We are nearing the end of A Tale As Old As Time, our Beauty and the Beast feature. BUT we could not let you go without a list of some books with Beauty and the Beast themes that we think are positively magnificent! We've included stories from several different genres, though it obviously heavy on the historical romance, but there is something for everyone. If you're looking for an excellent book reminiscent of this classic tale, look no further than the following!
B&tB Themes: Appearance(s)
Recommended By: Alexa, Racquel, Sharon
Why: (A) The hero in this one is scarred, battle mad and brave, but also haunted by a past. Though the heroine in this one is just as scarred, there's no denying that she's also a beauty (since she uses it as one of her weapons). This is the most far-fetched of my choices, but it does integrate some of the themes/elements of BaTB.
(R) The hero's name is Beast. What more could you ask for?! This fanatsy series is one of the best out there and if you haven't read it, YOU MUST. Plus assassin heroines!! Beast... Assassin, perfect combo, no?
B&tB Themes: Appearance(s)
Recommended By: Sharon (probably Alexa, too, though she didn't explicitly tell me... ;) )
Why: (S) Zsadist is one of the most scarred - internally and externally - characters ever, and his behavior can be nothing less than beastly. Bella is beautiful but so much more, and if you're looking for a heavy dose of angst and redeeming romance, this is definitely a great choice. I actually stopped reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood books after this one, for fear that they could no longer live up to the standard this one set. I just got the next one from the library, though, so hopefully I can push past this!
B&tB Themes: Appearance(s)
Recommended By: Racquel, Sharon
Why: (R) Ugly hero for the win!!! You don't read about a lot of non-most-beautiful-man-ever heroes! This one was such a fun read and the sequel, The Leopard Prince, is favorite a historical romance of mine. I highly recommend both.
B&tB Themes: Appearance(s), Story/Situation
Recommended By: Sharon
Why: To be honest, I'm still reading this one, but unless something crazily horrific happens in the next 50 pages - which I doubt - it's a flat-out WINNER. It's such a fun premise: The heroine inherits a castle and goes to move in...only to discover that the scarred hero already lives there and claims to be the owner! I am completely in love with this book.
B&tB Themes: Appearance(s), Story/Situation
Recommended By: Sharon
Why: I really love all four of the Legend of the Four Soldiers books, but this is a great one! Take a scarred, damaged, reclusive hero and add one beautiful, strong heroine, and you have a recipe for a book I'm totally going to read and probably love.
B&tB Themes: Appearance(s)
Recommended By: Alexa, Sharon
Why: (A) It's a bit similar to the logic I had for Yours Until Dawn! There's a wounded hero (scars and all) and the beauty that manages to change his life, so that definitely is in theme.
B&tB Themes: Appearance(s), Story/Situation
Recommended By: Sharon
Why: I desperately need to re-read this book; it's such a good one. One of my favorite things is that the hero is heavily based on the character Gregory House, and as I used to be majorly obsessed with House, I love that. James does a great job of using all the Beauty and the Beast elements but still making the story her own.
B&tB Themes: Appearance(s), Story/Situation
Recommended By: Sharon
Why: This was the very first Beauty and the Beast-esque historical romance I ever read, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. It's a little older than some of these, but it has a great storyline, a beautiful romance, and is definitely worth reading.
B&tB Themes: Story/Situation
Recommended By: Alexa
Why: It's simply a nod to the original, with elements VERY subtly woven in. I enjoyed it a lot though! And I've found that I'm excited about the League of Rogues it revolves around.
(And don't forget: You can enter to win a copy here!)
B&tB Themes: Appearance(s), Story/Situation
Recommended By: Alexa, Racquel, Sharon
Why: (A) This historical romance just screamed Beauty and the Beast at me when I read it! There's a more obvious sense in this one, with a "beast" and a "beauty". It's just such a wonderfully written book though, and a strong historical romance.
(R) This one has strong themes of Beauty and the Beast. Especially since the hero lived like a real Beast and had to be retaught manners. Plus it has a WONDERFUL twists so that's another thumbs up!
Note: We did not include any of the books we've already reviewed for this feature, but here's a list of our reviews just to make sure you don't miss them!
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase (Sharon)
Beauty by Robin McKinley (Racquel)
Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay (Racquel & Alexa)
Belle by Cameron Dokey (Alexa)
The Bride and the Beast by Teresa Medeiros (Alexa)
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge (Alexa, Racquel, & Sharon)
Have you read any of these books? What did you think? Do you have any additions that we missed or recommendations for us? Let us know!
No comments:
Post a Comment