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Cursed #1
Broken
Nick Fairfax vows to do whatever Lord Bane Dunsaney desires for one year. In exchange, Nick’s family gets a chance to regain their fortune. Is this the worst mistake of Nick’s life, or will it lead to a love only found in fairy tales? A modern, M/M retelling of Beauty & The Beast.
Sensitive, aspiring photographer Nick Fairfax wants nothing to do with his family's corporate business, or their vicious, cold-blooded lifestyle. Intending to give up his inheritance and pursue his art, he arrives at his father's office, only to find that Fairfax Industries has fallen to a scarred man in a hooded cloak.
The man is the reclusive billionaire Lord Bane Dunsaney, and he is bent on destroying the Fairfaxes. But when he sees Nick, everything changes. Bane offers the Fairfaxes the chance to regain their fortune if Nick will reside at Moon Shadow, his secluded mansion, and do whatever the billionaire wants for a whole year. Nick has no real choice other than to agree to Bane’s terms.
At Moon Shadow, Bane lords his power over Nick, going even so far as to take Nick’s phone, computer and beloved camera away. The billionaire claims such measures are to protect his privacy, but Nick is convinced they are so Bane can control him.
Each is determined to see the worst in each other. But as time passes, Nick glimpses a Bane that is much more than the cold-hearted figure that he met in his father's office. He discovers that Bane is a man betrayed by love and no longer believes in it.
But what Nick comes to know about Bane is nothing compared to the man’s true secret. Bane is cursed. He is a tiger-shifter who has no control over his beast. And that beast wants Nick.
Sensitive, aspiring photographer Nick Fairfax wants nothing to do with his family's corporate business, or their vicious, cold-blooded lifestyle. Intending to give up his inheritance and pursue his art, he arrives at his father's office, only to find that Fairfax Industries has fallen to a scarred man in a hooded cloak.
The man is the reclusive billionaire Lord Bane Dunsaney, and he is bent on destroying the Fairfaxes. But when he sees Nick, everything changes. Bane offers the Fairfaxes the chance to regain their fortune if Nick will reside at Moon Shadow, his secluded mansion, and do whatever the billionaire wants for a whole year. Nick has no real choice other than to agree to Bane’s terms.
At Moon Shadow, Bane lords his power over Nick, going even so far as to take Nick’s phone, computer and beloved camera away. The billionaire claims such measures are to protect his privacy, but Nick is convinced they are so Bane can control him.
Each is determined to see the worst in each other. But as time passes, Nick glimpses a Bane that is much more than the cold-hearted figure that he met in his father's office. He discovers that Bane is a man betrayed by love and no longer believes in it.
But what Nick comes to know about Bane is nothing compared to the man’s true secret. Bane is cursed. He is a tiger-shifter who has no control over his beast. And that beast wants Nick.
250 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2016
412 people are currently reading
844 people want to read
About the author
X. Aratare
90 books704 followersX. Aratare is the pseudonym for Raythe Reign's Gay(M/M) books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
January 9, 2017
Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio Book: (Narrator) Michael Pauley – Mixed feelings 3 – 4 Stars
Book Cover: 3
CLIFFIE ALERT!!!!!!!
There. I said it and now I feel better.
Okay. So basically I was in the mood for a little sappy Beauty and the Beast. Hence the fact that deep down I truly wasn’t expecting a great deal from the book. I was pleasantly surprised though.
I like the whole Bengal Tiger thing. Partly because it’s a “new” spin on the whole “beast” thing, and partly because WHO DOESN”T LOVE WHITE BENGAL TIGERS??
Because I occasionally indulge in a little DARK read or three, I could see this having potential of going a bit more “serious” and I could certainly see Bane giving Nick much better reasons to think him a bastard. He is after all a “beast” is he not? There I go again fantasising about the story turning into a little piece of broken alpha transforming and growing into a better man over the span of three books.
The story was nice. It was what I signed up for after all and it didn’t disappoint. It just made me want a little more because it had the potential? Does that make any sense at all? There were times where it was typical old school Beauty and the Beast. As if the author wanted to make real sure we knew Nick was a good guy and sometimes it was pushed a little to the brick? Still, I liked both Nick and Bane.
All and all I really liked it. I’ve read a review somewhere in here ranting on about racist crap? And I just want to say that if you find this book racist you surely didn’t drink your morning meds dear chum.
I for one LOVED Omar. If you take in stride the history and the time Bane has been walking the earth, as well as Omar’s being a priest, you would surely understand the what and why behind the book being written the way it has.
Don’t make the poor authors bear the brunt of your own issues. You want politics, run in the next election campaign.
It has no place here! This isn’t “The long walk to Freedom” this is fiction and not even political fiction!
