to Tor Books for the ARC and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

[Brittanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who carries a little bit of suppressed rage and inner beast, this story is for you.

✨ A Curse of Beasts and Magic delivers a jolt of adrenaline from page one. This is urban fantasy with teeth. Creatures lurk everywhere, and “aura” isn’t just a vibe, it’s a tangible magical trail that adds a fun twist to the worldbuilding.

👏 The writing leans witty and self-aware, with just enough bite to keep things sharp. Raine makes for a compelling lead. She’s funny without trying too hard, weighed down by guilt and trauma, and constantly wrestling for control over the monster inside her. That tension gives her arc real momentum.

🍯 Scene-stealer award goes to Brenden, the sweet, slightly chaotic grandpa with dementia. Equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, he brings a surprising emotional depth that lingers.

💛 And then there’s Remy. Confident, capable, and just a little too used to getting his way. He steps in whether Raine wants him to or not, armed with power, resources, and libraries to spare! 📚 Cue Belle with books moment!

💫 The pacing moves fast and rarely lets up, hopping across settings while layering action, magic, (romance scenes that I skipped) and character growth. By the time everything clicks into place, the payoff feels earned and satisfying.

A fun, sharp, and emotionally charged ride that balances humor with darker edges. 4.5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance reader copy.

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I ATE this up like I had my own personal beast inside me telling me to feed, more, feed! Maybe I have a book beast but I prefer to think Jeanine is just a master at her craft! Excellent pacing, truly unique magic, twists you don’t see , lovable characters, perfect level of spice that adds to the story and a “cliff hanger” that leaves you waiting more without cheapening the story! So excited to continue this story! Thank you Bramble for my arc I truly appreciate it , this review is my honest opinion.

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ended up being a really enjoyable read for me, even if it wasn’t quite a new favorite. The concept immediately hooked me a heroine literally carrying a monster inside her and a supernatural warden responsible for keeping mythical creatures from crossing into the human world, and the book definitely leans into that darker paranormal-romantasy vibe.

Raine was easy to root for. Her guilt and fear over the Beast she’s hiding make her motivations feel believable, and I liked that she wasn’t written as effortlessly powerful or fearless. A lot of her arc is about control, not just of the magic, but of her anger and trauma, and that emotional struggle worked well for me. She makes questionable decisions sometimes, but they usually made sense for her character rather than just pushing the plot.

The romance with Remy was probably my favorite part. It’s very much tension-driven and built on reluctant trust. He falls into the protective, morally-gray hero category, but the relationship works because he doesn’t immediately soften; they spend a lot of time negotiating power, secrets, and boundaries before anything romantic really lands. When the banter shows up, the book is at its strongest.

The pacing, though, is uneven. The opening pulls you in quickly, then the middle slows down with a lot of explanations and setup for the larger world and politics, and by the time the big conflict hits, it resolves a little faster than I wanted. I also wish the magical system and the larger supernatural society had been explored a bit deeper, there are interesting ideas there, but you can feel it’s setting up future books more than fully standing on its own.

Overall, this is a solid start to a series. It reads more paranormal romance than epic fantasy, with a strong focus on character dynamics and romantic tension over plot complexity. I had fun with it and I’m interested enough in the characters to continue, but I’m hoping the sequel expands the worldbuilding and raises the stakes.

Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this one early!

[Cee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw that Jeaniene Frost was coming out with a new book, I was absolutely ecstatic. I credit the Night Huntress books with fueling my love of reading. That all to say, this book has big feet to fill and I honestly think it succeeded.

The action starts pretty much from page one and there is never a dull moment. To be fair, I did wish it would slow down occasionally to give me and Raine, the main character, time to process. We're thrown into this world together and that means slowly learning new things throughout the book--not quite understanding immediately how this world and the beings within it work. It seems simple enough though and I wasn't ever confused.

The romance is a medium burn with instant attraction, but how does one not fall for Remy immediately? He's strong, rich, compassionate to those under his care, and powerful enough to defend them. Raine is amazing too, a nurse whose always trying to help people, not sad at hurting people to protect others, and willing to get into the thick of things. Both are loyal and definitely falling fast, even though they are trying not to.

This is single-POV with only Raine's POV. Lots of great side characters I wish we spent more time with.
Really this is so fast paced, so much it happened, I think taking the time to slow down would have been nice. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to where the story will go!

[Ahana M Rao (Heart’s Content) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find this review of A Curse of Beasts and Magic on my blog, Heart's Content!

The biggest, most grateful, shoutout to the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a complimentary ALC in exchange for an honest review!

I’m going to split the review into two. The large portion of the review is going to be focused on the book—plot, world-building, pace etc—and the concluding portion is going to cover the nature of the audiobook—how well it was narrated, character voices and their accents etc. Please bear with me, this is only my second audiobook review.

You may scroll to the bottom if you’re curious about the narrator’s performance, or stick to the first half if you’re interested in reading the book.

(Unnecessary Anecdote and Unsolicited Advice Column Commences)

Audiobooks have appeared in my life only quite recently. I’ve never felt I had the ability to sustain listening to a story as focused and comfortably as when I read. I’ve found my attention generally drifts and sadly gave up on it. If you’re like me, I want to assure you, you’ll get there! I started with listening to books that I’ve already read and loved before, so listening to it came easier because it removed the pressure of having to focus. However, in time, my mind learned to enjoy listening without getting distracted and today I stand upon this hill of victory, having listened to a book I hadn’t already read before and enjoyed it immensely without a single problem!

