Feral Beauty: A Wildly Reimagined Beauty and the Beast Retelling

Cursed Brides

by Ava Grace Bentley

You thought a beast would have horns. You were wrong.

Ida was built for blood and survival. The Guild taught her well. But when her chosen brother vanishes while infiltrating the princess trials, she trades her freedom for his and ends up caged among contenders for a crown she never wanted.

The one who caught her? The crown prince’s werewolf knight. And he’s watching, judging, waiting for her to take a single misstep.

Fen should be dead. But he’s a survivor whose scars are hidden behind his kind smile and soft soul. Now he’s stronger, more charismatic, and far too curious about the assassin who nearly took him down.

As they sharpen each other in both blade and wit, a spark stirs. One that threatens to burn everything they thought they knew to the ground.

When a hidden war for power stirs beneath the trials and deadly secrets claw their way to the surface, they’ll have to choose: Loyalty or survival. Duty or honor.

Allegiances will come to light, darkness will be threatened, and beasts will rise.

For some monsters dress in silk and wield charisma as a weapon.

But the most dangerous beasts are the ones you never see coming.

Feral Beauty is a closed-door, enemies-to-lovers romantasy laced with fated mates, betrayal, and high court intrigue. Perfect for fans of tension-soaked chemistry, morally gray heroines, and broken heroes who love like it’s war. It is one of eight novels in the Cursed Brides series, a standalone multi-author collection of no-spice fairytale retellings. Each book in this enchanting series tells the tale of a cursed maiden, who is forced to participate in a royal bridal competition, and of course finds true love. Can be enjoyed in any order!

Genres: Fantasy

524 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

EEEEKKK this was so good!!! My all time favorite trope is animal sidekicks, and let me tell you, Ava Grace Bentley knocked it out of the park! I want to give all the animals in this book so many scratches and cuddles! Like we’ve got a cat, a dog, a dragon, and a kraken— what more could you want? And they’ve got the perfect balance of sweetness and sass 😂.

Ok ok this was an ARC so I should probably actually write a more organized review, so here’s my thoughts on all the elements of this story:

Plot: this was such an interesting twist on Beauty and the Beast! You can definitely see the inspiration, but this story is truly its own. We get to see many unique and well thought out takes on the original fairytale, turning it into something absolutely wonderful!

Characters: *sigh* I guess I probably shouldn’t spend a million words raving about those ADORABLE animals 😔. Lucky for me though, all of the human characters were incredibly well written too! I loved the backstory we got for both our main characters, it was such a great way to give them more depth. Speaking of which, these characters had layers upon layers to them, they were all incredibly complex! Their emotions were portrayed so well, I found myself giggling and kicking my feet half the time and holding back tears the other half 🥺

Pacing: from start to finish, this was so addicting! It was good at keeping me from putting it down without rushing anything, and in the few parts where there wasn’t a whole lot happening, just the right amount of humor or suspense was thrown in there to keep the reader from ever getting bored!


Overall thoughts: this is CRIMINALLY underrated! Go buy yourself a copy because I before that this is a book you will want on your shelf! I would recommend this to anyone who is craving a good romantasy with a badass FMC and a grumpy MMC with a heart of gold. I’m so glad I read this, what a great way to kick off 2026! Will definitely be reading more of this author’s work.

*i received an ARC of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story may have elements that are related to Beaty and the Beast, it is an entirely unique and original story!

What stands out is the many interesting ( and cute) characters. Their development and emotional depth is so beautifully mapped out, that alone deserves a standing ovation!!

The storyline is so great, everything falls so perfectly together and the characters all have their own part in it.

The chemistry is fabulous and enchanting!

This isn’t just a romantasy but a beautiful story with depth! It’s definitely worth a read! 💝.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It gave off more fantasy vibes than retelling vibes and it still worked. There was a lot of action, high stakes, and intrigue.

Our two main characters both have a duality and struggle with their choices and the choices made for them. It was great to see them come to terms and even overcome the consequences of those choices.

The found families in this were so fun. All of the side characters and animal sidekicks had great banter.

I received a voluntary ARC for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

No Spice (Just Kisses)
Mild explicit language (1-10 swear words)
PG-13 Violence/gore
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this was a great addition to the series.

[Martha Braebuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was admittedly really long, however, I didn't feel like there were any filler parts. The entire book flowed smoothly and was incredibly enticing! I loved the main characters and how they were so broken but managed to heal over the course of the novel. This book had so many real-life themes, lessons, and messages that are really applicable and I loved how relatable the characters were while also still maintaining a fantastical element. Ida was such a wonderful, stabby protagonist and I loved how Fen balances her out and also manages to keep her on her toes. The kraken was so sweet! and I absolutely loved Bryan and Shadow as well. I really loved the side characters in the novel that made the story so much more fun to read as they provided warmth, care, and humour to the story. The plot was incredible too! With so many politics, an intriguing world, and facades and backstories of each character, this book was truly a thrill to read. I loved how, even though the book touched on dark and real-life themes of abuse, betrayal, trauma, and more, the story itself wasn't dark and there was so much light! I also loved the Christian elements of the book. Definitely a great read!

I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Lumie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC.

Plot 4/5
Characters 4.25/5
Ending 3.75/5
Interest 4/5

Overall 3.75/5

-I was very entertained by this book. There were many elements which made it a fun read. The slight retelling aspect is what initially drew me in but then having the trials and the marriage packed to the love interest’s best friend was what made things intriguing.

-I liked both Fen and Ida, they were fun to follow with the roughness of the killing experiences but the softness they have for certain characters was very sweet. I never particularly cared for Saulos. The relationship aspect was fun at first with the banger, the marriage pact and then betrayals, fated mates it got interesting.

-The ending was where the book kind of lost me. The main plot twist happens at around 300 pages and then it got a bit long for me. The final battle was fine but the before and the aftermath was quite long to read.

[Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second attempt from Ava landed much better. This was another ~500. She likes her words! I guessed most of the "big reveals" long before they were mentioned. The world building was amazing. I got lost in this one.
Content: suicide, one profanity used multiple times, torture mentioned, medium gore, dragons, and sea creatures, deadly princess trials, physiological abuse, good prevails over evil. I don't like paranormal books, but this didn't feel like that even with all of the shape-shifting.
It was a mix of Gladiator-Princess edition, and Beauty and the Beast.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wild Beauty and the Beast retelling mashed with bridal competitions, assassins, and royal secrets with profound repercussions.

This whirlwind story follows an assassin as she winds up entered into a bridal competition for the crown prince's hand. What started as a simple, if dangerous, assignment, devolves into twisted lies, tentative alliances, and a romance that heals the deep hurts of their pasts. I struggled to understand some of the FMCs decision making process, or that fact that she ignores some very obvious red flags, given that she is reputed as one of the best assassins in her guild. The action was great and I appreciated the healing that both go through when they finally accept their feelings.

[BookishVibesClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This story is amazing!! Oh my goodness how this book is a dark and beautiful story of true healing. The banter and the intrigue was a fun ride, but that broken to healing was incredible to experience in a book. Even though the book broke me (a few times), I felt healed after reading it 🥹
The sweet tender moments between Fen and Ida were so touching and gave all the best feels. This is a romance that felt earned and was a slow burn fated mates which is a rare treasure to find!!

This is a romantasy with a dynamic story that encompasses an evil brother, a broken sister, a prince with a secret, and his loyal guard. It also comes with a broken to healing, slow burn fated mates that will leave you feeling that first kiss was EARNED!! And those twists!! The twists just keep coming 😱 so many parts that break you and even more parts that put you back together. So much breaking and so much healing. And a sweet HEA that also felt hard-earned.

Dark Beauty and the Beast retelling but she’s the beast ❤️‍🔥🙌🏻 a no spice romance between a feral morally gray assass!n and the one who guards her target

This is a standalone, but getting to see Shen and Alia again from the first book was such a special treat 🥹🥹🥹

❤️‍🔥Stabby Banter
❤️‍🔥Playful Banter
❤️‍🔥True Enemies to Lovers
❤️‍🔥Dark Fantasy
❤️‍🔥Assass!n x Guard
❤️‍🔥She saves him
❤️‍🔥She’s the grumpy, he’s the sunshine
❤️‍🔥Princess trials
❤️‍🔥Curses and Bargains
❤️‍🔥Werewolf/shifter
❤️‍🔥Dragon
❤️‍🔥Wound tending / caretaking
❤️‍🔥Found Family
❤️‍🔥“Good girl”
❤️‍🔥Mine
❤️‍🔥My Mate

This gives feels of dark fantasy, wolves, and wild twists of From Blood and Ash

I love all the parallels I recognized from the Bible too 🙌🏻

No Spice | Closed Door (steamy kisses)

Language: Ba*

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly epic and emotionally gripping tale of sacrifice, loyalty and survival.
When a rescue mission goes wrong, Ida is forced to accept a binding pact with the King, to compete in the bridal trials and its deadly challenges, and to marry Crown Prince Saulos.
As a cold hearted assassin burdened by her curse, she faces a delicate balance of duty, the risks of letting her guard down, and facing her conflicted feelings for the unexpected Prince, and his aggravating werewolf guard.
Ida and Fen both have secrets and hidden demons, and it explores their vulnerabilities, past traumas, and the risks of letting someone close and seeing the monster within.
The found family feels are perfection, and I loved the balance of action, high stakes, conflict and romance, plus the morally grey themes and dangerous villains - some obvious, some hidden.
If you want complex characters, layers of plot and intrigue, a rollercoaster of emotions, and stabby and swoony chemistry, this is the book to read.
Plus of course the adorable animal companions, found family banter, and hilarious antics that happen along the way.



"No one got under my skin. Not even a pretty werewolf with a wall of hatred thicker than a kraken’s skin."

"You’re only trapped when your mind thinks you are"

"If I were to be a pawn in the games of kings and paupers, they would quickly realize I worked by my own set of rules"

[Amber | ✨ Hidden Within The Book ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚔️ Review Post ⚔️

Feral Beauty by @avagracebentley

This book was a great read. I LOVE the strong FMC, Ida, an assassin sent to unalive the prince. When her chosen brother is captured, she sacrifices herself to the crown in exchange for his release. But this move gets her cloder to her target. First mission: Get rid of the werewolf shifter who protects the Prince.

The MMC, Fen is the cinnamon roll you love with a traumatic past he must heal from. As the Prince's personal bodyguard he must get rid of all threats against the Prince, even if they come in beautiful packages. When an unexpected assassin infiltrates the deadly Princess Trials he determines not to let his guard down.

If you love:

⚔️ Fated Mates

⚔️ Stabby and Strong FMC

⚔️ Cinnamon Roll Shifter MMC

⚔️ Deadly Curses and Dark Mages

⚔️ Darkness vs Light


Make sure to check out this book!!!

@avagracebentley did a great job with this and is my favorite when it comes to shifters and werewolves.


[Trigger warnings : This book contains violence, past trauma, death and personal abuse. However, Ava does an amazing job showing the healing that comes from past choices when we let the only One who can heal our pain help us. This book is no spice and zero language. ]

___________________

You thought a beast would have horns. You were wrong.

Ida was built for blood and survival. The Guild taught her well. But when her chosen brother vanishes while infiltrating the princess trials, she trades her freedom for his and ends up caged among contenders for a crown she never wanted.

The one who caught her? The crown prince’s werewolf knight. And he’s watching, judging, waiting for her to take a single misstep.

Fen should be dead. But he’s a survivor whose scars are hidden behind his kind smile and soft soul. Now he’s stronger, more charismatic, and far too curious about the assassin who nearly took him down.

When a hidden war for power stirs beneath the trials and deadly secrets claw their way to the surface, they’ll have to choose: Loyalty or survival. Duty or honor.

For some monsters dress in silk and wield charisma as a weapon.

But the most dangerous beasts are the ones you never see coming.

[Gijzette Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read fairytale retellings and ones involving Beauty and the Beast are my favorite. Since I’ve read another book by this author that was in the same world I was excited to revisit. This is not second book in a series per se as it isn’t a continuation of the 1st book. Yes. There are some of the same characters but they are not the focus of the book.

The book is told from a two person point of view, which I’ve come to like as it’s nice to hear (read) what each of the protagonists are thinking.

Our protagonists are Ida (Beauty) and Shen (Beast) who have a tumultuous relationship. They go through similar feelings as you know from the original Beauty and the Beast story. I don’t want to add any spoilers so I won’t tell you if they live happily ever after.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The author does a very good job of character and world building. Throughout the story I had mixed feelings. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if I liked Ida as she seemed immature. My opinion of her changed about 60 pages in when I realised why she made the decision she did. There were a few surprises that I definitely didn’t see coming. The author uses these surprises to add in a little character backstory and in doing so makes the characters more believable.

One cautionary warning is that you shouldn’t hit the last 1/3 of the book right before bed or you will stay up too late. I couldn’t stop reading as I wanted to find out what happened next so I was up until 3:30 A.M. finishing the book.

If you like fantasy, fairytale retellings, shifter stories, fated mates or books with a little romance then you will enjoy this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
What a story! Ms.Bentley’s books all have such heavy, but beautiful themes. This fantasy romance is set in the same world as Empowering the Wolf’s Heart, but can be read as a standalone.
Ida was hurting so badly. I really felt for her as she battled her past and the choices she had been forced to make. She found herself in the midst of royal court politics and scheming that were beyond her talents as a survivor and assassin. Ida spent a lot of time in her own head and observing those around her. She was very focused on surviving and protecting the few people she let in.
Fen also made my heart hurt! He also had so many regrets and inner sorrow, but he hid his behind a smile and those who he trusted.
The story was loosely inspired by Beauty and the Beast, but definitely felt like an original romantasy. It also definitely picked up in the second half. I felt like I was just racing through at that point to see what would happen. The world built felt complex and full. It was a bit hard to keep track of at times, but definitely lent to the story. I really enjoyed seeing the cameos from the other book
This was a darker story with beautiful themes of redemption, forgiveness, and healing. However, it also contains mature themes of abuse, violence,d eath, mildly descriptive torture, manipulation, underground fighting rings, coercive control, grief and both physical and emotional trauma. It is not for everyone, and I would definitely only recommend it to older teen readers and up.
I received an ARC.

[Ryleigh JS King · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK!!
I loved it so much, I couldn't put it down.
It sucked me in within the first chapter, and I was done for. I literally read it in 24hours.
Feral Beauty is an amazing Beauty and the Beast retelling that tells the story in such a unique way, it feels like its own story while also giving homage to the original tale.
The characters were so well written, they came to life on the page. I loved all of the characters, even the villain, equally. The "side characters" were so much fun; I wished they could have their own stories. I loved the banter and dynamics between Ida and Fen. It felt so real. I could seriously gush nonstop about them.
Don't even get me started on the plot. It built such a unique world and developed it in such a way that you're sucked in instantly. The plot twists caught me off guard and kept me guessing the whole time.
This book made me smile, laugh, gasp, and root for the characters throughout.
If you love:
Fairytale retellings
Shape-shifters/werewolves
Banter, banter, banter!
Assassin FMCs
Talking animals
Unique fantasy worlds
Or plot twists you don't see coming
This is a book for you!
If you're interested at all, do not hesitate to get this book.
I wouldl ike to thank the amazing author, Ava Grace Bentley, for allowing me the opportunity to be part of this ARC team. It was an honor. I can't tell you how much I loved your book.
THANK YOU!!!!

[Marissa Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, BookSirens and Ava Grace Bentley for providing me this free ARC that I THOROUGHLY loved.

This book was an emotional roller coaster.

The first 10% was honestly hard to get through, and Ida giving herself up for Markius initially felt a bit anti-climactic. But once the Princess Trials began (the lobster 😭), the story completely pulled me in.

I do want to note that the animal abuse was very difficult for me to read. Scenes involving the trained dragon and torture made parts of this a challenging experience—though I will say, justice for the animals, because when she saved the dragon, my heart shattered and healed all at once. And then… THE DRAGON SPEAKS 😭😭😭

Also, Shadow, why do I love him so much?

While it’s often compared to Beauty and the Beast, I wouldn’t call this a direct retelling—it stands firmly on its own. The writing, character development, and emotional payoff were incredibly strong.

Tropes/themes include:
• Enemies to lovers
• Fated mates
• Royal & political betrayal
• Love, forgiveness, and growth

The ending left me emotional and deeply attached to these characters. I don’t think I’ve been this invested in a cast in a long time. I’ll absolutely be recommending this and revisiting it again.

Content Warnings:
• Animal abuse/cruelty
• Torture
• Violence

[Rosalyn Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Feral Beauty! Ava really has a way of writing stories that drag you into her world and makes you experience what the characters are feeling. I have to say, I guessed Fen and Ida's backstory pretty early on, but it was still amazing and intriguing the way Ava slowly dragged it out until both of them realised it. I love how both of them were struggling and hurting, but they were also both so strong. The plot twists were a whirlwind and I enjoyed the adventure! I really enjoyed the plot of the story as well. It was so original and unique. It incorporated quite a lot of elements from Beauty and the Beast, with quite a few literal beasts and metaphorical beasts that I wasn't really sure who the original Beast was supposed to be... Still, it was fun! This story took all the elements of Beauty and the Beast and spun them so delightfully wildly out of proportion! The bridal competition was also fun, and probably the most deadly and dangerous bridal competition in the Cursed Brides series! This was a great addition to the Cursed Brides series and I'm so grateful I got the chance to read it!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy from the author. I was not required to leave a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[LeeEllen Belcher (Caw) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark, closed door, romantasy fairytale retelling was an emotional rollercoaster for me. The action and twists kept me on the edge of my seat! The main characters, and some side ones too, wanting to feel like they belonged was so heart breaking. The discussions about the Source (God) really pulled at my soul, and is how I've felt in my personal life. I loved the banter between Ida and Fen, and how the prince made her feel, until hidden conspiracies were uncovered.
Ida's been cursed to no longer heal, and tries to keep her feral side from going rogue daily. Being an assassin, and with a traumatic past, she never thought herself worthy of love. That is until she tries to save her protege, and finds herself in a bridal competition to keep him safe. Between the deadly trials, a corrupt kingdom, a prince that says all the right things, his werewolf bodyguard watching her every move, and hidden conspiracies around every corner, she tries to find her place.
Will she be able to discover the hidden truths in time to save the kingdom?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review.
All opinions are my own.

[Kat Crowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. This book. It broke me then helped me heal. It really truly touched my soul. The author is so good at addressing the characters deep dark thoughts and bringing to light so many things that most of us hurt from. Then she helps them to heal, along with the reader.

I feel like the plot of the book is very clear and easy to follow. The world building is also easy to follow. The pacing of the book is fantastic. There is never a dull moment, the story flows so well that its difficult to put down.

The FMC, Ida, and the MMC, Fen, are amazing and easy to love. You will also fall in love with the side characters and animal friends/bonds. The things both Ida and Fen go through individually and together is difficult for both of them. The growth and development of each of the characters, as well as the side characters, is amazing to watch unfold. Definitely an emotional ride!

I very much recommend this book! It is part of the Cursed Bride Series but it is also related to the author's book, "Empowering the Wolf's Heart." Although not required, it will be enjoyed better if you read that book first as they have characters that cross over. Enjoy!

[Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compared to the other books in this series, it didnt live up to the hype in my head. The first 20% was a slog and I couldn't make sense of the timeline, especially the last book in the cursed bride series. It didnt seem to add up with the world or timeline. Maybe my mistake was reading the first two books in the series.

Now, this is supposed to be a beauty and the beast retelling and it did have elements of that story but it stood on its own. I think I would have enjoyed it more without the expectations of beauty and the beast. Its my favorite fairy tale and I didnt feel Ida or Shadow did it justice. There were so many elements which felt off to me.

I didnt connect to Ida at all. She felt like such a shallow character for such a long book. And the animal abuse was a little much even for me. While I understood the necessity of it, it genuinely bothered me and I couldn't seem to get over it.

This book may not have been for me, but Im still glad I picked it up. There were a few moments I liked and the world build up was decent. The side characters truly made the book so much better and I wish they had been the main characters

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, especially the first three quarters of it. There was so much strength and inner struggle in the characters, so muck background revealed in their grit and self-denial, in their fear to admit their hidden truths!

The story starts strong and keeps you on the edge of the seat almost to the very end. it abounds in riveting action and plot twists, in psychological insight and clever saves, not to mention the mythical beasts and cruel, powerful manipulators at the height of villainy, and getting away with it!

To be honest, after so much fascinating, emotional, intense storytelling the ending seemed a bit drawn out, but not cheesy enough to convince me to shave a star off the overall rating. Well done!

I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle Pomeroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, as the author makes very clear in her trigger warning note, this book is on the more violent, darker side of clean fantasy. There is death, there is blood. That trigger warning? She means it and is not being overly cautious by posting it. Also worth noting is that there is self-harm. It's dealt with and shown to be damaging, but it IS there.
That said, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. For being an assassin, Ida is a surprisingly likeable character. It's easy to root for her.
This is a clean read and the editing is decent. I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so and the opinions stated are my own.

[HayvinsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is for the misfits who were wounded, not ruined. ❤️‍🔥

When pain is all you know, you learn to build walls.
Love feels dangerous. Joy feels weak.
So you become cold just to survive.

Until one day, you’re tired of the armor.
You hand it to God and let Him tear it down, brick by brick.

That’s what Feral Beauty brought. The punch. The pull from the inside and whispered “I see you. There is purpose in your pain.” 🥺

Feral Beauty felt like Ava saw my childhood. Knew me from my teenager years and felt what I felt. 🖤

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Feral Beauty is a closed-door, enemies-to-lovers romantasy laced with fated mates, betrayal, and high court intrigue. Perfect for fans of tension-soaked chemistry, morally gray heroines, and broken heroes who love like it’s war.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you think you are missing something... you are

This book would have easily received 5 stars from me... had it been next to "Empowering the Wolfs Heart" and not in the cursed Brides series. I read "Empowering" long enough ago that I had a slight remembrance of it, so I wasn't completely without reference, but still a little frustrated. Yes, you CAN read it as a standalone...but don't do that to yourself. Her writing is amazing... read it all.

Shoot.... and because of that, I can't help but give it 5 stars.

[4 The Love Of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved reading this book. Ida and Fen’s story is full of growth and rediscovery of self. This story has some of my favorite tropes: found family, fierce FMC and MMC, animal sidekicks, second chances, banter (lots of it!!!), and breaking the bonds of past trauma.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the books.

[Anna Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ava’s writing! As a big fan of her work, this was another perfect retelling—though this one had a little more bite (which I loved).

If you’re into spice-free, swoony romance with no damsel-in-distress vibes, this one’s for you. I highly recommend this retelling, as well as any of her other fairytale retelling books. Seriously, I'm addicted to them.

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC, and these are my thoughts.
It was a good story about how hardships can make it hard to move on. This story has found family, trials, enemies to lovers, and redemption arcs. The FMC is sassy and strong, and helps those who struggle to help themselves. I loved seeing her grow, and find her tribe as she does.

[FROSTB1T3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my soul. Ava once again sucked me into her world with this one. And seeing the return of other characters made my day!

The path of growth and love and pain. Definitely worth the read when it comes out.

[Katherine Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book won me over in the end! I've read a ton of retellings, some that I love and others that are fun enough. This one was unique and imaginative, plus the cast of characters (including a certain dragon named Bryan) made it really fun.

[Kimthebookishbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bentley has some of the most creative versions of fairytales I've ever heard or read and I absolutely love them. I loved the references to beauty with her nickname from him and the guild. His nickname from the general population was also very fitting for the fairy tale. Other than the general references though, this story seemed very original, which I enjoyed. It also had some great plot twists that I didn't see coming, while also having characters from another of Bentley's books making their own fun appearances.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is on the longer end and I felt like it dragged a little bit. The book is also quite matter of fact in the style itself. It's not really my cup of tea, but it was interesting enough to get me to want to at least see how it ends. 3.5 stars