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To Love A Monster
Deep in the wilderness of northern Canada a monster lurks.For years, he has fought an uphill battle for his humanity, only to lose it to the beast inside him at the end.When he attacks me in the woods, then reluctantly helps me fight for survival, my strange journey to discover the troubled man who hides underneath the dreadful appearance and the gruff attitude begins.The more I get to know the man within the beast, the more reasons I find to appreciate the person I think he is.Until I find out that the most terrifying thing about him is not his wild looks, not even his volatile temper, but his connection to the monster of my past.The most terrifying is the beast inside him.___________________To Love A Monster is a contemporary paranormal romance that contains graphic descriptions of intimacy, potential triggers, and strong language. Monster swears. Intended for mature readers.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2018
386 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
About the author
Marina Simcoe
54 books708 followersDeep, heartfelt romance with a generous sprinkle of spice and a tad of magic.
Newsletter Signup is on www.MarinaSimcoe.com
For illustrations of her books, early access ebooks, bonus stories, and signed paperbacks, please visit the author's Patreon: https://patreon.com/MarinaSimcoe
Newsletter Signup is on www.MarinaSimcoe.com
For illustrations of her books, early access ebooks, bonus stories, and signed paperbacks, please visit the author's Patreon: https://patreon.com/MarinaSimcoe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
October 7, 2018
5 Stars
Arc Book Review
Release Date-11/10/18
OMG Wow Wow Wow!!!
Words cannot describe how much I bloody devoured this book: I read this in just one sitting so engrossed was I in the story unfolding before my very eyes.
This was a new author for me but as soon as the basic premise caught my attention here I was sold.
I have a soft spot for anything beauty and the beast related: even loosely, and so far I have been mostly disappointed.
Few of the stories I have indulged in have managed to live up to there namesake: with a few minor exceptions that is.
But "To Love A Monster" was absolute magic capturing my imagination from the very first.
So Sophie along with her boyfriend and casual friend manages to trespass onto Monsters isolated land: crossing his boundary line and alerting him to there unwanted presence.
In a mindless feral state, Monster attacks the intruders chasing them off: somehow Sophie hurt is left behind and Monster feeling remorse and also recognising Sophie as someone he has wronged in his shameful past decides to keep her safe: just until morning when she can be rescued.
Both deeply curious about the other an unconventional relationship of friendship and mutual caring starts to develop until an almost dependancy and rapport of sort starts to form between these two very unlikely lovers.
But this is not just a hearts and flowers type love story though we do get a HEA: it's so much deeper than that.
The road to this mutual happiness is paved with heartache and tears: past wrongs are just waiting to resurface tearing down the new walls of trust so recently built.
"To Love A Monster" is a heartfelt journey of forgiveness and redemption and I ran the whole gauntlet of emotions here.
I was aware Monsters current fate was mostly of his own making: I also understood how he had become the Monster inside way before it was visible to all else: My heart still broke for him though.
All alone isolated and suffering for all that time: he had paid his penance tenfold and I just wanted him to catch a break.
Sophie herself was like a breath of fresh air and I think Monster definitely learnt from her that there were people in this life that just are exactly what they proclaim: no hidden motives or agenda from her quarter just willing and wanting to assist for no reward other than the satisfaction of helping others.
She was unlike anyone his previously privileged existence had encountered before: her inner goodness was like a shining beacon of love and compassion despite her own personal issues.
Issues that Monster himself had unwittingly had a hand in.
This is one of the best fairy tale themed stories I have read to date.
This is one I really can't recommend enough: it was a magnificent endeavour that captivated me so completely.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of "To Love A Monster" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
October 10, 2018
To Love A Monster by Marina Simcoe is the story of Sophie and Monster.
Sophie when she was a teenager was almost attacked by her high school crush Hunter. So it has made her have nightmares and hard to physically connection with a boyfriend. Monster was once a beautiful / handsome man on the outside but on the in side to to his upbringing he turned very ugly and mean on the inside. When he treated one women very badly a cursed was placed on him that made him ugly and a monster on the outside. In the years of him with this curse as drove him to be alone and also made him face the bad things he did. When he 'meets' Sophie his attraction is immediate but thinking he doesn't deserve her kindness tries to pull away but they end up healing each other.
Sophie when she was a teenager was almost attacked by her high school crush Hunter. So it has made her have nightmares and hard to physically connection with a boyfriend. Monster was once a beautiful / handsome man on the outside but on the in side to to his upbringing he turned very ugly and mean on the inside. When he treated one women very badly a cursed was placed on him that made him ugly and a monster on the outside. In the years of him with this curse as drove him to be alone and also made him face the bad things he did. When he 'meets' Sophie his attraction is immediate but thinking he doesn't deserve her kindness tries to pull away but they end up healing each other.
September 21, 2018
“As you wish, Sophie. I can’t deny you anything. I can never be the man you deserve, but I’ll die trying.” -Monster
A modern day, realistic spin on the classic Beauty and the beast but with a twist.
Couldn’t help but love Monster with all his past imperfections and it’s easy to see how much Sophie meant to him as he worked to help her and correct the errors of his ways.
I loved this book and wanted more of it, I wasn’t ready to stop reading when the book ended! I need more!!!
Marina, I absolutely love the heroes you write. They have depth and character, and the love is earned. Makes it hard to choose just one book boyfriend!
Looking forward to the next two Demon books as well!
I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly recommend it if you like beauty and the beast.
A modern day, realistic spin on the classic Beauty and the beast but with a twist.
Couldn’t help but love Monster with all his past imperfections and it’s easy to see how much Sophie meant to him as he worked to help her and correct the errors of his ways.
I loved this book and wanted more of it, I wasn’t ready to stop reading when the book ended! I need more!!!
Marina, I absolutely love the heroes you write. They have depth and character, and the love is earned. Makes it hard to choose just one book boyfriend!
Looking forward to the next two Demon books as well!
I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly recommend it if you like beauty and the beast.
January 13, 2019
4+ "Beastly" Stars!
This one sucked me right in from the beginning and didn't let go until the end. There certainly were some scenes that were out of my comfort zone and made my head spin a little. But without a doubt I was vested in this story. I wanted the beauty and the beast to find their happily ever afters. Happy reading!
This one sucked me right in from the beginning and didn't let go until the end. There certainly were some scenes that were out of my comfort zone and made my head spin a little. But without a doubt I was vested in this story. I wanted the beauty and the beast to find their happily ever afters. Happy reading!
September 26, 2018
Finding intruders on his land is one thing, one of those intruders turning our to be a girl from his long forgotten past is another...unable to stop his beast like instinct and hurting her in the process fills Monster with a guilt and flood of emotions he thought he had long forgotten.
Unable to face the consequences of Sophie potentially dying on his land and the attention this will bring, he finds himself aiding her enough to get her to leave. But with her leaving he finds himself unable to stop the flood of human emotions he thought he was no longer capable of.
With a unexpected friendship developing he finds himself wanting more..but how could she possibly ever see past the outside to love a monster? 🖤🖤
Flawed, Scarred and tortured and hiding from the world... not facing the day to day reality of life because of actions that have changed the very path you were walking...not caring about anything to do with yourself because the disappointment hurts to much...a girl...a boy/monster... their stories aren’t so different... in fact they are a similar tale of tragedy. ...a love story so adored by so many that it has been retold many times...some stories need to be retold time and time again till they get it right... and this is my favourite, because it’s original, thought provoking and so much more.
This story is not a light and fluffy retelling of beauty and the beast... it is not a tale about singing furniture and enchanted flowers. It has adult themes and is dark and gritty in places...consider yourself trigger warned..( on a Bubbles scale I would say mild ) not gratuitous or dramatic for the sake of being dramatic...but emotive and deep and touching. A story about the ability to heal from hurts with the power of self belief and recognising your own worth.
I’ve said it before about this author, Marina Simcoe doesn’t just tell you a story...she paints you a picture in broad emotive brush strokes so real that you feel them and they are still wet.
You don’t just get one characters voice..but multiple voices..and it’s a true wordsmith that gives so much in a story.
P.s...I totally digged the nurses name! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Unable to face the consequences of Sophie potentially dying on his land and the attention this will bring, he finds himself aiding her enough to get her to leave. But with her leaving he finds himself unable to stop the flood of human emotions he thought he was no longer capable of.
