Beauty's Beasts

Poison Courts #2

by L.C. Hibbett

Urban Fantasy. Twisted Fairy tale.  Reverse Harem. 

Beauty is a beast.

Since Izzy was discharged from active duty, her life has fallen apart. She's lost almost everything she cared about; her research, her friends, her mom. So when one of the local mobs takes her father captive, she'll stop at nothing to free him, even if that means taking on the mysterious men of Blackwood Forest single-handed.

But when Izzy enters the lair of the beasts, she discovers Alexander Blackwood and his men aren't what she expected and for the first time since she got home, Izzy can feel the blood pumping in her veins.

 

The new men in her life are hiding something from her, and Izzy won't rest until she strips Blackwood and his men bare!

Welcome to the Poison Courts, where fairy tales just got a bad ass makeover! 

The Poison Court Saga is a collection of standalone fairy tale retellings with a paranormal twist and a reverse harem HEA. The characters from The Poison Courts Saga exist in the same universe as  my Wicked Witch novels. Watch out for news of your favorite characters in the crossover series!

Please Note: These stories are not super-clean reads. There will be some steam, a fair dose of salty language, a heap of fast-paced action, and more hot males than the fairy godmother could handle. 

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2017

Reviews

[Talltree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing and fantastic worldbuilding - a mixture of science, mythology and paranormal that was seamless!

Really enjoyed this one esp. the kickass ex-military h and the cute romance too!

[GimmeAllTheWerdssss · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled because while I appreciate a strong heroine Izzy was too much. I felt no connection between her and any of the guys and for a large part of the story I was confused....

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/8/2018)! 💝

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really Enjoyed

I really liked this take on Beauty and the Beast. The story pulled me in from the first chapter and I couldn't put it down. I did think the ending seemed a bit rushed and I wish we could have gotten more background on Blackwell and his brothers. I am hoping we get to know them better in the next book. Can't wait for the sequel.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is an amazing start to an RH series where each book is its own story within the fairy tales world. This first book is based on Beauty and the Beast and it looks like the next one is based on Snow White story line. I really enjoyed this book and the over all concept. The main female lead Belle is a tough chick with a hero complex and the main leading men are the Beasts. I would have loved to see more relationship development and personal interaction with each lead individually and as a group. (I'm a sucker for the getting to know each other part of stories) The story is very fast passed and at times would have liked to slow down. Completely recommend this book to anyone that is an RH fan. (I received this advance copy for an honest review)

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy's has been gone for work but the girls haven't heard from him which is strange to him. When they learn that he's at the Blackwood home it's up to Izzy to venture into the forest. After all, she's the only one with any military training so if things turn south quickly she should be able to get out. When she arrives at the Blackwood Manor she learns that things aren't all they appear and agree's to take her father's place so that he can work on his research at home.

Staying at the manor with 4 attractive men can't be that hard, even if they do turn a little fuzzy under the moon. Besides once her dad is home he will figure out how to cure the curse and things will be ok. The more time she spends with the guys she learns about the rivalry between them and Gaston who just happens to be the one buying up the town. Now Izzy will have to work with her captor to fix the curse as well as save her sisters.

I like Izzy she's not your typical Beauty as she's tough and can kick butt. I wasn't sure to be fair about the guys but they each bring a little something else to the pack and it just works. I love the way that Gaston is portrayed he's such a great bad guy to hate.

I've had this one on my TBR list for a while and it was perfect for one of my challenges this week. I instantly was hooked and couldn't put it down I had to know how things would play out for Izzy and her new pack of werewolves. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help falling in love with her or the guys. Beauty's Beasts is a quick fast paced action packed retelling of the classic with a reverse harem twist. I truly enjoyed every page the author has done a wonderful job creating an enchanting story. I can't wait for the next book in the series, as well as her other books as some of the characters are carried over.

[Liz Meldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 sassy, sexy stars out of 5!

I want to begin this review by saying I'm so, so happy I found this author. I'm #obsessed with her writing style. It sucked me in from the first page to the last. My standard for #obsessed-ness with authors depends on if they make me want to write. If I read their work and feel SO inspired to go work on my own stuff, I'm instantly obsessed, and L.C. Hibbett did that for me. Bravo! Her writing style is effortless, and I'm eager to try her other works because of it.

That being said, I ran into a few issues. First, there were a number of typos throughout. Normally that makes me want to put a book down, but I was so into the writing and storytelling style that I didn't mind. A first! I also wish we could have seen that drunken night with Mac and Teddy. I think I went into this thinking this was a paranormal romance, but it fits better in urban fantasy -- so that's my issue for not reading the blurb properly. Finally, I found the ending a bit convoluted. I got it, but it took me a bit of thinking to put all the pieces together.

Still, Isabelle was a fantastic heroine. Flawed, skilled, brave -- I really enjoyed reading from her POV. I think I liked her with Blackwood the most of our three eligible shifter mates, but I could see potential with Teddy and Mac too. I'd love to read more about the foursome in the future!

[Ms. Cyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story that takes "Beauty and the Beast" into a sexy twist. Belle is a bad ass veteran and scientist. So of course she has to help the pack once she knows that there is a problem. I read this after Destiny's story and the two of them are both impulsive but also protective. Belle is definitely more fun and less inhibited though, but that is probably because she doesn't have any kids.

All in all a great story and impatient for the rest of the story.

[Kathi · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok but I wish the characters had a bit more depth to them. The story itself is a good concept but it needs more, there were words in the wrong place and extra words thrown in. Some of the story line didn’t make sense and for me needed a bit more information for it to be good.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, but over too soon!!!!

[Zoey Strain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover to cover

I could not put this book down. I was so in love with each character and am excited to read more.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the most most unique versions of beauty and the beast I have ever read. There were lots of beasts (mega hot shifters with intense chemistry) and Gastone was not your normal prick (though he was still one). I loved Isabelle (aka Izzy or Belle). She was not a damsel in distress. She was smart and totally butt kicking (a scientist and former military!). She reminded me of the Belle version in May Sage's Beauty and the Beast retelling (in that book it was a street fighting librarian). All in all a good read though honestly one of the sisters needed a slap and a half. I would love to read more about Francesca, she was not a main character but she really stood out. I know it wouldn't be a retelling, as she is a made up character, but I would still read it. I also love that this prelude the Wicked Witch series. I look forward to reading more about the characters in wicked witch that were introduced here. I would love to know more about these characters and how their lives go in the future.

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauty's Beast is a wonderful Reverse Harem re-telling of the classic Beauty and the Beast. Isabelle O'Neill is a tough, no-nonsense girl; a former soldier, a scientist. When her father is taken captive by the 'monsters' of Blackwood Forest, she is determined to get him back. This mission turns out to be more complicated, more life-changing than she could have imagined.

Izzy, Belle or Miss O'Neill is a fierce, fiesty heroine. She loves her father and her sisters. She carries guilt from a secret in her past. She is also immediately attracted to the men/wolves of Blackwood, Alexander (Xander) Blackwood, Simon (Mac) MacIntyre, and Theodore (Teddy). The men each play a defined role and are intriguing. I would have liked to get more one on one time with the men, but I enjoyed the scenes we did get. There was attraction, danger, action, and even a fae in the mirror. This was an entertaining read, if a little rushed. I look forward to the sequel.

[Tiblu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please DON'T call this a romance....

Please DON'T call this a romance, this urban fantasy ,with a tiny bit of Romance.... more like a hint really...
Honestly I guess I should have read things better I thought I understood but I guess I didn't....
I'll apologize now for any spoilers I give,they will be purely unintentional as I describe my deep frustration with this book....
This book was a rather complicated story line, that honestly felt like it was way more about setting up the story for the series and future arc's than anything else...
Every-time I thought it was about Izzy/Belle/Isbella ( and her men) a new twist or turn would show her looking more like just a clueless pawn in the story nothing more ... Izzy was lied to about everything about herself,her Heritage,everything and yet she just seems to swallow it and move on,and for someone who's supposed to be a intelligent "badass" w/supposed extensive military training,she walks into a very dangerous situation in a bar/club that the evil Gaston owns w/barely a way to protect herself and starts knocking back drinks like she's a damn fish and barely there no time before she being beaten and manhandled and used and abused and seemingly betrayed by fro different ppl and just takes it in stride and doesn't hold it against any one...
Seriously ? WTH ?!?
Supposedly 3 men are her mates , but I didn't feel it some chemistry and heat but there was soo little time for that kind of action as everything rushed along they never really got to spend any time together..
She was barely alone w/any of them more than a minute and when gets drunk and silly w/two of them ? We don't get to be apart of it just shown a few bits in pieces in her memory .
You know , like " o yeah, we did that ? Here I blush w/embarrassment sort of thing...
One of her "mates" never really stops calling her Miss O'Neil during the whole length of the book..
They don't "get together" til the last past of the next to last chapter and if you blink real good you'll miss it ...
then she's off to be trained and leaving them behind .
Ok,WTF !?!?!
They don't become "mates" per day ( coz they did feel like much of anything to me) til the very END of the book ,( book there this complicated plot rushes thru in just a matter of 3-4 days) and they age leaves to go get trained ?!?
Seriously ?!?
More plot then romance, near constant action, w/a very rushed plot,where h spends more til getting angry and having a fit than getting to know the men who will be her mates ....
Mates that didn't really get a chance to feel like mates..
Personally ? I only recommend this story if your more into urban fantasy or such than romance, because I think if you're reading it for romance you'll be disappointed just like I was....
Almost clean at least sex wise that is and what little there is at the end and can skip it w/out missing a dang thing , I know I did ...
Because by that point I not longer cared...
3 stars is only out respect for the work that went into this,not the story and definitely not the characters.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

******spoilers ahead******

This book wasn't exactly what I expected. Normally I love a good fairy tale retelling and reverse harem stories, and I can tolerate sexual content to a degree as long as it isn't overkill, so I thought I'd give it a try. And while it wasn't bad per se, I did have a couple of issues.

First, the setting. Throughout the entirety of the book, I had trouble identifying whether or not it was supposed to be set in the present day or in an alternate past. This was probably done for a purpose (I mean we're talking about a secret society after all, and you generally find the secret society tends to come off as less modern), but initially it was simply confusing and a little annoying. The fact that I didn't get a clear picture on where it was set (what country?) only added to this frustration as it made it harder to become immersed in the world.

I also had an issue with the love interest. Or should I say interests. The fact that there was multiple of them bothered me because it kind of had the effect/affect of passing off Izzy as kind of a slut (and I get that there was the whole 'she's their mate thing', but still). To me, it simply didn't add to the story at all, but rather felt like the author simply wanted to write a story in which the main character has multiple love interests, and built everything around that.

There were also too many instances of chapter cliff hangers, that is, where ended with Izzy finding out something shocking and/or life changing. One or two is okay, but there were so many in this book that I came to expect them and after a while they didn't have the desired effect. Instead, I found myself a little bored and rolling my eyes each time it happened.

That said, however, it wasn't badly written on the whole. I've read previous works of this author and enjoyed them immensely and the writing itself lived up to her previous works. And aside from the love interests, I did like the twist she put on the traditional Beauty and the Beast story and was satisfied with how she incorporated the existence of the supernatural world. It was simply areas of the content I had an issue with.

Overall this was an okay read. If you're into either fairy tale retellings, reverse harem stories, or steamy content, and can bypass everything I've said above then by all means give it a try. I, however, was a little disappointed and probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone anytime soon.

[CoullCat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beauty’s Beasts kicks straight into gear from the first page. Izzy races off to the mysterious Blackwood Manor, in Blackwood Forrest, to find her father who appears to have dropped off the face of the Earth i.e. he’s not answering his phone and is late coming home. Izzy leaves her two dim-witted, er I mean charming, sisters at home while she goes off to kick ass and rescue daddy dearest. Except, well, Izzy doesn’t really kick ass, AT ALL. She is literally all bark and no bite and constantly needs rescuing. The brief time we get with the men of Blackwood Manor, prove that they certainly don’t need rescuing… except for that one major thing to do with most of the plot.

This is a RH novel but if you’re looking for a slow burn RH, this is not that kind of tale, and if you’re after a steamier RH, this is also not that. Blink and you’ll miss the action between Izzy and the men of Blackwood Manor. Hell, blink three times and you’ll probably miss everything that happens between Izzy and the men of Blackwood Manor.

Okay, so I did enjoy L.C. Hibbett’s Beauty’s Beasts and will probably read more of the authors work as this was quite an enjoyable and quick read – by quick, I mean 1.5 hours tops. But that was also one of the problems with this book; it was too quick. Too quick to rush into, well, everything. I know I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the plot had been more fleshed out and the characters been given time to develop their relationships. Could be a 5 star book for me if the bit between point A and point B was twice the volume.

