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Beast
Eight stories inspired by the classic fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Wildlife Conservation Network.
A TALE ABOUT changing your fate once it's already written, because knowing your future can be a blessing or a curse.
. . .
A TALE OF blurred lines and two unlikely souls who find a way to make peace with their beasts—after all, life is hard, but death is harder.
. . .
A TALE OF a heartbreaker prince and the young sorceress who puts a tragic spell on him—it's no surprise he wants revenge—but first he must understand what it truly means to be called a monster.
. . .
A TALE OF a woman who wanted to live beyond the gates of her manor, and the Beast who broke down her walls.
. . .
A TALE OF a beastly storm that traps a doctor and his secretary in the basement of the hospital they work in—and what happens when old wounds are torn apart and two pasts collide.
. . .
A TALE OF two men defined by how they look and the one woman who refuses to see it.
. . .
A TALE OF a book thief who is kidnapped by a rival bandit and learns the meaning of true sacrifice.
. . .
A TALE ABOUT a man who wants nothing more than to die, and how he saves the life of someone who is dying to live.
. . .
A TALE ABOUT changing your fate once it's already written, because knowing your future can be a blessing or a curse.
. . .
A TALE OF blurred lines and two unlikely souls who find a way to make peace with their beasts—after all, life is hard, but death is harder.
. . .
A TALE OF a heartbreaker prince and the young sorceress who puts a tragic spell on him—it's no surprise he wants revenge—but first he must understand what it truly means to be called a monster.
. . .
A TALE OF a woman who wanted to live beyond the gates of her manor, and the Beast who broke down her walls.
. . .
A TALE OF a beastly storm that traps a doctor and his secretary in the basement of the hospital they work in—and what happens when old wounds are torn apart and two pasts collide.
. . .
A TALE OF two men defined by how they look and the one woman who refuses to see it.
. . .
A TALE OF a book thief who is kidnapped by a rival bandit and learns the meaning of true sacrifice.
. . .
A TALE ABOUT a man who wants nothing more than to die, and how he saves the life of someone who is dying to live.
. . .
- GenresAnthologies
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2017
9 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Alba
8 books57 followersStephanie Alba lives in Miami, Florida with her husband, her toddler and their two dogs, Milo and Van Gogh. She's obsessed with Disney, British history, traveling, romances novels, movies, and Halloween. When she's not glued to her laptop or writing in her notebook, she's either: running, planning her next vacation, binge-watching Netflix, reading, or chasing her toddler.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 13, 2017
Caroline Nolan is an author who knows how to write. When she asked me if I'd like to read and review her contribution to an up and coming Anthology, I could not resist. Ordinarily, I would not be drawn to reading a short story. I normally need time with the characters and the storyline to gain any benefit. But this time around in such a short space of time I was hooked. I was able to connect with the history, struggles and romance and even though I was left wanting more I just put this down to the talent of the author. This short story was beautifully crafted and wonderfully heartfelt, written in a style that I loved. The real cherry on the cake is that this anthology is written to raise funds for a worth while charity. So dig deep readers and enjoy a 'beast' themed ride along the way. Enjoy ... kisses.
March 14, 2017
IT'S LIVE:
AMAZON
Reviewing Every Beautiful Piece by A.M. Johnson.
Evangeline Bell, OR clerk at the County Central Medical Center and invisible girl.
Lucas Prince, Doctor at the County Central Medical Center and Beast.
She was socially awkward. He didn't like talking to people unless it was necessary.
A storm will trap them in the basement of the hospital and a power outage, will give them light instead of darkness.
"Maybe she was sent here to take his sins and absolve him so he could breathe..."
Every Beautiful Piece by A.M. Johnson is part of Beast: An Anthology written by some amazing authors that have come together and put pen to paper to share their stories, while also benefiting a good cause.
A short or a full-length novel, it doesn't matter. A.M. Johnson always fails to disappoint with her beautiful words and enchanting story lines that will have you flipping through the pages and wanting more. Every Beautiful Piece is a story about love, loss and hope. And the most exciting thing is that it was just a taste, YEEEEES!!!!!.
Every Beautiful Piece will be released as a full-length novel, hopefully by the end of 2017.
If you love everything Beauty and the Beast, you should give this anthology a try. Plus, it's for a great cause!