With a unexpected friendship developing he finds himself wanting more..but how could she possibly ever see past the outside to love a monster? 🖤🖤
Flawed, Scarred and tortured and hiding from the world... not facing the day to day reality of life because of actions that have changed the very path you were walking...not caring about anything to do with yourself because the disappointment hurts to much...a girl...a boy/monster... their stories aren’t so different... in fact they are a similar tale of tragedy. ...a love story so adored by so many that it has been retold many times...some stories need to be retold time and time again till they get it right... and this is my favourite, because it’s original, thought provoking and so much more.
This story is not a light and fluffy retelling of beauty and the beast... it is not a tale about singing furniture and enchanted flowers. It has adult themes and is dark and gritty in places...consider yourself trigger warned..( on a Bubbles scale I would say mild ) not gratuitous or dramatic for the sake of being dramatic...but emotive and deep and touching. A story about the ability to heal from hurts with the power of self belief and recognising your own worth.
I’ve said it before about this author, Marina Simcoe doesn’t just tell you a story...she paints you a picture in broad emotive brush strokes so real that you feel them and they are still wet.
You don’t just get one characters voice..but multiple voices..and it’s a true wordsmith that gives so much in a story.
P.s...I totally digged the nurses name! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
October 11, 2018
Let me start saying that I love Ms. Simcoe books, she is always able to create these amazing characters and situations, you just feel like you are right there with the H/h every step of the way; maybe that’s the reason why this book was so difficult for me.
Years ago, Monster did something bad, and he was punished by his actions, now he lives alone in a mansion by the woods, tortured by his past, away from the world and away from humans; waiting for the time in which he can die in peace. When he feels intruders in his territory, he becomes the Monster he resembles.
Sophie is in a hunting vacation, she is following her boyfriend and a friend into what they consider to be an abandoned house in the woods, when they hear a horrifying roar… running for their lives, they are faced with Monster, her boyfriend and friend are able to escape, Sophie was no so lucky, with multiple wounds caused by Monster, a twist ankle and alone in the woods after running for her life her situation is challenging to say the least.
But there is hope, seeing Sophie again has awaken Monster human side; the side he has work hard to buried away beneath his beast.
This book is not your basic run of the mill beauty and the beast story, there is a depth in their feelings and situations that will touch your heart, it has some mild triggers, and a happy ending that will make you swoon with delight.
Years ago, Monster did something bad, and he was punished by his actions, now he lives alone in a mansion by the woods, tortured by his past, away from the world and away from humans; waiting for the time in which he can die in peace. When he feels intruders in his territory, he becomes the Monster he resembles.
Sophie is in a hunting vacation, she is following her boyfriend and a friend into what they consider to be an abandoned house in the woods, when they hear a horrifying roar… running for their lives, they are faced with Monster, her boyfriend and friend are able to escape, Sophie was no so lucky, with multiple wounds caused by Monster, a twist ankle and alone in the woods after running for her life her situation is challenging to say the least.
But there is hope, seeing Sophie again has awaken Monster human side; the side he has work hard to buried away beneath his beast.
This book is not your basic run of the mill beauty and the beast story, there is a depth in their feelings and situations that will touch your heart, it has some mild triggers, and a happy ending that will make you swoon with delight.
September 20, 2018
Can there be a more perfect modern day re-telling of beauty and the beast? I loved every second of it. The hero is so tortured and yet thoroughly lovable. And he really is a beast. So, make sure you’re trigger warnings are loaded because there’s lots of fur and tail action. The background between the main couple was thoughtful and added a nice dose of angst. Minor caveat, I thought the heroine’s ongoing anxiety issues were a little overplayed, but it works well in the story. Dont’t worry, there’s a perfect HEA too. Do yourself and favor and curl up with this fairytale. I received an advanced copy from Booksprout, and will be purchasing my very own copy.
September 20, 2018
An intense, beautifully told story!
I love this very unique take on a classic tale of love and redemption.
Sophie and ‘Monster’ were busy pulling emotions from me throughout, as more was disclosed about each of them. I admire Sophie for all she does to help others, including volunteer work. It’s just too bad that it has taken so long to use some of those resources herself. It is amazing to watch Monster as his personality changes after encountering Sophie. It’s an awesome love story!
I voluntarily reviewed an author’s copy of this book.
I love this very unique take on a classic tale of love and redemption.
Sophie and ‘Monster’ were busy pulling emotions from me throughout, as more was disclosed about each of them. I admire Sophie for all she does to help others, including volunteer work. It’s just too bad that it has taken so long to use some of those resources herself. It is amazing to watch Monster as his personality changes after encountering Sophie. It’s an awesome love story!
I voluntarily reviewed an author’s copy of this book.
January 14, 2019
I guess I am on a Beauty and the Beast kick. First with The Wish Collector and now with this one. However, they are both very different, with this one more closely resembling the classic tale. If you are a fan of retellings with a modern spin then this is definitely worth the read, though it's not perfect. Monster ticked me off with his actions and secrecy sometimes. I get the reason why things were done the way they were, but it really felt like a betrayal of trust at times and upset me for Sophie's sake. Overall, however, I enjoyed the story and especially appreciated his prehensile, dexterous tail ;) Gotta love those extra appendages.
June 12, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this one.
I loved the heroine Sophie. She was a contradiction of strong and sweet. Her kindness and generosity saved the hero.
The story in itself was complex. The protagonists and all secondary characters, had depth and personalities. They each contributed to the story beautifully. Still I couldn’t forget hero’s one action from his past though I understood why he did it and forgave him for that too. Otherwise epilogue and everything else was fantastic.
Recommended.
I loved the heroine Sophie. She was a contradiction of strong and sweet. Her kindness and generosity saved the hero.
The story in itself was complex. The protagonists and all secondary characters, had depth and personalities. They each contributed to the story beautifully. Still I couldn’t forget hero’s one action from his past though I understood why he did it and forgave him for that too. Otherwise epilogue and everything else was fantastic.
Recommended.
September 21, 2018
This book was an amazing read! A retelling of Beauty and the Beast but with a terrific different tone. Sometimes a second chance is deserving if the person has truly changed. The author has an amazing talent of using the perfect wording to make you feel for the characters and feel their pain, sorrow and happiness. Sophie needed closure and someone to show her true love and caring and Monster needed Sophie and her love despite his appearance. A very captivating read with its own HEA at the end.
December 23, 2020
Yeah, it's gonna be a no from me, dawg.
September 23, 2018
I think I've read every single Beauty & the Beast retelling out there worth reading, and there are lots of great ones (see: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1... ).
To Love a Monster is one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings I've read, rivalling McKinley's "Beauty", Maas' "A Court of Thorn and Roses", and Novik's "Uprooted". This book will be a re-read for sure.
All of Marina Simcoe's books are beautifully written and un-put-downable. This one is no exception.
To Love a Monster is one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings I've read, rivalling McKinley's "Beauty", Maas' "A Court of Thorn and Roses", and Novik's "Uprooted". This book will be a re-read for sure.
All of Marina Simcoe's books are beautifully written and un-put-downable. This one is no exception.
October 11, 2018
My goodness, I loved this story which is a modern day fairy tale. Sophie is a damaged soul who has not been able to move beyond a traumatic event in her youth. Monster is a predator who is forced to live daily with the consequences of his closed heart and callous actions. There are tears, anger and forgiveness along the road to an HEA. And a big ole curve ball that comes to light. Secrets must be revealed to break the spell and release both their broken hearts. Author Simcoe is a master story teller who captivates the reader as she weaves the tale. She is relatively new to me but certainly is one that I will read again.
October 13, 2018
5 Full Stars
What a wonderful take on the Beauty and the Beast. Loved that both characters are broken in different ways and are trying to heal regardless of what has happened to them and also because of what they had to endure as they were growing up
Love the way Ms Simcoe weaves her stories
This is a wonderful story that is now one of my favorites
What a wonderful take on the Beauty and the Beast. Loved that both characters are broken in different ways and are trying to heal regardless of what has happened to them and also because of what they had to endure as they were growing up
Love the way Ms Simcoe weaves her stories
This is a wonderful story that is now one of my favorites
September 23, 2018
Sophie Morel is at loose ends; having dropped out of medical school, Sophie is seeking some place to just be. Urged to join her boyfriend Jason on a nature photo-shoot, they trespass onto private property. A sudden howling and the unexpected appearance of a fantastical apparition sends them scurrying away. Unfortunately, Sophie trips and twists her ankle. Jason, uncaring, continues his flight to safety. Only the intervention of the monster saves Sophie from death by exposure, or worse…
Upon awakening in the morning, Sophie realizes that the creature that she had attempted to flee the previous evening is the “person” responsible for saving her. Overcoming her terror, Sophie attempts to communicate with the creature, only to discover to her utter shock, that it can speak! In fits and starts, the tale is told, and Sophie gradually finds her emotions changing from terror, to wariness, to something softer, and more forgiving.
But Sophie has secrets of her own and isn’t ready to face her own demons. A debilitating panic arises whenever someone tries to get too close. As she spends more time with “Monster” Sophie is fighting not only her emotions regarding “Monster” but her own inner fears. Can she break free of the self-imposed chains of fear and disgust that bind her, or will she overcome the past, to live a brighter future? If she can, can she then help “Monster”?
An intriguing retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with amazing imagery and unexpected beauty. Dangers abound, physical and emotional, as Sophie and Monster find their way through the maze of misunderstandings, old emotional injuries, and find the path to true understanding and forgiveness. Some graphic sexual scenarios, so intended for 18+ audiences.
Upon awakening in the morning, Sophie realizes that the creature that she had attempted to flee the previous evening is the “person” responsible for saving her. Overcoming her terror, Sophie attempts to communicate with the creature, only to discover to her utter shock, that it can speak! In fits and starts, the tale is told, and Sophie gradually finds her emotions changing from terror, to wariness, to something softer, and more forgiving.
But Sophie has secrets of her own and isn’t ready to face her own demons. A debilitating panic arises whenever someone tries to get too close. As she spends more time with “Monster” Sophie is fighting not only her emotions regarding “Monster” but her own inner fears. Can she break free of the self-imposed chains of fear and disgust that bind her, or will she overcome the past, to live a brighter future? If she can, can she then help “Monster”?
An intriguing retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with amazing imagery and unexpected beauty. Dangers abound, physical and emotional, as Sophie and Monster find their way through the maze of misunderstandings, old emotional injuries, and find the path to true understanding and forgiveness. Some graphic sexual scenarios, so intended for 18+ audiences.
September 19, 2018
A totally delightful story about a man lost inside a monster’s body. He’s searching for his humanity before it’s totally lost. Along the way, there’s help to be had. Waiting for the next.
March 2, 2020
5 Stars. No skipping or skimming. I read every word. Love it.
October 11, 2018
To Love A Monster by Marina Simcoe is a great story to read. I loved reading this great story of a child hood story, and this romantic story is a great one. I recommend this story to all who loved the Beauty and the Beast story growing up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2018
A sweet, beautiful, and sexy modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I adored Sophie, but I absolutely loved Monster. After being cursed and losing the last and only person who cared for him, he let the beast truly take him, giving up human emotions. Until Sophie enters his life. He wants her, but can’t let her go, and will do anything he can to keep her.
One of my favorite lines from this book from Monster as he works through his bitterness and anger at what he’s become is a bit on the naughty side, so I’ll hide it.
I loved watching the relationship between Sophie and Monster evolve. They both have so much to overcome. And true to every Beauty and the Beast love story, it’s what on the inside that counts. Sophie looks past the beasts exterior to love the man within… But even then there is something she must forgive within herself.
One of my favorite lines from this book from Monster as he works through his bitterness and anger at what he’s become is a bit on the naughty side, so I’ll hide it.
I loved watching the relationship between Sophie and Monster evolve. They both have so much to overcome. And true to every Beauty and the Beast love story, it’s what on the inside that counts. Sophie looks past the beasts exterior to love the man within… But even then there is something she must forgive within herself.
October 10, 2018
I loved this take on Beauty and the beast! I really enjoyed the twists in this book and the characters who were broken but loved eachother enough to heal.
December 25, 2018
I was not expecting that.
This is a modern uptake on Beauty and the beast with a nice twist to it.
