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Lionheart
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229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2016
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December 5, 2016
4 stars!
Review at Of Pens and Pages
My love for retellings has made me a tough(er) critic when reviewing it. I was scared to read Lionheart because I loved Beauty and the Beast and I knew it would be hard to impress me.
This is a story about a girl who pauses her life to fix her family's, and a wounded man who pauses his to escape it.
Lula moves back in town to help her family who does not seem to want it. It's hard to find a job, especially if you have little to no experience, and so in her desperation, she goes to Craigslist and finds an ad for a housekeeping position in Bluegrass Manor.
Alo Rahim moves in to Bluegrass Manor when Mr. Milton, the owner and his late best friend's father, offers it to him as refuge to recover from the explosion his tour in Iraq. The war has left him physically and emotionally disfigured, and now he refuses to show himself to anyone other than his doctors and Mr. Milton. He stays in his room and spends his days watching CCTV footages of the manor.
Honestly, it took me a while to get into the story. I hated how Lula's family treated her and I didn't know what to think of Alo when he was still secluded in his room, watching Lula through the CCTV footages. It felt a little too Big Brother for me. But as I found out more about Lula and Alo, their struggles and their journey to finally moving forward, I couldn't put the book down.
I loved Alo's story arc! Fran Seen had a way of writing his story that made me feel like I was there with him. It was eye-opening to read what happens because of the war and its effects on anyone who goes through it. Everyone involved is a victim of war.
Alo and Lula's romance had a bit of slow burn to it, growing from employee-boss to friends, confidantes then eventually to lovers. They saw what the other was hiding or feeling even though they couldn't see it for themselves. They both had to grow together on their own. I also enjoyed watching them get to know each other more, and I loved Alo's space puns!
Garrett is every bit the Gaston in this book. I hated him the moment he was introduced; he's narcissistic, selfish, and emotionally manipulative. Garrett and Alo's difference reminded me of a quote from Pride and Prejudice–"One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.".
What I liked the most about the book is that after reading it, it led me to think and reflect. I learned a lot; things I know I'll bring with me for a long time. It started out as a typical retelling, but it became so much more as it went on. It talked about first impressions, racism, discrimination against a certain religion, emotional abuse, war, and moving on. It gave a raw and unedited glimpse of the things veterans go through after the war.
My favorite about the book? Romance wasn't the focal point. It was moving on and moving forward, for both Alo and Lula. And I love how realistic yet heartwarming was the ending. It wasn't like "Suddenly, all was well.". They still had a long way to go, but they were finally going somewhere.
And my favorite line?
*Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
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Review at Of Pens and Pages
My love for retellings has made me a tough(er) critic when reviewing it. I was scared to read Lionheart because I loved Beauty and the Beast and I knew it would be hard to impress me.
This is a story about a girl who pauses her life to fix her family's, and a wounded man who pauses his to escape it.
Lula moves back in town to help her family who does not seem to want it. It's hard to find a job, especially if you have little to no experience, and so in her desperation, she goes to Craigslist and finds an ad for a housekeeping position in Bluegrass Manor.
Alo Rahim moves in to Bluegrass Manor when Mr. Milton, the owner and his late best friend's father, offers it to him as refuge to recover from the explosion his tour in Iraq. The war has left him physically and emotionally disfigured, and now he refuses to show himself to anyone other than his doctors and Mr. Milton. He stays in his room and spends his days watching CCTV footages of the manor.
The things people do when they think no one is watching–that's the most direct view into someone's soul."
Honestly, it took me a while to get into the story. I hated how Lula's family treated her and I didn't know what to think of Alo when he was still secluded in his room, watching Lula through the CCTV footages. It felt a little too Big Brother for me. But as I found out more about Lula and Alo, their struggles and their journey to finally moving forward, I couldn't put the book down.
I loved Alo's story arc! Fran Seen had a way of writing his story that made me feel like I was there with him. It was eye-opening to read what happens because of the war and its effects on anyone who goes through it. Everyone involved is a victim of war.
Alo and Lula's romance had a bit of slow burn to it, growing from employee-boss to friends, confidantes then eventually to lovers. They saw what the other was hiding or feeling even though they couldn't see it for themselves. They both had to grow together on their own. I also enjoyed watching them get to know each other more, and I loved Alo's space puns!
Lula: Why's that?
Mr. Rahim: It's on its last quarter.
Lula: God.”
Garrett is every bit the Gaston in this book. I hated him the moment he was introduced; he's narcissistic, selfish, and emotionally manipulative. Garrett and Alo's difference reminded me of a quote from Pride and Prejudice–"One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.".
What I liked the most about the book is that after reading it, it led me to think and reflect. I learned a lot; things I know I'll bring with me for a long time. It started out as a typical retelling, but it became so much more as it went on. It talked about first impressions, racism, discrimination against a certain religion, emotional abuse, war, and moving on. It gave a raw and unedited glimpse of the things veterans go through after the war.
My favorite about the book? Romance wasn't the focal point. It was moving on and moving forward, for both Alo and Lula. And I love how realistic yet heartwarming was the ending. It wasn't like "Suddenly, all was well.". They still had a long way to go, but they were finally going somewhere.
And my favorite line?
*Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
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September 28, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Tallulah (Lula) Fowler was a recent graduate. But instead of starting a new life, she went back to her small hometown to support her family. She got a job at the secluded Bluegrass Manor as a housekeeper of an elusive man.
Alo Rahim was a war veteran struggling to fit in a normal life. Disfigured from war, he built up a fort around his heart to keep himself in. But his walls slowly crumbled as his new housekeeper helped him realize there was more to life than hiding in the shadows.
I haven't read a lot of fairytale retelling, but what I love the most about it is discovering how an author interpreted the story and made it their own.
Alo started as somewhat a stuck up weirdo. He hid from people while he saw everything that's going on in the manor through CCTV. Deep down he was just a scared and sad man who needed a friend. I like seeing him evolved in a believable pace.
Lula put herself out for people she cared about, but often time not realizing she was the one that needed to be taken care of. I like how she subtly chipped away Alo's surface without being overwhelming or annoying.
The story was slow burn, focusing more on their friendship than romance. I like how their communications started with a one sided observation and text messages. Others might think he's a creep but I thought it's kind of cute haha!
The pace was a little slow towards the middle, but the writing was good to propel it forward. I like how the writing was polished without being overly lyrical.
Lionheart is a story of two people learning to find their place in this world. It would appeal to readers who like entertaining slow burn story.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Tallulah (Lula) Fowler was a recent graduate. But instead of starting a new life, she went back to her small hometown to support her family. She got a job at the secluded Bluegrass Manor as a housekeeper of an elusive man.
Alo Rahim was a war veteran struggling to fit in a normal life. Disfigured from war, he built up a fort around his heart to keep himself in. But his walls slowly crumbled as his new housekeeper helped him realize there was more to life than hiding in the shadows.
I haven't read a lot of fairytale retelling, but what I love the most about it is discovering how an author interpreted the story and made it their own.
When I returned home, I felt like a ghost, walking around unseen in the backdrop of the happy lives my family had crafted in my absence.
Alo started as somewhat a stuck up weirdo. He hid from people while he saw everything that's going on in the manor through CCTV. Deep down he was just a scared and sad man who needed a friend. I like seeing him evolved in a believable pace.
Lula put herself out for people she cared about, but often time not realizing she was the one that needed to be taken care of. I like how she subtly chipped away Alo's surface without being overwhelming or annoying.
Lula had her own gravitational pull, and I found myself caught in her orbit.
The story was slow burn, focusing more on their friendship than romance. I like how their communications started with a one sided observation and text messages. Others might think he's a creep but I thought it's kind of cute haha!
Perhaps my tragedy was compounded into a shorter, more violent time, but her tragedy lingered on, following her like a shadow.
The pace was a little slow towards the middle, but the writing was good to propel it forward. I like how the writing was polished without being overly lyrical.
Lionheart is a story of two people learning to find their place in this world. It would appeal to readers who like entertaining slow burn story.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
July 8, 2017
"Beauty & the Beast Re-telling"
I LOVE Re-telling's of any good'ole fairy tales or just any king of historical Re-tellings. I myself is a huge fan of "Beauty & the beast" Re-tellings but everyone of them left me feel awkward. I've yet to find a "Beauty & the beast" re-telling which i love as much i love the Original story. But alas till then i have to read some really awkward books that left me feeling that "why do i even bother to compare them with such a fairy-tale that no one yet seem to compare??"
From the very first page i was unable to connect with any of the characters of this book.
First because i just couldn't connect with them and the second thing what the hell was the matter with MC's and their names, not one name of character was attractive, what "lula" and all. Comeon we are not reading children's fairy tales.
I also don't like the relationship of Lula with her sister and Father, that was really a off for me. Though i liked Lula's sense of humour. But that was it. I didn't like anything else.
The connection was just not their even though i really liked the writing but i just couldn't feel anything for Rahim and his ghosts of the past.
This is the first book in which i couldn't even bother to love or ship the MC's.
“we let our pile of good things grow until it overshadowed the darkness”
Lula's curiousity with rahim and his behaviour was valid, i can totally believe that because secret thing intrigued many humans. But the need of seeing him and knowing was really of the chart un-realistic for me.
At some point Lula made me cringe. Sorry but it really did. And the insta-love was also there which is one of my pet-peeves, many would say that their was not an insta-love between them because they started as being so-called "friends" but if you see close Lula was always their to take another step with him.
“Every day, you save yourself, even when you don't feel up to it.”
I must say i almost liked Rahim, not because i pity him the way he was dealing with his life and his past but sometimes i liked how he carry himself and his brooding relationship with everyone. I liked broody people. :P
Well, this book was really not for me. Their are alot of 4 and 5 star reviews that you'll see but it just didn't work for me.
Their should be always slow-burn romance in "beauty & the beast" re-tellings which was not in this. Because for God sake a guy who consider himself as a beast won't easily open to any girl. So it should be realistic.
Things was way too fast for my liking. So for me, i won't recommend any one this book. but you can still read if you want to. "Because not every book is for everyone"
Buddy reading with my Darling Halima and she agree's with me because we think the same :P Lol . You can find her review Here.
November 18, 2016
Standing ovation to the author...first time read
To say Lionheart is a retelling of Beauty and The beast story....I can't agree with because for me it was soooo much more. Fran Seen went above and beyond opening my eyes, my mind....and my heart to the hellish journey a solider undertakes in coming home.
These brave men and women putting on a uniform so we can enjoy the freedoms and liberties so many of us takes for granted. I can't begin to imagine the nightmares they face, the need to prove themselves. Having one foot in one country and the other foot in the next and not really belonging to either.
Rahim isn't the same man from when he left home. He's permanently changed, forever altered and lives a life of isolation and solitude. But everyone has flaws and imperfections even when the body isn't movie star quality or appeasing to the eye, those marks are still there.
I loved Lula's & Rahim's story! So damn insightful and heartbreaking... damn did I cry on this one......Five stars all the way!
To say Lionheart is a retelling of Beauty and The beast story....I can't agree with because for me it was soooo much more. Fran Seen went above and beyond opening my eyes, my mind....and my heart to the hellish journey a solider undertakes in coming home.
These brave men and women putting on a uniform so we can enjoy the freedoms and liberties so many of us takes for granted. I can't begin to imagine the nightmares they face, the need to prove themselves. Having one foot in one country and the other foot in the next and not really belonging to either.
Rahim isn't the same man from when he left home. He's permanently changed, forever altered and lives a life of isolation and solitude. But everyone has flaws and imperfections even when the body isn't movie star quality or appeasing to the eye, those marks are still there.
I loved Lula's & Rahim's story! So damn insightful and heartbreaking... damn did I cry on this one......Five stars all the way!
February 1, 2019
4 to 4 1/2 stars
No one had asked me a direct question in a long while. Everyone either danced around my precious feelings or believed me cripple. I preferred cripple to delicate snowflake. Hiding was new for me. Relatively new, anyway. I’d lived in the light. In the open. But these days? These days, I lived in the in-between. -- Alo
The sky was a beautiful clutter, but my life was not. Back when things were simpler, I spent my days mapping out the constellations and awaiting the next meteor shower. I documented my findings, the shades of the planets, the twinkle of the stars. I daydreamed about wholesome, boy-next-door types, sparkly shoes and what college would be like. These days, my life felt like a blackhole. -- Lula
A tale as old as time...
I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings. I love when an author is able to give their version a unique twist that works within a popular and recognizable framework, yet somehow manages to make it their own. I enjoy the way they take the 'bones' of the fairy tale, if you will, and reshape the 'flesh' around it, giving us something new and different amidst the familiar.
Ms. Seen has done that with this tale and done it well.
“You’re not angry or bitter or full of spite—not like you claim,” he breathed, readjusting my blindfold. [...] "You operate with love. Meaning, when people disappoint you, you have much, much more to lose than someone who only has bitterness left,” he said, knocking the wind from my lungs.
At its heart, this is a modern day fairy tale, but it's not a typical retelling with ball gowns and the like. This one works on different levels and addresses a number of difficult subjects, i.e. stereotyping, racism, discrimination, the costs of war, forms of mental, physical and emotional distress/abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more.
And, yet, for all that, there is hope and beauty here, pockets of wisdom, deeper issues to be considered, and much food for thought.
Both a little scared...
Tallulah (Lula) Fowler is a graduate who comes home to take care of her spendthrift father and disabled sister, neither of whom see her clearly, nor truly appreciate her sacrifices or efforts to care for them. In fact, the two of them have accepted a certain snake into the hen house in the form of Garrett (Hello, Gaston), her sister's current boyfriend, and Lula's ex... yeah, you read that right.
His presence felt like betrayal. Garrett was only meant to be a temporary pit-stop, but he left a scar on my life that would hurt forever. It was like itching a sunburn each time I saw him enchanting my sister with his boyish good looks and his empty promises.
Unfortunately, her guilt concerning her sister, as well as the need to protect her family, forces her to put up with undeserved censure and being unheard, as well as frustrating disrespect and unacceptable harrassment. This situation makes Lula's life a kind of hell. Desperate to find work and make some money (in order to provide her sister with the physical therapy she needs, among other things), she applies for the position of live-in maid/housekeeper at Bluegrass Manor.
“You can trust me,” I agreed, breathless. Truthfully, I would’ve agreed to anything short of gang activity or prostitution.
“Then you will move your things into a spare room this evening. You start tomorrow,” Mr. Rahim dismissed me with a wave of his hand, pulling up his email on the screen and rattling away on the keyboard as I turned to leave.
“Mr. Rahim?” I leaned against the doorway, stalling my exit.
“Yes?” He continued to type.
“Why do you hide your face?”
He paused for a moment. “I don’t wish to frighten you,” his velvety voice blanketed the room, edged by a familiar sensation that followed me home.
Sadness.
It is there that she meets the mysterious, strange, gruff, and extremely private (soon-to-be-her-boss), Alo Rahim. Alo was a soldier who came home disfigured and broken, mentally, emotionally and spiritually devastated by his experiences. Isolated and solitary by choice, he watches over the manor via CCTV security cameras, observing the world but no longer participating in it. Having pushed away family and friends, he's unable to connect or relate to others after all he's been through. He's a haunted man who has become an all-seeing, all-knowing ghost within the safety of the manor.
Real relationships were too great a strain. Romantic relationships required the trifecta of sacrifice: to entrust someone with the darkest desires of your soul, splay your mind open to let them dissect your thoughts, and to bare all, allowing them to climb inside your body.
Finding you can change...
Both Lula and Alo's lives are on hold in different ways. Both suffering, they are in desperate need of real connection, acceptance, friendship, freedom, support and love. They both need to do some healing and find their way back to a path that allows them to grow, move forward, create a different space for themselves in the world, and, ultimately, find themselves again.
Lula: I suspect you’re mighty fond of me.
Mr. Rahim: What gives you that idea?
Lula: We’ll call it a hunch.
Mr. Rahim: That’s awfully presumptuous of you.
Lula: I’m not hearing any denial from your end.
Mr. Rahim: Ah, well…There’s nothing to deny.
Well, hot damn. My stomach flipped, and a violent blush soared up my neck, stinging my cheeks.
Each sees what the other needs and provides the catalyst/momentum for that journey...
Barely even friends but then somebody bends, unexpectedly...
When these two first meet, they clash a bit, yet the interest and fascination is there, almost immediately, on both sides. They slowly find their way around each other, and over time, they develop a friendship that becomes an even deeper bond and form of support; something that both of these lonely, but good-hearted people need.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, okay—but I have no freaking clue what it is about you,” she almost sounded angry. “I mean, you’re your own island. Sometimes, you’re downright rude and dismissive and strange. But you listen. I mean, you really listen. And I hope…I hope you know that means everything to me."
At first, I found certain aspects a bit strange and/or frustrating, but upon getting to know these characters better, I accepted that they both were doing their best to deal with circumstances that had overwhelmed and/or damaged them. I struggled with wanting to shake some sense into her ungrateful family and Garrett's behaviour/nastiness made me feel more than a touch violent. I'll admit that I sometimes got frustrated and annoyed with Lula for putting up with all this BS. At the same time, I also understood why she felt trapped on a number of levels and didn't quite know how to extricate herself from that particular web.
True as it can be...
This story is written in the first person, provides dual POV from the hero and heroine, and it's a slow burn romance which focuses on friendship first. It has a bit of the insta-love vibe, and though there is eventually intimacy between these friends-who-become-lovers, that kind of thing is not the story's focus, so it's not super descriptive in that department. Mind you, I was all good with it as conveyed.
“I’m jealous of everyone who visits with you,” she confessed, seeming upset by her admission. “Because I have this idea that you let them look at you—at your face, I mean. And I don’t even want to be jealous. It’s not logical or healthy or even appropriate. I’m jealous of strangers. I’m jealous of your mirrors. I’m jealous of your walls. I’m jealous of everything and everyone who has ever laid eyes on you.”
She didn’t realize it at the time, but in a few rushed sentences, Lula told me how I could make her happy. No flowers or gifts or grand gestures. Just the truth.
This was a unique, interesting, sometimes heartbreaking, but enjoyable read with a realistic ending that gives us the HEA/HFN (up to you how you view it) and shows that for a war veteran, even with true love, it's still a struggle and a continuous journey.
As I've said before and will likely say again, there is something about the way Ms. Seen writes that pulls me right in and that I find engaging and, sometimes, even beautiful. This is my favorite book of hers thus far.
*** A copy of this book was received from the author.
No one had asked me a direct question in a long while. Everyone either danced around my precious feelings or believed me cripple. I preferred cripple to delicate snowflake. Hiding was new for me. Relatively new, anyway. I’d lived in the light. In the open. But these days? These days, I lived in the in-between. -- Alo
The sky was a beautiful clutter, but my life was not. Back when things were simpler, I spent my days mapping out the constellations and awaiting the next meteor shower. I documented my findings, the shades of the planets, the twinkle of the stars. I daydreamed about wholesome, boy-next-door types, sparkly shoes and what college would be like. These days, my life felt like a blackhole. -- Lula
A tale as old as time...
I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings. I love when an author is able to give their version a unique twist that works within a popular and recognizable framework, yet somehow manages to make it their own. I enjoy the way they take the 'bones' of the fairy tale, if you will, and reshape the 'flesh' around it, giving us something new and different amidst the familiar.
Ms. Seen has done that with this tale and done it well.
“You’re not angry or bitter or full of spite—not like you claim,” he breathed, readjusting my blindfold. [...] "You operate with love. Meaning, when people disappoint you, you have much, much more to lose than someone who only has bitterness left,” he said, knocking the wind from my lungs.
At its heart, this is a modern day fairy tale, but it's not a typical retelling with ball gowns and the like. This one works on different levels and addresses a number of difficult subjects, i.e. stereotyping, racism, discrimination, the costs of war, forms of mental, physical and emotional distress/abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more.
And, yet, for all that, there is hope and beauty here, pockets of wisdom, deeper issues to be considered, and much food for thought.
Both a little scared...
Tallulah (Lula) Fowler is a graduate who comes home to take care of her spendthrift father and disabled sister, neither of whom see her clearly, nor truly appreciate her sacrifices or efforts to care for them. In fact, the two of them have accepted a certain snake into the hen house in the form of Garrett (Hello, Gaston), her sister's current boyfriend, and Lula's ex... yeah, you read that right.
His presence felt like betrayal. Garrett was only meant to be a temporary pit-stop, but he left a scar on my life that would hurt forever. It was like itching a sunburn each time I saw him enchanting my sister with his boyish good looks and his empty promises.
Unfortunately, her guilt concerning her sister, as well as the need to protect her family, forces her to put up with undeserved censure and being unheard, as well as frustrating disrespect and unacceptable harrassment. This situation makes Lula's life a kind of hell. Desperate to find work and make some money (in order to provide her sister with the physical therapy she needs, among other things), she applies for the position of live-in maid/housekeeper at Bluegrass Manor.
“You can trust me,” I agreed, breathless. Truthfully, I would’ve agreed to anything short of gang activity or prostitution.
“Then you will move your things into a spare room this evening. You start tomorrow,” Mr. Rahim dismissed me with a wave of his hand, pulling up his email on the screen and rattling away on the keyboard as I turned to leave.
“Mr. Rahim?” I leaned against the doorway, stalling my exit.
“Yes?” He continued to type.
“Why do you hide your face?”
He paused for a moment. “I don’t wish to frighten you,” his velvety voice blanketed the room, edged by a familiar sensation that followed me home.
Sadness.
It is there that she meets the mysterious, strange, gruff, and extremely private (soon-to-be-her-boss), Alo Rahim. Alo was a soldier who came home disfigured and broken, mentally, emotionally and spiritually devastated by his experiences. Isolated and solitary by choice, he watches over the manor via CCTV security cameras, observing the world but no longer participating in it. Having pushed away family and friends, he's unable to connect or relate to others after all he's been through. He's a haunted man who has become an all-seeing, all-knowing ghost within the safety of the manor.
Real relationships were too great a strain. Romantic relationships required the trifecta of sacrifice: to entrust someone with the darkest desires of your soul, splay your mind open to let them dissect your thoughts, and to bare all, allowing them to climb inside your body.
Finding you can change...
Both Lula and Alo's lives are on hold in different ways. Both suffering, they are in desperate need of real connection, acceptance, friendship, freedom, support and love. They both need to do some healing and find their way back to a path that allows them to grow, move forward, create a different space for themselves in the world, and, ultimately, find themselves again.
Lula: I suspect you’re mighty fond of me.
Mr. Rahim: What gives you that idea?
Lula: We’ll call it a hunch.
Mr. Rahim: That’s awfully presumptuous of you.
Lula: I’m not hearing any denial from your end.
Mr. Rahim: Ah, well…There’s nothing to deny.
Well, hot damn. My stomach flipped, and a violent blush soared up my neck, stinging my cheeks.
Each sees what the other needs and provides the catalyst/momentum for that journey...
Barely even friends but then somebody bends, unexpectedly...
When these two first meet, they clash a bit, yet the interest and fascination is there, almost immediately, on both sides. They slowly find their way around each other, and over time, they develop a friendship that becomes an even deeper bond and form of support; something that both of these lonely, but good-hearted people need.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, okay—but I have no freaking clue what it is about you,” she almost sounded angry. “I mean, you’re your own island. Sometimes, you’re downright rude and dismissive and strange. But you listen. I mean, you really listen. And I hope…I hope you know that means everything to me."
At first, I found certain aspects a bit strange and/or frustrating, but upon getting to know these characters better, I accepted that they both were doing their best to deal with circumstances that had overwhelmed and/or damaged them. I struggled with wanting to shake some sense into her ungrateful family and Garrett's behaviour/nastiness made me feel more than a touch violent. I'll admit that I sometimes got frustrated and annoyed with Lula for putting up with all this BS. At the same time, I also understood why she felt trapped on a number of levels and didn't quite know how to extricate herself from that particular web.
True as it can be...
This story is written in the first person, provides dual POV from the hero and heroine, and it's a slow burn romance which focuses on friendship first. It has a bit of the insta-love vibe, and though there is eventually intimacy between these friends-who-become-lovers, that kind of thing is not the story's focus, so it's not super descriptive in that department. Mind you, I was all good with it as conveyed.
“I’m jealous of everyone who visits with you,” she confessed, seeming upset by her admission. “Because I have this idea that you let them look at you—at your face, I mean. And I don’t even want to be jealous. It’s not logical or healthy or even appropriate. I’m jealous of strangers. I’m jealous of your mirrors. I’m jealous of your walls. I’m jealous of everything and everyone who has ever laid eyes on you.”
She didn’t realize it at the time, but in a few rushed sentences, Lula told me how I could make her happy. No flowers or gifts or grand gestures. Just the truth.
This was a unique, interesting, sometimes heartbreaking, but enjoyable read with a realistic ending that gives us the HEA/HFN (up to you how you view it) and shows that for a war veteran, even with true love, it's still a struggle and a continuous journey.
As I've said before and will likely say again, there is something about the way Ms. Seen writes that pulls me right in and that I find engaging and, sometimes, even beautiful. This is my favorite book of hers thus far.
*** A copy of this book was received from the author.
October 31, 2023
3.5 Stars
At the core of it, this story is a modern fairy tale; a retelling of the classic, Beauty & the Beast, one of my personal favourites.
The story follows a young woman named Lula, as she takes a job at Bluegrass Manor, working for the gruff and mysterious, Alo Rahim.
Lula is a kind and caring soul. She is constantly taking on the problems of those around her and doing her best to help them through their struggles. She neglects her own happiness in order to look after her family; a family who treat her poorly and take her generosities and sacrifices for granted.
Since Alo’s return from war two years earlier, he has been hiding away at Bluegrass Manor. He is mentally and emotionally broken from his time fighting overseas for his country, and he carries the physical scars to match his inner turmoil. He is no longer living, but merely existing, and he’s barely even doing a good job of that. That is until Lula walks into his life and confronts him with yearnings he didn’t know he could still possess.
In true Beauty & the Beast fashion, Lula and Alo get off to a rocky start, but gradually, over time, they develop a tentative friendship and find solace in one another’s company. They learn to share past hurts and offer each other the kind of comfort and acceptance that has been missing from their lives. And slowly, but surely, they fall in love.
This was very nicely written. The story, although familiar, managed to be wholly unique and thoroughly entertaining. I was entranced from the very first page and I didn’t once lose interest as I read on. I even finished the entire thing in a day, which I feel speaks highly of the quality of the writing and the characters created, here.
This is a story for fans of modern fairy tales and unique retellings, slow-burn romances, and lovely thought-provoking narratives.
***Special thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
At the core of it, this story is a modern fairy tale; a retelling of the classic, Beauty & the Beast, one of my personal favourites.
The story follows a young woman named Lula, as she takes a job at Bluegrass Manor, working for the gruff and mysterious, Alo Rahim.
Lula is a kind and caring soul. She is constantly taking on the problems of those around her and doing her best to help them through their struggles. She neglects her own happiness in order to look after her family; a family who treat her poorly and take her generosities and sacrifices for granted.
Since Alo’s return from war two years earlier, he has been hiding away at Bluegrass Manor. He is mentally and emotionally broken from his time fighting overseas for his country, and he carries the physical scars to match his inner turmoil. He is no longer living, but merely existing, and he’s barely even doing a good job of that. That is until Lula walks into his life and confronts him with yearnings he didn’t know he could still possess.
In true Beauty & the Beast fashion, Lula and Alo get off to a rocky start, but gradually, over time, they develop a tentative friendship and find solace in one another’s company. They learn to share past hurts and offer each other the kind of comfort and acceptance that has been missing from their lives. And slowly, but surely, they fall in love.
This was very nicely written. The story, although familiar, managed to be wholly unique and thoroughly entertaining. I was entranced from the very first page and I didn’t once lose interest as I read on. I even finished the entire thing in a day, which I feel speaks highly of the quality of the writing and the characters created, here.
This is a story for fans of modern fairy tales and unique retellings, slow-burn romances, and lovely thought-provoking narratives.
***Special thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2016
This is such an emotional, beutiful tale, that i woudnt even, realy call a Beauty and The Beast retelling, its more of a story of surviving, after one of the most horrifiying experiences in life, War and how not to shut down and return to evryday life, learning the beauty of it once again and, that all around you are not only enemies,and that evry day life isnt a war zone, i liked how realisticaly the flashbacks and memmories of MR Rahim were portrayed and his developement from a man stuck for ever in the horror of his war past and guilt of losing his friend, to a man open to possibilities and learning to live and love afresh, turning a new leaf and ofcourse Lula helped him heal. Lula is a beutiful charecter on her own, funny, strong, stubborn, yet vulnurable with a lot of insecurities developed, thanks to her Father, sister and ex, yet she is strong enough tto help Alo heal and see, the beuty of the world and help others, like him too and strong enough, to finaly let, thoes who drag her back and dont feel thankful for all she did for them, know how wrong and selfish they are and finaly opened her fathers and sisters eyes, who tried to keap a blind eye to all hapening around them and ofcourse Alo helped her see herself and get stronget too, they healed each, other
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2016
I’m very partial to beauty and the beast themed stories and when I saw this medium-length book in one of my friends feed, I delved right in.
It started nicely, I liked the topic of war veterans and there is much food for thought (also of the mouthwatering kind, literally).
Then it played out too simplistically, there is insta-love, the heroine has the emotional tact of a concrete mixer and there are several inconsistencies, particularly regarding how Lula interacts with Mr. Rahim without seeing his uncovered face or the fluid way he moves despite the extent of his injuries.
The secondary characters are flat and they seem to be there just to serve the plot, appearing and disappearing without coherency.
Anyway, the story flows okay and it's a quick read. 2.5 stars rounded up because I liked the narrative style.
"All life was lived within the close proximity of tragedy."
It started nicely, I liked the topic of war veterans and there is much food for thought (also of the mouthwatering kind, literally).
Then it played out too simplistically, there is insta-love, the heroine has the emotional tact of a concrete mixer and there are several inconsistencies, particularly regarding how Lula interacts with Mr. Rahim without seeing his uncovered face or the fluid way he moves despite the extent of his injuries.
The secondary characters are flat and they seem to be there just to serve the plot, appearing and disappearing without coherency.
Anyway, the story flows okay and it's a quick read. 2.5 stars rounded up because I liked the narrative style.
"All life was lived within the close proximity of tragedy."
freebies-to-read
August 15, 2017A Beauty & the Beast retelling?!
Am I excited?!?!
Maybe just a little...*
*lie: B&B is my favorite fairytale :)
Am I excited?!?!
Maybe just a little...*
*lie: B&B is my favorite fairytale :)
September 4, 2016
*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, thanks again*
- ̗̀ 3.75 stars ̖́-
New adult romance isn't my genre, at all. I tried many different books and 90% of the times I had awful experiences.
When I was offered this book for review I said yes because I'm still searching for the perfect NA book, the one that I don't hate with all my heart.
I normally don't compare authors but Fran Seen had the same level of sassiness of Sara Wolf, and I hope she takes this as the compliment I intended it to be because I loved Love Me Never. And I loved this book too, the writing style was the first thing I noticed and adored.
I will start with the only negative thing: the relationship between Alo and Lula developed a little bit too fast. It wasn't a insta-love type of situation but close to that, and I could see that it ruined the book a little bit.
I was expecting to see at first a professional relationship, between an employer and employee, and then something more. But the lines were blurred from the start and I didn't see any professionalism.
This doesn't mean that I didn't care for the romance though, because I cared a lot.
I liked how the author integrated PTSD and that we actually could hear from the point of view of an Arab war veteran. I liked that Fran Seen didn't use the "love can cure everything" trope, because it's highly unrealistic that love can cure something like panic attacks and depression.
A lot of the themes in this book were really up-to-date with the things we hear right now in the news - I liked that she decided to integrate those themes, as well as mental illness.
I also really liked Lula as a female main character and how she dealt with her own family and their problems.
I would recommend this book to fans of NA or just people that want to try the genre and don't know where to start.
- ̗̀ 3.75 stars ̖́-
New adult romance isn't my genre, at all. I tried many different books and 90% of the times I had awful experiences.
When I was offered this book for review I said yes because I'm still searching for the perfect NA book, the one that I don't hate with all my heart.
I normally don't compare authors but Fran Seen had the same level of sassiness of Sara Wolf, and I hope she takes this as the compliment I intended it to be because I loved Love Me Never. And I loved this book too, the writing style was the first thing I noticed and adored.
I will start with the only negative thing: the relationship between Alo and Lula developed a little bit too fast. It wasn't a insta-love type of situation but close to that, and I could see that it ruined the book a little bit.
I was expecting to see at first a professional relationship, between an employer and employee, and then something more. But the lines were blurred from the start and I didn't see any professionalism.
This doesn't mean that I didn't care for the romance though, because I cared a lot.
I liked how the author integrated PTSD and that we actually could hear from the point of view of an Arab war veteran. I liked that Fran Seen didn't use the "love can cure everything" trope, because it's highly unrealistic that love can cure something like panic attacks and depression.
A lot of the themes in this book were really up-to-date with the things we hear right now in the news - I liked that she decided to integrate those themes, as well as mental illness.
I also really liked Lula as a female main character and how she dealt with her own family and their problems.
I would recommend this book to fans of NA or just people that want to try the genre and don't know where to start.
September 6, 2016
*I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
WHAT AN AMAZING READ.
I wasn't really sure about getting into this one, at first: I was a bit reluctant because of how it's presented; I mean, as a hardcore fan of pretty much everything Beauty & the Beast, I almost entered this book squinting my eyes, bracing myself for it not living up to my expectations.
I was SO, SO WRONG.
This story was really original, even within the limitations due to the obvious; the twist the author chose for her take to the story was really well planned and, as a result, we have a very solid story with two really strong MCs, both very human and thus very relatable (in the general aspects, at least, although of course there may be people out there who may find some deeper connection with Alo's story). Their relationship was nicely developed, with just the right pace, fitting both the unusual situation that brought them together and causing their particular, personal worlds to meld together very fittingly.
I also really appreciated how the relationship was pictured as a part of both their character developments, but that the change ultimately was clearly born from within them. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these characters get to know each other, and help each other know themselves better, help each other get stronger. They have a very healthy relationship, in my opinion. Which, I can't help but stress, is so, SO important in this day and age, with so many books showing different kind of crazy in relationships of a wide variety and making them seem acceptable.
It was a really fresh take on how fiction depicts some relationships, I guess (especially in cases where the people involved are standing on some muddy ground, much like Alo and Lula were when they met). I loved seeing the whole process, their evolution. It was deeply satisfying.
All in all, it was a great read. Lately I seem to be picking books that deal with some heavy psychological themes, so to speak, and this one offers a really interesting take on a variety of issues of that kind, and (as far as my understanding goes) it's done tastefully and with much respect to what's being addressed, with the acknowledgement that it's not precisely a light thing.
I highly recommend this book. I think many people may benefit from the message it delivers; plus, it's a really gripping read. It's basically a win-win situaiton.
WHAT AN AMAZING READ.
I wasn't really sure about getting into this one, at first: I was a bit reluctant because of how it's presented; I mean, as a hardcore fan of pretty much everything Beauty & the Beast, I almost entered this book squinting my eyes, bracing myself for it not living up to my expectations.
I was SO, SO WRONG.
This story was really original, even within the limitations due to the obvious; the twist the author chose for her take to the story was really well planned and, as a result, we have a very solid story with two really strong MCs, both very human and thus very relatable (in the general aspects, at least, although of course there may be people out there who may find some deeper connection with Alo's story). Their relationship was nicely developed, with just the right pace, fitting both the unusual situation that brought them together and causing their particular, personal worlds to meld together very fittingly.
I also really appreciated how the relationship was pictured as a part of both their character developments, but that the change ultimately was clearly born from within them. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these characters get to know each other, and help each other know themselves better, help each other get stronger. They have a very healthy relationship, in my opinion. Which, I can't help but stress, is so, SO important in this day and age, with so many books showing different kind of crazy in relationships of a wide variety and making them seem acceptable.
It was a really fresh take on how fiction depicts some relationships, I guess (especially in cases where the people involved are standing on some muddy ground, much like Alo and Lula were when they met). I loved seeing the whole process, their evolution. It was deeply satisfying.
All in all, it was a great read. Lately I seem to be picking books that deal with some heavy psychological themes, so to speak, and this one offers a really interesting take on a variety of issues of that kind, and (as far as my understanding goes) it's done tastefully and with much respect to what's being addressed, with the acknowledgement that it's not precisely a light thing.
I highly recommend this book. I think many people may benefit from the message it delivers; plus, it's a really gripping read. It's basically a win-win situaiton.
September 17, 2016
I was fortunate enough to have read a previous work by this author. (If you're interested, the review for LoneWolff can be found here). So, of course, when the chance arose to review Lionheart, it was a no-brainer.
The premise of the book is the retelling of the Beauty and the Beast. Alo, the Beast, is a recluse by choice. He suffers from demons and residual trauma from the war. As with many veterans, he struggles to adapt to his redefined persona now that he's no longer a warrior. His loneliness is palpable; he's lost within himself. I believe his self-imposed solitude is truly the beast, not Alo. The fact that Seen in no way trivialized his torment and went to great lengths to ensure she accurately represented his pain and horror is greatly appreciated. She certainly sheds light on this hidden pain of our wounded warriors. PTSD is a beast unto itself.
I am grateful Lula finds a chink in his armor and is able to scale his seemingly impenetrable walls. Unlike the traditional Belle, Lula has her own demons. She struggles with the guilt associated with her sister's accident, the fact that her father can't keep it financially together, and how her mother just walked away. The added wrench in the situation is her sister's boyfriend, her ex. Despite the bleak prospects of her life, Lula's optimistic outlook cannot be squelched. She breathes life back into the desolate mansion and the vacant soul of Alo.
Seen asks if love is enough to mend a broken soul. If you define love as a single-faceted emotion, then I would respond no. However, if we are talking about the various dimensions and depths encompassing this highly-sought four-letter word, then I shout a resounding yes! Lula seems to know that love means being a friend, being a shoulder, being a listener, forcing the difficult conversations, and looking beyond what the eye can see. That is the beauty of Lula; she can see the beauty beneath Alo's beastly pain.
I pondered for quite a while trying to determine who was the "Lionheart" in this story. I'm not sure what Seen had in mind, but my assessment is the title defines both of them. Both Alo and Lula are warriors. They have fought different wars with difficult collateral damage, but they fought their way to each other.
It's a beautiful story, written in such a fashion that you forget it's a tale as old as time. I hope you will be as captivated by this story as I am!
The premise of the book is the retelling of the Beauty and the Beast. Alo, the Beast, is a recluse by choice. He suffers from demons and residual trauma from the war. As with many veterans, he struggles to adapt to his redefined persona now that he's no longer a warrior. His loneliness is palpable; he's lost within himself. I believe his self-imposed solitude is truly the beast, not Alo. The fact that Seen in no way trivialized his torment and went to great lengths to ensure she accurately represented his pain and horror is greatly appreciated. She certainly sheds light on this hidden pain of our wounded warriors. PTSD is a beast unto itself.
I am grateful Lula finds a chink in his armor and is able to scale his seemingly impenetrable walls. Unlike the traditional Belle, Lula has her own demons. She struggles with the guilt associated with her sister's accident, the fact that her father can't keep it financially together, and how her mother just walked away. The added wrench in the situation is her sister's boyfriend, her ex. Despite the bleak prospects of her life, Lula's optimistic outlook cannot be squelched. She breathes life back into the desolate mansion and the vacant soul of Alo.
Seen asks if love is enough to mend a broken soul. If you define love as a single-faceted emotion, then I would respond no. However, if we are talking about the various dimensions and depths encompassing this highly-sought four-letter word, then I shout a resounding yes! Lula seems to know that love means being a friend, being a shoulder, being a listener, forcing the difficult conversations, and looking beyond what the eye can see. That is the beauty of Lula; she can see the beauty beneath Alo's beastly pain.
I pondered for quite a while trying to determine who was the "Lionheart" in this story. I'm not sure what Seen had in mind, but my assessment is the title defines both of them. Both Alo and Lula are warriors. They have fought different wars with difficult collateral damage, but they fought their way to each other.
It's a beautiful story, written in such a fashion that you forget it's a tale as old as time. I hope you will be as captivated by this story as I am!
October 4, 2016
This was an ok book. Unfortunately, the romance fell flat with zero steam and a fade to black sex scene at the very end. They didn't get together until the end of the book and this lacked the slow burn that some other authors can create. Also, at times the book read like a checklist of facts for PTSD. It was a good read, though not a great one.
August 28, 2016
Request for Honest Review by Author
Three years ago, I wandered down the Craigslist rabbit hole and ended up with a peculiar pair of designer jeans. The seller, whom I'd met in a bank parking lot, eyed me from head to toe, exhaled a lung full of asthma-inducing cigarette smoke, and warned me, "There's a 75% chance those jeans are cursed."
Post-traumatic stress or best referred as PTSD is a common occurrence among those who are involved in traumatic experiences or situations. In this book that is the main theme although there is a fair amount of public prejudice, political views, a light touch on race and religion, family feuds and also romance. Rahim or Alo is the mansion caretaker - he is under the employment of the father of his best pal who lost his life in the same ordeal that physically scarred him and Lula or Tallulah who is a caring person and an avid star gazer. Set in a small town perched near the Ohio River and written in first person point of view of both Alo and Lula, is a take on trauma and blessing of love.
"Sometimes I wonder what makes you angrier …" I started moving my binocular bag out of his reach. " The realization that I belong to no one or the realization that you have nothing to offer anyone."
The characters are actually very natural and I was surprised that even the negative character Garrett was also very charismatic for a total jerk. I mean he manipulates others to get what he wants and the sick part is that some actually believe Garrett. Rahim on the other hand who is the rival love interest and a total opposite of Garrett. Rahim was portrayed as someone who worked hard to isolate himself because he did not know how to deal with his predicament, how he is physically scarred by his ordeals and emotionally on breaking point. There are a lot of experiences that are shared by Rahim. It is important to note here that it is more to not who's wrong but more towards how humans in general who are innocent pay for the price of others' greed. Lula on the other hand is the light to the dark that is present in Rahim, he is sad she provides the cheer, the comfort and also the love. There is no denying this caring and lover of star gazing does to Rahim as he makes subtle and then some very strong changes in his life. Lula is more involved in the mundane drama of family feuds and also the outside world, and she is also non-judgmental to others and keeps an open mind - I believe the world or rather strongly society need such people in abundance as they are a rare breed.
After 9/11, anti-Muslim attitudes weren't uncommon. Muslims were the new favorite minority to whisper about, like black folks were a century prior. Yeah, Islamic extremists exist. They did bad things, kind of like the Catholic church during the inquisition.
The book is written in a steady pace in it's very entertaining as I enjoyed the writing style and also there was the right amount of humor, drama though it increased tremendously past the half mark in the book and also there were also family bonds and also gossip that occurs in society. It was rather intelligent way the author played the part where Lula tried to avoid the small town gossip mongers from getting anything on Rahim. It was an engaging read that didn't failed to surprise me as I believe most of the books in these genre are about how military hot shots work hard to fight in the war and most of the time I believe they don't really care about innocents dying (no right and wrong - I wonder what happened to humanity) but in this book it details the trauma of those who return and are unable to function because they are not the same as they were before and how many actually take to suicide as a cure for their trauma as pointed out in this book not many groups provide support for those who have PTSD. A very important topic indeed I guess all those innocent lives lost do leave behind some jinx or a curse. Consequently Lula played the light in this very somber affair , all the dark needs some light and thus a good balance. I was going to go for perfect but I believe the author needs some more effort although she researched well on the religious and racial issues and the root of that cause in America in general. A good effort on her part.
… back when cereal boxes still had the great prizes at the bottom and all of my important decisions were made by eeny-meeny-miney-mo.
The book was entertaining, engaging, sometimes funny, sometimes sad but overall it was a good read. Since I like to read the news and all other material that can be read. A good read is also very strong point in my opinion. Good points combined with enthralling story telling is a haven for book readers like me. The thing about this book was that it was entertaining without trying too hard, there were some witty moments in this book though the subject discussed is very somber and it highlighted many issues faced by the society currently from the discrimination to the support by some. Every book has its high points and low points. The high points will be the humor, I enjoyed that but the low point is that Garrett got away too easily and also that the war part needed more natural approach, it was very methodical, I understand the author can't be there at the war zone but perhaps a little bit more effort on that part. Good page turning book till the end. I realized that it is so easy destroy especially for those who have inflated egos and greed in good measure but it's so hard to rebuild what is lost. Enjoy!!!
My heart was so tired, like how my arms felt when carrying too much groceries for too long of a stretch.
Sometimes in life it's very very tiresome and lazy and tiresome. I love to quote good quotes. =)
August 10, 2016
★★★★★
Genre: New-Adult, Romance
Recommend: Yes
SPOILERS
Review originally posted on Aoibh Reads
Lula responds to a Craiglist advertisement by a Mr Rahim, seeking a cleaner who will ask no questions and housing is included in his manor. Eager to escape her family and pay for her sister's physical therapy, Lula jumps at the opportunity. One rule though... she is not to look at Mr Rahim's face. No one who lives there has seen him properly. But Lula isn't one for living the safe life and pushes Mr Rahim until she gets a glimpse at who he really is, and once she sees, she cannot walk away.
I love Fran Seen's work. Absolutely blown away... again. There is such a magnetic power to the stories she creates that lures me into the world of the characters.
"My mom always told me that, when people warned you they were emotionally unavailable, to believe them. She said those people had good intentions. They were trying to warn you that their heart was broken, and in attempting to piece it back together, they were afraid of cutting you with their edges."
You know those times when you read something and it hits you right in the gut and you realise you've just read words that explain everything that's been going on in your brain as if the author has just ripped your own thoughts right from you and whacked them down on paper... yeah, that happened.
Lula: I loved her banter and attitude. She was so kind-hearted and of the best nature, but yet not timid or shy and afraid to challenge Alo. I laughed on so many occasions reading of her texts with him and how she challenged him.
Alo: We discovered his past and history before Lula did due to the dual POV and I loved the insight into his struggling mind and his torment. He was a perfect balance of fierceness and mystery but yet with such a soft side.
Romance: This is technically a romantic story between the pair but yet there's nothing explicit or steamy. Instead it's all based on a gorgeous development of a relationship where the reader gets to see them both get emotionally and mentally close. I loved the scenes where Lula and Alo would focus on the sky and discuss the stars and their story.
What's beautiful is the adaption of the Beauty and the Beast story is so far removed but with the same premise. Alo feels like he is completely alone and removed from the world, but once he accepts that he doesn't have to be and allows Lula to get close, it ends beautifully! The writing and format is so thought-provoking and entrancing, it's just fantastic.
Overall:
This is an addictive and beautiful romantic story. With some complicated themes treated so delicately and honest, the pain and trauma will captivate you from the beginning to the thrilling ending.
See more of my reviews here
August 25, 2016
ARC Given by author in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this story. LOVED. Seems like today in the world of fiction there is alot of insta-love.. quick to jump in bed books and I am not a fan. BUT this! This slow build.. intriguing Beauty and the Beast story sucked me in and pulled me off all the Netflix I have been watching.. I'm in a book rut.
You start by meeting Lulu who is just our of college living with her dad and sister who was paralyzed in an accident. In her current situation she is being taken advantage of and not cared for so she applies for a job on Craigslist (random I know) and in walks Alo. He is a Ex-Navy seal who was injured during battle. He is secluded himself in his house and away from any and everyone.
Lulu being herself helps him open up and he start to care about someone again. He starts wanting to live again.
The story takes its time introducing you to the characters, developing their personalities and you get to read their story unfold piece by piece. There is no rush.. Seems realistic. I loved Lulu's feisty personalty and her ability to understand that Alo didn't need to be pushed but nudged. I loved Alo's curiosity and wiliness to open up. The supporting characters serve a purpose help the story.. they weren't just fluff..
This is the second book Ive read by Fran Seen. I like this one he best out of the two. Her stories come from a different POV then the average and I like that. I like the outside of the box aspect.
In the end great read. Great story. Great characters!
I loved this story. LOVED. Seems like today in the world of fiction there is alot of insta-love.. quick to jump in bed books and I am not a fan. BUT this! This slow build.. intriguing Beauty and the Beast story sucked me in and pulled me off all the Netflix I have been watching.. I'm in a book rut.
You start by meeting Lulu who is just our of college living with her dad and sister who was paralyzed in an accident. In her current situation she is being taken advantage of and not cared for so she applies for a job on Craigslist (random I know) and in walks Alo. He is a Ex-Navy seal who was injured during battle. He is secluded himself in his house and away from any and everyone.
Lulu being herself helps him open up and he start to care about someone again. He starts wanting to live again.
The story takes its time introducing you to the characters, developing their personalities and you get to read their story unfold piece by piece. There is no rush.. Seems realistic. I loved Lulu's feisty personalty and her ability to understand that Alo didn't need to be pushed but nudged. I loved Alo's curiosity and wiliness to open up. The supporting characters serve a purpose help the story.. they weren't just fluff..
This is the second book Ive read by Fran Seen. I like this one he best out of the two. Her stories come from a different POV then the average and I like that. I like the outside of the box aspect.
In the end great read. Great story. Great characters!
September 22, 2016
Giving up.
60% I'm still not feeling any real connection between Lula and Alo's aka Mr. Rahim. They finally kissed but the events leading to it was lame lame lame. No spark, no true affection, no sexual tension NOTHING! I am going to have to put this book on indefinite pause.
********************************************************************************
46% So far this is my least favorite beauty and the beast retelling I've read. The hero and heroine have barely spent time together. The heroine is too busy being a doormat to her evil spoiled sister and idiot father. Aside for a brief scene where the heroine Lula was admiring Mr. Rahim's muscle bound body while he worked out, I am not feeling any romantic connection between them.
60% I'm still not feeling any real connection between Lula and Alo's aka Mr. Rahim. They finally kissed but the events leading to it was lame lame lame. No spark, no true affection, no sexual tension NOTHING! I am going to have to put this book on indefinite pause.
********************************************************************************
46% So far this is my least favorite beauty and the beast retelling I've read. The hero and heroine have barely spent time together. The heroine is too busy being a doormat to her evil spoiled sister and idiot father. Aside for a brief scene where the heroine Lula was admiring Mr. Rahim's muscle bound body while he worked out, I am not feeling any romantic connection between them.
September 5, 2016
Review to follow
April 6, 2017
This book was beautiful. There were no sexy times and only one fade to black scene but I still loved it. Very wholesome and very refreshing amongst all the garbage that's being put out today. Loovedddd the political undertones in this too! Absolutely will read more from this author.
August 10, 2016
www.bookworm221.tumblr.com
A Beauty and the Beast re - telling? Yes, please!!
There’s something about Fran Seen’s writing that makes it addicting, it was nearly impossible for me to put the book down and the only time that I did I kept thinking about it while trying to adult in the real world.
This is the story about a broken man called Alo, he is a recluse living in a big house in a small town and one day the big house needs a new maid, in comes Lula. She is a hard worker, she cares about her family and is sacrificing a lot in order to help them but they don’t appreciate her.
The relationship between these two progressed slowly and wonderfully, every time they had an exchange I had butterflies in my belly going crazy. But it is fair to say that the story goes beyond the lovey dovey parts, both Alo and Lula have skeletons in their closets and at least for Alo is really really hard to let go of the pain and fear and start healing and living.
They both complemented each other beautifully, the conversations whether romantic or more serious were very well written and explained thoroughly, because Alo is a veteran and he is suffering from all the things he went through in the war there was a lot of talk about politics and the ugliness of war and I think that Fran Seen did a wonderful job in writing Alo’s PoV when he talked about all of the things that happened to him.
As I said in the beginning the book goes by so so fast, I wanted more stories, more romantic moments but the way it ended was perfect!
Keep Calm and Read On
Instagram and Twitter @bookquotes221
February 4, 2017
When I see a book placed in the "new adult" genre, I expect two things: 1. A lot of sex and 2. A shallow plot. But every now and then one surprises me. But I actually wouldn't put this one in that genre for a number of reasons. If you're looking for a steamy read, this isn't for you. We get the fade out treatment here. But if you're looking for a romantic read with meaning and substance, give it a try.
I commend the author for writing a book that deals with issues the person reading the book might not otherwise think about. I know it's not something I often think about. While this is technically a romance, I actually liked that the romance took a backseat to the real issues. We get a great commentary on the Iraq war and its consequences for everyone involved. We get a peak at the horror of PTSD. We get a glimpse into the life of a wounded warrior. Making the hero an Arab-American added so many other layers to this story. That's another thing I commend the author for.
This isn't a typical sweet, fall in love, happily ever after read, because when someone goes through what Alo went through, there will always be a struggle. I liked that this book made that clear.
Why only 3 stars? I just didn't get as invested in this story as I wanted to. And I tried really hard. There was just a disconnect. The story often times felt disjointed, and the holes in the narrative left me feeling cheated and disappointed. I was always right on the edge of that big emotional pull, but I never went over. And for a book of this subject matter, that's very disappointing. I can't really pinpoint what exactly the problem was. But I just never got completely invested.
I commend the author for writing a book that deals with issues the person reading the book might not otherwise think about. I know it's not something I often think about. While this is technically a romance, I actually liked that the romance took a backseat to the real issues. We get a great commentary on the Iraq war and its consequences for everyone involved. We get a peak at the horror of PTSD. We get a glimpse into the life of a wounded warrior. Making the hero an Arab-American added so many other layers to this story. That's another thing I commend the author for.
This isn't a typical sweet, fall in love, happily ever after read, because when someone goes through what Alo went through, there will always be a struggle. I liked that this book made that clear.
Why only 3 stars? I just didn't get as invested in this story as I wanted to. And I tried really hard. There was just a disconnect. The story often times felt disjointed, and the holes in the narrative left me feeling cheated and disappointed. I was always right on the edge of that big emotional pull, but I never went over. And for a book of this subject matter, that's very disappointing. I can't really pinpoint what exactly the problem was. But I just never got completely invested.
November 19, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review...
And honestly, I really enjoyed this book! So much so that I'm running on 3 hours of sleep today because I couldn't put it down last night. Thanks a lot, Fran Seen!
This was a beautiful retelling of Beauty & the Beast, with a modern twist that really placed the story in real time, with characters facing very serious issues that plague so many real-life people. PTSD is something I'm not all that knowledgeable on, so it was both interesting and heartbreaking to read about Alo's struggles. And it's not just the views on war and PTSD that make the story so real, but also the discrimination and judgment Alo faces for his race is so accurate in our current political climate.
I would never have thought I'd enjoy a story that faced all the issues mentioned above, I'm more of a "predictable romance with only superficial problems" kind of girl. But this story was so wonderfully told. Seen's writing is superb. She really captures the setting and makes you both love and root for these characters. And even though it's a retelling of a classic story, it's not as predictable as you might think. While the basic idea of the story follows Beauty & the Beast, the details are much different.
I really recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a great love story about seeing the beauty inside a rough exterior, overcoming depression & anxiety, and facing your past while changing your future.
And honestly, I really enjoyed this book! So much so that I'm running on 3 hours of sleep today because I couldn't put it down last night. Thanks a lot, Fran Seen!
This was a beautiful retelling of Beauty & the Beast, with a modern twist that really placed the story in real time, with characters facing very serious issues that plague so many real-life people. PTSD is something I'm not all that knowledgeable on, so it was both interesting and heartbreaking to read about Alo's struggles. And it's not just the views on war and PTSD that make the story so real, but also the discrimination and judgment Alo faces for his race is so accurate in our current political climate.
I would never have thought I'd enjoy a story that faced all the issues mentioned above, I'm more of a "predictable romance with only superficial problems" kind of girl. But this story was so wonderfully told. Seen's writing is superb. She really captures the setting and makes you both love and root for these characters. And even though it's a retelling of a classic story, it's not as predictable as you might think. While the basic idea of the story follows Beauty & the Beast, the details are much different.
I really recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a great love story about seeing the beauty inside a rough exterior, overcoming depression & anxiety, and facing your past while changing your future.
September 8, 2016
3.5 Stars
I liked it for the most part. Some parts dragged. There was a lot discussed about the Iraqi War. It almost felt like Alo's bio.
Alo and Lulu's relationship was not insta-love. There was that instant attraction, but nothing happens for a long time. By the time they got together, I wished there were more scenes. It felt as if they got together and then came "the end" even though there was a epilogue.
Lulu was a very caring person, but after a while the way she allowed her father and her sister, Addie, to treat her got on my nerves. Lulu appeared weak and a push-over.
I hated Addie and do NOT believe the ending. I think Addie will continue being the stupid girl she always ways. Give it a week from the epilogue. She will go back to her nasty self.
As I was finishing this book, I was already looking at other books written by this author.
I liked it for the most part. Some parts dragged. There was a lot discussed about the Iraqi War. It almost felt like Alo's bio.
Alo and Lulu's relationship was not insta-love. There was that instant attraction, but nothing happens for a long time. By the time they got together, I wished there were more scenes. It felt as if they got together and then came "the end" even though there was a epilogue.
Lulu was a very caring person, but after a while the way she allowed her father and her sister, Addie, to treat her got on my nerves. Lulu appeared weak and a push-over.
I hated Addie and do NOT believe the ending. I think Addie will continue being the stupid girl she always ways. Give it a week from the epilogue. She will go back to her nasty self.
As I was finishing this book, I was already looking at other books written by this author.
September 9, 2016
I enjoyed reading the book. Lula and Alo are well-crafted and very lovable characters. The story runs seamlessly, just right amount of angst and humor and everything. I like the romantic plot-line, I think it was very well delivered and written, also the book is dealing with lot of important social issues, notably ptsd. Also I'm always here to discuss world politics and these stupid ass wars, so Alo's thoughts on the matters were very interesting to me. Additional bonus is that I share his opinion.
Lionheart is a very enjoyable read with slow-burn relationship, realistic character developments and good writing.
P. S. In my experience New Adult books always have explicit sexual content. I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of it here. I think the story only won from it.
Lionheart is a very enjoyable read with slow-burn relationship, realistic character developments and good writing.
P. S. In my experience New Adult books always have explicit sexual content. I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of it here. I think the story only won from it.
August 12, 2016
ARC received from the author for an honest review.
I loved this book - a modern day story of Beauty and the Beast.
The way the friendship between Lulu and Alo grew was realistic then it morphed in to something more - lovely. The PDST element of the book was dealt with really well, hearing what Alo had been through and how it effected him tugged at the heartstrings. What Lulu had to put up with...she had a heart of gold.
The only thing I felt I needed at the end of the book was an epilogue - I wanted a glimpse of their future further ahead (and I wanted to know what happened to Lulu's sister and dad!)
I loved this book - a modern day story of Beauty and the Beast.
The way the friendship between Lulu and Alo grew was realistic then it morphed in to something more - lovely. The PDST element of the book was dealt with really well, hearing what Alo had been through and how it effected him tugged at the heartstrings. What Lulu had to put up with...she had a heart of gold.
The only thing I felt I needed at the end of the book was an epilogue - I wanted a glimpse of their future further ahead (and I wanted to know what happened to Lulu's sister and dad!)
September 6, 2016
Ahh and another fairy tale retelling. I feel like I've read a million books like this one. The plot was difficult to get to, and I was just waiting for the author to really get to the point. Seen did well on the character details, but I just didn't get into it right away. I will get back to this book, when I'm not busted with other ARCs.
Another review (hopefully) coming soon!
August 12, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This was a lovely re-telling of the Beauty and the Beast tale but with a modern-day twist to it. I liked that the author used issues/events that are relevant to todays world as it made the story much easier to relate to. It was a sweet romance that I quite enjoyed reading. It was easy to read and the story flowed well. As for the characters, they were easy to like and were nicely developed through the story.
This was a lovely re-telling of the Beauty and the Beast tale but with a modern-day twist to it. I liked that the author used issues/events that are relevant to todays world as it made the story much easier to relate to. It was a sweet romance that I quite enjoyed reading. It was easy to read and the story flowed well. As for the characters, they were easy to like and were nicely developed through the story.
February 13, 2017
As a general rule I love B&B retellings but after being left disappointed with them many many times previously I went into this one cautiously. Thankfully it far exceeded my expectations.
The dynamics between the characters was fantastic and while it is a story I've read countless times before, it managed to be an actually fresh take on the material.
I devoured it in less than 24 hours and will likely read it again.
The dynamics between the characters was fantastic and while it is a story I've read countless times before, it managed to be an actually fresh take on the material.
I devoured it in less than 24 hours and will likely read it again.
October 25, 2016
*Received ARC in exchange for honest review.*
If I were still in my twenties, which I'm not, and still loved romance, which I don't, I might have enjoyed this book, which I didn't.
For some reason I thought this was going to be to Beauty and the Beast what Cinder was to Cinderella. I'm not a fan of straight up romance, but I'm a completionist so I kept going. I wanted to like this book. The author e-mailed it to me which is a bit of a weird fangirl experience, so I feel like I'm being disloyal for not liking it more. And I feel like I'm not being patriotic if I don't love this book because it supports our veterans. However, I will be honest for the sake of my many followers (all two of them) who may have discovered they love books I don't.
The developing romance never resonated with me. It seems like a wounded veteran would be more mature, just based on life experience, than to be attracted to an immature girl. Even assuming an attraction, the progression wasn't there for me. I will say that the concept of near-field communication without visual contact is very sexy. But even that seemed unrealistic: who (besides someone very old school like me) uses elipses in texts?
When I was a kid, I loved the Boxcar Children. As an adult I read it to my kids. Apparently, being orphaned can be an exciting adventure (excepting the dead parents) and then a rich uncle comes and rescues you. Reading Lionheart was a little like reading Boxcar Children as an adult, i.e. inconsistent with reality.
One full star for the sentences: “I’m considering labiaplasty” and "Fertile Vagina Becky." Thank you for those.
If I were still in my twenties, which I'm not, and still loved romance, which I don't, I might have enjoyed this book, which I didn't.
For some reason I thought this was going to be to Beauty and the Beast what Cinder was to Cinderella. I'm not a fan of straight up romance, but I'm a completionist so I kept going. I wanted to like this book. The author e-mailed it to me which is a bit of a weird fangirl experience, so I feel like I'm being disloyal for not liking it more. And I feel like I'm not being patriotic if I don't love this book because it supports our veterans. However, I will be honest for the sake of my many followers (all two of them) who may have discovered they love books I don't.
The developing romance never resonated with me. It seems like a wounded veteran would be more mature, just based on life experience, than to be attracted to an immature girl. Even assuming an attraction, the progression wasn't there for me. I will say that the concept of near-field communication without visual contact is very sexy. But even that seemed unrealistic: who (besides someone very old school like me) uses elipses in texts?
When I was a kid, I loved the Boxcar Children. As an adult I read it to my kids. Apparently, being orphaned can be an exciting adventure (excepting the dead parents) and then a rich uncle comes and rescues you. Reading Lionheart was a little like reading Boxcar Children as an adult, i.e. inconsistent with reality.
One full star for the sentences: “I’m considering labiaplasty” and "Fertile Vagina Becky." Thank you for those.
September 6, 2016
3.5 Stars
Lionheart is a story following Lula (weird nickname) who, in order to help her family's financial problem, takes a job at the formerly vacant Bluegrass Manor. No one has seen the person who lives there and even while working there, Lula isn't allowed to look at his face. He keeps to himself, busy with the 27x7 surveillance of his Manor.
The book is supposed to be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The full name of the book is "Lionheart: a Beauty & the Beast Retelling". But the thing is, the only part of it that relates to the fairytale is that there's a mansion, Lula is trying to help her family, and Mr Rahim (aka The Beast) isn't the best looking guy.
Sometimes it doesn't feel that it's a retelling at all. The book is a lot more focused on Rahim's past in the army and his PTSD. The story is him and Lula trying to stop simply existing and start living.
I liked Lula, and Alo (Mr Rahim) was okay as well. I loved the interactions between the two and the romance was okay. Not the best though. It also seemed like a step was missed in the progression.
The army focus and the various philosophies in the book were really good. It addressed people's mindset after 9/11, religious discrimination, the politics and lies behind war and how recruiters hide so many things about the repercussions of fighting for your country. It showed a different, less noble side to the army. It was interesting and probably one of the best aspects of the book.
The pace was good while the writing was just okay. There were run-on sentences and imagery that didn't really speak to me. There was also unnecessary stuff thrown in there. Like, in any other book, a character might casually mention how she broke her arm, while other character are talking about injuries. Except, here, instead of a casual mention, flashback mode would commence.
Overall, this was an interesting read and while it wasn't the best, I'm glad I read because it gave me a newer side and story to some things.
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