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Thorn in His Side
The last thing beautiful, inexperienced Joshua Bellamy wants is an arranged marriage with the terrifying Darius Legrand. But if Joshua wants to save himself and his family from being thrown onto the streets by Darius’s father, he has no choice. However, when Darius goes to extreme lengths to rescue Joshua from near-death, Joshua has to wonder if there’s more to his beastly husband than he previously thought. Former Captain Darius Legrand is used to being manipulated by his cruel father, but when Joshua is dragged into the feud between their families, he decides something has to change. Protecting Joshua is one thing, but Darius knows that falling in love can’t be an option. Someone so young and beautiful could never give his heart to an older ill-tempered brute like Darius. Joshua is determined to bring joy to Darius’s life again, and Darius refuses to let Joshua hide his sweetness from the world any longer. Over time, it becomes clear that despite their differences, their hearts are drawing closer together. But can happiness ever be possible for a rose and a thorn when Darius’s father will go to any lengths to see his deadly game through? Thorn in His Side is a steamy, standalone MM romance novel featuring tender bubble baths, a stubborn but loyal horse, thunder storms, enough healing touches to mend any broken heart, and a guaranteed HEA with absolutely no cliffhanger.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2020
233 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Helen Juliet
51 books201 followersHelen Juliet is a British author of contemporary MM fairy tale adaptations, including the international bestselling Beauty and the Beast retelling, Thorn in His Side. She lives just outside of London with her husband and three balls of fluff that occasionally pretend to be cats.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary American small town MM series as HJ Welch, including Pine Cove, Homecoming Hearts, and Paddle Creek College.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary American small town MM series as HJ Welch, including Pine Cove, Homecoming Hearts, and Paddle Creek College.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 169 reviews
June 14, 2020
Audio ...5+++ Stars! 💕💕💕💕💕
Kieran Flitton is a new to me narrator, and I already consider him a favorite. His performance was absolutely wonderful! Voice acting at it's best. 😍
Story... 4 Beauty and the Beast Retelling Stars
The story was equal parts ott, adorable, sweet, steamy but totally enjoyable.
Kieran Flitton is a new to me narrator, and I already consider him a favorite. His performance was absolutely wonderful! Voice acting at it's best. 😍
Story... 4 Beauty and the Beast Retelling Stars
The story was equal parts ott, adorable, sweet, steamy but totally enjoyable.
February 25, 2020
I can't help thinking the author must have been as confused as me! I had to keep double-checking whether this book was really set in the 21st century, or actually in the early 19th!
I usually like arranged/forced marriage story-lines but this one had way too many plot holes for me to take it all seriously, and my threshold is not that high.
For some reason, one of the main protagonists, a grown man, with a castle in his own name, and a sizeable inheritance from his mother, is terrified of his father, and puts up little to no resistance to any of his harmful plans. For goodness sake, he doesn't even stop him coming into the castle or onto the grounds, apparently he can just waltz in when he feels like it! There was no viable reason for this behaviour given to us, and that was just the first of my big problems with this book.
The plot requires that the father above is evil and all powerful (you'd be led to believe he was the king) and that the castle is completely off-grid, cut off entirely from the outside world. This further added to the disbelief that this story was set in the 21st century. If the author had actually made it a 19th century setting, the story would probably have actually been believable and wouldn't have required much editing at all.
Apparently there was no mobile signal at the castle. There was also only a poor internet connection, and this for only one computer in one room of the castle. As a resident of Kent, where this imaginary off-grid castle is located in the 21st century, I couldn't help but scream in frustration at this lame, lazy and uninspired plotting so essential to the storyline. We might complain about slow internet connections, but we're hardly off the grid. There are such things as satellite internet, and wireless networks (such as Vfast, in Kent). Apparently, due to the castle being historic it wasn't possible to have the internet connection in more than one room of the castle as the wiring required wasn't allowed. Erm, again, in my 21st century world, there are these things called homeplugs, or powerline adapters - your internet connection in any room you like as long as it's got a plug socket (and despite being a castle, it did have plug sockets)! Don't get me started on why the father of one of the characters had to send an emergency letter to his son - apparently he couldn't send a normal letter, or actually go to the castle himself.
In fact, the more I think about it, and the more frustrated I get, I'm going to change my rating from 3 to 2 stars.
Unfortunately, the inconsistencies weren't limited to the technical aspects. There were too many occasions when I had to re-read pages, because a character's reaction to something just made no sense at all.
All in all, I felt like the author rattled this one off, expecting readers to gloss over and suspend belief, rather than take the time to carefully plan a viable plot.
Won't be reading this author again.
P.S. It's Folkestone, NOT Folkstone!
I usually like arranged/forced marriage story-lines but this one had way too many plot holes for me to take it all seriously, and my threshold is not that high.
For some reason, one of the main protagonists, a grown man, with a castle in his own name, and a sizeable inheritance from his mother, is terrified of his father, and puts up little to no resistance to any of his harmful plans. For goodness sake, he doesn't even stop him coming into the castle or onto the grounds, apparently he can just waltz in when he feels like it! There was no viable reason for this behaviour given to us, and that was just the first of my big problems with this book.
The plot requires that the father above is evil and all powerful (you'd be led to believe he was the king) and that the castle is completely off-grid, cut off entirely from the outside world. This further added to the disbelief that this story was set in the 21st century. If the author had actually made it a 19th century setting, the story would probably have actually been believable and wouldn't have required much editing at all.
Apparently there was no mobile signal at the castle. There was also only a poor internet connection, and this for only one computer in one room of the castle. As a resident of Kent, where this imaginary off-grid castle is located in the 21st century, I couldn't help but scream in frustration at this lame, lazy and uninspired plotting so essential to the storyline. We might complain about slow internet connections, but we're hardly off the grid. There are such things as satellite internet, and wireless networks (such as Vfast, in Kent). Apparently, due to the castle being historic it wasn't possible to have the internet connection in more than one room of the castle as the wiring required wasn't allowed. Erm, again, in my 21st century world, there are these things called homeplugs, or powerline adapters - your internet connection in any room you like as long as it's got a plug socket (and despite being a castle, it did have plug sockets)! Don't get me started on why the father of one of the characters had to send an emergency letter to his son - apparently he couldn't send a normal letter, or actually go to the castle himself.
In fact, the more I think about it, and the more frustrated I get, I'm going to change my rating from 3 to 2 stars.
Unfortunately, the inconsistencies weren't limited to the technical aspects. There were too many occasions when I had to re-read pages, because a character's reaction to something just made no sense at all.
All in all, I felt like the author rattled this one off, expecting readers to gloss over and suspend belief, rather than take the time to carefully plan a viable plot.
Won't be reading this author again.
P.S. It's Folkestone, NOT Folkstone!
June 22, 2020
Joshua, the beauty was thrown into marriage with Darius, the beast to save his father's company. Joshua is a sweet, shy soul who thinks of others before himself. He wants to try to make the best of the situation and hopes to at least be friends with Darius.