(Unnecessary Anecdote and Unsolicited Advice Column Concludes)

I love, love, loved the theme of this book so much! If you love the movie Venom, you should read this book. While yes, I admit it’s not the same, there are some things about it that will remind you of Venom! Love Venom. LOVE Venom! Can you tell I love Venom? Circling back, this book brings such a new and unique concept to the table and I utterly enjoyed the journey the author takes us on in this addictive, action-filled, humorous and emotional tale filled with grit, pain and magic!

The first aspect in any book a reader interacts with is always the writing; it’s what pulls you in, keeps you coming back for more and causes you to build emotional bonds with a book, a series or even just a single character. So much so, that these words on a page become an obsession; they take over your world, run in the back of your mind constantly and help you grow, introspect and cause you to feel a wide range of emotions that will likely stay with you for the rest of your life. In case you happen to follow me, you would know my life was taken over by This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews and I slipped invariably into the most brutal slump of my blogging career because I couldn’t find a book that captured my interest as thoroughly after that.

Enter A Curse of Beasts and Magic. *confetti*

My bubble of pain and strife was gloriously destroyed by Frost’s writing. Gosh, I’m so grateful to have been so wonderfully drawn in by the storytelling, the emotions and situation of her protagonist in ACoBaM.

There was just something so immediately entrancing about ACoBaM that lures you straight into the world and the author does a fantastic job building her world from the very moment the book starts. It was a concept that was so simple, but explaining it and expanding on it is what adds the complexities and layers to the story. I enjoyed that the author took her time to reveal the rules and ways of the mystic world and I think it helped me, as a reader, settle into the story easier and with lesser pressure of having to assimilate several things at once. I wonder if some of the beings in this story are purely from Frost’s mind or if they exist in some cultures in similar forms and are inspirations the author has drawn from a little and then made her own. Either way, I enjoyed not feeling like I’ve seen or read this exact scene, scenario or set-up before and got to truly enjoy a book without knowing or being able to guess where the author is leading us. While, yes, of course everyone is influenced by something and that inspiration is often the seed that they nurture and grow into something that is usually very different from what the original is. But sometimes, when the result doesn’t differ from the original, I struggle to read the exact theme, scene and/or plot arc again. ACoBaM was a breath of fresh air in this regard and I’m so grateful I had the chance to read it!

The characters in ACoBaM are as much a pillar of strength and support for the book as any of the other important elements and I enjoyed every single chapter that explored and revealed their personalities, unique roles in the story and the main characters’ lives. I would say the book has just the right amount of characters that arrived at perfectly spaced intervals with very clear divisions of who they are and what their presence means for the story. With regard to the FMC and the MMC, I think they are best experienced and understood by each reader on their own and in their own time. I personally enjoyed the way who they were—the aspects that the readers cannot know simply because of the nature of how new the world is to us—is revealed in time and only after those traits are first witnessed on scene.

The best part of ACoBam is that it takes its time to build, establish and reinforce steadily, the nature of its world, characters, set-up and stakes. This means that the plot builds slowly underneath all of this, without making a single peep, until we’re at the end of the book and we realise the author has just began to weave what could just be an extremely interesting, thrilling and addictive story. I personally cannot wait to see how far and how much more this story is going to expand and where and how far Frost is going to take us in this journey.
The pace in ACoBaM was extremely even—dare I say, fast—and practically flew by me. Before I realized, I was at the 80% mark, upset that it was almost over, because I wasn’t ready for this book that had smashed the slump that was dragging me to the depths of book-reader hell, to smithereens. But alas, all things must end, no matter how good they are. *falls back in dramatic denial*

I do believe if you’ve come this far into my review, you would’ve likely guessed my rating for this book. Five stars, in case you’d like to roll your eyes and say, “Yeah, I can tell, get to the audiobook part already!” while throwing popcorn at your screen.

Now, to the part that everyone is clearly in toe trembling anticipation for: my review for the audiobook itself!

The narrator has done such a fantastic job in my opinion, in capturing the voices of the characters. I generally love female narrators, and when there’s an additional accent added to the character’s dialogue or a personality quick or a change in tone influenced by a situation, I’m usually left squealing in delight and I believe Tavia Gilbert has truly delivered an experience worthy of Frost‘s writing.

From my observation, what can be a little disorienting is if/when narrators accidentally flip narrative voices, or forget to keep following the same style with one character’s voice throughout the whole story. It makes the listener lose a little bit of the thread on who’s saying what and I personally get a bit caught up in that moment when I don’t have a physical copy to check against. However, Gilbert was fantastic at the consistent representation of the characters, never forgetting to instil their emotions into their dialogues and voices, disregarding how many characters needed to be narrated for in a multiple-character scene moment.

All in all, this book was the perfect story to get lost into and despite only being an amateur listener, the audiobook held my attention from start to finish!

[Blendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!!

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the Beauty and the Beast twist, especially with the “Beast” being a girl this time. As a longtime fan of Frost’s Night Huntress series, I was so excited to dive into this one, and it did not disappoint.

