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A Light in the Dark
Beast has been lost in the dark for two hundred years…
Claire is desperate to prove she belongs in the light…
But the shadow of ancient crimes might just swallow them both.
Beast has been locked away in his manor for two centuries to pay for the crimes of his past. Haunted by his failures, he is cursed by the fae mage he wronged to spend all of his days lonely and unloved. When a beautiful quester named Claire arrives at the manor, insisting she’s there to help him, he’s confused—he’s not supposed to be helped, after all. But like a moth to a flame he can’t stay away, even if he knows he’ll only wind up hurting her.
Claire is the youngest daughter, the unwanted child. Determined to live her own life, she defies her father’s expectations and takes up a life of adventure with the illustrious Questing Guild of Cillure. Right away, she’s drawn to a strange quest that has been long-neglected, determined to help in any way she can...assuming she can even figure out what on earth is going on. As she gets closer to the manor’s somber inhabitant her professional interest shifts to something more. She’s never felt attraction like this to anyone else, but even as she grows certain she’ll never be able to live without him she worries what she’ll do if she ruins her blooming career and winds up on the streets.
CONTENT suicidal ideation, sexual assault attempt, sexual assault (implied but off page), misogyny, some foul language, explicit sex scenes between a human woman and a non-human man, discussion of depression, depiction of depression, self-harm, anxiety, toxic family dynamics, bullying, death of a parent (not shown).
virgin MMC, hurt/comfort, MMC with praise kink, dude in distress (FMC saves MMC), forced proximity/isolation, fated mates (lite), dark secret, redemption, age gap (216 vs 26).
Claire is desperate to prove she belongs in the light…
But the shadow of ancient crimes might just swallow them both.
Beast has been locked away in his manor for two centuries to pay for the crimes of his past. Haunted by his failures, he is cursed by the fae mage he wronged to spend all of his days lonely and unloved. When a beautiful quester named Claire arrives at the manor, insisting she’s there to help him, he’s confused—he’s not supposed to be helped, after all. But like a moth to a flame he can’t stay away, even if he knows he’ll only wind up hurting her.
Claire is the youngest daughter, the unwanted child. Determined to live her own life, she defies her father’s expectations and takes up a life of adventure with the illustrious Questing Guild of Cillure. Right away, she’s drawn to a strange quest that has been long-neglected, determined to help in any way she can...assuming she can even figure out what on earth is going on. As she gets closer to the manor’s somber inhabitant her professional interest shifts to something more. She’s never felt attraction like this to anyone else, but even as she grows certain she’ll never be able to live without him she worries what she’ll do if she ruins her blooming career and winds up on the streets.
CONTENT suicidal ideation, sexual assault attempt, sexual assault (implied but off page), misogyny, some foul language, explicit sex scenes between a human woman and a non-human man, discussion of depression, depiction of depression, self-harm, anxiety, toxic family dynamics, bullying, death of a parent (not shown).
virgin MMC, hurt/comfort, MMC with praise kink, dude in distress (FMC saves MMC), forced proximity/isolation, fated mates (lite), dark secret, redemption, age gap (216 vs 26).
470 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2023
345 people are currently reading
1990 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
March 19, 2024
Beauty and the Beast with a twist
I love soft boi MMCs and protective FMCs and Beast and Claire were just that. Beast had been through the wringer, with 2 centuries of imprisonment, torture, and isolation. He was understandably a bit prickly and uncertain of Claire. Claire was also processing trauma from her life, but had worked so hard to become that bad-a babe she was. They were able to be there for each other in different ways and had a tender relationship. I enjoyed the world building and the complexities of magic woven into the story.
Sapphire always manages to slip in all the LGBTQIA+ rep in side characters, which I appreciate. I’m reealllllyyyy hoping Aubrey gets a book, even though we didn’t really meet her.
