Beauty and the Gentleman

Forever #4

by Lucy Darling

I’m the good guy. The one who always does the right thing. At least that's what everyone’s always said. All I've ever wanted to be was the right guy for Faith. She's been my girl since we were kids. I don't deserve her. But still I took her.

Now we’re grown and gone off to college, and I want her more than ever. The only problem is, I want to do things to her that might ruin my good guy reputation in her eyes. I’m one taste away from breaking my promise to her parents. From claiming her and taking her fully as mine.

But can she accept my dark side, or will I scare away the only woman I’ll ever love?

Genres: Romance, College, Novella, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, BDSM

Unknown Binding

First published August 1, 2021

Reviews

[*CJ* · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Beauty and the Gentleman" is the story of Faith and Ace.

Kids to two sets of best friends, hero and heroine have grown up together, promising to be in love forever. The book deals with them going to college, dealing with jealousy and eventually marrying and getting their HEA.

So sweet your teeth will hurt lol.

Safe
3/5

[Laiza · Rating 3 out of 5]

#YoungLove
#SoulMate
#AlphaAce
#Faith'sDaddy
#NotAGentleman

[Danielle Loving · Rating 1 out of 5]

Edited: Okay so after giving it a bit of thought, even though I didn't enjoy this story at all, there were a few moments were I had to agree they were perfect for each other. Even if it was just because they both were just unlikeable people. So I've calmed down and decided to give this 1.5 Stars.
Original:
WORST BOOK IVE READ THIS YEAR. Maybe ever?

I understand the main part of this book was supposed to be the smut- and it did really good on that aspect… it was everything else that was awful.
I mean of course it was predictable- it’s a romance novella I wasn’t expecting a plot twist. But the characters were so insufferable it physically pained me to read about them.
Faith is helpless, and probably has an undiagnosed mental disorder that causes her to be forgetful and neglectful of her health and overall well-being.
Ace is a self-proclaimed “good guy” except he’s rude and overly aggressive to everyone he meets. And I mean EVERYONE. He assaults Knox (Faiths Brother) for hugging Faith (granted he didn’t know it was her brother at the time) within seconds of meeting him! He’s mean to the security guard, poor Jason who just wanted to make an A, Tiffany who besides touching his phone really wasn’t that bad, the moving company, AND the bartender. And that’s off the top of my head! All he does is growl, glare, and… no I think that covers it. I’m sorry but what’s “gentleman” about glaring and growling at everyone?
They’re such a toxic couple the book can’t even fall back on a cute romance.
Besides the characters, the plot itself sucks. I mean it’s literally “I’m a nice guy because I have the decency to have self control and not ram my genitals into my gf every time I see her” and then it’s “no my gf loves me and so that means I CAN jam my genitals into her every time I see her.. and maybe spank her a bit as well *winks*.”
The characters are flat, the book reinforces very toxic themes, and for a short read it takes FOREVER to get through.
The only thing remotely interesting is Whitney and Knox’s relationship- but I simply can’t force myself to read anything from this author ever again.
If the goal of this book was to ruin my night, than I’d say it succeeded! I knew a couple like this in college myself… they broke up not to long after because if you’re that codependent on your partner eventually you’ll feel suffocated.
They have a few years tops before they divorce🤷🏽‍♀️

[Fiona Fog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ace and Faith’s story had me hooked. They met in kindergarten and Ace our lead knew instantly she was his. To protect. To love. And cherish.

I adore these kinds romance reads, knowing the history they have makes it special. The bond is phenomenal. The love is never in question.

Ace has kept his word, there older now, both in college. Faith is staying in the dorms at the request of her parents, Ace isn’t happy about it but he’ll respect there decision. But staying away from her is coming to a head. He wants her, he needs her but he’s worried his desires and his dominance may scare her.

Faith has seen this glimpse into Aces persona, she craves it and she wants it.

I loved how Lucy approached this aspect in the relationship. The intense chemistry was blistering hot.

If you want a story that ticks all boxes you need to read this.

It’s a yes from me.

[TTP · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Friends to lovers (but more always lovers)
- Dual V

This book follows H and h who’s been together since 5 years old, but H made a promise to her parents, who’s his parents best friend, that he would not pressure her to have s*x, but when they start college, they’re both done waiting.

safety:
- some jealousy from both, but both only have eyes for each other
- H secretary tries twice to make drama, H puts her in her place and gets rid of her
- I usually don’t like any owd/omd, but in this it worked because it just showed us how much the H loves her

[Natalia Parker Cahill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this in less than 10 minutes .

I can’t bring myself to finish a full length book . But for the moment novellas is where it is .

