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Happily Never After
Stranger
Content Warning: This book contains blood, guts, strong sexual themes, nonconsensual sex, and other atrocious acts. Reader be warned.
He was a stranger.
My first instinct was not to trust him, but then I learned... sometimes the most beautiful people have the ugliest scars.
He was a stranger.
My first instinct was not to trust him, but then I learned... sometimes the most beautiful people have the ugliest scars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 6, 2018
OMG, What Have I just read, Stranger By B Bennet is so heartbreakingly beautiful words just cannot describe it adequately and do it the justice it so deserves..
I really don't want to spoil this first-rate piece of fiction for others, so I'm going to try to be as vague as possible while also conveying my thoughts and impressions of Stranger to you.
Before I do that a warning There are scenes of abuse (rape) in this story that you might find upsetting, if this is a trigger for you please avoid.
So a brief summary of the plot here is that after a very distressing experience Gabrielle is left for dead only to be discovered by our Beast.
A scared, half-mad individual who lives at the top of the hills overlooking the town where Gabrielle resides with her parents and sister.
The beast attempts to nurse Gabrielle back to health saving her and in the process manages to save himself also, as the two grow closer and bond over the abuse both have endured a sweet friendship develops between the two.
Stranger is a twisted outtake of the classic fairytale Beauty And The Beast, it makes for extremely compelling reading and this is one of those stories where the characters involved claw their way into your soul and burrow deep.
staying with you long after its over.
I loved Stranger from the second I started to read it, even though I ended up bawling my eyes out, even as it ripped my heart from my chest and stomped all over it.
I would still read stranger all over again.
This is an amazing read you need to experience, I just can't believe it took me so long to get round to it. Give Stranger a go you won't regret it.
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
I really don't want to spoil this first-rate piece of fiction for others, so I'm going to try to be as vague as possible while also conveying my thoughts and impressions of Stranger to you.
Before I do that a warning There are scenes of abuse (rape) in this story that you might find upsetting, if this is a trigger for you please avoid.
So a brief summary of the plot here is that after a very distressing experience Gabrielle is left for dead only to be discovered by our Beast.
A scared, half-mad individual who lives at the top of the hills overlooking the town where Gabrielle resides with her parents and sister.
The beast attempts to nurse Gabrielle back to health saving her and in the process manages to save himself also, as the two grow closer and bond over the abuse both have endured a sweet friendship develops between the two.
Stranger is a twisted outtake of the classic fairytale Beauty And The Beast, it makes for extremely compelling reading and this is one of those stories where the characters involved claw their way into your soul and burrow deep.
staying with you long after its over.
I loved Stranger from the second I started to read it, even though I ended up bawling my eyes out, even as it ripped my heart from my chest and stomped all over it.
I would still read stranger all over again.
This is an amazing read you need to experience, I just can't believe it took me so long to get round to it. Give Stranger a go you won't regret it.
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
April 21, 2017
Bennett is the bomb diggidy in the twisted mind play realm! Yes realm because her ability is otherworldly!
Be careful what you're looking for because you might just find it! Gabs and Trin are out looking for a good time and find more than they bargained for in the most horrible way!
Gabs finds herself with "Beast" and she's struggling to find her way after all she's been through. I love how Bennett incorporates the unconventional in this tale. It's not syrupy and unrealistic. The story's pace is perfect, scene and character development is A1, and that ending??!!!! Ermagawd! Everything we expect from Bennett and more!
Five stars!
Be careful what you're looking for because you might just find it! Gabs and Trin are out looking for a good time and find more than they bargained for in the most horrible way!
Gabs finds herself with "Beast" and she's struggling to find her way after all she's been through. I love how Bennett incorporates the unconventional in this tale. It's not syrupy and unrealistic. The story's pace is perfect, scene and character development is A1, and that ending??!!!! Ermagawd! Everything we expect from Bennett and more!
Five stars!
April 18, 2017
4.5 glorious stars!! Talk about dark, twisted and heartwrenching all rolled into one great book. Gabrielle was brutalized and left for dead by 3 monsters.....she was saved and nursed back to health by a beautiful beast. The things you do for the ones you love is endless and unwavering, even if it means giving up your life.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this review voluntarily
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this review voluntarily
August 19, 2017
Fairy tales don’t exist. They’re created to tempt us of what could be, but never will. I’m no prince, and she’s no princess. We’re two people with very bad luck, and somehow, we found each other amidst the chaos.
Monsters barged in young Gabrielle’s world and caused irreparable damage. Monsters hurt her…but a beast saved her. Now hidden away in a regal mountain cabin, Gabrielle is kept for the winter by a man who wears a burlap mask to cover his face. What is underneath the mask and what is he hiding?
I came from the land of tailgate parties, promiscuity, and teenage drug addiction. ~Gabrielle
I merely existed when I found her, I lived when she let me know her, and the last phase is her abandonment –resulting in the death of a lonely beast. ~Beast
The Beast, a scarred and lonely man has only ever wanted something to love. When he found Gabrielle he decided to take a chance on hope- hope that one person in the world could see past his scars.
Well this was definitely one of those books once finished I found myself asking “da fuq did I just read?!” The book had its fair share of angst, gore, and hopeless thoughts between the two main characters. At times I found some of the passages and thought patterns very repetitive. His “boyish hair” and her “wanting to save him” and “set him free from his past” became a little much at times- I would’ve liked more action!
However, I did enjoy this author’s take on Beauty & the Beast. The Beast had a very sad and depressing backstory that was unique from anything I’ve ever read before. This one was a hard one for me to rate as I did tear up at times and found some of it profoundly sad. But, I felt one of Gabrielle’s decisions in the ending negated the whole moral and meaning of the story. I thought there could have been so much more…
A beast he is, and it shows through his feral demeanor. There is nothing ugly about this beast. He’s rough around the edges, yet so unabashedly beautiful. His honesty is art; his soul is within reach, and it sends a pang to my heart when I think of his vulnerable state.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and characters. I personally wouldn’t label this as horror more along the lines of dark romance though. I’m interested in future re-tellings by this author as well. 3.5 stars xx
Monsters barged in young Gabrielle’s world and caused irreparable damage. Monsters hurt her…but a beast saved her. Now hidden away in a regal mountain cabin, Gabrielle is kept for the winter by a man who wears a burlap mask to cover his face. What is underneath the mask and what is he hiding?
I came from the land of tailgate parties, promiscuity, and teenage drug addiction. ~Gabrielle
I merely existed when I found her, I lived when she let me know her, and the last phase is her abandonment –resulting in the death of a lonely beast. ~Beast
The Beast, a scarred and lonely man has only ever wanted something to love. When he found Gabrielle he decided to take a chance on hope- hope that one person in the world could see past his scars.
Well this was definitely one of those books once finished I found myself asking “da fuq did I just read?!” The book had its fair share of angst, gore, and hopeless thoughts between the two main characters. At times I found some of the passages and thought patterns very repetitive. His “boyish hair” and her “wanting to save him” and “set him free from his past” became a little much at times- I would’ve liked more action!
However, I did enjoy this author’s take on Beauty & the Beast. The Beast had a very sad and depressing backstory that was unique from anything I’ve ever read before. This one was a hard one for me to rate as I did tear up at times and found some of it profoundly sad. But, I felt one of Gabrielle’s decisions in the ending negated the whole moral and meaning of the story. I thought there could have been so much more…
A beast he is, and it shows through his feral demeanor. There is nothing ugly about this beast. He’s rough around the edges, yet so unabashedly beautiful. His honesty is art; his soul is within reach, and it sends a pang to my heart when I think of his vulnerable state.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and characters. I personally wouldn’t label this as horror more along the lines of dark romance though. I’m interested in future re-tellings by this author as well. 3.5 stars xx
April 22, 2017
Stranger is a modern day version of the classic tale of Beauty and The Beast, with a horrifying twist that only B. Bennett can deliver. There is blood, guts, strong sexual content laced with non-consensual sex. So Reader beware!!
This is one of the best reads for me to date this year, this story crushed my soul and broke my spirit as a mother, but slowly and surely, over time pieced me back together again. Once you read this you will understand why. It’s been a few days since I’ve finished reading it and I’m just coming to terms with the fact that, I don’t think I'm capable of formulating the words to do this story the justice it so rightly deserves. There are so many things I want to say and talk about, but at the risk of ruining it for you I will keep it to myself…for now!
I will say that my heart shattered for both Beast and Gabrielle, and each for very different reasons. On my own, I can’t even begin to imagine the horrific events that happen to lead them to where they end up, but Bonny takes you there, all the way there. While you know that physically you are not there, with the way that Bonny tells the tale you can’t help but mentally picture yourself there and experiencing everything, right along side them; every horrifying moment and every beautiful moment as well.
Beast, what can I say about that poor tormented boy. I quite honestly wanted to grab him up and love him like a child deserves to be loved. I think his story is the one that resonated with me and broke my heart the most. I still cry just thinking about him.
I would, hands down, recommend this to anyone, even if dark and disturbing isn’t really your thing this story will still find a place in your heart.
This is one of the best reads for me to date this year, this story crushed my soul and broke my spirit as a mother, but slowly and surely, over time pieced me back together again. Once you read this you will understand why. It’s been a few days since I’ve finished reading it and I’m just coming to terms with the fact that, I don’t think I'm capable of formulating the words to do this story the justice it so rightly deserves. There are so many things I want to say and talk about, but at the risk of ruining it for you I will keep it to myself…for now!
I will say that my heart shattered for both Beast and Gabrielle, and each for very different reasons. On my own, I can’t even begin to imagine the horrific events that happen to lead them to where they end up, but Bonny takes you there, all the way there. While you know that physically you are not there, with the way that Bonny tells the tale you can’t help but mentally picture yourself there and experiencing everything, right along side them; every horrifying moment and every beautiful moment as well.