Spice: 4.5/5
Triggers: hallucinations, captivity, torture, attempted murder, violence, gore, rape (off page), SA, suicide (off page), grief, familial estrangement, emotional and psychological abuse (off page), death of parent (off page)
I love soft boi MMCs and protective FMCs and Beast and Claire were just that. Beast had been through the wringer, with 2 centuries of imprisonment, torture, and isolation. He was understandably a bit prickly and uncertain of Claire. Claire was also processing trauma from her life, but had worked so hard to become that bad-a babe she was. They were able to be there for each other in different ways and had a tender relationship. I enjoyed the world building and the complexities of magic woven into the story.
Sapphire always manages to slip in all the LGBTQIA+ rep in side characters, which I appreciate. I’m reealllllyyyy hoping Aubrey gets a book, even though we didn’t really meet her.
Spice: 4.5/5
Triggers: hallucinations, captivity, torture, attempted murder, violence, gore, rape (off page), SA, suicide (off page), grief, familial estrangement, emotional and psychological abuse (off page), death of parent (off page)
August 8, 2023
I found the book to be so much more than I anticipated; it offered various perspectives on the retelling of a childhood classic and offered an in-depth view into the lives of its characters. There is a deftness in the way that the author paints vivid images and scenes that bring each character and his or her life to life. It kept me engaged throughout the story with unexpected twists and turns, and I couldn't help feeling connected to the characters.
Claire was a strong-willed and independent woman who was determined to make her own decisions in life. Beast, on the other hand, was a mysterious creature who was initially feared by the people of the village, but eventually revealed his kind and generous nature. Together, they formed an unlikely bond that was a source of strength and courage for both of them.
The writing was masterful, as the author crafted a captivating story of unexpected turns and surprises that kept me enthralled. I was so moved by the vivid imagery and the depth of the characters, and I felt a strong connection to their journeys.
By employing compelling language, the author paints a vivid picture of the characters and their struggles, and as a result, I was able to relate to them on a personal level. This connection was further enhanced by the unexpected plot twists and turns, which kept me engaged and wanting more.
Through the use of figurative language, sensory details, and powerful imagery, the author created vivid scenes that allowed the reader to experience the emotions and experiences of the characters directly. The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me invested in the story.
All in all, this book was a breath of fresh air, providing a much-needed perspective on a topic previously unexplored. It challenged existing norms and presented an unconventional outlook on an issue that had long been considered settled. The novel approach and insights that it provided made it a refreshing read that was both informative and thought-provoking.
In the end, the author offered an unorthodox approach to the issue, analyzing it from perspectives never considered before. It offered fascinating and challenging viewpoints, as well as challenging longstanding beliefs and assumptions, making it a compelling and engaging read.
This was an exceptional book and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging story with characters they can really connect with.
Claire was a strong-willed and independent woman who was determined to make her own decisions in life. Beast, on the other hand, was a mysterious creature who was initially feared by the people of the village, but eventually revealed his kind and generous nature. Together, they formed an unlikely bond that was a source of strength and courage for both of them.
The writing was masterful, as the author crafted a captivating story of unexpected turns and surprises that kept me enthralled. I was so moved by the vivid imagery and the depth of the characters, and I felt a strong connection to their journeys.
By employing compelling language, the author paints a vivid picture of the characters and their struggles, and as a result, I was able to relate to them on a personal level. This connection was further enhanced by the unexpected plot twists and turns, which kept me engaged and wanting more.
Through the use of figurative language, sensory details, and powerful imagery, the author created vivid scenes that allowed the reader to experience the emotions and experiences of the characters directly. The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me invested in the story.
All in all, this book was a breath of fresh air, providing a much-needed perspective on a topic previously unexplored. It challenged existing norms and presented an unconventional outlook on an issue that had long been considered settled. The novel approach and insights that it provided made it a refreshing read that was both informative and thought-provoking.
In the end, the author offered an unorthodox approach to the issue, analyzing it from perspectives never considered before. It offered fascinating and challenging viewpoints, as well as challenging longstanding beliefs and assumptions, making it a compelling and engaging read.
This was an exceptional book and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging story with characters they can really connect with.