The other issue for me was that some sentences appeared to be completely missing words, mainly joining words but I kept having to stop and reread sentences to put the word in myself which can take away from the magic of the story.

Overall though, Beauty’s Beasts was an easy and enjoyable read and the world we’re introduced to sounds interesting. I know I will venture back into the world that L.C. Hibbett has created at some point in the near future.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairy tale reverse harem centered on Isabelle O'Neill (also called Izzy, Belle and Miss O'Neill throughout the story) and her shifter soul mates. The blurb indicates it is a standalone set in The Poison Court world, and the title that it is Book 1.

I really liked Belle as a character - she was fierce, loyal and amusing at times. The heroes were also interesting but I would have liked to have seen more of them, and more interaction (on their part) with Belle, both individually and as a group (both in general and in love scenes). There were other good secondary characters as well, but I won't spoil those here. The concept was very good as well and I liked the elements that were true to the original fairy tale, as well as inventive ideas the author implemented. It is refreshing to have a fairy retelling that is not a straight re-do of the original.

I was somewhat confused by several things, including but not limited to: the details of the curse, the rules and politics of the Guild/supernatural world, Belle's personal history and the story told by Belle's father toward the end. In some of those things just a touch more detail or explanation would have helped me enormously. Others were detailed enough but had a sense of being cobbled together at a later time, rather than being part of a cohesive plan.

The story was fast-paced and (as stated above) I really liked the characters, so much so that I wish it was not a standalone, and that the next books focused on Belle and her beasts too. Hopefully others feel the same and we can petition the author to write us more. Regardless I will still read on in this world, and check out the Wicked Witch series mentioned in the blurb as well.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy (or Belle) is a woman who does not take crap from anyone, and after serving in the forces she has what she believes are the skills to be able to back that up. When a local mob has her brilliant scientist father a prisoner in their headquarters, she doesn't hesitate to jump on her motorbike and go on a rescue mission to retrieve him. However it's not so simple when she gets there, and she ends up caught with her father in the middle of a supernatural war between the brooding Alexander Blackwood and his pack, and the mysterious Julian Gastone and his house.

Wow - lots of testosterone, passion and danger in this story. I liked the story of the sisters, the families, their associations and how it all came to light for Izzy in a series of events and surprises from the past. Whilst I have read some reviews complaining that there was some explanation of paranormal beings that was not necessary I disagree - it added to the story as it reinforced the fact that Izzy knew nothing about this world and the people within it. The passion and tenderness in the encounters between Izzy and the Blackwood pack members was very well written and touching at times. It was great to read a story with one woman and many men who just wanted to look after her in every way. Well written and easy to feel and sense the thoughts and emotions involved in the story.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of this author so when I saw that she was doing something new I jumped all over it. OK so I didn't look at the description so I was a little surprised to say the least when I read the warning and realized this wasn't one of her sweet tales. Nope hold onto your horses because we find out this author has a much more complicated grown up side. It isn't bad although I was kinda shocked to find the reverse harem (yup she went extreme on first book) but I wish she had taken the time she has with other series and fleshed out the characters better. The book is good with plenty of action and suspense along with the fun, but I want to know more about characters so I can become more invested in the outcome of the story. I am looking forward to more and hope that as she progresses we will see characters and reads that are even better than her last series.

Like I said I am a fan but yes she has done better and I look forward to more from an author who has spoiled us with wonderful characters and stories that include action, mayhem, fun and an amazing story to boot.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review it

I was hooked from the first page and did not want to put it down. A modern day RH remake of a classic fairy-tale, and it is awesome! Well written and exciting, our heroine Belle is feisty strong and opinionated and I thought she was a great heroine.

I was a little disappointed by the guys, I did not feel we got to know them very well (they are great characters) but I did not connect with them and I would have liked to have some more interaction between Belle and the boys. That said, I was still hooked and my intereste captured all the way through.

I am so excited for more fairy-tales in this series, its fabulous writing, great storyline with action excitement and adventure and I very highly recommend this book

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review it

I was hooked from the first page and did not want to put it down. A modern day RH remake of a classic fairy-tale, and it is awesome! Well written and exciting, our heroine Belle is feisty strong and opinionated and I thought she was a great heroine.

I was a little disappointed by the guys, I did not feel we got to know them very well (they are great characters) but I did not connect with them and I would have liked to have some more interaction between Belle and the boys. That said, I was still hooked and my intereste captured all the way through.

I am so excited for more fairy-tales in this series, its fabulous writing, great storyline with action excitement and adventure and I very highly recommend this book

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tale so when I came across a book like this I just had to check it out! Basically I had to keep forcing myself to put the book down so I could handle my adult responsibilities, that was how taken I was from the beginning! I loved the characters and though I usually love the typical bookish charm of your traditional Belle in the story, the much more kickass attitude of Belle in this one was refreshing! The RH spin with three "beasts" instead of just one was definitely appealing! :D I enjoyed the background of the supernatural World in this story and the different take on the curse in the plot. Overall, I would recommend this to any fan of RH, fairy tales, and fantasy because it was awesome!

[Library Lady 📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read this book slower over spring break. I'd kind of skimmed it when it first came out, but had more time this time. I enjoyed Belle's character, she was super strong and in-your-face. The guys were all great, too, developed just well enough that they were all individual. #teammac

Sometimes it was confusing, the lore and the rules of the Guild, free witches, etc. I had trouble keeping up with which side I was supposed to be rooting for and what part all these organizations played. But it still made for a good read, even if I had to flip around to remind myself what side everyone was on.

Overall, a good RH with a satisfying ending. Wish there were more books about Izzy and her boys.

[Aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Beauty and the Beast is one of those ultimate favorite fairy tales that all women relate to and love. It's one of the ultimate love stories that will never go out of style.

This take on it was excellent. Belle is strong, headstrong and for the most part, very capable of taking care of herself normally that is. The story was VERY Belle centric, so while I feel I know her completely, I wasn't able to get quite as attached to the guys since they seemed a bit too peripheral.

I am very much looking forward to the next book. If you haven't read "Wicked Witch" yet, this series prequel novella, you should.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beauty and the Beast retelling done in a way I never would have expected. This is such a new and unusual world, I can't wait to read more about it. Belle is a spunky, opinionated, kick-butt heroine that I loved from the moment I met her. The Blackwood wolves are the stuff of book-boyfriend fantasies: handsome, strong, noble, and gifted at giving their woman exactly what she needs. There's some very steamy scenes in here and I really liked that they're more on the sensual side rather than being overly explicit. It's only just barely over and already I'm ready to read the next book about Belle and her sisters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[LDF · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I have come to love about this author. The writing pulls you in and keeps you reading. Even a well known story like beauty and the beast is made new. Only thing that kept it from five stars was the length which felt too rushed in places and I could have definitely gotten more details and depth from the men. Also the book felt a little in between YA and adult. There was one steamy scene but it stops just as it starts getting good. Just felt like the author couldn't quite decide if this was going to be adult after the one part. I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

[OneDayI'll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel a few steps behind

The premise is interesting, Belle and her beasts. Instead of the movies where wolves are the enemy, in this book wolves are her friends, rescuers and (soon hopefully) her pack. I enjoyed the fact that not only was she smart, in true Belle fashion, she also was a trained fighter having served in the military. The part that has me stumped, and is maybe better explained in other books (this is titled book 1 but I have the feeling it isn't 1st in the series) I hope. Other than that issue I enjoyed the book very much. I like imaginative retellings of classic fairytales.

[Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I bought the book and started reading it with a set opinion in my mind on how it would go. I thought it would be a quick and hot read (which it additionally was). It started that way but then the story and the characters surprised me.

It is a new version of the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast and it is written in a brilliant manner -set in a modern and supernatural world. This book is so much more than I expected it to be, it gripped me in a way that not too many books do. There was a twist I didn't see coming, there wasn't insta-love (thank god, I am really not a big fan of that) and the characters were amazing.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I am sucker for a beauty and the beast retelling, so this was a complete impulse read, as such I didn't realize it was the second book in a series. Despite this I did enjoy this book, I was a bit confused about the 'missing' backstory for one of the characters that is mentioned later in the book, but I loved our main character she is ex-army, kick-ass and opinionated. I also loved the way that the main characters from the B&tB story were modernized and then added in a paranormal twist. Was a bit disappointed by the RH aspect of the book.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.. I could not put this book down.. I feel so lucky to have gotten an arc. I love how the female is one kick ass warrior she takes no shit.. And the men swoon worthy I need more of these books lol... I laughed because this had some funny moments in it proper lol moments... Can't wait to see what else is next.. Defo worth reading because anyone who reads will fall in love with it just like I have