BOTM 1 - April, 2020 - Beast

[Petra]

Hi Jenna I would continue for a bit. That vanity thing becomes something else soon. Also even though the moral of the story is simple, I think there are many layers to this particular telling in which no one is really perfect.

[Petra]

Ana wrote: "I finished this book a few days ago but I decided to let it settle a bit before giving my opinion because the first one was "seriously, mrs Ivovry?! pages and pages of waiting for the darn bubble t..."

I had to let it settle too. It’s really interesting sometimes I read the book and I really love it, but if the end is not done right, it leaves me a feeling funny. This book was like that. It was only when I saw the final arch of the plot and character development that I saw this book from a different light.
But for wonderful writing and great ideas and a new way of telling the beast story I still love it.

[Jenna]

Petra wrote: "Hi Jenna I would continue for a bit. That vanity thing becomes something else soon. Also even though the moral of the story is simple, I think there are many layers to this particular telling in wh..."

Thanks, I’ll listen to more tomorrow.

[Jenna]

Ana wrote: "Jenna wrote: "Ana wrote: "well, this is an interesting book. I think it's the first romance I read where I don't particularly like either of characters. I suppose they will grow (I think they both ..."
Yes, someone else made the point about the age as well. I think I will also let this settle before I give my final opinion.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Jenna wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Mariana wrote: "I plan to listen, but I have to finish my current audio book first."

I didn’t realize it was in audio, hmm. Might consider that. I can ..."

I looked into RBDigital, have never used it. Does your library give you access? It doesn’t appear that mine has it. How’s the narrator?

I am reading the ebook. At the same location as you, though I seem to be liking it better.

[Jenna]

rbdigital works the same as overdrive & libby. you choose your library system, put in your card # & then there you go.
the narrator was ok.
i ended up not liking the book.
i would stick w/the ebook on this one as i think part of my annoyance came from hearing it out loud.

[Jenna]

well, i had to skip some of it. and i know it was partly due to the fact that i was doing it on audio. (not the narrator's fault)
but i didn't like this.
i found the characters unlikable & annoying. and while i see several people's points about her being young that wasn't it.
Louise was immature. and even charles started acting immaturely after a while.
plus it just took too long to get to the point.
and i didn't think that was such a great ending.
sometimes in these books, the ending will make up for the characters but not so with this one. it did not make me smile just groan.

[Mariana]

My library just gave me access since they are closed down. I feel like I am never going to finish with my current listen, so I haven't even started. Maybe Monday.

[Jenna]

It goes quickly, shouldn’t take too long to listen.

[Jenna]

Thanks girl.
I’m a fan of Tessa dare, so I have read that one &enjoyed it.
Totally agree with u about that one.

[Jo]

I am only on chapter 7 but right now I am really enjoying this story as it unfolds. The descriptions and detail of aroma is delightful. I am so happy to be reading this.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I finished last night. The first half was better than the second for me. I think I started intrigued by the setting and once it changed it started deflate for me. I liked France as a setting, appreciated that it wasn’t Paris, but I had not formed a connection with either character. I thought them well drawn and made sense - they just weren’t my cup of tea.

[Jenna]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I finished last night. The first half was better than the second for me. I think I started intrigued by the setting and once it changed it started deflate for me. I liked France as a setting, appre..."

Agree

[Jan]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I finished last night. The first half was better than the second for me. I think I started intrigued by the setting and once it changed it started deflate for me. I liked France as a setting, appre..."

I think you're not the only one that liked the first part more. The book falls into two natural sections. I was the reverse and enjoyed the second half more. I liked the belle époque setting in France, and I enjoyed the convoluted resolution to the love affair. For me the first half was intriguing, but perhaps went on a little too long. I was waiting for things to move on and for more to start happening.

I think it was a good choice for a BOTM and there has been quite a bit of interesting discussion with all of the different views.