The Black Beast of Belleterre

A Beauty and Beast Victorian Christmas Novella

By: Mary Jo Putney

Narrated by: Siobhan Waring

Length: 2 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

The Beauty and the Beast: a haunted and hidden lord, a desperate young beauty, and a marriage of convenience between two people who yearn for more....

James Markland, Lord Falconer, knows that he is ugly, very ugly, and he lives a life of seclusion, wearing a heavily cowled mantle to conceal his face from the world. When he learns that a neighboring girl, the exquisite, young Ariel Hawthorne, is about to be sold into marriage with a revolting lecher, he offers her the only protection he can: his name. Of course it will be a marriage in name only, because what woman could want him?

A talented artist, Ariel is cursed by her beauty and vulnerability. Though she never sees her husband's face, she is drawn to his kindness and generosity, but he is determined to push her away. Will he allow her to love him before it's too late? Perhaps the magic of Christmas can bring them together....

This seasonal stand-alone Regency novella is also published in the author's Christmas Revels collection.

About the Author

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-selling author, Mary Jo Putney's novels are known for psychological depth and intensity and include historical and contemporary romance, fantasy, and young adult fantasy. Winner of numerous writing awards, including two RITAs, three Romantic Times Career Achievement awards, and the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from Romance Writers of America, she has had numerous books listed among Library Journal’s and Booklist's top romances of the year.

©1992 Mary Jo Putney (P)2020 Mary Jo Putney

I loved this tender love story

Yes, the plot is old as tme, but the beauty of the writing of Mary No Putney and the atmospheric narration provided made this a story I couldn't stop listening to until I finished at 4 am in the morning even though I knew exactly how it would end. It was simply a glorious listen for me and a holiday blessing I will enjoy year after year. Thank you Mary No for allowing me to escape my petty problems for an enchanted 6 hours!

almost too predictable, yet a compelling story

the most memorable moment wax in realizing that Ariel was totally authentic and genuine. it was her character, the inside of her, that made the story believable and good.

Enchanting

Beautifully written and sweetly delivered a classic made new.
I have always been a lover of beauty and the beast this book just made it that much better.

A delightful version of Beauty and the Beast

I originally bought this on Kindle to try out the author. I like to get shorter works of authors first to see if I like them. I am always curious about Beauty and the Beast versions to see if they make a good story that doesn't involve Stockholm Syndrome. Mary Jo Putney did a nice job with this. When I saw that Siobhan Waring was the narrator, I decided to get the audible version as well. And of course, Waring does a lovely job narrating the story.

First of all, I like that there is no magic in this one. James Markland, Lord Falconer, is a scarred man who doesn't just have visible scars, he also has mental and emotional scars because of how he was raised. Ariel is beautiful, of course, but more importantly, she is a talented artist who has learned how to make the best of her life.

I particularly like that Lord Falconer has an extremely loyal staff of people working for him and he is a haven for those who are abused and/or damaged.

Because it's a Beauty and the Beast retelling, you know how it will end. What I found most intriguing is HOW that end was achieved. It felt like a real choice. It felt like what should happen. It is a delightful novella that I recommend.

Beauty and the Beast

I loved it. It's a magical story, very touching and so romantic. The narration is great too.

Mary Joe has done it again.

I truly enjoyed this book. I am a fan of all beauty and the beast. But this was special keep writing girl you do great work

Enchanting

Beautiful story, beautifully done. Loved it on Kindle, had to hear it

Touching, can't say enough. Putney at her best.

Very good beauty & the beast

This is a short story (novella) but a good one. Be sure to note that you will be getting about a 2 hour read.

loved it

short sweet and entertaining. I will listen to it again I'm sure and share it with others