100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Wildlife Conservation Network.
http://wildnet.org/
You can find me here: FB PAGE | INSTAGRAM
Reviewing Every Beautiful Piece by A.M. Johnson.
Evangeline Bell, OR clerk at the County Central Medical Center and invisible girl.
Lucas Prince, Doctor at the County Central Medical Center and Beast.
She was socially awkward. He didn't like talking to people unless it was necessary.
A storm will trap them in the basement of the hospital and a power outage, will give them light instead of darkness.
"Maybe she was sent here to take his sins and absolve him so he could breathe..."
Every Beautiful Piece by A.M. Johnson is part of Beast: An Anthology written by some amazing authors that have come together and put pen to paper to share their stories, while also benefiting a good cause.
A short or a full-length novel, it doesn't matter. A.M. Johnson always fails to disappoint with her beautiful words and enchanting story lines that will have you flipping through the pages and wanting more. Every Beautiful Piece is a story about love, loss and hope. And the most exciting thing is that it was just a taste, YEEEEES!!!!!.
Every Beautiful Piece will be released as a full-length novel, hopefully by the end of 2017.
If you love everything Beauty and the Beast, you should give this anthology a try. Plus, it's for a great cause!
100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Wildlife Conservation Network.
http://wildnet.org/
You can find me here: FB PAGE | INSTAGRAM
March 29, 2017
Beast is a beautiful anthology from authors inspired by the classic fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. The fun part about anthologies is it introduces you to new authors, new writing styles, and new stories, while incorporating work from authors you’ve read in the past. The BEST part about this particular anthology is that all proceeds are donated to the Wildlife Conservation Network. #ReadingForCharity
I’ve chosen to review this anthology as a whole while including quotes from each individual story that stood out to me.
The anthology contains a variety of stories to include contemporary, fantasy and folklore. I was familiar with a few of the authors that participated when the project was announced and looked forward to reading more of their work. (Let’s face it, some of these authors are close, personal friends of mine. If they wrote a math book I’d buy it.) I was equally excited to be introduced to a few new-to-me authors as well! As I mentioned earlier, anthologies are a great way to get little snippets, or samples, of an author’s work and writing style. I look forward to exploring these new-to-me names!
I thoroughly enjoyed each story included in this collection. They were all unique and creative. Eight different perspectives on one fairytale was gratifying and entertaining! There’s a famous saying I’m sure you’re all familiar with: ‘No two people read the same book.’ Well, clearly these authors each love and appreciate the fairytale in their own light.
Bravo on a fabulous collection for a wonderful cause, ladies!
The Fortune by Stephanie Alba
"I melded my mouth to hers and tethered my soul so that it would intertwine with her even for just one evening."
"I made the decision in that moment that we would have no beginning and no end. We would simply have each other, always."
Perception by Madalyn Beck*
"Some people have stories that they keep buried inside. We don't know how much it affects them until it eats them alive."
"...we're all humans, and that's what we do. We mess up. We do stupid things. We fight. And sometimes we fight because we want someone else to hate us as much as we hate ourselves."
Unlovable by Jessica Bucher*
"To be unlovable was a curse that no one should ever be subjected to... how could I have done that to him? The person I loved more than anyone."
Jules & Jameson: Reaching for the Stars by Jeannine Colette*
"I thought I'd lost the one person I look forward to seeing every day."
Every Beautiful Piece by A.M. Johnson
"I think in order to live, you have to let go."
"There was no such thing as time, death and pain. In this basement, with him, there was an easy answer, a healing confession."
The Forgotten Man by Caroline Nolan*
"Feel that heartbeat. Feel the blood run through your veins. Revel in that feeling!"
"All it took was a boy who needed a hero to remind you of something very important."
"And what's that," I ask, feigning mild interest.
"That you are one."
The Thief and the Marauder by Amanda Richardson
"I have to do something. I have to protect it- without art, we'll be more of a soulless society than we already are."
"Don't give up. Not on me. Not on us. Not yet. Real life mimics art."
Sounds of Silence by Hayley Stumbo
"I've always found the complicated parts of life to be my favorite. If everything was easy, then I think I'd be bored most of the time."
"There has never been anything louder in my life than silence, and I love the way that silence sounds."
*New-to-me author
I’ve chosen to review this anthology as a whole while including quotes from each individual story that stood out to me.
The anthology contains a variety of stories to include contemporary, fantasy and folklore. I was familiar with a few of the authors that participated when the project was announced and looked forward to reading more of their work. (Let’s face it, some of these authors are close, personal friends of mine. If they wrote a math book I’d buy it.) I was equally excited to be introduced to a few new-to-me authors as well! As I mentioned earlier, anthologies are a great way to get little snippets, or samples, of an author’s work and writing style. I look forward to exploring these new-to-me names!
I thoroughly enjoyed each story included in this collection. They were all unique and creative. Eight different perspectives on one fairytale was gratifying and entertaining! There’s a famous saying I’m sure you’re all familiar with: ‘No two people read the same book.’ Well, clearly these authors each love and appreciate the fairytale in their own light.
Bravo on a fabulous collection for a wonderful cause, ladies!
The Fortune by Stephanie Alba
"I melded my mouth to hers and tethered my soul so that it would intertwine with her even for just one evening."
"I made the decision in that moment that we would have no beginning and no end. We would simply have each other, always."
Perception by Madalyn Beck*
"Some people have stories that they keep buried inside. We don't know how much it affects them until it eats them alive."
"...we're all humans, and that's what we do. We mess up. We do stupid things. We fight. And sometimes we fight because we want someone else to hate us as much as we hate ourselves."
Unlovable by Jessica Bucher*
"To be unlovable was a curse that no one should ever be subjected to... how could I have done that to him? The person I loved more than anyone."
Jules & Jameson: Reaching for the Stars by Jeannine Colette*
"I thought I'd lost the one person I look forward to seeing every day."
Every Beautiful Piece by A.M. Johnson
"I think in order to live, you have to let go."
"There was no such thing as time, death and pain. In this basement, with him, there was an easy answer, a healing confession."
The Forgotten Man by Caroline Nolan*
"Feel that heartbeat. Feel the blood run through your veins. Revel in that feeling!"
"All it took was a boy who needed a hero to remind you of something very important."
"And what's that," I ask, feigning mild interest.
"That you are one."
The Thief and the Marauder by Amanda Richardson
"I have to do something. I have to protect it- without art, we'll be more of a soulless society than we already are."
"Don't give up. Not on me. Not on us. Not yet. Real life mimics art."
Sounds of Silence by Hayley Stumbo
"I've always found the complicated parts of life to be my favorite. If everything was easy, then I think I'd be bored most of the time."
"There has never been anything louder in my life than silence, and I love the way that silence sounds."
*New-to-me author
March 12, 2017
**** 4.5 Cranky Stars ****
I love Beauty and The Beast it's one I grew up with time and time again. This is 8 magical retellings of the beloved fairy tale. It was an adventure to read each story and find the little nuggets of clues linking current characters to the old. We see many appearances even the cutest little teacup in all the land.
Anthologies are a tricky mistress. You may not like every story told but this particular one had me devouring each story admiring how these authors turned this tale into another story. From a bookish teenage girl trying to find her way to a doctor and a nurse telling their secrets in the dark to a story of hope for two people facing serious challenges there is something for everyone. We go from current day to the past in the span of such a fantastic little book.
It's hard to write a review for these because some stories just stand out yet you want to give credit to everyone. In this particular case every author did an outstanding job. Some authors are my all time favorite and some I will certainly be looking up again. I really wanted some stories to go on forever and some we're just the perfect amount.
This Cranky girl recommends that every fan of this fairy tale pick up this book and take the journey plus it's all for a good cause. What's not to love?
March 11, 2017
Review of The Forgotten Man by Caroline Nolan
A retelling of the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast benefitting the Wildlife Conservation Network.
This is the story of Adam, a fireman who has suffered the unthinkable while on duty and his journey of recovery and learning to live and love his new self.
While this story is short, Ms. Nolan doesn't skimp on the emotions that will pull at the reader's heartstrings. Nolan continues to write stories that a reader will gravitate to while maintaining her writing integrity with the power of her written words.
Readers will not be disappointed in this story that will remind you of the importance of these heroes who will do anything and everything to put out these fires and protect us.
I do want to add that I normally don't read short stories because in the end, I am always left wanting more and I felt the same after reading this one...I wanted to know more about these characters, how they were going to work...I wanted to see their future. I still enjoyed it though and whole heartedly support the cause that this is for <3
A retelling of the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast benefitting the Wildlife Conservation Network.
