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Beauty and the Wolf
Even a beast can be beautiful...
Bella has lived her whole life in the little town of Paris, Vermont. Her family's restaurant, the Rose Garden Diner, has been a point of pride...until they're forced to sell it. Unfortunately, the diner's buyer is Andrew, a cruel bully, and when he fires Bella's friend for stealing food scraps, Bella's had it up to here.
But Bella's fierce loyalty hasn't gone unnoticed. Every day, a mysterious woman comes to the diner for lunch. Mel Grim enchants Bella, and when Grim makes her an offer she can't refuse, Bella goes to work for her.
But it seems that everyone in Paris has their secrets, and Grim's secret might be the strangest one of all. Is their love strong enough to overcome the truth? Or are they destined for an unhappily ever after?
Bella has lived her whole life in the little town of Paris, Vermont. Her family's restaurant, the Rose Garden Diner, has been a point of pride...until they're forced to sell it. Unfortunately, the diner's buyer is Andrew, a cruel bully, and when he fires Bella's friend for stealing food scraps, Bella's had it up to here.
But Bella's fierce loyalty hasn't gone unnoticed. Every day, a mysterious woman comes to the diner for lunch. Mel Grim enchants Bella, and when Grim makes her an offer she can't refuse, Bella goes to work for her.
But it seems that everyone in Paris has their secrets, and Grim's secret might be the strangest one of all. Is their love strong enough to overcome the truth? Or are they destined for an unhappily ever after?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2017
75 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Essex
54 books461 followersMy name is Bridget Essex, and I write about werewolves, vampires and lady knights; about two strong, courageous women who fall deeply in love with one another, living love stories that transcend time. I'm married to the love of my life, author Natalie Vivien.
I'm best known for my Knight Legends series, stories about women knights, real world hi-jinks and love stories that are out of this world. My Sullivan Vampire novellas are a popular series lauded as "TWILIGHT for women who love women," and I have several other series and stand-alone novellas, and I'm always putting out something new. Learn more at http://bridgetessex.wordpress.com
I'm best known for my Knight Legends series, stories about women knights, real world hi-jinks and love stories that are out of this world. My Sullivan Vampire novellas are a popular series lauded as "TWILIGHT for women who love women," and I have several other series and stand-alone novellas, and I'm always putting out something new. Learn more at http://bridgetessex.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 2, 2017
I thought this was a good book but i wish it had gotten to "the secret" more quickly. I mean, we all know what's going to happen here. It's in the book title. So it takes 90% of the book to get the secret out and the last 10% is getting them together. There are a few surprises I wasn't expecting so that's a plus. All in all, I think the book is worth a read.
April 14, 2018
“Beauty and the Wolf” is narrated by Marina Barrett, so you know I’m going to love the narration!
The first hour of the book presents a dark, even dreary, telling of the “Beauty and the Beast” story. Bella is delightful, but her life isn’t. Her boss Andrew is an over-the-top jerk, and mysterious Mel Grim isn’t the warmest woman in the room, although she does show kindness to Belle.
Bella’s best friend Pam is also a judgmental jerk, and she nicknames Mel “Beast”. Mel’s extended family includes several colorful folks, and the kid is entertaining as he eats, feeds his pet mouse and nicknames Bella “Pretty”.
The storyline is pretty predictable, which isn’t surprising because (1) we all know the story upon which the book is based, and (2) the author is Essex and the title includes the word “wolf”.
As a book, I’m rather neutral on this dark story. It’s not bad, but it’s not great either. Listening to Barrett makes the book much more entertaining…I really love her voice! So 2.75* for the book, adding a star for the narration, and I recommend the audiobook with a 3.75* rating.
The first hour of the book presents a dark, even dreary, telling of the “Beauty and the Beast” story. Bella is delightful, but her life isn’t. Her boss Andrew is an over-the-top jerk, and mysterious Mel Grim isn’t the warmest woman in the room, although she does show kindness to Belle.
Bella’s best friend Pam is also a judgmental jerk, and she nicknames Mel “Beast”. Mel’s extended family includes several colorful folks, and the kid is entertaining as he eats, feeds his pet mouse and nicknames Bella “Pretty”.
