Once upon a Beast

The Billionaire Fairy Tales, Book 2

De: MacKenzie Stowe

Narrado por: Shiloh James, Jim Catapano

"Navigating the glittering world of high society and the shadowy underbelly of the city in this modern retelling of “Beauty and the Beast.”

Meet Layla Brown, a fiercely independent and intelligent young woman who is living her dream as an employee of the New York City Public Library. And Nicodemus Murphy, a brooding and enigmatic billionaire who has hidden from life and the woman he loves for years, his childhood friend, Layla.

When a scandal threatens to ruin Nic’s career, he and Layla are forced to see each other again. Old wounds and unrequited love come to the surface, causing the friends to comfort their past and embark on a love neither thought was possible.

Nicodemus and Layla’s bond strengthens as he battles his inner struggles, finding peace in her unconditional love. But will it last? When his past and misdeeds catch up with him, can he trust the love he and Layla have found to get through it? Or will doubt and deception keep the two lovers apart?

With a rich tapestry of modern themes and steamy romance, this enchanting retelling will captivate your heart. This poignant reimagining explores the transformative power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.

Once Upon a Beast is a friends-to-lovers steamy romance set in New York City. It has plenty of heat and laughter with a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhangers.

©2024 MacKenzie Stowe (P)2025 MacKenzie Stowe

Reimagined Beauty and the Beast

This was a great book! The plot was so unexpected….So many twist and turns.
Layla and Nic’s story is written well.
I highly recommend this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Once Upon a Beast!

This is an intriguing and interesting modern twist on the classic fairytale, "Beauty and the Beast". It is the third story in the "Billionaire Fairy Tales" series. The series feature three friends, each finding a fairytale love. This story is about Nicodemus and Layla. The story is sweet, steamy and heartwarming. The narration was nicely done and really brought the story and characters to life. I enjoyed every bit of the story and really love the main characters.

Modern day fairy tale!

Once Upon a Beast is the second book of the Billionaire Fairy Tales series by author
MacKenzie Stowe.
I enjoyed this audiobook version just as much as the ebook version after having read and reviewed that edition in the past.
I find myself turning to audiobooks more often lately for their hands free convenience and ability to deliver an excellent listening experience if done well.
Shiloh James and Jim Catapano do a wonderful job of supplying the visual images as they audibly impart the emotions, drama, twists, intrigue, suspense, and passion of this modern variation of Beauty and the Beast whose childhood friends billionaire
MMC Nicodemus, and MFC Layla are brought together again in the future by an impending scandal that threatens Nicodemus and her father.
An absorbing and delicious story that translated very well from written word to listening with the capable voices of it’s narrators and the engaging writing of the author.




I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Second chances and misunderstandings

This is book 2 of Once Upon a Beast. I loved this second chance romance for two best friends. His father went to jail for embezzlement, and he lost touch with his friends. Now years later he needs his first love to help him. It is a sweet romantic second chance love story with betrayal they do not see coming. Happy ever after ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Interesting Retelling!

This is the second book in The Billionaire Fairy Tales series. Nicodemus and Layla’s friends to lovers romance is complex and intriguing. I liked the intrigue, the suspense, and the twists and turns. This is an interesting retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Shiloh James and Jim Catapano did a good job bringing this story to life. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.