Helpful Score: 9
Story: 5 stars
Romance: 5 stars
Just added to my Keeper List!
I absolutely LOVED the main characters. Beauty figured out so quickly that Beast was acting as a bully on purpose--so she gives back as good as he dishes. The dialogue was witty and I was charmed even though it was obvious the inspiration was television's Dr. House.
The growing sexual tension between H/h was just about perfect and the pace at which their relationship evolved was as you would expect from James. I should have (but didn't) anticipate the crisis which brought them back together and I ALWAYS love to be surprised by an author.
My very favorite part was probably the epilogue--which provided a very nice cherry-on-top conclusion.
Highly recommended!
Romance: 5 stars
Just added to my Keeper List!
I absolutely LOVED the main characters. Beauty figured out so quickly that Beast was acting as a bully on purpose--so she gives back as good as he dishes. The dialogue was witty and I was charmed even though it was obvious the inspiration was television's Dr. House.
The growing sexual tension between H/h was just about perfect and the pace at which their relationship evolved was as you would expect from James. I should have (but didn't) anticipate the crisis which brought them back together and I ALWAYS love to be surprised by an author.
My very favorite part was probably the epilogue--which provided a very nice cherry-on-top conclusion.
Highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 3
My favorite author has unfortunately disappointed with this one. This was truly some thin reading.
Not to give the plot away, but I spent the majority of the book thinking the hero was eerily reminiscent of another crusty-but-lovable (to some) character. Truth be told, I wasn't surprised to find in the Author's Notes that she did exactly that and drew Piers from this irascible fellow. Too bad, for his was the face I saw throughout the majority of the book ... and that had the story drifting towards old Blackadder episodes in my mind as I read. Egad. Piers and Percy.
Works on the libido like a wave of cold Welsh sea water, doesn't it?
Not to give the plot away, but I spent the majority of the book thinking the hero was eerily reminiscent of another crusty-but-lovable (to some) character. Truth be told, I wasn't surprised to find in the Author's Notes that she did exactly that and drew Piers from this irascible fellow. Too bad, for his was the face I saw throughout the majority of the book ... and that had the story drifting towards old Blackadder episodes in my mind as I read. Egad. Piers and Percy.
Works on the libido like a wave of cold Welsh sea water, doesn't it?
Lizz D. (ladyd2206) -
Helpful Score: 3
Eloisa James has done it again in this retelling of the classic fairy tail of Beauty and the Beast. Piers is the Earl of Marchant, an angry, bitter man who has a leg injury and therefore uses a cane. He's also a doctor. He has three "under" doctors, and one friend, in this case his cousin, who also helps him. If you've ever watched a certain show on FOX, this is sounding familiar to you. Eloisa James totally based the character of Piers on Dr. Gregory House. I love it!
Linnet is the classic beauty, men want her, women hate her or want to be her, because she's so beautiful and perfect. But when she gets thrown over by the Prince, and she wears a gown to a ball that makes her look like she's expecting, her reputation is ruined, and no man will have her... until her Aunt shows up with an idea.
Since the Earl of Marchant is reputed to be incapable of fathering children, and lo and behold, here's a lady who is supposedly carrying a Prince's child, they make a match, using Piers' father, who is itching for an heir. But will Linnet and Piers be able to stand each other once they meet? They surely don't think so.
This was great. I love the show House, and when I started noticing the similarities between Piers and the fictional doctor, I kind of fell in love with him a little. I was not as big of a fan of Linnet at first, since she seemed somewhat vain, and silly. But as the book went on, I began to see that she wasn't as she originally seemed.
Just like in A Kiss at Midnight, this differs from the original fairy tail... a lot, but that fact doesn't detract from the story, it helps it, I think. Had it been a strait retelling, I think it would've been boring.
Overall, the humor in this book is charming, the sex is hot, and it's just a great book!
If you're a fan of Eloisa James, this is a must read. If you've never read her before, pick this up! It's a great historical romance with that touch of whimsy that just makes it a gem.
Linnet is the classic beauty, men want her, women hate her or want to be her, because she's so beautiful and perfect. But when she gets thrown over by the Prince, and she wears a gown to a ball that makes her look like she's expecting, her reputation is ruined, and no man will have her... until her Aunt shows up with an idea.
Since the Earl of Marchant is reputed to be incapable of fathering children, and lo and behold, here's a lady who is supposedly carrying a Prince's child, they make a match, using Piers' father, who is itching for an heir. But will Linnet and Piers be able to stand each other once they meet? They surely don't think so.
This was great. I love the show House, and when I started noticing the similarities between Piers and the fictional doctor, I kind of fell in love with him a little. I was not as big of a fan of Linnet at first, since she seemed somewhat vain, and silly. But as the book went on, I began to see that she wasn't as she originally seemed.
Just like in A Kiss at Midnight, this differs from the original fairy tail... a lot, but that fact doesn't detract from the story, it helps it, I think. Had it been a strait retelling, I think it would've been boring.
Overall, the humor in this book is charming, the sex is hot, and it's just a great book!
If you're a fan of Eloisa James, this is a must read. If you've never read her before, pick this up! It's a great historical romance with that touch of whimsy that just makes it a gem.
Willy W. reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 503 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I just don't think so.
First, the hero is based on Dr. House. Not just "based on" but blatantly ripped off. His butler is clearly Wilson. The "hero" is an ass, he walks with a limp and cane, his butler is the only person who has the brass to talk back to him when he's being a jerk. Instead of him being the drug addict it's his father.
Then there is the name game. Eloisa James has characters named Kibbles and Bitts. Another character named Juggs. And another named Bernaise. She can't look further than food (for dogs or people) and rude anatomical references for names of her characters?
I felt like most of the book was a House episode in which House hits his head and wakes up in Regency England where there is a constant comedy of juvenile silly names (cross Black Adder & Monty Python). I think the idea had a tremendous amount of potential, but the blatant "borrowing" of themes and ideas from a firmly established and popular television show kind of ruined the book for me. I believe it is possible to borrow an idea without it being a copy, but in this case, it was too much like she just re-wrote House into her book.
Further (***spoiler*****), the end of the book she has the Beauty character suffer a disfiguring disease which renders her bald and scarred. I suppose the moral message is that the hero loves her despite her now ugly personage, but I felt cheated, like it kind of abrogates the meaning and message of the beauty/beast story - somehow creating this unnecessary role-reversal. This might have worked for me more if it had happened earlier in the story or if physical image had been part of their conflict. Just seemed like gratuitous angst.
The book was finely written (James certainly knows her craft) and if I'd never seen an episode of House I would have thought this a good book. But frankly I was tremendously disappointed.
2.5 stars.
First, the hero is based on Dr. House. Not just "based on" but blatantly ripped off. His butler is clearly Wilson. The "hero" is an ass, he walks with a limp and cane, his butler is the only person who has the brass to talk back to him when he's being a jerk. Instead of him being the drug addict it's his father.
Then there is the name game. Eloisa James has characters named Kibbles and Bitts. Another character named Juggs. And another named Bernaise. She can't look further than food (for dogs or people) and rude anatomical references for names of her characters?
I felt like most of the book was a House episode in which House hits his head and wakes up in Regency England where there is a constant comedy of juvenile silly names (cross Black Adder & Monty Python). I think the idea had a tremendous amount of potential, but the blatant "borrowing" of themes and ideas from a firmly established and popular television show kind of ruined the book for me. I believe it is possible to borrow an idea without it being a copy, but in this case, it was too much like she just re-wrote House into her book.
Further (***spoiler*****), the end of the book she has the Beauty character suffer a disfiguring disease which renders her bald and scarred. I suppose the moral message is that the hero loves her despite her now ugly personage, but I felt cheated, like it kind of abrogates the meaning and message of the beauty/beast story - somehow creating this unnecessary role-reversal. This might have worked for me more if it had happened earlier in the story or if physical image had been part of their conflict. Just seemed like gratuitous angst.
The book was finely written (James certainly knows her craft) and if I'd never seen an episode of House I would have thought this a good book. But frankly I was tremendously disappointed.
2.5 stars.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 1728 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this storyline, was abit different then alot of the rest, loved the main character, he was so mean and nasty and how the had to work through his "junk" and become better. Think of the Dr House and you have him nailed. Great read. Lots of details,tension and action!
Regina (virgosun) reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 888 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Eloisa James has been a long-time favorite of mine, but I haven't enjoyed (or haven't finished and sometimes even bypassed entirely) the last handful of books she's put out. I finally realized why: she's far too chatty for me. Just like the others, WBTTB was filled with constant conversation. Our Beast tried so hard to be sarcastic and biting most of the time, and Beauty's family is constantly nattering on about something too. All that chatter, while sometimes funny enough for me to laugh out loud, was just plain silly, and had me reading paragraphs without me even being aware of what I'd just read. Not a good sign. I liked the main characters: Beauty, Beast, Beast's parents; and I wanted to stick around to see everyone forgive each other and make happy. But I just couldn't do it. I love Beauty/Beast-themed stories, but this one wasn't exciting. It's hard for me to set aside favorite authors, and I'm not entirely sure I want to give up the ghost on James just yet. I've still got her on my wishlist but I'm not sure for how much longer. I made it halfway through the book and still give it only 2 stars.
Michelle D. (Michelle74) reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 153 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I believe it is set in England after the turn of the century.
Eloisa James, as always, weaves a fantastic story. She takes an ordinary tale and brings it to a higher level. The banter between the hero and heroine are excellent. The humorous bits scattered throughout had me smiling as I read. The heart-wrenching scenes had me vested in the ending. (although I will admit, I've yet to weep at a story or movie:)
And unlike some of her other books, I didn't feel as if the other characters tried to steal the show. Piers and Linnet were dominant throughout in plot and personality.
Definately a recommended read.
Eloisa James, as always, weaves a fantastic story. She takes an ordinary tale and brings it to a higher level. The banter between the hero and heroine are excellent. The humorous bits scattered throughout had me smiling as I read. The heart-wrenching scenes had me vested in the ending. (although I will admit, I've yet to weep at a story or movie:)
And unlike some of her other books, I didn't feel as if the other characters tried to steal the show. Piers and Linnet were dominant throughout in plot and personality.
Definately a recommended read.
Rachel A. (ra7) reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 1029 more book reviews
I have to say I loved this book. I loved Linnet. I loved Piers. Each is strong and I enjoyed the back and forth between them. I loved how their relationship developed. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale. Loved this retelling of it.
And those of you who liked the TV show House would enjoy this book as well (I think). Both characters are intelligent, witty, and beautiful (in their own way).
And those of you who liked the TV show House would enjoy this book as well (I think). Both characters are intelligent, witty, and beautiful (in their own way).
Megan B. (musicmeg) reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 16 more book reviews
I'm putting this one in the "like, but not love" pile.
I have read the others of this series so far (totally out of order- which doesn't effect plots and character mixes) and enjoyed them, but this one was hard to get through. I was a devoted fan of Fox's TV show House, M.D. From start to finish, I never missed an episode and have memorized several. Naturally I would see Ms. James inspiration for the "beast" in this story to be Dr. Gregory House (which she freely admits in the back of the book) right away. I couldn't pull myself away from the fact this character was based off him but only loosely. The attitude of the character was 100% what I would expect from House. I felt like Dr. Chase was looped in as Sebastian, our hero's cousin, too. So when the characters stepped away from Dr. House I felt like shouting, "No, not believable! He would not do that!" I see the TV show and the book as two similar, but not the same, characters. It spoiled the book for me.
However, I do believe if you weren't as obsessed with House, M.D. as I was you may have better luck at separating and would enjoy the book more than I did.
I have read the others of this series so far (totally out of order- which doesn't effect plots and character mixes) and enjoyed them, but this one was hard to get through. I was a devoted fan of Fox's TV show House, M.D. From start to finish, I never missed an episode and have memorized several. Naturally I would see Ms. James inspiration for the "beast" in this story to be Dr. Gregory House (which she freely admits in the back of the book) right away. I couldn't pull myself away from the fact this character was based off him but only loosely. The attitude of the character was 100% what I would expect from House. I felt like Dr. Chase was looped in as Sebastian, our hero's cousin, too. So when the characters stepped away from Dr. House I felt like shouting, "No, not believable! He would not do that!" I see the TV show and the book as two similar, but not the same, characters. It spoiled the book for me.
However, I do believe if you weren't as obsessed with House, M.D. as I was you may have better luck at separating and would enjoy the book more than I did.
Yvonne L. reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 929 more book reviews
There are definitely things I really enjoyed about this book. The first and foremost is the dialogue. It's sarcastic and funny. The characters are great (but too much like "The Duke Is Mine" down to the little dog). I especially like that beauty had lessons to learn as well, not just the beast.
Great, fun read. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Great, fun read. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Facing social ruin because the Ton believe she is pregnant, Linnet Thrynne agrees to a quick engagement to Piers Yelverton, the Earl of Marchant, and travels with his father to meet him. When she arrives in Wales, she discovers Piers is a doctor with a terrible temper who hasn't seen his father in over two decades. Linnet and Piers discuss her situation and agree they won't suit...but neither of them calls off the engagement. Linnet believes the Earl will fall in love with her like every other man she knows. But Linnet is the one who ends up head over heels in love with Piers.
I checked out the reviews for this book before I read it. It seems to be one of those books you either love or hate. Well, I have to say I loved it. The characters in this story are wonderful. Piers has been hurt in the past and doesn't want to open himself up to more pain. He covers his insecurities with his sarcastic wit and sometimes childish behavior. Linnet is a beauty who expects men to drop at her feet. When Piers doesn't respond like any other man, she's intrigued. This leads to many interesting conversations between the two of them and a wonderful romance. My rating: 5 Stars.
I checked out the reviews for this book before I read it. It seems to be one of those books you either love or hate. Well, I have to say I loved it. The characters in this story are wonderful. Piers has been hurt in the past and doesn't want to open himself up to more pain. He covers his insecurities with his sarcastic wit and sometimes childish behavior. Linnet is a beauty who expects men to drop at her feet. When Piers doesn't respond like any other man, she's intrigued. This leads to many interesting conversations between the two of them and a wonderful romance. My rating: 5 Stars.
4amreader -
I've been on the fence about James for a while. Several of her books that I read years ago were good, some were very good, but the hero and heroine never interacted enough for me. This story filled that need. I liked how much the characters were together and really liked their developing emotional and physical relationship.
What I wasn't nuts about, even after reading several chapters, was the cranky hero. I did finally warm up to his personality and did find him and the heroine a wonderful combination together, I just guess I'm not used to grumpy and rude leading men.
The issue that brought the two together in the end wasn't expected and even though the book ended on a happy, satisfying note, I think I like my romance stories a bit more lighthearted.
What I wasn't nuts about, even after reading several chapters, was the cranky hero. I did finally warm up to his personality and did find him and the heroine a wonderful combination together, I just guess I'm not used to grumpy and rude leading men.
The issue that brought the two together in the end wasn't expected and even though the book ended on a happy, satisfying note, I think I like my romance stories a bit more lighthearted.
*
****
Loved this book! It took me about twnety pages to get into it, and then I couldn't stop reading. Linnet and Piers were too wonderful for words! Great job Eloisa!
****
Loved this book! It took me about twnety pages to get into it, and then I couldn't stop reading. Linnet and Piers were too wonderful for words! Great job Eloisa!
Tina T. (tinabean88) reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 51 more book reviews
I really liked this, the sarcastic humor alone was worth reading. Really good characters & a good (but not simple) romance. Eloisa James does it again.
Michelle C. (Shellaree) -
This was the first time I read this author. I like fairy tale type books, so the title caught my eye. I really did enjoy the book as not everyone was so sappy. The Beauty was a bit snappish and fun. So I enjoyed this book.
Jill D. (jilld) reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 156 more book reviews
Grade: A
When Beauty Tamed the Beast is the second book in Eloisa James Fairy Tale series. *You do not need to have read the first book in the series to read this one.* When Miss Linnet Thryne finds herself utterly and truly ruined, her father and aunt concoct a plan to wed her to Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant. Linnet doesn't seem to have much choice in the matter and meekly goes along with her familys wishes. The only problem is that Piers is one of those very grumpy, cantankerous men and only a truly astonishing woman will be the one to capture his heart. Imagine his surprise to find Linnet on his doorstep with her shining beauty. But that is not the only thing that captures his attention.
Wow. Can I just say, wow!! This book completely blew me away. I loved everything about it. This is my third Eloisa James novel and so far I have loved everything she has written. This may just be my favorite so far. I absolutely adored everything about Linnet and Piers. At first I was a little worried that Linnet wouldn't have what it takes to capture Pier's heart. He is such a beastly man with a horrid temper. His intellect is outstanding and I was worried that Linnet would be to mild mannered for him and that he would walk all over her.
It turns out I was wrong and just needed to let the story unfold at its own pace. The dialogue between Linnet and Piers is fantastic. Ms. James is a master at dry humor and snide witty comments had me in stitches. Then the reader also gets the added bonus of a secondary love story between Pier's parents. I loved that they get a second chance at love. In addition the ending of this story is so completely moving and beautiful. I was up late at night because I could not put the book down. I love the unexpected twist to universal tale of Beauty and the Beast. I highly recommend this one!!! If you have not tried Eloisa James yet, what are you waiting for? This is the perfect place to start!!
When Beauty Tamed the Beast is the second book in Eloisa James Fairy Tale series. *You do not need to have read the first book in the series to read this one.* When Miss Linnet Thryne finds herself utterly and truly ruined, her father and aunt concoct a plan to wed her to Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant. Linnet doesn't seem to have much choice in the matter and meekly goes along with her familys wishes. The only problem is that Piers is one of those very grumpy, cantankerous men and only a truly astonishing woman will be the one to capture his heart. Imagine his surprise to find Linnet on his doorstep with her shining beauty. But that is not the only thing that captures his attention.
Wow. Can I just say, wow!! This book completely blew me away. I loved everything about it. This is my third Eloisa James novel and so far I have loved everything she has written. This may just be my favorite so far. I absolutely adored everything about Linnet and Piers. At first I was a little worried that Linnet wouldn't have what it takes to capture Pier's heart. He is such a beastly man with a horrid temper. His intellect is outstanding and I was worried that Linnet would be to mild mannered for him and that he would walk all over her.
It turns out I was wrong and just needed to let the story unfold at its own pace. The dialogue between Linnet and Piers is fantastic. Ms. James is a master at dry humor and snide witty comments had me in stitches. Then the reader also gets the added bonus of a secondary love story between Pier's parents. I loved that they get a second chance at love. In addition the ending of this story is so completely moving and beautiful. I was up late at night because I could not put the book down. I love the unexpected twist to universal tale of Beauty and the Beast. I highly recommend this one!!! If you have not tried Eloisa James yet, what are you waiting for? This is the perfect place to start!!
Monica G. (champsmom) -
What a wonderful read. I always enjoy James' books but this one is definitely the best. She has changed the tone of her writing a bit from her others.
Vanessa B. (daisythecat) reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 14 more book reviews
I couldn't seem to get into this book, and stopped halfway through. Because I've heard so many good reviews about Eloisa James books, I forced myself to go back & finish it. Would you believe it actually got better and I ended up really liking it?! So it went from a '2' to a '4' because the 2nd half redeemed it. It seemed like the characters had NO chemistry until then, and when that happened the story finally started coming together.
Jennifer C. (jenmaine) -
Witty dialog, well developed main characters, entertaining supporting cast. Although it's Beauty and the Beast there is no blackmail or imprisonment. The main character was a little TOO strongly based on "House" but the story drew me in and I forgave that flaw.
Rebecca D. (floridagirl) reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 103 more book reviews
I loved this book! Very well written. It kept my interest from page one to the end. I've lost interest in historical romances over the past few years but this one was great. The characters were entertaining, surprising, and emotionally charged. Excellent book that I highly recommend.
Liz C. (lizarina21) reviewed When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Happily Ever Afters..., Bk 2) on + 30 more book reviews
This book is going on the keeper shelf (sorry, PBS). It's so well written, and the perfect blend of funny, hawt, and heartbreaking. Plus, the hero is a 19th century version of Dr. Gregory House with Ryan Lochte's body (I'd say Michael Phelps, but I like Ryan much better), which might just add up to the Perfect Man. As a bonus, Linnet is as smart as she is beautiful and can match Piers wit for wit, making for some really enjoyable dialogue.