This story has everything I love: fantastic world-building, engaging characters, and some truly memorable side characters. The plot moves at a great pace, and the final quarter had me absolutely glued to the pages. There’s also a bit of other woman (OW) drama, which I personally enjoy in my stories, so it was a fun addition for me If you hate OW drama, just know that the relationship ended awhile back with the character, but per usual, she isn't over him. It's not a recent split or anything like that. The spice level is great too--definitely no closed doors here!

Now, onto the one thing I didn’t love:
I’m not a fan of books that introduce a new love interest late in the story (looking at you, Maas). With how this book ends, it seems like that might be a possibility, though it’s hard to say until I read book two. The cliffhanger definitely left me nervous about where things might go though!

Overall, I absolutely loved this book! It has Frost’s trademark mix of heat, humor, and great fucking story telling. I can’t wait for the sequel!

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s safe to say that the Night Huntress series is one of my all time favorites, so when I saw Jeaniene Frost is starting a new series?? Instant YES!!!

I don’t even care that this one isn’t about vampires. It’s her writing. I love it and I trust it.

And OMG… THIS is how you do a retelling. (the beauty is the beast)

As the blurb says, our FMC, Raine, survived a horrific attack years ago that killed her family, but she didn’t walk away untouched. She’s been living with a Beast inside her ever since, trying to control it and keep it from hurting innocent people.

By day, she’s a nurse. By night… she lets the Beast feed just enough to stay contained.

Everything changes when she saves an elderly man from an attack, using the Beast’s power and then healing him. That moment opens the door to everything. Danger, secrets, supernatural politics… and answers she’s been searching for, even the ones she might not have wanted.

Enter Remy.

The man is powerful, protective and very much in control of the territory Raine been living on for the past few months. He’s the Warden, the one who keeps supernatural creatures in check, and of course… their first interactions are not exactly smooth.

But once they strike an alliance? Ohhh things escalate.

The tension, the chemistry, the build-up… YES. And when it delivers, it DELIVERS.

On top of that, we get assassination attempts, kidnappings, power struggles… this book kept me hooked from start to finish.

I listened to the audiobook and… yep... I finished it in one go. Started listening, blinked and suddenly it was 5 am. I'm writing this review at 5:30 am.

My only complaint? I wish we had double POV because I need to know what Remy thinks about everything. And ofc, I need book 2. Like yesterday!!! Especially after that ending… I already know the next installment is going to be pure chaos.

⭐ 5 star for obvious reasons :D

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

[Liz S ( Liz & Liz get Literary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come.

[Jessica]

"Beauty and the Beast (gender-flipped) meets The Witcher"

[QuirkyTofurkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew I was part beast, because I devoured this with a ferocity I didn’t know I had in me. My husband literally had to shame me into pausing my audiobook and engaging with the living. I then desperately sought out an advanced reader copy so I could keep going, albeit covertly. This is not normal for me.

I truly was not expecting to love this as much as I did, but WOW. I feel like I didn’t even fully understand the plot when I started, and somehow that didn’t matter in the slightest. Honestly, I’m starting to question my reading comprehension skills and/or memory, because I was constantly surprised and delighted by everything happening on the page.

I wasn’t expecting fake dating, but I was tickled fucking pink when that particular plot device appeared. I also wasn’t expecting our FMC to be a total badass. Also tickled pink.

And I definitely thought this was going to be straightforward urban fantasy, but there are entire other worlds to explore, complete with giant snail taxis and other fantastical things.

Possible love triangle in the sequel, who knows, Jeaniene can do no wrong, and I am fully seated for this series. Already anxiously concerned that we don’t even have a “TBD Book Two” placeholder on Goodreads yet. I don’t need a title. I don’t need a cover. I don’t even need a vague release window. I just need the faintest whisper, the merest hint, that book two will eventually at some point be birthed into existence. And yes, I fully understand how deranged it is for me to be worrying about book two when book one hasn’t even been published yet, but I blame the beast.

Tavia Gilbert, our narrator, deserves all the best things in life for the myriad of accents she pulled out for this one. As previously established, I could not stop listening.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listener copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Suzanne]

Firstly, thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC
This one completely stole my heart. The moment I spotted it on NetGalley, I had a feeling it would be my kind of read… and wow, it absolutely delivered.
From page one, I was hooked. We follow Raine, an ER nurse with a haunting past—after surviving a brutal beast attack that took her mother and grandmother, she’s been living with something dark inside her ever since. And not just metaphorically. She literally feeds this beast by hunting dark souls, guided by the auras she can read. Tell me that isn’t already such a killer premise?

Things really take off when she intervenes in an abduction and ends up crossing paths with Remington “Remy” Remington—the warden of a hidden supernatural world. Yes, that kind of world. Secret creatures, magic, power structures… all the good stuff. And when a fake engagement enters the chat?? I was DONE. I will always show up for that trope.
Raine’s journey into this new world was everything I wanted—tense, immersive, and full of moral gray areas. Watching her navigate whether her inner beast is a weapon or a weakness kept me glued to the story. And Remy? The chemistry??? It felt so natural and compelling, especially with the added tension of how much he can actually protect someone as powerful (and dangerous) as Raine?

The audiobook experience was incredible—I devoured it. The narration pulled me even deeper into the story, and I genuinely didn’t want to stop listening. It gave me subtle Beauty and the Beast vibes, but flipped in such a fresh, unexpected way.
✨ Fast-paced
✨ Addictive characters
✨ A magic system that’s easy to grasp but still intriguing
✨ Twists I did not see coming
✨ And THAT cliffhanger 😭
This is 100% a reread (and relisten) for me. If you love supernatural romance with bite, tension, and a touch of darkness—you need this on your radar.

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Witcher meets Beauty and the Beast had me instantly download this to listen. And Beauty IS the beast?? Instant yes.
Raine tries to do good with her inner beast and only satisfy its all consuming hunger by taking out the villains nearby. Ever cautious, she is less than eager to agree to Remingon's requests that she join him in saving his territory.
The bones of the book are excellent but the execution of it with Tavia Gilbert's voice didn't work for me. I truly think I would have enjoyed this more with a different narrator. Tavia would be excellent with historical fiction or nonfiction. I just couldn't wrap my head around her more mature tone with a fantasy. I will likely try rereading this physically and picking up the second accordingly.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the alc. All thoughts are my own.

[Lex fullybookedbabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Urban fantasy beauty and the beast retelling but SHE’S the beast. And let’s not forget A Witcher inspired MMC!!!

This was a quick read. Starts with an action packed plot and never slows down.

The setting was refreshing when compared to other fantasy titles I’ve read lately. It takes place in a modern day Baltimore where monsters live in hiding side-by-side their human counterparts.

The romance was an enemies-to-lovers adjacent with delicious forced proximity.

[Kristina Knizner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this dark beauty and the beast retelling! Having the FMC be the one who has the beast inside of her was such a fun change to the story and I flew through this audio! Tavia Gilbert did an amazing job narrating this audiobook! I loved the chemistry between Raine and Remy and I can’t wait to see more of them in book two! The ending left me with so many questions and I will be anxiously waiting for the next book! I definitely recommend checking this book out!

[Trisha]

this cover is gorgeous.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Kimberlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this. And how it ended???

[Michellecupboardmaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent combination of everything I love about classic urban fantasy and romantasy. A strong and sacrificing heroine and a slightly morally gray man banter while saving the world.

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an author with an established series and a loyal following launches a brand-new series, it can be nerve-racking. It’s probably more stressful for the author than for the reader, but I always desperately want to love the new work as much as the previous ones. Sadly, that doesn’t always happen. In this case, however, it absolutely did. This inventive twist on a Beauty and the Beast story completely won me over.

Raine carries a beast within her. She has become very good at keeping it fed and sated enough to stay under control. By day she works as a nurse; by night she acts as a vigilante, letting the beast feed on the negative emotions, cruelty, vice, and sometimes the death (of mostly bad people). Infected as a teenager, she had no idea a magical community even existed until he showed up and changed her entire world.

Reme is a Warden of a large territory in North America. He has inherited the generational power to guard the gates between dimensions and deliver justice within the magical community. To save Raine and repay the kindness she once showed his dementia-ridden grandfather, Reme is prepared to marry her and bestow a special type of magic that will help her control the beast inside.

I’ve always adored a marriage-of-convenience (or strangers-to-married) trope. Add in the Beauty and the Beast elements, magical beings from other dimensions, and dragon shifters, and this book was already set up to be both entertaining and deeply engaging for me.

We, the readers, discover this wild new magical world right alongside Raine. As she flounders through it, we learn the rules and realities of this hidden society along with her. There are misunderstandings, exquisite sexual tension, and plots to seize Reme’s territory. Raine could become his greatest asset or his biggest liability, depending on which way the coin of fate lands.

There is so much I loved about this story. Told solely from Raine’s point of view, we get to experience her adjustment to this new life and all its possibilities. We also feel her self-doubt as she navigates a world of politics, machinations, and subterfuge she knows nothing about. She’s learning quickly, but in the middle of their whirlwind romance, Raine struggles to believe a man like Reme could truly want her for herself rather than for the powerful asset her beast represents.

The climactic fight at the end was absolutely worth the buildup, and I’m excited to see where the next book takes us. I did have a brief moment of PTSD at the very end when a new potential love interest was introduced—I still remember another author who pulled the rug out from under a romance I was fully invested in during the second book (cough ACOTAR cough) .

Frost excels at creating great supporting and side characters who feel fully realized in just a few pages. Brenden was my favorite. The depiction of his cognitive decline and the way he interacts with the world is both sweet and heartbreaking. A few other trusted characters in Reme’s inner circle also give us insight into how he treats those closest to him. I do wish we had received a couple of chapters from Reme’s point of view so we could better understand his true motivations, but I suppose we’ll have to wait and discover them alongside Raine.

The foundation of both the world and the story is strong. There are clearly going to be some fascinating hurdles ahead, along with a powerful relic that must be protected—or destroyed—at all costs. This is a solid, promising beginning to a new series from Frost.

Narration

Performance: ★★★★★
Character Separation: ★★★★★
Diction: ★★★★★
Pacing/Flow: ★★★★★
Sound Effects: none

Tavia Gilbert is a pro narrator. Her catalog of works is over 700 now...700!!! So you know you are going to be in strong vocal chord hands with her. I've listened to over twenty of the works she has narrated and never been disappointed in how she performs the voices, the pacing or demonstrates her control over her instrument. She is truly and outstanding narrator. I love how she does accents especially with a little Irish tilt to them. This book was a more wonderful experience because of her.

[Jillsbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“You’re the warrior who fought [the beast’s] control for nearly a decade. You’re also the nurse who makes it heal instead of kill, and you’re the woman who haunts my dreams…”

A Curse of Beasts and Magic is the first instalment in the adult urban romantasy series, Beautiful and Beastly. Written in first person POV the story follows Raine who, after a brutal attack that took the life of her family, finds herself stuck with a monster within her, one that thrives of pain and chaos. For years she has attempted to control the beast with her job as an ER nurse but when she uses the beast to heal an elderly man who she saved from a mugging she finds herself drawn into a world that exists just along the barrier. Remy is the warden responsible for protecting the barrier between the worlds and Raine poses a unique, but not fully unwelcome, problem. As it becomes clear something is threatening Remy's safeguard of the realms it may be Raine who can help him...but what if this alliance turns into so much more? Is Raine ready to embrace the beast or will she find she bit off more than she can chew?

I love being in a new world with Jeaniene Frost. She takes these amazing fantastic worlds and brings them to earth in ways that we can so easily connect with while still feeling like it's unique and out of this world.

Raine and Remy are the kind of couple I absolutely adore. They hit off so well but not because they jump into bed. They have a partnership built on mutual benefits. I loved seeing them work together. Raine is a character who so easily moves with the flow but can be a bit oblivious. Remy is one who plans ten steps ahead. He is fierce and cruel while Raine is empathetic: though, the beast in her is vicious. What I loved most was how effortless they fell into a relationship. Raine doesn't understand what is fully happening and Remy is just fine letting her believe whatever she wants but he is locking this down!

“I am the monster that protects you now.”

In terms of spice I would place this at 2 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. There are approximately two spice scenes (plus a cock block) with the first scene appearing around the 59% mark. The spice is romantic and passionate. I liked how much Remy refuses to hide his obsession and he wants Raine just as consumed as he is. This leads to really good spice!

The story itself is mystery and investigation style. I liked how the larger plot elements unfolded with each progression of the main investigation as it made the story flow. I liked how there is a balance with family and friend drama amidst the kidnappings, fights, and sneaking around. It meant we got to see the stories of the characters and how they blended together, especially with Remy's grandfather. There is also a touch of mystery around why things are happening and how it all connects. The romance had me grinning as the characters fell and one had no idea until they hit the bottom. There is a strong build up to the climax (those final moments were WOAH) and there is a bit of a cliffhanger that has me itching for the next book.

Overall I am once again reminded why I love Jeaniene Frost! I cannot wait for more of Remy and Raine's story.

Thank you Bramble for this arc!

[Book_bandit01 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Bramble and Jeaniene Frost for letting me receive this ARC.

I knew from the moment I read the synopsis that this would be up my alley, and I did not miss with this one. I had a good time and it’s sad that this is only the first book, because I need the second one in my hands this instant, please.One of the things that excited me was the fact that this book is set in Maryland! This definitely put an extra pep in my step.
Raine Stone has had a very rough life. Not only with a major accident that costed her family, but this also released a Beast that if not cautioned can harm hundreds on a daily basis. In order the sustain the Beast, she becomes an ER nurse to feed on the violence and chaos in order to keep the Beast at bay. I really liked Raine’s character. She is just a girl trying to keep people safe while also being just as confused as us readers when entering a world she thoughts was the only magical creature. Also, the fact that though the Beast is super rare, she wasn’t really the Chosen One with unlimited power. Yes, she was powerful, but I like the fact that there were people more powerful than her. I feel as though, this takes some of the pressure off her back from not only the readers but also the other characters in the book because we do not expect her to save the world. The only thing I expected of her was to get answers for us and stand up for herself when need; both cases she succeeded.
The world building was thankfully manageable to grasp. Maybe its because I’m from Baltimore, so I understood different places they were talking about; it felt cool to think there are different dimensions so close to my day-to-day life, but Jeaniene Frost’s writing made me excited to learn about her worlds that she created. One of the things I liked was the Dragons. Dragons in this book are shapeshifters and are one of the most powerful creatures right next to Wardens. I’m so used the reading dragon shifters already on the side where the MCs are either mated to them or one of them so it was nice to see a bit of a change where right off the bat the Dragons are like foes.
Remington is a character that I believe I will continue to like this series. He is the one that kind of introduces Raine into the craziness since he is what this worlds knows as a Warden. Wardens are the keepers of the human world. They protect the humans from magical creatures that might want to take over the human whelm. Remy holds court of the North East of the United States and is in for a ride when he realizes that Raine is unaccounted for as the Beast since she has been in hiding for so long. If word got out that Raine has the Beast trapped inside her, everyone and their mother would want Raine for themselves as Beasts can do a lot of damage to the right species. What better way to keep Raine in his sights than to fake date her? I know that came out of left field, but I promise that it works.

Overall, this book was very nice and I can’t wait for the second book. Thank you again Bramble and Jeaniene Frost for this opportunity. This is my honest review.

[Just Blue Through Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and to MacMillan Audio for the ARC of A Curse of Beasts and Magic by Jeaniene Frost.

