The Beast
Scarred. Damaged. Living with a terrible secret. Agent of the Underlight Wesley "Hauk" Haukon has nothing left but the fight for liberty against the oppressive Order of Ananke. He's starting to lose hope... and then he sees her.
The BeautyDespite her night job as a burlesque dancer, grad student Jolie Benoit has always played the mostly good girl. That all changes following a scorching sexual encounter with a stranger whose face she doesn't see. After she's kidnapped by thugs and rescued by a man with a very familiar voice, Jolie becomes a pawn in a struggle she never knew existed.
Hauk knows he cannot have her, and resolves to protect his heart and his secrets. But as they work together and grow closer, he finds new reason to keep fighting. Dare he risk hope in a new life, one where Jolie can see past his ravaged face and where their friendship can grow into something more?
The trilogy continues in How Beauty Saved the Beast.
©2012 Jax Garren (P)2012 Audible, Inc
"Beastly Amazing!"
Be careful...the cover really implies that this is supposed to be a retold version of Beauty and the Beast Steampunk, Urban Fantasy style. While I agree to the Urban Fantasy, I wouldn’t exactly say this is Steampunk. That being said this is an Adult Romance that is mind blowing breath taking and beautiful. I don't want to give a lot of details but amazing does not describe this book! The writing isgreat and the plot is well planned and executed. I loved both Jolie and Hauk. They were both well-developed characters. There were several secondary characters that added to the book.
There was not HEA for this Beauty and this Beast but maybe in the next book....I had to keep that in mind when rating this book since this was a good start to a new series, but my only criticism was that I was left wanting...wanting to know more of the mystery about Hauk and wanting more of the relationship between Jolie and Hauk. I can only hope as I wait for the next books in the series.
Expected publication of How Beauty Saved the Beast (Tales of the Underlight #2): February 2013; Followed up shortly by How Beauty Loved the Beast (Tales of the Underlight #3) : May 2013.
"Amazingly Well Done!"
I can't believe how I stumbled upon such a wonderful book!!! It was everything I love in a story! You got action / plot / future development / romance??? . And Therese Plummer's narration was spon on! You fell in love with Hauk from the beginning! His deep raspy voice, the softness in the way he speaks! You wanted to reach out and touch him, regardless of how damaged he was! You FELT his tenderness! I hope the other books come out in audio, too! I can't wait to see what happens next!!!!!
Why can't real life be like books?
"Sexy and Surprising"
I am in awe of what Jax Garren has created in this new series. Especially her great idea for a sexy male hero. Both main characters are fascinating and I have already purchased the next book.
I especially enjoyed the combination of this story and the reader. Therese Plummer has the ability to do great male voices, and makes them sound sexy and sweet. I fell in love with Hauk.
Bravo!
"A good start."
The story was nice...but it is clearly the beginning to a series and I didn't know that going in so I was disappointed that the story didn't have closure at the end...just a very open plea for another book to continue the story.
"LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS SERIES"
The compassion to look beyond the exterior of a human being is overwhelming!
Therese Plummer is the best narrator EVER
"hold on for the ride!"
Fresh ideas and take on a classic. I love that stereotypes are not stereotypical or not predictably so.
The characters are likeable and engaging. I could find myself hoping for friends like these. I want to live in the underlight!
Ms Plummer gives life to the book. Listening to the book allows me to sink into the story and live it.
I listened in one sitting and was online looking for the second book immediately.
The book starts with a very "adult" bang. Don't abandon hope it quickly moves into a true storyline.
I have an addiction to Audio books. What I can't get at the library, I come to Audible and they are always having a sale. I have way more audiobooks than I could possible listen to in over 3 years, but I can't help but adding to my collection and I read a little of everything but mostly romance and paranormal goodies.
"When Beauty left the Beast wanting more."
Story was not what I expected. More a political battle between two communes/ cult that supposedly have big clout over the world. The chemistry between the two started off hot but there was no other action. The sparks were there, but I like more action between the sheets. The writing was good the story original but too short, I believe the story could have been extended for a better book. I didn't realize it was the beginning of a series until after I had listened to it, so I will be getting the rest. Narration was good. Defiantly worth the price.
For as much as I read and listen you would think by now that I would know how to spell lol. I read at least 5 books a week there are times I have gotten up to 10 in a week.
"I want more!"
Everything! I started this book not really expecting much but got ecerything I love and more. I cant wait for the next book in this series.
As always she done a wonderful job. If it wasn't for her I problly would of passed this book bye but she is my fav so I get everything she reads.
This was a book I stumbled upon from a review of a few ppl I follow on here who also stumbled on to this book and boy am I ever glad they did. I loved everything about this book and can not wait for more.
"Very pleasant surprise!"
Definitely. A fresh take on an old classic. Well written with living breathing characters that it didn't take long to like. I'm hoping the ride won't stop here. Looking forward to more from this author and these characters! I originally bought it thinking it was short and inexpensive and I couldn't loose. Well I didn't! Thanks Jax!
Wesley...he is just heartbreaking and so deserving of more and has hope. I also love that he doesn't have a drop of self pity.
She did an excellent job with the voicing. I could easily tell one character from another and she is one of those women that can do male voices well also.
Buckle up Buttercup!
I bought this instead of using a credit, just because it was inexpensive and I save credits for more expensive books. Credit or cash...it's a good listen.
"Loved it! Can't wait to read the next one!"
romantic, tortured, hopeful
Can't think of any off hand.
Great narration.
It was great overall.