Courting Sin is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. This dark fantasy features Morrigan, Cain, Cassius, Dez, Dormius, Eris, Kaiden, and Naaz.
When Morrigan was born, she was believed to be the subject of a long awaited prophecy. She never knew her parents and was raised in an extremely sheltered environment by two woman - Lady Guinevere and Priestess Maeryn. She was being groomed to fulfill the prophecy and was to be handed over to the seven lords of Andonia on her 21st birthday. While Lady Guinevere did her best to act as a warm and loving mother to Morrigan, Priestess Maeryn was more of a cold, strict, hard headmistress who firmly believed in corporal punishment. Morrigan did not have an easy childhood and repeatedly tried to flee to discover the world on the outside of the walls which kept her imprisoned.
On her 21st birthday, when she was wrapped up like a gift and hand delivered to the lords, she was certain she was going to die. She had heard the rumours of their beast-like nature. She was surprised to learn that she was to spend seven weeks with each lord, and at the end of that time, choose one to become king and rule beside her.
While Morrigan starts out as a meek maiden, she blossoms and grows into herself, finding her own power. Her time with each lord reveals more about them, and they aren't always as they seem.
This book was an unexpected delight. The author's writing quickly captivated me and I loved every minute. Morrigan is a strong, believable, female lead and it was easy to love her and cheer her on in her own self-discovery as well as her path towards, what I'm convinced will be, greatness. She has a big heart and is kind, considerate, and caring towards others even when her upbringing was less than ideal. She quickly learns to stand her ground and push back when needed. It was wonderful to watch her growth. Her interactions with each of the lords changes as she comes into herself, and sees them for who they are.
I loved some of the secondary characters including Lyra, who is definitely a bad-a$$ and helps Morrigan grow into the woman she is meant to be. I also appreciated Shae and Eowyn, both offering her kindness and friendship.
I highly recommend checking this one out but be forewarned... it ends on a cliffhanger. It is going to feel like an unbearable wait for the next installment but I will be eagerly waiting.