Beauty of the Beast (Fairy Tale Retellings)

This book was fantastic! More people need to know about this story! I loved everything about it: the plot, the characters, the romance, the setting. This book made me made me feel so many emotions that I wasn't able to put it down! If you love beauty and beast, or even if you don't, please read this book right away!

At first, I thought this was Beauty and the Beast. But it isn't. It's BETTER! Rachel has a strong grasp on romance and storytelling. I feel like she has awakened the true lover inside of me. This book has inspired me to ask out my workplace crush. WISH ME LUCK!

“If I’m a monster, mademoiselle, it’s because man’s cruelty has made me so.”

Beauty of the Beast by Rachel L. Demeter is a dark, adult fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast (with a teeny-tiny nod to Cinderella, too?).

**** Warning: this book contains mature content and dark themes, most of which are graphic.****

In an attempt to better her life, Isabelle Rose travels with her ailing father to the merchant's fair in LA Florin, leaving her two selfish step- sisters, Clarice and Elizabeth, and her cruel and heartless fiancé, Raphael Dumont, behind. Before they were able to reach their destination, Isabelle and her father Bernard get caught in the middle of a serious snow storm and have to venture off their route to find safety. Eventually they find a decrepit castle, seemingly abandoned, and immediately seek shelter inside. What they find, however, was something way beyond what they could have imagined.

The writing is filled with vivid descriptions and details, but certain things felt repetitive and that got slightly annoying.

This is a stand alone book, but its also the first installment in a series of (more to come) classic fairy tale retellings with dark and realistic twists (which I'm definitely looking forward to). In some ways, this book reminded me of M.J. Haag's Beastly Tales trilogy, Depravity (mostly because of the MC's two evil step-sisters, and some similar dark themes), but Rachel L. Demeter puts her own unique twist on this fairy tale; one that's filled with strong emotion, tragedy and a slow-burning romance.

I loved that there was no magic used in this story. Prince Adam Delacroix was made into a "beast" by a horrific event in his past, not cursed to be one. However, he does own an old aged "beast like" wolf-hound named Stranger (and I loved him, haha).

Besides Stranger, Adam's only other friend (and only connection to the outside world until he meets Isabelle) is Sébastien, a man who served him and his family before they were horrifically attacked. Unfortunately, I felt their friendship was underdeveloped. I didn't really feel a strong connection between these characters, which was strange considering everything they've been through together.

Raphael Dumont, Isabelle's fiancé, is handsome, rich, powerful and absolutely despicable. While I am not forgiving his actions, I was glad to know his history and learn why he became so villainous. I almost felt bad for him at times.

If you're an adult who enjoys dark gothic romances, happy endings and Beauty and the Beast retellings, then this is a book for you.

This is a historical romance, with a touch of mystery. This is for adults only due to the sexual content. At first glance the title threw me off, but let me see. WOW is all I can say. For me it was a wonderful book. Adam at first is so withdrawn. But I gave him a chance, learned his story and I understood his pain. And Isabelle well she is unique and has her own ways, she also has had a rough time and well they both have to work together, but they complement each other. I was so happy to see this is the first book in a series and can not wait to read more.

Isabelle will do anything to escape the wraths of her soon to be husband even travel with her sickly papa. Weather forces her to stop for the night, she seeks refuge from Adam Delacroix, who reluctantly agrees. Belle's father makes a mistake and Adam deals with him harshly, Belle offers to take his place and stay with Adam in his castle instead of imprisoning her father.

Adam Delacroix is a prince, but he has allowed everyone to believe he died along side his family in a fire 25 years before. Actually he did die beside them, inside he has felt like that, well until Isabelle. She has changed him. Made him into a new man, feel like a new person. He will do anything for her, to keep her happy. But little does he know that danger is lurking in the form of Raphael.

favorite passages:
"The billowing canopy fluttered like the wings of a bird as the room shook beneath him."
"She flipped through her book's well-loved pages, allowing the sentimental words to wrap her soul and lift her into another time and place."
"The wind howled, filling the cottage with its mournful song."
"The castle resembled a crouching beast."
"Hot breaths wafted from the fold on his hood, pale against the darkness, resembling smoke from a dragon's mouth."
"All the darkness, heartache, and despair were spilling through in a crushing landslide."
"Surely its false light would lead him to destruction-much like a sailor lured by a siren's call."
"It sounded like the whisper of a thousand ghosts."

