Helpful Score: 4
This is an ordinary, modern romance just like any other, except that the author tried to earn points by throwing in the Beauty and the Beast theme. It did nothing to enhance the trite dialogue and weak contrivances. The ending was particularly unsettling for me. The entire book is written first person from the woman's perspective. Then all of a sudden at the end, he's saying that HE wrote the book so we could know of her? Funny how he described a lot of events when he simply wasn't there, and a lot of thoughts he couldn't have heard. If you like run of the mill romances with a bit of sex thrown in, this book is for you. If you're pursuing the Beauty and the Beast theme, skip this and try Robin McKinley's âBeautyâ or Mercedes Lackey's âThe Fire Roseâ.
Helpful Score: 2
Give yourself a real treat and read this book! Quick read, beautifully written. A modern take on "Beauty and the Beast". This is a wonderful bit of escapist literature, with marvelous portrayals of deep emotions -- try it, you will be glad you went along for the ride.
Helpful Score: 2
I love any story that has a Beauty & the Beast feel to it. The story is about Alexandra Miller (Alex) who is a painter as were other family members before her. There is a family tradition that a member of the Miller family paints a portrait of a member of the Crompton family each generation. Alex is going to paint Leland Crompton (Lee). Lee has a disease that has altered his appearance and left him insecure about himself.
The duo meets and become good friends, who are there for one another. As they realize that they are falling in love, it is not Alex who shies away from Lee, it is he who can't believe that anyone would love him because he has some physical deformities. This is truly a beautiful and inspiring story - I will warn you - you will need a box of tissues - but I highly recommend it. Very touching!!!
The duo meets and become good friends, who are there for one another. As they realize that they are falling in love, it is not Alex who shies away from Lee, it is he who can't believe that anyone would love him because he has some physical deformities. This is truly a beautiful and inspiring story - I will warn you - you will need a box of tissues - but I highly recommend it. Very touching!!!
