A Dark Beauty

Victorian Retellings, Book 1

By: Clarissa Kae

Narrated by: Deborah Balm

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Victorian twist on Beauty and the Beast

Bold and brilliant, Georgiana has a gift for fixing machines - from clocks to carriages - while her father has a penchant for finding trouble. In an accidental fire, Georgiana and her father scar the once handsome face of Lord Pichon, cousin to the queen.

Rumors of Georgiana’s gift raise her family’s status. Her incomparable beauty captures the eye of many gentlemen and the wrath of Lord Pichon. Abandoned by his peers and alone in his cold castle, Lord Pichon is determined to enact revenge.

When Georgiana’s father makes a terrible mistake, she sacrifices herself to pay his debt - as a servant in Lord Pichon’s castle.

Her wit and warmth begin to thaw Lord Pichon’s estate, making him question his version of the past. Will her kindness break the beastly lord, or will he hold her family hostage forever?

©2021 Clarissa Kae (P)2021 Clarissa Kae

BEAUTY AND THE BARON

THIS IS A CLEAN SWEET VERSION OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, DOM IS THE COUSIN OF QUEEN VICTORIA, AND HAS A HATRED FOR BELLES FAMILY. SCARRED IN A FIRE AND DISFIGURED HE LOATHS THE FAMILY WHO COST HIM EVERYTHING, OR SO HE THOUGHT.
BEAUTY IS STUNNING THOUGH SHE BARES SCARRES FROM THE FIRE AS WELL, SHE TINKERS AND FIXED MACHINES AND CLOCKS.
THE STORY CAPTURES THE REGENCY ERA WONDERFULLY. THERE IS INTRIGUE, MYSTERY DECEPTION, BUT ONE OF THE MOST TRUTHS THAT MANY CHOOSE TO EITHER IGNORE OR BELIEVE, THAT BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN.
CLARISSA KAE REALLY DELIVERED A UNFORGETTABLE RENDITION OF
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
DEBORAH BALM IS AN AMAZING NARRATOR!

Captivating!

This book was absolutely captivating! From the atmospheric Victorian setting to the layered characters and intricate plot, I was absolutely impressed. Here is the deal, I’m not someone that typically enjoys fairytale retellings. I find that that sometimes a book will try to adhere so much to the fairytale that the plot suffers of elements become forced or too whimsical. However, this book was the absolute best retelling I have ever read. It was loosely based on beauty and the beast, however it was such a brilliant plot that the nods to the original story were weaved seamlessly into this tale. I love a wounded hero and Dom delivered in so many ways. Watching him soften and allow his kind heart to peek through was my favorite. I also love a strong heroine and Georgiana was loyal, witty, and not afraid to speak her mind. These characters have an unexplained attraction to one another and their biting banter is really entertaining. The whole mood of this story is somewhat serious and brooding which I felt perfectly portrayed the time period. There is no magic teapot or curse, but this story is imaginative and will keep readers turning the pages!

Fun, exciting re-telling

This is the first book I have read/listened to by this author and I loved it so much.
It stayed pretty close to the Beauty and the Beast story, but it was much more believable and realistic (the man isn’t a beast who physically transforms, etc).
I loved the narrator she did an amazing job. Her accent was nice and her voice was soothing.
I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Victorian Beauty and the beast retelling

The heroine is unconventional and loves to work with her hands. Layers of deceiving appearances kept me on my toes until the end. The narrator has a British accent and a soothing voice that makes the story flow.

Best Retelling I’ve EVER read!!

This is a masterful retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It’s a must read! I was enthralled the entire time!

It goes on and on and on and on but no new info

Solid idea kernal behind this story; execution so so. First and foremost, a good editor likely could eliminate the lengthy repeititve almost whiny charateristics of the two main characters. There is so much repetition of non-value add content it was irritating and a waste of time making hte story far less interesting. Second, there is an odd disconnect in the storyline with both the players and connection of the fire incident and the larger conflict. So much time is spent repeating needless drama made up stuff the story line itself is not appropriately developed and connected. I regret spending the time on this book. I kept hoping it would get better and make sense, but my hopes were not met.