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Beast of the Bayou
In the heart of the bayou, love can be a curse.
When Magdalena “Mag” Lafleur agrees to visit the mysterious Belcourt House with her best friend, she expects an abandoned house and ghost stories. But deep in the Louisiana swamps, the past lingers.
It never forgets.
As Mag sleeps, a man appears in her dreams and brands her as his. When she wakes, she discovers the terrible truth—he is real, and he has come for her.
Though her captor can’t speak a word, his intentions become clear—he wants her to love him. And as much as she fights against it, something about him calls to her.
Now, trapped in a bayou filled with secrets, dangerous creatures, and restless spirits, Mag must unravel the mystery of the man who holds her captive. The question is, what will be the price of her freedom—her life or her heart?
In this dark, atmospheric retelling of Beauty and the Beast, the line between love and possession is razor-thin.
When Magdalena “Mag” Lafleur agrees to visit the mysterious Belcourt House with her best friend, she expects an abandoned house and ghost stories. But deep in the Louisiana swamps, the past lingers.
It never forgets.
As Mag sleeps, a man appears in her dreams and brands her as his. When she wakes, she discovers the terrible truth—he is real, and he has come for her.
Though her captor can’t speak a word, his intentions become clear—he wants her to love him. And as much as she fights against it, something about him calls to her.
Now, trapped in a bayou filled with secrets, dangerous creatures, and restless spirits, Mag must unravel the mystery of the man who holds her captive. The question is, what will be the price of her freedom—her life or her heart?
In this dark, atmospheric retelling of Beauty and the Beast, the line between love and possession is razor-thin.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2025
67 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
C.J. North
2 books7 followersCJ North loves geography, history, mythology, and writing romance stories that incorporate them all. When not lost in a story, she's probably wandering a street on Google Maps or two hours into a deep dive on a random topic with no practical use.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 17, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️ and 3/5 🌶
*I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.*
Definitely a must read if you want to have beauty and the beast vibes combined with a tarzan like MMC. He provides food by hunting for it with his bare hands. Keep in mind, they are in a bayou. Crocodiles! The twists in this story were unexpected, and I loved that!
I would recommend it to anyone who wants a slightly dark paranormal romance, the MMC is mute and cursed, a HEA, and wants some spice.
- Bakery Worker FMC (Mag)
- Mute MMC (Henri)
- Check Trigger Warnings
- Beauty and the Beast meets Tarzan Retelling
- Cursed MMC
- Paranormal Dark Romance
- Captive/Captor
- HEA
- Available 9/18/2025
*I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.*
Definitely a must read if you want to have beauty and the beast vibes combined with a tarzan like MMC. He provides food by hunting for it with his bare hands. Keep in mind, they are in a bayou. Crocodiles! The twists in this story were unexpected, and I loved that!
I would recommend it to anyone who wants a slightly dark paranormal romance, the MMC is mute and cursed, a HEA, and wants some spice.
- Bakery Worker FMC (Mag)
- Mute MMC (Henri)
- Check Trigger Warnings
- Beauty and the Beast meets Tarzan Retelling
- Cursed MMC
- Paranormal Dark Romance
- Captive/Captor
- HEA
- Available 9/18/2025
March 24, 2026
Wow! What a great introduction to this author! I discovered this book through an Instagram post of a small piece that I came to find wasn't even until the very end of the book once I read it. The piece that pulled me in was a little spicy share of one scene that I had totally forgotten about until it popped back up in the final few pages. I had gotten so lost in this story with all of its elements once I started reading that I forgot what brought me to it to begin with. I consumed this book in a day. It was so good. I had no idea what I was fully stepping into with this story, and as I read, it had me in a total chokehold with its many elements of highly entertaining dynamics. Between the interesting characters, immersful setting, heavy underlying mystery, and steamy close proximity set up, I was enthralled!!!
