What do you think?
Rate this book
Charmed Beast: A Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast Retelling
Not yet published
Expected 3 Sep 26A cursed princess. An anxious duke. A courtship to conquer the darkness. Adara
I didn’t think accepting the present intended for my betrothed would be a problem until I got cursed with fangs and claws. Now a rage-inducing darkness has snuffed out my light magic, and I avoid society to maintain my relationships and keep everyone safe from my anger. But what’s not safe? My heart after stumbling upon my brother’s best friend fishing in the woods.
Evander
Two years ago my father died, and I’ve been drowning in grief ever since–unable to work up the courage to fight for the right to inherit the duchy. But my malicious uncle and annoying cousins are running the estate into the ground. It takes everything in me to keep us afloat. The horses I can magically connect with have been my only solace… until I meet the cursed princess in the woods. Now there’s something–or someone–worth fighting for.
Charmed Beast is a Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast retelling that’s been gender-flipped and combined. This clean fantasy romance is for readers who want a story focused on a person’s inner beauty and worth, the strength that comes from vulnerability, and what it means to sacrifice for those we love.
This clean fantasy romance, with only kisses, minimal violence, and uplifting themes is a story both teenagers and adults can enjoy.
I didn’t think accepting the present intended for my betrothed would be a problem until I got cursed with fangs and claws. Now a rage-inducing darkness has snuffed out my light magic, and I avoid society to maintain my relationships and keep everyone safe from my anger. But what’s not safe? My heart after stumbling upon my brother’s best friend fishing in the woods.
Evander
Two years ago my father died, and I’ve been drowning in grief ever since–unable to work up the courage to fight for the right to inherit the duchy. But my malicious uncle and annoying cousins are running the estate into the ground. It takes everything in me to keep us afloat. The horses I can magically connect with have been my only solace… until I meet the cursed princess in the woods. Now there’s something–or someone–worth fighting for.
Charmed Beast is a Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast retelling that’s been gender-flipped and combined. This clean fantasy romance is for readers who want a story focused on a person’s inner beauty and worth, the strength that comes from vulnerability, and what it means to sacrifice for those we love.
This clean fantasy romance, with only kisses, minimal violence, and uplifting themes is a story both teenagers and adults can enjoy.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 3, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a sweet take on Beauty and the Beast. Here we have a gender swap where it is the princess who ends up accepting a cursed mirror as a betrothal gift when her fiancé rudely refuses to accept items from commoners. Cursed to be beastly, with a burning rage replacing her sweet demeanor, Adara is cruelly spurned by her vain beau.
Adara now lives in hiding at the long-forgotten former castle, wearing a metal mask and veil to keep her face from ever being seen, and gloves on her hands.
Now it is two years later and her former fiancé is now the king of a neighboring kingdom and threatening war. Adara’s curse must be broken and marriage secured to a member of the aristocracy, with eligible suitors arriving to attend three balls in the hopes that a wedding will break the spell.
Evander, the crown Prince’s best friend and who has known Adara her whole life, should be Duke of his dutchy, but, in reality he is just a marquis in name only as his uncle (who took claim of the title and position when Evander fell into depression over the death of his father. In the past few years Evander’s uncle and two cousins have drained the coffers dry between their lavish lifestyles, drinking and gambling.
When crown Prince Caladan hatches a plot to get his best friend to fall for and marry Princess Adara will it turn out to be a match made in heaven or will outside forces keep these two apart?
Caladan is quite the wingman for both his sister and his bestie, with a cavalier attitude that will steal every scene he’s in. He’s overworked, both as a royal and for his incredibly strong healing magic. His upcoming love story promises to be epic, but it’s our leads that truly shine here. Adara struggles with her monstrous looks, and her newfound rage keeps her alienated in fear she will harm someone. While this frees her from courtly politics and the speed, grace and strength her changed body now possesses allows her the freedom to explore the deep woods, she is lonely. Sadly, with her change she has lost touch with her life-affirming harvest magic where she can help plants grow and thrive even in the snow.
Evander is shy to the point of allowing his uncle and cousins walk all over him. Maybe it’s because he’s known Caladan and Adara for so long, but he never has trouble holding conversation with either royal sibling. The ongoing abuse (verbally, emotionally and spiritually) is horrific, but that doesn’t stop him from seeing people for who they really are, his unfailing kindness and loyalty. He’s the diamond-in-the-rough you just want to take in, fill his hungry belly and coat in loving care. Add in his magic affinity with horses (he can feel their emotions and even speaking telepathically with them) then how can a girl go wrong snapping him up?!?!
The parameters to break the curse weren’t specified, and the factors that work together to free Adara are beautifully interwoven.
It’s a fairy tale redo that will have you believing in happily ever afters in a completely clean story that includes faith in a higher power. Safe for teens up.
Now comes the disclaimer: I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, but I also have a copy on preorder as I love supporting independent authors as much as I can. The author and this fresh world she is populating it with will enchant readers of non-spicy romantasy stories and the Christian aspect appeals to me, but isn’t overwhelming of the story.
Adara now lives in hiding at the long-forgotten former castle, wearing a metal mask and veil to keep her face from ever being seen, and gloves on her hands.
Now it is two years later and her former fiancé is now the king of a neighboring kingdom and threatening war. Adara’s curse must be broken and marriage secured to a member of the aristocracy, with eligible suitors arriving to attend three balls in the hopes that a wedding will break the spell.
Evander, the crown Prince’s best friend and who has known Adara her whole life, should be Duke of his dutchy, but, in reality he is just a marquis in name only as his uncle (who took claim of the title and position when Evander fell into depression over the death of his father. In the past few years Evander’s uncle and two cousins have drained the coffers dry between their lavish lifestyles, drinking and gambling.
When crown Prince Caladan hatches a plot to get his best friend to fall for and marry Princess Adara will it turn out to be a match made in heaven or will outside forces keep these two apart?
Caladan is quite the wingman for both his sister and his bestie, with a cavalier attitude that will steal every scene he’s in. He’s overworked, both as a royal and for his incredibly strong healing magic. His upcoming love story promises to be epic, but it’s our leads that truly shine here. Adara struggles with her monstrous looks, and her newfound rage keeps her alienated in fear she will harm someone. While this frees her from courtly politics and the speed, grace and strength her changed body now possesses allows her the freedom to explore the deep woods, she is lonely. Sadly, with her change she has lost touch with her life-affirming harvest magic where she can help plants grow and thrive even in the snow.
Evander is shy to the point of allowing his uncle and cousins walk all over him. Maybe it’s because he’s known Caladan and Adara for so long, but he never has trouble holding conversation with either royal sibling. The ongoing abuse (verbally, emotionally and spiritually) is horrific, but that doesn’t stop him from seeing people for who they really are, his unfailing kindness and loyalty. He’s the diamond-in-the-rough you just want to take in, fill his hungry belly and coat in loving care. Add in his magic affinity with horses (he can feel their emotions and even speaking telepathically with them) then how can a girl go wrong snapping him up?!?!
The parameters to break the curse weren’t specified, and the factors that work together to free Adara are beautifully interwoven.
It’s a fairy tale redo that will have you believing in happily ever afters in a completely clean story that includes faith in a higher power. Safe for teens up.
Now comes the disclaimer: I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, but I also have a copy on preorder as I love supporting independent authors as much as I can. The author and this fresh world she is populating it with will enchant readers of non-spicy romantasy stories and the Christian aspect appeals to me, but isn’t overwhelming of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book combined two of my favorite fairy tales (Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella), gender swapped them, added realistic internal character challenges on top of the external villains, fleshed out a believable world, then mixed in magic and a sweet friends-first romance. I absolutely adore this book and will most likely read it again at some point in the future. It did take me a minute to find my stride reading it. I read the first book Fairest Hunter some time ago and had forgotten that the characters in this world have their own internal magic as well as some of the references back to the first book, so felt like I was missing something through the first bit of story, but once I settled in, I couldn't stop reading. I love the depth of the characters and how they deal with very human internal challenges. I dare say this book outdid the first novel in that regard. I also appreciated the faith aspect and the viewing of their magic as gifts. The only thing I would really nitpick is that I felt like the change of heart at the end for one of Evander's cousins felt a little sudden and unexpected. I also wish we knew more about the person who gave the enchanted mirror. Where did they come from? What was their motivation? But it's possible this will be explored in the next book, since it seems to be headed into the land ruled by the intended recipient of the curse. Overall, this book provided a fun escape and I enjoyed every minute of it! I received an advanced reader's copy of this book and these are my own honest thoughts and opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a gender-flipped mash up of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Our MMC Evander is a likable character from the start. He is kind and a hard worker as he tries to help his people and keep his duchy afloat despite the actions of his uncle and two cousins. He also has a fun magic with horses that I loved seeing.
The FMC is a little bit hardened due to a curse she is suffering under, but a childhood friend Evander is exactly who she needs to break through the curse. Adara is the rougher of the two of them, she doesn’t come off as kind and caring as Evander does. Most of that has to do with the fact that she has been cursed with rage-inducing darkness.
This story kept me on the edge of my seat and I think I may even like it better than the first & the novella.
I received a copy of this from the author, the review are my true thoughts of the book.
The FMC is a little bit hardened due to a curse she is suffering under, but a childhood friend Evander is exactly who she needs to break through the curse. Adara is the rougher of the two of them, she doesn’t come off as kind and caring as Evander does. Most of that has to do with the fact that she has been cursed with rage-inducing darkness.
This story kept me on the edge of my seat and I think I may even like it better than the first & the novella.
I received a copy of this from the author, the review are my true thoughts of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book literally made me laugh out loud, then cry uncontrollably, and even at one point shove the cover on my tablet shut. What an emotional ride! My heart was breaking for Adara and Evander. There were a lot of self doubt moments, but then there are also a lot of tender moments. I literally could not control my tears. And Evander’s uncle, made me so furious, but I guess that makes him a great antagonist! If you love the tropes He Falls First, She tends his wounds, or Friends-to-Lovers. Then you don’t want to miss “Charmed Beast”! I’d give it more than 5 stars if possible!
My favorite quote from this book:
““I’m here. Got chased by a mountain lion. Kissed your best friend. Things are just fine.” She props her chin on her hand. “Can you leave now?”
My favorite quote from this book:
““I’m here. Got chased by a mountain lion. Kissed your best friend. Things are just fine.” She props her chin on her hand. “Can you leave now?”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Charmed Beast by M.K. Felix
5 ⭐️
"It has been too long since I've been comfortable in the presence of someone, let alone someone I care about. I'd rather feel your anger than be alone."
This was the first book I've read by M.K. Felix, and it certainly won't be the last!
Charmed Beast is such a beautifully heartbreaking story. Seeing both Adara's and Evander's struggles to choose the path of light had me tearing up, yet the redemptive ending brought me so much joy. My favorite part of the whole story was that there wasn't a perfect "happily ever after". In the end, Adara and Evander both acknowledge that not every problem they've been facing is magically fixed, but they know that they can conquer anything together (and with Solwain's help).
5 ⭐️
"It has been too long since I've been comfortable in the presence of someone, let alone someone I care about. I'd rather feel your anger than be alone."
This was the first book I've read by M.K. Felix, and it certainly won't be the last!
Charmed Beast is such a beautifully heartbreaking story. Seeing both Adara's and Evander's struggles to choose the path of light had me tearing up, yet the redemptive ending brought me so much joy. My favorite part of the whole story was that there wasn't a perfect "happily ever after". In the end, Adara and Evander both acknowledge that not every problem they've been facing is magically fixed, but they know that they can conquer anything together (and with Solwain's help).
August 8, 2026
This was a very interesting twisted mashup is the best way I can describe it because it is a gender reversed beauty and the beast and Cinderella mashup retailing, but MK Felix did an amazing job, not with just the gender reversal of two fairytales and then matching them both together, but it works out so well like I’m amazed at how many times authors have done different mash ups and done different twists and I’m just like oh my gosh that worked out so well how did they think of that? This is definitely one of those books. I really enjoyed it from beginning to end. It was a nice pace I loved all the characters. I even love the magic that was kind of intertwined in it and it was a really good story all around. I have not read the first book, but I am looking forward to reading Lady Scarlet Soon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was so much more than just a Cinderella/ Beauty and the Beast mash up. This was a story of finding light and courage despite one’s darkness.
I loved the characters and the setting. I loved how perfectly the author blended these two stories and I loved how relatable both the characters were! I loved the faith threaded throughout the story and how it taught that sometimes being strong means learning to be kind.
This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time and once I got to about 40% I could not stop reading! This was such a great uplifting fairytale that I could read again and again!
I loved the characters and the setting. I loved how perfectly the author blended these two stories and I loved how relatable both the characters were! I loved the faith threaded throughout the story and how it taught that sometimes being strong means learning to be kind.