I’m kinda pissed about the book being a cliffy, but only because I really wanted to have more. So that’s pissed in a good way I guess? LOL
I surely would love the next one. It’s getting interesting now, because where all just should have ended nice and sweetly it took a turn where a whole new book of its own is now to follow. I’m on the wagon to finding out where this is heading.
Audio Book: (Narrator) Michael Pauley – Mixed feelings 3 – 4 Stars
Book Cover: 3
CLIFFIE ALERT!!!!!!!
There. I said it and now I feel better.
Okay. So basically I was in the mood for a little sappy Beauty and the Beast. Hence the fact that deep down I truly wasn’t expecting a great deal from the book. I was pleasantly surprised though.
I like the whole Bengal Tiger thing. Partly because it’s a “new” spin on the whole “beast” thing, and partly because WHO DOESN”T LOVE WHITE BENGAL TIGERS??
Because I occasionally indulge in a little DARK read or three, I could see this having potential of going a bit more “serious” and I could certainly see Bane giving Nick much better reasons to think him a bastard. He is after all a “beast” is he not? There I go again fantasising about the story turning into a little piece of broken alpha transforming and growing into a better man over the span of three books.
The story was nice. It was what I signed up for after all and it didn’t disappoint. It just made me want a little more because it had the potential? Does that make any sense at all? There were times where it was typical old school Beauty and the Beast. As if the author wanted to make real sure we knew Nick was a good guy and sometimes it was pushed a little to the brick? Still, I liked both Nick and Bane.
All and all I really liked it. I’ve read a review somewhere in here ranting on about racist crap? And I just want to say that if you find this book racist you surely didn’t drink your morning meds dear chum.
I for one LOVED Omar. If you take in stride the history and the time Bane has been walking the earth, as well as Omar’s being a priest, you would surely understand the what and why behind the book being written the way it has.
Don’t make the poor authors bear the brunt of your own issues. You want politics, run in the next election campaign.
It has no place here! This isn’t “The long walk to Freedom” this is fiction and not even political fiction!
I’m kinda pissed about the book being a cliffy, but only because I really wanted to have more. So that’s pissed in a good way I guess? LOL
I surely would love the next one. It’s getting interesting now, because where all just should have ended nice and sweetly it took a turn where a whole new book of its own is now to follow. I’m on the wagon to finding out where this is heading.
August 23, 2017
This book is a better take on a fairytale than Tara Lain's Beauty, Inc.... BUT it is a take on an already known story, which can be... Boring.
So Nick is the Beauty in this one, he's the youngest of 3 brothers and of course a fair, sensitive soul. Their mother died when Nick was 9, and he has been on the outskirts of the family ever since.
His brothers are manipulative, greedy and all-around douchebags, JUST LIKE their father.
Nick has been given an ultimatum: 'Give up your foolish dreams of becoming a photographer, or else you will be cut of from the entire family (and fortune!)
The only sane one in the first chapters of the book is Jade -Nick's best friend.
If there was a character that should have more showtime and more appearances in mm-books all over, it should be her!
She does not give a FLYING fuck about Nick's family, and has already figured out, that they will NEVER be better and they will never repent their disgusting behaviour. She is the voice of FUCKING reason in regards to SO many ridiculous family-characters and forgiveness-plots in mm books.
So Nick's family is horrendous (think evil guy from Pretty Woman), but Nick wants to be better (or so he says)... When he arrives to tell his family about his decision to leave in pursuit of happiness, he finds his father and brothers cornered, both figuratively and literally by Bane. They tried taking over Bane's company, but failed spectacularly, and now they're broke.
Of course a deal is brokered, where Nick has to live with Bane for a full year, working as an intern.
It turns out that Bane has some problems of his own. When he was young, foolish and full of himself in India, he went on a hunt where he shot the tiger who contained the spirit of all tigers. Now he is cursed at every full moon and he has a gruesome scar on his cheek.
What didn't work was that Nick was a sanctimonious bitch! Seriously he knew what his family was doing; taking other people's pensions and salaries, while they patted their pockets, but still he felt he had to stand with his father and brothers, against Bane.
Nick's family finally had what was coming to them, and yet Nick was being a douche. Please spare me... If he was such a good, sensitive guy he would have fucking told them to shove it, long ago.
So yeah, IMO Nick was not a good, kind, sensitive soul, he was fucking selfish. Bane on the other hand was an interesting character. He has one TRUE friend -his servant/priest/oracle- Omar, and he is still paying for a mistake he made long ago.
The story spans over a few days, where Nick is living at Moon Shadow and being a dick to Bane, while being such a 'nice' guest to Omar. I get that Bane was the one who suggested the deal, but Nick was just not getting it!