What starts out as a girls' trip of epic haunted proportions quickly turns to a thing of captured tortured nightmares! Mag is such a relatable FMC in her design. Over worked and tired and just trying to find some time to connect with her best gal pal and do something fun. But it can never be that simple, can it? Right off the bat, you can feel an edge to something sinister brewing when her and Jessa get to their haunted destination. On the surface, it seems innocent. A little out in the bayou boat stay while poking around an old haunted mansion. Two girls just spending time out in the wild alone with some brews and free time. It seems simple enough until it isn't. The sudden turn took me off guard and made me feel panicked. Mag being snatched up by a crazed man hiding out in the bayou snatching up pretty girls was not on their hot girl summer list. But even that capture style trope was too simple. There was so much more to it!
The way this plotline developed in its mystery was so entertaining. I never would have guessed so many of the elements that pulled this story together, and I was eating them up. The absolute panicked vibes of Mags entrapment was thick. This wasn't a simple taken and locked up situation. A curse of great darkness keeping a beast in a realm of loneliness until a beauty sets him free was not what I was prepared for and I was so lost in the mystery of it all as it was unfolding. I love a mute MMC. I don't know why. Buy Henri is such a mysterious and addicting character. You just want more and more of him, but you have to be ok with the small doses he comes in as his story unfolds. You get wrapped up in that frustration right along Mags as she tries to figure out such a confusing situation with this man who's taken her for reasons unknown yet seems so inclined to care greatly for her. Him not being able to speak and simply explain it to her makes you feel that heavy sense of helplessness even more in the unknown. His sweet and calm demeanor takes the forefront of his characters identity, and you fall into trusting him easily. He works hard for that trust, and it doesn't go unnoticed by Mags. There is more hiding under the surface, and Mags knows it. Decoding what's hiding takes time, and she doesn't atop until she figures it out. Mags is not a lays down and takes it type, and I loved that.
I have never wanted inside an MMCs mind more than Henri's!!! Man, I was craving a dual POV just so I could hear what was going on in that man's head!!! The close proximity tension building delicious nature of these two was so worth the wait of the climax when it came. The B-E-G scene had me gagged. Fully. My gosh!!! The spice brought me to this book, but it in no way leads it. There are so many other elements that carry it more, but that chemistry that builds with them is so important to the overall ending of this story, and it builds just right. Those moments make your toes curl when you get them, and I lived for getting to them, lol.
The mystery in this book was so entertaining. It was the element I wasn't anticipating yet had me on a leash the whole time pulling me forward. This isn't just a simple capture romance story. There is a sinister evil at play that is holding the cards of a devious hand built on a grudge that is so unforgiving. And Henri is at its mercy. But he isn't alone anymore, and the more Mags digs to escape the bayou from hell, the more she realizes that Henri may not be the only force keeping her there fully. But once the opportunity comes, will she want to leave? So much happens within these pages. It's a story of love and betrayal. Getting lost to find home. And how finding someone who hears your soul without a voice can change your entire life's path.
I loved this book so much. I loved every element of it. Each situation, feeling, moment, and surprise all had my eyes tied to the pages as they unfolded one heavily entertaining story. I loved Mags and Henri. I loved the journey they went on together and where they ended up. I loved it all so much. I can't wait to read more from this author!
What starts out as a girls' trip of epic haunted proportions quickly turns to a thing of captured tortured nightmares! Mag is such a relatable FMC in her design. Over worked and tired and just trying to find some time to connect with her best gal pal and do something fun. But it can never be that simple, can it? Right off the bat, you can feel an edge to something sinister brewing when her and Jessa get to their haunted destination. On the surface, it seems innocent. A little out in the bayou boat stay while poking around an old haunted mansion. Two girls just spending time out in the wild alone with some brews and free time. It seems simple enough until it isn't. The sudden turn took me off guard and made me feel panicked. Mag being snatched up by a crazed man hiding out in the bayou snatching up pretty girls was not on their hot girl summer list. But even that capture style trope was too simple. There was so much more to it!