I am a huge urban fantasy / urban fantasy romance fan, but back in 2021 I read Frost's Halfway to the Grave and never picked up any of the sequels even though they were so highly rated across the urban fantasy reader fandom. I'm not sure what didn't do it for me then, but A Curse of Beasts and Magic is totally doing it for me now. What a fun read and what a fun start to a creative and compelling new series.

Tavia Gilbert does an excellent job with the narration - she kept me completely engaged as I devoured this audiobook in one day.

Frost has created an engrossing urban fantasy environment where there are creatures from myth and fantasy and folklore who live on Earth or adjacent worlds and who are generally managed by a magical Warden in each area. Many creatures and magic holders are long lived and invested in keeping their existence hidden from normal humans. Raine, our FMC, was inhabited by a beast 11 years ago while camping with her mom and grandmother, and she has spent a decade trying to control the monster within her while having zero encounters with any other magical creatures. When she happens to be in the right place to save an elderly man from what might be her first exposure to a magical creature, Raine is thrilled she may finally get some answers on how to help herself. When the man she saved ends up being the grandfather of one of the country's richest men, and the Warden of the northeast United States, Remy, Raine may actually be in deeper than some history lessons and some fact finding as Remy tries to use her beast for his own means while a potential enemy tries to overthrow his reign as Warden.

The novel is fast paced, action packed, and a total thrill. Raine can be a bit circular in her own logic and sometimes is the main thing standing in her own way, but she has a kind heart and a willingness to help that pushes her to be braver than she thinks. Remy is a bit hidden from us in all of his motivations, and with the way the novel ends (minor cliffhanger, but one that has me hooked regardless) I'm excited to see what else we learn from him and what his feelings toward Raine truly are.

My only hang up overall with the novel is that everything within it, and there is a LOT within it, happens in 2 weeks, including a pretty quick enemies-to-lovers insta-love (kinda maybe?) between Raine and Remy. There is a point near the end of the book where Raine is complaining that Remy did not trust her with some information again, but then also wondering if he even likes her besides the physical that feels jarring with how little time has passed. Considering how much action they have jumped to and through, there really hasn't been any time for real conversation or relationship building besides trust building through adrenaline and trauma.

A stellar start to a new series - I can't wait for book two!

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really hate DNF-ing ARCs. That’s not to say that I enjoy DNF-ing books that I didn’t specifically ask for before their publication date, but I just feel extra bad when I’m one of the first people to get to read a book, and I don’t like it. And I didn’t like A Curse of Beasts and Magic, which I’m especially disappointed about because it’s a retelling.

I wish that I had known going into this book that it was an urban fantasy. Rereading the synopsis definitely makes it seem that way, but I didn’t realize that when I requested this book. It’s not that I don’t like urban fantasies. I haven’t read many, but I’ve enjoyed the ones I have read (Kate Daniels, anyone?). However, I feel like I have very different expectations for a normal fantasy, which is what I thought this was originally, than I have for an urban fantasy. That is to say: when I started reading, I was very confused. Now, that’s my own fault, and once I figured out why all these very modern things were in what I thought was a fantasy book, I was able to adjust my expectations. I mention this because urban fantasy isn't usually a go-to genre for me, but I don’t want it to seem like I didn’t like this book just because it was something different.

I didn’t like this book because of the way it was written. I don’t know what it is about the books I’ve been reading lately, but for some reason, I’ve noticed a trend. Who the writing is supposed to be for does not match up with how the book is written. This did not feel like an adult book. Heck, this didn’t even feel like a new adult book. If there wasn’t such an overbearing sexual tension that made it very clear I was eventually going to be reading some sex scenes (whether in this book or in later ones), I would have thought this was for young adults. I knew what the characters were going to say before they said it because I had read these conversations a hundred times in YA books. There was no nuance, no subtlety, no depth. All tell, no show. I didn’t need to think about anything because everything was laid out for me.

The characters were just as depthless. Remy’s “sexy magic voice” had me rolling my eyes more often than not. You’re this all-powerful, super old (because we can’t have fantasy without a ridiculous age-gap between the centuries-old dude and the twenty-year-old Mary Sue), scary Warden. Are people threatening you? Just kill them. Seriously. Literally, what is the point of this fake-dating scheme he concocted? Just kill them and be done with it. But that wouldn’t make for a good story, and the dark and brooding bad guy must be a good guy all along, who sometimes maybe does bad things, but you probably just don’t know the whole story, and it wasn’t actually a bad thing he did. Sigh.

I got a quarter of the way in, and I couldn’t do it anymore. A Curse of Beasts and Magic was not the book for me.

I received an advanced copy of A Curse of Beasts and Magic from NetGalley and the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each time Jeaniene Frost comes out with a new book it feels like Christmas! Having enjoyed her take on paranormal creatures that go bump in the night I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into her take on The Beast. I wouldn't call this a retelling in the strictest of terms it is more a reimagining and I'm not splitting hairs by saying this. I only mention it to help those who may be looking for something specific.

Raine Stone is an E.R. nurse by day and on the hunt by night. She holds a violent beast within herself, ever vigilant to not release it upon hapless would-be victims. She walks a fine line by feeding the beast enough residual violence from would be perpetrators and pain from patients to keep it caged, but if her life and therefore the beast is threatened all bets are off. Remy is a warden tasked with protecting humanity from creatures of myth and lore, with his own secrets. When the two cross paths it's under unique circumstances.