Beast, what can I say about that poor tormented boy. I quite honestly wanted to grab him up and love him like a child deserves to be loved. I think his story is the one that resonated with me and broke my heart the most. I still cry just thinking about him.
I would, hands down, recommend this to anyone, even if dark and disturbing isn’t really your thing this story will still find a place in your heart.
April 7, 2017
Wow. My heart has been ripped to shreds. This book was beautiful and so tragic. I loved every minute of it. The story was very interesting, and I love that it was a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but dark. Very dark. I've never read anything by this author until now and after reading this I would love to read more.
April 24, 2017
Well how do you review this book? Beauty and the Beast with a twist I don't think so. This is so much more. B. Bennett sucks you in with a Man/Beast who simply cannot get out of his own head. Years of psychological and physical abuse he continues to bow down to the voices that continually torment his mind.
Gabrielle a young teenager raped and left for dead. She also has her own demonds haunting her in her waking hours.
You marked my skin and you bruised my soul - but, you never took it away
My heart broke for a young boy who had to endure the most horrific of horrors at the hands of someone who he only wanted to be loved by.
B Bennett's take on Beauty and the Beast is a mixture of both despair, heartbreak but most of all love.
Fairy tales don't exist. They're created to tempt us of what could be, but never will. I'm no prince and she's no princess. Were two people with very bad luck, and somehow, we found each other amongst the chaos.
I really enjoyed reading this first instalment in the Happy Never After series and can't wait for the next one.
Gabrielle a young teenager raped and left for dead. She also has her own demonds haunting her in her waking hours.
You marked my skin and you bruised my soul - but, you never took it away
My heart broke for a young boy who had to endure the most horrific of horrors at the hands of someone who he only wanted to be loved by.
B Bennett's take on Beauty and the Beast is a mixture of both despair, heartbreak but most of all love.
Fairy tales don't exist. They're created to tempt us of what could be, but never will. I'm no prince and she's no princess. Were two people with very bad luck, and somehow, we found each other amongst the chaos.
I really enjoyed reading this first instalment in the Happy Never After series and can't wait for the next one.
April 5, 2017
I have looked forward to a new book by Bonny for a LONG time. (feels like forever). This was a beautifully haunting spin on a classic and I loved everything about the book!
The beast has been horribly abused, beaten, and held captive physically and mentally by his mother for all of his life. He sees his beauty after she has also been beaten, and tries to save her. The voice of his mother telling him everything that is wrong with him every step of the way.
Gabrielle has a lot to be angry about, a lot of reasons to stop fighting, and even in the darkness, she finds light where others wouldn't even look.
Bonny has outdone herself with this one. It is a little different than what I am used to reading from her, but I loved it all the same. Amazing job!
The beast has been horribly abused, beaten, and held captive physically and mentally by his mother for all of his life. He sees his beauty after she has also been beaten, and tries to save her. The voice of his mother telling him everything that is wrong with him every step of the way.
Gabrielle has a lot to be angry about, a lot of reasons to stop fighting, and even in the darkness, she finds light where others wouldn't even look.
Bonny has outdone herself with this one. It is a little different than what I am used to reading from her, but I loved it all the same. Amazing job!
February 13, 2018
This book was Beautiful but tragic. I loved every minute of it. it was a heartbreaking tale with a few twists I didn't see coming.
It is kind of a modern day beauty and the beast but a very dark version. I really can't wait to read more.
So well written. just has you turning the pages to find out how it will all end.
It is kind of a modern day beauty and the beast but a very dark version. I really can't wait to read more.
So well written. just has you turning the pages to find out how it will all end.
July 1, 2017
The content warning makes this book seem much darker than it is. It's not a happy story. Most of the abuse happened in the past and is mentioned briefly. It's mainly about two screwed up people recovering together. I wasn't loving the romance. They went from disliking each other to love instantly, but nothing significant happened to make that shift. Jude recovered from his severe mental issues way too quickly. The end was unexpected. Can't say that I loved it, but it was definitely not conventional.
April 10, 2017
You think oh no not another one. But oh no YOU HAVE NO IDEA. THIS ONE IS BY FAR THE BEST. B. Bennett takes this tale and makes it her own. I loved it.
Its so dark beautiful and twisted. Not only do you love, fear the beast but your sad for him as well, all that he's been through.
Thrust me you have never been told this story like this.
Its a must read. 5 stars. Loved every page.
Its so dark beautiful and twisted. Not only do you love, fear the beast but your sad for him as well, all that he's been through.
Thrust me you have never been told this story like this.
Its a must read. 5 stars. Loved every page.
April 18, 2017
I was so pleased to receive a copy of Stranger to read and review. I love B. Bennett's writing and I was excited about the premise of this story.
The excitement begins in the very first chapter. My pulse was racing right along with Gabrielle's as she was trying to escape into the woods. I was in such suspense at the end of Chapter 1! Bennett always does a great job of keeping me firmly on the edge of my seat.
The first Beast chapter was a glimpse into a horrible existence. I felt for him as he seemed constantly torn to shreds. As I got to know him better through the words, I could see how truly difficult his life had been. Things progressed on and I was loving the book. Chapter 6 had such intensity between the battle with the wolves and the understandings made between these two characters. "It’s like his soul is speaking, and I’m the only one listening." was such a beautiful line and it really spoke to the tone of the story.
I liked finding all of the similarities between Stranger and the version of Beauty and the Beast that I know.
Chapter 10 was refreshing as understandings were forged between them and a name was given. I enjoyed watching their relationship make this shift.
In Chapter 12, what they find in the woods and what Jude says they can do really intrigued me. I wanted to see retribution for Gabrielle. The realizations in Chapter 13 were shattering. All the things that Jude endured at the hands of his mother practically brought me to my knees in an effort to share his suffering. Bennett's writing in Stranger has such depth and really took me deeply into Jude's mind and world. I also enjoyed the glimpse into Detective Cross' world and her work to locate Gabrielle.
My excitement was really building in Chapter 16 as realizations were made and trust grew. Jude was working hard to free himself from the past that didn't want to let him go. Chapter 17 brought more information to the table and piqued my curiousity for sure, while the following chapter squeezed my heart as I felt what Jude felt: fear, love, and so much more. The transformation that Gabrielle was causing was both beautiful and startling. There was still so much pain and distrust to be tackled, but there was a light that was beginning to shine through the darkness that appeared to be growing brighter all the time. If only they could embrace it with strength and surety. Jude and Gabrielle were wonderful characters who touched me deeply and I wanted so much for the both of them.
Chapter 23 was difficult to read. There was so much pain and I felt so deeply for Jude and Gabrielle. Being able to see it all from the outside, I wanted to stop them from hurting one another and make them understand. Jude's realization at the end of that chapter touched my heart, but also made me very curious about what would happen for him next. Gabrielle's need for him was both beautiful and painful. I can't begin to imagine all that must have been going through her mind when she initially returned to the chaos in Gascony. Her need to return to what was once seen as her prison really made everything appear to come full-circle. What happened along the way and after absolutely chilled my blood. The events at the lake completely broke me. I had wanted so much more for them, but reality was not in a giving mood on that day. The ending of this book was pure perfection. I loved Stranger. It was a lovely story that really touched my heart.
The excitement begins in the very first chapter. My pulse was racing right along with Gabrielle's as she was trying to escape into the woods. I was in such suspense at the end of Chapter 1! Bennett always does a great job of keeping me firmly on the edge of my seat.
The first Beast chapter was a glimpse into a horrible existence. I felt for him as he seemed constantly torn to shreds. As I got to know him better through the words, I could see how truly difficult his life had been. Things progressed on and I was loving the book. Chapter 6 had such intensity between the battle with the wolves and the understandings made between these two characters. "It’s like his soul is speaking, and I’m the only one listening." was such a beautiful line and it really spoke to the tone of the story.
I liked finding all of the similarities between Stranger and the version of Beauty and the Beast that I know.
Chapter 10 was refreshing as understandings were forged between them and a name was given. I enjoyed watching their relationship make this shift.
In Chapter 12, what they find in the woods and what Jude says they can do really intrigued me. I wanted to see retribution for Gabrielle. The realizations in Chapter 13 were shattering. All the things that Jude endured at the hands of his mother practically brought me to my knees in an effort to share his suffering. Bennett's writing in Stranger has such depth and really took me deeply into Jude's mind and world. I also enjoyed the glimpse into Detective Cross' world and her work to locate Gabrielle.
My excitement was really building in Chapter 16 as realizations were made and trust grew. Jude was working hard to free himself from the past that didn't want to let him go. Chapter 17 brought more information to the table and piqued my curiousity for sure, while the following chapter squeezed my heart as I felt what Jude felt: fear, love, and so much more. The transformation that Gabrielle was causing was both beautiful and startling. There was still so much pain and distrust to be tackled, but there was a light that was beginning to shine through the darkness that appeared to be growing brighter all the time. If only they could embrace it with strength and surety. Jude and Gabrielle were wonderful characters who touched me deeply and I wanted so much for the both of them.
Chapter 23 was difficult to read. There was so much pain and I felt so deeply for Jude and Gabrielle. Being able to see it all from the outside, I wanted to stop them from hurting one another and make them understand. Jude's realization at the end of that chapter touched my heart, but also made me very curious about what would happen for him next. Gabrielle's need for him was both beautiful and painful. I can't begin to imagine all that must have been going through her mind when she initially returned to the chaos in Gascony. Her need to return to what was once seen as her prison really made everything appear to come full-circle. What happened along the way and after absolutely chilled my blood. The events at the lake completely broke me. I had wanted so much more for them, but reality was not in a giving mood on that day. The ending of this book was pure perfection. I loved Stranger. It was a lovely story that really touched my heart.
April 9, 2017
“She’s the better half of what makes me whole; the good to my evil, the softness to my strength, and the sane voice in my chaotic mind.”
5+ tragically beautiful stars! Bonnie has outdone herself yet again… so beautifully told. I’m still trying to recover!
The Stranger is a modern-day take on Beauty and the Beast, but with a dark twist to it! Gabrielle is found by the Beast, after being brutally raped and left for dead one night. So he takes her back to his house up in the mountains, nursing her back to health. Beast is a complicated man, who lived with a mother, who tortured and abused him, which left him badly scarred and messed up in the head. He wears a mask to cover said scars and doesn’t really know how to be human. When Gabrielle shows up in his life, it’s like a breath of fresh air, he knows she’s different and he doesn’t want to let her go.
Gabrielle, wakes to find herself in a strange house beaten and bruised, not sure what to expect from the masked man. Just knowing she needs to get back home to her parents and dying sister. After several failed escapes, she accepts her fate. She’s stuck in this house with this creepy man. As time passes she realizes this “Beast” isn’t a beast at all. Just a product of an unloved family. I won’t go much further into detail, just read the book.
Bonny is known for the dark, depraved stuff. And while this book is dark and depraved… there’s heart in it. You fall for the Beast and all that he goes through and your heart will break when you learn his story. Your heart will break for Gabrielle and what she goes through and her journey. It’s well known I love Bonny and everything she does, but this one is just simply breathtaking. This book will rip your heart out of your chest… trust me, mine is still battered. But this book is true perfection, it shows you that life isn’t always roses and sunshine, stuff happens… and there’s always beauty in the worn, beaten and torn! Great job Bonny!!!
5+ tragically beautiful stars! Bonnie has outdone herself yet again… so beautifully told. I’m still trying to recover!
The Stranger is a modern-day take on Beauty and the Beast, but with a dark twist to it! Gabrielle is found by the Beast, after being brutally raped and left for dead one night. So he takes her back to his house up in the mountains, nursing her back to health. Beast is a complicated man, who lived with a mother, who tortured and abused him, which left him badly scarred and messed up in the head. He wears a mask to cover said scars and doesn’t really know how to be human. When Gabrielle shows up in his life, it’s like a breath of fresh air, he knows she’s different and he doesn’t want to let her go.
Gabrielle, wakes to find herself in a strange house beaten and bruised, not sure what to expect from the masked man. Just knowing she needs to get back home to her parents and dying sister. After several failed escapes, she accepts her fate. She’s stuck in this house with this creepy man. As time passes she realizes this “Beast” isn’t a beast at all. Just a product of an unloved family. I won’t go much further into detail, just read the book.
Bonny is known for the dark, depraved stuff. And while this book is dark and depraved… there’s heart in it. You fall for the Beast and all that he goes through and your heart will break when you learn his story. Your heart will break for Gabrielle and what she goes through and her journey. It’s well known I love Bonny and everything she does, but this one is just simply breathtaking. This book will rip your heart out of your chest… trust me, mine is still battered. But this book is true perfection, it shows you that life isn’t always roses and sunshine, stuff happens… and there’s always beauty in the worn, beaten and torn! Great job Bonny!!!
April 27, 2017
Holy Emotional Roller-Coaster Batman!! This BOOK! WOW, where to start…. this books takes you from one side of the emotional spectrum to the other. It is crazy that in one story you can experience disgust, love, hope, happiness, anger, despair, desperation, devastation, and sadness. The author does such an amazing job at developing and making the characters in the book relate-able. It felt like I was experiencing what the main characters were feeling from the very first chapter and it was so easy to become emotionally invested in their well-being.
This story is about 2 people, one broken and one damaged... who are unexpectedly brought together in a world they feel hates them.
"Death isn’t what I expected it to be. It isn’t warm, and there is no bright light. It’s cold and black. There aren’t any angels leading me to a beautiful, golden gate where God awaits to accept me inside.
Death isn’t Heaven, and it isn’t Hell. Death is lonely. Death is hollow. Death is all consuming.
Death isn’t calm, and it isn’t peaceful. Death is everything that I feared it could be: painful, unrelenting, and desolate."
One a Beauty and one a Beast, can 2 halves make a whole?
"When I asked for a taste of his soul, I didn’t know the depths that he had to offer. I don’t know if I want to run screaming, or if I want to take him into my arms."
Will the love of one be enough to heal the abuse to the other?
“You’re beautiful,” I whisper, pulling away and peering up into his bleary eyes. He blinks, and attempts to look away out of embarrassment, but I stop him by firmly planting my palms over each of his cheeks. “Listen to me. Nobody deserves what happened to you. Nobody. The person that did this was… they were horrible, and evil. This isn’t normal. This is wrong.”
If you love fairy tales that are coated with darkness then this book is for you!! This book will take you on an emotional ride that will chewy your heart up and spit it back out at your feet... so buckle up!
"Fairy tales don’t exist. They’re created to tempt us of what could be, but never will. I’m no prince, and she’s no princess. We’re two people with very bad luck, and somehow, we found each other amidst the chaos."
This story is about 2 people, one broken and one damaged... who are unexpectedly brought together in a world they feel hates them.
"Death isn’t what I expected it to be. It isn’t warm, and there is no bright light. It’s cold and black. There aren’t any angels leading me to a beautiful, golden gate where God awaits to accept me inside.
Death isn’t Heaven, and it isn’t Hell. Death is lonely. Death is hollow. Death is all consuming.
Death isn’t calm, and it isn’t peaceful. Death is everything that I feared it could be: painful, unrelenting, and desolate."
One a Beauty and one a Beast, can 2 halves make a whole?
"When I asked for a taste of his soul, I didn’t know the depths that he had to offer. I don’t know if I want to run screaming, or if I want to take him into my arms."
Will the love of one be enough to heal the abuse to the other?
“You’re beautiful,” I whisper, pulling away and peering up into his bleary eyes. He blinks, and attempts to look away out of embarrassment, but I stop him by firmly planting my palms over each of his cheeks. “Listen to me. Nobody deserves what happened to you. Nobody. The person that did this was… they were horrible, and evil. This isn’t normal. This is wrong.”
If you love fairy tales that are coated with darkness then this book is for you!! This book will take you on an emotional ride that will chewy your heart up and spit it back out at your feet... so buckle up!
"Fairy tales don’t exist. They’re created to tempt us of what could be, but never will. I’m no prince, and she’s no princess. We’re two people with very bad luck, and somehow, we found each other amidst the chaos."
April 21, 2017
I read this book 4 days ago and I still honestly don't know what to write in this review as no matter what I write it couldn't possibly do this book the justice it truly deserves.
What I will say is if you only had the opportunity to purchase and read one book this year I'd highly recommend this book to you.
This is a twisted version of Beauty and the beast that will truly pull at your heartstrings.
It will completely break you and slowly build you back up again but you will absolutely love every minute of reading it.
This story is so powerful that it actually takes your breath away whilst reading it.
It's dark and tragic but extremely beautiful aswell and made me cry on numerous occasions some happy some sad tears.
I had the opportunity to Beta read this book so I got to see it in it rawest perfect form.
This book is about two lost tortured souls finding each other in a dark world,they become each others light in a dark tunnel of chaos and helped each other in the most beautiful ways.
My heart truly bleeds for these two characters but they prove that with a little help from unlikely sources they can mend themselves and believe in life again.
This truly is a beautiful,poetic and powerful story that you really do need in your collection so I highly recommend you one click this book as soon as you can.
I promise that you won't be disappointed.
Be warned though copious amounts of comfort food may be needed once you finish this book.
What I will say is if you only had the opportunity to purchase and read one book this year I'd highly recommend this book to you.
This is a twisted version of Beauty and the beast that will truly pull at your heartstrings.
It will completely break you and slowly build you back up again but you will absolutely love every minute of reading it.
This story is so powerful that it actually takes your breath away whilst reading it.
It's dark and tragic but extremely beautiful aswell and made me cry on numerous occasions some happy some sad tears.
I had the opportunity to Beta read this book so I got to see it in it rawest perfect form.
This book is about two lost tortured souls finding each other in a dark world,they become each others light in a dark tunnel of chaos and helped each other in the most beautiful ways.
My heart truly bleeds for these two characters but they prove that with a little help from unlikely sources they can mend themselves and believe in life again.
This truly is a beautiful,poetic and powerful story that you really do need in your collection so I highly recommend you one click this book as soon as you can.
I promise that you won't be disappointed.
Be warned though copious amounts of comfort food may be needed once you finish this book.
August 17, 2017
Strong beginning, a little slow in the middle, beautiful & heartbreaking ending.
Beauty and the Beast with a horrific twist. I wish I had not seen that. Now, the whole time I was reading this book, this image popped up in my head (lol!):
And that while I've never even seen any of the movies; just the teasers on tv. 😉
I felt so sorry for Beast/'Jude'. Only..... I just wondered how Jude could be so 'organised in his head', while he apparently was never educated, only horrifically abused en savagely mistreated?! For a great part of the story, I actually didn't like Gabrielle; only towards the end I liked her a little better.
Nice read, although the Beauty and the Beast-images that kept appearing in my head, somehow distracted me from Gabrielle and Jude's story.... and kinda spoiled it a little for me. Again: I wish the link to B&tB would not have been made; I'm convinced that I'd have enjoyed this book more!!
Nevertheless: 4 stars, if only because the last chapters made me cry!
Picked by Minerva! Buddy read with Minerva and Regan.
Beauty and the Beast with a horrific twist. I wish I had not seen that. Now, the whole time I was reading this book, this image popped up in my head (lol!):
And that while I've never even seen any of the movies; just the teasers on tv. 😉
I felt so sorry for Beast/'Jude'. Only..... I just wondered how Jude could be so 'organised in his head', while he apparently was never educated, only horrifically abused en savagely mistreated?! For a great part of the story, I actually didn't like Gabrielle; only towards the end I liked her a little better.
Nice read, although the Beauty and the Beast-images that kept appearing in my head, somehow distracted me from Gabrielle and Jude's story.... and kinda spoiled it a little for me. Again: I wish the link to B&tB would not have been made; I'm convinced that I'd have enjoyed this book more!!
Nevertheless: 4 stars, if only because the last chapters made me cry!
Picked by Minerva! Buddy read with Minerva and Regan.
April 10, 2017
When this book started popping on my feed, I knew I had to read it. I love Bonny's books and I was certainly intrigued by a dark Beauty and the Beast.
Due to horrific circumstances, Gabrielle is found by the beast and brought to his home. It starts with Gabrielle feeling like hostage but quickly turns into somewhat of a love story. What happens from there is so heartbreaking and tragic that I still haven't recovered.
It is dark and light, hurt and healing, love and hate. My emotions were so all over the place that I didn't know if I should be laughing or crying at points.
I loved this story, as heartbreaking as it is, it is touching and has a lot of heart behind it. At times I felt it was a little choppy and we went from glorious detail in the beginning and middle, to less detail towards the end. But that didn't stop me from loving this book and being so absorbed in it that nothing else existed while I was reading.
Due to horrific circumstances, Gabrielle is found by the beast and brought to his home. It starts with Gabrielle feeling like hostage but quickly turns into somewhat of a love story. What happens from there is so heartbreaking and tragic that I still haven't recovered.
It is dark and light, hurt and healing, love and hate. My emotions were so all over the place that I didn't know if I should be laughing or crying at points.
I loved this story, as heartbreaking as it is, it is touching and has a lot of heart behind it. At times I felt it was a little choppy and we went from glorious detail in the beginning and middle, to less detail towards the end. But that didn't stop me from loving this book and being so absorbed in it that nothing else existed while I was reading.
April 17, 2017
I've been waiting for this book since I first saw the teaser and I all I can say I was not disappointed in away. This book was amazing and I great twist on beauty and beast which happens to be all time favorite fairy tale and hit every emotion possible. Bonny you are an amazing author and every new book you write, you always out do yourself I can not wait for this series to continue and for many more books from you so please keep them coming. I highly recommend this book to any and all readers who love to read and love fairy tales with horrific twist but not for those with faint of hearts because it does pull at the heart strings. This story was beautiful written and well thought out, the characters were greatly thought out and placed and fit perfectly I absolutely loved this story and it will be one I will read over and over again thank you Bonny for the opportunity to read it and again it was amazing.
April 26, 2017
This is by far B. Bennett's best book to date!!! It blows all of her other books out of the water!!! This story is haunting, beautiful, scary, sad and so much more wrapped in in the pages of Gabrielle & Jude's tale.
This is definitely a twist a classic tale as old of time. B Bennett has taken a well known classic and infused herself into the story to give her readers a true masterpiece!!! I could not put this story down and didn't want to until I read the very last word!! There are so many emotions that are wrapped up in this story. While reading it will take you on an epic journey that I still have not recovered from. I cannot wait to see what Ms. Bennett does with other classic stories for this series!!!
I hands down..no questions asked recommend this book!! It is takes it's readers to brink of insanity with both Jude & Gabrielle...then pulls you back into the safety of love and eventually happiness. This is not an easy book to read as it does go very dark, but B Bennett brings you out of the darkness into the light in such a way that you feel like you are watching this story play out...not just reading it. I, personally, cannot express how much I LOVE this story!!! I know that I will need to get this book in paperback so that I can read it again and again!!!
Well Done B. Bennett!!! I can't wait to see where your stories will take me next!!!
This is definitely a twist a classic tale as old of time. B Bennett has taken a well known classic and infused herself into the story to give her readers a true masterpiece!!! I could not put this story down and didn't want to until I read the very last word!! There are so many emotions that are wrapped up in this story. While reading it will take you on an epic journey that I still have not recovered from. I cannot wait to see what Ms. Bennett does with other classic stories for this series!!!
I hands down..no questions asked recommend this book!! It is takes it's readers to brink of insanity with both Jude & Gabrielle...then pulls you back into the safety of love and eventually happiness. This is not an easy book to read as it does go very dark, but B Bennett brings you out of the darkness into the light in such a way that you feel like you are watching this story play out...not just reading it. I, personally, cannot express how much I LOVE this story!!! I know that I will need to get this book in paperback so that I can read it again and again!!!
Well Done B. Bennett!!! I can't wait to see where your stories will take me next!!!
April 23, 2017
Stranger is the first in the Happily NEVER After series. Yes, it's a darker book. However to me it was also terribly sad and depressing.
Our beast Jude was beaten and abused in every unimaginable way all his life by his mother. He saved Gabrielle and once she realized he wouldn't hurt her, she began to help him heal.
I can't say too much without giving away spoilers, but this story broke my heart. I was upset by what happened to Gabrielle, but I was completely horrified by Jude's memories. If there has ever been a hero I wanted to reach into my Kindle to hug, it's Jude. My stomach just knots up thinking about him.
Our beast Jude was beaten and abused in every unimaginable way all his life by his mother. He saved Gabrielle and once she realized he wouldn't hurt her, she began to help him heal.
I can't say too much without giving away spoilers, but this story broke my heart. I was upset by what happened to Gabrielle, but I was completely horrified by Jude's memories. If there has ever been a hero I wanted to reach into my Kindle to hug, it's Jude. My stomach just knots up thinking about him.
April 7, 2017
I had the pleasure no privilige to read Stranger several day's ago; I can't put into words how absolutely amazing it is. Left me in tear's, heart broken and at a complete loss of words. Ive read every book from this author each one more amazing than the next. I don't want to give away any of the story line and ruin it for you however I will say tbis it is a MUST read Beast will capture your heart and hold onto it it far longer than it took you to read it he still has a piece of mine I gladly gave to him.
Want to read
April 24, 2017
April 21, 2017
Wow, I'm almost speechless now. I can already tell I'm going to have a huge book hangover from this one! It was so good though, definitely in my list of top 10 books I've read this year!
This was a beautifully written, dark, tragic tale, but there's beauty in it too. The Beast was such a tragic character, and I can't even elaborate on that thought any further without giving spoilers! This book was deep, and thought provoking, and heartbreaking and beautiful. There aren't many books that make me cry, but I did shed a few tears over this one! Everyone should read this, it's amazing!!
This was a beautifully written, dark, tragic tale, but there's beauty in it too. The Beast was such a tragic character, and I can't even elaborate on that thought any further without giving spoilers! This book was deep, and thought provoking, and heartbreaking and beautiful. There aren't many books that make me cry, but I did shed a few tears over this one! Everyone should read this, it's amazing!!
April 21, 2017
Wow! Wow! Wow! Seems like I've been waiting a long forever time for a new story from Bonny and boy did she delivered!!! This book was worth the wait.....so beautifully written, such a magically amazing twist to this children classic! It's dark, it's twisted and it's a tear jerker (well for me)....an absolute must read.....definitely cannot wait for the next installment of the happily never after series.
April 23, 2017
This book had it all!
I enjoy everything by this author she just has a way of pulling you into a story and not letting you go. I admit this story made me cry more then once... the story takes you to the edge, throws you over just to catch you before you hit.... loved the twist on a much loved fairytale.. this book has all the feels.. it's dark, twisted and beautiful...a must read.
I enjoy everything by this author she just has a way of pulling you into a story and not letting you go. I admit this story made me cry more then once... the story takes you to the edge, throws you over just to catch you before you hit.... loved the twist on a much loved fairytale.. this book has all the feels.. it's dark, twisted and beautiful...a must read.
April 23, 2017
A captivating read!
This book has it all.
1) Don't read it without a box of tissues.
2) The book is so well written is sucks you in and you can't put it down until it's completed.
3) Bonny, writes on subjects that captivates the audience, such as, death, rape, true love, abortion, and finding yourself again after all this happens.
4) This book is a must read , but it's not for the feint at heart.
This book has it all.
1) Don't read it without a box of tissues.
2) The book is so well written is sucks you in and you can't put it down until it's completed.
3) Bonny, writes on subjects that captivates the audience, such as, death, rape, true love, abortion, and finding yourself again after all this happens.
4) This book is a must read , but it's not for the feint at heart.
April 9, 2017
This book is absolutely amazing. It brings forth so many emotions. You want to save both of the main characters from their pain the whole time. It was like I was on a roller coaster, up and down, but I loved the ride.
The ending 100% made me cry and I honestly don't usually cry from books.
Great job, a must read!
The ending 100% made me cry and I honestly don't usually cry from books.
Great job, a must read!
August 18, 2017
This isn't your average fairy-tale ladies, if you're looking for Happily Ever After...you may want to read the series name again. This is dark, moonless starless night dark. Yes there is beauty, the beauty of getting to see cold, hard, vicious justice done. But there is sadness, heartbreaking sadness. And there is love. The kind of love that helps heal a shattered soul. Excellent book.
April 23, 2017
Happily Never After
Bonnie did an amazing job with this book. It was an emotional ride, that I wholeheartedly recommend reading. I felt everything the characters felt, that's how well written it is. This is my first Bonnie Capps read and it definitely won't be my last!
Bonnie did an amazing job with this book. It was an emotional ride, that I wholeheartedly recommend reading. I felt everything the characters felt, that's how well written it is. This is my first Bonnie Capps read and it definitely won't be my last!
April 10, 2017
Wow. I could not put this down. Heart wrenching and wonderful at the same time. Keeps you on the edge of your seat!
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