This is the story of Adam, a fireman who has suffered the unthinkable while on duty and his journey of recovery and learning to live and love his new self.
While this story is short, Ms. Nolan doesn't skimp on the emotions that will pull at the reader's heartstrings. Nolan continues to write stories that a reader will gravitate to while maintaining her writing integrity with the power of her written words.
Readers will not be disappointed in this story that will remind you of the importance of these heroes who will do anything and everything to put out these fires and protect us.
I do want to add that I normally don't read short stories because in the end, I am always left wanting more and I felt the same after reading this one...I wanted to know more about these characters, how they were going to work...I wanted to see their future. I still enjoyed it though and whole heartedly support the cause that this is for <3
March 13, 2017
4.5 stars for Jules & Jameson: Reaching for the Stars by Jeannine Colette
This starts the story that is Jules & Jameson. Jules is the only daughter of Franklin and Vivienne Bradford, wealthy socialites of Long Island, NY. Jules is a dreamer, more comfortable in a book than a fancy soiree. When her father hires Jameson as a mechanic for his vast car collection Jules is instantly drawn to him. Jameson is a "beast" of a man who is quiet and seems to keep to himself until he's swept into Jules world and the two seem to save each other. An unlikely friendship forms and it seems like love is blossoming...their story is just beginning :)
I loved this beginning and am anxious to read more of Jules and Jameson's story.
This starts the story that is Jules & Jameson. Jules is the only daughter of Franklin and Vivienne Bradford, wealthy socialites of Long Island, NY. Jules is a dreamer, more comfortable in a book than a fancy soiree. When her father hires Jameson as a mechanic for his vast car collection Jules is instantly drawn to him. Jameson is a "beast" of a man who is quiet and seems to keep to himself until he's swept into Jules world and the two seem to save each other. An unlikely friendship forms and it seems like love is blossoming...their story is just beginning :)
I loved this beginning and am anxious to read more of Jules and Jameson's story.
May 25, 2017
Horrendously misnomed anthology. This is supposedly a Beauty and the Beast retellings collection, according to the title and back cover blurb, but reality suggests otherwise.
Let's see, I can find a few reasons for not being impressed by the anthology.
1. It contains 8 short stories, of which only two have enough elements to legitimately qualify as B&B retellings, reimaginings or mashups. And that's an extremely low percentage of the total to have marketed the anthology as a B&B collection.
2. The remaining 6 short stories either have too little to do with B&B or aren't B&B retellings in any way whatsoever. Just two examples should get the point across: the first short story, The Fortune by Stephanie Alba, in which the male lead is neither ugly, nor scarred, deformed, crippled, and much less cursed, therefore not a "Beast." And there's no plot that would justify selling it as a B&B-like story, because it's truthfully just a contemporary romance whose basic plot is second chances after years of separation owing to a stupid decision to listen to something that shouldn't be listened to, a.k.a. the dreaded Big Misunderstanding trope, ending in a HEA after an unbelievably brief phase of tension owing to the token mustache-twirling baddie of a romantic rival. And the second case, the short story that comes right after the former, Perception by Madalyn Beck is, quite simply, an ordinary and straightforward ghost story, no more and no less. How it could've been even remotely classified as a B&B retelling is beyond me.
So, more to the misnomer argument. There's an excess of stories that have been included without meeting the requirements for the category, the anthology should've been sold simply as a collection of stories, some of which are B&B. It'd have been more honest.
3. Just as egregious: not all the 8 stories here are actually completed stories. Not at all. In fact, some are excerpts from novels or longer stories. To reach the end of a story only to find a "Read More At..." legend was infuriating, and felt disrespectful to readers buying this with the conviction that they were paying money for an anthology of FULL stories and not, you know, for samples and excerpts. Samples, excerpts and teaser chapters are for letting potential buyers decide if they want a book, and are to be provided at bookselling places or blogs or on the author's own websites, but never in an anthology. Not as part of the content but as teasers placed after the epilogue/last story.