Remy's territory and people are in the crosshairs of a deadly foe.

I read this without even glancing at the synopsis because Frost has been an automatic read for me for over a decade so if you want more details check that out. The novel was next level intriguing because I had no idea what the world or characters would be like. I love the way Frost build worlds and tension I'm content to just follow at this point. As always, the romance is scorching! (and graphic) 🔥 The way she built the relationship in layers seemed realistic and I like how her couples remain flawed individuals even over time. The politics and leadership roles in this world have a vein of danger running through, but this first installment barely scratched the surface it seems. The action sequences were well written with plenty of chaos, twists, and gore.

Tavia Gilbert narrated and I enjoyed her performance for the most part. However, in the action sequences she was so loud I had to adjust the volume.

The pacing is a bit uneven because the story hits the ground running and ends much the same which I like personally, but some of the middle sections may read a little slower for some. This didn't detract from my enjoyment because the mystery of unraveling characters and their connections is one of my favorite parts of reading no matter the genre.

Frost has another potential hit with this one! And that stunning cover is perfection! 😍🤌🏻

A HUGE thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing an ALC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[B.E.Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could write my review in one sentence if I wanted and it would be enough.

This is a Jeanine Frost book, it's a new series. Done. I can it's Jeanine Frost, simply put I love her. I have all her books, most in kindle and in Audible(I have a few more I need to purchase in audible). I love her. I love her writing style. Bones is my all time favorite hero ever. I can't tell you how many times I have read her books not to mention listen to them. I had this book on pre-order and couldn't have been more excited when I saw we get a new Jeanine Frost book and a new series. Or so I thought, then I actually go this book. I was wrong I loved this more than I thought possible.

I know some hate gushing reviews. Sorry if those are not for you I just loved this book. I was almost finished and stopped because I didn't want it to end. I also was so excited I didn't want to start this book. Yes I can be dramatic and most people I'm related to say I am dramatic and I'm ok with that. This book blew me away. We get a new world, new characters but the Jeanine Frost we have come to love and expect.

Raine had a normal childhood till she turned 15 and in the span of a day lost the two most important people to her and gave her a beast inside her she has lived the remainder of her life trying to control. Quickly learning how to appease the beast and not kill the innocent Raine has lived surprisingly under the radar until one kind move brings Raine in contact with Remy the warden who keeps the supernatural in check in the area.

This one event changes Raines already crazy life in ways she never would have guessed. Remy is like no one Raine has ever met and the pull they both feel for one another is too much to deny as they get to know each other. This new world also hold more dangers than Raine has already lived in her life but it also might be the best thing she never knew she needed.

I can't recommend this book enough. As I said I had this book on pre-order and only cancelled because I was given it from Netgalley, I have a list of authors I check literally daily to see if they have an upcoming book on Netgalley and Jeanine Frost and this book was one of them. I couldn't have clicked request faster and was so excited when I was given this book. Book two can't come quick enough, This one ends on a small cliffhanger so I will be very impatiently waiting for the next book in this series hoping we not only get more from Remy and Raine but some other characters we meet in this amazing new series.

*thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan audio for the advanced listeners arc in exchange for my honest review.

Raine Stone is an ER nurse with a deadly secret, she harbors a beast that she’s had some luck controlling over the last 11 years. That is until she ends up saving Brendan, an old man from robbers — and then ends up meeting Remington Byrne. Byrne is not simply a CEO of the human world, but he serves as Warden who presides over the Northeastern region. Together, they must strike a deal to control the beast indefinitely and find out who is terrorizing his region with unexplained deaths. This is all in exchange for Raine to heal Brendan to his former self.

I thought there was a strong plot line filled with mystery and investigation, and I liked the idea of the magical beasts existing. The fact they exist in people as hosts is another cool concept that I found compelling. The idea of split realms is not a new concept, but I liked the fact it switches between Earth and other realms. Raine, our fmc, has her moments where her disparity and sarcastic internal monologue is humorous despite her situation. She is relatable to the reader between her strength and swings into anxiety and doubt. Remington is an interesting character with the suave personality, but once you get to know him throughout the book, I found I liked him better. He is the villain and a monster, but he is not trying to deny otherwise and he takes it on himself to be realistic about his situation. Both of them have a good dynamic throughout the book that didn’t feel forced.

Unfortunately, my biggest issue with this edition was the narrator. I have heard them before and am not a fan, due to the person making the fmc sound whiney and almost “cry baby” in certain moments of the book. I found myself listening to an accelerated speed to finish it sooner. At times, there was a lot of immature arguing between the fmc and mmc for their suggested ages, and the fast switch from “mad-sexy time-I don’t forgive you” between them was unrealistic. At times, this book did have a 50 shades of grey but with magic aspect to it and I couldn’t unthink it.

Overall, I did enjoy it for the story and the concepts, and the characters were decent. I would give this 3.25-3.5 and would continue on, but will most likely read the physical copy.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****NetGalley Review*****

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)

Jeanine Frost’s A Curse of Beasts and Magic makes a strong leap into audio, delivering a dark, fast‑moving urban‑fantasy adventure that feels even more intense when voiced aloud. The blend of danger, desire, and supernatural intrigue translates beautifully to the audiobook format.

A Gripping Heroine With a Dangerous Secret

Raine Stone’s life is already a nightmare, but hearing her story performed adds an extra layer of tension. The narrator captures the duality of Raine—her human grief and her monstrous, violence‑hungry Beast—with impressive nuance. Her vigilante nights feel raw and urgent, and the moment she uses the Beast’s power to heal an elderly man becomes a true turning point in audio, pulsing with shock and discovery.

A Compelling Dynamic With Remy

Remington “Remy” Byrne, the Warden guarding the fragile barrier between realms, comes through with a voice that balances authority and vulnerability. His scenes with Raine crackle with the kind of chemistry that audiobooks can amplify—sharp, wary, and simmering with attraction. Their potential alliance, whether as partners or something more dangerous, is one of the audiobook’s strongest hooks.

Worldbuilding That Comes Alive in Audio

The shift from gritty city streets to a realm of deadly mythic creatures is vivid and atmospheric. The narrator’s pacing helps the transitions feel seamless, and the tension surrounding the sinister plot against Remy’s rule builds steadily. A few sections slow down slightly, but the overall momentum stays strong.

Narration & Production Quality

The performance is expressive without being overdone, and character voices are distinct enough to follow easily. Audio quality is clean, consistent, and immersive. It’s the kind of production that lets you sink into the story without distraction.

Final Thoughts

This audiobook delivers a thrilling mix of action, magic, and slow‑burn attraction. Raine’s internal battle, Remy’s high‑stakes duty, and the looming threat tying them together make for an engaging listen. A couple of pacing dips keep it from being a perfect five, but it’s absolutely a standout for fans of urban fantasy with emotional depth and supernatural danger.

If you enjoy fierce heroines, morally gray powers, and chemistry that sparks even in the middle of chaos, this audiobook is well worth your time.

[rebeccareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Night Huntress series is beloved from my youth, so I had high expectations going into this one! I've since moved away from urban fantasy - I don't like the real world butting in - but reading A Curse of Beasts and Magic reminded me of Jeaniene Frost's supreme mastery of the subgenre. This is her thing, and I can't even be mad about it!

Much like Night Huntress, the action scenes in A Curse of Beasts and Magic are standouts, and are the book's primary strength. They're fast, vivid, and genuinely add to the story. FMC Raine is also engaging; she's capable, tough, and unafraid to get her hands dirty. Cat 2.0, great, I'm sold. MMC Remy though - not so much. Last comparison I'm gonna make to Night Huntress, but Bones has all the best traits of the shadow daddy type (and he did it way before the rest of them!). He's strong, dark, handsome, and a bit scary, but critically, he lacks the nastier elements, like control, cruelty, and other borderline or full-on abusive behaviors. Remy is more of a typical shadow daddy, unfortunately. He's tall and dark and arrogant, and of course, the most powerful magical border patrol agent around. There's pretty much nothing to distinguish him from the bajillions of other shadow daddy types, and that whole vibe is just not my thing. Plenty of readers won't mind this at all, though, and many more will surely swoon over him.

All in, I was entertained enough to finish the book, but I wasn't wowed by any of it. I've seen it compared to This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me - different subgenres but with some writing similarities, and both are by legacy authors (for lack of a better term). For me, This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me was the fresher, more engaging read by a notable margin. That said, if you're not too burned out on familiar romantasy like I am, you'll likely enjoy A Curse of Beasts and Magic just fine!

(One final nit: Not Frost's fault at all, but The Witcher comp feels really off-base.)

I loved listening to Tavia Gilbert bring Frost's work to life once again in the audiobook version - she really nails Remy's voice in particular. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC!

[Alyssa Reads and Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Curse of Beasts and Magic is the perfect start to an urban fantasy series. Jeaniene Frost includes just the right amount of world building, romance, and plot, along with great characters, to kick off an amazing new series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Raine Stone is a nurse who is also forced to feed the supernatural beast inside her by snacking on people’s violent auras. When she inadvertently saves Remy Byrne’s grandfather from a late night attack, she has no idea that she’s entering a world where the creature that lives inside her isn’t that unusual. After all, Remy is the powerful Warden, and protects supernatural gateways between the human world and others. Once Remy discovers that Raine can heal others as well as destroy them, he offers her a deal where they help each other. Raine is interested, even as she’s wary of this new world and her attraction to Remy.

THIS is how you start a new series! Raine and Remy are both complex characters keeping secrets, but their motives are clear from the start. They have great chemistry too, which is obvious even when it’s clear Raine doesn’t quite trust Remy. The Beauty and the Beast references are fun too. And while it’s the start of a trilogy, the events of this book reach a satisfying conclusion while still leaving readers eager to read the next installment.

I listened to this audiobook, and Tavia Gilbert does an amazing job with the narration. After listening to some great full cast audios lately, I forgot how wonderful a single POV book can be in the hands of a talented narrator. This book made me happy to take my dog on multiple walks so I could keep listening to the action packed story.

A Curse of Beasts and Magic is an impossible-to-put-down start to a romantasy series. The world building is well done, and there isn’t any unnecessary filler. If you are a fan of action, intrigue, and romance, you’ll have a great time with this book; it’s perfect for Ilona Andrews fans. And, I’m thrilled to discover a new to me author with an entire backlist for me to start reading!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance listening copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.