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Bella and Her Beast
One Man. One Woman. One Curse.
The clock is ticking for Greyson Devereaux and life as he knows it will soon come to an end. A man by day and owned by the moon at night.
There is only one option — find his one true mate or be bound to the beast for eternity. For years he searched, hoped to find her but his efforts have come up short...until now.
With only three months remaining, how can he convince Bella that she's the one and how can she tame the beast within?
The clock is ticking for Greyson Devereaux and life as he knows it will soon come to an end. A man by day and owned by the moon at night.
There is only one option — find his one true mate or be bound to the beast for eternity. For years he searched, hoped to find her but his efforts have come up short...until now.
With only three months remaining, how can he convince Bella that she's the one and how can she tame the beast within?
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2022
54 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Preston
40 books272 followersML Preston is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes Contemporary, Multicultural Romance. Encouraged to nurture her active imagination, she quickly found a passion for storytelling. She spins sagas of passion and romance where the lines between race and creed, physical perfection and social norms disappear in the face of love. Novels of real love; erotic connections with a heart and soul that everyone can relate. She makes a home in Texas with her husband, three children, one fur-babies, and two grandchildren to rule them all.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 25, 2022
What a daring and memorable retelling of Beauty and the Beast by ML Preston! Loved this coupling from the start til the very ending!!
#HEA
5 Retelling 2.0 stars!!!!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#HEA
5 Retelling 2.0 stars!!!!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 14, 2022
Girl what the hell was this...
Not much to say on this one it was cringy and you need to suspend disbelieve. Literally just throw it out of the window. I could've sworn I heard good things about this author... I'll give a couple more of her books a shot but if it doesn't go well I'll take the L.
Not much to say on this one it was cringy and you need to suspend disbelieve. Literally just throw it out of the window. I could've sworn I heard good things about this author... I'll give a couple more of her books a shot but if it doesn't go well I'll take the L.
May 2, 2021
Not bad. A bit different from the original but it was still a good. It had a predictable outcome (beauty and the beast) but I would have liked a bit more.
January 21, 2022
loved this new retelling
Isabella Marie (Bella) De La Cruz is a librarian in New Orleans. She’s of Hispanic descent (Cuban) and says she’s not made for love. Grayson Devereaux is a broody man that spends his days in the library, researching about spells and moon enchantments. They both sense there’s a connection but no one makes a move until one day, Grayson is decided to come out and tell Bella about the curse his under. He waits until she’s done with work for the day, and when he’s going to approach her someone tries to rob her and Grayson lets his beast out, literally! Will they be able to overcome all of their obstacles and get a HEA?
OH MY WORD! This is my first paranormal/fantasy romance read and I’m so happy I gave it a chance! I loved how the author was able to mix the past and the present. New Orleans is always a magical place to set a tale and when it’s fantasy, it gives it a little something something extra! I loved how Grayson came out of his shell, how Bella learned so much about her family and why they are the way they are. I absolutely loved it! And once they were able to connect? Chefs kiss!
I highly recommend this novel whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or if you’re just starting and want to dip your toes. You’ll love this!
Isabella Marie (Bella) De La Cruz is a librarian in New Orleans. She’s of Hispanic descent (Cuban) and says she’s not made for love. Grayson Devereaux is a broody man that spends his days in the library, researching about spells and moon enchantments. They both sense there’s a connection but no one makes a move until one day, Grayson is decided to come out and tell Bella about the curse his under. He waits until she’s done with work for the day, and when he’s going to approach her someone tries to rob her and Grayson lets his beast out, literally! Will they be able to overcome all of their obstacles and get a HEA?
OH MY WORD! This is my first paranormal/fantasy romance read and I’m so happy I gave it a chance! I loved how the author was able to mix the past and the present. New Orleans is always a magical place to set a tale and when it’s fantasy, it gives it a little something something extra! I loved how Grayson came out of his shell, how Bella learned so much about her family and why they are the way they are. I absolutely loved it! And once they were able to connect? Chefs kiss!
I highly recommend this novel whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or if you’re just starting and want to dip your toes. You’ll love this!
February 27, 2021
Not Bad: 2.5⭐
First, I liked the premise. Fairytale retellings are popular for a reason, especially if there is a twist. Second, it was a quick and easy read. Next, as a latina, I especially liked that the lead female was hispanic/latinx, the occasional Spanish dialog, and the cultural references. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
In my personal opinion (and the reason for my 2.5 star rating), the dialog could have been better. At times it seemed cheesy or even unnecessary. In some cases, a more polished and in-depth, internal monolog would have enhanced the storyline and furthered character development. Also, the pacing was a bit off. Some scenes were drawn out by monotonous, step by step actions (for no apparent reason), whereas the ending felt as rushed as a person attempting "The 12 Days of Christmas" from the 12 lords 'a leaping to the 5 golden rings in a single breath.
Overall, it wasn't a bad read. I think the story has the potential to be a solid 4⭐ book if the author ever considers rebranding it--flush out the plot a bit more by diving deeper into the curse and its back story, polish up the dialog, and find the balance between too much info and not enough to iron out the wrinkles with flow and pacing.
First, I liked the premise. Fairytale retellings are popular for a reason, especially if there is a twist. Second, it was a quick and easy read. Next, as a latina, I especially liked that the lead female was hispanic/latinx, the occasional Spanish dialog, and the cultural references. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
In my personal opinion (and the reason for my 2.5 star rating), the dialog could have been better. At times it seemed cheesy or even unnecessary. In some cases, a more polished and in-depth, internal monolog would have enhanced the storyline and furthered character development. Also, the pacing was a bit off. Some scenes were drawn out by monotonous, step by step actions (for no apparent reason), whereas the ending felt as rushed as a person attempting "The 12 Days of Christmas" from the 12 lords 'a leaping to the 5 golden rings in a single breath.
Overall, it wasn't a bad read. I think the story has the potential to be a solid 4⭐ book if the author ever considers rebranding it--flush out the plot a bit more by diving deeper into the curse and its back story, polish up the dialog, and find the balance between too much info and not enough to iron out the wrinkles with flow and pacing.
January 31, 2022
started strong
The story started off great but I didn’t understand why he wasted a week to find “family info” when he could have used that time to build a relationship. I loved the h at first especially her boldness to ask him out BUT after he came back from his week trip she states how much she missed him, took a few days off to spend time with him but when he comes to her job sad about info he found out she decides not be there for him instead blows him off completely AND then Attempts to crash her best friend date (WHICH is weird that her best friend is on a date with the delivery man but has a boyfriend at home
Then she goes weeks feeling like she loves / lust him while treating him like crap and ignoring him . That just really made me dislike the h which made me wish there wasn’t a HEA for them he was better off being Joy boyfriend #3 then with her .
The story started off great but I didn’t understand why he wasted a week to find “family info” when he could have used that time to build a relationship. I loved the h at first especially her boldness to ask him out BUT after he came back from his week trip she states how much she missed him, took a few days off to spend time with him but when he comes to her job sad about info he found out she decides not be there for him instead blows him off completely AND then Attempts to crash her best friend date (WHICH is weird that her best friend is on a date with the delivery man but has a boyfriend at home
Then she goes weeks feeling like she loves / lust him while treating him like crap and ignoring him . That just really made me dislike the h which made me wish there wasn’t a HEA for them he was better off being Joy boyfriend #3 then with her .
January 26, 2022
I’m a sucker for a beast
Conceptually this is a 4 star. The curse, the lore, and the nod to book lovers were all really amazing.
Execution I’d have to go with 3. This had some enjoyable moments but hit way to many of my personal dislikes for me to enjoy it overall. Things that probably could be worked out with a little more attention to editing, like syntax. I only mention it because as a reader who looks at reviews I want to know if I’m going to get hit with lots of typos or plot holes. So go in knowing that there are some weird word choices, a lack of clear descriptions at times, and some personality inconsistencies (at least imo, obviously).
Conceptually this is a 4 star. The curse, the lore, and the nod to book lovers were all really amazing.
Execution I’d have to go with 3. This had some enjoyable moments but hit way to many of my personal dislikes for me to enjoy it overall. Things that probably could be worked out with a little more attention to editing, like syntax. I only mention it because as a reader who looks at reviews I want to know if I’m going to get hit with lots of typos or plot holes. So go in knowing that there are some weird word choices, a lack of clear descriptions at times, and some personality inconsistencies (at least imo, obviously).
July 23, 2022
Bella and her beast
The book started of really well; what threw me off and excuse me if this is a spoiler is that this is a fantasy and our Heroine had an inclination when it came to the true nature of our Hero but her reaction to when she did finally find out the truth and her bratty attitude made it hard to finish the book . It didn't feel like she was scared felt more like she just wanted to prove a point and make noise about it. That part could have been written better in a way where we cab understand her and what she is going through instead of sympathizing with the H and hating her.
But otherwise the concept of the book was good.
The book started of really well; what threw me off and excuse me if this is a spoiler is that this is a fantasy and our Heroine had an inclination when it came to the true nature of our Hero but her reaction to when she did finally find out the truth and her bratty attitude made it hard to finish the book . It didn't feel like she was scared felt more like she just wanted to prove a point and make noise about it. That part could have been written better in a way where we cab understand her and what she is going through instead of sympathizing with the H and hating her.
But otherwise the concept of the book was good.
June 11, 2021
I absolutely loved it! It was such a simple love story and that is what made it so perfect and I couldn’t put it down! I just wish there had been a short epilogue to tell me of all the beautiful babies they had. I really liked the take on the backstory of the curse and how they were fated from their 5 times great grandparents. Truly a great read
May 7, 2023
1.5/5 stars! I tried really hard to like this story because I met the author and she is so nice. Unfortunately, the writing was juvenile and the sex scenes were absolutely cringe. The basic premise wasn't bad, so I will try another book by this author, but this one really wasn't for me.
December 2, 2024
It was a good book however it did feel cringy throughout a good amount of it but that could just be me🤷🏾♀️ It felt very tame from all the books I've read before it's more of a cute romance with a sprinkle of fantasy towards the end.
January 31, 2022
Hummmmmm
I hate being a downer, but this story didn't quite do it for me. Not sure what all it was missing, but it definitely was missing something. Sorry ML.....
I hate being a downer, but this story didn't quite do it for me. Not sure what all it was missing, but it definitely was missing something. Sorry ML.....
May 23, 2022
Great!
This was a great story. I wish it was longer I enjoyed it so much. I look forward to reading more stories by ML Preston.
This was a great story. I wish it was longer I enjoyed it so much. I look forward to reading more stories by ML Preston.
July 3, 2022
It was alright.
July 17, 2022
I wish this was longer!! Loved the story and the characters.
August 15, 2022
An interesting take on the beauty and the beast story set in modern New Orleans.
December 22, 2024
This was a sweet short story that wrapped up in a good and wholesome way. There were a couple of typos I saw while reading.
September 4, 2022
Enjoyed!
I don't know if this book was in a set but this is another book I felt like I read. If I did read it before I didn't review it. I did enjoy the storyline because I love wolves and I wished it could have been more to their story.
I don't know if this book was in a set but this is another book I felt like I read. If I did read it before I didn't review it. I did enjoy the storyline because I love wolves and I wished it could have been more to their story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews