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Beauty and the Beast
Once upon a time there was a beast who dwelled in a mansion in the far outskirts of Chicago. Rarely did the beast leave his safe haven, for he'd given up on the outside world years ago. When the woman he has always loved is violently attacked, the beast must return to save her. Many see Bruce Maxwell as a beast, but to Nefertiti Townes, he is Prince Charming. After she is released from the hospital, she goes to the one place she feels safe-Maxwell Manor. Being under the protection of the man she loves should be a dream come true for Nefertiti, but their personal demons strive for a nightmare. As Nefertiti and Bruce fight their attraction for each other, they discover there was nothing random about the attack on Nefertiti.
226 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2006
2 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Deatri King-Bey
50 books54 followersWhen Deatri was six years old, her mother was told that because of Deatri's dyslexia, she'd probably never learn how to read. At that time, it was recommended Deatri partake in a specialized reading curriculum. Unbeknownst to Deatri's parents, this additional help their daughter would need, from a teacher, was actually Deatri being taken out of reading class to sit in the hallway with a tape recorder. When Deatri entered the fourth grade at a different school, her parents were terrified to learn their daughter couldn't read. For years, she'd been reciting the bedtime stories to her mother from memory instead of actually reading the written words from the pages.
My have times changed! In 1999, Deatri was a technical writer at a telecommunications company with dreams of joining the publishing world as a content editor and author. Mind made up, she returned to school and soon started as an editorial intern at Third World Press, Inc., one of the oldest independent, African-American owned publishing houses in the world. Shortly thereafter, her skills were recognized, and she became a more permanent fixture at Third World Press, Inc. Though Deatri believes in Third World Press's mission, fiction is her true love, so in 2004 she began focusing her editing skills on fiction.
Dozens of manuscripts later, she still hasn't figured out that she wasn't supposed to learn how to read. February 2006, the second half of Deatri's dream came true with the release of her debut novel Caught Up. In 2008, Deatri won the coveted Emma Award for Best Steamy Romance of the year with her title: Whisper Something Sweet. Currently, she is reading, editing, conducting writing workshops, and writing her next novels.
My have times changed! In 1999, Deatri was a technical writer at a telecommunications company with dreams of joining the publishing world as a content editor and author. Mind made up, she returned to school and soon started as an editorial intern at Third World Press, Inc., one of the oldest independent, African-American owned publishing houses in the world. Shortly thereafter, her skills were recognized, and she became a more permanent fixture at Third World Press, Inc. Though Deatri believes in Third World Press's mission, fiction is her true love, so in 2004 she began focusing her editing skills on fiction.
Dozens of manuscripts later, she still hasn't figured out that she wasn't supposed to learn how to read. February 2006, the second half of Deatri's dream came true with the release of her debut novel Caught Up. In 2008, Deatri won the coveted Emma Award for Best Steamy Romance of the year with her title: Whisper Something Sweet. Currently, she is reading, editing, conducting writing workshops, and writing her next novels.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 29, 2012
I really liked this book the beast was surprising this is a book about a man who has a mood disorder but he is a loving person. I liked this take on beauty and the beast it was different and a really good story.
January 16, 2016
Awesome Modern Day Fairy Tale
This is the first novel I've read by Mrs. King-Bey and I must admit when I first read the books description, I thought who wants to read about a guy who suffers with a bipolar disorder and a woman that's been horribly disfigured, however, I must also admit I am definitely impressed, this novel was beautifully written. In BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Deatri King-Bey brings to light a story about finding the true beauty within. This novel was so realistic and thought provoking. It had me crying and LOL at some of Bruce and Nefertiti's antics. The emotion and love that was portrayed throughout this novel between Bruce and Nefertiti was just overwhelming. Despite the 'flaws' Bruce and Nefertiti suffered, be it physical or emotional, they were able to see pass all that and open their hearts to one another to a deep and unconditional love. This novel raised awareness about the bipolar disorder, it had mystery, action, humor and definitely some HOT and steamy love scenes. A real page turner that I couldn't put down until I was finished. Definitely a novel for the hopeless romantic and those that believe in fairy tales. Thanks for a real eye-opener, Mrs. King-Bey!
This is the first novel I've read by Mrs. King-Bey and I must admit when I first read the books description, I thought who wants to read about a guy who suffers with a bipolar disorder and a woman that's been horribly disfigured, however, I must also admit I am definitely impressed, this novel was beautifully written. In BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Deatri King-Bey brings to light a story about finding the true beauty within. This novel was so realistic and thought provoking. It had me crying and LOL at some of Bruce and Nefertiti's antics. The emotion and love that was portrayed throughout this novel between Bruce and Nefertiti was just overwhelming. Despite the 'flaws' Bruce and Nefertiti suffered, be it physical or emotional, they were able to see pass all that and open their hearts to one another to a deep and unconditional love. This novel raised awareness about the bipolar disorder, it had mystery, action, humor and definitely some HOT and steamy love scenes. A real page turner that I couldn't put down until I was finished. Definitely a novel for the hopeless romantic and those that believe in fairy tales. Thanks for a real eye-opener, Mrs. King-Bey!
March 13, 2014
is there a -3 stars ?
I did not enjoy this book. As I put in my review just past the 1/2 way mark. There are so many things wrong, on so many levels. I would not have mentioned the bi-polar thing except at the end of this book the author made point of noting it. (I am sorry if you are going to write about a mental illness, having somebody through a few fits doesn't cut it)
The plot of this book is soft, and all over the place. There are no strong characters; there are little bits of too many people.
I have to admit once I hit page 198 I skimmed till the end at 211. I could not endure anymore stupid plot lines.
:( don't think I'll even bother giving this writer a second read.... :( yes that bad
I did not enjoy this book. As I put in my review just past the 1/2 way mark. There are so many things wrong, on so many levels. I would not have mentioned the bi-polar thing except at the end of this book the author made point of noting it. (I am sorry if you are going to write about a mental illness, having somebody through a few fits doesn't cut it)
The plot of this book is soft, and all over the place. There are no strong characters; there are little bits of too many people.
I have to admit once I hit page 198 I skimmed till the end at 211. I could not endure anymore stupid plot lines.
:( don't think I'll even bother giving this writer a second read.... :( yes that bad
June 22, 2010
This book was very enjoyable. This was a quiet book about true friendship and true beauty. It was about self worth and learning to love yourself with all your affliction. This book was also about taking the high road and being the bigger person, about given people a second chance in life to do the right thing. A true love story all the way around.
March 9, 2014
OMG.......... read this book, u will laugh, and be in all, because it is a real good read. Way to go. Keep them coming
February 18, 2014
So I decided to review this while reading this because I know I will forget all the goodies I need to remember.
Now this is just something that annoyed me to no end: what is up with the lack of physical description with these characters! Now I don't know if I'm the only one but I had no clue that Bruce was black. It took an unimportant comment that his mom read Ebony for me to go "Wait a minute..." I honestly don't know if I just read over the description but I didn't know anybody's race but the female protagonist. To appease my ego I will say I saw this book in a interracial romance read list so..assumptions and all that.
But since that doesn't matter in the context of my rating I shall proceed to other things that interested me. I must say as weird as it is I loved the ninja love in this book!
I thought it was really endearing to see the characters act so silly with each other.
Things I'm On The Fence About
Now I'm not sure how I feel about all the divergences from the main character's story. I won't say some instances weren't insightful, but it seemed so random to me when the POV change occurred that I was really thrown off. Another thing I'm not sure about was the random uses of slang the characters seem to have at random moments. It was just incongruous to me, though the "Brotha hugs" made me laugh.
Things I didn't like so much
These fights the two characters would get into seemed to disappear on the next page to be explain away in a sentence or two. To me I felt like a was cheated out of a moment to see theses characters grow. This also leads me to how confusing it was starting this book I almost thought I skipped some of the prologue because all the relationships go back decades and the most important event has already occurred. I guess it allowed more action to be in the novel I just can't help but fell left out.
Now to end this review I do want to mention the fact that I liked the story as a whole. I laughed and felt for the characters. I liked that this book took twists and turns that kept me interested because with some romance books it gets boring. I got more intrigued as this story went along. I liked that real issues were touched upon though some of the situations got tidied up fairly easily in my opinion. This was a pretty good read.
Now this is just something that annoyed me to no end: what is up with the lack of physical description with these characters! Now I don't know if I'm the only one but I had no clue that Bruce was black. It took an unimportant comment that his mom read Ebony for me to go "Wait a minute..." I honestly don't know if I just read over the description but I didn't know anybody's race but the female protagonist. To appease my ego I will say I saw this book in a interracial romance read list so..assumptions and all that.
But since that doesn't matter in the context of my rating I shall proceed to other things that interested me. I must say as weird as it is I loved the ninja love in this book!
I thought it was really endearing to see the characters act so silly with each other.
Things I'm On The Fence About
Now I'm not sure how I feel about all the divergences from the main character's story. I won't say some instances weren't insightful, but it seemed so random to me when the POV change occurred that I was really thrown off. Another thing I'm not sure about was the random uses of slang the characters seem to have at random moments. It was just incongruous to me, though the "Brotha hugs" made me laugh.
Things I didn't like so much
These fights the two characters would get into seemed to disappear on the next page to be explain away in a sentence or two. To me I felt like a was cheated out of a moment to see theses characters grow. This also leads me to how confusing it was starting this book I almost thought I skipped some of the prologue because all the relationships go back decades and the most important event has already occurred. I guess it allowed more action to be in the novel I just can't help but fell left out.
Now to end this review I do want to mention the fact that I liked the story as a whole. I laughed and felt for the characters. I liked that this book took twists and turns that kept me interested because with some romance books it gets boring. I got more intrigued as this story went along. I liked that real issues were touched upon though some of the situations got tidied up fairly easily in my opinion. This was a pretty good read.
April 11, 2009
I enjoyed this twist on the typical Beauty and the Beast theme. The hero has some disorder where he has uncontrollable rage. The heroine is a life-long friend who has been injured in a brutal attack. There are multiple sub-plots that were a little distracting, but the love story was very good. I think it was so great how accepting they were of each other's flaws. A good, solid read.
October 14, 2012
I have to say I really really liked this book. Nefertiti and Bruce was so in love only they understood each other and able to calm each other. It also touches on mood disorders as well as beauty in a different light.
I have to say I have read this book several times and I have recommended it to other readers
I have to say I have read this book several times and I have recommended it to other readers
February 6, 2011
It's not a bad read for me personally took me a while to get into but it was still and enjoyable read for me Nefertiti was courageous for what she went through and Max a harmless Teddy bear at heart.
November 12, 2015
Great read with a compassionate insight into people who suffer from mood disorders. I would certainly recommend this author to my friends.
Great read with a compassionate insight into people who suffer from mood disorders. I would certainly recommend this author to my friends.
Great read with a compassionate insight into people who suffer from mood disorders. I would certainly recommend this author to my friends.
September 28, 2012
I love a haunted hero and heroine. One had scars on the outside and the other on the inside. I loved them both. The supporting characters were also good.
December 1, 2012
First time reading this authors work. I really njoyed this story. Will definitely read more of her work
January 13, 2013
Only love could have put up with Bruce's outburst. But he redeemed himself in how he took care of Nef. I enjoyed this book.
July 26, 2013
Good read. Heavy, though I wish we could have seen into Bruce's state of mind a bit more.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews