What do you think?
Rate this book
The Transformation Trilogy #1
Bend Her
Lisane:
My whole life, I had been a creature used to candlelight.
But I wasn’t accustomed to my own breath hot against my face, or the rough feeling of fabric against my cheek—or knowing that my wrists were tied behind my back, painfully tight.
The last thing I could recall was being in a carriage…We’d been running away from the Deathless . . .
And now I was here.
Wherever here was.
Tied up, in the dark, on the ground, with a bag around my head.
The very thing my father had been afraid of for me for my whole life—and the reason I lived in a gilded cage, only getting to leave the palace when I had throne-sworn mages by my side—had apparently happened.
I had been kidnapped.
Rhaim:
Every mage gets one clear vision on the eve of their Ascension into their full powers, right before they get the brand of their mage-mark: you see the thing that will cause your absolute demise.
Some men see snowy peaks or waterfalls, others bucking horses, and some lucky few see themselves with old and wrinkled hands, passing peacefully in their sleep.
In all instances, we’re told, the reasoning behind the visions is the same: if you’re strong enough to be trusted with powers, then you must learn to accept the hand of fate, as surely as you’d earned it as your mage-mark.
You need to know, deep in your bones and now scarred on your skin, that while there are things in the world you can change with your powers, death comes for us all.
There is no amount of magic that can escape it.
And so, when a group of soldiers brought a bound and drugged woman to my doorstep, to bribe me to fight in their war, and pulled the bag off of her head and I saw her there—the woman from the vision at my Ascension, and who has haunted my dreams ever since—I knew it was the beginning of my end.
She had no idea who I was, or what we were to each other. She knew nothing about my fate or future with her, or how she was destined to kill me.
Which meant in the present . . . she was mine, to do with as I pleased.
And I wanted to see her crawl.
From the author of the Dark Ink Tattoo series and the co-author of Prince of the Other Worlds, comes Bend Her, dark fantasy romance akin to Kushiel's Dart, about Rhaim the All-Beast, a cruel mage doomed to die at the hands of the woman he must protect at all costs, and Lisane, the sheltered Princess of Tears, who has been given into his care and who needs him to teach her magic so she can be free—no matter how much it might hurt her.
My whole life, I had been a creature used to candlelight.
But I wasn’t accustomed to my own breath hot against my face, or the rough feeling of fabric against my cheek—or knowing that my wrists were tied behind my back, painfully tight.
The last thing I could recall was being in a carriage…We’d been running away from the Deathless . . .
And now I was here.
Wherever here was.
Tied up, in the dark, on the ground, with a bag around my head.
The very thing my father had been afraid of for me for my whole life—and the reason I lived in a gilded cage, only getting to leave the palace when I had throne-sworn mages by my side—had apparently happened.
I had been kidnapped.
Rhaim:
Every mage gets one clear vision on the eve of their Ascension into their full powers, right before they get the brand of their mage-mark: you see the thing that will cause your absolute demise.
Some men see snowy peaks or waterfalls, others bucking horses, and some lucky few see themselves with old and wrinkled hands, passing peacefully in their sleep.
In all instances, we’re told, the reasoning behind the visions is the same: if you’re strong enough to be trusted with powers, then you must learn to accept the hand of fate, as surely as you’d earned it as your mage-mark.
You need to know, deep in your bones and now scarred on your skin, that while there are things in the world you can change with your powers, death comes for us all.
There is no amount of magic that can escape it.
And so, when a group of soldiers brought a bound and drugged woman to my doorstep, to bribe me to fight in their war, and pulled the bag off of her head and I saw her there—the woman from the vision at my Ascension, and who has haunted my dreams ever since—I knew it was the beginning of my end.
She had no idea who I was, or what we were to each other. She knew nothing about my fate or future with her, or how she was destined to kill me.
Which meant in the present . . . she was mine, to do with as I pleased.
And I wanted to see her crawl.
From the author of the Dark Ink Tattoo series and the co-author of Prince of the Other Worlds, comes Bend Her, dark fantasy romance akin to Kushiel's Dart, about Rhaim the All-Beast, a cruel mage doomed to die at the hands of the woman he must protect at all costs, and Lisane, the sheltered Princess of Tears, who has been given into his care and who needs him to teach her magic so she can be free—no matter how much it might hurt her.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2023
1793 people are currently reading
24236 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Alexander
134 books1,455 followersSign up to Cassie's newsletter for sexy bonus scenes on all her books here!
US links:
https://linktr.ee/cassiealexander
Hi there! I'm a registered nurse and author. As Cassandra, I wrote the Year of the Nurse: A Covid-19 Pandemic Memoir. As Cassie, I've written numerous (and very hot!) paranormal romances, sometimes with my friend Kara Lockharte. I live in the Bay Area with one husband, two cats, and one million succulents.
US links:
https://linktr.ee/cassiealexander
Hi there! I'm a registered nurse and author. As Cassandra, I wrote the Year of the Nurse: A Covid-19 Pandemic Memoir. As Cassie, I've written numerous (and very hot!) paranormal romances, sometimes with my friend Kara Lockharte. I live in the Bay Area with one husband, two cats, and one million succulents.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 957 reviews
sampled-and-declined
February 18, 2023A kidnapper & kidnapped "romance" with Dom/Sub dynamics thrown in for good measure? Nah, that's not what Beauty & Beast is about, and I wish "dark" romances stopped trying to co-opt my favourite fairy tale for things like this. Hard pass!
July 18, 2024
Let me start by saying I wouldn't recommend this book.
Buckle up. I've got a lot to say. The writing is fine, which, I believe, is why I was able to get through it. However, the story and plot felt underdeveloped, and the abuse (which was very clearly abuse) was meant to be sexy and alluring, but it wasn't. At all. Not even a little bit.
The book is written from dual pov, which in theory makes sense but wasn't executed well, leaving the book lacking in story and character development. It felt like the author struggled to give the story substance with two povs, and it might have been more beneficial to focus on just one pov. The MMC's pov was meant to explain the magic system to us; that was it, but the author tried to stretch it out, and it made his story feel almost silly. He would think one thing, and two pages later he'd think the complete opposite. There was no development, only whiplash.
The true pov was that of the FMC. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if the story had been told through only her eyes. We are discovering a new world with her as she learns more about herself, her limits and boundaries, and what she truly wants in life. And instead of the MMC pov, we could have learned about the magic system through the mage journals she was reading. No need for the MMC's pov.
Okay, now let's talk about the psychological and physical abuse.
>> Mild Spoilers<<
The MMC holds learning magic over the FMC's head as a way to physically harm her, despite her expressing her fear and shame AND despite him saying he "cares" about her. So, you're telling me... the only way for the FMC to develop her magic is to ignore all of her internal alarms and let the man she thinks has kidnapped her to starve and hit her on a regular basis? Gross. But my main problem with it is when this abuse is written with the purpose of being "sexy" and as the foundation of the characters "falling in love." No. Gaslighting someone into accepting abuse is not sexy. It's cringy. It's icky. It romanticizes abuse. Period.
Their "love" story can only be described as Stockholm syndrome.
Final note: Also, I'm not sure where the "beauty and the beast" parallel holds up outside of him transforming into a beast.
Skip it. Skip it. Skip it.
Buckle up. I've got a lot to say. The writing is fine, which, I believe, is why I was able to get through it. However, the story and plot felt underdeveloped, and the abuse (which was very clearly abuse) was meant to be sexy and alluring, but it wasn't. At all. Not even a little bit.
The book is written from dual pov, which in theory makes sense but wasn't executed well, leaving the book lacking in story and character development. It felt like the author struggled to give the story substance with two povs, and it might have been more beneficial to focus on just one pov. The MMC's pov was meant to explain the magic system to us; that was it, but the author tried to stretch it out, and it made his story feel almost silly. He would think one thing, and two pages later he'd think the complete opposite. There was no development, only whiplash.
The true pov was that of the FMC. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if the story had been told through only her eyes. We are discovering a new world with her as she learns more about herself, her limits and boundaries, and what she truly wants in life. And instead of the MMC pov, we could have learned about the magic system through the mage journals she was reading. No need for the MMC's pov.
Okay, now let's talk about the psychological and physical abuse.
>> Mild Spoilers<<
The MMC holds learning magic over the FMC's head as a way to physically harm her, despite her expressing her fear and shame AND despite him saying he "cares" about her. So, you're telling me... the only way for the FMC to develop her magic is to ignore all of her internal alarms and let the man she thinks has kidnapped her to starve and hit her on a regular basis? Gross. But my main problem with it is when this abuse is written with the purpose of being "sexy" and as the foundation of the characters "falling in love." No. Gaslighting someone into accepting abuse is not sexy. It's cringy. It's icky. It romanticizes abuse. Period.
Their "love" story can only be described as Stockholm syndrome.
Final note: Also, I'm not sure where the "beauty and the beast" parallel holds up outside of him transforming into a beast.
Skip it. Skip it. Skip it.
March 26, 2023
⇢ Actual Rating: 3.5🌟
Bend Her is the first installment in a new Dark Fantasy Romance series and is a Beauty and the Beast retelling ~
⇢ What to expect:
∘ Beauty and the Beast retelling
∘ Powerful Mage x Sheltered Princess
∘ Great Worldbuilding
∘ Complex Characters
∘ Dual POV
∘ Fast-paced
∘ Light BDSM ∘ Dom/sub dynamic
∘ Magic & magical creatures
∘ Loyal and cute spider-cat 🥹❤️
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Enemies to Lovers
∘ Slowburn
∘ Age Gap
∘ "Touch her and you die"
∘ Forced Proximity
∘ He falls first
⤏ Summary
The story follows Rhaim, the "All-Beast", and Lisane, the "Princess of Tears".
On the eve of their Ascension, every mage is granted a single clear vision just before they receive the mage-mark brand. This vision reveals the one thing that will inevitably lead to their downfall. Rhaim's vision was of a girl with striking hazel eyes and he had been searching for her ever since. Their fates collide when Lisane is brought to Rhaim's doorstep, gifted to him by her father in exchange for his efforts in the ongoing war towards the Deathless.
Rhaim's captivation with Lisane persists despite the danger she presents. His beast craves her, while the human finds himself at an impasse, knowing he must get rid of her or prevent her from becoming a danger to him.
⤏ Plot/Writing
It started with "I'll read a chapter or two ..." and before I knew it I was 50% in and couldn't stop.
The book sucks you in and it's so easy to read, I would've finished it in one sitting if I wasn't sick.
Being a "Beauty and The Beast" retelling you can already guess the main elements you'd find here: the castle, the magic, the library, and of course, the Beast.
Waking up in the Beast's castle, Lisane is terrified and lost, not knowing how she got there and especially what to expect. However, after finding out Rhaim's a powerful mage, she soon becomes his first student. And things quickly grow into a routine for both of them.
As mentioned in the beginning, this book is dark so expect to find such elements here, and please beware of the trigger warnings.
⤏ Worldbuilding
I found the worldbuilding and magic system to be intriguing. I was fascinated with this magical world and I can't wait to read more about it, and maybe even explore it more, in the following books!
⤏ Characters
∘ Lisane
Lisane is a sheltered princess, who's been living her whole life in the women's chambers, which are underground. - such a cruel way to live.
Note: The women are living like this because it prevents mages from teleporting in and kidnapping them.
Her life gets turned upside down when she wakes up in Rhaim's dungeon, with no recollection of how she got there and no idea whose home she's in.
After deciding she wants to become a mage, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and begins to explore the depths of her power.
∘ Rhaim
Rhaim, an 800-year-old powerful mage, embodies the classic image of tall, dark, and handsome. He's a grumpy man living in a floating castle (yes, you read that right) with Finx, his cute spider-cat, spending his days acquiring knowledge and doing experiments in his laboratory.
In the beginning, he was trying to punish Lisane and make her feel humiliated, but after a while, he didn't mind her being in his home.
∘ Her father, brother and fiance are not worth mentioning and I hold no respect for them.
⤏ Romance
Things are moving slowly, so don't expect many romance scenes, especially not sweet ones. The story delivers a range of compelling elements, including tension, and sizzling interactions.
I loved how possessive he started being of her and judging by that ending, I'm sure we'll get some hot scenes in the next book.
⤏ Conclusion
The book was both entertaining and a quick read. Combining my love for "Beauty and the Beast" with a captivating plot and intriguing characters, this book was a perfect read that I truly enjoyed.
~ currently waiting for the second installment ~
Bend Her is the first installment in a new Dark Fantasy Romance series and is a Beauty and the Beast retelling ~
⇢ What to expect:
∘ Beauty and the Beast retelling
∘ Powerful Mage x Sheltered Princess
∘ Great Worldbuilding
∘ Complex Characters
∘ Dual POV
∘ Fast-paced
∘ Light BDSM ∘ Dom/sub dynamic
∘ Magic & magical creatures
∘ Loyal and cute spider-cat 🥹❤️
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Enemies to Lovers
∘ Slowburn
∘ Age Gap
∘ "Touch her and you die"
∘ Forced Proximity
∘ He falls first
⤏ Summary
The story follows Rhaim, the "All-Beast", and Lisane, the "Princess of Tears".
On the eve of their Ascension, every mage is granted a single clear vision just before they receive the mage-mark brand. This vision reveals the one thing that will inevitably lead to their downfall. Rhaim's vision was of a girl with striking hazel eyes and he had been searching for her ever since. Their fates collide when Lisane is brought to Rhaim's doorstep, gifted to him by her father in exchange for his efforts in the ongoing war towards the Deathless.
Rhaim's captivation with Lisane persists despite the danger she presents. His beast craves her, while the human finds himself at an impasse, knowing he must get rid of her or prevent her from becoming a danger to him.
⤏ Plot/Writing
It started with "I'll read a chapter or two ..." and before I knew it I was 50% in and couldn't stop.
The book sucks you in and it's so easy to read, I would've finished it in one sitting if I wasn't sick.
Being a "Beauty and The Beast" retelling you can already guess the main elements you'd find here: the castle, the magic, the library, and of course, the Beast.
Waking up in the Beast's castle, Lisane is terrified and lost, not knowing how she got there and especially what to expect. However, after finding out Rhaim's a powerful mage, she soon becomes his first student. And things quickly grow into a routine for both of them.
As mentioned in the beginning, this book is dark so expect to find such elements here, and please beware of the trigger warnings.
⤏ Worldbuilding
I found the worldbuilding and magic system to be intriguing. I was fascinated with this magical world and I can't wait to read more about it, and maybe even explore it more, in the following books!
⤏ Characters
∘ Lisane
Lisane is a sheltered princess, who's been living her whole life in the women's chambers, which are underground. - such a cruel way to live.
Note: The women are living like this because it prevents mages from teleporting in and kidnapping them.
Her life gets turned upside down when she wakes up in Rhaim's dungeon, with no recollection of how she got there and no idea whose home she's in.
After deciding she wants to become a mage, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and begins to explore the depths of her power.
∘ Rhaim
Rhaim, an 800-year-old powerful mage, embodies the classic image of tall, dark, and handsome. He's a grumpy man living in a floating castle (yes, you read that right) with Finx, his cute spider-cat, spending his days acquiring knowledge and doing experiments in his laboratory.
In the beginning, he was trying to punish Lisane and make her feel humiliated, but after a while, he didn't mind her being in his home.
∘ Her father, brother and fiance are not worth mentioning and I hold no respect for them.
⤏ Romance
Things are moving slowly, so don't expect many romance scenes, especially not sweet ones. The story delivers a range of compelling elements, including tension, and sizzling interactions.
I loved how possessive he started being of her and judging by that ending, I'm sure we'll get some hot scenes in the next book.
⤏ Conclusion
The book was both entertaining and a quick read. Combining my love for "Beauty and the Beast" with a captivating plot and intriguing characters, this book was a perfect read that I truly enjoyed.
~ currently waiting for the second installment ~
July 30, 2023
5/5 This book blew me away.
TROPES:
~virgin princess x morally grey hero
~Beauty and the Beast retelling
~mentor/student
~age gap
~spicy slow burn
~touch her & die
~captivity/forced prox
~enemies to lovers
~deadly prophecy
~magic
This is book 1 in Cassie Alexander's Transformation Trilogy. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling set in a fantasy land. There's intrigue, action, revenge, betrayal, HOT slow burn- all with a virgin princess and a morally grey shifter who knows magic. This book BLEW me away. I've read it twice now in preparation for book 3 to come out in a few days!
Lisane is an 18 year old princess. She gets betrayed by her family and is being held captive with Rhaim in his floating castle. She hates him in the beginning because of all the things he made her do. My favorite one was him telling her to "crawl to him" and eat off his dinner plate! ;)
Rhaim is an enigma. He's a shifter, 800 years old, and knows more magic than all the other people in this book. Lisane asks him to teach her magic... let the lessons begin. ;)
Y'all, I can't even say how much I adore this book. Cassie Alexander is a fantastically brilliant author who knows how to suck you right into the story. I'm usually not a fan of fantasy but this book completely changed my mind. I'm so happy I read it!
LIKES:
~The slow burn!!! It's so intense!
~The fact that Rhaim lives in a floating castle... it sounds amazing!
~Rhaim has a pierced dick. Yes, you read that right.
~Lisane is determined to learn magic and will do anything for Rhaim to teach her. I loved her character. She's very gentle but has some fire in her!
~Rhaim can COMMUNICATE WITH ANIMALS!!! I've never read that in a book!
~The artwork for this book. It's insanely hot.
DISLIKES:
~nothing at all!! I loved every second of this book!
SAFETY:
Ages: 18h, 800+ H
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, not a manwhore hero
OM/OW drama: none
Cheating/sharing: none
Triggers: kidnap/captivity
Kinks: spanking, dirty talk, BDSM vibes, so much sexual tension it should be illegal
HEA?: cliffhanger, but book 2 is out!
TROPES:
~virgin princess x morally grey hero
~Beauty and the Beast retelling
~mentor/student
~age gap
~spicy slow burn
~touch her & die
~captivity/forced prox
~enemies to lovers
~deadly prophecy
~magic
This is book 1 in Cassie Alexander's Transformation Trilogy. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling set in a fantasy land. There's intrigue, action, revenge, betrayal, HOT slow burn- all with a virgin princess and a morally grey shifter who knows magic. This book BLEW me away. I've read it twice now in preparation for book 3 to come out in a few days!
Lisane is an 18 year old princess. She gets betrayed by her family and is being held captive with Rhaim in his floating castle. She hates him in the beginning because of all the things he made her do. My favorite one was him telling her to "crawl to him" and eat off his dinner plate! ;)
Rhaim is an enigma. He's a shifter, 800 years old, and knows more magic than all the other people in this book. Lisane asks him to teach her magic... let the lessons begin. ;)
Y'all, I can't even say how much I adore this book. Cassie Alexander is a fantastically brilliant author who knows how to suck you right into the story. I'm usually not a fan of fantasy but this book completely changed my mind. I'm so happy I read it!
LIKES:
~The slow burn!!! It's so intense!
~The fact that Rhaim lives in a floating castle... it sounds amazing!
~Rhaim has a pierced dick. Yes, you read that right.
~Lisane is determined to learn magic and will do anything for Rhaim to teach her. I loved her character. She's very gentle but has some fire in her!
~Rhaim can COMMUNICATE WITH ANIMALS!!! I've never read that in a book!
~The artwork for this book. It's insanely hot.
DISLIKES:
~nothing at all!! I loved every second of this book!
SAFETY:
Ages: 18h, 800+ H
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, not a manwhore hero
OM/OW drama: none
Cheating/sharing: none
Triggers: kidnap/captivity
Kinks: spanking, dirty talk, BDSM vibes, so much sexual tension it should be illegal
HEA?: cliffhanger, but book 2 is out!
January 3, 2023
Review 4.5 stars! ❤️
This is the first book in a dark fantasy romance series that follows the story of a princess that is kidnapped by the All-beast. The story is based on Beauty & the Beast but it gives us a new darker twist to the story, involving not only magic and mages but also a deadly war against The Deathless, lots of betrayals and a incredibly sexy Dom/sub dynamic between Lisane and Rhaim.
Surprisingly of my favorite elements of the story was the plot against the Deathless and the unique magics that each mage possessed. The All-beast was so fearsome and intriguing, he could not only control and manipulate beasts surrounding him but also become one himself. Every time he went to battle I was excited to see what he would do next.
While Lisane is held captured, Rhaim agrees to train her to become a mage. Her pride is at stake as she has to relinquish control of her body completely to Rhaim in order to progress in her training. The romance builds up throughout the novel as the attraction and chemistry between the two increases. One of my favorites elements is how protective Rhaim is of Lisane, he gives off total "touch her and I'll kill you" vibes!
The story has some kinky hot Dom/sub scenes so get ready for those 🔥🥵
Can't wait for book 2!
This is the first book in a dark fantasy romance series that follows the story of a princess that is kidnapped by the All-beast. The story is based on Beauty & the Beast but it gives us a new darker twist to the story, involving not only magic and mages but also a deadly war against The Deathless, lots of betrayals and a incredibly sexy Dom/sub dynamic between Lisane and Rhaim.
Surprisingly of my favorite elements of the story was the plot against the Deathless and the unique magics that each mage possessed. The All-beast was so fearsome and intriguing, he could not only control and manipulate beasts surrounding him but also become one himself. Every time he went to battle I was excited to see what he would do next.
While Lisane is held captured, Rhaim agrees to train her to become a mage. Her pride is at stake as she has to relinquish control of her body completely to Rhaim in order to progress in her training. The romance builds up throughout the novel as the attraction and chemistry between the two increases. One of my favorites elements is how protective Rhaim is of Lisane, he gives off total "touch her and I'll kill you" vibes!
The story has some kinky hot Dom/sub scenes so get ready for those 🔥🥵
Can't wait for book 2!
November 29, 2024
I have to DNF at 46%. Main reasons include the fact that this book needed editing and drafting quite a bit more. It’s awkward a lot. I also think that the relationship between the FMC and MMC is so underdeveloped that what he puts her through comes off as SA and grooming in my opinion.
August 10, 2025
Meh not my favorite
July 7, 2024
A Beauty and the Beast dark fantasy retelling with Dom/Sub dynamics? Yeah sign me up! I picked this up for funzies and I did indeed have fun reading this.
March 11, 2023
This was a awesome retelling of Beauty and the beast!!! A totally new spin where the beast is a dark mage and over a thousand years old. It is a dark tale laced with pain for our innocent beauty who was betrayed by her own father the king. She will be payment to the beast in exchange for his help in fighting the war. Alone and afraid the young Lisane most learn how to deal with the castles dark brooding beast Rhaim a dark and powerful mage who has seen a vision of his death and it will be the beautiful princess Lisane who will be his destruction. At first he's a total dick leaving her in the dungeon for days while he decides what to do with her and once he takes her out he makes her crawl to him to eat but he's taken a back when she threatens to kill him. She has a silent strength and when she asks to learn more magic it comes at the price of pain by his hand. Theirs more to this beast and with forced proximity things get steamy. This is a slow burn with more to come and both these characters are unique. Cassie Alexander has layed down the ground work with a interesting storyline and some great storytelling and I can't wait to see where this is heading in book 2 Break Her coming soon. Also I've got to say that I've read many books with different animal side characters but Finx the spider cat stole the show!!!! I'm not a spider lover at all but for him I'd make a exception!!! He's so friggin cute!!! Until next time Luv's💕💋
March 31, 2023
It’s rare for me to rate anything under a 3, meaning I liked it. 2 is “it was okay” and well, this was a little less than okay. 1.5 stars.
This reads like a chat role-play, alternating POVs of each character and every time the character is mentally trying to justify why they did what they did or how they felt. In Bend Her, they keep referencing previous events but their opinion about the event changes throughout the book. “This was the worst thing that’s ever happened— no wait, this is now. Wait! No this is the worst.” 🙄
Again and again I had to suspend disbelief to keep going because the characters were all over the place. Lisane starts out fierce but for most of the book she seems meek and whiney, always scared and always reacting wildly that this new thing is either more terrible than the last or not as bad, and then changing her mind about it later.
Rhaim is supposed to be arrogant and cruel (or so the author writes in her Insta) but he rarely acts that way. He claims has a reputation as a bad guy, but no one else seems to talk of these bad deeds. Some people seem to respect him as a powerful wizard, and others that don’t like him are involved in his “payment” so they’re biased. Our only POVs are his and Lisane’s, and she doesn’t even know who he his. As such, this bad guy reputation feels unfounded and he comes off more like a caring parental figure that gets angry sometimes… and justifies abuse as “training”. He’s also constantly trying to justify to himself why he would keep Lisane around or teach her magic and the reasons always feel weak and arbitrary.
World building was fine but also I question why it wasn’t stronger. For example, early on you learn that Lisane is kept underground for most of her life to keep her safe from wizards, but why would wizards want to kidnap princesses when other wizards could just kidnap her back? Just seems like a waste of time and resources. And how do you know that wizards would do this? Has it been done in the past? We’re just told that this is what would happen and we’re forced to accept it.
Turning point happens 82% through and there’s no real build up to it. There’s this tension between kingdoms that has a lot of potential but that has nothing to do with the turning point of the book. Or if it is, then the book ends before it gets explained.
Let’s talk about the smut. Smut that gets anywhere happens 90% through. The rest of it is “training” and Lisane never reacts in a positive way where she enjoys it so to me it just reads as abuse. These training sessions are random, most happening because Rhaim says he needs to know he can trust her before teaching magic… which to me is a really unusual way to figure that out. These interactions often seems like a stab at dom/sub dynamics but falling into the usual misconceptions about it, such as a focus on pain and pushing the boundaries of consent through coercion.
And then the book ends shortly after the final smut scene. No real explanation for anything that just happened during the turning point. I guess that’s Book 2, but it felt cut short.
Overall, my main points that led me to a “slightly less than okay” 1.5 star rating are: character motives felt weak and inconsistent, world building could be stronger and filled out more, and most of the smut came off more as abuse. I read this because it was in a BookTok clip for “books where villains gets the girl,” but I should have realized at the time it had only had 500 reviews. One positive is that it was a fast read.
Some quotes from the book and what it made me think: (I'll mark as possible spoilers but out of context I personally don't think they say much.)
This reads like a chat role-play, alternating POVs of each character and every time the character is mentally trying to justify why they did what they did or how they felt. In Bend Her, they keep referencing previous events but their opinion about the event changes throughout the book. “This was the worst thing that’s ever happened— no wait, this is now. Wait! No this is the worst.” 🙄
Again and again I had to suspend disbelief to keep going because the characters were all over the place. Lisane starts out fierce but for most of the book she seems meek and whiney, always scared and always reacting wildly that this new thing is either more terrible than the last or not as bad, and then changing her mind about it later.
Rhaim is supposed to be arrogant and cruel (or so the author writes in her Insta) but he rarely acts that way. He claims has a reputation as a bad guy, but no one else seems to talk of these bad deeds. Some people seem to respect him as a powerful wizard, and others that don’t like him are involved in his “payment” so they’re biased. Our only POVs are his and Lisane’s, and she doesn’t even know who he his. As such, this bad guy reputation feels unfounded and he comes off more like a caring parental figure that gets angry sometimes… and justifies abuse as “training”. He’s also constantly trying to justify to himself why he would keep Lisane around or teach her magic and the reasons always feel weak and arbitrary.
World building was fine but also I question why it wasn’t stronger. For example, early on you learn that Lisane is kept underground for most of her life to keep her safe from wizards, but why would wizards want to kidnap princesses when other wizards could just kidnap her back? Just seems like a waste of time and resources. And how do you know that wizards would do this? Has it been done in the past? We’re just told that this is what would happen and we’re forced to accept it.
Turning point happens 82% through and there’s no real build up to it. There’s this tension between kingdoms that has a lot of potential but that has nothing to do with the turning point of the book. Or if it is, then the book ends before it gets explained.
Let’s talk about the smut. Smut that gets anywhere happens 90% through. The rest of it is “training” and Lisane never reacts in a positive way where she enjoys it so to me it just reads as abuse. These training sessions are random, most happening because Rhaim says he needs to know he can trust her before teaching magic… which to me is a really unusual way to figure that out. These interactions often seems like a stab at dom/sub dynamics but falling into the usual misconceptions about it, such as a focus on pain and pushing the boundaries of consent through coercion.
And then the book ends shortly after the final smut scene. No real explanation for anything that just happened during the turning point. I guess that’s Book 2, but it felt cut short.
Overall, my main points that led me to a “slightly less than okay” 1.5 star rating are: character motives felt weak and inconsistent, world building could be stronger and filled out more, and most of the smut came off more as abuse. I read this because it was in a BookTok clip for “books where villains gets the girl,” but I should have realized at the time it had only had 500 reviews. One positive is that it was a fast read.
Some quotes from the book and what it made me think: (I'll mark as possible spoilers but out of context I personally don't think they say much.)
July 20, 2023
I’m obsessed and can not wait to start the next one. Just go in blind unless you have triggers look into them. This dark beauty and the beast retelling was delicious. I love mysterious plots that keep me guessing and wanting more. This morally grey character Rhaim can take me any day and anyway. Lisane has been sheltered for most her life but she’s a fighter for sure. As someone who doesn’t always read Fantasy this was easy to follow. The world and magic system I enjoyed. Now before you look at my spice rating the reason it is a one is because they don’t do the full deed. But let me tell you the intimate, dark thoughts, desires and punishments… JUST READ IT. I’m all hot and bothered… Very excited for the next book!
Also shout out to the Narrators on this book Victoria Mei & Matthew Holland fantastic and one of my favourites so far.
If you love:
🔹Mysterious Plot
🔹Dark Desires & Thoughts
🔹Magic Systems
🔹Beauty & The Beast
🔹Monsters & Beasts
🔹Steamy Tension
Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle / Audiobook
Audio Length: 7hrs 8mins
Pages: 384
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book 1 In The Transformation Trilogy
Tropes or Themes: Dark, Fantasy, Beauty & The Beast Retelling, Age Gap, Magic, Mage, Princess, Primal, Kidnapping, Monster, Violence, Injuries & Blood
Check Triggers ⚠️
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Scribd | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Also shout out to the Narrators on this book Victoria Mei & Matthew Holland fantastic and one of my favourites so far.
If you love:
🔹Mysterious Plot
🔹Dark Desires & Thoughts
🔹Magic Systems
🔹Beauty & The Beast
🔹Monsters & Beasts
🔹Steamy Tension
Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle / Audiobook
Audio Length: 7hrs 8mins
Pages: 384
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book 1 In The Transformation Trilogy
Tropes or Themes: Dark, Fantasy, Beauty & The Beast Retelling, Age Gap, Magic, Mage, Princess, Primal, Kidnapping, Monster, Violence, Injuries & Blood
Check Triggers ⚠️
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Scribd | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
November 21, 2025
⭐️
I tried and all I did was roll my eyes throughout the whole book.
I tried and all I did was roll my eyes throughout the whole book.
January 5, 2023
Hello first favorite read of 2023!
Seeing as Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairy tales ever, I’m always excited to find new retellings and I was over the moon when I had the opportunity to read an eARC of this. I had high hopes for it and It. Did. Not. Disappoint!
Bend Her is a Dark Fantasy Romance with one of the best premises I’ve ever read: Rhaim, as a mage, knows his true death upon is Ascension, and in his vision he sees the very girl that hundreds of years later is dropped on his doorstep as payment for his war efforts against the Deathless. Despite the threat Lisane poses, Rhaim can’t help his fascination. I want to underline that this is indeed dark, meaning yes, you’re seeing a Beast worthy of an adult retelling. The book treads the line between Rhaim’s human propriety and his Beast’s hunger for Lisane. Rhaim often pushes Lisane to the limits she know she can take, sometimes harming her or scaring her, very much like his mentor has done with him.
Though we have to wait a bit for things to get intimate between the two, the tension is perfection. Despite the things I’ve mentioned above, there’s an understanding that grows with each passing day between Rhaim and Lisane. Their conversations lit my heart aflame, whether they’re simply talking or having a disagreement. I love the way Rhaim and Lisane bring out that fire in each other. I love the way he grows to want her but resists. I love how strong and determined she becomes. This is a read that dark romance fans will definitely enjoy!
Another aspect I truly enjoyed is the world-building, especially the magic system. Mage magic is so intriguing! There’s a give and take to their powers, and years of study that go behind what they’re capable to do.
I can’t wait for the second book. I miss Rhaim and Lisane already!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
Seeing as Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairy tales ever, I’m always excited to find new retellings and I was over the moon when I had the opportunity to read an eARC of this. I had high hopes for it and It. Did. Not. Disappoint!
Bend Her is a Dark Fantasy Romance with one of the best premises I’ve ever read: Rhaim, as a mage, knows his true death upon is Ascension, and in his vision he sees the very girl that hundreds of years later is dropped on his doorstep as payment for his war efforts against the Deathless. Despite the threat Lisane poses, Rhaim can’t help his fascination. I want to underline that this is indeed dark, meaning yes, you’re seeing a Beast worthy of an adult retelling. The book treads the line between Rhaim’s human propriety and his Beast’s hunger for Lisane. Rhaim often pushes Lisane to the limits she know she can take, sometimes harming her or scaring her, very much like his mentor has done with him.
Though we have to wait a bit for things to get intimate between the two, the tension is perfection. Despite the things I’ve mentioned above, there’s an understanding that grows with each passing day between Rhaim and Lisane. Their conversations lit my heart aflame, whether they’re simply talking or having a disagreement. I love the way Rhaim and Lisane bring out that fire in each other. I love the way he grows to want her but resists. I love how strong and determined she becomes. This is a read that dark romance fans will definitely enjoy!
Another aspect I truly enjoyed is the world-building, especially the magic system. Mage magic is so intriguing! There’s a give and take to their powers, and years of study that go behind what they’re capable to do.
I can’t wait for the second book. I miss Rhaim and Lisane already!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
February 21, 2023
I spent a lot of this book trying to work out if I liked it or not. It somehow felt both too slow, and too short; and the ending was a bit premature. I almost think it would have been better as faster-paced standalone, instead of a trilogy.
My hot editing takes aside, I loved Rhaim’s povs, the spice was hot, and I am a forever sucker for a Beauty and the Beast retelling – and this one had a really cool, unique approach.
TROPES & VIBES:
Teacher x student
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Dom/sub
Slow burn
3⭐️ 1🌶️
My hot editing takes aside, I loved Rhaim’s povs, the spice was hot, and I am a forever sucker for a Beauty and the Beast retelling – and this one had a really cool, unique approach.
TROPES & VIBES:
Teacher x student
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Dom/sub
Slow burn
3⭐️ 1🌶️
February 10, 2023
I received “Bend Her” by Cassie Alexander as an ARC & this is my review.
This is a retelling of the fairytale “Beauty & the Beast” & did not disappoint! This book is action packed with low spice. Cassie Alexander opens a whole new world in this retelling.
From the beginning this book starts with a bang. It immediately starts with Lisane, the princess from Drelleth, being kidnapped & brought to the All-Beast, Rhaim.
Lisane learns that Rhaim has magic & wants him to teach her. Rhaim is hesitant to take on a pupil & with his reluctance he agrees to teach her.
Due to forced proximity Rhaim & Lisane begin a friendship but good things do not last forever. With lies between them two begin to clash.
———
This spice is low in this book but it does not take away from it at all. Alexander has made a whole new world for this series. You will find a Dom/Sub-like relationship between Rhaim & Lisane. If you are not into that kind of thing then do not read.
I throughly enjoyed this book & cannot wait for the next one to be released.
This is a retelling of the fairytale “Beauty & the Beast” & did not disappoint! This book is action packed with low spice. Cassie Alexander opens a whole new world in this retelling.
From the beginning this book starts with a bang. It immediately starts with Lisane, the princess from Drelleth, being kidnapped & brought to the All-Beast, Rhaim.
Lisane learns that Rhaim has magic & wants him to teach her. Rhaim is hesitant to take on a pupil & with his reluctance he agrees to teach her.
Due to forced proximity Rhaim & Lisane begin a friendship but good things do not last forever. With lies between them two begin to clash.
———
This spice is low in this book but it does not take away from it at all. Alexander has made a whole new world for this series. You will find a Dom/Sub-like relationship between Rhaim & Lisane. If you are not into that kind of thing then do not read.
I throughly enjoyed this book & cannot wait for the next one to be released.
February 13, 2023
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
My first read of the year and I enjoyed it! A dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast? Yes please. This is perfect for dark fantasy fans, romance, and a bit of dominance from our MMC.
This story tells the tale of Rhaim, as the beast but he wills his human form as needed. He is a great mage but with a taste for our sweet main character Lisane and of course he uses his knowledge to his advantage. Lisane seeks training, she needs to learn her powers.. this situation brings on tropes such as forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and there are dom/sub kinks.
I loved the built up between Lisane and Rhaim. The twist of the tale was super intriguing, and the plot kept me interested. The author built a beautiful world with a dark twist but handled it quite well! I can’t wait to see what awaits Lisane and Rhaim in the second book.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
My first read of the year and I enjoyed it! A dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast? Yes please. This is perfect for dark fantasy fans, romance, and a bit of dominance from our MMC.
This story tells the tale of Rhaim, as the beast but he wills his human form as needed. He is a great mage but with a taste for our sweet main character Lisane and of course he uses his knowledge to his advantage. Lisane seeks training, she needs to learn her powers.. this situation brings on tropes such as forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and there are dom/sub kinks.
I loved the built up between Lisane and Rhaim. The twist of the tale was super intriguing, and the plot kept me interested. The author built a beautiful world with a dark twist but handled it quite well! I can’t wait to see what awaits Lisane and Rhaim in the second book.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
February 15, 2023
I love a good retelling and this one is a dark Beauty and the Beast retelling! This is a really quick read that I couldn’t put down. It’s a slow burn, with enemies to lovers, touch her and you die, and a bully romance.
As soon as you open this book up there is action. We don’t get an introduction into the world we are dumped right into it and I honestly loved that. Lisane is given to Rhaim so he will fight in the King’s war. Be warned that it is a dark retelling so check TW. I loved watching the relationship change between these two with each page. While these two are trying to figure out the dynamic between each other Rhaim also teaches Lisane her abilities to become a mage.
I can’t wait for the second book in this series I just absolutely loved this book.
Rating: 4.5/5
As soon as you open this book up there is action. We don’t get an introduction into the world we are dumped right into it and I honestly loved that. Lisane is given to Rhaim so he will fight in the King’s war. Be warned that it is a dark retelling so check TW. I loved watching the relationship change between these two with each page. While these two are trying to figure out the dynamic between each other Rhaim also teaches Lisane her abilities to become a mage.
I can’t wait for the second book in this series I just absolutely loved this book.
Rating: 4.5/5
Read
January 6, 20252/5 🌶️
IT’S GIVING HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE x BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!
The touch her and you die vibes?! I LOVED IT! 😍
IT’S GIVING HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE x BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!
The touch her and you die vibes?! I LOVED IT! 😍
January 7, 2023
From the dark atmosphere to the steamy mentor/mentee tension, I VERY much enjoyed this twisted Beauty and the Beast romantasy retelling!! My favorite aspect was the dual POV that provides for deep insight into the mind of the sexy LI--the All-Beast. I definitely enjoyed the tumultuous emotions and character development of the the heroine, Lisane, especially the slowburn build between her and Rhaim. I loved this author's writing style and omg, that ending was WILD; I will absolutely be continuing with this series!!
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
September 5, 2023
Is it possible to give minus 1 star because if it is then I'd gladly do just that
It was SO SLOW, SO BORING.
I had to force myself to read it
And it was disgusting too.
Because the author thought that it would be a good idea to make the male lead beat the female lead so as to she can get access to her magic??
Like wtf!!
She could've thought about other things like
Making the male lead force the female lead to do some concentration work or maek her excercise or weight lifting or something like that
But NO
that's not what the author did
She literally made the female lead smoke endlessly for HOURS thinking it would be a good idea and she can know if she has powers or not
And the hero always wanting the heroine naked because he wants to show authority to her
REALLY?????
Ughhhh!!!!
And don't even get me started with the ROMANCE because there WASN'T any
It's so freaking slow
80% of the book and there's not even a kiss let alone a close contact between both the characters
It was SO SLOW, SO BORING.
I had to force myself to read it
And it was disgusting too.
Because the author thought that it would be a good idea to make the male lead beat the female lead so as to she can get access to her magic??
Like wtf!!
She could've thought about other things like
Making the male lead force the female lead to do some concentration work or maek her excercise or weight lifting or something like that
But NO
that's not what the author did
She literally made the female lead smoke endlessly for HOURS thinking it would be a good idea and she can know if she has powers or not
And the hero always wanting the heroine naked because he wants to show authority to her
REALLY?????
Ughhhh!!!!
And don't even get me started with the ROMANCE because there WASN'T any
It's so freaking slow
80% of the book and there's not even a kiss let alone a close contact between both the characters
April 20, 2024
I DNFed on page 161. This was definitely not a Beauty and the Beast retelling. This is a 800 year old man holding abuse and power over a 18 year old woman. He kept calling her “little moth,” which I thought was annoying and made her call him sir. I won’t even bother reading the rest of the series.
February 8, 2023
Such a fantastic book!! This was my first ARC and I loved it!! Cassie does a great job building a new fantasy realm and developing her characters! I struggled to put the book down from the first chapter. The book does alternate between two characters POV, which I am not usually a fan of, but she makes it easy to follow and even easier to lose yourself in. Grab this book now!! — also you won’t have to wait too long for book 2 in the series!
January 10, 2023
Star rating: 4.5 stars
Spice rating: 2/5
Beauty and the Beast retellings will never go out of style, and BEND HER is definitely in my list of favorites. This story weaves elements of the original tale within an entirely new plot, adding a dark romance dynamic between the protagonists that is sure to appeal to fans of spicy books. While this first installment focuses on slow burn, readers can look forward to plenty of angst, a mentor x student dynamic, some dom/sub kinks and a taste of the more intense things to come. This is an excellent first installment, and if it sounds like something you’d enjoy, I 10/10 recommend giving this book a try.
The story starts directly in the heart of the inciting incident, and while I personally would have grown an attachment to the characters sooner if I’d seen more of their life before their meeting, falling in love with Lisane and Rhaim is an inevitability. Both are exactly the type of characters I like. Lisane—soft, sweet, but sharp when she needs to and determined to make her life exactly what she wishes on her own terms; Rhaim—a first class a-hole, with the grump and temper we all love from the Beast, and a secret softness that only Lisane is able to bring out. Even at their worst, the chemistry between this pair jumped off the page, and the brilliant execution of the slow burn only enhances their dynamic.
The heart of the story is undoubtedly the relationship between Lisane and Rhaim, but the author wove an impeccable plot around it, which stands out completely from other Beauty and the Beast retellings I’ve read. The elements of the original tale are peppered throughout the story in an entirely new light, making it impossible to predict what will happen next. I really enjoyed the important role of mages in this story, as well as the political intricacies of the kingdoms. After that ending, I’m sensing lots of drama in the future and I can’t wait to see it unfolding!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy!
Spice rating: 2/5
Beauty and the Beast retellings will never go out of style, and BEND HER is definitely in my list of favorites. This story weaves elements of the original tale within an entirely new plot, adding a dark romance dynamic between the protagonists that is sure to appeal to fans of spicy books. While this first installment focuses on slow burn, readers can look forward to plenty of angst, a mentor x student dynamic, some dom/sub kinks and a taste of the more intense things to come. This is an excellent first installment, and if it sounds like something you’d enjoy, I 10/10 recommend giving this book a try.
The story starts directly in the heart of the inciting incident, and while I personally would have grown an attachment to the characters sooner if I’d seen more of their life before their meeting, falling in love with Lisane and Rhaim is an inevitability. Both are exactly the type of characters I like. Lisane—soft, sweet, but sharp when she needs to and determined to make her life exactly what she wishes on her own terms; Rhaim—a first class a-hole, with the grump and temper we all love from the Beast, and a secret softness that only Lisane is able to bring out. Even at their worst, the chemistry between this pair jumped off the page, and the brilliant execution of the slow burn only enhances their dynamic.
The heart of the story is undoubtedly the relationship between Lisane and Rhaim, but the author wove an impeccable plot around it, which stands out completely from other Beauty and the Beast retellings I’ve read. The elements of the original tale are peppered throughout the story in an entirely new light, making it impossible to predict what will happen next. I really enjoyed the important role of mages in this story, as well as the political intricacies of the kingdoms. After that ending, I’m sensing lots of drama in the future and I can’t wait to see it unfolding!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy!
January 10, 2023
Wow! This book is outstanding. It’s pitched as a dark Beauty and the Beast retelling, and it is, but it also reminds me so much of Howl’s Moving Castle. The spider-cat! The slow burn! The touch her and I’ll unalive you vibes. And then there is the story and world building. I adore the magic system of this book. It’s dark and gritty and borderline creepy. And the constant threat of the eerie deathless on the horizon is well done.
I went into this one blind and was blown away. I’ve already told all my fantasy romance friends that they have to get this when it releases on Feb. 19, and now I’m telling you. If you like fantasy romance of The Plated Prisoner variety, this should be your next read. It is the beginning of a trilogy, but they will all be released this year.
🎧 In regards to narration, it honestly couldn’t have been better. Both voice actors nailed it and I cannot wait to audibly devour the next ones in this series.
I went into this one blind and was blown away. I’ve already told all my fantasy romance friends that they have to get this when it releases on Feb. 19, and now I’m telling you. If you like fantasy romance of The Plated Prisoner variety, this should be your next read. It is the beginning of a trilogy, but they will all be released this year.
🎧 In regards to narration, it honestly couldn’t have been better. Both voice actors nailed it and I cannot wait to audibly devour the next ones in this series.
February 10, 2024
felt like there was no real character development??? until like a good 90% through and then it was finished- feel like i wanna know what happens in the next 2 books but also don’t know whether it’s worth it
February 13, 2024
This was my first ever fantasy book and now it's left me dying to try more! I felt like there could have been a little more to the story but I definitely want to read the next book. Can't lie I was just obessed with Finx I want one!
February 7, 2023
Solid 4.5 stars! After running across a post about this book on Facebook, I knew I needed to read it. When I saw the notification asking for ARC readers, I jumped at the chance. I can honestly say this is one of the best Beauty and the Beast reimaginings I’ve ever read and I love it. The main characters have so much character building, and the way Cassie imagines magic is also fantastic. I’m not normally a slow burn reader, but this book has me in a chokehold and I cannot wait for the second book, Break Her, to be released.
March 14, 2023
Should have been a bit longer, felt like half a story. Felt like the author is trying to stretch a one book story into a trilogy. Otherwise, an ok plot and characters. Liked All-Beast and the thought behind mages was interesting.
Probably won’t read the next book when it comes out.
Probably won’t read the next book when it comes out.
May 31, 2023
3 stelle!
Protagonista della storia è la principessa Lisane, che durante un viaggio viene rapita e lasciata nelle mani di Rhaim, uno dei maghi più potenti al mondo. O almeno così lei crede…
La storia è un retelling de La Bella e la Bestia e le vibes del classico si percepiscono dalla prima pagina, ma la scrittrice è stata molto brava a differenziare il tutto, portando ad un qualcosa di unico.
La costruzione del mondo magico è la parte che mi ha colpito di più. Interessante la parte riguardante i maghi e come i loro poteri si differenziano, ma soprattutto la figura della donna, che nel cercare di proteggerla viene rinchiusa per tutta la vita al buio. Sono due aspetti che rendono il libro distinguibile dagli altri fantasy che ho letto e proprio per questo mi sarebbe piaciuto vederli approfonditi un po’ di più.
Per quanto riguarda la parte romance c’è del potenziale, ma credo che alcuni passaggi nell'evoluzione del rapporto tra i due siano avvenuti troppo velocemente.
Bend Her è un libro interessanti sotto molti punti di vista, ma mi sarebbe piaciuto un approfondimento maggiore su alcune parti del racconto. Comunque è un dark romance che penso si possa considerare abbastanza soft e per questo può essere un ottimo primo approccio al genere per chi vuole provarlo.
Protagonista della storia è la principessa Lisane, che durante un viaggio viene rapita e lasciata nelle mani di Rhaim, uno dei maghi più potenti al mondo. O almeno così lei crede…
La storia è un retelling de La Bella e la Bestia e le vibes del classico si percepiscono dalla prima pagina, ma la scrittrice è stata molto brava a differenziare il tutto, portando ad un qualcosa di unico.
La costruzione del mondo magico è la parte che mi ha colpito di più. Interessante la parte riguardante i maghi e come i loro poteri si differenziano, ma soprattutto la figura della donna, che nel cercare di proteggerla viene rinchiusa per tutta la vita al buio. Sono due aspetti che rendono il libro distinguibile dagli altri fantasy che ho letto e proprio per questo mi sarebbe piaciuto vederli approfonditi un po’ di più.
Per quanto riguarda la parte romance c’è del potenziale, ma credo che alcuni passaggi nell'evoluzione del rapporto tra i due siano avvenuti troppo velocemente.
Bend Her è un libro interessanti sotto molti punti di vista, ma mi sarebbe piaciuto un approfondimento maggiore su alcune parti del racconto. Comunque è un dark romance che penso si possa considerare abbastanza soft e per questo può essere un ottimo primo approccio al genere per chi vuole provarlo.
February 6, 2023
Bend her is part of the new The Transformation Trilogy, which follows Lisane a princess and Rhaim a mage. A dark beauty and the beast fantasy retelling mixed with Howls moving castle.
Rhaim is a dom daddy mage that is brooding, dominate, and animalistic due to his All- Beast. I loved Rhaims' powers with controlling animals and how brutal he is. One of my favorite scenes feature a Kraken , enough said.
Lisane is the princess of tears and a bit of a brat, but damn can this girl put up with a lot sh*t. I admire the crap out of her for constantly pushing herself and her strength. I can't wait for this woman to burn the damn world when she explodes with power.
Finx is the pet we didn't ask for, but now all need. Who knew mixing a cat and spider together would be so adorable. Also, when he made Lisane the most beautiful garments 😭
Spice 🌶🌶, now there wasn't really much spice in this book, and that is OK as the plot and world building are more important. There was a bathroom scene, though, that was delicious, and I am patiently awaiting to read more about a certain cheeky piercing. You bet your asses that book 2 will have alllll the spice. On that note, though, I am very excited for book 2. Break her.
Rhaim is a dom daddy mage that is brooding, dominate, and animalistic due to his All- Beast. I loved Rhaims' powers with controlling animals and how brutal he is. One of my favorite scenes feature a Kraken , enough said.
Lisane is the princess of tears and a bit of a brat, but damn can this girl put up with a lot sh*t. I admire the crap out of her for constantly pushing herself and her strength. I can't wait for this woman to burn the damn world when she explodes with power.
Finx is the pet we didn't ask for, but now all need. Who knew mixing a cat and spider together would be so adorable. Also, when he made Lisane the most beautiful garments 😭
Spice 🌶🌶, now there wasn't really much spice in this book, and that is OK as the plot and world building are more important. There was a bathroom scene, though, that was delicious, and I am patiently awaiting to read more about a certain cheeky piercing. You bet your asses that book 2 will have alllll the spice. On that note, though, I am very excited for book 2. Break her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 957 reviews