[Jen ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was sweet and hot. i'm not a fan of friends-to-lovers book but this novella was really good. it's sweet reading a story where the characters have been together for a very long time, and that includes being a childhood friends.

Ace and Faith were so adorable together, and how they explore their relationship. i guess it helps that they were open and honest with one another. there wasn't any drama in this story, very much smooth sailing. basically just reading them finally getting forever and a glimpse of their lives years later.

overall, this was nice and a fun way to pass time.

[Ꭿຖᥲ·♡ ྀི · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25✯

°Each other's first and only
°Switching POVs
°Possessive obsessed OTT alpha hero
°Slight OW drama caused by the hero's assistant
°No OM drama
°No cheating
°No separation
°No push/pull
°No intimate scenes with OP
°Epilogue: several years later married with 4 children

[Kelly ~Booktrovert~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually when you start a series and you get further into it a book or two won't live up to the first... but I have to say that I loved this one as much as the first three. Lucy Darling has a way of writing OTT, obsessed and possessive men that I absolutely LOVE!

4 big stars!

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was Lucy darling, so of course I loved it. Totally safe, double virgins who belong only to one another. Hero is a bit dominant, but nothing extreme.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a ton of story.

There wasn’t a lot of story because I felt like you got lots of bits and pieces through previous books. There also wasn’t much of a dark spot which I hate. Give me some conflict with actual stakes.

The steamy scenes were hot but I would have liked to actually see him use that belt in the epilogue.

[Kellyythoralabatalla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ni sabia que tenia este libro, ni sabia que era el último de esta saga ni nada. Pero estuvo como los otros, chicos obsesionados con sus mujeres que vivien y respiran por ellas.

[Alba M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Faith y Ace han estado juntos desde que entendieron lo que significaba el amor. Ahora se han ido a la universidad y sus padres les han pedido que no vivan juntos que.demonios!? Cómo van a vivir separados si a penas aguantan unas horas sin verse? Así que el control y la necesidad de Ace por Faith va en aumento y su promesa de esperar está colgando de un hilo...

Uuhhhhhhhh menudo libro!!!!! 🤣 Que calenturientos son estos personajes, ahí tenías a Faith que era toda inocente y mírala miiiiiralaaaaa! Jajajajaja en fin, que es un libro cortito, el amor a primera vista ya viene de atrás y tienes un macho posesivo obsesionado y loco con su mujercita. El final? Obviamente ultrafeliz! Recomendado para pasar el rato!

[Emily Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quien no ama un buen instalove. Es un libro ligero y de machos alfa. Ace es un tipo duro y Faith es una dulzura azucarada y coquetona. Este libro está bien para después de una lectura pesada.

[Babel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet novella with hot and playful touches.

Ace and Faith are made for each other, so despite their parents' suggestion to live apart while at college things start getting too passionate to abide by that. The hero in this story is a good boy, respectful and truly in love, but he comes with a side of dominance that rares to life when he's confronted with living apart from his sweetheart.

I liked the double POV that shows their real feelings behind their not spending enough time together. The misunderstandings give way to entertaining scenes of provocation and their new dynamic of dominant male and playfully naughty girlfriend. It's fun, sensual, and love and trust always predominate.

I loved the girls' goal to work at the shelter for women, and I'm looking forward to Remi's story. There's something very interesting about the glimpses we got about her.

[Hey Lin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick and safe read. I was excited to see that this is oz and Romans kids story! So is beauty and the outcast which is the h's brothers story.

It wasn't great and it wasn't horrible....it was just ok with thr maim drama that the H likes to spank the H and wants to control his urges 🤔🤔😂🤷

A little ow drama.with the administrative assistant being a B but shes fired 🤷 like I said, not great and not horrible 😂

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe!
I think this one was very sweet! I knew I would love them after reading Knox and Whitney’s story. :)
These two have known each other almost their whole lives and have always known they were meant to be together. Low key drama with this one.
College romance (kinda) story.

[Dark Angel's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ace & Faith!!!

Oh I loved Beauty and the Outcast but this was even better. Look at Ace go. Mr. Good guy turned into dominant man. I loved Faith and his relationship and how he put her first above everything else!

5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 how stars.

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 5 out of 5]

4½ stars. I really like when Lucy writes a dominant Hero.

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fabulous dirty quickie is the perfect blend of sweet and heat. Throw in some laughs and a dash of spanking and I’m a very happy reader

[madythegibbon · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[Sarah Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.

Overall: 4-stars

Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No OM drama
• Does have unrequited OW drama
— the Hero’s assistant tries to cause problems between the MCs
• No pushing away
• No separation


Possible Triggers: None
• No abuse
• No OTT sad parts

Ending: HEA with Epilogue

Connected Books:
– Kennedy & Oz's (Heroine's parents) book: You Are Mine • My Review
– Knox's (Heroine's twin brother) book: Beauty and the Outcast • My Review
– Fawn & Roman's (Hero's parents) book: Just One Look • My Review

[ziyuan ʚɞ Reads Dark Smut. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith can get lost in her head sometimes. She’ll be so focused on something that everything else falls to the side. It works for us. I enjoy taking care of her. Or maybe it’s that I enjoy that she needs me. Either way I’ll take it. I’ve been doing it since we were little kids. Nothing is going to change that.

——Ace

He opened a box I hadn’t even realized existed. Now all these hidden desires have come tumbling out. Then he’d gone and put the stupid lid back on. I even loved that stupid nickname Kitten he gave me. I’m sure that when I get grumpy I look like a little kitten to him.

——Faith

Here it comes, they story of Faith and Ace. They met each other since they were five, love at first sight, they were best friends, they were best partners. They find out their dark sides, they changed, and they changed together.

I want all of Ace. Some people may not think you form a bond during sex, but I believe that you do. I want to know Ace on every level. Still, he holds himself back from letting go.

My phone vibrates in my pocket when I get to the coffee shop.
Ace: Landed.
Me: Cool. Busy. Working on a project with Jason.

Hahahahaha, I had to admire Faith’s dare. She was bold and had balls, and I totally understand she was still pissed about other woman answered Ace’s phone. Also, related to sex, she found something differently about Ace about that night, Ace was holding back the his kinks wanted to do with Faith, she felt it and she was determined to find it out.

I glance over my shoulder when the coffee shop doorbell chimes. Ace fills the entire doorway with his huge frame. My body responds to him. That look in his eyes tells me my plan has worked. A thrill swirls through me.

He’s back.

I am still also not happy about Ace’s assistant picked up Ace phone, and Ace explained that easily, he didn’t understand any girlfriend would be pissed about this situation——some other petty woman picked up your boyfriend’s phone when you called his personal number?

Faith was a special heroine and she was really hot my heart, and this was Ace’s turn to be jealous. Even the boy sitting with Faith was just because they were doing a group project. Hahahaha.

Not checking in on her made me fucking go insane. I’m done. I can’t do it anymore. I’m over doing what everyone else thinks I should. All of it. Trying to hold back who I really am. If Faith and I are going to be together, we have to show all sides of ourselves.

My eyes land on her the second I enter the small coffee shop. The boy across from her is staring at her like she’s a gift delivered from above. She is, but she’s my gift. Always has been and always will be.

He was also a gentleman, with charming personalities and alpha good look, he was sexy as fuck. But that’s not what the real Ace. He was Roman’s son and he was also ont of the Mr. King, Ace King. So he had the obsessed and insane DNA in his blood. It’s dark, and it’s extreme. And that’s made their story even more interesting.

“You were going to fire her?”

“I was working on replacing her. I have a few interviews scheduled for later this week.” I walk over, sitting my box down on his desk.

But when keep reading, we would know, Ace had already been finding other assistant, since she picked his phone. Ace didn’t told Faith on purpose, but he did planned to fire that woman. Well, I had to admit that I felt more happier reading this. They supposed to be perfect, not any other women in the middle of them.

“I want the man that dragged me back to his house and made me suck his cock.” Her cheeks flush a beautiful shade of pink at her own words. My cock presses against my zipper, begging me to have her go to her knees right now and take me in her mouth. I take a deep breath to get control of myself.

“You enjoyed getting your ass spanked.” I dig my hard-on into her stomach. This side I’ve been trying to keep hidden away is what she wants. I want to kick myself. I should have known.

Faith and I were made for each other. If this is a part of me, she’ll want it. Desire it the same way that I do.

They both needed each other more than they would ever understand. This was insane but sexy and extremely hot. I love reading everything part of their sex, because this was not just sex, plots also were mixed when there were making love.

“That’s real fucking good, Kitten. You’ve let the beast out, and there is no going back now.”

“Never,” I agree. I freaking love that Ace has this dirty side to him no one will ever know about. It’s all mine. Only I can pull this out of him. I make him resort to his baser needs.

This beast is all mine.

Ace always knows what Faith want before she even do, whether it be hard or sweet. He sees Faith and gives her exactly what she need even though she don’t know what she was looking for.

People say that as you grow up you change. Lucky for Ace and me, we've always changed together.
“You were made me for me, Kitten.” He presses his hard cock into my stomach.
“We are a perfect fit.”

They are matches made in heaven. ACE knew from the very first moment when she turned and smiled at him, telling him her name was Faith, that she was his. It was clear to him then that if he had Faith, he could have it all.♥️♥️♥️

“I’m damn proud of you.”
“That means a lot.”

“I’m always proud of you, Ace. Even if we don’t agree on something. You’re still my son even when we don’t see eye to eye. I love you, son.”

I knew that deep down, but it still feels good to hear it. Any of the bullshit I might be hanging on to about not being Roman’s full blooded son slips away.
“I love you too, Dad.”

I actually don’t know if I could find any romance series like this in the future. I really am fk crazing in love with this series.

🌟Book 1-Just One look (Fawn and Roman): Ace’s mom and dad.

🌟Book 2-You Are Mine (Oz/Dane and Kennedy): Faith’s Mom and dad

🌟Book 3-Beauty and the Outcast (Whitney and Knox): Knox was Oz’s son

🌟Book 4-Beauty and the Gentleman (Ace and Faith): Both families son and daughter.

🌟Book 5- Beauty and the Billionaire (going to read)

This both two families are rich and powerful, all heroes in this series were obsessed with heroines and were all in insane in love with heroines. This series is being my top first love series. And I mean it.

[A-reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

Ace and Faith have known each other since they were children and he has loved her just as long. He is an OTT possessive alpha were she is concerned. She is his best friend and girl friend. He has their future mapped out already. To respect the parents and their wishes he has not become sexually active with her. And the moms ask for him to let her stay in the dorm her freshman year. He agrees but it is getting harder and harder for him to keep things PG with her, especially since he has some very dominant tendencies towards Faith. She catches glimpses of his dominance and wants it. She likes to push his buttons to get him to crack. To secure their future and avoid temptation he works long hours with his dad Roman, from Just One Look. Faith worries that they are drifting apart and really pushes it to get him to break. And boy does he break, his display of jealous possessive behavior is great. And their first time together steamy! Dual virgins. She loves and craves his care and dominance and he is happy to take care of his Kitten and all her needs. Cute epilogues with them getting married and years later with kids and still madly in love.

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

[Lolina ⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was ok-

I enjoyed it but definetly wished that there was more to the couple. I loved their dynamic but wished we got to see more of them getting to actually know each other, as opposed to them already being halfway through their relationship.

[Kai · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf
Spanking out of punishment is abuse.

[Kiley · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was kind of...cute...kind of...not. Mostly it was unrealistic and boring. First, the title didn't fit the book. Ace was no gentleman, that's for certain. While he wasn't a beast either, the title needed some major work. Then there was a lot of fluff and unnecessary info that bogged it down, making it just that much more uninteresting.
Ace's character was a bit off-putting. He was the most surreal of them all. Oh, I understood that he was honoring the parent's wishes to let Faith "live a little". That wasn't the part I had issues with. It was the nickname and "darker side" that just didn't fit his character. At all. The spankings? The kinkier side of him? Yeah, that just didn't fit the storyline for some reason. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with those things. It just didn't fit this story.
The novella definitely didn't earn even a three-star rating. There was a touch of drama, a bit of angst, and a tiny bit of humor. But the author dropped the ball. There was so much more that this novella could have done...it had potential. It really did. It just fell flat on its face straight out of the starting gate and never recovered. The whole thing needed more grit, more substance. There were so many plot holes it was ridiculous.

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Ace and Faith!
I wasn't 100% sure we'd be getting a story for these two until I read her brother's, Knox, story.

When it comes to these two, they may have been together forever and it they may have thought they had everything figured out when it comes to the future...but not everything is set in stone.
College is a completely different story. Especially when Ace has given his word to the parents that he'd let Faith spread her wings, and Faith gave her word to live in the dorm to ensure Ace was what she really wanted.
This is probably why I knocked this down from a 5 star rating. For 2 set of parents who both fell instantly in love and had whirlwind romances, I didn't like how it was phrased in the book that the parents were wanting the girls, Faith and Whitney, to stay in the dorms to make sure that being with Ace and Knox was what they really wanted.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this title**

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was very entertaining and enjoyable. The characters were relatable and likable. The dynamic between Ace, Faith, Knox, and Whitney was absolutely wonderful. The relationship that they all had with their parents was amazing and the kind of relationship that I wish I'd had with my parents. Ace and Faith were both possessive of each other but also so sweet together. When they weren't sure about something between the two of them, they actually communicated which helped to head off any issues. Ace and Faith finding each other so young, being able to grow their relationship along the way, and finally being able to have their happy ever after together as they were made for each other was enough to make me want to do a happy dance. I recommend reading this book.