This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time and once I got to about 40% I could not stop reading! This was such a great uplifting fairytale that I could read again and again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it. Two fairytales wrapped into one with gender reversal? Can you get cooler? I mean probably but I haven’t seen it. The FMC is cursed and the MMC lives a miserable life. The two of them find hope and love in each other. I feel like the old guy who started it all is just cackling off in a corner somewhere. He needs to face some consequences for his foolery lol. The horses were lovely and I definitely gasped internally at some parts. Solid bad guys and solid storyline. I feel like this was a great rendition of both stories.
June 9, 2026
🌹I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and advertising on social media all of my own volition as I signed up for it.
🐴I have read both Fairest Hunter, the first book in this series and Lady Scarlett, the companion novella, and was SO excited to be able to read this one early and support M.K. Felix in reading and sharing about it. I loved that Adara’s curse was written as a picture of Post-Partum rage and mental health issues as a way to both show others what it can be like for someone living with them and as a way to show those dealing with it that there is hope. The same goes for Evander and his social anxiety, and showing that sometimes we have to think of others and look at those outside of ourselves to give us the courage to do something that is uncomfortable for us but necessary. I loved all the side characters and there was some cute side romances as well. I am very excited for the next book in the series with Adara’s brother Caladen!
🌹Reader’s Notes:
•Format: Ebook
•Pov: Dual- Adara & Evander
•Genre: Clean Fantasy Romance
•Series: The Favored’s Curse-Book 2
•Representation: uncontrollable rage(similar to post-partum rage or that brought on by mental health struggles), social anxiety, panic attacks
•Romance Level: 1.5- just a few, very lightly described kisses, and light romantic touches
•Swearing Level: None
•Violence Level: PG/PG-13- physical abuse, attempted murder x2, one character is stabbed
•Other Notes: drinking, and drunkenness
•Triggers: Physical and emotional abuse by family members, threatened sexual assault, injuries & blood(minimally described, not gory), social anxiety, panic attacks, attempted assault
•Age rating: 15+ (because of themes of abuse, but would be totally appropriate romance and swearing wise for much younger teens-it’s all up to parent discretion ☺️)
🐴I have read both Fairest Hunter, the first book in this series and Lady Scarlett, the companion novella, and was SO excited to be able to read this one early and support M.K. Felix in reading and sharing about it. I loved that Adara’s curse was written as a picture of Post-Partum rage and mental health issues as a way to both show others what it can be like for someone living with them and as a way to show those dealing with it that there is hope. The same goes for Evander and his social anxiety, and showing that sometimes we have to think of others and look at those outside of ourselves to give us the courage to do something that is uncomfortable for us but necessary. I loved all the side characters and there was some cute side romances as well. I am very excited for the next book in the series with Adara’s brother Caladen!
🌹Reader’s Notes:
•Format: Ebook
•Pov: Dual- Adara & Evander
•Genre: Clean Fantasy Romance
•Series: The Favored’s Curse-Book 2
•Representation: uncontrollable rage(similar to post-partum rage or that brought on by mental health struggles), social anxiety, panic attacks
•Romance Level: 1.5- just a few, very lightly described kisses, and light romantic touches
•Swearing Level: None
•Violence Level: PG/PG-13- physical abuse, attempted murder x2, one character is stabbed
•Other Notes: drinking, and drunkenness
•Triggers: Physical and emotional abuse by family members, threatened sexual assault, injuries & blood(minimally described, not gory), social anxiety, panic attacks, attempted assault
•Age rating: 15+ (because of themes of abuse, but would be totally appropriate romance and swearing wise for much younger teens-it’s all up to parent discretion ☺️)
Review of advance copy received from Author
A retelling of swapped Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella!!
I really liked these characters and this story! I thought it was beautifully told and very tender!
Fun mix of fairytale and magic and just real world thoughts and feelings!
I really liked these characters and this story! I thought it was beautifully told and very tender!
Fun mix of fairytale and magic and just real world thoughts and feelings!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a sweet, heartfelt sincere story! Loved every minute. The faith in this series is very inspiring and uplifting. The characters are so relatable, they feel like friends. I loved this story and this world so much! Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
RTC - it’s an ARC read and so, so good!!!!
Read
May 23, 2026I had the privilege of proofreading this one! M.K. Felix constructs such unique mash-ups that are a good time every time!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book did not disappoint in the slightest. It was interesting to see how she changes both of the original stories while still keeping them recognizable and true to the tales. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews