Beast

House of Misfits #4

by Cambria Hebert

A tale as old as time…

A charismatic man cannot see beyond his own
brilliant reflection, never learning that true beauty lies within.
His selfish behavior draws the ire of a witch with enchantment on her wicked tongue.
A fiery curse is unleashed, engulfing the self-centered man’s entire existence.
When at last the flames are extinguished,
he gazes upon his reflection to discover he is no longer breathtakingly handsome
but condemned with scorched flesh and twisted scars.
He is no longer a man at all… but a beast.
While the ferocious beast rages, alienating everyone far and wide,
a woman whose beauty is far more than skin-deep
dwells in a world much simpler than his.

The beauty’s quiet life is disrupted when she is ambushed, threatened,
and boldly steps in the path of her father’s debt.
However, it’s not the thugs on her tail or the roaring beast
testing her patience that threatens to be this sassy beauty’s downfall.
It’s the way her heart flutters whenever he is near.

But some curses just can’t be broken, and really…
How can she truly ever love a beast?

*Beast is book 4 in the House of Misfits series but it could be read as a standalone. There are mentions of the previous books & plots and the characters from the first three books do make appearances in Beast.

Genres: Romance, Adult, Beauty and The Beast, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Retellings, Fairy Tales

486 pages, ebook

Published November 12, 2021

About the author

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than fifty titles. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.

Awards Cambria has received include:

Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
http://www.cambriahebert.com

Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/p...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambriahebert
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/amazoncambria
Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/bUL5_5
Share Squad sign up: http://bit.ly/sharesquad

Reviews

[Drea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauty and The Beast is one of my favorites, so I was very excited for this book. I loved Em in the previous books and couldn’t wait for her story. Overall it was a good read. I loved the love story between Ander and Em. I love that the misfits accepted Ander into their family, and it was great to see them all again.
However, the reason this wasn’t a higher star rating for me was because of one thing; my biggest pet peeve is when a white author writes a black character and then uses very stereotypical vernacular. It wasn’t all the time but it was enough to be off putting to me. At one point Ander says “I love it when you talk ghetto” Aren’t all the misfits from the Grimes like Em? Yet none of them “spoke ghetto” just her. I understand I’m sensitive to this because my husband fights that stereotype so often but I think it’s unnecessary.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one!

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is simply amazing. I love the Misfits.
This book could totally be read as a stand-alone. If you get your first glimpse at Emogen and Beast in The Huntsman.

This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Emogen is sassy and optimistic. She sees people for who they are, not looks, what’s on the inside. Their beauty is on the inside not out.

I fell so in love with Ander “Beast”. If only he could see himself as Emogen does but the love of a awesome woman will help him see his real self and worth.

I could not put this book down. I think it was because my heart hurt for Ander for what he’s been out through and how he thinks of himself. But man he is protective and a Beast when he needs to be.

Go on this ride of the beast finding love of a woman that can tame him. I can’t wait for the next book

[Nerdread · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @65 percent

Nope just no

I'm sorry this is not it!

[Anna Valsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course 4🌟
It's my favourite fairytale after all!😍💗💕

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another solid addition to the House of Misfits series. While I still prefer Ethan/Fletcher's book and even the Huntsman, this one was still a great read. The first part of this book overlaps with The Huntsman, so some parts are repeats of that book. But we do get a sort of behind the scenes look into the Beast's actions in the previous book and how he played a part in bringing down the bad guys.

Ander certainly surprised me. I would have never guessed a richie would be the "Beast" in this book. After hearing his story, I get why he behaved the way he did and acted out in aggression. And who would have thought the sassy Emogen would be the one to break through to the man under the hood.

Emogen was a trip. She didn't take anyone's crap and told you like it was. Granted, it got her into trouble a few times, but I had to admire her for not backing down. Her support of Ander despite how he looked was amazing. She was really his champion and was always there to lift him back up when he was down on himself for his looks.

The climax of the story was a little predictable, but still had a couple shocking moments that kept me on my toes.

Kudos to the author for writing an interracial couple. That doesn't happen often in romance books, but it was a nice change.

Side note...if you've ever visited Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World and seen the Beauty and the Beast musical, then you'll find it hard to imagine the beast's 'roars' as anything other than the fake laughable ones in the show. I found myself hearing that in my head every time he acted out and threw something across the room and had to stop myself from chuckling.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved The Huntsman more

I went into this series for one reason only: The Huntsman. It did not disappoint and I have a Rotten Apple Brew hoodie on my Christmas list. I love Beauty and the Beast retellings and this was a pretty good, original one. I liked Emogen in the other books and was happy that a side character and not another family member got the next story. I do want to read Beau's story though. But I wasn't a fan of Ander. There were little to no redeeming qualities for me. I liked their chemistry even if it was incredibly fast, but all of these have instalove vibes. I liked that the bad guys weren't so bad and that everyone pulled Ander in, no questions asked. I got the vibe from other books that Emogen is close to 30 if not in her 30's, but in this book I don't think her age is mentioned. But Ander is only like 23-24, but any age difference wasn't addressed. But however bad@ss Ander may have been trying to be, in one of the final scenes when everyone steps up to avenge Emogen, it was clearly Earth who was the baddest mofo in the city, hands down. So I am still Team Earth.

[Amy Malek Concepcion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beast

I think this books was my favorite yet. I am always a sucker for the redemption type storylines. Emigren and Anders’ story was that and more.

[Valerie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better. I knew Beast was going to be good, but I honestly didn't believe it would compete with Hunstman for my favorite of the series. But it does. Admittedly, it took my brain a minute to remember who Emogen and Beast were from the previous books, but once it clicked I felt as though I couldn't read fast enough. Once again I was blown away by the complexity of the characters. Their personalities shine in a way that not all authors can match, and each character is completely unique. Emogen works hard and loves hard, as is evident by her relationship with her father and her devotion to her job. She loves her job so much she has no problem taking on Beast, it's for his own good after all. Despite being complete opposites, Emogen and Beast are perfect for one another. I loved that she never backed down from his growls and made him see the truth about himself.
My favorite thing about Beast, and quite honestly this entire series, is how even though it's a modern fairy tale all the classic elements are there. While Beast is obvious in his representation, there are little details that make Emogen our Belle. The villains in this particular story aren't quite who I thought they were in the beginning, but I loved the twists. And even though Beast may have topped Huntsman for favorite, I so appreciated Earth's role in this story. I have no clue where this series is headed next but I hope it includes Beau and maybe a witch.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to start by saying this is book 4 in the House of Misfits and can be read without reading Ivory White, Prince and Huntsman but why miss out on a wonderful thing.

Ander and Emogen captured a part of my heart during this journey with them. They are from two different worlds but that means nothing to Ander. Emogen is a sassy, strong woman who gives everything to those she loves with her whole heart. I love the way these two characters grow and change throughout their winding tale of curses, fires, betrayal and love. Ander is a charming beast of a man who has alot to learn about who he really is and not what others what him to be. Their story will continue to live with you even after you have finished reading.

The world of the House of Misfits is such a wonderful one and the Beast just makes it better. I love how their a family by choice and loyalty not blood.

Who doesn't love a swoon worthy fairytale that will pull at your heartstrings and give you all the warm wonderful feeling. This story will do that. Cambria has done such a wonderful job of weaving fairytales i grew up loving into a modern day world. She has done it again with this heartwarming modern fairytale.


Ander "Reduced to nothing but a smoking husk of what was once a man. And it was in this endurance of agony that a curse was satiated and a beast was made."

Emogen "Love is friendship set on fire"

I received a ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is one thing that will always happen, it’s me reading Cambria Hebert’s books. I was super excited when I heard that she was about to release a new book for her House of Misfit’s series. This is her fourth book in the series, and while you could read it without reading the others, I really believe that you would be missing out on so many wonderful characters!
While there are so many retellings of Beauty and the Beast, this is one that I feel stands out as different.
We are introduced to Emogen in Huntsman, and you learn to love her for her fierceness and loyalty. She will handle everything and you can’t stop her. Ander, we don’t really get to know until this book, but I think he is my new favorite character, although I do love Fletch.
Ander’s struggle is one that everyone can relate and recognize. I loved how his character rose above where he started and even how he could never seem to make Emogen back down. It was truly a HEA that I loved to watch happen.
That we also get to see the characters that we have fallen in love with from her other Misfits is just an added bonus! I loved getting to see BOTH Ethan and Ivory set Ander’s father in his place and seeing Earth in his element was riveting.
Another wonderful and amazing job at weaving the modern world with the fairytales we all grew up with.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong Characters

I feel as if retellings of Beauty and the Beast are a plenty, but this one stands out. First, Emogen is no princess and I mean this in the best way possible. She is going to handle things on her own for both herself and her family. Second, Ander's integral struggle is all one we can relate. It is that view that has to change for the HEA to be true. And lastly, there are little Easter eggs for those that love the well known version of this story but it all has a twist.
I enjoyed that this book had a little overlap with the Huntsman. It gives the reader a little peek of a different perspective of those events. The characters from the previous books merged into this story in a believable way. And I have a guess of who may be our next Misfit.
I would have like to see a little more follow up with the Pops plot line. He is obviously a very influential character to how Emogen behaves. But overall, I found myself smiling and swooning at the relationship building in Beast.

[Amanda Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This retelling of Beauty and the Beast is a masterpiece. It is the best fairytale retelling I have read and I am just in awe of this series. I loved the characters Ander and Emogen and their story arc was beautiful. I loved the action and the slight twists and the involvement from the other misfits. Bravo

[Jessica Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love falling into a Cambria Hebert book and this one was no different. Another great installment in the house of misfits. These are easy reads and perfect for a warm blanket and cup of cocoa. The characters aren’t perfect which makes them relatable. Even the ones that sometimes make you want to hate them still manage to steal your heart!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Chris Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an unexpected love. I was not really a huge fan of Emogen in this series before this book. I loved it! I can't wait for the next one. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairytales, and Hebert did not disappoint.

[Zara Khan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Garbage, absolute trash
0/5
Dnf @ 50%

Now for a quote/annotation dump to explain why:

1) “The light-colored trousers I wore would likely attract dirt like mad, but it was my white Air Force Ones that were customized with my name on the heel and gifted to me by the CEO of Nike that I glanced down at with concern.”
- Wow fit any more descriptive context of his shoes in one sentence why don’t you

2) “I mean, damn, at one point, I thought the woman across the desk from me was gonna ask me to lift my weave to make sure I wasn’t packing secret cash or drugs.
I would have been hella offended ‘cause this hair is all natural. Ain’t no weave here.”
- BRB gonna check if this author is a poc or not
- She’s not…. This rlly rubs me the wrong way
- Time to start skimming….

3) “I mean it, Ander. Enough. Sit down and let this man do his job. Those stitches have been in your head for too long already.”
He didn’t move.
“I said sit!” I commanded, using the voice my mama always used to make me listen. Hey, mamas don’t play.”
- Ugh I genuinely hate this book

4) “How much?”
My fingers stilled in smoothing out the bandage. “You’re my patient.” I kept my voice prim, drawing that line between us.
He chuckled darkly.
That line was never there.
“How. Much?”
I reached for the last bandage, needing to finish and get the hell out of this room.
He caught my wrist, my bones aching under his punishing grip. I didn’t complain. I refused to. Instead, I met his fiery gaze with one of my own.
“Fifty thousand.”
He dropped my wrist.
I applied the bandage, maybe being rougher than I should have. If it hurt, he gave no indication, instead practically seething with some new emotion I couldn’t quite understand.
Suddenly coiled with nerves, I leaped off the mattress, turning away to pack up the tray.
“So that’s why,” he intoned.
I paused, hearing something odd in his voice. I peeked around my curls. “What?”
- Bye I get he assumes the worst but bye
- Literally only reading this for the other misfits scenes and beau/daeshim breadcrumbs


5) “The sharp slap of my hand as it connected with the unhurt side of his face echoed through the room.
Redness bloomed out across his cheek, and guilt assailed me. The last thing he needed was more pain. I knew I should apologize, but my pride wouldn’t let me.”
- why is she so aggressive??? This just really pisses me off


The book was fine at first… like I actually enjoyed it
But then the minute the author started writing a POC with stereotypical language was just a big no and ruined everything bc why.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beast, a man whose entire image revolved around his looks and his wealth. But a curse takes everything from him. His looks, his wealth, his home… everything. Ander doesn’t know who he is in a new world of fire and pain. Emogen, an angel in his misery. A woman who makes him feel normal despite everything. Is she his salvation? Or does she just see an opportunity to fix a situation she finds herself in?
Emogen is a nurse at a long-term care facility. She is a hard worker. She is a no-nonsense woman who is immediately placed in a position of responsibility for Ander’s volatility. She’s less than amused but her compassion for his situation puts her in place to heal more than just his physical wounds.
I really enjoyed the book. I’ll be the first to admit that when I found Cambria Hebert’s Misfits, I fell hard. I want to know all of them and I refuse to abandon them until their stories are finished. So far, I haven’t been disappointed and this book holds true to that sentiment.

***Spoilers***

When Carly hugged Ander while he was covered in bandages, a week out from a horrific fire and head injury… I don’t support violence against women but when Ander shoved her off, all I could think was “good”. Her privilege doesn’t forgive her from being so inconsiderate and naive. That would be like punching someone in the arm who had a cast on. She should’ve known better. And his father - just ugh. Ander wasn’t likable in the beginning but the people around him were so much worse. I’m glad he found his way to the Misfits.
The Carly part is the only part that really doesn’t make sense to me. I don’t get why Ander’s father would bring her to the hospital and rush him to return to normal if he just wanted to hide him from society for his own protection. It doesn’t really fit much with the end but maybe, when I reread the book, I’ll have a different outlook on the situation.
While reading the book, I was appalled by how the richies treated Ander. The whole time, I could not WAIT for Ethan and Ivory to stroll in like the royalty they are, with their prince Fletcher beside them and Earth, Neo, and Beau as warriors to set things straight within society for Ander and Emogen. Christian Todd thinks he runs shit? Oh, no, sir. You are so mistaken it’s funny. What isn’t funny is how sus he was the whole book. How much of a coward he is. Finding Emogen was the best thing to ever happen to Ander. He owes the witch a lot. Or he would if the situation had been what it appeared to be.

[Kimmm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beast is the fourth book in the "House of misfits" series. Its inspired/retelling of Beauty and the beast. We met our main characters, Em and Ander, in the previous books.

I had a hard time with this book. I struggled reading this till around 40% mark, then I gave up and just started to skim through the rest. I didn't want to DNF it and I'm glad I didn't because I did have fun with the whole "family of misfits" moments at the end. I don't know why this just didn't click with me. Em was sassy and I liked her a lot, even from the previous glimpses we got from her, Ander was an ass, damaged. But I usually like those characters, especially when they have a soft spot for one person. But it just didn't click. I tried, I really did. They seemed cute at the end, but that was about it. I like that Ivory reeled him into doing a fashion show xD

Anyway, the two stars are for the moments with all the characters together. I hate giving low stars because the authors put so much work into their books. I'm still looking forward to Beau's book because we don't really know much about him apart from the whole computer thing.

Rating: 2,0 stars.

[Bee . • ° ★ . • . * ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"(...) I was beginning to wonder if his vulnerability was more dangerous than his beast. I never knew when it was coming, and it was far more frightning that any roar. No wonder he was so outrageous. There was such softness inside him to protect.
Oh girl. You got it so bad "

" Do you think you could love a beast?"

"Let me see you. I love you. All of you. Every last bit of you".

This book has been seating pretty on my kindle for months. Dumb decision, as this was the easiest 5 stars I gave a book in a while.

I ATE THIS UP.

Emogen was a goddamn queen! I'm in love with her. There's nothing more fierce than a a sassy black woman who takes no shit from anyone. She dishes as good as she's served. That woman was unstopable! The banter and sass were pristine!

The Beauty and the Beast vibes were spot on. The writting is so simple but so well done. I couldn't put this down. I started on book 4, who can be read as a syandalone but has chameos from previous characters. And when I discovered this was a 5 book series? Girl I'll be here until Sunday finishing this. Bye!

P.S-Why is no one talking about this author? This series? People are sleeping on this.

[J.C. Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beast without, beauty within

A unique retelling on a tale as old as time
Em and Ander sitting in a tree, k-i-ss-ing.
First came a curse,
Then came the fire,
Then they all realised the mistakes they made and lived happily ever after.
Pfft...if only it was that simple.
Throw in...a case of mistaken identity and a highly dangerous loan shark and things are getting messier with each page.
And for a twist...what if (unlike most retellings) the Beast's appearance is irreversible? Anders isn't sure what he has to offer the world, and Em, besides his name and good looks. If one discounts the other (as he believes), what does he have left? Or does his new reflection provide a window to whom he truly is?
Can the beauty within shine in a world that covets outside beauty above all?

[Jessica (jpbooklife) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to the misfit series. I was very excited for Emogen's story. I loved her from previous books in the series. And I loved the immediate banter and repetoir between her and Ander. I almost had a bit of hostility towards the beast at the beginning of the book. But I loved the way the author turned that around for me. I adore this found-family world that she created and I have enjoyed the series immensely.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Emogen and Ander. I love this take on Beauty & the Beast. I didn't know what to expect with these characters but Cambria did a great job of bringing them to life. This story just goes to show that even a beast can learn to love.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book fell a little flat for me. The beginning takes place at the same time as Huntsman. I liked Emogen and Ander. They worked well together, but I just didn’t connect with the story or characters.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beauty and her beast

Forget anything I’ve said about the previous Misfits books…. THIS IS IT. This is my favorite in the series thus far. 5 stars!

[Kitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, a lot happens, maybe too much packed in? Not as strong as the others but still good

[Da'ad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and easy breezy even with the bits of suspense in here

[Autumn Breier · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 Stars.

[Adri (books.with.adri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing !! By far my favorite from the full series. It’s just like Beauty and the Beast but better !

[Allthebooks (Lynette) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[MiaReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5