When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Fairy Tales Book 2)

I liked the first book in this series – only connected by the fact that they’re fairy-tale-retellings, nothing else – but had some issues with it. The chief one being that the heroine wasn’t at all likable. She did some pretty despicable things to her sister for no apparent reason. So, despite the fact that A Kiss at Midnight got better towards the end, I was leery of starting the second book. It’s my favorite re-telling, hands down, and I was afraid that I’d end up hating it.That is not the case here. I absolutely adored Linnet from the first moment that we meet her. She’s smart, sarcastic, funny, sensible, quick, thoughtful, and pragmatic. She’s beautiful, and she knows it; she uses that to her best advantage, but never really believes she’s better or more worthy because of her beauty. She knows that it’s something she had no control over, just like her birth as one of the aristocrats, so it’s not something she’s particularly proud of.Piers, the hero, is a character you’re going to love or hate – and you can pretty much make that determination before even opening the book to the first page based on how you feel about Dr. House, from the television show House. Piers is bitter, cantankerous, sarcastic, rude, and an a-hole. He has debilitating pain, that he continues to work through, saving lives and helping others – just like the beloved Doctor from House, so perhaps some of his bad bedside manner can be excused.But what I loved the most is that Linnet doesn’t put up with Piers. She gives as good as she gets. The banter between them is quick and witty and full of sarcasm. There’s a wonderful back-and-forth quality to their discussions, especially in the beginning. I love that their regard builds on that mutual respect they begin to develop, and that the romance isn’t instant. It’s a slow build that pays off in a big way.If I had one complaint it’d be the last obstacle thrown into the mix near the end. It was as frustrating to me as it was to Piers, and I honestly expected better of Linnet. I understand, when I think about it further, but as I was reading I was slightly disappointed in that development. However, the obstacle is quickly removed and it serves to make Piers even more worthy of Linnet who gave her love without reservation, or care for her pride, long before Piers admitted he couldn’t live without her.This book was so much fun. It was funny, with a perfect mix of sarcasm and dry wit that I love. It was freaking adorable. I absolutely loved it.

I have always been a sucker for the Beauty and the Beast story, whether it is told as a classic fairy tale in a book or through my absolute favorite Disney movie ever. So I was interested to see how Eloisa James would weave this story into this second story in her fairy tale romance series. Because this was already a familiar story there I wondered how successful a re-telling in a period romance would be. I was very happy with the results.The 'beauty' of this story is Linnet, a remarkably beautiful young woman who finds herself in a terrible bind when her reputation is ruined by a prince, making this once most eligible lady now a social nobody to the London ton. Unfair and untrue rumors fly through the social circles of London, ultimately landing on the unfair rumor that she is carrying the prince's child. With her prospects for marriage or even friendship ruined, her aunt and father set on a plan to ensure her welfare. They propose that Linnet go to the Earl of Marchant to become his wife. He is rumored to be a horribly difficult-to-get-along-with man with a quick temper.Piers Yelverton lives on an estate in Wales where he spends his time fighting against established medical traditions as he and his cousin treat difficult medical cases in his home which serves as a sort of hospital. This man is almost an exact clone of House MD. He has a horribly painful leg condition that leaves him grumpier than normal as he fights against any urges to fight the pain with drugs. He has an eager group of young doctors who follow him around, making wrong diagnoses, who are then put in their place in a horribly rude way. He speaks his mind to patients and doctors, servants and guests, with no regard for any feelings. The rumor is that he will never take a wife, but his father is desperate for him to find a wife who can bear an heir to their title. Piers gives his father an impossible list of qualifications, believing that his father will never find anyone to fit the bill. But his father arrives in Wales with Linnet in tow.Linnet makes a perfect match to Piers. She is a strong lead character who is intelligent and witty. She doesn't back down from Piers, even when he treats her very rudely at first. She is a strong woman who speaks her mind as well. Although she does arrive at the earl's estate as a prospective fiancee, she has no real romantic views about marriage. The whole idea of marriage and relationships with men is distasteful to her. After a day of bickering between them, both decide that the 'don't suit' each other and should not marry. However, their ability to truly communicate with one another keeps them coming back to one another over and over. Linnet doesn't back away from Piers's 'beastly' personality, and Piers approaches Linnet in a way that seems more real than what she has had to put up with while navigating through the English ton. It is a bumpy path as it seems to be required in novels of this type, but eventually as it is in all fairy tales, they find their happily ever after.Overall this was a very well-written story. The romance was paced well. I never felt frustrated with the interactions between Linnet and Piers. Their banter was fun and engaging and very smart. Because Piers could be so blunt about his feelings, leading Linnet to do the same, I never felt as if I was reading a story of people trying to reveal the layers of their feelings in order to get to the true nature of their thoughts and desires. I don't think that either Linnet or Piers was playing a game with their feelings. That was refreshing to read. The games that are often played in these stories can be tiring at times. So for that reason I felt as if this particular story rose about the norm. I also enjoyed the discussion about medicinal practices of the time. It was very interesting and well researched. The book also has a great twist at the end where Linnet has to examine whether her beauty is the most important thing to her in her relationships with others. That was an interesting point to ponder.Overall I say that this book was a wonderful addition to my period romance library. The story isn't an original one, but James uses the well-known story and creates her own story that is engaging, fun, and wonderfully romantic. I really enjoyed it!

*4.5 stars*Tortured male MC based off of Dr. House, snarky banter, and a slow-burn love story?Yes, please!I adored When Beauty Tamed the Beast, which was just what the doctor (ha!) ordered right now. It was my first read by the talented Eloisa James, and I think I started off with the right one.I loved the loose interpretation of a "Beauty and the Beast" retelling, especially since the beauty character had even more brains than beauty. Linnet was relatable, charming, and hear me out, probably on the demisexuality spectrum. I loved how she used her beauty to disarm people, but it was truly her wit and charm and made her special.Piers was beastly and snarky and I loved it. I have a thing for sarcastic MCs and male MCs who are broody and damaged, and Piers was it. I was rooting for him to get his head out of his ass for the whole book, and I loved his raw sexuality and straightforward nature.The whole book was great, even if the middle got a bit slow. However, the emotional, stellar last few chapters will keep you up reading until late into the night. Trust me.I enjoyed all of the secondary characters, the medical content, and the pacing. Eloisa James, this one is a hit.

I skimmed the first 100 pages because I thought the book was heavily detailed and rather dull! I was being very dismissive…much like Piers. When I settled in and focused, I realized the writing is excellent! The dialogue between Piers and Lin is enthralling and intimate and so smart. I’m going back to read the pages I skimmed, and I’m ordering the entire series next!

Muuuuuito bonitinho. A gente lê de uma vez só, atenção presa pela história bem original. Encantada estou por esta autora.

A loved this one. The witty dailouge enchanted me. Read it in one go. Have no words to explain the feeling I had after it was over. I wish it had not ended!! Guess I am hungover. Kudos to Ms. James!!

Linnet Thrynne was shunned by all society for being in the wrong place at the wrong time although to the Duke of Windebeck the timing was perfect. The duke has been looking for a bride for his son the Earl of Marchant who he lost contact with over 24 years ago due to him being a drug addict. Piers Earl of Marchant is known as The Beast because he has a foul temper but he is the best doctor in all of Wales and doesn't want to marry thank you very much and least of all a bride his father picked out for him. When the Duke and Linnet turn up Piers is shocked that his father would dare turn up but he is also shocked to find that Linnet is everything he could ever want. With time and an outbreak of Scarlet Fever Piers learns that the heart does its own thing regardless. This is a wonderful tale by Ms James and not the classic tale you know. Its funny, witty and a perfect up to date -all be it century and half out of time- retelling.

Si, una sorta di Dr House ambientato nell'800 con annessa storia d'amore. L'ho trovato gradevole ma non mi ha emozionato.

The characters were fabulously drawn, in a way that balanced the historical setting and the fairy tale theme. Linnett and Piers each had levels of wit, intelligence and independence that made their romance even more beautiful than seemed possible at the beginning. Loved it.