4.5 Beautiful, Beastly Stars!

The Review:
What a fantastic read!

Steeped in a dark realism, this remarkable retelling of an enchanting classic held no charmed curses or dancing tea cups. In fact, Prince Adam Delacroix’s beastliness was the result of a horrific string of events that lead to his disfigurement. But just because there was no supernatural or otherworldly conjury interwoven in this magnificent tale, doesn't mean there wasn’t magic abound. With talented writing and elegant prose, this powerful, bewitching story consumed me and made me fall in love with two profound characters who prove that true, unconditional love really can wade the crashing tides of life's misfortunes.

Story/Characters...
A young Adam Delacroix, would be prince of Demrov, lost everything one fateful night in a rebellion that incinerated his entire world and left him horribly scarred and alone. For twenty five years, he hid himself away in his forsaken castle, fearing the outside world and all it’s judgements. Haunted by his past and uneased by a precarious future, he thought the simple pleasure of life, such as a hug, a kiss or even love and passion, were lost to him forever. Until a beauty showed up at his dark door one cold, snowy night asking for help.

Isabelle Rose is running from an impossible future. Unwilling to be engaged to the detestable Vicomte Raphael Dumont, she takes off with her ailing father in search of a new future, only to find a vein of despair in her desperation. Hoping for a bright new life, she never expected to find herself behind the cold, shadowy walls of Adam’s castle. Nor did she expect to find a remarkable life and a tender love in that same somber place. Her reluctance, her fear, her heartbreak and confusion was palpable and honest. It poured off the pages in the most articulate way and when the tides began to turn and her confusion and fear leaned towards need and love, I heartily cheered her on. You couldn’t help but fall deep in love with these characters!

Through this author's dark, expressive writing, Adam’s loneliness and self-abhorrence was captured in impassioned laminations filled with heartbreaking longing for a life he couldn’t conceive possible for himself. Isabelle was a dreamer and envisioned a life filled with love, passion and beauty. She wanted her happily ever after, which is why she chose to run from a future sure to cause her so much pain. Right from the start, I loved the powerful chemistry between Adam and Isabelle, and the parallels they represented.

And there was a definite slow burn between these two. Isabelle starts off with a deep distrust of this mysterious and horrifically scarred man who has marooned himself away in his gloomy castle. He’s secretive, in pain and has a story behind those piercing, intelligent eyes. She wanted to get to know him but his fear holds him back. In turn, Adam feels he is completely unworthy of a woman who loves so fiercely, who is graceful and honorable, sweet and caring and above all, who is absolutely beautiful. These conflicting elements caused some wonderful angsts and enjoyable chest pangs. Then, through Adam’s gentle words and touch, his caring and giving nature, his soulful music, Isabelle finds much more to love about a man who seemed unlovable.

The Wrap Up:
I was riveted by this read and enjoyed it beyond measure. The writing alone was outstanding and swept me away, but the story was all consuming and was reminiscent of the classics. The only reason I didn’t give it a full five stars was because about middle way of the book, I felt there was a repetitiveness in both Adam and Isabelle’s narrative. Adam longed for Isabelle from afar and Isabelle stayed confused and fearful. I felt there was one chapter too much of that and I wanted very much for this amazing story to move forward into the romance it was working so hard toward.

All in all, I loved this book. This might have been a retelling of a classic, but with fresh ideas, new twists and brave and intriguing characters, this outstanding read delighted me at every page turn. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

This story in my opinion is a true beauty and the beast story. Not the horrible beast leading the beautiful belle to the waltz in the library. But more like the Angel of Music falling in love with voices and music. Looking past the darkness and seeing what is right in front of you. Where a magical spell does not turn the beast into the beautiful prince. Instead a strong love from a beautiful prince on the inside.