The way this plotline developed in its mystery was so entertaining. I never would have guessed so many of the elements that pulled this story together, and I was eating them up. The absolute panicked vibes of Mags entrapment was thick. This wasn't a simple taken and locked up situation. A curse of great darkness keeping a beast in a realm of loneliness until a beauty sets him free was not what I was prepared for and I was so lost in the mystery of it all as it was unfolding. I love a mute MMC. I don't know why. Buy Henri is such a mysterious and addicting character. You just want more and more of him, but you have to be ok with the small doses he comes in as his story unfolds. You get wrapped up in that frustration right along Mags as she tries to figure out such a confusing situation with this man who's taken her for reasons unknown yet seems so inclined to care greatly for her. Him not being able to speak and simply explain it to her makes you feel that heavy sense of helplessness even more in the unknown. His sweet and calm demeanor takes the forefront of his characters identity, and you fall into trusting him easily. He works hard for that trust, and it doesn't go unnoticed by Mags. There is more hiding under the surface, and Mags knows it. Decoding what's hiding takes time, and she doesn't atop until she figures it out. Mags is not a lays down and takes it type, and I loved that.
I have never wanted inside an MMCs mind more than Henri's!!! Man, I was craving a dual POV just so I could hear what was going on in that man's head!!! The close proximity tension building delicious nature of these two was so worth the wait of the climax when it came. The B-E-G scene had me gagged. Fully. My gosh!!! The spice brought me to this book, but it in no way leads it. There are so many other elements that carry it more, but that chemistry that builds with them is so important to the overall ending of this story, and it builds just right. Those moments make your toes curl when you get them, and I lived for getting to them, lol.
The mystery in this book was so entertaining. It was the element I wasn't anticipating yet had me on a leash the whole time pulling me forward. This isn't just a simple capture romance story. There is a sinister evil at play that is holding the cards of a devious hand built on a grudge that is so unforgiving. And Henri is at its mercy. But he isn't alone anymore, and the more Mags digs to escape the bayou from hell, the more she realizes that Henri may not be the only force keeping her there fully. But once the opportunity comes, will she want to leave? So much happens within these pages. It's a story of love and betrayal. Getting lost to find home. And how finding someone who hears your soul without a voice can change your entire life's path.
I loved this book so much. I loved every element of it. Each situation, feeling, moment, and surprise all had my eyes tied to the pages as they unfolded one heavily entertaining story. I loved Mags and Henri. I loved the journey they went on together and where they ended up. I loved it all so much. I can't wait to read more from this author!
September 7, 2025
First I want to thank the author for the lovely opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Actual ⭐️ rating: 4.5
The concept intrigued me from the start and once I had time to properly sit down and read this book I was hooked and finished it in less than a day. I loved the paranormal aspect of Henri, the curse, and how one act of desperation can backfire catastrophically.
I do wish we got more insight and more time on Mag and Henri's connection, like seeing her fall in love with him and his actions instead of just the small little glimpses we get. I also would have loved to see Mag through Henri's eyes, especially between when she first arrives and once we know how the curse works. His insight would have added just a little bit more flavor to the book.
All in all the story kept me on my toes, I thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely recommend! I was rooting for both their rescue and their HEA the entire time!
Actual ⭐️ rating: 4.5
The concept intrigued me from the start and once I had time to properly sit down and read this book I was hooked and finished it in less than a day. I loved the paranormal aspect of Henri, the curse, and how one act of desperation can backfire catastrophically.
I do wish we got more insight and more time on Mag and Henri's connection, like seeing her fall in love with him and his actions instead of just the small little glimpses we get. I also would have loved to see Mag through Henri's eyes, especially between when she first arrives and once we know how the curse works. His insight would have added just a little bit more flavor to the book.
All in all the story kept me on my toes, I thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely recommend! I was rooting for both their rescue and their HEA the entire time!
November 15, 2025
Beast of the Bayou was the perfect read while living in Queensland, summer/spring (they are the same). The humidity, the atmosphere, the mosquitoes… it all felt spot-on for a warm climate hellscape. The setting of a small Southern town gave me True Blood vibes, I loved that this story felt like it could exist in the same universe.
Henri was sweet, elusive, and (pleasantly) unraveled into a sexy little deviant. I was right there with Mag in not being able to stay mad at a possibly slightly gone insane kidnapper?
And then the twist?! I was mad.
Also: the oven. C.J hooked me in with the little teasers… it was exactly all the wholesome I was hoping for.😭😭😭
I’m genuinely mourning that oven.
Overall! Beast of the Bayou is short, sweet, made me laugh at times and gave me goosebumps when things got real. I had such a good time with this one.
Henri was sweet, elusive, and (pleasantly) unraveled into a sexy little deviant. I was right there with Mag in not being able to stay mad at a possibly slightly gone insane kidnapper?
And then the twist?! I was mad.
Also: the oven. C.J hooked me in with the little teasers… it was exactly all the wholesome I was hoping for.😭😭😭
I’m genuinely mourning that oven.
Overall! Beast of the Bayou is short, sweet, made me laugh at times and gave me goosebumps when things got real. I had such a good time with this one.
March 20, 2026
3⭐️ 3🌶
First of all, let's make something clear, 3/5 is still a good book (do the math, people). Reasons why I didn't rate it higher: I think the pacing felt a bit too rushed (the start, the build up of FMC/MMC relationship, and the ending), especially when the book addresses such a heavy theme as Stockholm Syndrom. I also felt I didn't have enough time to connect with the characters (hence the 3 points for spice because I do need some build up first). I do love a short read, and I understand the time skip had to be done in this book, but maybe it could be done less often. Given the strong, dark theme, I'd love to dig more inside Henri's mind (captor and MMC), and also Mag's (FMC) struggle with her emotions toward him. That being said, I loved the writing style, and in this case, my 3 star rating is because I wanted more (which maybe it's a good thing ^^)
First of all, let's make something clear, 3/5 is still a good book (do the math, people). Reasons why I didn't rate it higher: I think the pacing felt a bit too rushed (the start, the build up of FMC/MMC relationship, and the ending), especially when the book addresses such a heavy theme as Stockholm Syndrom. I also felt I didn't have enough time to connect with the characters (hence the 3 points for spice because I do need some build up first). I do love a short read, and I understand the time skip had to be done in this book, but maybe it could be done less often. Given the strong, dark theme, I'd love to dig more inside Henri's mind (captor and MMC), and also Mag's (FMC) struggle with her emotions toward him. That being said, I loved the writing style, and in this case, my 3 star rating is because I wanted more (which maybe it's a good thing ^^)
November 9, 2025
Magdelena goes on a trip deep into the bayou with her best friend who claims to be intrigued by stories of a haunted house and town long abandoned. When she’s taken captive by a cursed man who can’t speak, it all takes a turn. He dotes on her entirely but she’s unsure. Will Magdelena break his curse, or will they be doomed to a life together away from the world in the unforgiving swamp?
This is labeled as a Beauty and the Beast esque retelling and while I definitely see the parallels I actually love how completely unique this story is in so many ways. It’s a tale that spirals from danger to fear to budding feelings to full romance and ends with a gorgeously happy life for the main characters. Couldn’t stop reading this and I really loved it from start to finish.
This is labeled as a Beauty and the Beast esque retelling and while I definitely see the parallels I actually love how completely unique this story is in so many ways. It’s a tale that spirals from danger to fear to budding feelings to full romance and ends with a gorgeously happy life for the main characters. Couldn’t stop reading this and I really loved it from start to finish.
January 10, 2026
I don’t usually read dark romance, but this one had some of my favorite tropes (dom dynamics, light k!nk, wild and unhinged MMC), and I got lured by some very fun spicy quotes. The book totally delivered on all fronts.