July 12, 2023
+3
“I think it’s like…maybe sometimes you just need a new perspective on things to be able to tacke them properly. ”
A Light in the Dark es un retelling de la Bella y la Bestia bastante bien escrito. Me esperaba una novela ligera y sin apenas desarrollo de los personajes, sin embargo, así no fue. A pesar que se coja como base la historia de este cuento, la autora ha sabido desarrollarlo bien sobre todo los personajes y darle su toque. Además, leyéndolo se nota la pasión de la autora.
“I don’t know. You hear your whole life that the bad things that happen to you are all your fault and you tend to believe it. Even once you grew up and you learn better a part of you still believes it, and when those bad things continue to happen…I guess that a part of you speaks up and tells you that’s what it happened”.
Si algo me falto fue escenario y algunas respuestas porque apenas se te cuenta nada de ese mundo. Solo espero que la autora cree más historias porque la verdad es que está bastante interesante. Pero, bueno yo estoy contenta que es lo que importa.
Totalmente recomendado para una lectura que te caliente el corazón.
“You can’t let the darkness win . ”
“I think it’s like…maybe sometimes you just need a new perspective on things to be able to tacke them properly. ”
A Light in the Dark es un retelling de la Bella y la Bestia bastante bien escrito. Me esperaba una novela ligera y sin apenas desarrollo de los personajes, sin embargo, así no fue. A pesar que se coja como base la historia de este cuento, la autora ha sabido desarrollarlo bien sobre todo los personajes y darle su toque. Además, leyéndolo se nota la pasión de la autora.
“I don’t know. You hear your whole life that the bad things that happen to you are all your fault and you tend to believe it. Even once you grew up and you learn better a part of you still believes it, and when those bad things continue to happen…I guess that a part of you speaks up and tells you that’s what it happened”.
Si algo me falto fue escenario y algunas respuestas porque apenas se te cuenta nada de ese mundo. Solo espero que la autora cree más historias porque la verdad es que está bastante interesante. Pero, bueno yo estoy contenta que es lo que importa.
Totalmente recomendado para una lectura que te caliente el corazón.
“You can’t let the darkness win . ”
January 21, 2023
10/10
I absolutely loved this story. A beautiful retelling of Beauty and the Beast with Beast being more of the one in distress.
You will not regret this read! Just get it... Beast is a tortured, sweet soul who made a terrible decision when he was younger but had since grown & matured. The journey of him learning to forgive himself and practice self care is a beautiful and emotional read.
Claire is a powerful, honest, empathetic woman who has overcome issues of her own and is still learning to practice self care, they both help each other heal and become better people and I loved to see it!!
The world building and pacing were so well done, I tortured myself by stretching this read as I did not want it to end.
P.S. I loved reading from the pov of a black woman, reading about the hair and skin care made me tear up and smile so so much. I am so grateful for representation in the fantasy sphere!
I absolutely loved this story. A beautiful retelling of Beauty and the Beast with Beast being more of the one in distress.
You will not regret this read! Just get it... Beast is a tortured, sweet soul who made a terrible decision when he was younger but had since grown & matured. The journey of him learning to forgive himself and practice self care is a beautiful and emotional read.
Claire is a powerful, honest, empathetic woman who has overcome issues of her own and is still learning to practice self care, they both help each other heal and become better people and I loved to see it!!
The world building and pacing were so well done, I tortured myself by stretching this read as I did not want it to end.
P.S. I loved reading from the pov of a black woman, reading about the hair and skin care made me tear up and smile so so much. I am so grateful for representation in the fantasy sphere!
January 8, 2023
Absolutely loved
I am such a sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings and I fell so hard for this one. Claire being so strong and focused, with Beast being so vulnerable and sweet was such a wonderful juxtaposition. I loved the heat and the tender moments, and the descriptions of each made it all feel so present and tangible.
I also loved the ending and transition to hopefully more wonderful stories!
I am such a sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings and I fell so hard for this one. Claire being so strong and focused, with Beast being so vulnerable and sweet was such a wonderful juxtaposition. I loved the heat and the tender moments, and the descriptions of each made it all feel so present and tangible.
I also loved the ending and transition to hopefully more wonderful stories!
January 27, 2023
I'll come back and give an actual review but this was sooo good!! Like cozy romance fantasy REALNESS!! also my favorite beauty and the beast retelling (I've probably only read like 2 but still) and I just love them together.
February 3, 2023
I was in a ~mood~ before I read this book so it took me 3 days to get through the first 16 pages. That’s on me but I was ready to give up.
Then she met Beast.
Zoomed through 20% then stuck again.
Then zoom, then stuck.
She really didn’t do anything to break the curse outside of ask Beast like …5 questions and read fae lore.
It was heavy romance which I enjoyed but I expected a bit of sleuthing as well.
The ending left a lot to be desired. Why was he still in beast form? Where did Naja go? Why did he take Claire’s dads name when she clearly detests him? Is he royal or just rich (maids and stables and friends wanting his influence).
All in all, good book.
Was it adorable? Absolutely
Do we need more books with BIPOC representation? Absolutely
Would I read again? No
Would I recommend? Meh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2023
Fantastic
I LOVE Beauty and the Beast! So this was a must read! I've never read something quite like this and I truly loved it! There was not a lot of spice, but it was quality spice! The plot kept my attention from the beginning! I adore the main characters and would love to see more of them!
I LOVE Beauty and the Beast! So this was a must read! I've never read something quite like this and I truly loved it! There was not a lot of spice, but it was quality spice! The plot kept my attention from the beginning! I adore the main characters and would love to see more of them!
February 11, 2025
3.5 stars. The first half or so was good but then the slow pacing really dragged down the reading experience for me. There were some some other minor issues I had, but overall I still enjoyed it. If you don't mind books with a slower pace, you'd probably enjoy it even more.
January 2, 2023
Wow! What a lovely story!
This was such a good read! This is a wonderful change in tropes! You have a black female main character and a male monster character. That alone is a plus but in this story the hero is Claire and the one that needs saving is the Beast. It's wonderful to see a switch in power roles done so nicely. Claire is strong in body and mind but she isn't stupid, she doesn't make rash decisions and she isn't difficult. She can see that Beast needs saving and she's there for him. She protects him and cares for him. Beast is someone worth saving and you really feel for him. You get to read as both characters develop and grow and it's just wonderful. This a LGBTQ+ friendly book with steampunk elements and magic users. I couldn't put it down!
This was such a good read! This is a wonderful change in tropes! You have a black female main character and a male monster character. That alone is a plus but in this story the hero is Claire and the one that needs saving is the Beast. It's wonderful to see a switch in power roles done so nicely. Claire is strong in body and mind but she isn't stupid, she doesn't make rash decisions and she isn't difficult. She can see that Beast needs saving and she's there for him. She protects him and cares for him. Beast is someone worth saving and you really feel for him. You get to read as both characters develop and grow and it's just wonderful. This a LGBTQ+ friendly book with steampunk elements and magic users. I couldn't put it down!
February 14, 2023
Soooo I was excited to read this retelling of Beauty and Beast. But over the last couple of weeks I find myself being bored with this book. Not just bored but not really interested in finishing the story.
This app definitely needs a did not finish option for us reader. That way it’s not counted towards our yearly challenge.
This app definitely needs a did not finish option for us reader. That way it’s not counted towards our yearly challenge.
April 24, 2023
a tale as sweet as time
This was such an incredibly sweet and romantic read. It was full of so many beautiful things. The care that was given to diversity and inclusion being my absolute favorite part. I adore stories where the fmc is the heroine and does the rescuing and I smiled so much at Beast’s many wonderful characteristics. He was a solid book boo. Him being the avid reader as a nice role reversal. But there are part that also break my heart. The trauma and ptsd, the search for self love and worth, the message about leading with an open heart and mind. It was all so beautifully done. Now for me personally the pace dragged a little but it definitely could have been a me thing and not the book itself. But overall I enjoyed this very much.
This was such an incredibly sweet and romantic read. It was full of so many beautiful things. The care that was given to diversity and inclusion being my absolute favorite part. I adore stories where the fmc is the heroine and does the rescuing and I smiled so much at Beast’s many wonderful characteristics. He was a solid book boo. Him being the avid reader as a nice role reversal. But there are part that also break my heart. The trauma and ptsd, the search for self love and worth, the message about leading with an open heart and mind. It was all so beautifully done. Now for me personally the pace dragged a little but it definitely could have been a me thing and not the book itself. But overall I enjoyed this very much.
February 21, 2025
For All the girls who Preferred Beast to Prince Adam
Ughhh. Longer detailed RTC, but I loved it. It was so good. I love the author’s writing. I loved the characters. I want more. *insert dragon roar* but I’ll update with a proper review soon.
Ughhh. Longer detailed RTC, but I loved it. It was so good. I love the author’s writing. I loved the characters. I want more. *insert dragon roar* but I’ll update with a proper review soon.
February 10, 2023
A cozy monster romance!
This had a lot to love, but it was definitely too drawn out. I still recommend it for the relationship alone!
This had a lot to love, but it was definitely too drawn out. I still recommend it for the relationship alone!
Read
September 1, 2024DNF 45%
February 1, 2023
a fantastic retelling.
This was a really fun take on the traditional beauty and the beast. I loved how smoothly lgbtq+ characters were included in a m/f romance. The use of them/them pronouns, gay and trans characters. I absolutely loved how not exciting those bits were. Like it was just “oh yeah. Just normal every day stuff here”
I also love books that use the “magic replaces electricity” kind of magic system. So much fun to think about.
Spoiler and trigger warning clarification for anyone who is curious about the SA warning.
.
.
.
.
It is not between the romantic characters on either count. And the almost is a very self rescuing event.
Overall great read.
This was a really fun take on the traditional beauty and the beast. I loved how smoothly lgbtq+ characters were included in a m/f romance. The use of them/them pronouns, gay and trans characters. I absolutely loved how not exciting those bits were. Like it was just “oh yeah. Just normal every day stuff here”
I also love books that use the “magic replaces electricity” kind of magic system. So much fun to think about.
Spoiler and trigger warning clarification for anyone who is curious about the SA warning.
.
.
.
.
It is not between the romantic characters on either count. And the almost is a very self rescuing event.
Overall great read.
December 22, 2024
This book was not what I was expecting at all and I mean that in the best way possible! I've read a ridiculous amount of Beauty and the Beast retellings and this one I've got to say was a breath of fresh air, such an interesting twist on what I consider to be a classic trope. I absolutely adored Beast and Claire the unfolding of their relationship had the same slow gentle unraveling that were all familiar with. the compassion, intimacy, and level of care given to their relationship left me in tears! I love how we went deeper into this book's themes of forgiveness, growth, and self-acceptance. It touched my heart and I related so much to both Beast and Claire it was so raw and real, I enjoyed my time reading this and I'll shout it from the rooftops to all who can hear me READ THIS BOOK!!
May 18, 2023
What the heck!?! Why haven't I seen this book being hyped more???
This story is a beauty and the beast retelling with a bit of dungeons and dragons and some Gargoyle's (the TV show) mixed in. Our FMC is a quester, which means she recently graduated from the questing guild and is starting her new career as a professional quester. She decides to look over the job board for a first quest and comes upon a really old, outdated quest with zero rewards attached to it. She finds it intriguing and decides that even though there's no reward she wants to check it out. When she arrives at the location of the quest she finds an old castle frozen in time and a beast who lives there. The beast has been cursed by a fae and anyone who looks upon him is instantly fearing for their life and usually tries to kill or run from him. He also can't die so any harm that becomes him just brings pain and hopelessness. Until our FMC shows up and is seemingly unaffected.
This retelling is super fun. Our main character is the hero in this story, she does the rescuing, not him. The story also has a great slow/medium burn spice.
What to expect
✅ One bed
✅ Beast form - not human
✅ Taking care when hurt
✅ Friends to lovers
✅ He's inexperienced (V Card!)
✅ Good communication between the characters, feels mature
✅ Spice!
Overall
Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (slow burn but when it hit, it hits!)
Audio 🚫 read on KU
This story is a beauty and the beast retelling with a bit of dungeons and dragons and some Gargoyle's (the TV show) mixed in. Our FMC is a quester, which means she recently graduated from the questing guild and is starting her new career as a professional quester. She decides to look over the job board for a first quest and comes upon a really old, outdated quest with zero rewards attached to it. She finds it intriguing and decides that even though there's no reward she wants to check it out. When she arrives at the location of the quest she finds an old castle frozen in time and a beast who lives there. The beast has been cursed by a fae and anyone who looks upon him is instantly fearing for their life and usually tries to kill or run from him. He also can't die so any harm that becomes him just brings pain and hopelessness. Until our FMC shows up and is seemingly unaffected.
This retelling is super fun. Our main character is the hero in this story, she does the rescuing, not him. The story also has a great slow/medium burn spice.
What to expect
✅ One bed
✅ Beast form - not human
✅ Taking care when hurt
✅ Friends to lovers
✅ He's inexperienced (V Card!)
✅ Good communication between the characters, feels mature
✅ Spice!
Overall
Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (slow burn but when it hit, it hits!)
Audio 🚫 read on KU
March 17, 2023
2.5/5 Stars
I really loved parts of this book at the start but as it went on (and on) I was just trying to finish it. I think it would have been better either as a series or as a shorter book. Some things were drawn out way too much, while things important to the plot fell by the wayside. The ending was also a bit odd.
I really loved parts of this book at the start but as it went on (and on) I was just trying to finish it. I think it would have been better either as a series or as a shorter book. Some things were drawn out way too much, while things important to the plot fell by the wayside. The ending was also a bit odd.
April 13, 2023
a surprisingly sweet romance
June 11, 2023
I imagine if you like Radiance by Grace Draven you could like this too. Cute friends to lovers trope in fantasy setting with a human and beast(?)
Claire is a quester so she goes on quests to save the day and as her first quest it leads her to a strange being in the forest. Will they fall in love? Yes. It’s a romance.
It’s a great beauty and the beast retelling with some interesting dynamics. I will say it’s a bit heavy due to the trauma that Beast has experienced. It’s a lot to be in his head…he’s depressed and has a lot of self loathing and self sabotaging thoughts. Beast is also a more gentle character than what I’ve ever seen in any other retellings and honestly for any of the romances I have been reading. He needs a lot of TLC and Claire provides.
(My favorite part though is when Beast helps put on Claire’s silk scarf)
Claire is a sweetheart and just the type of person he needs. Very straight forward and is willing to put her heart on the line.
So you may get some feelings as the Disney version this is a substantially more angsty but probably more realistic version.
I will say also Claire is Black and though she’s written by a non Black author, I felt like she was written well. Unlike in one book where the only other Black character consistently called on Black Jesus and also was the most powerful but only when she was angry and even her name was basically angry Black woman-Temper.
Claire is a quester so she goes on quests to save the day and as her first quest it leads her to a strange being in the forest. Will they fall in love? Yes. It’s a romance.
It’s a great beauty and the beast retelling with some interesting dynamics. I will say it’s a bit heavy due to the trauma that Beast has experienced. It’s a lot to be in his head…he’s depressed and has a lot of self loathing and self sabotaging thoughts. Beast is also a more gentle character than what I’ve ever seen in any other retellings and honestly for any of the romances I have been reading. He needs a lot of TLC and Claire provides.
(My favorite part though is when Beast helps put on Claire’s silk scarf)
Claire is a sweetheart and just the type of person he needs. Very straight forward and is willing to put her heart on the line.
So you may get some feelings as the Disney version this is a substantially more angsty but probably more realistic version.
I will say also Claire is Black and though she’s written by a non Black author, I felt like she was written well. Unlike in one book where the only other Black character consistently called on Black Jesus and also was the most powerful but only when she was angry and even her name was basically angry Black woman-Temper.
March 14, 2023
Slow burn - 4.5 ⭐️
What an emotional roller coaster! This book made me blush, cry, laugh, feel angry, and excited. Claire and Beast are both gentle souls that fit so well together. The imagery of the book was amazing too, I felt like I was sitting in the library with Claire and Beast, reading and spinning yarn. There were a few slow parts that felt a bit unnecessary but overall really well done! I would have liked to see more interaction between the families at the end. It would have helped to wrap up the story with further cementing the warmth of found family. Love the diverse character cast as well!!! We have representation of multiple genders, personalities, ethnicities/races. Also, the sexual assault trigger warning is definitely warranted but rest assured neither of the main characters are the abusers and all the abusers face justice.
What an emotional roller coaster! This book made me blush, cry, laugh, feel angry, and excited. Claire and Beast are both gentle souls that fit so well together. The imagery of the book was amazing too, I felt like I was sitting in the library with Claire and Beast, reading and spinning yarn. There were a few slow parts that felt a bit unnecessary but overall really well done! I would have liked to see more interaction between the families at the end. It would have helped to wrap up the story with further cementing the warmth of found family. Love the diverse character cast as well!!! We have representation of multiple genders, personalities, ethnicities/races. Also, the sexual assault trigger warning is definitely warranted but rest assured neither of the main characters are the abusers and all the abusers face justice.
February 24, 2023
Awesome retelling
🌟🌟🌟/5
🌶/5
Definitely Check TWs ****
A light in the dark was awesome a very different take on beauty and the beast Claire is a strong MC who knows how to stand up for her self and beast is a timid man who had dealt with a lot over the years when they first meet Claire is patient and understanding these two characters were made for each other. The storyline was detailed and had lot of back story , but felt dragged at certain times so much to where I had to stop and come back to continue a couple of times Definitely a slow burn spice didn't pick up until 66% in. But it was understood due to a lot of character building plus trust because of past traumas for both charters I love that there was no big reveals for the LQBTQ+ characters it was like this is who they are and I very much loved that. Overall the book was great.
🌟🌟🌟/5
🌶/5
Definitely Check TWs ****
A light in the dark was awesome a very different take on beauty and the beast Claire is a strong MC who knows how to stand up for her self and beast is a timid man who had dealt with a lot over the years when they first meet Claire is patient and understanding these two characters were made for each other. The storyline was detailed and had lot of back story , but felt dragged at certain times so much to where I had to stop and come back to continue a couple of times Definitely a slow burn spice didn't pick up until 66% in. But it was understood due to a lot of character building plus trust because of past traumas for both charters I love that there was no big reveals for the LQBTQ+ characters it was like this is who they are and I very much loved that. Overall the book was great.
April 8, 2025
I liked how cosy and soft this book was. The looks, the tenderness? Ah! They were so sweet and patient with each other and it made me feel mushy and happy inside.
However, I feel like there was a bit too much expository dialogue at times (the book could've been at least 100 pages shorter).
That said, I really appreciate the care with which the author approached these two love interests - who have experience so much hurt but are doing their best to be better for each other.
Overall, I am giving it three stars because I wasn't a huge fan of the pacing and I feel like the story dragged at times. I'd still 100% recommend it though!
However, I feel like there was a bit too much expository dialogue at times (the book could've been at least 100 pages shorter).
That said, I really appreciate the care with which the author approached these two love interests - who have experience so much hurt but are doing their best to be better for each other.
Overall, I am giving it three stars because I wasn't a huge fan of the pacing and I feel like the story dragged at times. I'd still 100% recommend it though!