Adam Delacroix who is a prince with a dark history. Who lives in darkness away from everyone. And live with the nightmares of the things he had no control over. Adam has one servant friend Sebastian who he owes his life to. And his trusting furry companion Stranger. Isabelle Rose a merchants daughter who wants love and to be happy but has yet to find it and when she thinks she has. She's been tricked and no longer wants to give her heart up again. Yet she is engaged to this man who thinks she resembles his mother. Its like an obsession and he will do whatever it takes to get her back. Life for Isabelle is not an easy one. Caring for a sick father who she loves so much and dealing with her two ungrateful stepsisters.
Adam and Isabelle meet when a snow storm brings Isabelle and her father to the Adams ruined castle. Frightened and cold Adam allows them in but the tragedy struck and a agreement is put in place. Isabelle is okay with the arrangement as long as her beloved father and sister are taken care of. Is it possible that two bruised and beaten hearts can beat again? To love, to accept their pasts? I guess you will have to read to find out. I loved this story and I would suggest it to all of my friends.

This is the third book that I have read of Rachel L. Demeter. I lover her books. I love the dark romance. I love the imperfect characters. I love different and outside of the box. I love how usually both people are troubled instead of just one. These are just some of the reasons I love Reading Rachel L. Demeter's Books. :)

Woah! What a fantastic surprise this book was. I'm the first to admit I'm pretty picky with what I choose to read. I know what I like and I tend to stick to that. I want to enjoy what I'm going to read and I hate being disappointed, lol. I'll normally stick to authors I've read or recommendations or things like that. Well this book I literally stumbled across. I will say that I'm a huge fan of beauty and the beast and have a read a good few twists on it. Some are good, some not so good, but this, IMO, is the best I've read so far. I'd not read this author before but I'll definitely be reading more from her now. I absolutely loved this! It was everything I was hoping for and more and I'm super glad that I decided to go for it.

Obviously the storyline is pretty familiar but this author writes it fantastically well with some clever twists on the original tale. Firstly I'll say that this is not a sweet, flowery fairytale. It has a darker, grittier edge but is highly emotional and moving. It was a deeply atmospheric read. It reminded me of the gothic novels of old.

This is a historical story but, if you don't read historical, I wouldn't be put off by that. The story easily translates over in a contemporary way and is eminently readable. I was sucked in immediately and struggled to come back to reality when I'd finished. The writing was very good and kept me hooked all the way through.

The characters were fantastic. My heart broke for Isabelle and Adam. I adored reading their journey and watching them grow emotionally together. There is also genuine conflict and suspense plus a pretty nasty and sadistic antagonist. I love a good villain. Okay that sounds a bit wrong, lol, but writing and genuinely bad person is not easy and this author did it very well.

This pulled me through the full wringer of emotions and I was deeply invested in the characters and their story. I was in a bit of a rut, reading wise. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy what I was reading but I was desperate for something different and special to hit me with a great big bang. Well this book certainly ticked all those boxes.

Like I said before this does have some darker themes and if you're hoping for fluffy bunny stuff then this maybe not for you. I, however, loved the darker twist.

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this and would definitely recommend. I can't wait to read some more from this author.

what a gift to receive

Even as a little girl I loved fairy tales and this one well this one is a tad bit more then a child's fairy tale, but the story is so familiar that it did take me back, Yes it's a beautiful story, not quite like Disney's version, but true to the story I grew up with, with just a tad bit more sex in it then Disney's version.
Prince Adam Delacroix has remained hidden inside an old castle from his childhood, he is scared and retains the memories that he witnessed his witnessed his family’s brutal massacre. Cloaked in shadows and only the ghost as his company he has lost all hope.
Caught in snowstorm, beautiful and strong-willed Isabelle Rose seeks shelter at the castle unaware that its beastly and disfigured master is much more than he appears to be. When he imprisons her gravely ill and blind father, she bravely offers herself in his place.
Adam’s humanity reawakens as he encounters a kindred soul in Isabelle. Together they begin a journey that takes them through darkness only to discover beauty and passion in the most unlikely of places. But as all tales the past comes rearing its ugly head, will the lovers be able to survive and be together as they are meant to be,
You will have to read this beautiful love story for all ages. Thank you Rachel for a wonderful trip down memory lane.

