Helpful Score: 9
Story: 5 stars
Romance: 5 stars
Just added to my Keeper List!
I absolutely LOVED the main characters. Beauty figured out so quickly that Beast was acting as a bully on purpose--so she gives back as good as he dishes. The dialogue was witty and I was charmed even though it was obvious the inspiration was television's Dr. House.
The growing sexual tension between H/h was just about perfect and the pace at which their relationship evolved was as you would expect from James. I should have (but didn't) anticipate the crisis which brought them back together and I ALWAYS love to be surprised by an author.
My very favorite part was probably the epilogue--which provided a very nice cherry-on-top conclusion.
Highly recommended!
Romance: 5 stars
Just added to my Keeper List!
I absolutely LOVED the main characters. Beauty figured out so quickly that Beast was acting as a bully on purpose--so she gives back as good as he dishes. The dialogue was witty and I was charmed even though it was obvious the inspiration was television's Dr. House.
The growing sexual tension between H/h was just about perfect and the pace at which their relationship evolved was as you would expect from James. I should have (but didn't) anticipate the crisis which brought them back together and I ALWAYS love to be surprised by an author.
My very favorite part was probably the epilogue--which provided a very nice cherry-on-top conclusion.
Highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 3
My favorite author has unfortunately disappointed with this one. This was truly some thin reading.
Not to give the plot away, but I spent the majority of the book thinking the hero was eerily reminiscent of another crusty-but-lovable (to some) character. Truth be told, I wasn't surprised to find in the Author's Notes that she did exactly that and drew Piers from this irascible fellow. Too bad, for his was the face I saw throughout the majority of the book ... and that had the story drifting towards old Blackadder episodes in my mind as I read. Egad. Piers and Percy.
Works on the libido like a wave of cold Welsh sea water, doesn't it?
Not to give the plot away, but I spent the majority of the book thinking the hero was eerily reminiscent of another crusty-but-lovable (to some) character. Truth be told, I wasn't surprised to find in the Author's Notes that she did exactly that and drew Piers from this irascible fellow. Too bad, for his was the face I saw throughout the majority of the book ... and that had the story drifting towards old Blackadder episodes in my mind as I read. Egad. Piers and Percy.
Works on the libido like a wave of cold Welsh sea water, doesn't it?
Lizz D. (ladyd2206) -
Helpful Score: 3
Eloisa James has done it again in this retelling of the classic fairy tail of Beauty and the Beast. Piers is the Earl of Marchant, an angry, bitter man who has a leg injury and therefore uses a cane. He's also a doctor. He has three "under" doctors, and one friend, in this case his cousin, who also helps him. If you've ever watched a certain show on FOX, this is sounding familiar to you. Eloisa James totally based the character of Piers on Dr. Gregory House. I love it!
Linnet is the classic beauty, men want her, women hate her or want to be her, because she's so beautiful and perfect. But when she gets thrown over by the Prince, and she wears a gown to a ball that makes her look like she's expecting, her reputation is ruined, and no man will have her... until her Aunt shows up with an idea.
Since the Earl of Marchant is reputed to be incapable of fathering children, and lo and behold, here's a lady who is supposedly carrying a Prince's child, they make a match, using Piers' father, who is itching for an heir. But will Linnet and Piers be able to stand each other once they meet? They surely don't think so.
This was great. I love the show House, and when I started noticing the similarities between Piers and the fictional doctor, I kind of fell in love with him a little. I was not as big of a fan of Linnet at first, since she seemed somewhat vain, and silly. But as the book went on, I began to see that she wasn't as she originally seemed.
Just like in A Kiss at Midnight, this differs from the original fairy tail... a lot, but that fact doesn't detract from the story, it helps it, I think. Had it been a strait retelling, I think it would've been boring.
Overall, the humor in this book is charming, the sex is hot, and it's just a great book!
If you're a fan of Eloisa James, this is a must read. If you've never read her before, pick this up! It's a great historical romance with that touch of whimsy that just makes it a gem.
Linnet is the classic beauty, men want her, women hate her or want to be her, because she's so beautiful and perfect. But when she gets thrown over by the Prince, and she wears a gown to a ball that makes her look like she's expecting, her reputation is ruined, and no man will have her... until her Aunt shows up with an idea.
Since the Earl of Marchant is reputed to be incapable of fathering children, and lo and behold, here's a lady who is supposedly carrying a Prince's child, they make a match, using Piers' father, who is itching for an heir. But will Linnet and Piers be able to stand each other once they meet? They surely don't think so.
This was great. I love the show House, and when I started noticing the similarities between Piers and the fictional doctor, I kind of fell in love with him a little. I was not as big of a fan of Linnet at first, since she seemed somewhat vain, and silly. But as the book went on, I began to see that she wasn't as she originally seemed.
Just like in A Kiss at Midnight, this differs from the original fairy tail... a lot, but that fact doesn't detract from the story, it helps it, I think. Had it been a strait retelling, I think it would've been boring.
Overall, the humor in this book is charming, the sex is hot, and it's just a great book!
If you're a fan of Eloisa James, this is a must read. If you've never read her before, pick this up! It's a great historical romance with that touch of whimsy that just makes it a gem.
Michelle D. (Michelle74) reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 153 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I believe it is set in England after the turn of the century.
Eloisa James, as always, weaves a fantastic story. She takes an ordinary tale and brings it to a higher level. The banter between the hero and heroine are excellent. The humorous bits scattered throughout had me smiling as I read. The heart-wrenching scenes had me vested in the ending. (although I will admit, I've yet to weep at a story or movie:)
And unlike some of her other books, I didn't feel as if the other characters tried to steal the show. Piers and Linnet were dominant throughout in plot and personality.
Definately a recommended read.
Eloisa James, as always, weaves a fantastic story. She takes an ordinary tale and brings it to a higher level. The banter between the hero and heroine are excellent. The humorous bits scattered throughout had me smiling as I read. The heart-wrenching scenes had me vested in the ending. (although I will admit, I've yet to weep at a story or movie:)
And unlike some of her other books, I didn't feel as if the other characters tried to steal the show. Piers and Linnet were dominant throughout in plot and personality.
Definately a recommended read.
Regina (virgosun) reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 887 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Eloisa James has been a long-time favorite of mine, but I haven't enjoyed (or haven't finished and sometimes even bypassed entirely) the last handful of books she's put out. I finally realized why: she's far too chatty for me. Just like the others, WBTTB was filled with constant conversation. Our Beast tried so hard to be sarcastic and biting most of the time, and Beauty's family is constantly nattering on about something too. All that chatter, while sometimes funny enough for me to laugh out loud, was just plain silly, and had me reading paragraphs without me even being aware of what I'd just read. Not a good sign. I liked the main characters: Beauty, Beast, Beast's parents; and I wanted to stick around to see everyone forgive each other and make happy. But I just couldn't do it. I love Beauty/Beast-themed stories, but this one wasn't exciting. It's hard for me to set aside favorite authors, and I'm not entirely sure I want to give up the ghost on James just yet. I've still got her on my wishlist but I'm not sure for how much longer. I made it halfway through the book and still give it only 2 stars.