I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. This is a true paranormal romance. The story focuses solely on Sophie and Monster/Hunter. There is no outside drama with other people, it is just them and their need for redemption and forgiveness.
A great read..
This is a modern uptake on Beauty and the beast with a nice twist to it.
I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. This is a true paranormal romance. The story focuses solely on Sophie and Monster/Hunter. There is no outside drama with other people, it is just them and their need for redemption and forgiveness.
A great read..
October 13, 2018
If you are a fairytale kind of person, this one is definitely a grown up version of Beauty and the Beast!! Two damaged people help each other become whole with a beautiful HEA. I was enthralled with this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2018
Excellent reading!
I loved this book and the storyline. The characters drew me in from the start. Never judge a book by its cover and never judge someone by their looks are something everyone should keep in mind.
I loved this book and the storyline. The characters drew me in from the start. Never judge a book by its cover and never judge someone by their looks are something everyone should keep in mind.
October 14, 2018
For adult readers.
This sort of a modern day, adult version of Beauty and the Beast. Hunter had a terrible father who solved disagreements with his fists. Hunter was often the one to feel his father's fists while his mother was stoned or passed out drunk. Unfortunately for Hunter, he realized a little to late that he had his father's temper.
Sophie has never been able to have any sort of a relationship with men because of an attack that happened to her when she was a teenager. Sophie just had her current boyfriend leave her behind in the middle of nowhere to save himself, another one to break up with.
I like the thought of the man being turned into what he acts like. I think this story started to get tedious and drag a bit in the middle, but then picks back up again.
This book has steamy parts and romantic sentimental stuff with all the feels.
It's a tale as old as time.
This sort of a modern day, adult version of Beauty and the Beast. Hunter had a terrible father who solved disagreements with his fists. Hunter was often the one to feel his father's fists while his mother was stoned or passed out drunk. Unfortunately for Hunter, he realized a little to late that he had his father's temper.
Sophie has never been able to have any sort of a relationship with men because of an attack that happened to her when she was a teenager. Sophie just had her current boyfriend leave her behind in the middle of nowhere to save himself, another one to break up with.
I like the thought of the man being turned into what he acts like. I think this story started to get tedious and drag a bit in the middle, but then picks back up again.
This book has steamy parts and romantic sentimental stuff with all the feels.
It's a tale as old as time.
dnf
July 19, 2024I can’t handle this you guys. How is the beast (love interest) the guy who pinned her down and was about to grape her? And let his buddies grope her before that? She had YEARS of panic attacks and a shit ton of trauma from it. Nope. Not redeemable.
DNF
DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2019
There are spoilers throughout this review, and they aren't hidden because the damn spoiler symbol thingy won't work properly for me. 🙄
Idk. 2.5 stars? 3? Idk. It didn't impress me that much. Which sucks. Because I love these kinda stories. *sigh*
It was not as good as I was expecting when I began reading it. There were quite a few missing words, like "to" and "the" - little words like that in the sentences.
I didn't care much for the heroine. But, admittedly, I'm picky when it comes to heroines in my romance novels. The way she freaked out when she discovered who monster really was, was (to me) a bit too extreme. She accused him of lying and manipulating her. And then she left him. When he couldn't follow. Because he was cursed to stay on the property. Not cool. I get her past with him...at least I get what supposedly traumatized her. That part wasn't clear to me. He didn't rape her, he laid on her back...and did what? I'm genuinely trying to understand what was so traumatic about what happened to her. So traumatic that she couldn't be touched by a man for 8 years. I think if the author would have been more specific. Describe EVERY SINGLE thing that happened. How she was touched. How she was abused. How she was touched inappropriately by the other guys beforehand. It just didn't connect with me as some big thing to stick with her for so many years.
And then we find out the curse was put on him by an immature witch girl? Really. That's a bit extreme for the girl to curse him because he said that the one stand was just that - a one night stand. Like, she fell in love with him after one night? It just seemed way too extreme for something like. She chose to sleep with him (I'm not saying I justify that kind of behavior from either sex, just that she was the one who decided to have sex with him). If she wanted more of a commitment I think she should have talked to him before falling into his bed.
The ending was okay. I was, disappointingly, underwhelmed. 🙁 it was HEA at least. But I would have liked to see what Hunter chose to do with his life other than center around Sophie. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about complete, utter - even obsessive - love for each other in my books. For some reason though I felt there needed to be something else here. Meaning, he loves her in the above way, but what else does he do? Does he take over his father's business(s)? Does he go into town? Or does he just stay at the house and only have people come to him? And I wanted to know if Sophie's dad left her anything in his will.
I will say - thank you for the love scenes between a "beast" and a woman. I think some authors don't want to go there, but I'm glad Marina Simcoe did. I liked that. It was hot, truth be told.
Idk. 2.5 stars? 3? Idk. It didn't impress me that much. Which sucks. Because I love these kinda stories. *sigh*
It was not as good as I was expecting when I began reading it. There were quite a few missing words, like "to" and "the" - little words like that in the sentences.
I didn't care much for the heroine. But, admittedly, I'm picky when it comes to heroines in my romance novels. The way she freaked out when she discovered who monster really was, was (to me) a bit too extreme. She accused him of lying and manipulating her. And then she left him. When he couldn't follow. Because he was cursed to stay on the property. Not cool. I get her past with him...at least I get what supposedly traumatized her. That part wasn't clear to me. He didn't rape her, he laid on her back...and did what? I'm genuinely trying to understand what was so traumatic about what happened to her. So traumatic that she couldn't be touched by a man for 8 years. I think if the author would have been more specific. Describe EVERY SINGLE thing that happened. How she was touched. How she was abused. How she was touched inappropriately by the other guys beforehand. It just didn't connect with me as some big thing to stick with her for so many years.
And then we find out the curse was put on him by an immature witch girl? Really. That's a bit extreme for the girl to curse him because he said that the one stand was just that - a one night stand. Like, she fell in love with him after one night? It just seemed way too extreme for something like. She chose to sleep with him (I'm not saying I justify that kind of behavior from either sex, just that she was the one who decided to have sex with him). If she wanted more of a commitment I think she should have talked to him before falling into his bed.
The ending was okay. I was, disappointingly, underwhelmed. 🙁 it was HEA at least. But I would have liked to see what Hunter chose to do with his life other than center around Sophie. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about complete, utter - even obsessive - love for each other in my books. For some reason though I felt there needed to be something else here. Meaning, he loves her in the above way, but what else does he do? Does he take over his father's business(s)? Does he go into town? Or does he just stay at the house and only have people come to him? And I wanted to know if Sophie's dad left her anything in his will.
I will say - thank you for the love scenes between a "beast" and a woman. I think some authors don't want to go there, but I'm glad Marina Simcoe did. I liked that. It was hot, truth be told.
December 23, 2024
I've been conflicted about this book since I read it, but one thing I can't deny is how enthralled I was by the story. This was another Beauty and the Beast retelling with its own clever twists and some heavy angst.
The issue, or most of my issues, revolve around the hero. While the decisions he made in the past impacted deeply our main female character, I understood where he was coming from. However, it was just difficult for me to get past him omitting detrimental information to Sophie in the present and so I couldn't root for their romance which is the whole focus of the book. At least he was kind of self-aware and even considered himself a villain, so there's that.
I liked how everything came together towards the end. Most characters in the story had a purpose, and the pacing of it all was consistent.
Before reading, please beware of the trigger warnings. This book won't be for everyone.
The issue, or most of my issues, revolve around the hero. While the decisions he made in the past impacted deeply our main female character, I understood where he was coming from. However, it was just difficult for me to get past him omitting detrimental information to Sophie in the present and so I couldn't root for their romance which is the whole focus of the book. At least he was kind of self-aware and even considered himself a villain, so there's that.
I liked how everything came together towards the end. Most characters in the story had a purpose, and the pacing of it all was consistent.
Before reading, please beware of the trigger warnings. This book won't be for everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2018
Really nice Beauty and the Beast story. Sophie and Monster both have things in their past that cause their issues of today. The viewpoints switch back and forth between the two of them as well as having flashbacks to explain what happened back then to affect right now.
Sweet romance and redemption story for both of them.
Sweet romance and redemption story for both of them.
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