When I read the blurb for Rachel Demeter’s Beauty of the Beast, I was excited. As the Facebook meme says, “I still love to read fairy tales. They are just a little dirtier now.” This story packs so much more than just a sexy retelling of a classic tale though. This story is darker and grittier than the story from your childhood. Fairy tales don’t get much better than this.

Prince Adam Delacroix of Demrov had grown up with the world at his feet. Until he was 11 years old. Then, in the span of one night, he’d lost everything. His family’s castle was besieged by revolutionaries. Adam had watched the death of his parents and sister in absolute horror. Left to die in the burning castle, he had managed to survive. But he was left scarred, both emotionally and physically. For 25 years he’d lived alone, secluded, clinging to one thought- Never trust. Never forget. Never forgive.
Isabelle Rose had spent her youth traveling all of Demrov with her father, a merchant. Theirs had been a carefree, exciting life. But as a gap between the nobility and working class grew, business had faltered. Papa had remarried to a woman with 2 daughters. They were spoiled, manipulative, greedy women, and soon Papa’s money was gone. Now Papa’s health was declining and he was almost blind. Isabelle had accepted the attentions of Vicomte Raphael Dumont, knowing he could provide for her and her family. She quickly learned, though, that Raphael was not the charming, handsome man he first appeared to be. He was a wretched, brutal man who forced his advances on Isabella leaving her bruised, afraid, and desperate for escape.
When Papa announced he wanted to attend the Merchant’s Fair, Isabella was hesitant. She knew her father’s health was failing, but this was their chance for escape. She and Papa could leave and never return. She could be free of Raphael and his insistence that she marry into his vile family. This could be a new beginning for them. One where she would no longer have to rely on Raphael Dumont.
While on the 3 day journey to the fair, the weather worsened and so did Papa’s health. They needed shelter quickly. Through the snow, Isabelle could see a crumbling castle with a faint light inside. When she knocked, the door was opened by a tall, dark, cloaked figure. Reluctantly, the figure admitted them, but when Papa appeared to be stealing a teacup, the cloaked figure threw him in the dungeon. Papa died that night and Isabelle was left overwrought with grief. Adam, knowing too well the emotional and physical tolls of despair and shock, stood by Isabelle’s bedside for 3 nights, cooling her brow, feeding her, and whispering comforting words in her ear. His deep melodic voice was like a lifeline for Isabelle.
While she slowly recovered, Isabelle got her first glimpse of her new surroundings and of the man who lived there. The castle was run down, dusty, and drafty. The furnishings were faded and moth eaten. Everything looked as if it had been rotting for an eternity, but Isabella could imagine how beautiful it once had been. Her captor was just as puzzling. Once she saw him without his hood, she was frightened. Half his face was twisted. Charred and puckered flesh distorted his features. The other half was hauntingly beautiful. His eyes were breathtakingly blue but filled with sadness and anger. “She wanted to hate him, blame him for the tragedy that had befallen her father, but she couldn’t. His touches and words were evidence of his remorse.”
For Adam, Isabelle was a reminder of what he had become. She was beautiful, untarnished. Everything he was not. She had strength and compassion he’d believed no longer existed. Part of him wanted to send her away while part of him wanted to hold her close. Adam was a formidable presence for Isabelle. She took unexpected pleasure in every detail, every imperfection. Her fascination though was mixed with fear and uncertainty. Adam offered her his home for as long as she wanted. As he watched over her and cared for her, some of Isabelle’s hatred and fear melted.
In the days that followed, Adam and Isabelle slowly got to know each other spending time together reading, playing music, exploring the castle and grounds. The castle should have felt like a prison, but instead, Isabelle felt free. At night, they would go their separate ways, yet part of Isabelle remained linked to Adam. She’d heard his cries in the night, seen him thrashing and tormented in his sleep. Something about him touched her deeply. She realized Adam was running from something too. Isabelle affected Adam deeply too. He hadn’t been this close to another human being in decades. Not without being met with revulsion. Just speaking with her made him feel connected to the world again. Isabelle was easing her way inside and taking away the shadows that had covered his world for so long.
The longer they were together in their own private world, the stronger those feelings became for both of them. Adam’s very presence set Isabelle’s pulse on fire. His body seemed to draw her in, seduce her. She had become accustomed to the mismatched sides of his face. Where she once felt horror, she now felt growing admiration. When he smiled or laughed, he was beautiful. He sometimes frightened her but he excited her too. He touched her with impossible gentleness and she felt love for him starting to blossom. Every time Isabelle came near Adam, he experienced surging emotions and a jolting connection. Fire flowed through his veins and stirred him to life. He ached for her. The chemistry between them was electric, and when they kissed, it was beyond anything either of them had ever imagined. They were thrust into a world of magic and romance. But just as they were discovering each other and enjoying true contentment and happiness, their fairytale world was threatened when Raphael finally tracked Isabelle down. Would Adam’s and Isabelle’s second chance at love be lost?