That aside, and getting into the content itself, I can't say I liked any of the stories in particular. The mislabelling was only part of it, since I couldn't see them as being B&B and I checked the book out precisely because of my interest in the fairy tale and retellings of it. The other thing is that, by themselves and forgetting the supposed global theme, they're nothing remarkable on their own either. Some lack plot, others are "meh" in prose and storytelling, and others feel choppy and cut abruptly (especially those samples). A couple or so I did find moderately intriguing, mostly because they were the least B&B-like and so I was able to disassociate and enjoy them for whatever merit of their own they had. Still, not good enough to award more than a 1.5 stars rating for the whole anthology, unfortunately.
Let's see, I can find a few reasons for not being impressed by the anthology.
1. It contains 8 short stories, of which only two have enough elements to legitimately qualify as B&B retellings, reimaginings or mashups. And that's an extremely low percentage of the total to have marketed the anthology as a B&B collection.
2. The remaining 6 short stories either have too little to do with B&B or aren't B&B retellings in any way whatsoever. Just two examples should get the point across: the first short story, The Fortune by Stephanie Alba, in which the male lead is neither ugly, nor scarred, deformed, crippled, and much less cursed, therefore not a "Beast." And there's no plot that would justify selling it as a B&B-like story, because it's truthfully just a contemporary romance whose basic plot is second chances after years of separation owing to a stupid decision to listen to something that shouldn't be listened to, a.k.a. the dreaded Big Misunderstanding trope, ending in a HEA after an unbelievably brief phase of tension owing to the token mustache-twirling baddie of a romantic rival. And the second case, the short story that comes right after the former, Perception by Madalyn Beck is, quite simply, an ordinary and straightforward ghost story, no more and no less. How it could've been even remotely classified as a B&B retelling is beyond me.
So, more to the misnomer argument. There's an excess of stories that have been included without meeting the requirements for the category, the anthology should've been sold simply as a collection of stories, some of which are B&B. It'd have been more honest.
3. Just as egregious: not all the 8 stories here are actually completed stories. Not at all. In fact, some are excerpts from novels or longer stories. To reach the end of a story only to find a "Read More At..." legend was infuriating, and felt disrespectful to readers buying this with the conviction that they were paying money for an anthology of FULL stories and not, you know, for samples and excerpts. Samples, excerpts and teaser chapters are for letting potential buyers decide if they want a book, and are to be provided at bookselling places or blogs or on the author's own websites, but never in an anthology. Not as part of the content but as teasers placed after the epilogue/last story.
That aside, and getting into the content itself, I can't say I liked any of the stories in particular. The mislabelling was only part of it, since I couldn't see them as being B&B and I checked the book out precisely because of my interest in the fairy tale and retellings of it. The other thing is that, by themselves and forgetting the supposed global theme, they're nothing remarkable on their own either. Some lack plot, others are "meh" in prose and storytelling, and others feel choppy and cut abruptly (especially those samples). A couple or so I did find moderately intriguing, mostly because they were the least B&B-like and so I was able to disassociate and enjoy them for whatever merit of their own they had. Still, not good enough to award more than a 1.5 stars rating for the whole anthology, unfortunately.
March 18, 2017
Incredible! So many of my favorite authors took part in this and they didn't disappoint!! A.M. Johnson, Jeannine Colette, Stephanie Alba, Amanda Richardson.... the list of authors is insane. They came together and gave us a masterpiece. Some of the stories focus on some kind of magic or a gift, some just a beast of a man looking to be tamed. I found a lot of new authors also and I'm excited to read more from them!
March 9, 2017
4.5 stars
A tale as old as time but with a modern twist. That's the journey you'll take when you read this collection of short stories. I really enjoyed reading each tale and trying to place beloved characters with the new ones.
8 stories told from modern to the days of castles and carriages I think this story has something for everyone. We see a bookish rich girl trying to break her mothers mold to a doctor and a nurse telling secrets in the dark. Some are funny and some touch your heart. What they all have in common is the most beloved fairy tale of our time. Well at least mine because let's be honest the Beast gave her a library.
I think this is an anthology done right. While i'm more the modern times kind of gal I did enjoy the trips back that some of the authors gave us. Some peaked my interest and i'll be looking into their works while some are my absolute favorite authors. I would totally suggest this to friends and come on why not help some wildlife in the process.
A tale as old as time but with a modern twist. That's the journey you'll take when you read this collection of short stories. I really enjoyed reading each tale and trying to place beloved characters with the new ones.
8 stories told from modern to the days of castles and carriages I think this story has something for everyone. We see a bookish rich girl trying to break her mothers mold to a doctor and a nurse telling secrets in the dark. Some are funny and some touch your heart. What they all have in common is the most beloved fairy tale of our time. Well at least mine because let's be honest the Beast gave her a library.
I think this is an anthology done right. While i'm more the modern times kind of gal I did enjoy the trips back that some of the authors gave us. Some peaked my interest and i'll be looking into their works while some are my absolute favorite authors. I would totally suggest this to friends and come on why not help some wildlife in the process.
March 19, 2017
A TALE ABOUT changing your fate once it's already written, because knowing your future can be a blessing or a curse.
-The Fortune by Stephanie Alba
This was a good lead into the book. One thing that is hard about short stories is you have to get a lot of details into a little bit of space. I think that this one, in particular, was good but it didn't really leave me wanting to know everyone in it more. With that said, I also appreciated that the story was done in such a way and with such a great wrap up that I felt like I had gotten a complete story in one go. I didn't need to know anything else to feel like the story was complete.
A TALE OF blurred lines and two unlikely souls who find a way to make peace with their beasts—after all, life is hard, but death is harder.
-Perception by Madalyn Beck
I love all things written by Madalyn Beck... seriously, all of the things! She has a way of writing the emotions into her work and this time was no different. I could feel the hurt and loneliness in her characters and I could feel the comfort they found together. She did a great job of giving us a taste of her characters in a way that it felt like we were there with them. Madalyn made me feel all of the things and I will always swoon for Reece <3
A TALE OF a heartbreaker prince and the young sorceress who puts a tragic spell on him—it's no surprise he wants revenge—but first he must understand what it truly means to be called a monster.
-Unlovable by Jessica Bucher
I really enjoyed the setting for this one! I am a big fan of paranormal and this one really touched on that along with a historical feel. I also thought it was a cool twist on the original story with the curse coming from the same person who saves him in the end. It was a nicely done little story!
A TALE OF a woman who wanted to live beyond the gates of her manor, and the Beast who broke down her walls.
-Jules and Jameson by Jeannine Colette
This story was great! Definitely one that I will be following around (the info about that is in the book so go check it out!) but one thing that was a little hard for me was the huge age gap, she is 15 (turns 16) and he is 20 already. It didn't read like the girl was 15/16 so if you don't think about it too much it will be fine. I just don't like big age gaps like that and would have felt better if she was older or he was younger. But with that being said I still loved this story. It is a classic, fighting the odds story and I am a sucker for those!
A TALE OF a beastly storm that traps a doctor and his secretary in the basement of the hospital they work in—and what happens when old wounds are torn apart and two pasts collide.
-Every Beautiful Piece by A.M. Johnson
Oh this story!! I can't even tell you how excited I was to find out that it is going to become a full-length novel! It was so well done and such a beautiful story of not letting tragedy drown you. I haven't read anything by A.M. Johnson before but I basically added everything she has written to my Goodreads list! I cannot wait to read the rest of this amazing story <3
A TALE OF two men defined by how they look and the one woman who refuses to see it.
-the Forgottan Man by Caroline Nolen
The description does not match the story so I was a little surprised when I was reading it haha. I think that the story starts off really great and I am always a sucker for a hero that has a secret soft spot for kids! I think what really threw me off though was how it felt like Adam was making progress and then at the end, it feels like he did a complete 180 back to the beginning when thinking about what is important in life. I was totally on board until then. Definitely a solid start with a swoony hero.
A TALE OF a book thief who is kidnapped by a rival bandit and learns the meaning of true sacrifice.
-The Thief and the Marauder by Amanda Richardson
Of all the stories this one most clearly mirrored the Beauty and the Beast plot line, in my opinion. I really liked the concept of this story but the ending was a little too abrupt and made me a little sad because I was hoping for a better wrap up. I really enjoyed this concept and I liked the dysetopian feel of this story. It is one of my favorite genres so I was excited to find it in this anthology. I would definitely read this if it ever came out in a full length novel *hint hint*
A TALE ABOUT a man who wants nothing more than to die, and how he saves the life of someone who is dying to live.
-Sounds of Silence by Hayley Stumbo
Okay, this one is definitely one of my favorites! It was a great story and it was a little more soft than some of the others and I loved that! It was a slow love if that makes sense to anyone other than me. It was so good and it just made me happy to read.