The smexy times in this one are not in real-time (they're all in their dreams) and there is a wee bit of beastiality going on. But Bane proves to be a real gentleman while they're awake.
This is a re-take on a fairytale yes, but Nick was not a 'beauty' (not of the mind anyways) and the so-called 'beast' had one scar on his cheek, that did not take away from his beauty.
The story ends on a BIG cliffhanger, which I just found freaking annoying. So yeah, I'm really not sure I can be bothered with the second one.
So Nick is the Beauty in this one, he's the youngest of 3 brothers and of course a fair, sensitive soul. Their mother died when Nick was 9, and he has been on the outskirts of the family ever since.
His brothers are manipulative, greedy and all-around douchebags, JUST LIKE their father.
Nick has been given an ultimatum: 'Give up your foolish dreams of becoming a photographer, or else you will be cut of from the entire family (and fortune!)
The only sane one in the first chapters of the book is Jade -Nick's best friend.
If there was a character that should have more showtime and more appearances in mm-books all over, it should be her!
She does not give a FLYING fuck about Nick's family, and has already figured out, that they will NEVER be better and they will never repent their disgusting behaviour. She is the voice of FUCKING reason in regards to SO many ridiculous family-characters and forgiveness-plots in mm books.
So Nick's family is horrendous (think evil guy from Pretty Woman), but Nick wants to be better (or so he says)... When he arrives to tell his family about his decision to leave in pursuit of happiness, he finds his father and brothers cornered, both figuratively and literally by Bane. They tried taking over Bane's company, but failed spectacularly, and now they're broke.
Of course a deal is brokered, where Nick has to live with Bane for a full year, working as an intern.
It turns out that Bane has some problems of his own. When he was young, foolish and full of himself in India, he went on a hunt where he shot the tiger who contained the spirit of all tigers. Now he is cursed at every full moon and he has a gruesome scar on his cheek.
What didn't work was that Nick was a sanctimonious bitch! Seriously he knew what his family was doing; taking other people's pensions and salaries, while they patted their pockets, but still he felt he had to stand with his father and brothers, against Bane.
Nick's family finally had what was coming to them, and yet Nick was being a douche. Please spare me... If he was such a good, sensitive guy he would have fucking told them to shove it, long ago.
So yeah, IMO Nick was not a good, kind, sensitive soul, he was fucking selfish. Bane on the other hand was an interesting character. He has one TRUE friend -his servant/priest/oracle- Omar, and he is still paying for a mistake he made long ago.
The story spans over a few days, where Nick is living at Moon Shadow and being a dick to Bane, while being such a 'nice' guest to Omar. I get that Bane was the one who suggested the deal, but Nick was just not getting it!
The smexy times in this one are not in real-time (they're all in their dreams) and there is a wee bit of beastiality going on. But Bane proves to be a real gentleman while they're awake.
This is a re-take on a fairytale yes, but Nick was not a 'beauty' (not of the mind anyways) and the so-called 'beast' had one scar on his cheek, that did not take away from his beauty.
The story ends on a BIG cliffhanger, which I just found freaking annoying. So yeah, I'm really not sure I can be bothered with the second one.
June 21, 2016
If you want to read part of a book instead of a novel, with a cliffhanger ending and no idea when, if ever, the second book will be published, go ahead and buy. But since this is the second book from this author and this publisher where I got cliffhangered when I believed I'd purchased a complete novel, I'm buying nothing more from this company or by this author until the advertising reflects the facts. For all I know, it could take 3 or 4 or 5 books to actually finish this story. (The other cliffhanger book was The Bodyguard).
The sole reason this isn't a one-star rating is because the author is talented and this partial book is well-written. So much so, that if I'd in fact purchased a complete novel, I'd have given this at least 4 stars and perhaps 5.
Perhaps, too, if I'd been given sufficient information to make an informed decision, it's conceivable I might have gone ahead and bought. But the reality is that if a publisher is truthful and says, "This is a really good book, but it's got a cliffhanger ending, and we're not going to tell you how many books it'll take to wrap up the story and when they'll be published," they're not got going to get a lot of sales.
But if they lure you in by telling you it's a novel...and please don't give me grief about the fact it has enough words to technically be considered a novel...and then cliffhanger you, they're hoping you'll be so interested in the story you'll keep on buying, no matter how long they string you along. If you're uncertain about this, take a look at the blurb, which says this is an MM retelling of "Beauty and the Beast"...and then see if there's anywhere in the blurb which says it's going to take 2...or 3...or 4 books to tell the story.
Not for me. If and when the actual story is done I'll consider purchasing the rest of the story. But like the saying goes about "fool me once"...well, "fool me three times means I'm an idiot." No more books from this publisher until I can trust that when I buy a novel I'm not going to be cliffhangered.
Just my USD .02.
The sole reason this isn't a one-star rating is because the author is talented and this partial book is well-written. So much so, that if I'd in fact purchased a complete novel, I'd have given this at least 4 stars and perhaps 5.
Perhaps, too, if I'd been given sufficient information to make an informed decision, it's conceivable I might have gone ahead and bought. But the reality is that if a publisher is truthful and says, "This is a really good book, but it's got a cliffhanger ending, and we're not going to tell you how many books it'll take to wrap up the story and when they'll be published," they're not got going to get a lot of sales.
But if they lure you in by telling you it's a novel...and please don't give me grief about the fact it has enough words to technically be considered a novel...and then cliffhanger you, they're hoping you'll be so interested in the story you'll keep on buying, no matter how long they string you along. If you're uncertain about this, take a look at the blurb, which says this is an MM retelling of "Beauty and the Beast"...and then see if there's anywhere in the blurb which says it's going to take 2...or 3...or 4 books to tell the story.
Not for me. If and when the actual story is done I'll consider purchasing the rest of the story. But like the saying goes about "fool me once"...well, "fool me three times means I'm an idiot." No more books from this publisher until I can trust that when I buy a novel I'm not going to be cliffhangered.
Just my USD .02.
September 12, 2019
I have to say, as much as I dislike the Disney versions of Fairy Tales, I really did like this re-telling of Beauty and the Beast...and I'm definitely going to listen to the next one because OMG cliffhanger anyone?
I'm not sure I'd have it in me to forgive my family if they'd treated me like Nick's treated him, or if they had such a dearth of morals, compassion, empathy...you know, the emotions that make people likeable (to me anyway). But I understand why he's still seeking their acceptance, even after he'd originally made plans to break away completely. And it's more than just acceptance, he wants to walk away free from guilt; he knows he's grown up in a privileged life, has benefited from their power & money-hungry ways, and wants a clean slate. But there's still that little bit of a little boy wanting his daddy to say, "Good job, son." Can't blame him. I think there's a tiny (or not so tiny) bit of that in all of us.
And I love how the curse was tied to Bane's actions, his own less-than-happy childhood...and that he now uses his power/money to target those who absolutely need to be brought down a peg for their insolence and greed. Wish there was more of that in the world sometimes...
Adored Omar and Nick's friend Jade...I hope there's more of each of them in the next book. I mean, I'm sure Omar figures prominently since he's basically an amalgamation of Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, Wardrobe, etc. (What? I said I didn't particularly like Disney Fairy Tales, not that I haven't seen them!)
Michael Pauley did a good job with the narration as well, which made listening to this a real treat.
I'm not sure I'd have it in me to forgive my family if they'd treated me like Nick's treated him, or if they had such a dearth of morals, compassion, empathy...you know, the emotions that make people likeable (to me anyway). But I understand why he's still seeking their acceptance, even after he'd originally made plans to break away completely. And it's more than just acceptance, he wants to walk away free from guilt; he knows he's grown up in a privileged life, has benefited from their power & money-hungry ways, and wants a clean slate. But there's still that little bit of a little boy wanting his daddy to say, "Good job, son." Can't blame him. I think there's a tiny (or not so tiny) bit of that in all of us.
And I love how the curse was tied to Bane's actions, his own less-than-happy childhood...and that he now uses his power/money to target those who absolutely need to be brought down a peg for their insolence and greed. Wish there was more of that in the world sometimes...
Adored Omar and Nick's friend Jade...I hope there's more of each of them in the next book. I mean, I'm sure Omar figures prominently since he's basically an amalgamation of Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, Wardrobe, etc. (What? I said I didn't particularly like Disney Fairy Tales, not that I haven't seen them!)
Michael Pauley did a good job with the narration as well, which made listening to this a real treat.
March 30, 2020
This was a freebie download because I just needed a light easy read after some intense books☺️ It’s a M/M retelling of Beauty and the Beast and it was a quick read. Not the best. And beware - it’s the first of three, so if you’re a stickler for finishing a series, you’ll need to get the other two books because this ends on a CH. I won’t be bothering if I’m honest.
August 4, 2016
AUDIOBOOK 3 STARS, for tacky musical chapter changes
Story 4 STARS
for UF lovers only oh and shifters and folk lore curses too. It kept my attention throughout and I'm really interested for the sequel, as it should be a direct follow on and things just started to get very interesting
Story 4 STARS
for UF lovers only oh and shifters and folk lore curses too. It kept my attention throughout and I'm really interested for the sequel, as it should be a direct follow on and things just started to get very interesting
January 13, 2022
Aug 2017: DNF 15% Audiobook
Two things. One, as I suspected, the narrator's performance is monotonic. Two, his vocal range is narrow as several characters are difficult to distinguish.
Note: Even though the ebook desperately needed a good editor, I quite enjoyed it.
March 2019: Listening to the audiobook AND ENJOYING IT! Still not a fan of Michael Pauley.
Two things. One, as I suspected, the narrator's performance is monotonic. Two, his vocal range is narrow as several characters are difficult to distinguish.
Note: Even though the ebook desperately needed a good editor, I quite enjoyed it.
March 2019: Listening to the audiobook AND ENJOYING IT! Still not a fan of Michael Pauley.
July 27, 2018
I did enjoy this alot, the characters are beautifully developed, as you can imagine the story is kind of set to beauty and the beasts pace but incredibly different too.
Nick Fairfax has agreed to stay with Bane as an intern in order to save his family but as the thin line between love and hate snaps Bane and nick start to discover each other in a different light.
Throw in the immortal spirit of a Bengal tiger and a Butler/priest and you have an amazing story.
It is the first M/M Romance i have read which i picked up accidentally so i don't have anything to compare it with but i found it a sweet romance and the characters relatable and likable.
There is a huge cliffhanger at the end so be prepared to want to read book 2!
Nick Fairfax has agreed to stay with Bane as an intern in order to save his family but as the thin line between love and hate snaps Bane and nick start to discover each other in a different light.
Throw in the immortal spirit of a Bengal tiger and a Butler/priest and you have an amazing story.
It is the first M/M Romance i have read which i picked up accidentally so i don't have anything to compare it with but i found it a sweet romance and the characters relatable and likable.
There is a huge cliffhanger at the end so be prepared to want to read book 2!
April 26, 2017
I hate cliff hangers! Especially when there's no note in the book descriptions letting you know.
October 5, 2017
Review Coming
February 13, 2017
I don't know.
Some of this was really interesting, and it sped right by...but I wasn't expecting a cliff hanger.
I liked it...but not enough for me to throw down my planned tbr, and jump into book 2.
It's a bit of slow burn. There are some dreams.
I don't know how I feel about Bane. He seems a little cold. He is protecting Nick, but he's cold even to his so called friends.
Some of this was really interesting, and it sped right by...but I wasn't expecting a cliff hanger.
I liked it...but not enough for me to throw down my planned tbr, and jump into book 2.
It's a bit of slow burn. There are some dreams.
I don't know how I feel about Bane. He seems a little cold. He is protecting Nick, but he's cold even to his so called friends.
September 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet and I loved the paranormal aspect of this story, as well as the family dynamics. My only complaint is that I would not have read it knowing where the story ended. I would have preferred to read this novel after the second was already released.
January 4, 2022
I really enjoyed the story once I got past the beginning and Nick being just an ass. Yes it ends in a cliff hanger. What I really disliked is the music between chapters. Off to the next book in this series.
February 2, 2020
I picked this book on a whim from KU and was pleasantly surprised by how good it was!
There was some repetition in some words and descriptions, as well as some actions not making sense but I enjoyed it overall. I really liked the take it had on the “beauty and the beast” troupe.
It does end on a cliffhanger so make sure you have the next book on hand like I do to continue!
Happy reading!
There was some repetition in some words and descriptions, as well as some actions not making sense but I enjoyed it overall. I really liked the take it had on the “beauty and the beast” troupe.
It does end on a cliffhanger so make sure you have the next book on hand like I do to continue!
Happy reading!
October 20, 2020
18+- RTC- Very enjoyable
Rating: 3.5 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Rating: 3.5 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
August 3, 2016
In what is a familiar story to anyone whose read or watch Beauty and the Beast, Nick is “given” to Bane for a year of indentured servitude so that Nick’s family can regain a chance at their family fortune.
Bane hates Nick’s family for it’s greed and avarice and lumps Nick in with the bunch. Nick, on the other hand, is actually nothing like his family and is actually about to split with them due to these differences. But when faced with the option of helping them out he chooses family loyalty over his own self interest.
While in Bane’s care Nick finds himself slowly developing feelings for the cold but enthralling Bane. Bane, too, finds there is more to Nick than he’d thought.
**
This is the first book in a three part series. Knowing my own impatience, I wish I’d waited because we are left with a definite cliff hangar at the end.
This is a very slow burn romance between our two MCs and it’s done very well. It’s a great re-telling of an old fairy tale with a male/male twist.
While I definitely enjoyed this and was captivated the moment I started listening, I was a little disconcerted by the Nick/Tiger interactions… but I think it was tame enough for most people.
Audio: Michael Pauley does a great job with this. He gives it a very dark air and handles the various accents with ease. Highly recommend this as a way to enjoy this story.
4.5 of 5 stars
Bane hates Nick’s family for it’s greed and avarice and lumps Nick in with the bunch. Nick, on the other hand, is actually nothing like his family and is actually about to split with them due to these differences. But when faced with the option of helping them out he chooses family loyalty over his own self interest.
While in Bane’s care Nick finds himself slowly developing feelings for the cold but enthralling Bane. Bane, too, finds there is more to Nick than he’d thought.
**
This is the first book in a three part series. Knowing my own impatience, I wish I’d waited because we are left with a definite cliff hangar at the end.
This is a very slow burn romance between our two MCs and it’s done very well. It’s a great re-telling of an old fairy tale with a male/male twist.
While I definitely enjoyed this and was captivated the moment I started listening, I was a little disconcerted by the Nick/Tiger interactions… but I think it was tame enough for most people.
Audio: Michael Pauley does a great job with this. He gives it a very dark air and handles the various accents with ease. Highly recommend this as a way to enjoy this story.
4.5 of 5 stars
May 6, 2018
So this was pretty nice, especially after all the shit I've been reading.
The characters were fun, especially Bane. He's this giant guy complexed about his scar and very tsundere which is cute and funny but he's also this billionaire protector of the weak who hunts loan sharks and other tigers. Compared to him Nick was very one-dimensional tho? Like he likes photography, wishes to be loved by his dad and doesn't know where he's going in life. Oh and he's really hot. Pretty basic.
I wouldn't call this a BatB retelling however. One of the rooted trope of that story is the mystery and unraveling of the curse and its rules, with the castle being a big part of it. But there's none of that in this so eeehh.
The romance was okay? Nothing spectacular, especially with the characters always dreaming of having sex with the other one instead of like, seeking the real thing.
OH I ALMOST FORGOT THERE'S SO MANY ITALICS. At least a word per page is italicized like we can't put the inflection ourselves it was so goddamned annoying.
I wasn't that annoyed by the cliffhanger since I knew it was coming but for blind readers that must've sucked so bad, it comes out of nowhere. The score is mainly due to that, that's not how you do it my man.
The characters were fun, especially Bane. He's this giant guy complexed about his scar and very tsundere which is cute and funny but he's also this billionaire protector of the weak who hunts loan sharks and other tigers. Compared to him Nick was very one-dimensional tho? Like he likes photography, wishes to be loved by his dad and doesn't know where he's going in life. Oh and he's really hot. Pretty basic.
I wouldn't call this a BatB retelling however. One of the rooted trope of that story is the mystery and unraveling of the curse and its rules, with the castle being a big part of it. But there's none of that in this so eeehh.
The romance was okay? Nothing spectacular, especially with the characters always dreaming of having sex with the other one instead of like, seeking the real thing.
OH I ALMOST FORGOT THERE'S SO MANY ITALICS. At least a word per page is italicized like we can't put the inflection ourselves it was so goddamned annoying.
I wasn't that annoyed by the cliffhanger since I knew it was coming but for blind readers that must've sucked so bad, it comes out of nowhere. The score is mainly due to that, that's not how you do it my man.
December 21, 2018
Yasss!
The plot:
A retelling that is recognizable without being overdone. The pace is realistic, the tension is built believably, and the whole thing leaves you eager to read more. The cliffhanger is a little brutal, but on to the second book I go, because I can’t put it down.
The sex:
MxM, sensual, no kink, well done and believable, appropriately spaced for the plot, solid enjoyment
The characters:
All the characters are surprisingly well-developed. Their personalities ring true, their quirks are enjoyable to read, and internal emotional conflict does a good job of advancing the plot while deepening understanding of the characters and their motivations. Love both male leads, and Omar is bae.
Tl;dr:
Plot that references and reinterprets the classic story in a pretty cool way, characters that are enjoyable to spend time with, sensual and emotionally satisfying sex. Recommend.
The plot:
A retelling that is recognizable without being overdone. The pace is realistic, the tension is built believably, and the whole thing leaves you eager to read more. The cliffhanger is a little brutal, but on to the second book I go, because I can’t put it down.
The sex:
MxM, sensual, no kink, well done and believable, appropriately spaced for the plot, solid enjoyment
The characters:
All the characters are surprisingly well-developed. Their personalities ring true, their quirks are enjoyable to read, and internal emotional conflict does a good job of advancing the plot while deepening understanding of the characters and their motivations. Love both male leads, and Omar is bae.
Tl;dr:
Plot that references and reinterprets the classic story in a pretty cool way, characters that are enjoyable to spend time with, sensual and emotionally satisfying sex. Recommend.
August 3, 2016
First, this was an audiobook but that edition has not been added yet...
The entire premise of this book was fantastic...indentured servitude, undeniable attraction met with a refusal to accept. I loved the adventure that the author was taking us on...but...the ending of this book sucked, with a big ole exclamation point! I wanted an happily ever after and I was left hanging. It was not until I reread the publisher summary that I realized that it was the first part of a three part series...that was a relief and now I am anxiously awaiting the next part of this series and will be better prepared when I finish part 2, knowing there is a part 3. Love the characters and I think that the narrator, Michael Pauley does an exceptional job!! Waiting patiently (mostly) for the next installment...
The entire premise of this book was fantastic...indentured servitude, undeniable attraction met with a refusal to accept. I loved the adventure that the author was taking us on...but...the ending of this book sucked, with a big ole exclamation point! I wanted an happily ever after and I was left hanging. It was not until I reread the publisher summary that I realized that it was the first part of a three part series...that was a relief and now I am anxiously awaiting the next part of this series and will be better prepared when I finish part 2, knowing there is a part 3. Love the characters and I think that the narrator, Michael Pauley does an exceptional job!! Waiting patiently (mostly) for the next installment...
June 13, 2016
Loved it!!
An excellent re-telling of beauty & the beast. Nick & Bane had excellent chemistry, and I loved that Nick was not afraid to stand up to Bane. I cannot wait for the next book. EXCELLENT READ!!
An excellent re-telling of beauty & the beast. Nick & Bane had excellent chemistry, and I loved that Nick was not afraid to stand up to Bane. I cannot wait for the next book. EXCELLENT READ!!
June 22, 2017
RECOMENDED
I absolutely love this series and am craving the next book. Such a wonderful author overall. From all the books I have read, this author writes the best heart filling and heart breaking stories. NEED more!
I absolutely love this series and am craving the next book. Such a wonderful author overall. From all the books I have read, this author writes the best heart filling and heart breaking stories. NEED more!
July 19, 2016
wow
one of the best books I have read in a while, in an eagerly awaiting part 2 of this series!!
one of the best books I have read in a while, in an eagerly awaiting part 2 of this series!!
August 8, 2018
I don’t normally choose this type of story, the retelling of a fairytale but I decided to give it a whirl. Millionaire and mystery man Bane offers unloved or wanted Nick a chance to save his cruel family from total failure - one year in servitude. Bane is scarred and angry at the world. My take on Nick is he’s a meek lil fella who almost felt like a woman, almost. I’d probably get over all my quibbles about the story and just go with the flow if the author, X. Aratare didn’t have the habit of repeating the same things a ridiculous amount of times. “Siberian blue eyes”, “the Indian man” oh and the laughing, chortling, chuckling, snorting whatever it never ended and every character did it. Also I thought each scene was too long or should I say over written.
Will I read the next in this trilogy...if I snag it on sale, maybe.
Will I read the next in this trilogy...if I snag it on sale, maybe.
December 25, 2021
I'm used to this author's shorter serials, and while this is similar in that it ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, it was a full-length novel with a slower build, which I quite liked. A modern Beauty and the Beast retelling, which I'm always here for, and I'm really enjoying the concept and characters. Some things are a little exaggerated/require a suspension of belief, but this involves magic and shifters, so it's not like I'm reading it for hyper-realism. But I thought the approach to the relationship was quite nuanced and I'm already looking forward to reading the next book!
March 20, 2023
Look, I'm an absolute sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings--especially when they're both gay and contemporary. This ended on a cliffhanger like nobody's business, but that's okay because book two is ready and waiting for me to dive into.
March 17, 2025
2,7⭐️
I somehow hoped this story will be more complex than Cinder and ashes by this author. Which was nice but a bit too simple at times.
Well. It wasn’t. It was too simple, too obvious and just… if you like simple naive stories, then this one might be for you.
I somehow hoped this story will be more complex than Cinder and ashes by this author. Which was nice but a bit too simple at times.
Well. It wasn’t. It was too simple, too obvious and just… if you like simple naive stories, then this one might be for you.
January 28, 2018
I have a few niggles, and the author is in dire need of a good editor, but I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next one.
January 9, 2020
I confess when I scrolled and realized it was over, I may have said "what the hell?" Out loud. It was okay, pretty slow (they never even kissed in real life by page 282 - dreams only). A few editing errors and lots of italics, doubt I'll read further. No time for another 600 pages to get to the end.
July 12, 2024
So frustrating because it has a lot of potential and good parts, technical writing flaws aside (if I have to read "Siberian blue eyes" or "the Indian man" one more time...) but Bane (and I will forever read that name in the Tom Hardy Bane voice) is such a dumb, judgemental, hypocritical asshole it just ruins the entire thing.
Now, I'm not expecting a Beast character in a B&tB retelling to be a nice guy but this is the first version I've read where he's a judgemental, verbally abusive freak to the love interest, gaslights him about how he totally didn't imprison him in his house because he's attracted to him, and forces him to scrub toilets. And all because he hates Nick's family - this hatred is some random aside not connected to Bane's backstory at all which just makes this plot point feel even weirder - for being scummy businessmen and so he judges Nick based off of this meanwhile Bane has a bunch of scummy business associates himself??? Tf? Plus Nick's family, the people Bane actually hates, get a second chance, which will presumably lead to them hurting more people, the thing Bane was trying to prevent, while Nick is the one being punished... again, Nick has done nothing wrong and Bane has no reason to presume he has. I guess despite his whole MO being to take down shady businessmen he's somehow too dumb to do basic research because he has no idea of the crap his own associates are up to.
Anyway, Bane's plan is to make "lazy" Nick do manual labour in his dilapidated garden which literally makes Bane the lazy one because he left it all this time until he acquired an indentured slave??? Like, this dynamic could have been so easily salvaged by having Bane already have done some work himself on the garden and enlist Nick to help but NO, he just sits around in his office, not even working because I don't think the author actually knows what Bane's job/business is supposed to be. He's also too dumb to be like "hey Nick maybe you shouldn't serve drinks to my sleazy business associates who hate your family as well"... The whole reason those people exist is for one to assault Nick and one to be a jealous asshole to him, does the author not realise what a hypocritical idiot they made Bane look like by adding these characters? Also gotta get in some rando attempting to rape the MC in these kinds of books because of course...
Bane's inner tiger is a better love interest; yes, literal bestiality is somewhat preferable to him. Speaking of that, the whole story the inner tiger is clearly into Nick, is the one doing the heavy lifting in making sure Bane looks out for him instead of leaving him to die from sunburn or whatever, and Bane knows this, but for some reason he freaks out and leaves at the end because he thinks it wants to kill Nick??? Seriously, why is he so dumb, it's so contrived.
Hilariously all of this, including Bane's awful to tolerable Beast arc, them kind of falling in love, and then Bane's subsequent freak out and fleeing, takes place over literally 2-3 days. It makes Disney romance pacing look good.
Now, I'm not expecting a Beast character in a B&tB retelling to be a nice guy but this is the first version I've read where he's a judgemental, verbally abusive freak to the love interest, gaslights him about how he totally didn't imprison him in his house because he's attracted to him, and forces him to scrub toilets. And all because he hates Nick's family - this hatred is some random aside not connected to Bane's backstory at all which just makes this plot point feel even weirder - for being scummy businessmen and so he judges Nick based off of this meanwhile Bane has a bunch of scummy business associates himself??? Tf? Plus Nick's family, the people Bane actually hates, get a second chance, which will presumably lead to them hurting more people, the thing Bane was trying to prevent, while Nick is the one being punished... again, Nick has done nothing wrong and Bane has no reason to presume he has. I guess despite his whole MO being to take down shady businessmen he's somehow too dumb to do basic research because he has no idea of the crap his own associates are up to.
Anyway, Bane's plan is to make "lazy" Nick do manual labour in his dilapidated garden which literally makes Bane the lazy one because he left it all this time until he acquired an indentured slave??? Like, this dynamic could have been so easily salvaged by having Bane already have done some work himself on the garden and enlist Nick to help but NO, he just sits around in his office, not even working because I don't think the author actually knows what Bane's job/business is supposed to be. He's also too dumb to be like "hey Nick maybe you shouldn't serve drinks to my sleazy business associates who hate your family as well"... The whole reason those people exist is for one to assault Nick and one to be a jealous asshole to him, does the author not realise what a hypocritical idiot they made Bane look like by adding these characters? Also gotta get in some rando attempting to rape the MC in these kinds of books because of course...
Bane's inner tiger is a better love interest; yes, literal bestiality is somewhat preferable to him. Speaking of that, the whole story the inner tiger is clearly into Nick, is the one doing the heavy lifting in making sure Bane looks out for him instead of leaving him to die from sunburn or whatever, and Bane knows this, but for some reason he freaks out and leaves at the end because he thinks it wants to kill Nick??? Seriously, why is he so dumb, it's so contrived.
Hilariously all of this, including Bane's awful to tolerable Beast arc, them kind of falling in love, and then Bane's subsequent freak out and fleeing, takes place over literally 2-3 days. It makes Disney romance pacing look good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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