Title:
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Author:
FIONA NEAL
Publisher:
New Concepts
Publishing
Copyright Date:
2003
Format:
Electronic
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Fiona Neal's version of Beauty and The Beast adheres closely to the traditional tale. Beautiful Belle and her two sisters are returning home from an errand their ill father has sent them on. Anxious to get home before the snowstorm they're traveling in worsens; they take a shortcut across the mysterious Lord Glen Dubh's property.
Through his magic mirror, Haldon, Lord Glen Dubh, watches the beautiful sisters trespass on his land. Since being cursed to suffer for his vanity by living as a hideous beast, Haldon has secluded himself from the world. But longing for female company and a chance to break the spell cast on him, he orders the women brought to his castle.
Upon arriving at the castle, the women are treated to the best of hospitality. Although her shallow sisters are content to revel in luxuries provided to them, Belle confronts their host, demanding they be allowed to leave. Haldon counters with an offer to heal her father's illness if Belle will stay with him. Belle agrees to stay and Haldon keeps his promise.
Like all fairy tales, there is a moral to the story. As the pair spend more time together, Belle comes to see Haldon as something other than a beast. They both grow emotionally, learning that what's on the inside is more important than physical beauty.
While this is a very sensual retelling of the classic, Ms. Neal does a wonderful job of keeping the love story in the forefront. When Belle begins having erotic dreams of a mysterious man in a painting, they are written with a romantic focus and not likely to offend readers who dislike explicit language. The author allows us to experience falling in love right along with Haldon and Belle.
Beauty and the Beast is a great combination of a sweet love story surrounded by very hot love scenes. Getting to the "happily ever after" of this fairy tale is enjoyable indeed!
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