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The Au Pair and the Beast
FROM POPULAR ROMANCE AUTHOR AURORA RUSSELL
Veronica’s new job comes with a darling little boy, a Gothic castle and…a beast?
When recently laid-off Francophile Veronica Carson is recommended for an au pair job by the elegant leader of her French conversation group, she isn’t sure what to expect—but a Gothic castle deep in the wilds of Maine is certainly not it. Still, she’s drawn in by her joyful little charge, Jean-Philippe, and even more drawn to his brooding father.
Ruthlessly successful businessman Alain Reynard has loved before and has no wish to repeat the painful experience. The tragedy of his recent past is still fresh in his mind, and he wants nothing to do with his son’s lovely new au pair. Despite his best efforts, though, he can’t seem to get her off his mind.
A passionate romance begins to blossom but is put to the test when painful reminders of Alain’s past return. As ugly rumors swirl, the truths of the past and the present collide. Veronica must decide if Alain really is a beast and, if so, whether she can love him enough to break through the dark memories and secrets that tether him to what once was.
Veronica’s new job comes with a darling little boy, a Gothic castle and…a beast?
When recently laid-off Francophile Veronica Carson is recommended for an au pair job by the elegant leader of her French conversation group, she isn’t sure what to expect—but a Gothic castle deep in the wilds of Maine is certainly not it. Still, she’s drawn in by her joyful little charge, Jean-Philippe, and even more drawn to his brooding father.
Ruthlessly successful businessman Alain Reynard has loved before and has no wish to repeat the painful experience. The tragedy of his recent past is still fresh in his mind, and he wants nothing to do with his son’s lovely new au pair. Despite his best efforts, though, he can’t seem to get her off his mind.
A passionate romance begins to blossom but is put to the test when painful reminders of Alain’s past return. As ugly rumors swirl, the truths of the past and the present collide. Veronica must decide if Alain really is a beast and, if so, whether she can love him enough to break through the dark memories and secrets that tether him to what once was.
- GenresRomance
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2021
119 people want to read
About the author
Aurora Russell
15 books170 followersAurora is originally from the frozen tundra of the upper-Midwest (ok, not frozen all the time!) but now loves living in New England with her real-life hero/husband, two wonderfully silly sons, and one of the most extraordinary cats she has ever had the pleasure to meet. But she still goes back to the Midwest to visit, just never in January. She doesn't remember a time that she didn't love to read, and has been writing stories since she learned how to hold a pencil. She has always liked the romantic scenes best in every book, story, and movie, so one day she decided to try her hand at writing her own romantic fiction, which changed her life in all the best ways.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 24, 2022
This is so darn sweet, cute, and completely swoon-worthy. And I hate saying it’s cute but it really is cute. Ms. Russell does an excellent job with Alain and Veronica. Not to mention little Jean-Phillipe. Oh lord, how I wanted to babysit him for just one day. But here’s the thing about Jean-Phillipe…he is very much his own character. He is NOT just filler; he is an integral part of the romance and the overall plot point of the book. When you read it, you will know what I mean.
What is so endearing about the book is actually Alain. You feel his pain, his anger, and distrust but also the love of his child and the confusion of his growing feelings for Veronica. Ms. Russell could have made the romance more predictable but she let it slowly burn between them. Sweet and sexy is how I would describe Alain and Veronica’s romance. Sure, sure there are smexy times but the fun of all that is how they get there in the end. Ms. Russell takes her time and lets them have miscommunication without all the drama. Not to say there isn’t drama, there is but not until almost the very end.
I truly liked Veronica, too. A bit naive with men but she has a good heart, smart and the love she has for Jean Phillipe is strong. I loved the interaction between them. One thing that struck me with her was her sincerity. Worldy but naive. Sweet but found her naughty side. Also, very patient with Alain and lets him do the talking. In other words, she’s not pushy about finding out things about him. Of course, when the big misunderstanding comes, I really wanted to slap Alain. For me, that was the only time that the “Beast” really came out for me. The story that Veronica told Jean Phillipe…
I highly recommend Ms. Russell. Her writing style is truly fluid and she lets her characters tell the story, not her. I can’t wait to read Alain’s brother’s story next. 🙂
What is so endearing about the book is actually Alain. You feel his pain, his anger, and distrust but also the love of his child and the confusion of his growing feelings for Veronica. Ms. Russell could have made the romance more predictable but she let it slowly burn between them. Sweet and sexy is how I would describe Alain and Veronica’s romance. Sure, sure there are smexy times but the fun of all that is how they get there in the end. Ms. Russell takes her time and lets them have miscommunication without all the drama. Not to say there isn’t drama, there is but not until almost the very end.
I truly liked Veronica, too. A bit naive with men but she has a good heart, smart and the love she has for Jean Phillipe is strong. I loved the interaction between them. One thing that struck me with her was her sincerity. Worldy but naive. Sweet but found her naughty side. Also, very patient with Alain and lets him do the talking. In other words, she’s not pushy about finding out things about him. Of course, when the big misunderstanding comes, I really wanted to slap Alain. For me, that was the only time that the “Beast” really came out for me. The story that Veronica told Jean Phillipe…
I highly recommend Ms. Russell. Her writing style is truly fluid and she lets her characters tell the story, not her. I can’t wait to read Alain’s brother’s story next. 🙂
February 4, 2021
Veronica Carson is a young woman who was laid off from her former job. Yet with a referral from an older lady in her French circle, she’s lucky enough to be offered an au pair job to a sweet young boy and his rather formidable, rich father who has many secrets in his background. This may be a plot that has been used many times over, but I like the way the author has developed such wonderful characters and how just one person can change the life of many just by being herself.
I love the character of Veronica who is well developed with an extremely open personality and a warmth that envelops all around her. Watching her with her charge, Jean-Philippe, warmed my heart. I had to laugh at his exuberance and energy, he is interested in learning anything and everything she can teach him with open curiosity and sweetness. She is a perfect fit for him, loving to have all the adventures he could wish, and I have no idea how she keeps up with him. Just reading about it makes me exhausted.
Alain is a remarkably interesting character that has so many secrets and distrust everyone but his son and family members. He hired Veronica on the spot when he saw just how wonderful she interacted with his son, being able to put up with all his chatter with humor.
Once their intimate relationship started, she saw the softer side of him and the incredibly sweet and hot lover. She was surprised at how careful and understanding he was when she admitted that she was a virgin, he also was a little possessive. She never expected him to return her feelings and she kept telling herself that he was her employer and that it wasn’t professional. Yet, when they gave into their own lust, everything else left her brain.
I liked this story and am very glad I picked it up. Recommended.
I love the character of Veronica who is well developed with an extremely open personality and a warmth that envelops all around her. Watching her with her charge, Jean-Philippe, warmed my heart. I had to laugh at his exuberance and energy, he is interested in learning anything and everything she can teach him with open curiosity and sweetness. She is a perfect fit for him, loving to have all the adventures he could wish, and I have no idea how she keeps up with him. Just reading about it makes me exhausted.
Alain is a remarkably interesting character that has so many secrets and distrust everyone but his son and family members. He hired Veronica on the spot when he saw just how wonderful she interacted with his son, being able to put up with all his chatter with humor.
Once their intimate relationship started, she saw the softer side of him and the incredibly sweet and hot lover. She was surprised at how careful and understanding he was when she admitted that she was a virgin, he also was a little possessive. She never expected him to return her feelings and she kept telling herself that he was her employer and that it wasn’t professional. Yet, when they gave into their own lust, everything else left her brain.
I liked this story and am very glad I picked it up. Recommended.
February 23, 2021
Alain Reynard is a very private person who has suffered much in his life and now tries to avoid love which has the power to hurt him deeply. He also has trouble trusting others. When he needs an au pair, he watches the interaction the woman has with his son, Jean-Philippe, who is a bubbly, happy child who craves learning everything about the world around him. His enthusiasm can exhaust many adults, but Veronica Carson is a loving, caring, and giving person which the child recognizes and responds positively to. He hires her without reservation.
A romance begins between the two of them. But rumors arise again and Veronica must decide if Alain really is a beast and whether she can love him enough to override the dark memories and open his heart to love her. Will she try to heal his damaged heart? Or will her own fear of heartbreak make her hesitate to try?
A romance begins between the two of them. But rumors arise again and Veronica must decide if Alain really is a beast and whether she can love him enough to override the dark memories and open his heart to love her. Will she try to heal his damaged heart? Or will her own fear of heartbreak make her hesitate to try?
March 27, 2021
I absolutely adored this book! The characters were fabulous and easy to love! Veronica is so sweet and kind hearted. She’s a perfect retelling of Belle, even down to her love of book and how she is viewed as plain compared to other woman but her beauty from within makes her incomparable. Alain is a beast of man, first in business and then scarred from a recent trauma. I also absolutely adore the son Jean-Philippe and his relationship with Veronica. Her bedtime stories are some of my favorite parts of this book. Truly an amazing book with wonderful characters. Honestly I hope for some additional books to tell the stories of some of the other characters!! I would definitely read more from this author as well as more based in this world she’s created.
I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2022
Il Castello della Bestia è un romance autoconclusivo, retelling de La Bella e la Bestia. Il romanzo racconta la storia di Veronica, una ragazza che viene assunta come ragazza alla pari per Alain, un uomo d’affari francese che tutti chiamano “bestia”.
Adoro i retelling ispirati a questa fiaba e quando ne trovo uno non riesco a non leggerlo.
È una storia estremamente semplice e lineare, prevedibile a dirla tutta, ma coinvolgente grazie anche a uno stile scorrevole e risvolti interessanti.
Ho apprezzato i due protagonisti e come si è sviluppata la loro storia d’amore. Alain è un uomo arrabbiato e sfiduciato ma ama tantissimo suo figlio (avrà un ruolo cruciale nella storia) e poi c’è Veronica, una ragazza aperta, intelligente e sincera.
Una lettura carina se volete passare qualche ora spensierata.
Adoro i retelling ispirati a questa fiaba e quando ne trovo uno non riesco a non leggerlo.
È una storia estremamente semplice e lineare, prevedibile a dirla tutta, ma coinvolgente grazie anche a uno stile scorrevole e risvolti interessanti.
Ho apprezzato i due protagonisti e come si è sviluppata la loro storia d’amore. Alain è un uomo arrabbiato e sfiduciato ma ama tantissimo suo figlio (avrà un ruolo cruciale nella storia) e poi c’è Veronica, una ragazza aperta, intelligente e sincera.
Una lettura carina se volete passare qualche ora spensierata.
February 23, 2021
I really enjoyed reading The Au Pair and the Beast by Aurora Russell because it was a sweet and slow burn of a romance between Veronica and Alain. Veronica is hired to be an au pair to Alain's son. Alain has suffered so much pain mentally and physically and doesn't want to put his heart out there. Veronica is loving toward Alain's son and he loves Veronica. Veronica is like a light in Alain's dark world. There are so many rumors as to what as happened in the past that it becoming part of the present now. Will Veronica open up Alain's heart? Will her own heart be shattered? I highly recommend reading this story. It reminded me of a little bit of beauty and the beast. It is such a wonderful story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2021
Veronica needs a job. She goes for an Au Pair position. Alain has had a tough life and does not trust. He loves his son and when he sees how well Veronica and Jean-Philippe interact and how caring she is he hires her. It is a slow build but Alain and Veronica start a relationship. I felt so sorry for Alain for all that he has endured in life. Veronica was a wonderful character warm and caring, and Jean-Philippe was just a wonderful boy. I really enjoyed this story and the fairy tale twist to it. Mostly I loved how Alain evolved. Great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2021
First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was not new to me
This is one of my favorite troupes. It was a good story following along the lines of the fairy tale, kept me engaged with decently developed characters. I did feel at times that the characters could have been more developed or the connect between them could have been longer with more tension but overall it was a satisfying read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was not new to me
This is one of my favorite troupes. It was a good story following along the lines of the fairy tale, kept me engaged with decently developed characters. I did feel at times that the characters could have been more developed or the connect between them could have been longer with more tension but overall it was a satisfying read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2021
Veronica and Alain’s story was very emotional. Alain has been through a lot, and struggles to trust in his personal life. He is known to be a beast, and accepts that role, doing little to try and change the way people think of him. Veronica is excited to begin a job as an Au Pair for Alain’s young son, and quickly begins to love her young charge. There is a lot of emotional content and the story keeps you engaged.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2021
steamy, sweet, intense beautiful romantic story.
Each character has their own detailed description of how they feel and think.
Past collide and a future is altered
Anticipation
Temptation
Second chances
Unplanned events
Confusing and conflicted affection
Emotional drama
Just headed towards a happily ever after
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Each character has their own detailed description of how they feel and think.
Past collide and a future is altered
Anticipation
Temptation
Second chances
Unplanned events
Confusing and conflicted affection
Emotional drama
Just headed towards a happily ever after
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2021
This is the romantic story of Veronica Carson, who is hired as an au pair for a young boy named Jean-Philipi, and Alain Reynard, a successful businessman with secrets in his past. Eventually Veronica and Alain develop an intimate relationship which is challenged when rumors arise about his past. This book is a great book with well developed characters and a great romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2021
The story of Alain and Veronica was so captivating and heartwarming that I had a hard time setting it down. I took a chance with this author's works and I was blown away by this beautifully written story. I smiled and cried with the characters as the story unfolded. It would stay with me for a while.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2021
The fairy tail with a twist. The plot keeps you reading to see what will happen. Filled with steamy hot drama and spicy action.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2022
Didn't expect much but was pleasantly surprised. Such a beautiful story.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews