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Heroes Ever After #1
Beast
Can Beauty tame her BEAST?
Isabella — Grady Williams is a national treasure, the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, America’s scarred superhero. With tattooed arms sculpted from carrying M-16s, this bad boy has girls begging from sea to shining sea to get a piece of his action.
When my father squanders away my college fund, I make a deal with this dirty-talking Devil Dog — I will pretend to be Grady’s girlfriend for the Marine Corps Ball, and my dad will write Grady’s war memoir.
Grady is fearless. Hell, this badass jumped on a grenade to save his fellow Marines! As much as I crave him, I refuse to allow myself to become addicted to a dangerous man who will detonate my heart.
Grady — Isabella Cuesta is an angel who can see beyond my mangled skin, a pawn used to repay her father’s debt, a woman who makes me feel like a man instead of a monster.
But I no longer believe in fairy tales.
She’s mine until our contract ends. I’ll take her hard and rough, listen to all her hopes and fears, lay down my life to protect her.
This beauty will never let herself love a dangerous man like me — a man who has killed, a man who runs towards gunfire, a man who never backs down from a fight.
But without her love, I’m not a man — I’ll remain forever a beast.
Publisher's note: This is a full-length, standalone novel. Happily Ever After. No cliffhanger. No cheating.
Isabella — Grady Williams is a national treasure, the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, America’s scarred superhero. With tattooed arms sculpted from carrying M-16s, this bad boy has girls begging from sea to shining sea to get a piece of his action.
When my father squanders away my college fund, I make a deal with this dirty-talking Devil Dog — I will pretend to be Grady’s girlfriend for the Marine Corps Ball, and my dad will write Grady’s war memoir.
Grady is fearless. Hell, this badass jumped on a grenade to save his fellow Marines! As much as I crave him, I refuse to allow myself to become addicted to a dangerous man who will detonate my heart.
Grady — Isabella Cuesta is an angel who can see beyond my mangled skin, a pawn used to repay her father’s debt, a woman who makes me feel like a man instead of a monster.
But I no longer believe in fairy tales.
She’s mine until our contract ends. I’ll take her hard and rough, listen to all her hopes and fears, lay down my life to protect her.
This beauty will never let herself love a dangerous man like me — a man who has killed, a man who runs towards gunfire, a man who never backs down from a fight.
But without her love, I’m not a man — I’ll remain forever a beast.
Publisher's note: This is a full-length, standalone novel. Happily Ever After. No cliffhanger. No cheating.
474 pages, ebook
First published June 12, 2016
1760 people are currently reading
1620 people want to read
About the author
Alana Albertson
106 books948 followersAlana Albertson is a multi-award winning author, current President of Romance Writers of America's Contemporary Romance Chapter and the former President of both Romance Writers of America’s Young Adult and Chick Lit chapters. Alana Albertson holds a Masters of Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Stanford University. A recovering professional ballroom dancer, Alana currently writes contemporary romance, new adult and young adult fiction. She lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, two young sons, and four dogs. When she’s not spending her time playing with her sons, dancing, or saving dogs from high kill shelters through Pugs N Roses, the rescue she founded, she can be found watching episodes Homeland, Devious Maids, or Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
June 15, 2016
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3,5 STARS
First off, I find the plot quite good and I loved to see a man so broken from his past find some peace and hope again with the help of a dancer, whose life knows tragedy. Both characters helped each other to become better and together they slowly started to heal. But both had to find the will in themselves to do it first. Their journey is forged in hope, loss, love, tragedy and so much more. They both had to stop for a second and really think about how their lives turned out and in what direction they in the end wanted to go with it. Yes, Grady could be a bit difficult with letting himself go and give in to his feelings but, hey, so was Isabella.
It's a beautiful story that has so much potential. That being said, I found the writing to be quite hasty. I wished the author had took her time to really build the story up with more detail, more emotions and not rush with characters decisions and feelings. So that definitely took away at the connection that I had with both Isabella and Grady.
But all in all, if you want a quick read that will make you feel better then Beast is the right choice for you! :)
Safety-gang:
3,5 STARS
First off, I find the plot quite good and I loved to see a man so broken from his past find some peace and hope again with the help of a dancer, whose life knows tragedy. Both characters helped each other to become better and together they slowly started to heal. But both had to find the will in themselves to do it first. Their journey is forged in hope, loss, love, tragedy and so much more. They both had to stop for a second and really think about how their lives turned out and in what direction they in the end wanted to go with it. Yes, Grady could be a bit difficult with letting himself go and give in to his feelings but, hey, so was Isabella.
It's a beautiful story that has so much potential. That being said, I found the writing to be quite hasty. I wished the author had took her time to really build the story up with more detail, more emotions and not rush with characters decisions and feelings. So that definitely took away at the connection that I had with both Isabella and Grady.
But all in all, if you want a quick read that will make you feel better then Beast is the right choice for you! :)
Safety-gang:
June 24, 2016
Beast is the heartbreaking story of what happens when a veteran comes back from war. Grady Williams made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and it sends him home from war scarred and mentally damaged. He doesn't think anyone can like him now that his body is so scarred and disfigured, but then he meets Isa.
Isa is just trying to stay out of the spotlight of Hollywood and finish her education. When she meets Grady, it started as a one night thing, but then she started to talk to him and get to know him. And it made her want to know more, even when Grady tries to push her away, she wants to fight to stay in his life.
There were many emotions that this story brought out in me. Hope, despair, sadness, happiness. So much happened that effected the way I felt about the characters and made me relate to what they were feeling. I loved that I could get that involved into what was happening in these fictional character's lives.
With that being said, the main reason for my three star rating was the lack of emotion in a certain scene. I was so connected to most of this book, and I think that's why I was majorly disappointed that a scene that should have had me bawling my eyes out, or at the very least upset, I felt nothing for. It just happened and then was over and left me disappointed.
I did like the characters, and there was a secondary character that caught my attention enough for me to hope she gets a book too. I wasn't sure how I felt about her at first, but then I found out more of her story and it has me hoping she'll get a book.
This was my first book from Alana Albertson, but it certainly won't be the last. The pace of the book moved fast but there was never a moment where it was too fast or where I got confused about what was going on. Everything came together nicely, and I really liked the very end of it. Overall, this is a book recommended by me and I hope everyone will enjoy it.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Isa is just trying to stay out of the spotlight of Hollywood and finish her education. When she meets Grady, it started as a one night thing, but then she started to talk to him and get to know him. And it made her want to know more, even when Grady tries to push her away, she wants to fight to stay in his life.
There were many emotions that this story brought out in me. Hope, despair, sadness, happiness. So much happened that effected the way I felt about the characters and made me relate to what they were feeling. I loved that I could get that involved into what was happening in these fictional character's lives.
With that being said, the main reason for my three star rating was the lack of emotion in a certain scene. I was so connected to most of this book, and I think that's why I was majorly disappointed that a scene that should have had me bawling my eyes out, or at the very least upset, I felt nothing for. It just happened and then was over and left me disappointed.
I did like the characters, and there was a secondary character that caught my attention enough for me to hope she gets a book too. I wasn't sure how I felt about her at first, but then I found out more of her story and it has me hoping she'll get a book.
This was my first book from Alana Albertson, but it certainly won't be the last. The pace of the book moved fast but there was never a moment where it was too fast or where I got confused about what was going on. Everything came together nicely, and I really liked the very end of it. Overall, this is a book recommended by me and I hope everyone will enjoy it.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2016
Holy, hot-dirty-talking-scarred-ex-marine, Batman!
I love retellings of fairy tales and this one had me hooked right from the start. I love a hero with scars and Grady Williams has some very deep ones. Both inside and outside. My heart bled for the pain he dealt with but his dirty mouth had some of my other parts bleeding. Grady is gruff and rugged and the only things bigger than his tattooed muscles are his anger and guilt. In other words: He’s perfect.
This book is relatively short and can be read in one sitting but it is packed with all the good stuff! Isa and Grady are so good together and the chemistry between these two was on fire! There is also some sweetness and some heavy emotions being dealt with and two proud and scarred people having to deal with second chances and learning how to move on.
I loved the angle the author used to throw these two together. It created some delicious angst and tension between the two of them in this fast-paced book. It was also hot as all hell. Have I mentioned that yet? If it weren’t for everything else going on in this book I would deem this book as straight up erotica.
If you like a possessive hero with an absolutely filthy mouth then you have to meet Grady! If you like your heroes scarred then you have to meet Grady. If you like your gruff heroes turning to goo over a girl then you have to meet Grady. If you like your romance with some angst, a tinge of darkness and plenty of hotness then you have to read Beast!
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
I love retellings of fairy tales and this one had me hooked right from the start. I love a hero with scars and Grady Williams has some very deep ones. Both inside and outside. My heart bled for the pain he dealt with but his dirty mouth had some of my other parts bleeding. Grady is gruff and rugged and the only things bigger than his tattooed muscles are his anger and guilt. In other words: He’s perfect.
This book is relatively short and can be read in one sitting but it is packed with all the good stuff! Isa and Grady are so good together and the chemistry between these two was on fire! There is also some sweetness and some heavy emotions being dealt with and two proud and scarred people having to deal with second chances and learning how to move on.
I loved the angle the author used to throw these two together. It created some delicious angst and tension between the two of them in this fast-paced book. It was also hot as all hell. Have I mentioned that yet? If it weren’t for everything else going on in this book I would deem this book as straight up erotica.
If you like a possessive hero with an absolutely filthy mouth then you have to meet Grady! If you like your heroes scarred then you have to meet Grady. If you like your gruff heroes turning to goo over a girl then you have to meet Grady. If you like your romance with some angst, a tinge of darkness and plenty of hotness then you have to read Beast!
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
October 21, 2024
Nice beauty and the beast adaptation!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤❤️💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: ☺️😊🙃🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Isabella (a.k.a. Isa) - she was a former dancer on a reality show called Dancing Under the Stars. She was famous until her mother killed herself. The world thought her mom was murdered, but Isa was the one who found her and knew the truth. After that happened, tabloids did a number on her and she quit the show and backed off from the public eye. She was now going to college at San Diego University, majoring in psychology.
The Hero: Grady - he was a marine in Iraq and was injured when he jumped on a grenade that was about to explode in a small room full of his squad. Now he is well known for being the youngest recipient of the medal of honor. He is scarred on half his face and has to undergo surgeries and skin grafts. He is in constant pain and has severe PTSD.
The story: one day while sitting at home, Grady sees that the college aged neighbors down the street are having a huge party, it is a superhero themed costume party, so he paints himself green and puts on a silicone hulk mask and goes to see if he can find a woman that he could possibly take to the ball in Hawaii that he was supposed to attend in a few months. He meets Isa, who attends the party dressed as Black Widow.
This was a book about pain and recovery. Grady couldn’t believe that a woman as beautiful as Isa would want him. He had a lot of women that wanted one night with him because of his heroics and celebrity status, but he wanted someone that wanted him for more than just sex. Isa had her own issues due to her mothers' suicide and her dad is an alcoholic who hasn’t been able to hold his life together since her mother died. I actually really liked the characters and the story. The intimate scenes were super steamy as well.
This audiobook was narrated in dual points of view via dual narration. Sonja Field and Aaron Shedlock were the narrators, and they did a fantastic job. Aaron Shedlock is one of my favorite male narrators and I love his gravelly voice. He did an excellent job with a southern accent. Sonja Field also has a very nice voice and sounded age appropriate for Isa.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤❤️💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: ☺️😊🙃🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Isabella (a.k.a. Isa) - she was a former dancer on a reality show called Dancing Under the Stars. She was famous until her mother killed herself. The world thought her mom was murdered, but Isa was the one who found her and knew the truth. After that happened, tabloids did a number on her and she quit the show and backed off from the public eye. She was now going to college at San Diego University, majoring in psychology.
The Hero: Grady - he was a marine in Iraq and was injured when he jumped on a grenade that was about to explode in a small room full of his squad. Now he is well known for being the youngest recipient of the medal of honor. He is scarred on half his face and has to undergo surgeries and skin grafts. He is in constant pain and has severe PTSD.
The story: one day while sitting at home, Grady sees that the college aged neighbors down the street are having a huge party, it is a superhero themed costume party, so he paints himself green and puts on a silicone hulk mask and goes to see if he can find a woman that he could possibly take to the ball in Hawaii that he was supposed to attend in a few months. He meets Isa, who attends the party dressed as Black Widow.
This was a book about pain and recovery. Grady couldn’t believe that a woman as beautiful as Isa would want him. He had a lot of women that wanted one night with him because of his heroics and celebrity status, but he wanted someone that wanted him for more than just sex. Isa had her own issues due to her mothers' suicide and her dad is an alcoholic who hasn’t been able to hold his life together since her mother died. I actually really liked the characters and the story. The intimate scenes were super steamy as well.
This audiobook was narrated in dual points of view via dual narration. Sonja Field and Aaron Shedlock were the narrators, and they did a fantastic job. Aaron Shedlock is one of my favorite male narrators and I love his gravelly voice. He did an excellent job with a southern accent. Sonja Field also has a very nice voice and sounded age appropriate for Isa.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
November 7, 2020
I have to confess that these books were in a genre that I had never read. In many ways, these stories are mostly erotica with a little story to puff it up.
This particular story had a redeeming plot where two pained people fill in each other’s needs.
The plots were very predictable and grossly anti-women. This was not romance but bullying via sex.
I do not recommend these books. There are so many good romance stories out there that don’t have the woman on her knees begging for sex.
I was given this book for free in order to give an honest review.
This particular story had a redeeming plot where two pained people fill in each other’s needs.
The plots were very predictable and grossly anti-women. This was not romance but bullying via sex.
I do not recommend these books. There are so many good romance stories out there that don’t have the woman on her knees begging for sex.
I was given this book for free in order to give an honest review.
July 21, 2016
I'm such a sucker for Beauty and the Beast theme story that I basically will read anything with that theme no matter who the author is.
This book had some really good material and plot, which is the main reason the blurb sold me. Grady William is a war hero that came back broken and suffered PTSD. Everyone seems to want a piece of the iconic man, but no one bother to really get to know him. The way the author describe his mental state and his condition should move me and maybe shed some tear. But I didn't. I feel that the way the story was told was quite superficial and didn't delve much into the emotion aspect, which is such a shame.
This book had some really good material and plot, which is the main reason the blurb sold me. Grady William is a war hero that came back broken and suffered PTSD. Everyone seems to want a piece of the iconic man, but no one bother to really get to know him. The way the author describe his mental state and his condition should move me and maybe shed some tear. But I didn't. I feel that the way the story was told was quite superficial and didn't delve much into the emotion aspect, which is such a shame.
July 5, 2016
This was a great spin on the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. Grady Williams came home from war a hero who was grossly disfigured after jumping on a grenade to save his team members. He's having a hard time dealing with the surgeries, the flashbacks, and people in general. Then he meets Isa, a beautiful young woman who has secrets of her own that she's hiding.
I loved the story and characters but I felt they went back and forth on their feelings and admitting things to one another that it kind of gave me whiplash. I wish it would have been a little slower and more gradual. But, I LOVED THE ENDING! Total swoon moment :)
*thanks to IndieSage PR for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review*
I loved the story and characters but I felt they went back and forth on their feelings and admitting things to one another that it kind of gave me whiplash. I wish it would have been a little slower and more gradual. But, I LOVED THE ENDING! Total swoon moment :)
*thanks to IndieSage PR for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review*
July 2, 2016
Damn that was hot. *Fans Self* This is yet another case of me absolutely misjudging the book from the blurb. I was expecting this sad, emotional, angsty book with a tiny bit of sex thrown in around the tears and pillow clenching and instead I got a serious case of wet panties with a few emotional moments and a kick ass story.
Grady is a marine who is completely shattered and is struggling to rebuild himself after a horrific injury when he meets Isa at a random party and sparks fly. But both of them are dealing with their own issues and don’t trust the connection or each other’s motives. Until they come together and a deal is struck. Both thinking they are on safe ground and protecting their hearts.
Check out my full review here
Grady is a marine who is completely shattered and is struggling to rebuild himself after a horrific injury when he meets Isa at a random party and sparks fly. But both of them are dealing with their own issues and don’t trust the connection or each other’s motives. Until they come together and a deal is struck. Both thinking they are on safe ground and protecting their hearts.
Check out my full review here
February 13, 2017
3 "OK" Stars
First, I want to say that I loved the premise of this book. I truly also really liked the characters a lot it was the execution of their storyline that didn't quite work for me. I found it choppy and "abrupt", it didn't flow smooth and/or easily for me.
The characters were really great but I found them a bit underwhelming and I mean the author didn't quite hit the nail on the head for me personally with them. I felt they needed some work but seriously I really did like them, they just unfortunately weren't developed the way I would have preferred them for myself. These are just my feelings.
I think this author has some great potential and maybe with some solid beta readers behind her, it may get the storyline executed as well as the characters a bit more smoothly at least that's my opinion.
Will I read another book by her, yes, I always give another chance to a new author that is new to myself!
First, I want to say that I loved the premise of this book. I truly also really liked the characters a lot it was the execution of their storyline that didn't quite work for me. I found it choppy and "abrupt", it didn't flow smooth and/or easily for me.
The characters were really great but I found them a bit underwhelming and I mean the author didn't quite hit the nail on the head for me personally with them. I felt they needed some work but seriously I really did like them, they just unfortunately weren't developed the way I would have preferred them for myself. These are just my feelings.
I think this author has some great potential and maybe with some solid beta readers behind her, it may get the storyline executed as well as the characters a bit more smoothly at least that's my opinion.
Will I read another book by her, yes, I always give another chance to a new author that is new to myself!
September 4, 2019
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and what can I say to you about it... :) was it perfect? absolutely not :) should I rate it less than 5 stars? yeah... probably... ;) am I a sucker for "Beauty and the beast" retellings? yes... yes I am :) and that is why I have absolutely zero regrets over giving this fantastic story full 5 stars :) there was even a moment when I teared up at the end... :) and I am not ashamed to admit how much I loved it :) so let me tell you a bit more about it :)
Grady is a war hero, although he certainly doesn't he himself that way... after an event that left him scarred and two years of physical therapy, among lots of other procedures and therapy, he still fights with his PTSD... he will never go back to being the person he was before, and that knowledge definitely left him bitter and angry... he still struggles with his new reality, which is that much harder with the whole country knowing him... Isa is a young woman who has a past of her own... she was a reality show star a while back, one of the dancers on "Dancing with the stars" sort of a show, beloved by the viewers... that is until something very tragic happened to someone very close to her... she left everything behind her after that, and focused on becoming a psychologist... they are both pretty young, in their early twenties, but all of the things life threw their way made them grow up much faster... when they meet, it's pretty intense from the start... I can't give away too much, since the story itself is pretty short, and I don't want to spoil you anything :) but it's definitely hot and intense :)
Since the book is a little bit shorter... I would of course definitely love to read more about Grady and Isa :) but besides them, there are a few secondary characters... but they are definitely only a background to the story of our main couple... and even if some of them play a bigger role in this story... I really couldn't share with you their names, cause it would be a spoiler :) so I'm gonna let you discover for yourselves who plays exactly what role :) for now let me tell you some things I can share with you without fear of spoiling ;)
I absolutely loved this book :) I adored all the little nods to the "Beauty and the beast" throughout this whole story... with the rose, and the song... :) I initially was interested in this book because of the fact it's a retelling of one of my favourite stories... and I was not disappointed :) this book was written in 2 POVs, so we could get inside of both our main characters heads :) and it was done really well here :) what more can I say to convince you to give this book a try? :) I loved the writing style, the chapters simply flew by and I finished it way before I was ready for it to end :) and that ending was absolutely lovely :) the story was intense and sizzlingly hot... I mean... *fans herself* really hot ;) and even though it was short, and of course I would love to read more about them, the story between Grady and Isa didn't felt rushed... there was a lot going on in a short amount of time, of course... but I loved every minute of it :) this book definitely had some very surprisng turns of events... like gasps-in-shock-and-almost-drops-my-kindle shocking ;) I kid you not :) so I defnitely recommend it, if you're looking for a hot romance that will make you week in the knees and melt your heart in unexpected moments :) and if you're a "Beauty and the beast" retellings fan as myself, this one should be your next read :)
XOXO
A
Grady is a war hero, although he certainly doesn't he himself that way... after an event that left him scarred and two years of physical therapy, among lots of other procedures and therapy, he still fights with his PTSD... he will never go back to being the person he was before, and that knowledge definitely left him bitter and angry... he still struggles with his new reality, which is that much harder with the whole country knowing him... Isa is a young woman who has a past of her own... she was a reality show star a while back, one of the dancers on "Dancing with the stars" sort of a show, beloved by the viewers... that is until something very tragic happened to someone very close to her... she left everything behind her after that, and focused on becoming a psychologist... they are both pretty young, in their early twenties, but all of the things life threw their way made them grow up much faster... when they meet, it's pretty intense from the start... I can't give away too much, since the story itself is pretty short, and I don't want to spoil you anything :) but it's definitely hot and intense :)
Since the book is a little bit shorter... I would of course definitely love to read more about Grady and Isa :) but besides them, there are a few secondary characters... but they are definitely only a background to the story of our main couple... and even if some of them play a bigger role in this story... I really couldn't share with you their names, cause it would be a spoiler :) so I'm gonna let you discover for yourselves who plays exactly what role :) for now let me tell you some things I can share with you without fear of spoiling ;)
I absolutely loved this book :) I adored all the little nods to the "Beauty and the beast" throughout this whole story... with the rose, and the song... :) I initially was interested in this book because of the fact it's a retelling of one of my favourite stories... and I was not disappointed :) this book was written in 2 POVs, so we could get inside of both our main characters heads :) and it was done really well here :) what more can I say to convince you to give this book a try? :) I loved the writing style, the chapters simply flew by and I finished it way before I was ready for it to end :) and that ending was absolutely lovely :) the story was intense and sizzlingly hot... I mean... *fans herself* really hot ;) and even though it was short, and of course I would love to read more about them, the story between Grady and Isa didn't felt rushed... there was a lot going on in a short amount of time, of course... but I loved every minute of it :) this book definitely had some very surprisng turns of events... like gasps-in-shock-and-almost-drops-my-kindle shocking ;) I kid you not :) so I defnitely recommend it, if you're looking for a hot romance that will make you week in the knees and melt your heart in unexpected moments :) and if you're a "Beauty and the beast" retellings fan as myself, this one should be your next read :)
XOXO
A
June 20, 2016
3.5 I'll take this
Beast
on, scars and all stars
November 15, 2020
What happened to my review of this extraordinary book???
April 7, 2020
Wooooof this was rough. Totally up my alley, I'm always looking to rekindle the magic of vixen and the vet. This was icky and slimy. The hero opens by bragging about the porn stars he's been banging. I kept waiting for him to stop being a creep to the heroine or for her to realize what a dick he was. That wasn't happening so I quit because he felt like he had the capacity to become abusive and she was a moron who had unprotected oral sex with someone she didn't even know the name of.
April 25, 2018
Audible Review:
Overall: 4*
Performance 5*
Story 3.5*
"The narration really brings this story to life."
What did you love best about Beast?
I enjoyed the damaged hero who finds his true love storyline. I liked Grady's progression through the book, thanks to having Isa by his side. He had a lot of issues, that were quite understandable, but it was nice to see him come to terms with some things. I liked that Isa stood up for herself when it came to Grady, and that she was able to see through him to the real person. I liked how she didn't let the trouble her father caused to bring her down. She just pulled herself back up and did what she had to do to move on.
How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?
I'm not sure that there's anything I would necessarily change, it's not up to me to tell an author that she needs to change things in her story. I will admit I had a little trouble with Grady in the beginning and almost gave up on the book. Our first introduction to him was fine, and I was intrigued by his character. But then soon after he kind of turned me off, with how abrupt and demanding his was, a little too "alpha" in a sense. He did win me over again, though, as the story progressed and he opened himself up.
What does Sonja Field and Aaron Shedlock bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Aaron and Sonja were incredible! I loved that this was a duet narration, because I really can't get enough of Mr. Shedlock. I borrowed this book purposely because he was the narrator, I had never heard of it before. I think they both did such fantastic jobs giving these characters life.
***Borrowed through Audible Romance Package
Overall: 4*
Performance 5*
Story 3.5*
"The narration really brings this story to life."
What did you love best about Beast?
I enjoyed the damaged hero who finds his true love storyline. I liked Grady's progression through the book, thanks to having Isa by his side. He had a lot of issues, that were quite understandable, but it was nice to see him come to terms with some things. I liked that Isa stood up for herself when it came to Grady, and that she was able to see through him to the real person. I liked how she didn't let the trouble her father caused to bring her down. She just pulled herself back up and did what she had to do to move on.
How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?
I'm not sure that there's anything I would necessarily change, it's not up to me to tell an author that she needs to change things in her story. I will admit I had a little trouble with Grady in the beginning and almost gave up on the book. Our first introduction to him was fine, and I was intrigued by his character. But then soon after he kind of turned me off, with how abrupt and demanding his was, a little too "alpha" in a sense. He did win me over again, though, as the story progressed and he opened himself up.
What does Sonja Field and Aaron Shedlock bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Aaron and Sonja were incredible! I loved that this was a duet narration, because I really can't get enough of Mr. Shedlock. I borrowed this book purposely because he was the narrator, I had never heard of it before. I think they both did such fantastic jobs giving these characters life.
***Borrowed through Audible Romance Package
December 13, 2018
I think if the writing hadn’t been so good I probably wouldn’t have finished this book.
Grady wasn’t really a relatable character, he was kind of a jerk. I thought he would warm up throughout the book but he really didn’t. Not to mention the dramalama, it’s not my favorite when you HAVE to create some kind of conflict that just doesn’t flow with the story.
I liked Isabella the most, she had charm and wit which I really enjoyed and I wanted to see her put Grady in his place and she does but it doesn’t really do any good.
Overall I enjoyed the book, I think knowing he was a war vet was said so many times I was a little over it.
But the story was pretty good what I loved best was the narration.
Grady wasn’t really a relatable character, he was kind of a jerk. I thought he would warm up throughout the book but he really didn’t. Not to mention the dramalama, it’s not my favorite when you HAVE to create some kind of conflict that just doesn’t flow with the story.
I liked Isabella the most, she had charm and wit which I really enjoyed and I wanted to see her put Grady in his place and she does but it doesn’t really do any good.
Overall I enjoyed the book, I think knowing he was a war vet was said so many times I was a little over it.
But the story was pretty good what I loved best was the narration.
June 17, 2016
4.5 -- Beauty And The Beast -- stars
Grady has been a recluse since he was hurt at war. He has a lot of scars and lost an eye. He doesn’t go out, because he has many triggers that give him a panic attack. One night, he decides to go to a costume party. There he sees a woman sitting alone and goes to talk to her. He enjoys talking to her, but something happens and he runs away from the party.
Isa has ran away from her past and is a college student now. At a college party, a man talks to her and then he runs away. She decides to follow him and eventually catches up with him. Grady invites her in and have a one night stand. Isa leaves that same night and they don’t see each other for some time, until Isa needs him.
Grady is moody, hurt and strong. His scars hurt and he finds it difficult to move on from the death of his best friend. He also had to give up his dream job. Everybody sees him as a hero, but he doesn’t because he just did what he thinks everybody would have done. Women take his mind of his demons, but they always leave. He wants someone who loves him for who he is, also with his scars. Isa wanted Grady since meeting him. She thinks his scars only make his sexier. She wants to help him with his triggers, but doesn’t push him. Something tragically happened to her in the past and this still affects her life. She has a talent for dancing, but she gave up dancing. She misses it and Grady brings that love back.
Grady and Isa are a beautiful couple. They need each other to feel better, to be happy. They help each other change. Grady wants to be a better man because of Isa. In the end, they seek help to move on from the past. Their demons and issues made the book very emotional sometimes. Nothing can stop them from being together at the end and they are stronger then before.
The only thing I missed, was more time of them together. They only spend one night together and then one week. The book was over too soon. They fall in love quickly, but they still had issues or doubts that could end their relation soon. I did loved the ending. The ending was perfect.
-- ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! --
Grady has been a recluse since he was hurt at war. He has a lot of scars and lost an eye. He doesn’t go out, because he has many triggers that give him a panic attack. One night, he decides to go to a costume party. There he sees a woman sitting alone and goes to talk to her. He enjoys talking to her, but something happens and he runs away from the party.
Isa has ran away from her past and is a college student now. At a college party, a man talks to her and then he runs away. She decides to follow him and eventually catches up with him. Grady invites her in and have a one night stand. Isa leaves that same night and they don’t see each other for some time, until Isa needs him.
Grady is moody, hurt and strong. His scars hurt and he finds it difficult to move on from the death of his best friend. He also had to give up his dream job. Everybody sees him as a hero, but he doesn’t because he just did what he thinks everybody would have done. Women take his mind of his demons, but they always leave. He wants someone who loves him for who he is, also with his scars. Isa wanted Grady since meeting him. She thinks his scars only make his sexier. She wants to help him with his triggers, but doesn’t push him. Something tragically happened to her in the past and this still affects her life. She has a talent for dancing, but she gave up dancing. She misses it and Grady brings that love back.
Grady and Isa are a beautiful couple. They need each other to feel better, to be happy. They help each other change. Grady wants to be a better man because of Isa. In the end, they seek help to move on from the past. Their demons and issues made the book very emotional sometimes. Nothing can stop them from being together at the end and they are stronger then before.
The only thing I missed, was more time of them together. They only spend one night together and then one week. The book was over too soon. They fall in love quickly, but they still had issues or doubts that could end their relation soon. I did loved the ending. The ending was perfect.
-- ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! --
August 4, 2016
BEAST by Alana Albertson is a modern re-tell of the fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. Grady William is a young hero who's been scarred mentally and physically by the war he had been to. Every girl might want to spend a night with him, but never a happily ever after.
Being a former reality show star, Isa Cuesta is an amazing ballroom dancer, who wants to focus more on her university studies.
This book is filled with emotions that will really touch your heart. I felt really sad for what happened to Grady. He's a loyal friend and such a hero. I mean, even he was given all the recognition in the world, in and out, he's still damaged. The way he feels about himself is very realistic too. The insecurity, fear and the PSTD, they're going to grip your heart.
The heroine was equally great too. She's like Belle straight out of the book "Beauty and the Beast". Isa is a very nice and loving young woman who sees beyond Grady's ugly scars. Even being pushed away, she's willing to fight for him and prove to him that she's his happily ever after.
There are so many Beauty and the Beast re-tell out there, but Alana Albertson was still able to make her version shine. She was able to write something emotional, but never short of sexy. Please be prepared, by the way, because Grady William is one hot, dirty talking BEAST!
This is my first Alana Alberston read, and I have enjoyed it. I just look forward to her making more intriguing plots. This author has a lot of potentials, and I believe that in her next books, she will be able to write more amazing and feels-filled sexy reads! Can't wait for that!
Being a former reality show star, Isa Cuesta is an amazing ballroom dancer, who wants to focus more on her university studies.
This book is filled with emotions that will really touch your heart. I felt really sad for what happened to Grady. He's a loyal friend and such a hero. I mean, even he was given all the recognition in the world, in and out, he's still damaged. The way he feels about himself is very realistic too. The insecurity, fear and the PSTD, they're going to grip your heart.
The heroine was equally great too. She's like Belle straight out of the book "Beauty and the Beast". Isa is a very nice and loving young woman who sees beyond Grady's ugly scars. Even being pushed away, she's willing to fight for him and prove to him that she's his happily ever after.
There are so many Beauty and the Beast re-tell out there, but Alana Albertson was still able to make her version shine. She was able to write something emotional, but never short of sexy. Please be prepared, by the way, because Grady William is one hot, dirty talking BEAST!
This is my first Alana Alberston read, and I have enjoyed it. I just look forward to her making more intriguing plots. This author has a lot of potentials, and I believe that in her next books, she will be able to write more amazing and feels-filled sexy reads! Can't wait for that!
April 4, 2020
I'm a sucker for fairy tale retellings and was happy to find another promising Beauty and the Beast retelling. But I quickly realized it was another know-one-know-all reads for me. I got bored real quick. :(
The story is about Grady, a war hero suffering from PTSD and Isa, a college student and former professional dancer. Both MCs have issues and insecurities they struggle with but they can't deny the unmistakable chemistry between them. Together they fight their demons and fall in love in the process.
A cliché modern fairy tale romance with a hot tattooed alpha male (who behaved like a horny teenager most of the time), steamy scenes and predictable HEA.
Sadly this one didn't work for me, the story progressed way to quick, some parts I had to skip and the romance was just too sticky sweet.
The story is about Grady, a war hero suffering from PTSD and Isa, a college student and former professional dancer. Both MCs have issues and insecurities they struggle with but they can't deny the unmistakable chemistry between them. Together they fight their demons and fall in love in the process.
A cliché modern fairy tale romance with a hot tattooed alpha male (who behaved like a horny teenager most of the time), steamy scenes and predictable HEA.
Sadly this one didn't work for me, the story progressed way to quick, some parts I had to skip and the romance was just too sticky sweet.
July 9, 2020
Well the idea of the characters was not a bad one as far as a Beauty and the Beast interpretation is concerned. Grady especially could have worked so much better. So much potential!
I thought I might actually like this more, ignoring the details of the deal negotiations that put my teeth on edge in places. And then.... well... it wasn't really believable in a lot of places. Apart from barely any getting to know each other and talking but lots of sexy times before it all drifted off into the usual dribble of being madly in love after a couple of days of sex and marrying by the end of the book. Sigh.
I should've known.
I thought I might actually like this more, ignoring the details of the deal negotiations that put my teeth on edge in places. And then.... well... it wasn't really believable in a lot of places. Apart from barely any getting to know each other and talking but lots of sexy times before it all drifted off into the usual dribble of being madly in love after a couple of days of sex and marrying by the end of the book. Sigh.
I should've known.
May 25, 2020
This was a good read. I felt bad for both Isa and Grady. They both has some baggage. I was glad that when Isa first met him that she handled his looks well. I honestly thought that it was going to go badly. It sucked that her family was messed up and so was he. Which is why I was glad that they had each other in the end. They both deserved to be happy.
February 24, 2020
Okay, so this was a heartwarming story, a Beauty and the Beast retelling of sorts.. with a whole lot of ridiculousness thrown in. That little twist at 86%, yeah that was laughable.
Honestly I skimmed this freebie from start to finish, while parts were beautiful, parts were sexy AF, some parts were just too cliched and OTT which distracted me from what this story could have been.
Honestly I skimmed this freebie from start to finish, while parts were beautiful, parts were sexy AF, some parts were just too cliched and OTT which distracted me from what this story could have been.
Want to read
February 13, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/9/2020)! 🎁
March 24, 2020
This had soooo much potential. I kept reading to see how it would all work out, but the emotional power of the story was overwhelmed by cliches, melodrama, and a rushed pace. Too bad because it could have been fantastic.
June 17, 2016
Title: Beast
Author: Alana Albertson
Publisher: Bolero Books
Release Date: June 14, 2016
Genre(s): Military Romance
Page Count:175
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
“‘You’re mine now, baby. And this time you can’t run away. You’re going to be forced to look at me every day.’ His voice was urgent and dripping with sex.”
4 beastly stars! Sexy and dirty hot!!
Grady is definitely a beast!! He’s got a dirty talking mouth with a hot sexy body to go with it. And under all that sexiness is a beautiful man with a heart! Isabella has no clue what she’s in for when she “pretends” to be his date! And let me tell you the angst and the chemistry between these too will melt you!! You will be a pile of goo when it’s done! This book has so much meat to it, and it reads fast. Definitely worth the time!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author: Alana Albertson
Publisher: Bolero Books
Release Date: June 14, 2016
Genre(s): Military Romance
Page Count:175
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Isabella—Grady Williams is a national treasure, the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, America’s scarred superhero. With tattooed arms sculpted from carrying M-16s, this bad boy has girls begging from sea to shining sea to get a piece of his action.
When my father squanders away my college fund, I make a deal with this dirty-talking Devil Dog—I will pretend to be Grady’s girlfriend for the Marine Corps Ball, and my dad will write Grady’s war memoir.
Grady is fearless. Hell, this badass jumped on a grenade to save his fellow Marines! As much as I crave him, I refuse to allow myself to become addicted to a dangerous man who will detonate my heart.
Grady—Isabella Cuesta is an angel who can see beyond my mangled skin, a pawn used to repay her father’s debt, a woman who makes me feel like a man instead of a monster.
But I no longer believe in fairy tales.
She’s mine until our contract ends. I’ll take her hard and rough, listen to all her hopes and fears, lay down my life to protect her.
This beauty will never let herself love a dangerous man like me—a man who has killed, a man who runs towards gunfire, a man who never backs down from a fight.
But without her love, I’m not a man—I’ll remain forever a beast.
Review:
“‘You’re mine now, baby. And this time you can’t run away. You’re going to be forced to look at me every day.’ His voice was urgent and dripping with sex.”
4 beastly stars! Sexy and dirty hot!!
Grady is definitely a beast!! He’s got a dirty talking mouth with a hot sexy body to go with it. And under all that sexiness is a beautiful man with a heart! Isabella has no clue what she’s in for when she “pretends” to be his date! And let me tell you the angst and the chemistry between these too will melt you!! You will be a pile of goo when it’s done! This book has so much meat to it, and it reads fast. Definitely worth the time!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
July 5, 2016
Grady Williams is a vet -and not just any vet - the youngest recipient of Medal of Honor, but he is also scarred bth physically and mentally - but that doesn't make him any less of a man-whore - well only because most women who throw themselves at him aren't interested in forever's.
Does that make him bitter? Yes. And not to forget, grumpy as well!
He longs for someone substantial, some one who looks past his scars, his medals to who he actually is, to want the man without all fan-fare. but somehow feels that he wouldn't exactly get a girl like that with him looking the way he does!
Isabella Cuesta - is a woman trying to live the life she wants - and trying to leave her past behind. She is strong, resilient but definitely struggling, especially wit her father's betrayal.
Grady and Bella meet at costume party for superheroes - and their encounter is peppered with intensity that leaps off the pages!
The premise of the story is absolutely brilliant - I adore romances with such a complex plot-line and characters with intense demons that they try their best to face.
And that's exactly what Beast gave me - two characters, I absolutely respected and admired - and their intense relationship with each other.
Seriously, it was absolutely gratifying to see how well they got on together, even with their insecurities (mostly, Gabe's!) trying to make them go against their hearts.
My only issue with the book was that the tone of the writing was flat - from one twist to the other, the tone never changed, and while I did find that a bit of an irritant, the characters are well developed and adorable enough for me to look past it!
And if you are a Beauty and the Beast fan like me, then you'll definitely enjoy this romance as well :)
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April 10, 2020
This book had so much potential, the story outline was good and I was looking forward to reading it. BUT I'm wondering if I have a different book than anybody else.
The writing was so poor that I just couldn't continue reading. There is no flow to how the characters are acting, nothing feels natural. Like in: one sentence they sit side by side on a sofa talking. In the next sentence they stand by the kitchen counter drinking coffee. How did they get there?? Or: He opens the door and they look at each other, she gaspes, next, his fingers pressed deeper into her flesh. When did he touch her, reached for her?? Those little transitions from one posture to the next are missing. Even the sex scenes are like that. It feels like I'm watching people and blink too long and miss half of what's happening. Or watching a movie with only every fourth frame. Extremely vexing and as I said, no flow.
Also, the conversations feel stilted and kind of cold and clinical, I didn't feel any connection between the characters, just superficial attraction.
I'm disappointed as this book could be great but as it is, I barely made it to 53% before I gave up. And I'm not doing something like this lightly and I might pick it up later and DO finish it just out of curiosity, but I doubt it will improve my rating.
The writing was so poor that I just couldn't continue reading. There is no flow to how the characters are acting, nothing feels natural. Like in: one sentence they sit side by side on a sofa talking. In the next sentence they stand by the kitchen counter drinking coffee. How did they get there?? Or: He opens the door and they look at each other, she gaspes, next, his fingers pressed deeper into her flesh. When did he touch her, reached for her?? Those little transitions from one posture to the next are missing. Even the sex scenes are like that. It feels like I'm watching people and blink too long and miss half of what's happening. Or watching a movie with only every fourth frame. Extremely vexing and as I said, no flow.
Also, the conversations feel stilted and kind of cold and clinical, I didn't feel any connection between the characters, just superficial attraction.
I'm disappointed as this book could be great but as it is, I barely made it to 53% before I gave up. And I'm not doing something like this lightly and I might pick it up later and DO finish it just out of curiosity, but I doubt it will improve my rating.
November 18, 2019
Super quick audio (only 5.5 hrs). I haven't done a beauty and the beast style in quite sometime. Good story line and it was an awesome narration done. Perfect book to help me get stuff done and occupy my brain.
I think this book would have been better with like 2 more hours to build more relationships to some of the plot line. Like the best friends. But with it being so short, I'm glad she didn't waste too much time on the secondary characters and spent the time building their relationship.
I will say though, the angst at the end wasn't really needed, but whatever. Have 100s of books you come to expect it. The next book is only 4.5 hrs, so I will probably listen on an editing day.
So overall a solid 3 for books overall (but if I am rating it in this short novels style by themselves I would give it a 4).
I did like the writing, I would be curious if she has some longer books, or if they are all quick reads.
If you want a good angsty Beauty and the Beast book, try Beast by Jordan Marie (this is definitely a more dark read, but so good).
I think this book would have been better with like 2 more hours to build more relationships to some of the plot line. Like the best friends. But with it being so short, I'm glad she didn't waste too much time on the secondary characters and spent the time building their relationship.
I will say though, the angst at the end wasn't really needed, but whatever. Have 100s of books you come to expect it. The next book is only 4.5 hrs, so I will probably listen on an editing day.
So overall a solid 3 for books overall (but if I am rating it in this short novels style by themselves I would give it a 4).
I did like the writing, I would be curious if she has some longer books, or if they are all quick reads.
If you want a good angsty Beauty and the Beast book, try Beast by Jordan Marie (this is definitely a more dark read, but so good).
July 1, 2016
3.5 Stars
Grady Williams is a hero, he believes the title is not deserved as he was only doing his duty. His duty left him scarred, of course when women find out who he is they all over him but he wishes for a woman who would just want him for being him.
Isabella Cuesta isn't sure what to make of the Hulk in costume she meets at a party. Isa is not one to jump in bed with someone but she finds Grady intriguing. Grady though is sending mixed messages and when Isa's father blows through her money she makes a deal that could sacrifice everything she is building with Grady.
Intriguing story, I always enjoy a classic retelling. You feel for Grady, he feels he is cursed and is bitter because of it. Isa is a psych major who understands more than Grady thinks, he is jaded and even though he would love nothing more than to just be with Isa he is jaded. Fairly quick read, overall good story I think I would have liked this drawn out a bit more to savor the story.
Grady Williams is a hero, he believes the title is not deserved as he was only doing his duty. His duty left him scarred, of course when women find out who he is they all over him but he wishes for a woman who would just want him for being him.
Isabella Cuesta isn't sure what to make of the Hulk in costume she meets at a party. Isa is not one to jump in bed with someone but she finds Grady intriguing. Grady though is sending mixed messages and when Isa's father blows through her money she makes a deal that could sacrifice everything she is building with Grady.
Intriguing story, I always enjoy a classic retelling. You feel for Grady, he feels he is cursed and is bitter because of it. Isa is a psych major who understands more than Grady thinks, he is jaded and even though he would love nothing more than to just be with Isa he is jaded. Fairly quick read, overall good story I think I would have liked this drawn out a bit more to savor the story.
July 7, 2020
>Book Review – The Beauty and the Beast
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 1st in the Heroes Ever After series and ends in an HEA. Isa is a shy college student who used to be a reality show dancer. She had a bad experience and wants to fly under the radar at college. Grady is a scarred, both internally and externally, marine who helps Isa out at a party. I love Grady, but his first meeting with Isa he has her strip for him….and she complies! Neither action really seem to match their characters, as described.
>The book deals with PTSD and how therapy, the correct therapy can help. Grady feels used a lot and Isa definitely uses him to help her father. Beyond the misunderstandings is a threat from a past crush that cause Grady’s alpha to show up.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. I wish the first interaction between Grady and Isa was not so sexual so quickly.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 1st in the Heroes Ever After series and ends in an HEA. Isa is a shy college student who used to be a reality show dancer. She had a bad experience and wants to fly under the radar at college. Grady is a scarred, both internally and externally, marine who helps Isa out at a party. I love Grady, but his first meeting with Isa he has her strip for him….and she complies! Neither action really seem to match their characters, as described.
>The book deals with PTSD and how therapy, the correct therapy can help. Grady feels used a lot and Isa definitely uses him to help her father. Beyond the misunderstandings is a threat from a past crush that cause Grady’s alpha to show up.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. I wish the first interaction between Grady and Isa was not so sexual so quickly.
April 1, 2020
This is very good. This is about Grady Williams, youngest living Medal of Honor recipient. He is on leave from the Marines and is dealing with a lot of PTSD and other problems from his time while on a mission. He meets Isabella. Isabella's father has squandered her college fund and she knows Grady so makes a deal with him to be his girlfriend at the Marine Corps Ball. I really felt for Grady. He has so many problems to overcome, but he perseveres. When he is around Isabella , she seems to calm his nerves so tries to be around her as much as possible. I thought they made a good couple but a lot of women wouldn't be able to put up with Grady's problems. She seems to put up with it . Good for her. Recommend.
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