March 13, 2023
Be still my beating 💓
I have read many renditions of the Beauty & The Beast story but none like this. I have always been attracted to the Alpha male type, but there was something about Beast that pulled at your heartstrings. The vulnerability, sadness, and kindness of the character cause a great urge to comfort Beast. I just wanted to wrap him up in so much love and affection. Claire, on the flip side, was his fierce and caring hero. I was so happy when the two of them finally came together. I absolutely loved this book. Well done!
I have read many renditions of the Beauty & The Beast story but none like this. I have always been attracted to the Alpha male type, but there was something about Beast that pulled at your heartstrings. The vulnerability, sadness, and kindness of the character cause a great urge to comfort Beast. I just wanted to wrap him up in so much love and affection. Claire, on the flip side, was his fierce and caring hero. I was so happy when the two of them finally came together. I absolutely loved this book. Well done!
March 25, 2023
This was a sloooooooooooooow burn. But oh so yummy! The world building and character development were excellent. You could tell that this story was the author’s baby. I do believe the author is white, but she wrote a dark skinned heroine so beautifully. Lovely, absolutely lovely. She shows me that there is hope for others. I absolutely fell in love Beast. I wanted to hug him and hold him, so very tight. He needed understanding and love that Claire gave him endlessly. He filled a role of comfort for Claire. The hot scenes were hooooooooooot. Not too many though, so keep in mind this isn’t an erotica. However, this is a fantastic romantic tale that shall we say is old as time.
January 23, 2023
What a lovely book!!
Oh, I was so excited when I read what this book was about and so pleasantly surprised when it was as awesome as I had hoped. I loved how there was some Dungeons and Dragons mixed in with with retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I also really enjoyed the representation in it along with the fact that our FMC was the hero who was strong and capable. Well done, and I will definitely be reading anything else from this author!!
Oh, I was so excited when I read what this book was about and so pleasantly surprised when it was as awesome as I had hoped. I loved how there was some Dungeons and Dragons mixed in with with retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I also really enjoyed the representation in it along with the fact that our FMC was the hero who was strong and capable. Well done, and I will definitely be reading anything else from this author!!
May 23, 2023
*3,5
Primeiramente: a autora é branca?! Como assim?
Segundo: gostei muito dessa releitura de a Bela e a Fera que é uma das minhas histórias favoritas, mas apesar do livro ter só 420 páginas, achei ele muito lento e arrastado em algumas partes e fiquei com a sensação de que poderia ter sido feito em 300.
Ainda por cima, fui roubada da cena do Sam (no meu coração ele vai ser Beast pra sempre). Mas gostei muito de como ela usou o último capítulo pra set the scene pra continuação.
Primeiramente: a autora é branca?! Como assim?
Segundo: gostei muito dessa releitura de a Bela e a Fera que é uma das minhas histórias favoritas, mas apesar do livro ter só 420 páginas, achei ele muito lento e arrastado em algumas partes e fiquei com a sensação de que poderia ter sido feito em 300.
Ainda por cima, fui roubada da cena do Sam (no meu coração ele vai ser Beast pra sempre). Mas gostei muito de como ela usou o último capítulo pra set the scene pra continuação.
February 5, 2023
AMAZING!!
It was so good that I couldn’t put it down. I read the whole book in a day because it was written so well. I freaking love Claire character overall because she’s just so understanding and a beautiful person. Now my boy Beast is just adorable and the sweetest!! Like I need to go out now and search for a cursed mansion or something cause he is the one.
It was so good that I couldn’t put it down. I read the whole book in a day because it was written so well. I freaking love Claire character overall because she’s just so understanding and a beautiful person. Now my boy Beast is just adorable and the sweetest!! Like I need to go out now and search for a cursed mansion or something cause he is the one.
February 13, 2023
This was a lovely Beauty and the Beast adaptation. I loved Claire and Beast, and how they grew together. I am kind of obsessed with Beauty and the Beast adaptations, and while this one may not oust my reigning favorites, it brings long overdue, unique attributes to a long line of the same book over and over again. A must read for a Beauty and the Beast lover.
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