randikaye's review against another edition
It should come as no surprise AT ALL to day that I love a good fairy tale... and like most readers, I must say that Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my favorites. (I mean, what avid reader doesn't see a little of themselves in Belle, right!?) When I read the description of A Dark Beauty, I knew this was one that I absolutely had to read. A Victorian style retelling of this beloved story? Yes, please! And the cover certainly helped to draw me in even further.
Creating a fairy tale retelling is- in my opinion- a fine line. I like the stories to keep with the heart of the original, but while still bringing something new and interesting to the story too. I feel like Clarissa Kae did this quite well in the story. While as readers we can probably guess how the basic outline of the story was going to look, the details within the stories themselves and the characters of Georgiana and Lord Pichon to make it a fresh and exciting read all on its own. It certainly has me looking forward to more in the series.
If you love a good fairy tale, this is certain one to check out.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
Creating a fairy tale retelling is- in my opinion- a fine line. I like the stories to keep with the heart of the original, but while still bringing something new and interesting to the story too. I feel like Clarissa Kae did this quite well in the story. While as readers we can probably guess how the basic outline of the story was going to look, the details within the stories themselves and the characters of Georgiana and Lord Pichon to make it a fresh and exciting read all on its own. It certainly has me looking forward to more in the series.
If you love a good fairy tale, this is certain one to check out.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
atris_lauraborealis's review against another edition
2.0
This book suffered only for an editor. Dialogue was disconnected from description, sentences were short and choppy and a bit all over the place. Pacing was inconsistent and the mystery portion of the plot was lackluster and badly wrapped up. But the characters were good and the bones were clearly there. Depending on your enjoyment of beauty and the beast, or historical retellings, you may enjoy this enough to look past its flaws.
rachel_loves_2_read's review
5.0
Great retelling
This is a great Beauty and the Beast retelling. Definitely in my top three. Fast paced but not so much that I felt there were things skipped over. My romantic heart sighed in all the right places and left me feeling very happy. Since this is a new author for me I’m looking forward to reading more of her books
This is a great Beauty and the Beast retelling. Definitely in my top three. Fast paced but not so much that I felt there were things skipped over. My romantic heart sighed in all the right places and left me feeling very happy. Since this is a new author for me I’m looking forward to reading more of her books
sungetch's review
4.0
Interesting take on Beauty and the Beast.
Overall I enjoyed this Victorian retelling. It was interesting and plot driven; very well told. The pacing of the story was slow however. The heroine finally makes it to the hero's castle about 40% of the way through the book. No spice, just a sweet romance full of intrigue.
No cheating.
Overall I enjoyed this Victorian retelling. It was interesting and plot driven; very well told. The pacing of the story was slow however. The heroine finally makes it to the hero's castle about 40% of the way through the book. No spice, just a sweet romance full of intrigue.
No cheating.
books2graham's review
3.0
This was a solid 3.5 stars and was just an okay/easy read. While this is listed as a historical romance/retelling, it seemed to be lacking something that I can't put my finger on. This book was decently written, but it just fell short for me.
travelerswife4life's review
4.0
Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite classics so when I had the chance to read A Dark Beauty I jumped! Clarissa Kae is a new to me author and I enjoyed her writing style. Her rendition of the classic story stayed true to its origins, but with some wonderful twists. I think one of my favorite things about the story was the conversations between the characters, it was fun, sarcastic, and made me smile several times.
Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. For the great character interactions, the combination of mystery/intrigue, and for making me smile. I did like the book, there were just a few things that seemed implausible, a lackluster ending (Clarissa Kae did a great job building me up... and then nothing), and some character decisions that just seemed odd to me (maybe because I would never have done it?). But I am glad I read it and hope to read more of Clarissa Kae’s books in the future.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. For the great character interactions, the combination of mystery/intrigue, and for making me smile. I did like the book, there were just a few things that seemed implausible, a lackluster ending (Clarissa Kae did a great job building me up... and then nothing), and some character decisions that just seemed odd to me (maybe because I would never have done it?). But I am glad I read it and hope to read more of Clarissa Kae’s books in the future.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
sassybookishmama's review
4.0
Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorites stories and Disney movie so when I was set to review this book I was completely excited. I mean a retelling of your favorite story in Victorian times? What is not to love about that?! This is my first book by Clarissa Kae and I thought she did a great job! I could tell right away which character was who and you will too if you love Beauty and the Beast. Just like in that story this one also has the character that you are meant to dislike strongly! There was mystery and intrigue which definitely keeps you reading into the wee hours of the night (okay maybe that was just me! LOL)
Definitely one of those books for me that I couldn't put down and wanted more at the end. I definitely recommend it to anyone who not only likes the old tale but those who enjoy reading the Victorian Era genre!
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Definitely one of those books for me that I couldn't put down and wanted more at the end. I definitely recommend it to anyone who not only likes the old tale but those who enjoy reading the Victorian Era genre!
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
longtimereader's review
3.0
Victorian is fun as a setting and Gothic can be a fun genre as well. It seemed to be a good fit for a Beauty and the Beast retelling. It's also a bit steam punk. Do note, that this isn't is a true historical timeline. If you first put yourself into a frame of mind that this is a parallel universe or non-typical setting it will help. This story will not follow standard historical protocols with clothing, or behavior, or even items.
Georgiana can fix anything mechanical, partially watches. (See, steampunk!) She's gifted in this way. Dom is interesting, but there's something about him that feels off. The pair feels like the are together because they don't have options, not because of a deep love or attraction like I expected. The bit of mystery and subplot was a teaser.
My issues are that it remained a teaser. It wasn't solved. That's super frustrated to me. I don't like open ended thing like that. The ending wasn't at all what was anticipated. While I struggled to connect to the characters in ways that are harder to pin-point, the ending really disappointed me. That said, I think I'd read other book by the author, because it takes a great deal of work to retell a story that's already much loved to start with.
I appreciate that my copy came from Celebrate Lit. This review is my own, left freely. A positive review is never required.
Georgiana can fix anything mechanical, partially watches. (See, steampunk!) She's gifted in this way. Dom is interesting, but there's something about him that feels off. The pair feels like the are together because they don't have options, not because of a deep love or attraction like I expected. The bit of mystery and subplot was a teaser.
My issues are that it remained a teaser. It wasn't solved. That's super frustrated to me. I don't like open ended thing like that. The ending wasn't at all what was anticipated. While I struggled to connect to the characters in ways that are harder to pin-point, the ending really disappointed me. That said, I think I'd read other book by the author, because it takes a great deal of work to retell a story that's already much loved to start with.
I appreciate that my copy came from Celebrate Lit. This review is my own, left freely. A positive review is never required.
beautifulmessreads's review
4.0
Do you love fairytale retelling?!? Then this brand new sparkling book you’ll love! @clarissa__kae wrote a Beauty and the Beast Victorian retelling called A Dark Beaty and it’s wonderful! I’m alway nervous with retellings because either too close to the story or feels forced... not the case with this one! Clarissa Kae expertly crafted this retelling and it was fantastic.
Georgiana is super first but has fought hard trying to keep her family together. She has learned how to be strong and stick up for her family. Dom has a hardened heart but he’s had a rough life! I loved watching his heart thaw and the two of the challenge each other.
I loved all the mystery, new things coming to light and the wonderful story!
Thank you @clarissa__kae for the copy and I can’t wait for your next retelling!!!
Georgiana is super first but has fought hard trying to keep her family together. She has learned how to be strong and stick up for her family. Dom has a hardened heart but he’s had a rough life! I loved watching his heart thaw and the two of the challenge each other.
I loved all the mystery, new things coming to light and the wonderful story!
Thank you @clarissa__kae for the copy and I can’t wait for your next retelling!!!