The storyline is pretty predictable, which isn’t surprising because (1) we all know the story upon which the book is based, and (2) the author is Essex and the title includes the word “wolf”.
As a book, I’m rather neutral on this dark story. It’s not bad, but it’s not great either. Listening to Barrett makes the book much more entertaining…I really love her voice! So 2.75* for the book, adding a star for the narration, and I recommend the audiobook with a 3.75* rating.
March 27, 2017
What's not to love!
Grim is a beautiful, kick ass character. Struggling to survive. Struggling to protect those she loves in a world that wants her out. Grim will do everything even if it means fighting the battle of her life. A villain wants to be the King, wants everything and will not stop at nothing to see it happen. Things could be perfect if a disaster would quit creeping up. A disaster that could ruin everything. This story sucked in immediately. It is well plotted with a flowing storyline and so excellent written. The characters are captivating and the love story was a rocky, exciting one and worth the ride. It keeps you reading until the end. This books shows again that Bridget Essex is a gifted writer. Enjoy this book, I know I have.
Grim is a beautiful, kick ass character. Struggling to survive. Struggling to protect those she loves in a world that wants her out. Grim will do everything even if it means fighting the battle of her life. A villain wants to be the King, wants everything and will not stop at nothing to see it happen. Things could be perfect if a disaster would quit creeping up. A disaster that could ruin everything. This story sucked in immediately. It is well plotted with a flowing storyline and so excellent written. The characters are captivating and the love story was a rocky, exciting one and worth the ride. It keeps you reading until the end. This books shows again that Bridget Essex is a gifted writer. Enjoy this book, I know I have.
May 29, 2017
Bella is a small-town lesbian waitress with a horrible boss, a wicked sense of humor, and absolutely no hope of ever finding true love. That is – until Mel Grim arrives in town. The woman is striking, mysterious, and elusive. Bella is immediately attracted to her. And yet, it seems that Grim is keeping some kind of secret.
When Bella loses her job at the diner, Grim offers her a job cooking for her family. Bella doesn’t hesitate, because she has no other options, but she sure is in for a lot of upcoming weirdness that has to do with Grim’s family: including a surly sister, a drunken brother who used to be in a boy band, and an adorable nephew who says some really strange things. In the midst of it all, Bella finds herself falling for Grim – but when the secret finally comes out, will their newfound romance survive the fallout?
This was an awesome book. I fell in love with Bella’s sense of humor immediately; it’s steady and lighthearted throughout the entire book. I usually don’t relate too well with masculine women like Grim, but something about her captivated me. The author described her to perfection. Only problem is, if this were ever turned into a movie, I don’t think they’d be able to find the right person to play Mel Grim. It’d be impossible.
In the bio info at the back of the book, it’s written that people have lauded some of Essex’s work as “TWILIGHT for women who love women.” I was thinking that just about as soon as I started the book, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the result. I was excited to learn there are so many more titles available from Bridget Essex!
When Bella loses her job at the diner, Grim offers her a job cooking for her family. Bella doesn’t hesitate, because she has no other options, but she sure is in for a lot of upcoming weirdness that has to do with Grim’s family: including a surly sister, a drunken brother who used to be in a boy band, and an adorable nephew who says some really strange things. In the midst of it all, Bella finds herself falling for Grim – but when the secret finally comes out, will their newfound romance survive the fallout?
This was an awesome book. I fell in love with Bella’s sense of humor immediately; it’s steady and lighthearted throughout the entire book. I usually don’t relate too well with masculine women like Grim, but something about her captivated me. The author described her to perfection. Only problem is, if this were ever turned into a movie, I don’t think they’d be able to find the right person to play Mel Grim. It’d be impossible.
In the bio info at the back of the book, it’s written that people have lauded some of Essex’s work as “TWILIGHT for women who love women.” I was thinking that just about as soon as I started the book, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the result. I was excited to learn there are so many more titles available from Bridget Essex!
June 4, 2017
Let's assume that everyone is a little bit crazy, then everything makes more sense. That's how I felt about this book. I enjoyed it immensely and finished it while I couldn't sleep. I tend to pick things apart (it's annoying), so I may not be the best person to help you make a decision as to if you should read this.
The two main characters are very nice. I like the brooding character and sweet character story. The characters were diverse, and the motivation of the secondary characters made a lot of sense. The leads were good people, and you were never left doubting that.
Here is where it gets a little tricky.
Please take no offense to my mention of insanity, I grew up surrounded by it, and I would never aim to carelessly hurt someone.
We all have friends that rush into things, and we think they've lost it. They may fall in love too quickly or they may pull something out of their hat you were never expecting, but you can only shake your head and sigh. That's how I had to regard some of the things that occur. It makes no sense to me, and so I accept it as 'I'll never understand'. I had to do that with this.
I will probably read more Bridget Essex books to gain a better feel for the author. I would like to have a deeper understanding of who the characters are in the future.
The two main characters are very nice. I like the brooding character and sweet character story. The characters were diverse, and the motivation of the secondary characters made a lot of sense. The leads were good people, and you were never left doubting that.
Here is where it gets a little tricky.
Please take no offense to my mention of insanity, I grew up surrounded by it, and I would never aim to carelessly hurt someone.
We all have friends that rush into things, and we think they've lost it. They may fall in love too quickly or they may pull something out of their hat you were never expecting, but you can only shake your head and sigh. That's how I had to regard some of the things that occur. It makes no sense to me, and so I accept it as 'I'll never understand'. I had to do that with this.
I will probably read more Bridget Essex books to gain a better feel for the author. I would like to have a deeper understanding of who the characters are in the future.
April 2, 2017
Another hit
When I started this book I thought it was beauty and the beast. And I was off on everything which Bridget is good at doing to me. It wasn't til the rose scene when I realized everything. I thought Grim was the prefect name and character. I loved Bridgets take on on the classic. I definitely recommend this book.
When I started this book I thought it was beauty and the beast. And I was off on everything which Bridget is good at doing to me. It wasn't til the rose scene when I realized everything. I thought Grim was the prefect name and character. I loved Bridgets take on on the classic. I definitely recommend this book.
June 10, 2021
A fabulous period novel, Grim is a kick ass gay female and Bella is in her simplicity an endearing character. No spoilers from me, I am just an egg head MD and have no credentials to review novels. Ms. Essex is a talented and marvelous writer that has a gift for character creation and weaving together a dream like quality to her story and characters. I will read more of her books for she is a master at her craft and I got pleasantly lost in the world she created. . Best Dr. Amanda.
February 4, 2018
Great audiobook! But it was over to soon.
September 22, 2019
Love this genre. Another great one by the author.
June 10, 2017
So I swear I'm not trying to pick on this author - that I started reading this book with an open mind.
But, oof.
I mean, I like the main character okay -- but wow, her LI is awful. So goddamn rude and stand-offish. I seriously don't get what the protag sees in her. Like, I guess the author is going for ~~animal magnetism~~ (ba-dum tsh), but it really doesn't work.
The book is so repetitive in Bella trying to get LI to open up, LI almost does, but then doesn't. It honestly almost felt like I was reading Twilight.
And it's not subtle. At one point, the protag LITERALLY SAYS TO THE LI, "tell me your secrets." ??? ??? THAT ISN'T HOW HUMANS COMMUNICATE.
Plus. You can see the fact that
Also, the LI's siblings felt kinda superfluous - the sister especially didn't serve much of a purpose - and the character arc of the protag's best friend made no fucking sense.
I was gonna recommend Kady Morrison/gyzym's "Show You What That Howl Is For", which is a way better sapphic Beauty and the Beast story along similar lines, but it seems to have been deleted from the internet, sad face. :(
But, oof.
I mean, I like the main character okay -- but wow, her LI is awful. So goddamn rude and stand-offish. I seriously don't get what the protag sees in her. Like, I guess the author is going for ~~animal magnetism~~ (ba-dum tsh), but it really doesn't work.
The book is so repetitive in Bella trying to get LI to open up, LI almost does, but then doesn't. It honestly almost felt like I was reading Twilight.
And it's not subtle. At one point, the protag LITERALLY SAYS TO THE LI, "tell me your secrets." ??? ??? THAT ISN'T HOW HUMANS COMMUNICATE.
Plus. You can see the fact that
Also, the LI's siblings felt kinda superfluous - the sister especially didn't serve much of a purpose - and the character arc of the protag's best friend made no fucking sense.
I was gonna recommend Kady Morrison/gyzym's "Show You What That Howl Is For", which is a way better sapphic Beauty and the Beast story along similar lines, but it seems to have been deleted from the internet, sad face. :(
November 21, 2022
Oof...
It's a relatively short book with a lot of different plot lines that made relatively little sense to me. I can't get into detail without spoilers, but suffice to say: the plot is bad. In Beauty and the Wolf, the plot drives the characters, not the other way around. The way the characters act just made me shake my head constantly and I was genuinely annoyed for large portions of it.
Part of my annoyance can be attributed to the storytelling as well: there's a lot of rambling inner monologue with tons of repetition, most of it going absolutely nowhere. Take for example that one time, where the author literally spends multiple pages explaining what one of the characters DOESN'T smell like.
If you're looking for a love story, this isn't it. At about 80%, the couple still hasn't had a single proper conversation. They know practically nothing about each other and have 0 reason to be in love. Whenever they're together (which doesn't happen all that often), they spend all their time mindlessly staring at each other. That's not a good replacement for an actual love story.
Most of the characters are just not very good people. And when a character in Beauty and the Wolf is bad, man are they bad... and when I say "bad", I mean "badly written." The "bad" characters are just kind of caricatures of bad people. Ye olde mustache twirling evil bastards, acting evilly for no reason other than being evil. No motivation, no interesting backstory. The love interest isn't a particularly great person either - she feels a bit like a psychopath and doesn't seem to care about the protagonist all that much.
Spoilers / rant:
The bit about the best friend sleeping with the antagonist is so incredibly dumb... supposedly the 3 women have been best friends for all their lives, but suddenly one of them decides that she should sleep with her boss to "get out of here" (so, supposedly she's being payed for it?) Her boss threw one of her best friends and her kids out of their house, fired that friend and insulted her in public, then called her other best friend "worthless" in front of her and called her best friend's cancer surviving dad a "low life", laughing about scamming him out of his business. And still she decides to sleep with him and believes him when he spreads rumors about people. It just makes absolutely no sense... It's like the author wanted to create conflict but didn't bother with all that "causality" shit. Why!?
Also, why does it take 90% of the book for the "secret" to be revealed? It's painfully obvious to the reader and it just gets kind of annoying after a while.
It's a relatively short book with a lot of different plot lines that made relatively little sense to me. I can't get into detail without spoilers, but suffice to say: the plot is bad. In Beauty and the Wolf, the plot drives the characters, not the other way around. The way the characters act just made me shake my head constantly and I was genuinely annoyed for large portions of it.
Part of my annoyance can be attributed to the storytelling as well: there's a lot of rambling inner monologue with tons of repetition, most of it going absolutely nowhere. Take for example that one time, where the author literally spends multiple pages explaining what one of the characters DOESN'T smell like.
If you're looking for a love story, this isn't it. At about 80%, the couple still hasn't had a single proper conversation. They know practically nothing about each other and have 0 reason to be in love. Whenever they're together (which doesn't happen all that often), they spend all their time mindlessly staring at each other. That's not a good replacement for an actual love story.
Most of the characters are just not very good people. And when a character in Beauty and the Wolf is bad, man are they bad... and when I say "bad", I mean "badly written." The "bad" characters are just kind of caricatures of bad people. Ye olde mustache twirling evil bastards, acting evilly for no reason other than being evil. No motivation, no interesting backstory. The love interest isn't a particularly great person either - she feels a bit like a psychopath and doesn't seem to care about the protagonist all that much.
Spoilers / rant:
The bit about the best friend sleeping with the antagonist is so incredibly dumb... supposedly the 3 women have been best friends for all their lives, but suddenly one of them decides that she should sleep with her boss to "get out of here" (so, supposedly she's being payed for it?) Her boss threw one of her best friends and her kids out of their house, fired that friend and insulted her in public, then called her other best friend "worthless" in front of her and called her best friend's cancer surviving dad a "low life", laughing about scamming him out of his business. And still she decides to sleep with him and believes him when he spreads rumors about people. It just makes absolutely no sense... It's like the author wanted to create conflict but didn't bother with all that "causality" shit. Why!?
Also, why does it take 90% of the book for the "secret" to be revealed? It's painfully obvious to the reader and it just gets kind of annoying after a while.
September 5, 2017
This is my third book by Bridget Essex to read, and like the others, I really enjoyed her writing. I love Bella and Grim/Mel, and really enjoyed their chemistry together.
I gave it 4/5 because this book has the same problems as the others in regards to the author's writing. She Deus Ex Machinas the ending, making the overall conflict happen suddenly, and just as abruptly is easily and promptly resolved, oh yes and by the way, they lived happily ever after. You see my problem? On top of which, the villain, once again is utterly one-dimensional. His ultimate goal is vague, and that Bella's best friend Pam would date him when he's portrayed as inherently evil is unrealistic. We need to see reasons why Pam would turn on her lifelong best friend for a man who gleefully ruins people's lives and takes advantage of them. We need to see him have layers just like the main characters have. He needs to be a person not a construct or cardboard stand-in.
Other issues involve explaining how Mel Grim has so much money to invest and spend freely when she and her family are apparently always on the run and hiding? Some of the past regarding her siblings who are thoroughly and intentionally rude and condescending the entire book. Their names escape me at the moment, actually. The brother was an unpolished jewel squandered on the story. There was a lot more there that could have been added to the story, including his history and why he's currently such a lush as to thoughtlessly endanger his family, or why he would apparently become friends with Andrew? Which we never see and isn't explained.
I think very well of this author and her work, I do, please do not think otherwise. I also wish I could sit down with her as a beta reader and help her push her work further. She has so very much potential and I want nothing but the best for her, for her to tap into that, to push further and harder, and to come out the other side with something profound and grand.
I loved this book, I did. but it could have been more if the author could learn to overcome her weaknesses.
I gave it 4/5 because this book has the same problems as the others in regards to the author's writing. She Deus Ex Machinas the ending, making the overall conflict happen suddenly, and just as abruptly is easily and promptly resolved, oh yes and by the way, they lived happily ever after. You see my problem? On top of which, the villain, once again is utterly one-dimensional. His ultimate goal is vague, and that Bella's best friend Pam would date him when he's portrayed as inherently evil is unrealistic. We need to see reasons why Pam would turn on her lifelong best friend for a man who gleefully ruins people's lives and takes advantage of them. We need to see him have layers just like the main characters have. He needs to be a person not a construct or cardboard stand-in.
Other issues involve explaining how Mel Grim has so much money to invest and spend freely when she and her family are apparently always on the run and hiding? Some of the past regarding her siblings who are thoroughly and intentionally rude and condescending the entire book. Their names escape me at the moment, actually. The brother was an unpolished jewel squandered on the story. There was a lot more there that could have been added to the story, including his history and why he's currently such a lush as to thoughtlessly endanger his family, or why he would apparently become friends with Andrew? Which we never see and isn't explained.
I think very well of this author and her work, I do, please do not think otherwise. I also wish I could sit down with her as a beta reader and help her push her work further. She has so very much potential and I want nothing but the best for her, for her to tap into that, to push further and harder, and to come out the other side with something profound and grand.
I loved this book, I did. but it could have been more if the author could learn to overcome her weaknesses.
September 19, 2023
CW: Alcohol, Past Death Of A Parent, Sexual Content
4 / 5 Stars
I'm a huge fan of three things that this book was promising me that it had: werwolves, retellings and The Beauty & The Beast fairy tale.
So. Did I get all that? Well, not exactly. It's a very loose retelling slash reimagining as in, if you don’t get told beforehand that that's what this story is supposed to be, I'm not sure you'd make the connection. Even though, I gotta say, Bella would make a hella good (disney) Princess. She's got all the key character traits for it.
Which brings me to my next bullet point. I'm usally picky with storys who claim to be Beauty & The Beast Retellings. But I was very forgiving with this one, because it got the heart. Self-Hatred. Understanding & Unconditional Love. Those are all things I believe a good Beauty & The Beast Story should have. It's also something I enjoy in and off itself. And it's something you'll find in this book as well.
The cast is good and so is the romance. Like, really. It's been a while since I've read a book with such a sweet, loving and good person as its main character.
Could have done with less tiger references though. The mystery gets dragged out a lot but I'll be honest, the story takes place over the course of a week at best and any sooner resolution would have ruined this for me.
(The fact that a bunch of other reviewers lack patience is kinda sad. Slow Burn is fun guys. :P )
I could be saying more, certainly, but all you need to know is:
I had a good time with this one.
4 / 5 Stars
I'm a huge fan of three things that this book was promising me that it had: werwolves, retellings and The Beauty & The Beast fairy tale.
So. Did I get all that? Well, not exactly. It's a very loose retelling slash reimagining as in, if you don’t get told beforehand that that's what this story is supposed to be, I'm not sure you'd make the connection. Even though, I gotta say, Bella would make a hella good (disney) Princess. She's got all the key character traits for it.
Which brings me to my next bullet point. I'm usally picky with storys who claim to be Beauty & The Beast Retellings. But I was very forgiving with this one, because it got the heart. Self-Hatred. Understanding & Unconditional Love. Those are all things I believe a good Beauty & The Beast Story should have. It's also something I enjoy in and off itself. And it's something you'll find in this book as well.
The cast is good and so is the romance. Like, really. It's been a while since I've read a book with such a sweet, loving and good person as its main character.
Could have done with less tiger references though. The mystery gets dragged out a lot but I'll be honest, the story takes place over the course of a week at best and any sooner resolution would have ruined this for me.
(The fact that a bunch of other reviewers lack patience is kinda sad. Slow Burn is fun guys. :P )
I could be saying more, certainly, but all you need to know is:
I had a good time with this one.
October 7, 2018
Great, Great read. I can't really complain, I just would love to see some more books by Bridget Essex that are like this. This is a prime example of perfect characters, the great buildup to the end, and the amazing dynamic between the two main characters. With Essex's style, you can almost be certain that there will be an awesome sex scene, whether it's at the end or in the middle, you can be sure that the scene will be hot. I hope Essex keeps it up with these awesome werewolf/supernatural/alternate dimension-type books. They're very entertaining and there are almost 0 bad characters. Would recommend this read to anyone into the slow buildup.
May 1, 2020
Powerful
Another well written story by this author that never fails to satisfy my quest for knowledge and entertainment. The characters are well developed as is the plot. Bella has an amazingly kind spirit that she shares with everyone. Grim is my new hero. I loved how she treated her nephew, Rex, with so much love and pride. Mr. Cheese was a nice addition to the story. A wonderful read that should not be missed. It’s 2:00 am and I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it as it is a compelling piece of work. I enthusiastically recommend this book and all others of Ms. Essex’s work. Thank you. Peace
Another well written story by this author that never fails to satisfy my quest for knowledge and entertainment. The characters are well developed as is the plot. Bella has an amazingly kind spirit that she shares with everyone. Grim is my new hero. I loved how she treated her nephew, Rex, with so much love and pride. Mr. Cheese was a nice addition to the story. A wonderful read that should not be missed. It’s 2:00 am and I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it as it is a compelling piece of work. I enthusiastically recommend this book and all others of Ms. Essex’s work. Thank you. Peace
December 27, 2019
A shifter-lesbian romance by Bridget Essex. A women loses her family’s diner to a bully. A family of wolves moves to her town and quietly begins to buy up real estate. The Alpha had been coming to the diner for breakfast and had her eye on the women, who worked as a waitress for the new owner. When the women quits in defense of a friend and fellow waitress who is fired for dubious reason, the Alpha offers the women the job of cook for her family. A romance begins. I have not seen or read “Beauty and the Beast” so I’m not sure if this story is patterned after that story.
August 11, 2020
A beauty , a bully, and a beauty on the run.
Small town Vermont sets the stage for a very angry bully who wants to own the town. In comes a local very determined pretty young woman struggling to stop the onslaught. It becomes closer to a end when a out of town beauty sets her sites on the local beauty. It doesn't help the bully when he realizes the local beauty has a camera on her phone. Enjoy!
Small town Vermont sets the stage for a very angry bully who wants to own the town. In comes a local very determined pretty young woman struggling to stop the onslaught. It becomes closer to a end when a out of town beauty sets her sites on the local beauty. It doesn't help the bully when he realizes the local beauty has a camera on her phone. Enjoy!
November 14, 2018
😜A DIFFERENT KIND OF STORY😜
Like the title says ! I don't have a lot more to say. Not as good as most of the books I've read from this writer. But I like her visionary mind. So with that thought in mind. I chose to give it a 5 star 🌟 rating !😍
Like the title says ! I don't have a lot more to say. Not as good as most of the books I've read from this writer. But I like her visionary mind. So with that thought in mind. I chose to give it a 5 star 🌟 rating !😍
May 23, 2020
After standing up for what’s right Bella gets some good, and shocking, surprises as her life changes.
Pro:
Loving and strong MC
Broody MC tries to improve
Con:
Very broody MC
Some weird secondary characters
Pro:
Loving and strong MC
Broody MC tries to improve
Con:
Very broody MC
Some weird secondary characters
May 6, 2021
So goddamn cute
Grim and Bella are adorable and I love them, and Bella’s attachment to the diner is great. Andrew is a well wrought slimeball. The pace of everything is a little fast—the book takes place in the course of what, two days?—but the emotional beats are nailed.
Grim and Bella are adorable and I love them, and Bella’s attachment to the diner is great. Andrew is a well wrought slimeball. The pace of everything is a little fast—the book takes place in the course of what, two days?—but the emotional beats are nailed.
February 5, 2018
Lovely Beast
Once again Bridget Essex brings us a story of love held hostage to secrets and danger. A beautiful tale of two souls who need each other.
Great, easy, fun read.
Once again Bridget Essex brings us a story of love held hostage to secrets and danger. A beautiful tale of two souls who need each other.
Great, easy, fun read.
March 17, 2021
Great fun reading. couldn't put it down so just decided sleep is overrated.
April 23, 2017
Another entertaining read from Bridget Essex. I really liked the heroine, Bella, and her life in Paris, Vermont drew me in immediately. I really enjoyed the snarky humor in this take on the classic fairytale, and I loved the character of Rex in particular. I feel the relationship with Grim was a bit rushed -- would have liked to see more slow-burn development, but I enjoyed it all the same. Essex is always good for a fun, sweet, humorous romantic escape. One of my go-to authors.
March 25, 2017
Love love love it!!!
Beauty and the Beast is my absolute favorite fairytale and I love when authors take their own spin on an incredible story. Bridget has done just that and has turned my favorite thing into something magical. The story is fantastic and the characters you will love and hate, sometimes at the same time.
Thank you Bridget for creating this amazing spin of an all time classic, it is truly a magical gift to read.
Beauty and the Beast is my absolute favorite fairytale and I love when authors take their own spin on an incredible story. Bridget has done just that and has turned my favorite thing into something magical. The story is fantastic and the characters you will love and hate, sometimes at the same time.
Thank you Bridget for creating this amazing spin of an all time classic, it is truly a magical gift to read.
March 27, 2017
Nice story
Thus was a very nice mix of fantasy and romance. I really liked getting to know the characters and I loved Mr. Cheese.
Thus was a very nice mix of fantasy and romance. I really liked getting to know the characters and I loved Mr. Cheese.
April 10, 2017
Bella is a waitress in a small town diner, run by the town bully and allover bad guy. In comes mysterious and hot-as-hell Mel Grim, the new lady in town who just bought an old property for her and her family to live on. Bella ends up working for Grim, and is bound and determined to figure out her sexy, wolfy secrets.
The falling-in-love plotline is kind of weak. Grim’s secret isn’t much of one, so drawing it out for the length of the novel kind of brings down the relationship building. There is a lot of sexual tension, but not a lot of sexy action, until the last quarter of the book– it’s a bit of a slow burn and I was getting a little frustrated waiting for the characters to get over themselves and get together already
The falling-in-love plotline is kind of weak. Grim’s secret isn’t much of one, so drawing it out for the length of the novel kind of brings down the relationship building. There is a lot of sexual tension, but not a lot of sexy action, until the last quarter of the book– it’s a bit of a slow burn and I was getting a little frustrated waiting for the characters to get over themselves and get together already
May 31, 2017
I really enjoyed this twist on beauty and the beast. It wasn't super surprising for the most part, but overall it was engaging and enthralling. I do wonder if they said love too early because had only really been interacting for a week or two, even though Bella had been interested in Grim from the moment she showed up at the diner.
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