Baby and the Beast

Princes of Hollywood #1

by Taylor Holloway

Connor Prince is a beast.
He’s a rich, controlling, handsome ex-movie star with one dream left in his cold, godforsaken heart.
He wants a baby, and he wants me to be his surrogate. I thought he was just a weirdly good-looking, grumpy hobo until he took me to his freakin’ castle and made me an indecent proposal. The contract doesn’t actually look too bad.
All I have to do is hang out for nine months getting pedicures and massages while gestating his child.
I’ll even have a chef. And I need the money.
My profession, making gory practical effects for horror and sci-fi movies, isn’t exactly a growth industry.
Since my family is on the verge of bankruptcy and I just got fired and blacklisted for kicking a spectacularly creepy B-list actor in the nuts for groping me, this could solve all my problems. But the castle ends up being a gilded cage, with Connor controlling what I can eat, where I can go, and what I can do.
He’s driving me up the wall with his growling, snarly crap. Between pregnancy hormones, Connor pushing me to the limits of my patience, and the fact that he’s absurdly hot under the mountain man beard, frustrations are rising quickly.
The angry kind. And the sexy kind. I’m beginning to suspect that a good man might be lurking under Connor’s permanent scowl, but I know getting entangled with him is a terrible idea. He’s got demons and secrets, and I’m… what exactly?
I’m the girl with crooked pigtails and paint splattered overalls who makes badass blood geysers and werewolf puppets. I deal in fake monsters. Not real ones.
I’m not the right girl for Connor Prince.
Which is really unfortunate because I might be falling in love with him… ‘Baby and the Beast’ is full-length sweet and sexy romcom featuring a bad boy hero and a quirky girl next door on a crazy road to happily ever after. It stands alone with no cheating, cliffhangers, or nonsense.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Celebrity, Enemies To Lovers

394 pages, Paperback

Published January 29, 2020

About the author

Taylor Holloway is a bestselling romance author who writes sweet and sexy stories with just enough of an edge to offset all the feels. Her books are specifically Taylor-ed to make you blush, cry, laugh, and swoon. She's an Austin native with a penchant for bad puns, strong margaritas, expensive shoes, and shiny things. When she's not writing, she's working a hilariously bland corporate job, spoiling her husband and cat, or going for long walks in the dark.

Reviews

[Jennifer Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I had never read anything by Taylor Holloway before and after reading this book, i know it won't be my last! I loved this book. It's a new, adult version of the classic fairytale that we all loved as girls. I fell in love w the characters, Connor and Izzie, right away. Connor was a grumpy man in the beginning but Izzie was exactly what he needed to soften and become a better man. And Izzie was a strong woman that is witty and knows exactly how to put a man in his place. From page 1, i couldn't put this book down. Even tho I knew where the original story of Beauty and the Beast was going to take me, I couldn't wait to see how Taylor Holloway would put her own little spin on it. This was a light and funny romance that i would recommend to anybody. And if u have never read this author before, this is a great place to start!

[Meryl Markowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an advanced copy for an honest review.
I this modern takeoff of Beauty and the Beast, Isabel (Belle) and her father Maurice work for a Hollywood studio. Izzie (to her friends) gets unfairly dismissed from the movie and her father quits in solidarity.
Unsure what to do, with no income ahead, she is approached by a mysterious stanger and taken to a castle. There she meets a Prince. Conner Prince, the recluce former Hollywood actor. He is now a surly "Beast of a man" after social media has destroyed his career. He offers Izzie a miilon dollars to be the surrrogate for his baby. The stipulation is she needs to live in his castle and follow all the rules of the contract to the letter.
After a month of this arraingement Izzie is losing her mind. She is used to working. She wanders into his forbidden movie "Library" and a large fight ensues. Like the Disney story, she gets lost in a snow storm and of course he rescues her. During their snowbound time. Conner lets Izzie see the "Real him"
After that the story really hums along as the two of them really get to know eachother first as friends and then as lovers.
This was an entertaining, charming story that ticked off all the right boxes. It was funny, it was sexy and it left you smiling at the end.

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I just couldn't put this book down, The characters were really well write. This is an arrangement romance which is so much more. This couple go through ups and downs along the way to finding happiness. This story has a little angst within the story. This story starts with a chance meeting in an elevator. Another fantastic story from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreveiws.com

[Faisal Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I have read all the books of Taylor Holloway and this book is no exception. But this time I got the chance to read an ARC of the book. I pretty much finished the book in one day ...and it was enjoyable.. The plot is different from other books. Connor Prince had a black scandal..but Isabelle did not judge him from that point of view.. The meeting of the two characters is very interesting. We can see that a protective father in Isabelle's father. The characters are sweet. The two are like made for each other. One call on other's faults. None wants to back off.. In the end they both change and become a better version of themselves..

Its my first review of any book. So I dont know if I could evaluate the plot properly..
It was fun to read....:)

[Bibliophile Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another new to me author and now another author to fangirl over!

I enjoyed Ms. Holloway's twist the beloved fairy tale Beauty and the Beast.

This the story of the beastly Connor and the lovely Isabelle.

Isabelle isn't just a beauty, she is fierce and stubborn and oh so loyal to her family.  When faced with a life-altering decision, she pushes until she gets what she wants.  And then she gets even more!

Connor thinks he is a beast, but really he is just a falsely accused hero.  He just wants to keep what he loves close and block out the rest of the world that has turned it's back on him.

The chemistry between Connor and Isabelle is off the charts hot and the dialogue between the two of them is funny, fresh and swoony!

I loved the secondary characters! I loved trying to figure out how they fit in the original fairy tale.

I was excited and honored to be able to read this story and I can't wait the next stories in this series next!

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy wow! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and trust me, it won’t be the last. It was so good! Connor and Isabelle have kind of a rough start, but will they find their way to love?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Delight

When a virtual stranger asks you to be his surrogate, why not?

Review
Assalted by the star of a movie, fired and in need of money, Isabel finds the weird situation of being driven to a castle in the woods and propositioned by a former heart throb actor to have his baby, all seems to be the new normal of her life. This cute, sweet woman who creates real movie props when the world has gone digital needs the money as her father's company isn't pulling in enough to make ends meet. Nine months living it up being pampered and a million dollars when she is done sounds too good to be true. And it is.

Connor Prince hasn't had good luck. Once the heartthrob of Hollywood, he went off to serve his country after 9-1-1. Circumstances build up against him when he beats up his boss when he finds him raping a local woman. Only the boss turns the tables in implicates Connor in drug smuggling. Dishonorably discharged, Connor just wanted to go back to acting and lick his wounds, but he was blacklisted. Running a production company through his lawyer and accountant, Connor takes on roles that covers who he really is, using his real name no one knows. After three years of hunting for a surrogate, he sees Isabel and knows she is the one to give him a child to love and who will love him.

Problem....Connor is a complete ass for about half of the story. He regulates Isabel's diet, exercise and even if she can leave to visit her family. When he won't even answer calls or texts, she finally has enough and starts pushing the boundaries he sets leading to Connor finally looking at what he is doing. And we learn the reason why he is so cautious.

But the kissing assaulter isn't going to let things go when Connor makes Isabel in charge of props. He wants a second chance and when he finds out she is pregnant, he sets forth a plan to ruin her and Connor.

The story is fustrating and cute at the same time. Due to how Connor has been treated, he becomes socially ackward to brutal. Isabel is the complete opposite and this causes a lot of riffs between the two. Sometimes they acted to their own detriment which was my hang up.

Sleazy side characters, heart warming friends are made, truth comes out, but most of all, this was a story I fell in love with!


Challenges Met

Review Writing Challenge #9
Reading Challenge #21
Literary Pickers #5 - Elevator
Bad Boys #3
Books 'N' Tunes #4 - Someone You Loved - Lewis Capaldi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zABLe...

Preview

This review was originally posted on Delighted Reader

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite original
4.5
It’s a good romance in the Hollywood movie world, which is very well written, with excellent characters. I thought the author's idea was good because it contains multiple stories embedded in the main story, mixing the world of cinema and its abuse, war crimes, reputation problems, manipulation.
Isabelle used to work in the film industry, but when she is sexually assaulted by a main actor, she is fired. Needing money, she has a proposal from a wealthy man, Connor, to have her child for money. She hesitates because she doesn't want that this child will have to suffer from her decision. She accepts, but the conditions requested by Connor are so restrictive, even abusive, that Isabelle quickly decides to find a solution that will certainly not please Connor, who remains narrow-minded, locked in a behavior that he has developed following false accusations several years ago. Everyone being pushed to their limits, the situation changes completely.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby and the Beast By: Taylor Holloway
Can She Give Her HEART To The "Baby and the Beast!"
He's a Homeless Guy for sure... Although HOT!
But Hey, She's Not judging, as She's seen all kinds...
After ALL, It's HollyWood~RIGHT!
But He's got a pamphlet He Dropped...
One, He seems Mighty embarrassed about,
Although IT intrigues Her,
Sooo of course the questions just fly outta Bed Mouth!
Thus, She's stunned when She returns Home to find...
A offer to Meet Him & an Offer to GOOD to PASS up!
Which is how She becomes involved with the "Baby and the Beast" rather intimately,
As She's hav'n the Baby for the Beast... Through Surrogacy!
Yeah... It was supposed to be just a contract with the "Baby and the Beast,"
But it didn't Stay that way,
As the "Baby and the Beast" became PART of Her LIFE!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of Taylor Holloway's "Baby and the Beast." I recommend this book to others based upon its own recommendations. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
My Rating Sytem:
4🌟: I like IT a lot. Great, Solid Story w/ few if any inconsistencies or errors. This is a HIGH Rating, & I rarely give OUT a Higher Rating.
If My Review is helpful to you, please check the box below~ Thank You.

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

* First time reading author

I have to say this book was a great surprise. I have read other stories that had a surrogate theme to it, but this one is different. The chemistry, feeling, and emotions that come through from the author just brings it to another level. Baby for the Beast was a very enjoyable read.

I am happy to say that I will be a forever reader of Taylor Holloway.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Taylor Holloway and it definitely won't be my last!

Baby and the Beast is so well-written.

The storyline kept me turning each page, I stayed up well into the night to finish this one.

Conner and Isabella will keep you wanting more. You can't help but root for them!!

I highly recommend to anyone looking for a great love story!

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.

4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Krystal Worthington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby and the Beast was the first book I have read by Taylor Holloway. First impression?? Totally blown away! Right from the first page I was hooked. Loved the story of Izzie and Connor😍. If you haven't read anything by Taylor, I would start right here. This story gives you all the feels. Cannot wait to read more from the Princes of Hollywood.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby and the Beast is a modern telling of a beloved fairy tale with a Hollywood twist by the talented Taylor Holloway. It's the story of Isabelle, a young woman who works with her father on movie sets, which is where she met the hero, Connor. It leads the reclusive actor to make her a deal that she can't refuse. He wants her to carry his baby as a surrogate for a LOT of cash, so she ends up taking the deal. As she goes to live in his place during the cooking of his baby, things get complicated when he starts to really try to control everything about her life, including her not being able to leave his castle. Yeah, I started to really get pissed at him for this stuff, but again, modern telling of the classic fairy tale. Obviously, this means that while the story had some original concepts, it still followed a story line that made it easy to see what was coming up next just a tad too much. However, I did enjoy the story, and you really shouldn't go off of my review, but actually hit that one click button to decide for yourselves! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this take on Beauty and the Beast. The ruin down castle. The hermit disgraced former A-list actor. I loved that Isabelle was into making visual effects, which helped Connor hide out from the world. I love baby stories and so I loved the surrogacy story. This was a fun and creative retelling of the fairytale and I can't wait to see what other stories she has in mind for the series!

[Monica Reviews Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former movie star Connor Prince has been living mostly isolated in his castle for almost fourteen years—since a scandal ruined his career. He keeps in touch with just family and a few close friends and works in disguise. A few years back, he decided he wanted to have a baby, and so the search for a surrogate mom began.

After her mom died, Isabelle Schmidt and her dad have been struggling to make ends meet. She meets Connor, who makes her an offer she couldn’t refuse: become a surrogate for him, move in with him, and he will pay her a million dollars. One million dollars would solve so much of their problems! Especially since she just got fired and her Dad quit his job. She signs the contract, basically signing her life over to Connor for the next nine months. As indicated in the contract, he gets to control every aspect of her life. This tests Isabelle’s limits, but then she starts to suspect there’s a good guy hiding underneath the beastly image. Connor also starts falling for Isabelle as they spend more time together. The contract says she’s out of the picture once the baby’s born, which means he has until the end of her pregnancy to convince her to stay…


Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale, so of course I had a great time reading this book! This modern twist is a light, quick read. Isabelle is a strong character who isn’t afraid to speak up and hold her ground, while Connor is brooding and overbearing. I loved their chemistry and how they tempered each other.


Baby and the Beast is a slow-burn, age gap, arranged baby contemporary Hollywood romance written in dual first-person POV. It’s a standalone that ends with a HEA. No cliffhanger, no cheating.

[Jeeves Reads Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beauty and the Beast with a Hollywood twist, this light and quick read will have you seeing the classic fairytale in a whole new way. While there's nothing groundbreaking about the storyline - those familiar with the story will understand how closely many of the scenes follow the original - it's an interesting and engaging read.

The story follows Isabelle, a young woman who assists her father on movie sets. It's during a chance encounter on one of these sets that she meets Connor, an intimidating beast of a man with overgrown hair and a reserved personality. Isabelle makes quite an impression on Connor, because it isn't long before he is making her an offer that's impossible to refuse - be the surrogate of his baby in exchange for a pile of cash. Though Isabelle isn't sure that she trusts Connor, she somehow finds herself carrying his child and things get more complicated once feelings are involved.

This book sits solidly between 3 and 4 stars for me - I enjoyed the spin that Holloway put on the classic tale, and the concept of a reclusive actor is an interesting one. Connor's desire to have a baby in this way makes a whole lot of sense, and I liked the references to the story we all know and love. However, the heavy reliance on the original also meant that I could anticipate how things would play out a lot of the time, which took some of the fun out of it. All in all, it's a solid start to Holloway's newest series, which does tie in to the Lone Star Lovers series but easily stands on its own. New readers won't have any trouble following along, but there are references to some of the beloved characters from Holloway's previous books. I received an ARC via Candi Kane PR and am voluntarily leaving a review of this modern fairytale.

[ies · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 deh, entah knp gw kaga suka sama hero+ heroine nya kwkkwkwkkwkw

Connor Prince, Hollywood royalty dulunya sih.. sampai dia milih gabung sama militer seterlah insiden 11/9 itu dan pas di militer dia liat atasannya hampir rape warga gt, dan sama Connor digebukin, abis itu die difitnah soal drug dst.. sampai dipecat dari militer dan gak bisa balik jadi actor lagi. Gak masalah si, die kan kaya raya.. akhirnya bikin production house dan kadang ekting sbg figuran with heavy make up. Sampai semua terasa membosankan, dan dia butuh anak, orang yg bisa dia cintai tanpa pamrih, 5th die nyari surrogate mother gitu.. sampai suatu hari dia papasan sama Isabelle dan selebaran surrogate nya jatuh. Isabel bilang "wah, beneran tu? dgn bayaran sebanyak itu?" abis itu Connor suruh lawyernya Luc buat cari data Isabel dan bawa Isabel ke castle nya.

Isabelle, jadi asisten bpknya di visual effect untuk movie Night Walker, dia gak digaji ya, dan keuangan keluarganya lagi morat-marit setelah mama nya meninggal, kr abis buat biaya berobat dst dst dan mereka punya utang banyak, kemudian die dipaksa kissu2 sama main actornya Night Walker, berkahir dgn Isabelle mukulih si masnya dan dipecat, papanya milih berenti jg kr gak suka kerja disitu setelah anaknya hampir di rape, makin gak punya duit kan. Pas dapet tawaran dari Luc dia mau deh.. meski bapaknya gak setuju gt. tapi dia butuh duit kan..

Nah ude, mulai deh... Isabelle tinggal sama Connor setelah dia hamil, dan semua kegiatan musti dpt persetujuan Connor dan Isabelle kesel banget, mulai saling yelled satu sama lain (ini yg gw gak suka sama dua karakternya) bukanya duduk ngobrol maunya apa, pake acara yelled, trs kabur, kejebak salju, dst dst.. sinet banget... ahahahahahaha

[Marty Sandvik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Izzie is working as a for her father Maurice in Hollywood working on props when she meets a growly handsome hairy stranger in the elevator. After she is fired when the production's lead actor claims she attacked him when she hit on him and he turned her down, when really she warded off his advances by attacking him.
She gets an offer she can't refuse from Connor the handsome stranger in the elevator. Be his surrogate for a baby and live with him for nine months while she is pregnant up in a creepy mansion in the mountains that he owns and follow his rules and she'll get one million dollars.
She reluctantly agrees not thinking she has much of a choice and feels like a prisoner at Connor's at first. She is angry that he controls what she eats, who she sees, and what she does. The two of them fight and Isabelle almost leaves but luckily her and Connor reach a new negotiation and she discovers the truths of his past. Connor is a former Hollywood star now disgraced and in hiding over accusations that were not true.
The two become close and start dating and things are going good until 5 million dollars is stolen from Connor's production and the prime suspect is Maurice, Izzie's father. Now they have to find the real culprit and find their way back to each other.
I liked this Beauty and the Beast retelling. It was interesting to read more about the Prince family and all the different uncles, fathers, and nephews. I liked that Connor's family and Luc and Jimmy were always supporting him no matter what. They cared about him in a genuine way. I thought that Izzie was a good character but she had no friends and not much of a life before Connor. Radley was as sleazy as they come and I'm glad he got his just desserts at the end. The chemistry between the two characters was okay but didn't wow me.

[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fairy tale renditions and this one is is amazing. So we follow Connor Prince who was an A-list actor who has fallen due to a result of a fall out from the military. What military? Yeah I was shocked to when I read about that. We also meet Isobelle Schmidt who is trying to make a name for herself in the hollywood community. When Connor, meets Izzie he had one goal in mind. It is not getting her in bed. LOL! Izzie is a hopeful person and very vocal. So when Izzie gets a proposition to be a surrogate for Connor Prince, she does it. There is a contract involved!! So now everything is about to get crazy. Isabelle does not let you down either. You will fall in love with her character. She is fiesty and protective. So she goes toe to toe with Connor who is stubborn. As the story unfolds and there are ups and downs and oh my did that just happened. I loved this book and once you start you will want to finish.

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE this new fairy tale spin in a contemporary atmosphere! Baby and the Beast is funny, heartwarming, and filled with fun and sweet surprises! When Isabelle feels as if her world is falling a part she meets Connor who asks her to be a surrogate Baby Mama for him. She acts impulsively and says yes and is quickly thrust into a new world that includes a castle and a beast that controls her every move, what is a girl to do without her freedom?

I adored this book. If you are a fan of fairy tale retellings and like contemporary romances, you will be a fan of this one. The author provided us a whirlwind of emotions and sets up the story wonderfully. I give it 4 outta 5 stars and looking forward to seeing what is next!

PS Thank you to Taylor Holloway and Candi Kane PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Izzie finds herself fired even though she is the innocent party she isn’t sure what she is going as she and her family need the money. When she receives an offer that will solve all her problems, she can’t say no.

Connor is a man with a painful past who only wants to be left alone but he does want a child and believes that Izzy would be the perfect choice to carry his child.

Living together certainly has its challenges but there is denying the chemistry between them. The more time they spend together the closer they become but will they realize their arrangement has become love before it is too late?

This is a sweet and sexy story and there is no doubting that Izzy’s feisty and fiery personality is exactly what Connor needs.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fantastic fun story it’s about Isabelle and her father who are nearly penniless it’s during a chance encounter in a elevator she meets Connor a hairy but sexy man who drops a pamphlet on surrogacy so she picks it up. It’s later that she is approached by Connor who offers Isabelle a rather extraordinary deal and that’s to be a surrogate for Connor Palczynski for 1 million dollars and to give up all rights to the baby once it’s born. Connor is a recluse he’s been kicked out of Hollywood and he’s known as the beast he wants a child without all of the trouble a relationship brings so when he meets a girl in paint covered overalls could she be the one to give him a baby. Fantastic story I loved the ending it left a smile on my face and I highly recommend this book.

[Haz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A modern day version of beauty and beast with a twist, isabelle is in need of some money when she gets offered to be a surrogate with a huge pay out its an offer she can't refuse but she never thought in wild dreams that things would fall so easy with the intended father Connor Prince renowned actor and veteran in the army but once the contract was signed she started to wonder weather she made the biggest mistake of life, the rules he set made her feel like a prisoner and he stubborn and cold towards her but after been stuck in the snow after an argument things between started to change between them but then things start to happen at work, money goes missing and things from Connor past come back yo haunt him will they ever get together and get HEA

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alisa Burdick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly funny read

If you like fairy tales that aren't your average Disney type, Consider reading this version of Beauty and the Beast. It's heroine, Isabelle, is spunky and lovable. Connor is your typical broody prince... If you envision the stages of Chris Hemsworth. I highly recommend this book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book by Taylor Holloway I just couldn't put down! While this is the second book in a series about a family of hunky Hollywood actors, this can also be a stand alone.

A chance meeting in an elevator and you have a story unlike any other.

[FS Meurinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern Beauty and the Beast with Hollywood mixed. Conner Prince Hollywood actor meats Izzie and offers her to become a surrogate for his baby. There where so very funny aspects in the story as well as sexy, a great balance that will leave you wanting more stories retold like this one. I can't wait to see what Taylor Holloway brings us next.

[Kiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun contemporary beauty and the beast retelling

[Joan Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Little bit funny, over the top controlling, and at peace.

[Heidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwww que bonita historia, con un toque de todo, el parto me dio risa como lo insultaba, pero dejarnos sin nombre no es de dios jajajajaj

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Hollywood Twist

This is a perfect rendition of Beauty and the Beast for adults. Totally loved it! The surrogacy added a layer to it that was unexpected. Now i just cant wait to read the rest if the series.