Beauty in Autumn

De: Ruby Dixon

Narrado por: Verla Bond

Inspired by the story of Beauty and the Beast, a short and sexy interpretation of the classic fairy tale . . .

For years untold, there has always been a beast in the cursed forest. Every year at the Harvest Festival, a new bride is sent to him . . . never to return. But when Willow is chosen to be the newest bride, she seeks out the help of the local wise woman.

Willow might be able to break the curse, but to do so, she must refrain from looking at the beast entirely. It sounds easy enough, but as things get heated between them, can she keep her promise? Or will she need to see who—and what—she's bedding first?

Contains mature themes.

©2017 Ruby Dixon (P)2023 Tantor

Steamy

Really enjoyed this book, spicy Brauty and the Beast retelling.
I would have loved a longer version.

Ruby and a twisted fairytale.

This is a sweet with a little steam retailing of the classic Beauty and the Beast. I would have been happy if the story was longer but am happy with the short little story. The thought that the roses are past brides was interesting twist, not sure I have heard that spin before. Narrator was good.

Ruby Dixon remakes a fairy tale

This was a sweet, albeit short, audiobook. I chose it for that reason. I can always count on Ruby for a well written story with well crafted characters and settings. I wanted to relax into something I could finish in a single evening. Beauty in Autumn was perfect for that purpose.

This is a very creative, yet faithful. remake of Beauty and the Beast. Ironically, once I listened to the story I wished it had been longer. The introduction to the story was superb. The history of the curse, its rules, the world building and atmosphere were vivid and perfect. The initial meeting of two strangers under unknown and scary circumstances was beautifully done. Willow is there to free the beast from the curse rather than only save herself. Once he understands this, it’s insta love and the story ends quickly. I would have liked to see a bit more time and effort put into the actual emotions that grow between the couple rather than just their chemistry connection. Nevertheless, it was very enjoyable, and a very good use of my $5.

Veela Bond was a new narrator to me, and I thought she did a very good job bringing the story to life.

Cute beauty and the beast retelling

Sweet but short tale with innocent characters and very little sexual tension (imo). Could have been better, but story sticks with traditional fairy tale. I found the female narrator’s voice a bit too motherly.

Very hot

If you like romantic smut, this story is for you. Ruby Dixon is the best.

Sweet & smuty

This was such a good quick story. Very spicy & sweet. Ruby did an excellent job writing a mc that is sweet but also lusty.

Beauty and the Beast

This story is about a prince who is cursed. He has been under the Curse for many years and has now become desponded that he will always be this way, a beast. Every year in a small town, they choose a bride for the beast, but the women never return to town after meeting the beast. All the families are afraid to send their lovely daughters to the beast for fear that they will die and never see them again. There is a young woman, named Willow, who believes that she can break the curse. After talking to a wise woman, and getting directions on how to work with the beast And break the curse, she sets forth on the path to meet him. Cute story with great narration.

Disappointing

I understand this is a novella and I don't rate novellas on the same scale as full-length novels, which is why this story is getting two stars instead of one.

The premise is interesting, but the execution is lacking. There's not much characterization, especially of the MMC. There's not much explanation about the curse or why the FMC must wear a blindfold. It's hinted that the FMC feels what is underneath the curse, but would see the MMC's beastly form if she removed the blindfold. If that's the case, I'm not sure what the message is supposed to be here. The FMC comes to care for the MMC even though she hasn't a clue what he looks like, but are we to believe she couldn't care for him at all if she removed the blindfold? That's why it is so imperative? Because, while blindfolded, he feels human to her. If she saw the beast and had to feel him in his beast form, would she be too repulsed?

Is the message that she came to care for him despite not knowing what he looked like, despite knowing he's a beast? Because it seems to be a hollow message if it hinged on her not seeing him. I understand this is a retelling, but the whole point of beauty and the beast (and retellings) is that beauty cares for the beast, knowing he is a beast, seeing him as a beast and accepting him as a beast.

With that being said, there's just not any growth at all between the characters and their HEA feels hollow. No idea why they care for each other other than just because the story said so.

Sweet and smutty- a weird combo that works

Apparently some girls are wanton to their core, even when untouched by man or beast. Willow takes her pleasure as she pleases, and apparently that’s just the right magical chemistry for this particular curse. The fairy tale supports the kink more than the kink supports the fairy tale.