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Wife, Inc. #3
A Bela e a Fera
Ela se apaixonou por um homem cujo rosto não podia ver…
Laura Cambridge foi contratada para trabalhar como babá da filha de Richard Blackthorne. Os rumores sobre aquele homem que vivia em reclusão não assustavam Laura… Sua experiência como vencedora de concursos de beleza ensinaram-lhe que o verdadeiro valor de uma pessoa não estava na aparência exterior. Mas o coração de Richard estava tão despedaçado quanto seu rosto…
Para Richard, a linda e doce Laura era uma tentação e uma tortura, e ela não tinha medo dele… ao contrário, insistia para que ele saísse de seu esconderijo e vivesse uma vida normal. E Richard sabia que estava apaixonado… tanto quanto Laura acreditava estar. Mas o que aconteceria quando ela visse seu rosto?
Laura Cambridge foi contratada para trabalhar como babá da filha de Richard Blackthorne. Os rumores sobre aquele homem que vivia em reclusão não assustavam Laura… Sua experiência como vencedora de concursos de beleza ensinaram-lhe que o verdadeiro valor de uma pessoa não estava na aparência exterior. Mas o coração de Richard estava tão despedaçado quanto seu rosto…
Para Richard, a linda e doce Laura era uma tentação e uma tortura, e ela não tinha medo dele… ao contrário, insistia para que ele saísse de seu esconderijo e vivesse uma vida normal. E Richard sabia que estava apaixonado… tanto quanto Laura acreditava estar. Mas o que aconteceria quando ela visse seu rosto?
169 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2001
6 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Amy J. Fetzer
92 books130 followersHi there. Thanks for stopping by!
I'll tell you right off that I don't like reading my own bios, let alone writing them. It's like tooting your own horn. But if you're here, then you want to know something about me. So how about I break some ‘writers have a glamorous life' myths first off.
Myth 1: Writers have always been writers.
Not me. I was a licensed cosmotologist for years, and didn't even put pen to paper until I was 30. (with an infant and 3 year old) It took me 3 years to write my first book, and while it taught me a lot, it was dreadful ! Got rejected 6 times flat out. I burned it in the back yard when I sold my 20 th book. I've kept the first pages to remind myself of how far I've come.
Myth 2: writers have a staff to take care of them and their homes while they write.
I wish! I don't have a maid, a cook, or anyone who works for me, except maybe Shelley, who maintains this site. Like most women out there, I do all the cooking, cleaning, bills, shopping, etc. Sometimes I can be seen driving the riding lawnmower over our 2 acres. That's not a complaint. I'm a Marine's wife, and my husband was gone a lot, so I had to do it. I'm the only female in a house of men, so I pretty much rule too. And as the daughter, wife, and now the mother of US Marines, believe me, I can give orders when need be.
Myth 3. Writers work when the muse hits them.
If I did, I'd never meet a deadline. Writing isn't about the muse coming to you; it's about unleashing bottled creativity and giving it freedom on paper. Every writer I know feels a deep internal need to tell their particular story and hope you're entertained. Writers HAVE to write. Yeah, sure, sometimes the creativity isn't moving like we want, but like everyone who faces some problem, I go to my friends and they come through in a punch. By the way, I work at my job from about 7 am till 4, sometimes later if it's going great and I don't want to stop. Weekends are for playing, projects or gardening. I actually love pulling weeds; it makes my mind drift to good places.
Myth 4: Writers get paid oodles of money.
Oodles?? If I did, I'd have a staff and a better-looking office. But I get to go to work in the worlds' sloppiest clothes.
Myth 5: Once a writer sells a book, they can sell anything else.
Want to see my rejection file? I could wallpaper a bathroom with it. To keep selling is the really hard part of this job. However, my idea of a great story isn't often blending with the editors. It's frustrating and often, it hurts, since the books writers create have, without a doubt, a piece of them inside. But then, if you can't take it, then this isn't the business for you.
My second book (#1 being the dreadful one I burned) My Timeswept Heart was a finalist in the Romance Writers of America, Golden Heart contest for unpublished works. I didn't win, but it got my work before my Kensington editor. It came out in '93 and I've sold over 30 since. With numerous rejections in between.
Right now, I'm writing books I've wanted to write for three years, Romantic Thrillers. Think Peacemaker or Chain Reaction with a little more romance in them. Lots of action and danger. After writing books in 5 sub genres of romance, (I get bored easily) this new one is the chance for me to use all this military knowledge I've stored up for years. I've fired weapons, rappelled, ridden in an Armored Personnel Carrier, and did some Scuba diving in the East China Sea. It hasn't been boring, and because I write, it never will be.
Now that my Sergeant Major husband is retired, and my sons are grown and towering over their mother, we get to stay in one place.
How average. I love it. When I feel the itch to move every 3 years, I just redecorate.
Well, its time for me to get back to work. Thanks for visiting. Take a look around the site, drop me a note, even read the first chapter of a new novel, if you like. It's out there for you, the reader. I wouldn't be loving my job if you weren't
I'll tell you right off that I don't like reading my own bios, let alone writing them. It's like tooting your own horn. But if you're here, then you want to know something about me. So how about I break some ‘writers have a glamorous life' myths first off.
Myth 1: Writers have always been writers.
Not me. I was a licensed cosmotologist for years, and didn't even put pen to paper until I was 30. (with an infant and 3 year old) It took me 3 years to write my first book, and while it taught me a lot, it was dreadful ! Got rejected 6 times flat out. I burned it in the back yard when I sold my 20 th book. I've kept the first pages to remind myself of how far I've come.
Myth 2: writers have a staff to take care of them and their homes while they write.
I wish! I don't have a maid, a cook, or anyone who works for me, except maybe Shelley, who maintains this site. Like most women out there, I do all the cooking, cleaning, bills, shopping, etc. Sometimes I can be seen driving the riding lawnmower over our 2 acres. That's not a complaint. I'm a Marine's wife, and my husband was gone a lot, so I had to do it. I'm the only female in a house of men, so I pretty much rule too. And as the daughter, wife, and now the mother of US Marines, believe me, I can give orders when need be.
Myth 3. Writers work when the muse hits them.
If I did, I'd never meet a deadline. Writing isn't about the muse coming to you; it's about unleashing bottled creativity and giving it freedom on paper. Every writer I know feels a deep internal need to tell their particular story and hope you're entertained. Writers HAVE to write. Yeah, sure, sometimes the creativity isn't moving like we want, but like everyone who faces some problem, I go to my friends and they come through in a punch. By the way, I work at my job from about 7 am till 4, sometimes later if it's going great and I don't want to stop. Weekends are for playing, projects or gardening. I actually love pulling weeds; it makes my mind drift to good places.
Myth 4: Writers get paid oodles of money.
Oodles?? If I did, I'd have a staff and a better-looking office. But I get to go to work in the worlds' sloppiest clothes.
Myth 5: Once a writer sells a book, they can sell anything else.
Want to see my rejection file? I could wallpaper a bathroom with it. To keep selling is the really hard part of this job. However, my idea of a great story isn't often blending with the editors. It's frustrating and often, it hurts, since the books writers create have, without a doubt, a piece of them inside. But then, if you can't take it, then this isn't the business for you.
My second book (#1 being the dreadful one I burned) My Timeswept Heart was a finalist in the Romance Writers of America, Golden Heart contest for unpublished works. I didn't win, but it got my work before my Kensington editor. It came out in '93 and I've sold over 30 since. With numerous rejections in between.
Right now, I'm writing books I've wanted to write for three years, Romantic Thrillers. Think Peacemaker or Chain Reaction with a little more romance in them. Lots of action and danger. After writing books in 5 sub genres of romance, (I get bored easily) this new one is the chance for me to use all this military knowledge I've stored up for years. I've fired weapons, rappelled, ridden in an Armored Personnel Carrier, and did some Scuba diving in the East China Sea. It hasn't been boring, and because I write, it never will be.
Now that my Sergeant Major husband is retired, and my sons are grown and towering over their mother, we get to stay in one place.
How average. I love it. When I feel the itch to move every 3 years, I just redecorate.
Well, its time for me to get back to work. Thanks for visiting. Take a look around the site, drop me a note, even read the first chapter of a new novel, if you like. It's out there for you, the reader. I wouldn't be loving my job if you weren't
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 6, 2011
From the book blurb:
Summoned like a serving girl to the king, Laura Cambridge was hired as nanny to Richard Blackthrone's secret child. Rumors about this hulking recluse didn't daunt Laura - he beauty-queen past had taught her the inner person didn't always match the facade. But Richard's heart was as painfully scarred as his chiseled features...
To Richard, lovely Laura was like candy dangled in front of a baby - he was offered the sweet, but denied the taste. Yet sometimes grizzly bears enjoyed a taste of honey... and the love of Jane Eyre. So Richard dared to woo his green-eyed goddess, gambing that - like Jane - Laura would one day declare, "Reader, I married him."
**********
This is one of the best Beauty and the Beast stories I've ever read. Considering how short the book is, I was happily surprised to see the depth of emotions Amy Fetzer had managed to pack in it.
Richard was a very angsty hero, physically and emotionally scarred, and Laura and his daughter Kelly were perfect in helping him realize he should stop hiding from the world and start living again.
If there's one thing I'd "complain", it would be Laura's behavior near the end of the book. It sounded a little off . Anyway, it was just a silly moment on her part and, all things considered, it didn't bother me that much because I was already in love with the book. :)
This is definitely a MUST READ to everyone who loves an emotional and enchanting love story!
Summoned like a serving girl to the king, Laura Cambridge was hired as nanny to Richard Blackthrone's secret child. Rumors about this hulking recluse didn't daunt Laura - he beauty-queen past had taught her the inner person didn't always match the facade. But Richard's heart was as painfully scarred as his chiseled features...
To Richard, lovely Laura was like candy dangled in front of a baby - he was offered the sweet, but denied the taste. Yet sometimes grizzly bears enjoyed a taste of honey... and the love of Jane Eyre. So Richard dared to woo his green-eyed goddess, gambing that - like Jane - Laura would one day declare, "Reader, I married him."
**********
This is one of the best Beauty and the Beast stories I've ever read. Considering how short the book is, I was happily surprised to see the depth of emotions Amy Fetzer had managed to pack in it.
Richard was a very angsty hero, physically and emotionally scarred, and Laura and his daughter Kelly were perfect in helping him realize he should stop hiding from the world and start living again.
If there's one thing I'd "complain", it would be Laura's behavior near the end of the book. It sounded a little off . Anyway, it was just a silly moment on her part and, all things considered, it didn't bother me that much because I was already in love with the book. :)
This is definitely a MUST READ to everyone who loves an emotional and enchanting love story!
April 21, 2021
I read this a few weeks ago so my memory is faulty. This is why I need to write reviews the minute I put the book down.
The H was scarred and his shallow wife left him. Years later she dies and he discovers that she was pregnant when she left and he has a 4 year old daughter. He hires the h to be the nanny. Both of them have been disappointed by love. The H spends a lot of the book hiding in corners and shadows so the h can't see him. It's all very mysterious. The h understands the H because she has been mistreated and judged because of her beauty just as he's been mistreated and judged because of his scars.
The h wins the little girl over and eventually wins the heart of the H. She was very good at helping him get over his self pity and learn to love his daughter. This was a nice little story to read on a Saturday afternoon.
I don't remember safety other than the H was previously married. There was no cheating between the H/h (the h's fiance cheated on her before she dumped his hiney).
The H was scarred and his shallow wife left him. Years later she dies and he discovers that she was pregnant when she left and he has a 4 year old daughter. He hires the h to be the nanny. Both of them have been disappointed by love. The H spends a lot of the book hiding in corners and shadows so the h can't see him. It's all very mysterious. The h understands the H because she has been mistreated and judged because of her beauty just as he's been mistreated and judged because of his scars.
The h wins the little girl over and eventually wins the heart of the H. She was very good at helping him get over his self pity and learn to love his daughter. This was a nice little story to read on a Saturday afternoon.
I don't remember safety other than the H was previously married. There was no cheating between the H/h (the h's fiance cheated on her before she dumped his hiney).
January 9, 2023
Retelling de “La Bella y La Bestia” llevado a nuestros días y que me ha gustado mucho más de lo que esperaba.
Laura es una mujer de gran belleza pero con mala suerte en el amor. Richard es un hombre que un accidente le ha dejado marcas en el cuerpo y en su autoestima. Pero Kelly, una hija que Richard no sabía que tenía y que va a vivir con él a partir de ahora, será su nexo de unión ya que Laura es contratada para ser su niñera.
Desde que Laura llega a la casa y se conocen, aunque Richard nunca se deja ver por completo, la atracción entre ambos es inmediata y muy intensa. Me ha gustado mucho cómo van pasando de esa atracción inicial al amor y la pequeña Kelly juega un papel muy importante en ello.
El estilo es muy ligero, se lee en un suspiro y además consigue una química estupenda entre los protagonistas además hace un personaje infantil muy dulce y real.
Espero seguir conociendo cositas de esta autora que me ha hecho disfrutar y pasar un rato de lectura maravilloso ♥️.
Laura es una mujer de gran belleza pero con mala suerte en el amor. Richard es un hombre que un accidente le ha dejado marcas en el cuerpo y en su autoestima. Pero Kelly, una hija que Richard no sabía que tenía y que va a vivir con él a partir de ahora, será su nexo de unión ya que Laura es contratada para ser su niñera.
Desde que Laura llega a la casa y se conocen, aunque Richard nunca se deja ver por completo, la atracción entre ambos es inmediata y muy intensa. Me ha gustado mucho cómo van pasando de esa atracción inicial al amor y la pequeña Kelly juega un papel muy importante en ello.
El estilo es muy ligero, se lee en un suspiro y además consigue una química estupenda entre los protagonistas además hace un personaje infantil muy dulce y real.
Espero seguir conociendo cositas de esta autora que me ha hecho disfrutar y pasar un rato de lectura maravilloso ♥️.
December 24, 2022
https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
Richard Blackthorne vive aislado en su mansión tras sufrir un grave accidente. Con la aparición de una hija secreta, contrata a Laura Cambridge como niñera. Los cambios lo desconciertan, lo aterran y empieza a sentir algo más por esa joven.
El tercero de los libros de esta serie me llamó la atención a raíz de la búsqueda de una lectora del nombre de la novela, conocía su sinopsis, pero no el título. Me atrajo su sinopsis y ya aclarado de qué libro se trataba lo puse en mi lista.
No he leído nada de esta autora, las novelas de este sello suelen pasar desapercibidas para mí, pero ha sido una agradable sorpresa.
Nos encontramos ante otra versión moderna de “La bella y la bestia”. Richard Blackthorne es un hombre que vive como un ermitaño, tras sufrir un grave accidente que le ha dejado evidentes secuelas se esconde del mundo. El descubrimiento de una hija secreta cambia su rutinaria y aislada vida. Contrata a una joven niñera que se ocupará de su hija, no será fácil esconder su rostro de esas dos personas que de una manera u otra lo atraen hacia la luz.
La novela se ambienta casi en su totalidad en esa increíble mansión con pasadizos secretos que le sirven a nuestro protagonista para pasar desapercibido y esconderse de las nuevas habitantes. Richard no es el típico gruñón insufrible, ama a su hija Kelly como nunca lo ha hecho, pero son tantas las cicatrices que desfiguran su rostro que teme asustar a la niña. Esos momentos entre padre e hija son adorables. Kelly es una niña encantadora, es difícil no encariñarse con su personaje.
Laura Cambridge es una joven que acepta temporalmente trabajar para Richard como niñera. No le asustan los retos. Sabe que su trabajo no será fácil, ni lidiar con una niña que acaba de perder a su madre, pero sobre todo convivir con ese hombre que se esconde del mundo.
Richard tiene sus sombras, pero Laura también, su belleza no le facilitó las cosas en el pasado.
He devorado esta novela corta en poco tiempo, me he metido de lleno en el transcurrir de la vida de los nuevos habitantes. Richard es un hombre que no solo tiene heridas físicas evidentes, su miedo al rechazo, a la pena o las burlas lo hacen vivir como un lobo solitario. Pero esta situación no le hace ser un hombre insoportable, es cariñoso, con sentido del humor y muy apasionado.
Laura hace un buen tándem con Richard, ella tiene sus traumas por todo lo que le ocurrió en el pasado y su físico también ha hecho mella en su actitud. Laura es todo amor para Kelly, y sabe llevar el carácter de Richard, hay momentos entre ellos bastante cómplices y animados. La fuerza de Laura y su manera de llevar y hacer sentir bien a Richard me gustó.
Como pareja me han encantado, por esa complicidad, por los momentos tan entrañables, y sus momentos más pasionales. Han sido una pareja con mucha química.
En general, la novela me ha parecido una versión de este cuento clásico muy entrañable, dulce, con personajes bien perfilados e historia de superación y aceptación, con un bonito romance.
Richard Blackthorne vive aislado en su mansión tras sufrir un grave accidente. Con la aparición de una hija secreta, contrata a Laura Cambridge como niñera. Los cambios lo desconciertan, lo aterran y empieza a sentir algo más por esa joven.
El tercero de los libros de esta serie me llamó la atención a raíz de la búsqueda de una lectora del nombre de la novela, conocía su sinopsis, pero no el título. Me atrajo su sinopsis y ya aclarado de qué libro se trataba lo puse en mi lista.
No he leído nada de esta autora, las novelas de este sello suelen pasar desapercibidas para mí, pero ha sido una agradable sorpresa.
Nos encontramos ante otra versión moderna de “La bella y la bestia”. Richard Blackthorne es un hombre que vive como un ermitaño, tras sufrir un grave accidente que le ha dejado evidentes secuelas se esconde del mundo. El descubrimiento de una hija secreta cambia su rutinaria y aislada vida. Contrata a una joven niñera que se ocupará de su hija, no será fácil esconder su rostro de esas dos personas que de una manera u otra lo atraen hacia la luz.
La novela se ambienta casi en su totalidad en esa increíble mansión con pasadizos secretos que le sirven a nuestro protagonista para pasar desapercibido y esconderse de las nuevas habitantes. Richard no es el típico gruñón insufrible, ama a su hija Kelly como nunca lo ha hecho, pero son tantas las cicatrices que desfiguran su rostro que teme asustar a la niña. Esos momentos entre padre e hija son adorables. Kelly es una niña encantadora, es difícil no encariñarse con su personaje.
Laura Cambridge es una joven que acepta temporalmente trabajar para Richard como niñera. No le asustan los retos. Sabe que su trabajo no será fácil, ni lidiar con una niña que acaba de perder a su madre, pero sobre todo convivir con ese hombre que se esconde del mundo.
Richard tiene sus sombras, pero Laura también, su belleza no le facilitó las cosas en el pasado.
He devorado esta novela corta en poco tiempo, me he metido de lleno en el transcurrir de la vida de los nuevos habitantes. Richard es un hombre que no solo tiene heridas físicas evidentes, su miedo al rechazo, a la pena o las burlas lo hacen vivir como un lobo solitario. Pero esta situación no le hace ser un hombre insoportable, es cariñoso, con sentido del humor y muy apasionado.
Laura hace un buen tándem con Richard, ella tiene sus traumas por todo lo que le ocurrió en el pasado y su físico también ha hecho mella en su actitud. Laura es todo amor para Kelly, y sabe llevar el carácter de Richard, hay momentos entre ellos bastante cómplices y animados. La fuerza de Laura y su manera de llevar y hacer sentir bien a Richard me gustó.
Como pareja me han encantado, por esa complicidad, por los momentos tan entrañables, y sus momentos más pasionales. Han sido una pareja con mucha química.
En general, la novela me ha parecido una versión de este cuento clásico muy entrañable, dulce, con personajes bien perfilados e historia de superación y aceptación, con un bonito romance.
March 2, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful take on Beauty and the Beast. Loved the mysterious Richard Blackthorne and sassy Laura Cambridge. They made such a delightful pair. Also, loved the setting of the castle and how Richard surreptitiously moved around through the hidden passages and corridors in the castle, making sudden appearances on Laura or his daughter even though he stood in the shadows without them being aware of it or as standing in the shadows and talking to Laura. Those sudden quiet appearances of his at first creeped me out and then as if I had an internal radar like Laura had where he was concerned, I started to sense his presence. What I found amazing is that for nearly two thirds of the book, Richard hid his face from Laura with the help of shadowy darkness, and yet they were constantly interacting and meeting each other. They'd be standing or sitting in the same room having a normal conversation, most amazingly even kissed a few times and got closely intimate yet all along she never gets to see his face. And yet, you could feel intense passion and chemistry between them.
Richard had met with a terrible accident while trying to rescue a heavily pregnant lady and immediately after that his wife leaves him. Unable to get over the repugnance and horror on his wife's face on seeing his disfigurement, he kept himself away from all human gaze from the time she'd left, living a life of a recluse in his huge castle that towered over the village. Except for his trusted groundskeeper, Dewey, no one was allowed around him. Intrigued by him, the townsfolk began to make their own theories about his reclusiveness, believing he's totally mangled and is beastly.
Now years later, Richard receives news about the sudden death of his wife and the most shocking being that she's left behind their four year old daughter, whose existence he'd never known of. His close friend, Katherine Davenport of Wife Inc. helps him by rescuing his daughter from child protective services and as he didn't want his daughter to see his scarred face and shun him like her mother had done, Katherine also helps in hiring a nanny to take care of his daughters needs. She send him Laura, who has won quite a few beauty pageants (to fund her college education) before becoming an embassy school teacher and is extremely good with kids. Before joining Wife Inc, Laura was all set to marry, but two days before the marriage she finds out that her fiance only wanted her as a trophy wife because of her looks and had plans on carrying on with his mistress even after the marriage. So, where Richard's disfigurement was a thorn for him, Laura's flawless beauty had been the bane of her life.
The moment Laura walks into the castle, she finds her employer standing in the shadows at the top of staircase landing. He barks off instructions and before she could get out a word, he disappears into his room and locks himself. She finds him pig-headed and rude. The second time she sees him in the backyard with his back toward her, looking magnificent wearing nothing but jeans and boot, muscles rippling as he swung the axe to chop wood while chatting up with Dewey. To her astonishment he even laughs which made him seem human. But, then alerted of her presence, he retreats to his sanctuary. It annoys him that he was no more free to roam about the house and do as it pleases him with her now living there.
He'd been blown away by her beauty from the very first time he'd seen her. Then, he finds she has a sassy mouth that makes him smile, a stubborn woman who deliberately baits him when she's supposed to keep his food tray outside his door and leave. It was amusing that even though they only communicated through the intercom, they'd be arguing and bantering away. Her sarcastic, "Yes, my lord," made me chuckle. However, Richard's main issue with Laura was that she was driving him insane with desire for her. Laura is equally attracted to Richard, but after what her ex had done to her, she doesn't want to be a convenient woman for Richard considering the last woman he'd been with was before the accident. But, every time he kissed her, she comes apart in his arms. And, the more they start conversing about their lives and getting closely intimate, the more she's falling for him, but she doesn't like that he didn't trust her enough to show her his scars.
She's also upset with him for staying away from his daughter. He'd be standing few yards from Kelly but refused to let her see him nor does he spend any time with her. Richard does have an overpowering need to be with his daughter but he doesn't want her having nightmares because of his disfigurement. His selfish wife had hurt him so badly that he has a mental block where his scars are concerned. Laura doesn't know that he secretly visits his daughter at night and in the shadowy darkness holds her, talks to her and even reads to her. I really loved those moments between him and his daughter especially when he tells her he was lonely until she came to him and she tells "Me too. I love you daddy." Kelly was an adorable, delightful little girl.
Then, that moment comes when Richard takes a big risk puts all his trust in Laura when he shows her his scars. It was a very poignant moment and so was the one when his daughter sees his face the following morning when she'd unexpectedly wakes up early and walks into the kitchen where Richard is making breakfast for him and Laura after an entire night of delicious lovemaking. I could feel my heart stop like Richard's awaiting Kelly's reaction.
However, despite finding acceptance instead of rejection from Laura and his daughter, Richard is still not ready to meet the townsfolk. It took a hurricane and the fear for his two best girls, who seemed stranded in the storm, for him to leave his castle in search of them. He then opens the door of his castle for the few stranded townspeople and they get to know the nice man that he is.
Loved the epilogue. Found myself laughing when an almost-ready-to-pop Laura does a cute little cha cha cha escalating Richard's panic considering she'd been having contractions the entire day and they weren't in the hospital as yet. I enjoyed Laura teasing Richard throughout the book and he frustrating her by constantly staying in the shadows.
Never read any work of this author before, but I found this book of her very intriguing and enjoyable.
Richard had met with a terrible accident while trying to rescue a heavily pregnant lady and immediately after that his wife leaves him. Unable to get over the repugnance and horror on his wife's face on seeing his disfigurement, he kept himself away from all human gaze from the time she'd left, living a life of a recluse in his huge castle that towered over the village. Except for his trusted groundskeeper, Dewey, no one was allowed around him. Intrigued by him, the townsfolk began to make their own theories about his reclusiveness, believing he's totally mangled and is beastly.
Now years later, Richard receives news about the sudden death of his wife and the most shocking being that she's left behind their four year old daughter, whose existence he'd never known of. His close friend, Katherine Davenport of Wife Inc. helps him by rescuing his daughter from child protective services and as he didn't want his daughter to see his scarred face and shun him like her mother had done, Katherine also helps in hiring a nanny to take care of his daughters needs. She send him Laura, who has won quite a few beauty pageants (to fund her college education) before becoming an embassy school teacher and is extremely good with kids. Before joining Wife Inc, Laura was all set to marry, but two days before the marriage she finds out that her fiance only wanted her as a trophy wife because of her looks and had plans on carrying on with his mistress even after the marriage. So, where Richard's disfigurement was a thorn for him, Laura's flawless beauty had been the bane of her life.
The moment Laura walks into the castle, she finds her employer standing in the shadows at the top of staircase landing. He barks off instructions and before she could get out a word, he disappears into his room and locks himself. She finds him pig-headed and rude. The second time she sees him in the backyard with his back toward her, looking magnificent wearing nothing but jeans and boot, muscles rippling as he swung the axe to chop wood while chatting up with Dewey. To her astonishment he even laughs which made him seem human. But, then alerted of her presence, he retreats to his sanctuary. It annoys him that he was no more free to roam about the house and do as it pleases him with her now living there.
He'd been blown away by her beauty from the very first time he'd seen her. Then, he finds she has a sassy mouth that makes him smile, a stubborn woman who deliberately baits him when she's supposed to keep his food tray outside his door and leave. It was amusing that even though they only communicated through the intercom, they'd be arguing and bantering away. Her sarcastic, "Yes, my lord," made me chuckle. However, Richard's main issue with Laura was that she was driving him insane with desire for her. Laura is equally attracted to Richard, but after what her ex had done to her, she doesn't want to be a convenient woman for Richard considering the last woman he'd been with was before the accident. But, every time he kissed her, she comes apart in his arms. And, the more they start conversing about their lives and getting closely intimate, the more she's falling for him, but she doesn't like that he didn't trust her enough to show her his scars.
She's also upset with him for staying away from his daughter. He'd be standing few yards from Kelly but refused to let her see him nor does he spend any time with her. Richard does have an overpowering need to be with his daughter but he doesn't want her having nightmares because of his disfigurement. His selfish wife had hurt him so badly that he has a mental block where his scars are concerned. Laura doesn't know that he secretly visits his daughter at night and in the shadowy darkness holds her, talks to her and even reads to her. I really loved those moments between him and his daughter especially when he tells her he was lonely until she came to him and she tells "Me too. I love you daddy." Kelly was an adorable, delightful little girl.
Then, that moment comes when Richard takes a big risk puts all his trust in Laura when he shows her his scars. It was a very poignant moment and so was the one when his daughter sees his face the following morning when she'd unexpectedly wakes up early and walks into the kitchen where Richard is making breakfast for him and Laura after an entire night of delicious lovemaking. I could feel my heart stop like Richard's awaiting Kelly's reaction.
However, despite finding acceptance instead of rejection from Laura and his daughter, Richard is still not ready to meet the townsfolk. It took a hurricane and the fear for his two best girls, who seemed stranded in the storm, for him to leave his castle in search of them. He then opens the door of his castle for the few stranded townspeople and they get to know the nice man that he is.
Loved the epilogue. Found myself laughing when an almost-ready-to-pop Laura does a cute little cha cha cha escalating Richard's panic considering she'd been having contractions the entire day and they weren't in the hospital as yet. I enjoyed Laura teasing Richard throughout the book and he frustrating her by constantly staying in the shadows.
Never read any work of this author before, but I found this book of her very intriguing and enjoyable.
September 5, 2013
A beautiful book leaves the reader feeling affected by its course and finally its ending, and "Taming the Beast" is one such book.. :)
A beautiful modern take on the classic "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale, I just loved "Taming the Beast" by Amy J. Fetzer.
Laura Cambridge is hired as the nanny to Richard Blackthorne's newly discovered daughter who is coming to stay with him in a few days.
Its a seemingly simple job except Richard is a recluse who has shunned company ever since his accident four years ago, which left him hideously scarred!! No one has seen him since and he is considered a monster living in his castle on the hill.
'Summoned like a serf to the king, she had been hired to help Richard Blackthorne's four-year-old daughter adjust to living here. To living with a recluse, a man locked in a castle and shielded from any human contact.'
Can Laura make Richard understand that looks don't always matter? That his love is what's needed by his daughter?
Can she mend his heart and accept him with his scars when his own wife left him because of them?
Can Richard overcome his fear of rejection and take a chance of coming out in the open?
Will he be able to love his daughter like he wants, without fear and without any reservations?
Its a splendidly written book and Amy has succeeded in keeping her story concise and mixing just the right amount of all emotions to give a sweet love story where miracles happen and there are happy endings. :)
The descriptions and character development is expertly done creating a lively picture in the reader's mind.
I specially loved Laura who is strong and an independent woman. Despite having won many beauty contests and being drop dead gorgeous, she knows the value of the inner self rather than the looks which had hurt her immensely in the past. She is just the right mix of strength, beauty, kindness, sass, sexy and love. She is uncertain about herself and sees her beauty as a curse. She yearns for love, marriage and children like her sisters who though not as beautiful as her are more happy.
Once burnt, twice shy... Laura fears she will yet again get her heart broken and lose her love as in the past which endeared her to me even more. All her vulnerabilities just make her seem more real and human.
'She'd fallen deeply, madly in love with him. Her tender beast, her scarred prince. And she was afraid that she'd get what she deserved. Another broken heart.
And this one, she knew, would never heal.'
Richard is also a strong character with definite moral values. He fears facing the repugnance he had seen on his wife's face and due to this fear of rejection, has hidden himself in his own home. A prisoner in his own house!
Although he loves his daughter and craves her company, he feels that he will scare her if he ever shows his scarred face to her. Sensitive to his disfigurement, he feels each emotion intensely.
Kelly is a sweet child who is scared, has recently lost her mother and learnt about her father.She yearns her father's presence in her life but at the same time understands the reason he cant meet her. She is intelligent and her childish playfulness give many memorable moments.
The dialogues between Laura and Richard are very interesting and their mutual passion is intense leaving the reader desperately wishing a happily ever after for them.
I was so touched when Richard professes his love to Laura. It was too good and left me wiping tears from my eyes.
"I love you!" he said fiercely.
"From the moment I saw you. I loved you when you yelled at me for hiding, when you held my daughter and soothed her heartache and kept loving her when I couldn't. I loved you when you fought with me and cursed me." His eyes burned.
"I was in prison Laura, but loving you is my real freedom. Don't send me back there."
A short, sweet and touching love story. Its a must read for people who have loved fairy tales and believe in happily ever afters.
I give Taming the Beast a full 5 on 5. This is a "Feel Good" story which takes us on a journey where there is love and happy endings.
PS: This review is also available on my blog http://njkinny.blogspot.in/
Do visit for other reviews..
A beautiful modern take on the classic "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale, I just loved "Taming the Beast" by Amy J. Fetzer.
Laura Cambridge is hired as the nanny to Richard Blackthorne's newly discovered daughter who is coming to stay with him in a few days.
Its a seemingly simple job except Richard is a recluse who has shunned company ever since his accident four years ago, which left him hideously scarred!! No one has seen him since and he is considered a monster living in his castle on the hill.
'Summoned like a serf to the king, she had been hired to help Richard Blackthorne's four-year-old daughter adjust to living here. To living with a recluse, a man locked in a castle and shielded from any human contact.'
Can Laura make Richard understand that looks don't always matter? That his love is what's needed by his daughter?
Can she mend his heart and accept him with his scars when his own wife left him because of them?
Can Richard overcome his fear of rejection and take a chance of coming out in the open?
Will he be able to love his daughter like he wants, without fear and without any reservations?
Its a splendidly written book and Amy has succeeded in keeping her story concise and mixing just the right amount of all emotions to give a sweet love story where miracles happen and there are happy endings. :)
The descriptions and character development is expertly done creating a lively picture in the reader's mind.
I specially loved Laura who is strong and an independent woman. Despite having won many beauty contests and being drop dead gorgeous, she knows the value of the inner self rather than the looks which had hurt her immensely in the past. She is just the right mix of strength, beauty, kindness, sass, sexy and love. She is uncertain about herself and sees her beauty as a curse. She yearns for love, marriage and children like her sisters who though not as beautiful as her are more happy.
Once burnt, twice shy... Laura fears she will yet again get her heart broken and lose her love as in the past which endeared her to me even more. All her vulnerabilities just make her seem more real and human.
'She'd fallen deeply, madly in love with him. Her tender beast, her scarred prince. And she was afraid that she'd get what she deserved. Another broken heart.
And this one, she knew, would never heal.'
Richard is also a strong character with definite moral values. He fears facing the repugnance he had seen on his wife's face and due to this fear of rejection, has hidden himself in his own home. A prisoner in his own house!
Although he loves his daughter and craves her company, he feels that he will scare her if he ever shows his scarred face to her. Sensitive to his disfigurement, he feels each emotion intensely.
Kelly is a sweet child who is scared, has recently lost her mother and learnt about her father.She yearns her father's presence in her life but at the same time understands the reason he cant meet her. She is intelligent and her childish playfulness give many memorable moments.
The dialogues between Laura and Richard are very interesting and their mutual passion is intense leaving the reader desperately wishing a happily ever after for them.
I was so touched when Richard professes his love to Laura. It was too good and left me wiping tears from my eyes.
"I love you!" he said fiercely.
"From the moment I saw you. I loved you when you yelled at me for hiding, when you held my daughter and soothed her heartache and kept loving her when I couldn't. I loved you when you fought with me and cursed me." His eyes burned.
"I was in prison Laura, but loving you is my real freedom. Don't send me back there."
A short, sweet and touching love story. Its a must read for people who have loved fairy tales and believe in happily ever afters.
I give Taming the Beast a full 5 on 5. This is a "Feel Good" story which takes us on a journey where there is love and happy endings.
PS: This review is also available on my blog http://njkinny.blogspot.in/
Do visit for other reviews..
June 6, 2017
I love of passion the beauty and the beast theme, and this is a brief and intense version, set in a castle, with a jaw dropping, breathtaking hero and a lovely yet audacious heroine. Both are flawed, and it take its tall, but not over the top. It's a sweet, ardent consuming flame.
♡♡♡♡
♡♡♡♡
September 14, 2020
What a delightful surprise! The story of Richard (the Beast) and Laura (the Beauty) finding love and redemption in a lonely house on an island along with Richard's daughter Kelly is so wonderfully drawn. Laura is such a feisty, funny, challenging heroine, and Richard is such a tortured, sensitive hero. Their story was credible and touching and rewarding. Never come across this author before but she is good!
Read
October 9, 2018Belleza Oculta (Versión)
November 18, 2018
A retelling of Beauty, and the Beast
This story was a heartwarming, contemporary retelling of Beauty, and the Beast. I enjoyed the courtship between the couple. Romantic, and sexy!
This story was a heartwarming, contemporary retelling of Beauty, and the Beast. I enjoyed the courtship between the couple. Romantic, and sexy!
February 13, 2017
Leído el 03/06/2010
BELLEZA OCULTA
RESUMEN: Como si de un cuento de reyes y sirvientes se tratara, Laura Cambridge empezó a trabajar de niñera del hijo secreto de Richard Blackthorne. Los rumores sobre aquel hombre que vivía como un recluso no hicieron mella en la joven; su propia experiencia le había demostrado que la mayoría de las veces las personas no eran lo que parecían. Pero en el caso de Richard, su corazón estaba tan herido como su rostro…
Él se sentía como un niño al que se le ofrece un caramelo pero no se le deja probarlo… pero no había perdido del todo la esperanza. A pesar de todo, quizás podría cautivar a aquella diosa de ojos verdes…
BELLEZA OCULTA
RESUMEN: Como si de un cuento de reyes y sirvientes se tratara, Laura Cambridge empezó a trabajar de niñera del hijo secreto de Richard Blackthorne. Los rumores sobre aquel hombre que vivía como un recluso no hicieron mella en la joven; su propia experiencia le había demostrado que la mayoría de las veces las personas no eran lo que parecían. Pero en el caso de Richard, su corazón estaba tan herido como su rostro…
Él se sentía como un niño al que se le ofrece un caramelo pero no se le deja probarlo… pero no había perdido del todo la esperanza. A pesar de todo, quizás podría cautivar a aquella diosa de ojos verdes…
October 17, 2012
Beautiful story about two people healing through love.
November 18, 2018
Esto es un tipo retelling de la bella y la bestia, ¡me ha encantado!
Richard fue un personaje que me gustó mucho, su personalidad era totalmente comprensible y me encantó que a pesar de todo él intentaba demostrar su amor hacia su hija Kelly.
Laura fue un personaje maravilloso, apoyó a Richard en todo momento y lo ayudó a descubrir que él vale mucho más que sus cicatrices.
La pareja fue perfecta, ambos se querían muchísimo y ninguno se faltó al respeto en ningún momento. El personaje de Kelly no me molestó jamás y me encantó muchísimo el como aceptó a su padre a pesar de su carita con cicatrices.
“—¿qué parte de ti ganará, Richard? ¿El hombre que acaba de llevarme al paraíso con un beso, o la bestia que está encerrada dentro de ti?”
Amé el hecho de que la historia tuviera un epílogo, me encanta ver lo que ocurrió con los personajes tiempo después.
Richard fue un personaje que me gustó mucho, su personalidad era totalmente comprensible y me encantó que a pesar de todo él intentaba demostrar su amor hacia su hija Kelly.
Laura fue un personaje maravilloso, apoyó a Richard en todo momento y lo ayudó a descubrir que él vale mucho más que sus cicatrices.
La pareja fue perfecta, ambos se querían muchísimo y ninguno se faltó al respeto en ningún momento. El personaje de Kelly no me molestó jamás y me encantó muchísimo el como aceptó a su padre a pesar de su carita con cicatrices.
“—¿qué parte de ti ganará, Richard? ¿El hombre que acaba de llevarme al paraíso con un beso, o la bestia que está encerrada dentro de ti?”
Amé el hecho de que la historia tuviera un epílogo, me encanta ver lo que ocurrió con los personajes tiempo después.
December 26, 2017
A fast and furious romance with a past beauty queen and a hideously scarred man needing a nanny for his little daughter. Lots of deep moments, lots of tenderness, and a heroine who wouldn't give up on her love for him. A lovely beauty and the beast romance.
September 4, 2020
For being a really short book with a predictable ending, I found this rather enjoyable. I really liked Laura and she was exactly what Richard needed. The whole kid thing got a bit schmaltzy, but that's to be expected.
August 26, 2018
I love "the beauty and the beast" theme, and this is a very good version
May 15, 2020
PL: Nie boję się ciebie...
October 12, 2020
Cortico pero me encanto Richard , muy bueno .
November 7, 2023
It is an old-time favourite of the genre for me, I absolutely love it. Go back over and over again for it. A lot of teenage memories are attached.
July 13, 2014
3.5 Laura is the new nanny for Richard's long lost child. Richard is horribly scared from a car accident and has become a recluse, hiding in his mason. This is a pretty familiar set up, and one I enjoy. This wasn't dark or moody, it was light and predictable. Laura doesn't care about physical appearances and Richard cares about them too much. He won't show his face to Laura because she will turn away in horror and he says away from his child because she doesn't want to give her nightmares. His ex-wife turned away from him so that means all women must feel the same. I liked Laura, she was smart and stubborn, she kept trying to draw Richard out and argued on behalf of his daughter. This was cute and entertaining, nothing too deep.
May 21, 2015
The point against it?
Time and story flow weren't parallel. The heroine doesn't see the hero for a little over 70% of the book but they made out two times before that and make out all the way right after she sees him. IDK that's just weird. And then all of sudden HEA, I'd dig this book a lot more if would have been longer.
Other than that? It was a delightful, pleasant quick read worth 4 stars.
-Not an arrogant, rude, jerk, unforgivable Hero that you often see in other Harlequin
-A sassy heroine who isn't a doormat or "innocent" and puts Richard in his place during one of his legit mood swings
-A cute and adorable daughter
-A good father and an amazing lover
What more could I ask from a quick read?
Time and story flow weren't parallel. The heroine doesn't see the hero for a little over 70% of the book but they made out two times before that and make out all the way right after she sees him. IDK that's just weird. And then all of sudden HEA, I'd dig this book a lot more if would have been longer.
Other than that? It was a delightful, pleasant quick read worth 4 stars.
-Not an arrogant, rude, jerk, unforgivable Hero that you often see in other Harlequin
-A sassy heroine who isn't a doormat or "innocent" and puts Richard in his place during one of his legit mood swings
-A cute and adorable daughter
-A good father and an amazing lover
What more could I ask from a quick read?
September 7, 2013
Uma versão contemporânea da história da Bela e do Monstro que muito me fez lembrar aquela série dos anos 80 também inspirada neste conto. Isto porque o 'Monstro' aparece sempre de forma sub-reptícia e com uma aura de mistério e sensualidade.
É uma história que se lê bem; bem escrita e com sequência. Os personagens são interessantes e as cenas carregadas de ternura, especialmente aquelas que envolvem a pequena Kelly.
É uma história que se lê bem; bem escrita e com sequência. Os personagens são interessantes e as cenas carregadas de ternura, especialmente aquelas que envolvem a pequena Kelly.
October 25, 2017
Trama non originale, ma simpatica. La Bella è una ex modella che vuole essere apprezzata per il suo cervello e la Bestia un bellissimo giovane vittima di un incidente che lo ha reso un eroe. In aggiunta, una bambina che si inserisce nel quadro, la figlia orfana della Bestia. Sarà proprio lei il catalizzatore che aiuterà Richard a uscire dall’isolamento forzato a cui si è costretto dopo che il suo corpo devastato dalle cicatrici lo ha costretto a nascondersi.
April 23, 2012
Absolutely no surprise and no interest in this book.
That's a shame since the beginning was interesting, with a bit of mystery around Richard, the hero. But then Laura is so very perfect on all aspects. Even the carnal urges between the two left me totally cold. Too cheesy and not enough actions or real feelings' description.
That's a shame since the beginning was interesting, with a bit of mystery around Richard, the hero. But then Laura is so very perfect on all aspects. Even the carnal urges between the two left me totally cold. Too cheesy and not enough actions or real feelings' description.
November 8, 2011
i never knew the bonding of two broken hearts can be such a beautiful story.it is beautifully written with right amount of grief,love,expectation & kindness.
December 23, 2012
Four and a half stars on this!
The book was so sweet and cute! If you want to read something heart-stopping with a happy ending in a few hours, give Taming The Beast a shot! It's worth it!
The book was so sweet and cute! If you want to read something heart-stopping with a happy ending in a few hours, give Taming The Beast a shot! It's worth it!
March 8, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoy nanny stories and beauty/beast theme. this was both in one. The Heroine was strong and intelligent. Hero was great to Heroine just tough on himself.
December 25, 2018
4.5 stars Really interesting take on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale.
May 16, 2016
A contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Why must the beast always be absurdly rich? Ah well. A very quick read.
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April 18, 2018good
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