Both characters were likeable and their dynamic made sense.Henri being mute made things quite interesting and it was well handled within the story. I enjoyed watching him become more human as it progressed. He’s not your usual dark romance bad boy. He’s like a big softie for Magdalena, even when he knows how to boss her around in the sheets.
I really like the swampy vibes, and the mystery surrounding everything. Detective Romero was totally a vibe, and added a lot of value to the book.
Both characters were likeable and their dynamic made sense.Henri being mute made things quite interesting and it was well handled within the story. I enjoyed watching him become more human as it progressed. He’s not your usual dark romance bad boy. He’s like a big softie for Magdalena, even when he knows how to boss her around in the sheets.
I really like the swampy vibes, and the mystery surrounding everything. Detective Romero was totally a vibe, and added a lot of value to the book.
September 11, 2025
I love a good Beauty and the Beast retelling, and Beast of the Bayou is no exception. It's evocative, with a vivid setting, and the developing relationship is emotional and compelling.
As part of his curse, the MMC Henri cannot speak, which makes for an interesting 'getting to know you' dynamic. The paranormal elements unfold gradually, and the revelations at the end, plus their transition to HEA, is well executed. All along it kept me guessing and wanting to work out how they'd resolve everything, and I loved the way it happened—beautiful and worth the wait.
I received an ARC copy (thank you!) and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
As part of his curse, the MMC Henri cannot speak, which makes for an interesting 'getting to know you' dynamic. The paranormal elements unfold gradually, and the revelations at the end, plus their transition to HEA, is well executed. All along it kept me guessing and wanting to work out how they'd resolve everything, and I loved the way it happened—beautiful and worth the wait.
I received an ARC copy (thank you!) and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
January 31, 2026
Craving a dark, twisted fairytale? This is the one! Pick this book up when you want to escape the cold. It’s Louisiana, swamp, mosquitoes, muggy, all the hot and sweaty vibes! If Anne Rice wrote Beauty and the Beast you might have an idea what you’re jumping into with this one. It’s a well-written, fast read, and okay, it’s a little dark (kidnapping anyone?) but honestly, it’s on the lighter side of dark, and you’ll probably fall for the MMC right along with the FMC. A sexy feral guy who can’t talk for the win!
August 29, 2025
Such a refreshing retelling! The twists and turns keep you guessing the entire time! I do wish we had more interactions between the MMC & FMC but I’m also a glutton for swooning!
I have read many retellings of Beauty and the Beast and it is always fun to read something that is a retelling but unique in its own way too! Obviously it is a bit of a dark romance but all our favorite flags are red! 🫶🏻
Great pick for anyone who is wanting a paranormal dark romance!
I have read many retellings of Beauty and the Beast and it is always fun to read something that is a retelling but unique in its own way too! Obviously it is a bit of a dark romance but all our favorite flags are red! 🫶🏻
Great pick for anyone who is wanting a paranormal dark romance!
September 17, 2025
I devoured this novella in a day.
When it comes to stories that are reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, we always look for a balance. It should be familiar enough, but also be innovative in a way that makes it new and exciting. This story struck the perfect balance.
I loved the characters, I adored the setting, it was just short enough for a quick, cozy yet dark, palate cleanser.
It really set the mood for autumn and the spooky season, which I really appreciate.
When it comes to stories that are reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, we always look for a balance. It should be familiar enough, but also be innovative in a way that makes it new and exciting. This story struck the perfect balance.
I loved the characters, I adored the setting, it was just short enough for a quick, cozy yet dark, palate cleanser.
It really set the mood for autumn and the spooky season, which I really appreciate.
November 11, 2025
Unique interpretation of the Beauty & the Beast fairy tale, with a bit of mystery and suspense.
Henri's character has just the right amount of desperation and obsessiveness a girl needs. His heart is in the right place. To Mag, he's worthy of redemption.
I loved the Bayou setting.
Henri's character has just the right amount of desperation and obsessiveness a girl needs. His heart is in the right place. To Mag, he's worthy of redemption.
I loved the Bayou setting.
November 23, 2025
Loved it!
Mag was feisty, but I was so excited to see how things played out and how strong she ended up being. Henri was just down right adorable. I loved it! Loved the story, the writing was great, and I liked the bit of difference in how the curse worked.
Mag was feisty, but I was so excited to see how things played out and how strong she ended up being. Henri was just down right adorable. I loved it! Loved the story, the writing was great, and I liked the bit of difference in how the curse worked.
March 10, 2026
Breath taking!
I loved every bit of this book! The story was great and the way you get pulled into it will have your undivided attention!! You feel as you are one of the main characters. This book will definitely warm you up! I highly recommend it!
I loved every bit of this book! The story was great and the way you get pulled into it will have your undivided attention!! You feel as you are one of the main characters. This book will definitely warm you up! I highly recommend it!
September 28, 2025
Honestly was super sweet sexy and fun. very well written.
November 11, 2025
Enjoyed this story immensely but the way things ended for Jessa bothered me a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2025
Alastor from Hazbin Hotel will always be the Beast of the Bayou to me, but Henri is a pretty close 2nd in my book.
January 12, 2026
I finished this book in a day... completely hooked....the story line was a wonderful beauty and the beast style and the plot was unique.
March 9, 2026
lets not talk about it lol
March 10, 2026
This was a fantastic quick read!!
December 1, 2025
I went into this story completely blind and I was BLOWN AWAY. It is like a dark fairytale. We have curses and ghosts and a plot twist I didn't see coming.
November 18, 2025
This was a really interesting beauty and the beast like story!
Set in modern times at a haunted home/town lost in the Bayou that is only assessable by boat through the swamp.
Two friends decide to head out as a fun little ghost hunting weekend trip but it turns into a very different type of getaway.
This had some twists and turns I did not expect. The MMC "beast" was not entirely lovable or without faults thus the curse and honestly some "choices" but you find yourself really getting an understanding for his actions though not necessarily condoning them.
The ending doesn't end at the end of the curse and I did love that.
Very atmospheric writing and setting. I was highly engrossed.
Set in modern times at a haunted home/town lost in the Bayou that is only assessable by boat through the swamp.
Two friends decide to head out as a fun little ghost hunting weekend trip but it turns into a very different type of getaway.
This had some twists and turns I did not expect. The MMC "beast" was not entirely lovable or without faults thus the curse and honestly some "choices" but you find yourself really getting an understanding for his actions though not necessarily condoning them.
The ending doesn't end at the end of the curse and I did love that.
Very atmospheric writing and setting. I was highly engrossed.
January 11, 2026
***ARC REVIEW***
4.5 stars
This version of the beast is actually all too human in the best possible way. He’s also mute and cursed, which made for a very creative way of communicating! I love when writers don’t make things too easy for their characters.
In the role of leading lady, we have Mags, a bread baker with some really awful friends. Poor girl just wanted a haunted house vacation from her crappy coworkers. She definitely wasn’t expecting to get wrapped up with a very hunky, very cursed dude.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves smutty fairytale retellings with a twist. And basically anyone who has ever dreamed about being kidnapped by a very attractive jungle (bayou) man.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
4.5 stars
This version of the beast is actually all too human in the best possible way. He’s also mute and cursed, which made for a very creative way of communicating! I love when writers don’t make things too easy for their characters.
In the role of leading lady, we have Mags, a bread baker with some really awful friends. Poor girl just wanted a haunted house vacation from her crappy coworkers. She definitely wasn’t expecting to get wrapped up with a very hunky, very cursed dude.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves smutty fairytale retellings with a twist. And basically anyone who has ever dreamed about being kidnapped by a very attractive jungle (bayou) man.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews