Beast's Mercy (MM Fairytale Retelling)

Iranora Tales #2

by Rebecca Massey

Four years ago, the Kingdom of Creatia closed its doors on the world. Now, the gates are open.
Dalvin has returned to fix the wrongs of the past and help Prince Vincent find a worthy bride. But something dark has taken up residence inside the palace, and Dalvin has to find a way to slay the beast before it takes his prince from him.

For Dalvin, it was a tale as old as time.
For Vincent, it was a dark path to happily ever after.

It is time for the beast to tell the real story.

*This book contains subject matter suitable for a mature audience.

Genres: Fantasy, Dark, LGBT, Queer Romance, Queer, Romance

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2022

About the author

Author also writes under Rebecca Massey

Reviews

[Briggs]

This was my Pride Month Read, picked up from one of the stuff your Kindle days. This June, I wanted to read something from a smaller author, and this is what I landed on.

It was fine for what it was. An mlm beauty and the beast retelling where the key to breaking the beast's curse is to fall in love with a woman specifically. I couldn't wait for the angst that was bound to come from a prince who was unable to break this curse because of his orientation.

In practice, it could have used more angst, a smarter mystery, and a stronger ending. But perhaps that is too much to ask of a fairy tale.

[TaurReads]

I have to say this was a pretty decent fantasy story. I enjoyed the plot. The pacing was okay. There were moments that lulled. The main characters, Vincent and Dalvin were interesting. Vincent is cursed prince that turns into a rampaging beast.

In an attempt to rid the beast from Vincent, his mother invite’s the princess’ of the kingdom for Vincent to find a wife. His best friend, Prince Dalvin is called on since he’s the only person Vincent will listen to.

Vincent and Dalvin have a past history. Their relationship restarts slowly before becoming full of passion. Dalvin refuses to leave Vincent despite knowing the beast within him and showing him his life is worth living.

The story really picks up towards the end. There’s plot twists, suspicions, and an incredible ending I didn’t expect.

I will say, I didn’t really see this as a “dark” romance or horror. Yes, there’s the beast and very descriptive scenes of various body dismemberment, but I wouldn’t say dark. Then again, it could be a me thing. I’ve read some truly dark stories.

Overall, definitely a great fantasy story. I recommend any who enjoys fantasy, royalty, and romances with a HEA to give it a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bekah Mondy]

Beast's Mercy explores Prince Vincent's journey to find a bride while his kingdom hides a dark secret. When his childhood friend Prince Dalvin arrives during the proceedings, he finds out that there's more to his friend than meets the eye.

Massey has been open in the fact that the beast's curse in this story is a symbol of living with mental health issues, and this is something that is portrayed extremely well. Understanding the dynamic of Dalvin not being able to heal Vincent, but by loving him and being with him, he helps make the curse bearable is a beautiful representation of relationships where one or both members are struggling with their mental health. Knowing that there is nothing wrong with his loved one, but that he only needs someone to stand by him, Dalvin is Vincent's champion until the end.

This is one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings I've ever read. The relationship between Vincent and Dalvin stands out from any other version of the story that I've ever read. They're truly a team the whole time, and it's a beautiful thing. This is absolutely a book that can be considered a comfort read.

[Sarah Zane]

This book gave me so many feelings and I’m obsessed with it
I loved every minute of the story and am obsessed with Dalvin
The moment I knew there would be gay beauty and the beast vibes I was in, but this was so much better than I could have imagined

Rebecca does an amazing job with finding new angles for retellings and truly makes the story her own
I first found her writing with Immortelle and Beast’s Mercy confirmed what I already suspected that I will be a fan of hers for life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tashyka]

This book was fantastic. Because the plot moved quickly and kept my interest, I found that I couldn't put the book down. Wonderful character development and excellent world-building. I really enjoyed how Vincent and Dalvin interacted with one another. The tale was mysterious and suspenseful at the same time. I have read many retellings and new takes on the story of Beauty and the Beast, but this one is without a doubt the best. This is the first book by this author that I have read, and it has convinced me that I need to read more of their work.

[Tar Atore]

It was very hard for me to convince myself to read this once I saw it on my digital bookshelf, but I am so glad I did. I was invested pretty much from the start with beautiful prose, quick pacing, and an interesting mix of plot that made me think of a mix between the game Clue, the show The Bachelor, throw in a gay prince, and make it a Beauty and the Beast retelling.

Read full, detailed review over at SFF Insiders

[Nina Diab]

I loved this book! It was a fast-paced captivating story and I couldn't put it down. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved the dynamic between Vincent and Dalvin. The story had suspense and mystery. This is without a doubt the best retelling/reimagining of Beauty and the beast I have ever read. This is the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. 5 stars.

[Excelrn]

You're looking at a dark fairytale rewrite, whose MC has to deal with a lot of soft style modern challenges, without forgetting about those magical issues that come up. Without trying to spoil any plot points, because this does go all over the place.

Trigger warnings: homophobia, suicide, homicide, adult material for over 18+.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MM Book]

The Beast's Mercy is quite an interesting take on fairy tales. It's quite unique and the happily ever after is not what I had expected. Though it's still a happier ever after.

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.

[Molly]

dark and dangerous or just plain different?

what lingers in the once abandoned palace ?

what is the story the beast might really tell?

embrace the unexpected in the intriguing beast / prince tale retelling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[leena.reader]

Unfortunately, I could not get into this book. The writing style was not something I managed to get into easily.

I might come back to it at a later date. It would probably work for anyone else, I just could not get into it as of now.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for giving me this arc copy.

[Mckaylia walker]

10/10 Loved this book, read it in an hour couldn't put it down was fantastic, well written and just wonderful! wasn't disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annatasia Meehleder]

I thought this book was interesting. It reminded me of beauty and the beast a bit. Something to keep in mind if you want to read something like that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M]

this does what I was hoping for in a sequel in the Iranora Tales, it had the writing style and magic of the first book. The characters were what I wanted and they worked in the fantasy setting. I'm glad I was able to read this and continue the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jaycee Jarvis]

This is a mlm retelling of Beauty and the Beast with an interesting twist. In this story, after the prince is cursed, everyone in the castle tries to carry on like normal. It seemed like a very realistic reaction on the part of a bunch royals, actually, to try to hide the beast as an embarrassing scandal while still running the kingdom as usual. Makes much more sense than for the castle to suddenly be totally isolated. Anyway, I liked the premise and the way this second chance romance evolved naturally, but some of the side story mystery plotting didn't work for me. It was a little too obvious what was really happening and I had a hard time respecting the characters when they were so oblivious. I still generally enjoyed the story, and recommend it for Beauty and the Beast fans who are looking for a new twist on the tale.

[Sophie Bowns]

The writing style was good and I loved the front cover of the book. At times, I felt the plot could have been improved but it did give me YA vibes.