The Beastly Princess

Cowboy Fairytales #4

by Lacy Williams

From a USA Today bestselling author comes Book 4 in the Cowboy Fairytales series

Her scars frighten everyone away…
Crown Princess Eloise is used to tabloid headlines calling her a monster and touting her fiery temper. The headlines are true, after all. Although an automobile accident years ago scarred her and stole her dreams, she still has a responsibility to her people. So when her dying father demands she show the media a softer side, she can’t refuse. The problem is she doesn’t have a softer side. Add a cowboy that sees the woman beyond the scars and Eloise finds she can’t hide anymore…
Pro bull rider Cody Austin was only supposed to be in Glorvaird to stand up in his buddy’s wedding. But when he ends up a temporary prisoner in the castle, things take a serious turn. He finds himself drawn to the crown princess, drawn even to the emotional scars that she works so hard to hide. The more time they spend together, the more he sees the true princess behind the walls she has so carefully constructed.
But when Cody’s uncle falls desperately ill and Cody must return home, will the princess continue on in kindness, or return to being a beast?

The Beastly Princess is a contemporary western retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale and Book 4 in the Cowboy Fairytales series.

Other titles include:
*Once Upon a Cowboy (1)
*Cowboy Charming (2)
*The Toad Prince (3)
*The Lost Princess (5)

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Westerns, Adult, Clean Romance, Novella, Fairy Tale Retellings

98 pages, ebook

First published October 31, 2016

About the author

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This story was fabulous! The Beastly Princess is book four in the Cowboy Fairytales series and will make the most sense if it is read in order within the series. I’ve enjoyed the entire series so far, yet this book is one of my favorites.

I really appreciated being able to see where Eloise was coming from and find out why she behaved the way she did in various situations. She never emotionally healed from the accident that left her scarred. The way she related to people and the self consciousness she felt about her appearance led to many uncomfortable situations.

I thought that the set up for the way Eloise and Cody met and eventually got to know each other was very clever. I liked Cody so much in this story. He was the definition of a hero in the way he behaved not only to Eloise, but also to his uncle. His heart and ability to see beyond the Princess’ scars was impressive, as was his desire to help her see herself as he saw her.

What a sweet story! Once again, the narration for this audio book was performed by Lara Asmundson and was extremely enjoyable to listen to. I’m looking forward to the fifth and final book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[~Bellegirl91~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay.... I'm glad I put this on hold while I started with the first 3 books and it made this one even better! *heart eyes* I thought I liked Mia's and Ethan's story in book 2, but I absolutely ADORED AND LOVED Eloise's and Cody's story even more and is now my favorite one so far! And now I'm onto the last one in the Cowboy Fairytales series which I'm guessing will be really good. Here's to fingers crossed it will be! :D

[Cici · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well done

This can be a tricky one. I love the way he does not see her scars from the first. Sweet

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4. Book 4: The Beastly Princess: 4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella The Beastly Princess: Eloise and Cody in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
This is a drama and tension filled episode with only a small portion focused on Eloise’s poignant life and romance. Lacy Williams seamless blends a wedding for Alessandra, the death of the king, a pregnancy for Mia, an unexpected romance forburn scarred Eloise with medically sidelined professional bull rider Cody Austin, the locating of the “lost Princess” Kylie Winters, and the continued concerns regarding the unstable escaped Aunt.

5. Book 5: The Lost Princess: 4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella The Lost Princess: Kylie and Nick in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
Contains a fair amount of violence and a heartwarming ending. Set mainly in America this sequel combines Gideons search for Kylie, Pieter’s search for his mother, Kylie’s reunion romance and brief updates on the other princesses.
Feeling adrift after her estranged mother’s sudden death, Chicago CPA Kylie Harris takes her mother’s dog snow on a one year cross country trip retracing the homes of her youth hoping to find peace and closure only to wind up in Bear Lake, Oklahoma, stopped by the Police, reunited with her childhood neighbor, and a target of violent crime.

6. Book 6: Kissing Kelsey: 3 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella Kissing Kelsey: Kelsey and Matt in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
Bittersweet and poignant featuring the heartbreak and rocky relationships of the two remaining Triple-H Texas Ranch siblings Matt and Carrie, this sequel proposes a happy ending for Matt but more disquiet and self-inflicted heart ache for Carrie.
Feeling adrift after being medically discharged with amnesia from a TBI, former Air Force Sergeant Matt Hale returns home to the Triple-H ranch in Texas where his first memory is of “his girlfriend” Olympic Silver Medalist runner Kelsey Whitley prior to their breakup ten years ago. While at the same time, hairdresser, abuse survivor and single mom Carrie struggles to raise her asthmatic young daughter Scarlet while fighting her attraction to Trey, her fear of losing her independence and her distrust of Alpha men.

7. Book 7: Courting Carrie: 4 Stars
I purchased a copy of the novella Courting Carrie: Carrie and Trey in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
A Poignant story of love and homecoming with some drama and a happy ending.
Heartbroken but still loving Carrie almost two years after she has broken up with him, ranch hand Trey Reynolds finds himself leaving the woman, family, and land he loves in hopes of reducing Carrie’s stress and pain only to have Scarlet’s plot to gain a husband for her mother by Christmas and the unexpected appearance of her abusive father push Trey and Carrie together.
Provides glimpses into the disintegrating relationship of Carrie’s best friend veterinarian Sarah Campbell and, of a friend from high school,ranch hand Chase’s feelings for Carrie.
8. Book 8: Stealing Sarah: 4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella Stealing Sarah: Sarah and Chase in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
A tension filled sequel with some violence, the themes of abandonment, foster care and reduced sense of self- worth which are blended with Sarah and Chase’s friends to more romance and, with glimpses into her sister Kayla’s unsettled life.
Veterinarian Sarah Campbell’s life is turned upside down when her assistant goes on maternity leave, Sarah suffers a brutal attack, her fiancé breaks up with her on her 30th birthday and, she finds herself attracted to her a former high school friend, Triple-H ranch hand Chase.
Contains a suspenseful teaser for the sequel which involves Café Owner and dog rescue hopeful Kayla.
9. Book 9: Keeping Kayla: 4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella Keeping Kayla: Kayla and Nate in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
A short fast paced story containing wonderful characters and some drama.
A rash action at age nineteen comes back to haunt Kayla Campbell but turns out to be a blessing in disguise when she decides to foster ten-year-old orphan Miles.
After ten years, a technicality reunites Triple H Foreman Nate O’Malley with his childhood bride, dog rescuing former foster child Kayla Campbell, reinforcing his determination to win her back.
.
10. Book 10: Melting Megan: 4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella Melting Megan: Megan and Dan in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
Interesting characters and a bit of drama.
Former Triple H ranch hand and reformed gambler Dan Evans receives early parole, is welcomed back to the ranch, struggles with his sense of self worth and need to pay the Hale’s back while falling in love with single guardian Dr. Megan Fuller.

[Diana in SC · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 4 stars narrator

A cozy and warm modern-day Beauty​ & the Beast romance!

I absolutely love this 2 hour and 20 minute audiobook. I am keeping it saved on my tablet for whenever I want a short and sweet story to cheer me up and make me go "Awww...". I plan on listening to it many times in the future because this is my favorite version of Beauty and the Beast that I have ever read. "The Beastly Princess" is definitely my favorite audiobook in this series so far. By the way, Book #2 "Cowboy Charming" is a close 2nd.
Aside from the somewhat bizarre idea that this fictional European country lets its princesses marry Americans without having to abdicate, the rest of the story seemed very plausible. The character development was fantastic. Before I listened to this installment of the series, I had no respect or sympathy for Eloise, the extremely ill-tempered and reclusive crown princess of Glorvaird. Previously I had heard about her as the older sister of Allesandra and Mia, and neither of these princesses got along well with Eloise. However, when I learned about Eloise's life, then her current situation and reactions to things made perfect sense. I really started to like her early in this audiobook, and I cheered her​ on. In addition, Cody, her American bull rider love interest, was totally loveable. Aside from his occupation (which I think is ridiculously dangerous), there is nothing about him that I don't like. Eloise and Cody had a slow, careful period of getting to know one another. I like how the relationship developed naturally. It was so charming and touching! The ending was a "happy for now", but I expect forthcoming updates about Eloise and Cody in upcoming books
The narrator is not perfect, but she did a pretty good job. I liked the different tones and accents that she gave to the different characters. The pacing was just right for this story. Sometimes she over-emphasizes words in a sentence in an effort to sound more musical, but it did not bother me much in this audiobook.
We also get a few scenes showcasing Mia and Nathan from Book #2 and what is going on with them. I think that they had needless misunderstanding and drama going on, but their segments were thankfully short. This audiobook also included the first chapter of the next book in the series, and I am looking forward to it.
I received a free copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Story
I think this was the story I was waiting for, to finally find out more about the disagreeable sister and the cowboy that would win her heart. And what an endearing story it was!

The Audiobook
This collection is a fun escape from the humdrum of everyday life and into the world of princesses and knights in Stetsons, not shining armor. Each one is a fairly quick read, or as in my case, listen.

I listened to the audiobook version of Cowboy Fairytales: The Complete Collection and I really enjoyed it. The narration was good, in fact, the same person narrated the entire collection which lent an air of continuity.

Sweet cowboy romance with a dash of whimsy and suspense. If you are looking for a good, clean, read or listen with a touch of faith, definitely check out this neat series from Lacy Williams.

(I received a copy of this audiobook from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Megan Richmond]

Ch. 1 – 👑🔥🚫
(Crown Princess Eloise, scarred from a childhood accident, isolates herself emotionally.)​

Ch. 2 – 🤠🏇🤕
(Cowboy Cody, injured from a rodeo accident, arrives for a friend's wedding.)​

Ch. 3 – 🎉🥂💬
(Eloise and Cody meet at the royal wedding, their interaction is tense.)​

Ch. 4 – 🍷😡💥
(A misunderstanding leads to a heated argument between them.)​
lacywilliams.net

Ch. 5 – 🏰⛔️🏃‍♂️
(Cody plans to leave but circumstances force him to stay at the palace.)​
Goodreads

Ch. 6 – 🌹🕊️🤝
(Eloise and Cody call a truce and begin to understand each other.)​
Goodreads

Ch. 7 – 🎨📖🗣️
(They share personal stories, revealing vulnerabilities.)​

Ch. 8 – 🐎🌳😊
(A horseback ride together strengthens their budding friendship.)​
lacywilliams.net

Ch. 9 – 🎭💔😞
(Eloise's insecurities resurface, causing her to push Cody away.)​
Goodreads

Ch. 10 – 💌🛡️❤️
(Cody proves his devotion, helping Eloise confront her fears.)​

Ch. 11 – 🌅💍🎉
(They embrace their love, leading to a hopeful future together.)​

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this a five star rating. I enjoyed the other stories in this series, but this was so much more than a Cowboy Fairytale. In all the previous books we get a glimpse of the future queen. The impression we get is a self centered, unfriendly snob. In this story we get to see the real Eloise, that is hidden under her insecurities. We learn more about her accident and what she has gone through, and continues each day to face. To actual have someone call you The Beast, I can't imagine. Some of her scares we can see and the emotional ones we can't. It takes a special guy to help Eloise step out from the walls she has built around herself. Cody is that special guy. His love and acceptance of Eloise just as she is helps her drop some of the barriers. Going to the hospital and putting others first also helps. Like I said at the beginning, by far this is my favorite of these Fairytales.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟
Audiobook:
This is a sweet twist on Beauty and the Beast. I loved the way Cody brings out the beauty in Eloise. A novella length demands that things happen quickly, and I wish this story could have unfurled a little slower because I really loved the characters.

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the others in the series, short, sweet, and light reading, but better than you might think! You need to start at the beginning with the first book, Once Upon a Cowboy, and go through them in order, because this series of books is more like a serial novel than stand alone stories. This one in particular would have been better if it could have been longer so that you could get to know the princess a little better. It was my least favorite so far, but I really liked it and how the hints at the Beauty and the Beast story were incorporated.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beastly Princess.

The Crown Princess was scarred as a young girl in an accident. She hides behind anger. Cody is a Cowboy who until recently has been on the rodeo circuit. He has been sidelined due to an accident during the last ride. Now he has come to serve as a groomsman to a rodeo buddy who is marrying one of the Princesses. An unfortunate incident occurs that causes Cody to have to remain after the wedding. Eloise and Cody have numerous interactions during his stay. Will Eloise ever see herself as more than her scars and believe she can be loved?

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one just as much as the others. I liked the reverse beauty and the beast vibes. Cody helps her feel beautiful. I also liked reading about someone over come anger issues. Side characters are fabulous as always.

SPOILERS and book notes:
A beastly princess (scars on her face and a fiery temper) and an injured bull rider!) Cody made her feel beautiful. Let her feel normal. And Mia finally told Ethen that she was pregnant!!!! Awwwww and we get a big royal wedding with Gideon and Alessandra finally!!!

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. Each retelling of the fairy tales is different, sweet and with a twist.

The Beastly Princess is quite a refreshing take on Beauty and the beast, with a cowboy as the hero who helped Elouise work through her hurt and anger from her accident and how people treat her.

I also loved that Mia and Ethan story also continued in this installment, since they were one of my favourite couples.

The narrator is very entertaining.

[Peni · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite story thus far in this series. It is easy to understand why Eloise came to be the way she is. The hurt and anger run deep. Cody can also see beyond the walls Eloise has put up to guard her heart.

This couple is good for each other. Cody has real need to be needed and Eloise really needs Cody's unconditional acceptance.

[Ann Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful modern day fairytale ! This dramatically different take on a classic old fairytale was very entertaining and I enjoyed every minute of it. The cowboy and the princess storyline where the beast turned out to be the princess intrigued me .The characters in this story were also compelling and I will read more from this author.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beastly Princess was a good Read by Lacy Williams. This is book four in the Cowboy Fairytales series. Crown Princess Eloise has been called a monster by tabloids because of her scars and temper. Cody is a pro bull rider who meets Eloise when he is in Glovaird for his friends wedding. He is drawn to her even with her scars. This was a great read about Eloise and Cody.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Modern Fairytale

The Beastly Princess is book four in the Cowboy Fairytales series. This is more then just a fairytale. This story touches on the healing of physical and emotional scares. I highly recommend this story as well as the other in this series.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eloise let her disfigurement change her behavior and her self worth. Cody is wonderful and sees past her scars to a young woman looking for a chance. A quick read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth in a series of interrelated romances, each featuring a different couple but describing an overall story arc. Certainly it can be read alone! The eldest daughter could be cast as a Wicked Stepmother--until you learn her backstory. This one resonates for personal reasons.

[Judith Seale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Book

This is a very good book. I would recommend this book to everyone. This whole series is very interesting and inspiring. There is so much to learn from each book in this series.

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Eloise. She had a lot of depth to her character, although it would be nice to have more of a backstory on what she went through with the car wreck. You really only get brief flashed of what she went through and what recovery was like.

[Cecelia Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book get better and better

I can not believe that each book is this series keeps getting better and better. The author does a great job of writing an exciting adventure filled story.

[Patricia Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Says Love Doesn’t Conquer All?

Eloise, the eldest sister, has carefully constructed walls around her heart and her life. When someone tries to take a royal family heirloom her life changes forever!

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Fantastic Continuation of the Sweet Cowboy Fairytale series! The story was believable and the characters were heartwarming. I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A disfigured learns that beauty is more than skin deep, and eventually finds her own happiness.

[Julynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these fairytales in cowboy territory!

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series

I'm really enjoying this series about princesses who find love with a cowboy. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

maybe my favorite of the series.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story for more of the families history. I would have preferred a longer tale with more depth.

[Elizabeth Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended

Another awesome series. What a wonderful,talented author!!! I highly recommend reading all her stories! Enthralling and inspiring. Enjoy your read!