Beauregard and the Beast: An MM Romance Fairy Tale Retelling

Once Upon a Vegas Night, Book 1

By: Evie Drae

Narrated by: James Edward Jones

Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

From the dual finalist in the prestigious 2019 Romance Writers of America Golden Heart contest and seven-time first place Romance Writers of America award-winning contemporary and erotic romance author comes the much anticipated re-release of her low-angst, high-heat gay romance Beauty and the Beast retelling.

Champion MMA fighter Adam Littrell is preparing for the biggest fight of his career. If he wins, he’ll add another proverbial notch to his record-breaking title reign. If he loses, he’s on the fast track for retirement. But when he opens the door to a distraction in the form of the nerdy and awkward Bo Wilkins, staying focused becomes a struggle.

Aware of his new employer’s surly reputation, Bo expects to earn the generous salary his position as Adam’s live-in personal assistant offers. However, as chemistry sizzles beneath the guise of an unexpected friendship, Bo discovers the Beast hardly lives up to his name. And when a shared love of books leads them to study for their GEDs together, the possibilities for their future take on a much rosier hue.

But just as their relationship finally finds its footing, an emergency with his sister pulls Bo away and he drops everything. Including Adam.

Until now, Adam believed the most significant fight of his life would be a physical one. But with the defense of his title hanging in the balance and Bo no longer by his side, he makes a grim realization.

His greatest prize can’t be won in the octagon.

©2019 Evie Drae (P)2020 Evie Drae

Sweet and low angst

Overall rating: 3.5 stars
Summary of review: A low angst, fun story with narration that could use more oomph.

Narration: 3 stars

James Edward Jones is a new-to-me narrator, and it usually take a while for me to get accustomed to a narrator's style. Jones' performance is no exception.

Differentiation in the voices of the two MCs was rare, making it difficult to determine who was speaking if the dialogue tags weren't obvious. And the sister's voice was the same as all the other characters. I prefer a wider range of voices and inflections.

I did thoroughly enjoy drunk Beau, though; it was super cute.

***

Story: 4 stars

For me, the story was more lust than love. There was so much chemistry between Adam and Beau, but the romantic love part was lost on me. I felt they needed to get to know one another better.

I did enjoy how Adam took care of Beau, and Beau's stubbornness in wanting to not be dependent on Adam.

The parallels to Beauty and the Beast were lovely. Who doesn't love a huge library?

I liked how both MCs had the same level of education and worked together to get their GEDs.

Overall, Beauregard and the Beast was a sweet read.

Sweet, cute and good read

I initially thought this was going to be a low angst fluffy read. And for the most part, it was.

I enjoyed it overall and had fun listening to it.

But I had to pause for a week from listening because there was a part of the story where there was unnecessary drama. It was selfish and it didn’t had to be that way. It felt like it was thrown to create a conflict and have a reunion setting.. but it was just not fitting. I like Beau, but I love Adam.

James Edward Jones is a new-to-me narrator who did a good job.

Fun read, if you’re not easily irritated and annoyed with unnecessary drama and easiest conflict resolution there was.. 😂

An adorable modern fairytale!

What a sweet, sorta goofy, odd-couple. I loved these characters. Beau is the nervous, bookish, and earnest young neophyte who easily sweeps the world-weary ‘Beast’ off his feet. Meanwhile, Adam, who the MMA world knows in his personae as The Beast, is secretly this kind-hearted diva who loves musicals and shopping. There’s no way this can work, right? Especially not with all of the troubles thrown their way by family and work considerations. And, even though you know there will be a happy ever after, (it IS a fairy tale, after all), this pair is so adorable you’ll want to keep reading so you can celebrate that ending with them. Definitely recommend.

Very cute

This was a very cute modern fairy tale! Narrator was good, story was sweet with just a hint of angst, and had a full on sappy fairy tale ending! I would recommend this for fans of gooey gay romance in search of a light hearted read!

Interesting Take on a Classic Fairy Tale

I greatly enjoyed this book. It is imaginative and creative, interesting and romantic. Likable characters and great narration. Highly recommend!