Beauty of the Beast has unbelievable character development. You really get a taste of what Adam, the beast, endured and why he had built a wall around himself. Isabelle too was a much deeper developed character than in the original story. Her life wasn’t carefree. She had hardships and demons she was running from. The villain, Raphael, wasn’t the comical, narcissistic Disney version. He was a man whose painful past had shaped him into the cruel, bitter man he was. There are no magical teacups or candelabras in this story. But there is a sweet, sometimes poignant development of an enduring love that transforms all. A beautiful, bold retelling of a timeless classic that, like the original story, gives us hope for tomorrow. We all need that. I can’t wait to see what childhood tale Rachel Demeter breathes life into next! I voluntarily read an advanced release copy of this story. Who wouldn't jump at that chance? A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection

Prince Adam Delacroix spends his adult life in hiding after a tragic event befallen his family, leaving him orphaned and physically scarred. The experience turns him into a bitter, heartless and doubtful of people, that’s why he prefers to be alone and trusting no one.

Isabelle Rose a dutiful daughter and always looking after the health of her father, especially now that he’s old and can barely see. Even though Isabelle has two step-sisters, they are more of a burden than help, they are always asking for things for her father to give to them. And there’s Raphael, an arrogant man who thought he owned Isabelle, and that she’ll be his bride in months to come. With the upcoming Annual Merchants’ Fair, Isabelle saw this as an opportunity to get away from people who are good for nothing and starts a new life with just her father.

Travelling throughout the night, unexpected storm came and Isabelle has no choice but to stop and look for a shelter and came across a Gothic castle. She knocks and the door opens… a tall figure wearing a cloak appears and annoyed at the same time. Adam heartlessly tries to turn them away, but Isabelle won’t just give up easily. After a time, Adam reluctantly gives in and let Isabelle and her father stay. While staying in the castle, something happened and Isabelle blames it all to Adam. And Adam just accepted the fact that maybe he’s really at fault for what happened.

They continue to mind their own business, but as time goes by, Isabelle discovers the real Adam behind the scars and Adam, who admire the beauty and grace of Isabelle from afar. Slowly they open up to each other; Adam his past life and how everything came about and Isabelle told Adam that she’s running away from a man. Adam and Isabelle’s life continues like a couple in love. Without a doubt they are in love!!! *sign*

In a cruel twist of fate, Raphael came and (while alone) snatches Isabelle and brought her back to his house and treated Isabelle badly. After learning what happened, Adam went out and searching for his beloved Isabelle. Will he find her before it’s too late?

Speechless! That’s what I felt when I’m done reading this book. I was amazed how beautiful it was flawlessly written turning a classic story into this edgy, dark and sexy story is just brilliant. The pacing is just right and the characters are well defined! This is my first book by Author Rachel L. Demeter and what an introduction it was. Time well spent reading this book and looking forward to read more story written by this author.