Darius has been manipulated by his father his whole life, always doing his father's bidding to avoid the punishment. He's surly and scarred. He's attracted to Joshua immediately but knows nothing can come of it. But due to his father's harsh meddling, he knows it's best to avoid Joshua or risk Joshua suffering at the hands of Darius' father, Victor.
Eventually both Joshua and Darius decide there's something there that's worth risking Victor's wrath.
I love Beauty and the Beast. It's one of my favorite stories. This was a modernish type of Beauty and the Beast retelling. I say modernish because at times it seemed historical and at others, it was modern times.
This was a sweet, if long, story. I think it could have benefited from being 50-75 pages shorter. I started to want to just hurry up and finish. I liked the story and I liked both characters once they get together, but it is a somewhat slow burn and I just don't have the patience for that. It was definitely OTT, even a villain worthy of starring in a Disney movie. So, you have to extend your belief here when you realize it is set now and not a historical.
So overall, I enjoyed this loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I'll definitely be checking out more of the author's fairytale stories.
Darius has been manipulated by his father his whole life, always doing his father's bidding to avoid the punishment. He's surly and scarred. He's attracted to Joshua immediately but knows nothing can come of it. But due to his father's harsh meddling, he knows it's best to avoid Joshua or risk Joshua suffering at the hands of Darius' father, Victor.
Eventually both Joshua and Darius decide there's something there that's worth risking Victor's wrath.
I love Beauty and the Beast. It's one of my favorite stories. This was a modernish type of Beauty and the Beast retelling. I say modernish because at times it seemed historical and at others, it was modern times.
This was a sweet, if long, story. I think it could have benefited from being 50-75 pages shorter. I started to want to just hurry up and finish. I liked the story and I liked both characters once they get together, but it is a somewhat slow burn and I just don't have the patience for that. It was definitely OTT, even a villain worthy of starring in a Disney movie. So, you have to extend your belief here when you realize it is set now and not a historical.
So overall, I enjoyed this loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I'll definitely be checking out more of the author's fairytale stories.
February 18, 2020
Darius is at the hands of his vile and controlling father. He despises him but he knows what he’s capable of and can’t bring himself to deny to defy him. Even when that means marrying a man he doesn’t know.
Meanwhile, Joshua would do anything to protect his father...even if that means marrying a man who is nothing more than a brute. Or so he thinks.
Oh man, the build up between these two was pretty amazing. Darius tries his best to resist Joshua in order to keep him safe but Joshua is so sweet and kind it’s near impossible to do so. When their relationship starts it’s a whirlwind of soft emotions and steamy times that made it a delight to read. Add in some drama and a tad bit of angst and it easily became a win for me!
If an arranged marriage between an ex military man whose battling his own personal demons and an adorable virgin who is intrigued by said ex military man sounds like something you’d be into — here you go!
4 stars
♡ arc provided in exchange for an honest review ♡
Meanwhile, Joshua would do anything to protect his father...even if that means marrying a man who is nothing more than a brute. Or so he thinks.
Oh man, the build up between these two was pretty amazing. Darius tries his best to resist Joshua in order to keep him safe but Joshua is so sweet and kind it’s near impossible to do so. When their relationship starts it’s a whirlwind of soft emotions and steamy times that made it a delight to read. Add in some drama and a tad bit of angst and it easily became a win for me!
If an arranged marriage between an ex military man whose battling his own personal demons and an adorable virgin who is intrigued by said ex military man sounds like something you’d be into — here you go!
4 stars
♡ arc provided in exchange for an honest review ♡
dnf
July 6, 2023OTT beauty and the beast re-telling.
The villain very one dimensional, goes batshit crazy at the end.
MCs were hot and cold.
Why was Richard even a part of the story? It didn’t seem needed ?
Virgin kink, I guess.
DNF after the main conflict was resolved, I didn’t care enough to get to the epilogue 🙈
The villain very one dimensional, goes batshit crazy at the end.
MCs were hot and cold.
Why was Richard even a part of the story? It didn’t seem needed ?
Virgin kink, I guess.
DNF after the main conflict was resolved, I didn’t care enough to get to the epilogue 🙈
September 13, 2020
B for narration / D+ for story
Helen Juliet’s A Thorn in His Side is an m/m retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but it’s a bit of a mess right from the start. To begin with, the setting is confusing. I did read the synopsis before opting to review it and the setting wasn’t mentioned, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t expecting it to be a fantasy or some sort of AU historical (AU because there’s no problem with a gay marriage) – but no, it’s 21st century Kent. But this version of 21st century Kent, not too far from Folkestone is somewhere remote and off the grid with no mobile signal or internet. Um. Okay. But the hero is an adult and rich enough to live in a castle… he can’t pick up the landline to Virgin, BT or Sky? Anyway, he’s our Beast figure. Darius Legrand is a heavily scarred, thirty-seven-year-old military veteran who lives in the aforementioned castle in the wilds of Kent, has plenty of money of his own (an inheritance from his late mother) and who is, for some reason I couldn’t understand, terrified of his father – who comes and goes as he pleases - and puts up no fight whatsoever against his nefarious schemes.
Beauty is Joshua Bellamy (BELL-amy – geddit?) the twenty-one year old, totally gorgeous son of a business associate of Victor Legrand’s and when his father suffers some disastrous losses, Joshua agrees to marry Darius in order to prevent their being made destitute; Darius marries Joshua because… er… his dad told him to? Joshua is slightly built and worries he’s not very ‘manly’ – he’s also like the worst kind of simpering romance heroine who cries a lot, indulges in weepy hand-wringing and thinks of her incredible beauty as something of a curse. Oh, and he’s a virgin.
So we’ve got the scarred veteran who thinks there’s no way such a beautiful young man could possibly be interested in him, and the beautiful young man who, after being a bit scared of his new husband, starts to discover a softer side to him while also wondering if such a piece of hunky hawtness could possibly fancy a l’il femmy guy like him.
And then there’s the baddie. Victor Legrand is… well comparing him to a pantomime villain is, frankly, an insult to pantomime villains everywhere. He seems to be present in the story for no other reason than to be the evilest evil that ever evilled.
It’s very rare for me to DNF a book or audiobook I’ve agreed to review, but I gave up at around 70%, which I consider to be enough of a sample to justify my comments. I only stuck with it that long because I wanted to give new-to-me narrator Kieran Flitton a fair crack of the whip. His performance is easily the best thing about this audiobook, and I would definitely listen to him again, although – hopefully - in better material. His voice is attractive, his diction is clear and easy to understand and while his pacing is perhaps the teeniest bit on the slow side, it wasn’t really an issue. His character differentiation is good and his vocal characterisations suit the characters with Darius speaking in deeper, resonant tones while Joshua’s voice is higher pitched and he’s more softly spoken. Some of his European (?) accents are a bit dodgy, and there were some pronunciation issues which should have been picked up; “monsieur” (it’s “m’sieu”);Folkestone (it’s “st'n” not “stone” at the end) and the pronunciation of Darius as “Daah-rius” while it might have been correct (although I'm not sure), was extremely irritating. Where Mr. Flitton really excels is in the quieter moments and intimate scenes between Darius and Joshua, and the love scenes are extremely well done (Shane East – look out, you’ve got some serious competition in the sexy Brit department!)
As is obvious, I can’t recommend Thorn in His Side; the idea was a good one, but the execution is severely lacking. I recently enjoyed a couple of the audiobooks in the Pine Cove series by Ms. Juliet’s alter-ego, H.J. Welch and had hoped for more of the same, but what I found instead was a story that moved slower than a snail through molasses and smelled far more of elderly cheese than roses.
Helen Juliet’s A Thorn in His Side is an m/m retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but it’s a bit of a mess right from the start. To begin with, the setting is confusing. I did read the synopsis before opting to review it and the setting wasn’t mentioned, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t expecting it to be a fantasy or some sort of AU historical (AU because there’s no problem with a gay marriage) – but no, it’s 21st century Kent. But this version of 21st century Kent, not too far from Folkestone is somewhere remote and off the grid with no mobile signal or internet. Um. Okay. But the hero is an adult and rich enough to live in a castle… he can’t pick up the landline to Virgin, BT or Sky? Anyway, he’s our Beast figure. Darius Legrand is a heavily scarred, thirty-seven-year-old military veteran who lives in the aforementioned castle in the wilds of Kent, has plenty of money of his own (an inheritance from his late mother) and who is, for some reason I couldn’t understand, terrified of his father – who comes and goes as he pleases - and puts up no fight whatsoever against his nefarious schemes.
Beauty is Joshua Bellamy (BELL-amy – geddit?) the twenty-one year old, totally gorgeous son of a business associate of Victor Legrand’s and when his father suffers some disastrous losses, Joshua agrees to marry Darius in order to prevent their being made destitute; Darius marries Joshua because… er… his dad told him to? Joshua is slightly built and worries he’s not very ‘manly’ – he’s also like the worst kind of simpering romance heroine who cries a lot, indulges in weepy hand-wringing and thinks of her incredible beauty as something of a curse. Oh, and he’s a virgin.
So we’ve got the scarred veteran who thinks there’s no way such a beautiful young man could possibly be interested in him, and the beautiful young man who, after being a bit scared of his new husband, starts to discover a softer side to him while also wondering if such a piece of hunky hawtness could possibly fancy a l’il femmy guy like him.
And then there’s the baddie. Victor Legrand is… well comparing him to a pantomime villain is, frankly, an insult to pantomime villains everywhere. He seems to be present in the story for no other reason than to be the evilest evil that ever evilled.
It’s very rare for me to DNF a book or audiobook I’ve agreed to review, but I gave up at around 70%, which I consider to be enough of a sample to justify my comments. I only stuck with it that long because I wanted to give new-to-me narrator Kieran Flitton a fair crack of the whip. His performance is easily the best thing about this audiobook, and I would definitely listen to him again, although – hopefully - in better material. His voice is attractive, his diction is clear and easy to understand and while his pacing is perhaps the teeniest bit on the slow side, it wasn’t really an issue. His character differentiation is good and his vocal characterisations suit the characters with Darius speaking in deeper, resonant tones while Joshua’s voice is higher pitched and he’s more softly spoken. Some of his European (?) accents are a bit dodgy, and there were some pronunciation issues which should have been picked up; “monsieur” (it’s “m’sieu”);Folkestone (it’s “st'n” not “stone” at the end) and the pronunciation of Darius as “Daah-rius” while it might have been correct (although I'm not sure), was extremely irritating. Where Mr. Flitton really excels is in the quieter moments and intimate scenes between Darius and Joshua, and the love scenes are extremely well done (Shane East – look out, you’ve got some serious competition in the sexy Brit department!)
As is obvious, I can’t recommend Thorn in His Side; the idea was a good one, but the execution is severely lacking. I recently enjoyed a couple of the audiobooks in the Pine Cove series by Ms. Juliet’s alter-ego, H.J. Welch and had hoped for more of the same, but what I found instead was a story that moved slower than a snail through molasses and smelled far more of elderly cheese than roses.
February 21, 2020
DNF (82%)
This is proving to be a less-than-great month. I started this before days before I was due to post the review—it's an ARC—because, perhaps for the first time in my life, I thought to myself, why put it off when I can do it now? And it still didn't end well. Clearly, procrastination is just better.
The story follows Darius and Joshua. Darius's father, Victor, is evil and enjoys watching people suffer. Joshua's father works for/with Victor. Joshua and Darius have never met, but when Joshua's father suffers a loss in his business, Victor demands that they marry. Joshua goes through with it because he has no other choice. Darius agrees because... I'm not sure. Apparently, Victor is an all-powerful villain or something. And that's a problem.
I'd call Victor cartoonish, but I've seen much better-developed cartoon villains. So let's call him a plot-device. The MCs need to be in an arranged marriage? Evil Victor forced them. Need someone to create minor conflicts? Evil Victor does it. Need a conflict toward the end? Evil Victor is actually a psychopath, so he can do that too. Victor doesn't have a personality. He's just evil for the sake of being evil, and because that's what the plot needs him to be. But he's not the only issue with the book.
The author exaggerated things. A total shithead becomes evil personified, anger becomes uncontrollable rage, empathetic sadness becomes tears. And a good-looking guy, Joshua, who has trouble connecting with people, becomes someone who has no friends or boyfriend because he isolates himself out of a fear that they only want him for his looks.
Speaking of the main characters, I didn't like them. I didn't dislike them either. They were just boring. Their romance, for a supposed slow-burn, didn't have much development. Most of it took place off-page. There were also too many mentions of how dangerous Victor is. The author gave is no logical explanation as to why Victor held such power over his son. And it was just hard to take him seriously.
And, in the end, the book was a dull, predictable, overdramatic, and poorly developed romance featuring characters that simply didn't hold my attention. Definitely would not recommend.
This is proving to be a less-than-great month. I started this before days before I was due to post the review—it's an ARC—because, perhaps for the first time in my life, I thought to myself, why put it off when I can do it now? And it still didn't end well. Clearly, procrastination is just better.
The story follows Darius and Joshua. Darius's father, Victor, is evil and enjoys watching people suffer. Joshua's father works for/with Victor. Joshua and Darius have never met, but when Joshua's father suffers a loss in his business, Victor demands that they marry. Joshua goes through with it because he has no other choice. Darius agrees because... I'm not sure. Apparently, Victor is an all-powerful villain or something. And that's a problem.
I'd call Victor cartoonish, but I've seen much better-developed cartoon villains. So let's call him a plot-device. The MCs need to be in an arranged marriage? Evil Victor forced them. Need someone to create minor conflicts? Evil Victor does it. Need a conflict toward the end? Evil Victor is actually a psychopath, so he can do that too. Victor doesn't have a personality. He's just evil for the sake of being evil, and because that's what the plot needs him to be. But he's not the only issue with the book.
The author exaggerated things. A total shithead becomes evil personified, anger becomes uncontrollable rage, empathetic sadness becomes tears. And a good-looking guy, Joshua, who has trouble connecting with people, becomes someone who has no friends or boyfriend because he isolates himself out of a fear that they only want him for his looks.
Speaking of the main characters, I didn't like them. I didn't dislike them either. They were just boring. Their romance, for a supposed slow-burn, didn't have much development. Most of it took place off-page. There were also too many mentions of how dangerous Victor is. The author gave is no logical explanation as to why Victor held such power over his son. And it was just hard to take him seriously.
And, in the end, the book was a dull, predictable, overdramatic, and poorly developed romance featuring characters that simply didn't hold my attention. Definitely would not recommend.
December 21, 2021
This was a modern day, MM retelling of Beauty and the Beast that stuck very close to the original storyline and didn't give the readers anything new or different. The story was predictable and a bit unbelievable throughout but more so towards the end.
Nonetheless, the chemistry between the main character was well done. The stark distinction between the characters, their pasts and the overall angst in the relationship was handled well. The relationship between Darius and Joshua was super sweet and I loved reading about how they overcame their insecurities to be with each other.
Nonetheless, the chemistry between the main character was well done. The stark distinction between the characters, their pasts and the overall angst in the relationship was handled well. The relationship between Darius and Joshua was super sweet and I loved reading about how they overcame their insecurities to be with each other.
April 10, 2020
Way over the top!! And I loved it!! Minus one star, the last quarter of the book was extra cheesy. And I would have wanted a stronger reason to warrant Victor’s hatred towards Darius. However, I was glued to this story. “Beauty and the Beast” story lines are some of my favorite.
June 14, 2020
5 glowing stars for new to me narrator Kieran Flitton
4.5 stars story. Kieran Flitton brought the magic to this story. Typically I would've found parts of the story sappy and cheesy. But his voice and delivery were all on point and had me all kinds of swoony.
4.5 stars story. Kieran Flitton brought the magic to this story. Typically I would've found parts of the story sappy and cheesy. But his voice and delivery were all on point and had me all kinds of swoony.
December 13, 2023
This story dragged on for too long, on top of that the writing style was very tedious and circumlocutory, just stop beating around the bush and get to the point, otherwise it was a romantic story, The father tho was perfectly described as villainous Disney type of evil. Like he's so evil it was cartoonish even to the point its laughable. The third act felt like a bad soap opera with all the plot twist coming together.
January 15, 2021
I love fairy tales and retellings and all the iterations and possibilities.
This "modern" retelling of Beauty and the Beast was good for the characters and their romance, but a few plot points dragged me out of the story and I had to make a conscious decision to ignore them and just focus on the characters.
Darius and Josh grow into each other well and the push/pull of the forced marriage and real feels were good if a little over the top at times. Forgivable though, because, fairytale. The secondary characters were gems and I could have gone with a little less Darius waffling and more screen time with the staff at the castle and their tailor who brought some light to the tale.
The fact that Darius was a grown man, a war hero and financially independent, yet still completely under his father's thumb made no sense. Between that and the lack of connections to the world outside the castle, I could have been convinced that this was an AU historical. Which, honestly would have worked better as nonsense is more easily acceptable then. But the daddy issues and lack of wifi just read as convenience points to force the Beauty and the Beast theme along rather than actual problems they could have been facing.
But, if you can make yourself forget those pieces and just roll around in the romance it's a good retelling and enjoyable read.
This "modern" retelling of Beauty and the Beast was good for the characters and their romance, but a few plot points dragged me out of the story and I had to make a conscious decision to ignore them and just focus on the characters.
Darius and Josh grow into each other well and the push/pull of the forced marriage and real feels were good if a little over the top at times. Forgivable though, because, fairytale. The secondary characters were gems and I could have gone with a little less Darius waffling and more screen time with the staff at the castle and their tailor who brought some light to the tale.
The fact that Darius was a grown man, a war hero and financially independent, yet still completely under his father's thumb made no sense. Between that and the lack of connections to the world outside the castle, I could have been convinced that this was an AU historical. Which, honestly would have worked better as nonsense is more easily acceptable then. But the daddy issues and lack of wifi just read as convenience points to force the Beauty and the Beast theme along rather than actual problems they could have been facing.
But, if you can make yourself forget those pieces and just roll around in the romance it's a good retelling and enjoyable read.
February 18, 2020
Petals & Thorns
These two have my heart. Their loneliness and capacity for love reached through the pages and grabbed me. Darius may be prickly but he also has a deep protective streak. Joshua is shy but he breathes new life into Darius’s world In more ways than one. He really does deserve to be cherished. I think they both have beautiful souls and an amazing connection. Not to mention, they sizzle; Josh is curious about everything and lucky for us Darius is a thorough teacher.
When it comes to Darius’s father, all I can say is he is nefarious and evil, but never try to interfere with true love. Everyone should have a Bartholomew, Camille and a Mrs. Weatherby in their life. They’re fantastic and just what Darius and Joshua need. Combine that with a couple of adorable but clever helpers and it’s no wonder they found a forever home as well as something magical in each other.
These two have my heart. Their loneliness and capacity for love reached through the pages and grabbed me. Darius may be prickly but he also has a deep protective streak. Joshua is shy but he breathes new life into Darius’s world In more ways than one. He really does deserve to be cherished. I think they both have beautiful souls and an amazing connection. Not to mention, they sizzle; Josh is curious about everything and lucky for us Darius is a thorough teacher.
When it comes to Darius’s father, all I can say is he is nefarious and evil, but never try to interfere with true love. Everyone should have a Bartholomew, Camille and a Mrs. Weatherby in their life. They’re fantastic and just what Darius and Joshua need. Combine that with a couple of adorable but clever helpers and it’s no wonder they found a forever home as well as something magical in each other.
November 23, 2021
i wouldve rated this 3 stars if it was written in 2005 or something but in 2020? i am not into this weird ass no nuance description of small blond "beautiful" men. i would have tolerated it if it weren't so superficially and immaturely described too—"i wish i wasn't so beautiful and small uwu"... no <3
February 18, 2020
Thorn in His Side was an absolute fairytale of a read. It was full of things that made me swoon and hit me in the feels. It's got an adorably cute younger virgin, muscly growly older guy who needs to learn to love himself, forced proximity, a rumbling castle and a fluffy puppy. Oh and an evil bad guy!
Joshua and Darius are forced into marriage by Darius's father who is one of the nastiest characters I've read in ages. Darius has shut himself away for years. He's hurting and coming to terms with his scars and suffered years of abuse at the hands of his father. Being forced to live together Joshua and Darius get to know each other and feelings develop. I adored seeing the way Darius becomes a teddy bear with Joshua but is still protective and nurturing. And Joshua, damn I loved that boy. He really grew as a character in this book under Darius's love and that was the sweetest thing.
Really really loved this one.
Joshua and Darius are forced into marriage by Darius's father who is one of the nastiest characters I've read in ages. Darius has shut himself away for years. He's hurting and coming to terms with his scars and suffered years of abuse at the hands of his father. Being forced to live together Joshua and Darius get to know each other and feelings develop. I adored seeing the way Darius becomes a teddy bear with Joshua but is still protective and nurturing. And Joshua, damn I loved that boy. He really grew as a character in this book under Darius's love and that was the sweetest thing.
Really really loved this one.
May 27, 2020
Fairly fun rendition of Beauty and the Beast. Modernized and a whole lot gayer. I appreciated all the little nods to the cutesy fairytale it was modeled after: the castle and its forbidden wing, the cargo ships lost at sea, the importance of roses, Joshua BELLamny's name. It was fun. Of course it was also fairly forced. The cringiest part had to be the villain Victor, who existed for nothing more than to be a villain and lacked any kind of character or motivation beyond that means. When his evil plan unfolded I found it more comical than harrowing. I also thought it was regrettable that Helen Juliet didn't do more with her 'Richard' character. There was so much potential for drama there.
February 20, 2020
4.5 stars!
I’m a huge Beauty and The Beast fan so I love retellings, but I’m also a little extra critical of them. This one delivered in spades though and was absolutely amazing. I loved that each man was a little broken, for different reasons, and couldn’t really see their true worth. It took falling in love to start to love themselves and it was so beautifully done. A lot of it is so much like the original story, but in a contemporary and modern setting that makes it completely unique and breathes in fresh life. I’m still feeling a little swoony from the story and it’s definitely one I’ll revisit when I need a sweet love story.
I’m a huge Beauty and The Beast fan so I love retellings, but I’m also a little extra critical of them. This one delivered in spades though and was absolutely amazing. I loved that each man was a little broken, for different reasons, and couldn’t really see their true worth. It took falling in love to start to love themselves and it was so beautifully done. A lot of it is so much like the original story, but in a contemporary and modern setting that makes it completely unique and breathes in fresh life. I’m still feeling a little swoony from the story and it’s definitely one I’ll revisit when I need a sweet love story.
January 16, 2021
Moderne Mär mit vielen Fragezeichen
Joshua wird in eine Ehe gezwungen und begreift mit der Zeit, dass es seinem Mann ebenso ergangen ist. Werden die beiden ihr Glück trotzdem finden?
Ich kann einer „Der / Die Schöne und das Biest“ – Geschichte nicht widerstehen, also habe ich mich voller Begeisterung auf diese neue Adaption des alten Märchens gestürzt. Leider wirft „Joshua und das Biest“ von Helen Juliet von Anfang an die falschen Fragen auf.
Natürlich weiß man als geneigter Leser, dass das „Biest“ in dieser Story IMMER einer von den Guten ist. Aber mal ehrlich? Wie spannend ist die Geschichte, wenn ich das im ersten Kapitel lang und breit erklärt bekomme, statt zusammen mit dem Schönen langsam dahinter zu kommen, während ich voller Spannung einer neuen Interpretation der uralten Geschichte folge?
Ok, also hier ist (wie jeder unschwer der Leseprobe entnehmen kann) Darius offensichtlich ebenso ein Opfer, wie Joshua. Worin liegt also die echte Fragestellung der Story, deren Ende man mehr oder weniger kennt, weil: Altes Märchen, neu erzählt …
Mich hat das außerdem Setting völlig verwirrt. Ganz offensichtlich hat das aktuelle Großbritannien nicht nur den Brexit vollzogen, sondern auch jedem Erwachsenen die Möglichkeit genommen, sich ein eigenes Leben aufzubauen, wenn man Stress mit den Eltern hat. Nicht Leuten, die gerade erst volljährig sind, sondern auch gestandenen Männern wie Darius, wohlgemerkt! Wieso er seinem Vater geradezu hörig ist, habe ich bis am Schluss nicht verstanden.
Was mich aber fast noch mehr als die konstruiert wirkende Story gestört hat, ist die Sprache, in der sie erzählt wird. Helen Juliet schreibt auf Englisch, ich weiß also nicht, wem ich das ständige „er / sie / es war“ anlasten muss, ihr oder der Übersetzung. Es ist einfach kein gutes Deutsch, dieses Allerweltsverb ständig zu benutzen.
Fazit: Sorry, aber zu mehr als der Vergaben von sehr knappen 3 Punkten hat mich „Joshua und das Biest“ nicht hinreißen können. Kann man lesen, muss man aber nicht.
Joshua wird in eine Ehe gezwungen und begreift mit der Zeit, dass es seinem Mann ebenso ergangen ist. Werden die beiden ihr Glück trotzdem finden?
Ich kann einer „Der / Die Schöne und das Biest“ – Geschichte nicht widerstehen, also habe ich mich voller Begeisterung auf diese neue Adaption des alten Märchens gestürzt. Leider wirft „Joshua und das Biest“ von Helen Juliet von Anfang an die falschen Fragen auf.
Natürlich weiß man als geneigter Leser, dass das „Biest“ in dieser Story IMMER einer von den Guten ist. Aber mal ehrlich? Wie spannend ist die Geschichte, wenn ich das im ersten Kapitel lang und breit erklärt bekomme, statt zusammen mit dem Schönen langsam dahinter zu kommen, während ich voller Spannung einer neuen Interpretation der uralten Geschichte folge?
Ok, also hier ist (wie jeder unschwer der Leseprobe entnehmen kann) Darius offensichtlich ebenso ein Opfer, wie Joshua. Worin liegt also die echte Fragestellung der Story, deren Ende man mehr oder weniger kennt, weil: Altes Märchen, neu erzählt …
Mich hat das außerdem Setting völlig verwirrt. Ganz offensichtlich hat das aktuelle Großbritannien nicht nur den Brexit vollzogen, sondern auch jedem Erwachsenen die Möglichkeit genommen, sich ein eigenes Leben aufzubauen, wenn man Stress mit den Eltern hat. Nicht Leuten, die gerade erst volljährig sind, sondern auch gestandenen Männern wie Darius, wohlgemerkt! Wieso er seinem Vater geradezu hörig ist, habe ich bis am Schluss nicht verstanden.
Was mich aber fast noch mehr als die konstruiert wirkende Story gestört hat, ist die Sprache, in der sie erzählt wird. Helen Juliet schreibt auf Englisch, ich weiß also nicht, wem ich das ständige „er / sie / es war“ anlasten muss, ihr oder der Übersetzung. Es ist einfach kein gutes Deutsch, dieses Allerweltsverb ständig zu benutzen.
Fazit: Sorry, aber zu mehr als der Vergaben von sehr knappen 3 Punkten hat mich „Joshua und das Biest“ nicht hinreißen können. Kann man lesen, muss man aber nicht.
August 14, 2020
Loved it
So I’m a sucker for fairytales. I love the build up to live and the HEA. Makes me happy. This was a beauty and beast type of romance and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it because real life doesn’t apply so of course the horse could save the day. I loved their journey to their HEA. I loved watching them work to become better. I loved the love. The writing was great, the smexy was good and the side characters were funny. Gonna check out what other stories this author has written.
So I’m a sucker for fairytales. I love the build up to live and the HEA. Makes me happy. This was a beauty and beast type of romance and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it because real life doesn’t apply so of course the horse could save the day. I loved their journey to their HEA. I loved watching them work to become better. I loved the love. The writing was great, the smexy was good and the side characters were funny. Gonna check out what other stories this author has written.
January 20, 2021
Darum geht's:
Joshua und Darius lernen sich an ihrem Hochzeitstag kennen. Beide wurden aus unterschiedlichen Gründen zu dieser Ehe gezwungen und sind nicht gerade glücklich damit. Doch da sie auf Darius' Anwesen zusammen leben müssen und sich zwangsläufig über den Weg laufen, lernen sie sich doch von einer anderen Seite kennen und der erste Eindruck verwischt sich.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Joshua und Darius lernen sich an ihrem Hochzeitstag kennen. Beide wurden aus unterschiedlichen Gründen zu dieser Ehe gezwungen und sind nicht gerade glücklich damit. Doch da sie auf Darius' Anwesen zusammen leben müssen und sich zwangsläufig über den Weg laufen, lernen sie sich doch von einer anderen Seite kennen und der erste Eindruck verwischt sich.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
August 31, 2021
Way over the top story, but all fairy tales are. An arranged marriage forced upon two sons. One highly volatile temper/rage (PTSD), the other a beautiful, shy, caring and warm hearted virgin. Classic Beauty and the Beast story. Lots of angst with this one. And of course an over the top fairy tale ending that makes you smile.
March 17, 2020
2.5 starsq
August 9, 2020
Thorn by his Side by Helen Juliet is a MM Beauty and the Beast retelling. I really loved it. The writing, the story, the characters. If you love MM and fairytale retellings I really recommend this one.
November 16, 2020
You know those cute re-imaginings of classic fairy tales that leave you with a light heart and a smile on your face? Yeah, this is NOT it.
I was specifically looking for something with the arranged marriage theme, and I was delighted to find one that was a re-imagining of one of my favorite princess movies, only to be sorely disappointed. I wish I could give this one 0 stars.
It started so so, and it quickly went downhill from there, and the only reason I got to the end of this was because I listened to it while I was putting together a shelving unit and doing home chores. Otherwise, I would have never even finished it.
The author doesn't seem to be sure about when and where this story is taking place. We are told that it's modern times, as things like wifi and cell phones are mentioned, but for everything else, it reads as something of a regency era or something like that.
It makes no sense. Which part? Well... all of it.
The setting doesn't make sense, the characters don't make sense, the plot doesn't make sense... none of it makes sense.
The bad guy is some cartoonish mustache-twirling type of villain that Saturday morning cartoons would feel embarrassed about. He has zero personality and no motivation whatsoever. When he finally gets what's coming to him, because of course he does, he's literally sent to prison "for his many crimes". Yes, it is literally expressed like that. Oh, there is literally some dog punting, too, just to make it extra clear that this guy is evil.
Then the characters. Gods, they are painful, and kept making me facepalm all the time.
One is a surly late thirties recluse who is the heir of a fortune and a bloody castle complete with stables and a full staff body... and yet, he is oh so excited and accomplished when he starts working at a definitely not-fortune-making job and receive a salary. Also, he's so flat a character that we know nothing about him as a person.
Oh, also he owns a horse that seems to have been borrowed from the Tangled movie. Yes, the horse has that level of sentience. It is extremely cringy.
The other MC is... well, imagine a bad stereotype of teenage girl in the body of a gorgeous but otherwise hollow 21 year old guy. I mean, at least in Beauty and the Beast, Belle is portrayed as smart, independent, and ambitious. This guy? None of that. He *hates* that guys want him for his beautiful, beautiful looks... but honestly he doesn't seem to have anything else going on for him, other than generally good intentions. I mean, he's 21, but when he finds himself in this arranged marriage, we don't hear anything about him having to abandon his studies or some big project... not even a group of friends. And when he's in this castle, he finds purpose for his life in tending to the garden, which he also hadn't done before. Gods, now that I'm writing this, I realize he reads more like a seven year old than a legal adult... ew.
Anyway, this is a train wreck of a story that I recommend to nobody and that will have me checking this author's name to avoid her forever.
I was specifically looking for something with the arranged marriage theme, and I was delighted to find one that was a re-imagining of one of my favorite princess movies, only to be sorely disappointed. I wish I could give this one 0 stars.
It started so so, and it quickly went downhill from there, and the only reason I got to the end of this was because I listened to it while I was putting together a shelving unit and doing home chores. Otherwise, I would have never even finished it.
The author doesn't seem to be sure about when and where this story is taking place. We are told that it's modern times, as things like wifi and cell phones are mentioned, but for everything else, it reads as something of a regency era or something like that.
It makes no sense. Which part? Well... all of it.
The setting doesn't make sense, the characters don't make sense, the plot doesn't make sense... none of it makes sense.
The bad guy is some cartoonish mustache-twirling type of villain that Saturday morning cartoons would feel embarrassed about. He has zero personality and no motivation whatsoever. When he finally gets what's coming to him, because of course he does, he's literally sent to prison "for his many crimes". Yes, it is literally expressed like that. Oh, there is literally some dog punting, too, just to make it extra clear that this guy is evil.
Then the characters. Gods, they are painful, and kept making me facepalm all the time.
One is a surly late thirties recluse who is the heir of a fortune and a bloody castle complete with stables and a full staff body... and yet, he is oh so excited and accomplished when he starts working at a definitely not-fortune-making job and receive a salary. Also, he's so flat a character that we know nothing about him as a person.
Oh, also he owns a horse that seems to have been borrowed from the Tangled movie. Yes, the horse has that level of sentience. It is extremely cringy.
The other MC is... well, imagine a bad stereotype of teenage girl in the body of a gorgeous but otherwise hollow 21 year old guy. I mean, at least in Beauty and the Beast, Belle is portrayed as smart, independent, and ambitious. This guy? None of that. He *hates* that guys want him for his beautiful, beautiful looks... but honestly he doesn't seem to have anything else going on for him, other than generally good intentions. I mean, he's 21, but when he finds himself in this arranged marriage, we don't hear anything about him having to abandon his studies or some big project... not even a group of friends. And when he's in this castle, he finds purpose for his life in tending to the garden, which he also hadn't done before. Gods, now that I'm writing this, I realize he reads more like a seven year old than a legal adult... ew.
Anyway, this is a train wreck of a story that I recommend to nobody and that will have me checking this author's name to avoid her forever.
March 25, 2023
Sweet take on the Beauty and the Beast narrative. I enjoyed it, although some of the magical elements of the story converted into a non magical or magical realism book felt like a pretty big stretch. It was an overall enjoyable read.
Tags: Beauty and the beast retelling, veteran MC, evil father, arranged marriage
Tags: Beauty and the beast retelling, veteran MC, evil father, arranged marriage
February 22, 2020
Darius' father is controlling and villain like in his evilness. So when he forces a marriage of convenience upon Darius with the sweet Joshua, Darius is not expecting much. For his part, Joshua isn't looking forward to his marriage to the brutish Darius either. Luckily for both, neither man is quite what the other had expected, and feelings start to grow. But Darius knows better than to form an obvious connection, lest his father notice and target Joshua for his wrath, so he isn't outwardly expressive of his feelings. Will they ever be able to show their feelings for each other?
I love me a good fairy tale retelling, and this one is really an enjoyable take on Beauty and the Beast. Although slow burn in feel, the two have amazing chemistry, and are likable characters both individually and as a couple. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.
ARC via Gay Romance Reviews/LesCourt ARC Team for an honest review.
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April 4, 2020
I really liked this author's Christmas novella Glitter on the Garland, so I was excited to read this book. The story line is a play on "Beauty in the Beast" which should tell you most of what you need to know about the plot. Overall, this was just okay. I liked the characters enough, but I didn't feel like I knew enough about them and/or their backstory to really connect and root for them. Also, there were some weird gender tropes related to beauty and what it means to be masculine/feminine that I found to be a little dated. So this was just okay for me. Given how much I liked the Christmas novella, I'll likely read 1-2 more works by this author before determining if she will be an auto-buy or auto-read for me.
May 11, 2020
I skimmed it, which kind of means it has to be one star. I started skimming somewhere around 40%.
This story was tired. It was Beauty and the Beast with the drama ramped up to 11 and a villain so melodramatic and ridiculous as to be completely unbelievable. The setting was baffling and made only compelling in the way that I wanted more information just to figure out where and when the hell we were. The characters didn't sell me on their romance. The climax...my jaw dropped. Again, I return to the word "baffling."
This story was tired. It was Beauty and the Beast with the drama ramped up to 11 and a villain so melodramatic and ridiculous as to be completely unbelievable. The setting was baffling and made only compelling in the way that I wanted more information just to figure out where and when the hell we were. The characters didn't sell me on their romance. The climax...my jaw dropped. Again, I return to the word "baffling."
November 6, 2024
Voto 4,5
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Giusi - per RFS
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Chi non ama una dolce, appassionata, incantevole e sensuale favola d’amore? Dopo essermi innamorata di Come d’incanto, la versione in chiave mm della favola di Cenerentola di Helen Juliet, non potevo certamente perdermi il retelling della mia fiaba preferita La bella e la bestia. L’autrice non mi ha affatto delusa, anzi ho amato immensamente questa rielaborazione, mi ha incantata con la sua emozionante e irresistibile scrittura, con l’ardore travolgente e la delicatezza che traspaiono in ogni pagina.
Incontriamo i nostri protagonisti, Joshua e Darius il giorno delle loro nozze.
Darius ha trentasette anni, è un uomo robusto e muscoloso, con peli ispidi e scuri che gli ricoprono la maggior parte del corpo e cicatrici a tracciarne la pelle, eredità della sua missione in Afghanistan. Solitario e cupo, vive in un arido e oscuro castello, con l’anima ancora più sfregiata del suo corpo a causa dei ricordi della guerra che continuano a tormentarlo. Il padre gli ha combinato il matrimonio con il figlio di un uomo con cui è in affari e che gli deve dei soldi. Darius è abituato alle prepotenze e cattiverie del padre, ma non pensava sarebbe arrivato a imporgli un’unione con un uomo mai visto prima.
Joshua ha solamente ventuno anni, è bellissimo e d’aspetto delicato, non ha mai avuto nemmeno un fidanzato ed è privo di esperienze nonostante la sua incredibile avvenenza. Ma è costretto ad acconsentire a questo patto per salvare il padre dalla bancarotta. Il ragazzo non si era mai soffermato a fantasticare sul suo matrimonio ma nemmeno nel peggiore degli incubi avrebbe mai immaginato di incontrare il suo sposo solo il giorno delle nozze, né che il futuro marito fosse un uomo imponente, dai modi bruschi, capace di terrorizzarlo con uno sguardo e che probabilmente è arrabbiatissimo per dover sposare un tipino fragile come lui.
“E… oh… che occhi. Erano di una straordinaria sfumatura di blu, come un cielo chiaro che si rifletteva sulla neve fresca. Ma ignorò fermamente l’ondata primitiva di desiderio che divampò in lui nel breve momento in cui i loro sguardi si incrociano. Perché il resto di Darius Legrand era fottutamente barbarico.”
Tutt’altra impressione ha Darius quando se lo trova davanti durante quell’assurda e sbrigativa cerimonia nuziale: il ragazzino è bellissimo, troppo giovane e dall’apparenza così fragile e ingenua da non meritare la punizione di avere un marito come lui!
“Non aveva pensato che Joshua Bellamy avrebbe potuto essere così bello da spezzare il cuore. Non aveva avuto problemi a riconoscere che Joshua, nonostante il completo grigio della taglia sbagliata, fosse perfettamente proporzionato, alto e magro, con gli zigomi alti, soffici capelli biondi e mani dall’aspetto delicato. Ma le labbra. Quegli occhi. Gemette al solo pensiero, mentre si spostava nella sedia di pelle e si sistemava il cavallo dei pantaloni prima che diventasse troppo stretto. La bocca del ragazzo era rosa chiaro, a forma di cuore, fatta per essere baciata. Non era come gli altri uomini che aveva incontrato fino a quel momento, eppure lo aveva desiderato immediatamente. Quindi ovviamente non poteva averlo.”
Darius è molto attratto dal neo marito, si sente rimescolare tutto quando lo ha accanto e desidera ardentemente proteggerlo e tenerlo al sicuro ma si tiene lontano perché, durante quell’assurda cerimonia, lo ha visto tremare come un pulcino spaventato e non ha intenzione di importunarlo. Joshua gli sembra un timido angelo, ingenuo e fragile, tenerissimo con quelle adorabili pantofole in maglia e l’uomo non vuole sporcarlo con il suo animo nero.
Il ragazzo, anche se trema davanti al marito, vorrebbe conoscerlo davvero e appena scorge la sua incredibile dolcezza, si sente terribilmente affascinato e anche attratto da quell’uomo imponente e bellissimo. I due iniziano a conoscersi, a capirsi e le barriere tra loro, prima si incrinano per poi venire smantellate, sorriso dopo sorriso, una parola alla volta, un lieve e soffice tocco che diventa poi fuoco, bisogno di toccarsi, baciarsi, fondersi.
Una spina nel fianco è un romanzo tra le cui pagine non ho potuto fare a meno di emozionarmi, sorridendo per la dolcezza che permea ogni interazione tra i due protagonisti, per i teneri, timidi e impacciati passi di avvicinamento tra due uomini che sono stati scaraventati in un matrimonio senza avere la minima idea di cosa aspettarsi l’uno dall’altro ma, che hanno imparato a conoscersi, comprendersi e hanno scoperto la bellezza del cuore di chi hanno accanto. Il fuoco che divampa tra loro dà poi vita a momenti incredibilmente hot.
“Non avrebbe mai pensato che sarebbe stato allungato lì, con le sue cicatrici in bella vista. Ma Joshua non lo aveva trattato come un mostro grottesco. Il ricordo del modo in cui lo aveva toccato e baciato lo fece rabbrividire. Pensava che fosse impossibile che qualcuno potesse accettare il suo corpo dopo il massacro che aveva subito. Ma non aveva mai conosciuto qualcuno come Joshua.”
Una favola intrisa di romanticismo, un amore che sboccia come le rose del castello di Darius che Joshua ha curato con pazienza e dedizione: germogli da crescere, curare e vedere splendere. Per chi ama le storie d’amore sofferte, che crescono a poco a poco per poi sfociare in una connessione colma di passione e desiderio.
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Giusi - per RFS
.
Chi non ama una dolce, appassionata, incantevole e sensuale favola d’amore? Dopo essermi innamorata di Come d’incanto, la versione in chiave mm della favola di Cenerentola di Helen Juliet, non potevo certamente perdermi il retelling della mia fiaba preferita La bella e la bestia. L’autrice non mi ha affatto delusa, anzi ho amato immensamente questa rielaborazione, mi ha incantata con la sua emozionante e irresistibile scrittura, con l’ardore travolgente e la delicatezza che traspaiono in ogni pagina.
Incontriamo i nostri protagonisti, Joshua e Darius il giorno delle loro nozze.
Darius ha trentasette anni, è un uomo robusto e muscoloso, con peli ispidi e scuri che gli ricoprono la maggior parte del corpo e cicatrici a tracciarne la pelle, eredità della sua missione in Afghanistan. Solitario e cupo, vive in un arido e oscuro castello, con l’anima ancora più sfregiata del suo corpo a causa dei ricordi della guerra che continuano a tormentarlo. Il padre gli ha combinato il matrimonio con il figlio di un uomo con cui è in affari e che gli deve dei soldi. Darius è abituato alle prepotenze e cattiverie del padre, ma non pensava sarebbe arrivato a imporgli un’unione con un uomo mai visto prima.
Joshua ha solamente ventuno anni, è bellissimo e d’aspetto delicato, non ha mai avuto nemmeno un fidanzato ed è privo di esperienze nonostante la sua incredibile avvenenza. Ma è costretto ad acconsentire a questo patto per salvare il padre dalla bancarotta. Il ragazzo non si era mai soffermato a fantasticare sul suo matrimonio ma nemmeno nel peggiore degli incubi avrebbe mai immaginato di incontrare il suo sposo solo il giorno delle nozze, né che il futuro marito fosse un uomo imponente, dai modi bruschi, capace di terrorizzarlo con uno sguardo e che probabilmente è arrabbiatissimo per dover sposare un tipino fragile come lui.
“E… oh… che occhi. Erano di una straordinaria sfumatura di blu, come un cielo chiaro che si rifletteva sulla neve fresca. Ma ignorò fermamente l’ondata primitiva di desiderio che divampò in lui nel breve momento in cui i loro sguardi si incrociano. Perché il resto di Darius Legrand era fottutamente barbarico.”
Tutt’altra impressione ha Darius quando se lo trova davanti durante quell’assurda e sbrigativa cerimonia nuziale: il ragazzino è bellissimo, troppo giovane e dall’apparenza così fragile e ingenua da non meritare la punizione di avere un marito come lui!
“Non aveva pensato che Joshua Bellamy avrebbe potuto essere così bello da spezzare il cuore. Non aveva avuto problemi a riconoscere che Joshua, nonostante il completo grigio della taglia sbagliata, fosse perfettamente proporzionato, alto e magro, con gli zigomi alti, soffici capelli biondi e mani dall’aspetto delicato. Ma le labbra. Quegli occhi. Gemette al solo pensiero, mentre si spostava nella sedia di pelle e si sistemava il cavallo dei pantaloni prima che diventasse troppo stretto. La bocca del ragazzo era rosa chiaro, a forma di cuore, fatta per essere baciata. Non era come gli altri uomini che aveva incontrato fino a quel momento, eppure lo aveva desiderato immediatamente. Quindi ovviamente non poteva averlo.”
Darius è molto attratto dal neo marito, si sente rimescolare tutto quando lo ha accanto e desidera ardentemente proteggerlo e tenerlo al sicuro ma si tiene lontano perché, durante quell’assurda cerimonia, lo ha visto tremare come un pulcino spaventato e non ha intenzione di importunarlo. Joshua gli sembra un timido angelo, ingenuo e fragile, tenerissimo con quelle adorabili pantofole in maglia e l’uomo non vuole sporcarlo con il suo animo nero.
Il ragazzo, anche se trema davanti al marito, vorrebbe conoscerlo davvero e appena scorge la sua incredibile dolcezza, si sente terribilmente affascinato e anche attratto da quell’uomo imponente e bellissimo. I due iniziano a conoscersi, a capirsi e le barriere tra loro, prima si incrinano per poi venire smantellate, sorriso dopo sorriso, una parola alla volta, un lieve e soffice tocco che diventa poi fuoco, bisogno di toccarsi, baciarsi, fondersi.
Una spina nel fianco è un romanzo tra le cui pagine non ho potuto fare a meno di emozionarmi, sorridendo per la dolcezza che permea ogni interazione tra i due protagonisti, per i teneri, timidi e impacciati passi di avvicinamento tra due uomini che sono stati scaraventati in un matrimonio senza avere la minima idea di cosa aspettarsi l’uno dall’altro ma, che hanno imparato a conoscersi, comprendersi e hanno scoperto la bellezza del cuore di chi hanno accanto. Il fuoco che divampa tra loro dà poi vita a momenti incredibilmente hot.
“Non avrebbe mai pensato che sarebbe stato allungato lì, con le sue cicatrici in bella vista. Ma Joshua non lo aveva trattato come un mostro grottesco. Il ricordo del modo in cui lo aveva toccato e baciato lo fece rabbrividire. Pensava che fosse impossibile che qualcuno potesse accettare il suo corpo dopo il massacro che aveva subito. Ma non aveva mai conosciuto qualcuno come Joshua.”
Una favola intrisa di romanticismo, un amore che sboccia come le rose del castello di Darius che Joshua ha curato con pazienza e dedizione: germogli da crescere, curare e vedere splendere. Per chi ama le storie d’amore sofferte, che crescono a poco a poco per poi sfociare in una connessione colma di passione e desiderio.
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