Bella and the Beast by Olivia Drake

*** Disclaimer:  This ARC was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review. ***

I have read other reworked fairytales in the past, but Olivia Drakes 'Bella and the Beast', is so far, my favorite.  This beautifully written rework of 'Beauty and the Beast', encompasses everything a reader could want in a romance novel.  Suspense, mystery, angst, chemistry and attraction between the two lead characters, steamy encounters, and ultimately love.  

The authors ability to draw me into the story began from the very beginning and lasted until the very last page.  So different from your normal 'Beauty and the Beast' reworks, this book had twists and turns that will have you guessing, but at the same time, do not seem to come out of left field either.  I loved that the two lead characters had a childhood connection, it truly endeared me to the 'Beast'.  Anyone who is familiar with the 'Beauty and the Beast' story, knows that the 'Beast' has a love for antiquities, and I loved the authors very unique take on this.

The main characters are great and well written.  A smart, loyal, caring, hard-working, heroine that you can't help but root for.  A handsome, wealthy, caring, loyal, yet surly hero who softens in the company of the right woman and becomes the type of man that any woman would want as her own.

When trying to rate this story in a 1-5 star system, I decided on 4 stars.  That had me wondering why not 5 stars?  My reasoning for the 4 stars rather than 5, is I wish that there would have been a bit more romance and a liiiitle less story about the mystery of the 'treasure map'.  The story seemed to move just a little to fast once the H and h realized they loved each other.  I wish there could have been a bit more romantic interaction between the two, prior to the 'I love you's.  The declarations of love, are afterall, what we're here for.  I just personally felt as though I would have liked a bit more of an interaction leading up to it.  This is still an awesome book however, and definitely worth the read.  

Star rating (1-5 stars):

* * * *

Would I recommend this story to others?

Yes.

Would I read other books by the author?

Yes.

('Bella and the Beast', is part of the 'Cinderella Sisterhood' series, by author Olivia Drake)

*** It should be noted that 'Bella and the Beast' IS a standalone novel, and contains a HEA.  You will not be required to read/purchase others in the series to get a HEA (although if you feel moved to do so, I'm sure the author would appreciate your support). ***