Of all of the great stories in this book Madalyn Beck, A.M. Johnson, and Hayley Stumbo did a great job of writing the most engaging stories with a small limit. That is always hard to and to do well. I often don't like short stories because I always feel like I want more and that is all there is but these three in particular managed to leave me not only wanting more but ending it in such a way that I felt okay with how it turned out. Everyone did a great job and this was an amazing opportunity to be able to meet some new authors and I can't wait to read some of their full length novels!
I gave this book 4 out 5 stars! It is definitely worth reading and the 99 pennies you will spend on it all goes to the Wildlife Conservation Network so you not only get some great stories you also get to help a great cause! When you're done reading let me know what you thought!!
-The Fortune by Stephanie Alba
This was a good lead into the book. One thing that is hard about short stories is you have to get a lot of details into a little bit of space. I think that this one, in particular, was good but it didn't really leave me wanting to know everyone in it more. With that said, I also appreciated that the story was done in such a way and with such a great wrap up that I felt like I had gotten a complete story in one go. I didn't need to know anything else to feel like the story was complete.
A TALE OF blurred lines and two unlikely souls who find a way to make peace with their beasts—after all, life is hard, but death is harder.
-Perception by Madalyn Beck
I love all things written by Madalyn Beck... seriously, all of the things! She has a way of writing the emotions into her work and this time was no different. I could feel the hurt and loneliness in her characters and I could feel the comfort they found together. She did a great job of giving us a taste of her characters in a way that it felt like we were there with them. Madalyn made me feel all of the things and I will always swoon for Reece <3
A TALE OF a heartbreaker prince and the young sorceress who puts a tragic spell on him—it's no surprise he wants revenge—but first he must understand what it truly means to be called a monster.
-Unlovable by Jessica Bucher
I really enjoyed the setting for this one! I am a big fan of paranormal and this one really touched on that along with a historical feel. I also thought it was a cool twist on the original story with the curse coming from the same person who saves him in the end. It was a nicely done little story!
A TALE OF a woman who wanted to live beyond the gates of her manor, and the Beast who broke down her walls.
-Jules and Jameson by Jeannine Colette
This story was great! Definitely one that I will be following around (the info about that is in the book so go check it out!) but one thing that was a little hard for me was the huge age gap, she is 15 (turns 16) and he is 20 already. It didn't read like the girl was 15/16 so if you don't think about it too much it will be fine. I just don't like big age gaps like that and would have felt better if she was older or he was younger. But with that being said I still loved this story. It is a classic, fighting the odds story and I am a sucker for those!
A TALE OF a beastly storm that traps a doctor and his secretary in the basement of the hospital they work in—and what happens when old wounds are torn apart and two pasts collide.
-Every Beautiful Piece by A.M. Johnson
Oh this story!! I can't even tell you how excited I was to find out that it is going to become a full-length novel! It was so well done and such a beautiful story of not letting tragedy drown you. I haven't read anything by A.M. Johnson before but I basically added everything she has written to my Goodreads list! I cannot wait to read the rest of this amazing story <3
A TALE OF two men defined by how they look and the one woman who refuses to see it.
-the Forgottan Man by Caroline Nolen
The description does not match the story so I was a little surprised when I was reading it haha. I think that the story starts off really great and I am always a sucker for a hero that has a secret soft spot for kids! I think what really threw me off though was how it felt like Adam was making progress and then at the end, it feels like he did a complete 180 back to the beginning when thinking about what is important in life. I was totally on board until then. Definitely a solid start with a swoony hero.
A TALE OF a book thief who is kidnapped by a rival bandit and learns the meaning of true sacrifice.
-The Thief and the Marauder by Amanda Richardson
Of all the stories this one most clearly mirrored the Beauty and the Beast plot line, in my opinion. I really liked the concept of this story but the ending was a little too abrupt and made me a little sad because I was hoping for a better wrap up. I really enjoyed this concept and I liked the dysetopian feel of this story. It is one of my favorite genres so I was excited to find it in this anthology. I would definitely read this if it ever came out in a full length novel *hint hint*
A TALE ABOUT a man who wants nothing more than to die, and how he saves the life of someone who is dying to live.
-Sounds of Silence by Hayley Stumbo
Okay, this one is definitely one of my favorites! It was a great story and it was a little more soft than some of the others and I loved that! It was a slow love if that makes sense to anyone other than me. It was so good and it just made me happy to read.
Of all of the great stories in this book Madalyn Beck, A.M. Johnson, and Hayley Stumbo did a great job of writing the most engaging stories with a small limit. That is always hard to and to do well. I often don't like short stories because I always feel like I want more and that is all there is but these three in particular managed to leave me not only wanting more but ending it in such a way that I felt okay with how it turned out. Everyone did a great job and this was an amazing opportunity to be able to meet some new authors and I can't wait to read some of their full length novels!
I gave this book 4 out 5 stars! It is definitely worth reading and the 99 pennies you will spend on it all goes to the Wildlife Conservation Network so you not only get some great stories you also get to help a great cause! When you're done reading let me know what you thought!!
March 12, 2017
Review for Reaching For The Stars by Jeannine Colette :
I love reading about Jules and Jameson's beginning. I just love them. At the end when he read to her, so sweet! It made me love Jameson even more. The only issue is that it ended! I need more of their love story!!
I love reading about Jules and Jameson's beginning. I just love them. At the end when he read to her, so sweet! It made me love Jameson even more. The only issue is that it ended! I need more of their love story!!
March 17, 2017
This is an anthology. It contains 8 stories that were inspired by Beauty And The Beast. All of these short stories are very different. They will keep you spellbound and mesmerized. I have read Jeannine Colette before and love everything she writes. They other authors were all new to me. I am very excited to have some new authors to add to my must read list. The best part is that all proceeds for this book go to the Wildlife Conservation Network! It's a must read!
March 14, 2017
BEAST: An Anthology is 8 stories by 8 authors inspired by the classic fairytale, Beauty & the Beast. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Wildlife Conservation Network. My review of Reaching for the Stars by Jeannine Colette is below:
REACHING FOR THE STARS is Act 1 where Jules Bradford first meets Jameson Brock. She is the only child of Franklin and Vivienne Bradford, and is obligated to attend every charity and social function alongside them. They all live in a mansion called The Manor. She is only 15 when her father hires the homeless and down on his luck 20 year old Jameson as his mechanic. He has a room to live in at the Manor's carriage house. Even when she had not even spoken a word to him, but somehow she feels that she can feel his story. He's a loner in need of a friend, and her very soul calls for him to be her friend, too. He would be her hero, her only friend, still nothing more, but sometimes the unlikeliest friendships turn into something more. As she glanced out the window and saw the moon. It was large, bright, beautiful, & strong. She knew when the time was right it would shine bright and she would love it so much.
REACHING FOR THE STARS is Act 1 where Jules Bradford first meets Jameson Brock. She is the only child of Franklin and Vivienne Bradford, and is obligated to attend every charity and social function alongside them. They all live in a mansion called The Manor. She is only 15 when her father hires the homeless and down on his luck 20 year old Jameson as his mechanic. He has a room to live in at the Manor's carriage house. Even when she had not even spoken a word to him, but somehow she feels that she can feel his story. He's a loner in need of a friend, and her very soul calls for him to be her friend, too. He would be her hero, her only friend, still nothing more, but sometimes the unlikeliest friendships turn into something more. As she glanced out the window and saw the moon. It was large, bright, beautiful, & strong. She knew when the time was right it would shine bright and she would love it so much.
Want to read
June 12, 2017The Fortune by Stephanie Alba: /5 stars
Perception by Madalyn Beck: /5 stars
Unlovable by Jessica Bucher: /5 stars
Reaching for the stars by Jeannine Collete: /5 stars
Every Beautiful Piece by A. M. Johnson: /5 stars
The Forgotten Man by Caroline Nolan: /5 stars
The Thief and the Marauder by Amanda Richardson: /5 stars
Sounds of Silence by Hayley Stumbo: /5 stars
Perception by Madalyn Beck: /5 stars
Unlovable by Jessica Bucher: /5 stars
Reaching for the stars by Jeannine Collete: /5 stars
Every Beautiful Piece by A. M. Johnson: /5 stars
The Forgotten Man by Caroline Nolan: /5 stars
The Thief and the Marauder by Amanda Richardson: /5 stars
Sounds of Silence by Hayley Stumbo: /5 stars
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews