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When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Fairy Tales, 2) Mass Market Paperback – January 25, 2011
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“Eloisa James’s writing is absolutely exquisite.”
—New York Times bestselling author Teresa Medeiros
“Nothing gets me to a bookstore faster than a new novel by Eloisa James.”
—New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn
A wonderful spin on a much-beloved fairy tale, New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James’s When Beauty Tamed the Beast is heart-soaring and fun historical romance at its finest.
Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne is a Beauty . . . Naturally, she's betrothed to a Beast.
Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, lives in a castle in Wales where, it is rumored, his bad temper flays everyone he crosses. And rumor also has it that a wound has left the earl immune to the charms of any woman.
Linnet is not just any woman.
She is more than merely lovely: her wit and charm brought a prince to his knees. She estimates the earl will fall madly in love—in just two weeks.
Yet Linnet has no idea of the danger posed to her own heart by a man who may never love her in return.
If she decides to be very wicked indeed . . . what price will she pay for taming his wild heart?
- Print length384 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherAvon
- Publication dateJanuary 25, 2011
- Dimensions4.19 x 0.96 x 6.75 inches
- ISBN-100062021273
- ISBN-13978-0062021274
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From the Back Cover
Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne is a Beauty . . . Naturally, she's betrothed to a Beast.
Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, lives in a castle in Wales where, it is rumored, his bad temper flays everyone he crosses. And rumor also has it that a wound has left the earl immune to the charms of any woman.
Linnet is not just any woman.
She is more than merely lovely: her wit and charm brought a prince to his knees. She estimates the earl will fall madly in love—in just two weeks.
Yet Linnet has no idea of the danger posed to her own heart by a man who may never love her in return.
If she decides to be very wicked indeed . . . what price will she pay for taming his wild heart?
About the Author
Eloisa James is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author and professor of English literature, who lives with her family in New York, but can sometimes be found in Paris or Italy. She is the mother of two and, in a particularly delicious irony for a romance writer, is married to a genuine Italian knight.
Product details
- Publisher : Avon; Original edition (January 25, 2011)
- Language : English
- Mass Market Paperback : 384 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0062021273
- ISBN-13 : 978-0062021274
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 4.19 x 0.96 x 6.75 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #105,175 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #506 in 20th Century Historical Romance (Books)
- #2,964 in Regency Romances
- #5,728 in Romantic Comedy (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Eloisa James is a New York Times bestselling author and professor of English literature who lives with her family in New York, but can sometimes be found in Paris or Italy. She is the mother of two and, in a particularly delicious irony for a romance writer, is married to a genuine Italian knight.
For info about books, visit www.eloisajames.com and sign up for her Five Fabulous Things newsletter. Or ask a question on Facebook (where Eloisa spends entirely too much time): https://www.facebook.com/eloisajames
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoy the book's appeal and find it a good rendition of the classic story. They appreciate the humor, snarky banter, and beautiful romance. The characters are described as brilliant, likable, and headstrong. Readers consider the book worth reading and praise the writing quality as delightful and well-written.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book's appeal and find it an enjoyable retelling of the classic tale. They appreciate the engaging plot with wit and sensuality. The characters are interesting, particularly the heroine Linnet. Readers say the book hits its stride and is a wonderful addition to the series.
"...The book also has a great twist at the end where Linnet has to examine whether her beauty is the most important thing to her in her relationships..." Read more
"I selected this book due to the combined reasons of to my love of fairytale retellings and my love of stories in which the hero or heroine is flawed..." Read more
"...once I got past the first couple of chapters, I was absolutely dialed into the story...." Read more
"...There was enough conflict and personal baggage to keep the story going but the main characters remain honest with each other and treat each other as..." Read more
Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the characters intelligent and funny, with snarky banter and a slow-burning love story. The banter keeps them smiling and laughing, with laughter, tears, and joy. The dialogue is sparklingly witty and realistic, making the story fun and playful. Overall, customers describe the book as charming and kindhearted.
"...This book was so much fun. It was funny, with a perfect mix of sarcasm and dry wit that I love. It was freaking adorable. I absolutely loved it." Read more
"...She is a strong lead character who is intelligent and witty. She doesn't back down from Piers, even when he treats her very rudely at first...." Read more
"...pretty explicit stuff, and this book is not that, but the relationship is so interesting and inherently sexy that the slow pace at getting them into..." Read more
"I liked the characters and the dialogue. Early on the characters made up a lie about the heroine being pregnant...." Read more
Customers enjoy the charming, funny, and sweet romance in the book. They find the love story beautiful, with some of the most romantic scenes they have read in a romance. The wounded men are a wonderful romantic hook, and they love this cranky doctor. The romance is one of the least clichéd they have read, and the book has a fun and playful tone.
"...She’s beautiful, and she knows it; she uses that to her best advantage, but never really believes she’s better or more worthy because of her beauty...." Read more
"...Overall this was a very well-written story. The romance was paced well. I never felt frustrated with the interactions between Linnet and Piers...." Read more
"...this book is not that, but the relationship is so interesting and inherently sexy that the slow pace at getting them into bed doesn't seem slow in..." Read more
"...It was sexy and fun and I felt they fit together well. I really liked the side bits we got of Piers's mother and father...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's character development. They find the characters interesting, quirky, and likable. The heroine is described as witty, headstrong, and a bit unlikable at times. Readers also appreciate the brilliant doctor modeled after House MD.
"...Linnet makes a perfect match to Piers. She is a strong lead character who is intelligent and witty...." Read more
"...personal baggage to keep the story going but the main characters remain honest with each other and treat each other as equals...." Read more
"...I loved the banter and I loved the characters. Linnet was such a great heroine and I adored her willingness to go toe to toe with the beast of a..." Read more
"Interesting tale of love and forgiveness. Fierce heroine and grumpy hero. Contract marriage set up by his father...." Read more
Customers find the book worth reading. They appreciate the banter and chemistry between the characters. The story is described as wonderful, with a satisfying ending.
"...There’s a wonderful back-and-forth quality to their discussions, especially in the beginning...." Read more
"...had no intention of marrying Linnet out anyone but the two are am incredible pair and Piers can't keep away from her...." Read more
"...and awed and tearful all the best of what make a book worthy read." Read more
"...Its unique storyline, refreshing lack of syrup-like sweetness and fantastic, snarky dialog are not to be missed...." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing quality. They find the story well-written, with humor and humanity. The romance is paced well and the dialogue is lively. Readers appreciate the different style from other Regency historical romances. Overall, it's a quick read that offers a lovely mix of historical romance, cultural awareness, and humor.
"...Overall this was a very well-written story. The romance was paced well. I never felt frustrated with the interactions between Linnet and Piers...." Read more
"...but I took a chance and found this gem it had everything in it, delightful writing, with humor, humanity, love, passion, redemption tears and love..." Read more
"...regret that I let them keep me from learning what a wonderful,fantastic writer she is...." Read more
"...Great banter between them, kudos to Eloisa James for the sharp writing. There's drama of course, but it never ventures into sappiness...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They find it fun, addictive, and a lot more enjoyable than other escapist romance novels. The characters are described as smarter and more entertaining than most escapist novels. Readers enjoy the cat-and-mouse chase and mention it's an amazing journey.
"...This book was so much fun. It was funny, with a perfect mix of sarcasm and dry wit that I love. It was freaking adorable. I absolutely loved it." Read more
"...uses the well-known story and creates her own story that is engaging, fun, and wonderfully romantic. I really enjoyed it!" Read more
"...It was sexy and fun and I felt they fit together well. I really liked the side bits we got of Piers's mother and father...." Read more
"...histories, "Nurse Matilda," and the patients, it is a truly delightful ride. I have to say, I enjoyed Linnet and Piers and their story...." Read more
Customers find the book humorous and heartfelt at times. They say it has enough laughs, tears, and romance to make a perfect read. The emotions are beautifully written and the love scenes are passionate.
"...When Beauty Tamed The Beast also has a really great emotional pay-off...." Read more
"...There is laughter, tears, and (woot!) sizzling romance that never gets frustrating, even as she maintains a wonderful tension throughout...." Read more
"...The love scenes where hot, passionate and filled with tangled emotions...." Read more
"...in it, delightful writing, with humor, humanity, love, passion, redemption tears and love so deep it won the race...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2017I liked the first book in this series – only connected by the fact that they’re fairy-tale-retellings, nothing else – but had some issues with it. The chief one being that the heroine wasn’t at all likable. She did some pretty despicable things to her sister for no apparent reason. So, despite the fact that A Kiss at Midnight got better towards the end, I was leery of starting the second book. It’s my favorite re-telling, hands down, and I was afraid that I’d end up hating it.
That is not the case here. I absolutely adored Linnet from the first moment that we meet her. She’s smart, sarcastic, funny, sensible, quick, thoughtful, and pragmatic. She’s beautiful, and she knows it; she uses that to her best advantage, but never really believes she’s better or more worthy because of her beauty. She knows that it’s something she had no control over, just like her birth as one of the aristocrats, so it’s not something she’s particularly proud of.
Piers, the hero, is a character you’re going to love or hate – and you can pretty much make that determination before even opening the book to the first page based on how you feel about Dr. House, from the television show House. Piers is bitter, cantankerous, sarcastic, rude, and an a-hole. He has debilitating pain, that he continues to work through, saving lives and helping others – just like the beloved Doctor from House, so perhaps some of his bad bedside manner can be excused.
But what I loved the most is that Linnet doesn’t put up with Piers. She gives as good as she gets. The banter between them is quick and witty and full of sarcasm. There’s a wonderful back-and-forth quality to their discussions, especially in the beginning. I love that their regard builds on that mutual respect they begin to develop, and that the romance isn’t instant. It’s a slow build that pays off in a big way.
If I had one complaint it’d be the last obstacle thrown into the mix near the end. It was as frustrating to me as it was to Piers, and I honestly expected better of Linnet. I understand, when I think about it further, but as I was reading I was slightly disappointed in that development. However, the obstacle is quickly removed and it serves to make Piers even more worthy of Linnet who gave her love without reservation, or care for her pride, long before Piers admitted he couldn’t live without her.
This book was so much fun. It was funny, with a perfect mix of sarcasm and dry wit that I love. It was freaking adorable. I absolutely loved it.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2012I have always been a sucker for the Beauty and the Beast story, whether it is told as a classic fairy tale in a book or through my absolute favorite Disney movie ever. So I was interested to see how Eloisa James would weave this story into this second story in her fairy tale romance series. Because this was already a familiar story there I wondered how successful a re-telling in a period romance would be. I was very happy with the results.
The 'beauty' of this story is Linnet, a remarkably beautiful young woman who finds herself in a terrible bind when her reputation is ruined by a prince, making this once most eligible lady now a social nobody to the London ton. Unfair and untrue rumors fly through the social circles of London, ultimately landing on the unfair rumor that she is carrying the prince's child. With her prospects for marriage or even friendship ruined, her aunt and father set on a plan to ensure her welfare. They propose that Linnet go to the Earl of Marchant to become his wife. He is rumored to be a horribly difficult-to-get-along-with man with a quick temper.
Piers Yelverton lives on an estate in Wales where he spends his time fighting against established medical traditions as he and his cousin treat difficult medical cases in his home which serves as a sort of hospital. This man is almost an exact clone of House MD. He has a horribly painful leg condition that leaves him grumpier than normal as he fights against any urges to fight the pain with drugs. He has an eager group of young doctors who follow him around, making wrong diagnoses, who are then put in their place in a horribly rude way. He speaks his mind to patients and doctors, servants and guests, with no regard for any feelings. The rumor is that he will never take a wife, but his father is desperate for him to find a wife who can bear an heir to their title. Piers gives his father an impossible list of qualifications, believing that his father will never find anyone to fit the bill. But his father arrives in Wales with Linnet in tow.
Linnet makes a perfect match to Piers. She is a strong lead character who is intelligent and witty. She doesn't back down from Piers, even when he treats her very rudely at first. She is a strong woman who speaks her mind as well. Although she does arrive at the earl's estate as a prospective fiancee, she has no real romantic views about marriage. The whole idea of marriage and relationships with men is distasteful to her. After a day of bickering between them, both decide that the 'don't suit' each other and should not marry. However, their ability to truly communicate with one another keeps them coming back to one another over and over. Linnet doesn't back away from Piers's 'beastly' personality, and Piers approaches Linnet in a way that seems more real than what she has had to put up with while navigating through the English ton. It is a bumpy path as it seems to be required in novels of this type, but eventually as it is in all fairy tales, they find their happily ever after.
Overall this was a very well-written story. The romance was paced well. I never felt frustrated with the interactions between Linnet and Piers. Their banter was fun and engaging and very smart. Because Piers could be so blunt about his feelings, leading Linnet to do the same, I never felt as if I was reading a story of people trying to reveal the layers of their feelings in order to get to the true nature of their thoughts and desires. I don't think that either Linnet or Piers was playing a game with their feelings. That was refreshing to read. The games that are often played in these stories can be tiring at times. So for that reason I felt as if this particular story rose about the norm. I also enjoyed the discussion about medicinal practices of the time. It was very interesting and well researched. The book also has a great twist at the end where Linnet has to examine whether her beauty is the most important thing to her in her relationships with others. That was an interesting point to ponder.
Overall I say that this book was a wonderful addition to my period romance library. The story isn't an original one, but James uses the well-known story and creates her own story that is engaging, fun, and wonderfully romantic. I really enjoyed it!
Top reviews from other countries
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Cliente KindleReviewed in Brazil on March 16, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Muuuuito bom
Muuuuuito bonitinho. A gente lê de uma vez só, atenção presa pela história bem original. Encantada estou por esta autora.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in India on February 22, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional treat. A book after my own heart!!!
A loved this one. The witty dailouge enchanted me. Read it in one go. Have no words to explain the feeling I had after it was over. I wish it had not ended!! Guess I am hungover. Kudos to Ms. James!!
- EleanorReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 4, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Beauty and the Beast retold by House in Victorian Times
Linnet Thrynne was shunned by all society for being in the wrong place at the wrong time although to the Duke of Windebeck the timing was perfect. The duke has been looking for a bride for his son the Earl of Marchant who he lost contact with over 24 years ago due to him being a drug addict. Piers Earl of Marchant is known as The Beast because he has a foul temper but he is the best doctor in all of Wales and doesn't want to marry thank you very much and least of all a bride his father picked out for him. When the Duke and Linnet turn up Piers is shocked that his father would dare turn up but he is also shocked to find that Linnet is everything he could ever want. With time and an outbreak of Scarlet Fever Piers learns that the heart does its own thing regardless. This is a wonderful tale by Ms James and not the classic tale you know. Its funny, witty and a perfect up to date -all be it century and half out of time- retelling.
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liciaReviewed in Italy on September 1, 2013
3.0 out of 5 stars Carino
Si, una sorta di Dr House ambientato nell'800 con annessa storia d'amore. L'ho trovato gradevole ma non mi ha emozionato.
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maMadameReviewed in Germany on January 20, 2012
5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. House läßt grüßen! Witzig und spritzig erzählter LiRo.
Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne ist die Schöne, die sich mit Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant verloben will/muß, da sie ihrem Ruf geschadet hat.
Sie hat sich mit einem Prinzen abgegeben, der ihr dann aber keinen Heiratsantrag gemacht hat, was sie auch gar nicht wirklich wollte, aber im "ton" wurde das erwartet und da er sie einmal geküßt hatte, gilt sie nun als "Gefallene Frau". Ihr Vater verpflichtet Linnet sich mit dem Earl of Marchant zu verloben, welcher laut seines Vaters Angaben eine Ehefrau benötigt, aber auf Grund eines "Unfalls" stark behindert ist und keine adequate Frau sich mit ihm abgeben würde. Auch beschreibt Piers Vater ihn als impotent und da alle glauben, Linnet sei schwanger (was sie aber nicht ist und sein kann) vereinbart Linnets Vater mit Piers Vater eine Verlobung.
Piers ist ein "tortured hero" und ein unverblümt, arroganter, sehr direkter und vor allem ehrlicher Mann, der lieber weiter sein Krankenhaus als Doktor betreibt, als sich seiner Adelspflicht und der Fortpflanzung seines Adelsgeschlechts betreibt. Aber Impotent ist er ganz und gar nicht, er will nur nicht seinem Vater einen Erben geben, da er seinen Vater für seinen behinderten Zustand verantwortlich macht. Sein Vater weiß, das Piers nicht impotent ist, versucht aber durch die "Schöne" wieder in Kontakt zu seinem Sohn zu kommen. Was gründlich mißlingen wird. Aber das sollte man selber lesen.
Piers ist nicht im eigentlichem Sinne das "Biest" der Geschichte, er kümmert sich lieber um seine Patienten, was aber nicht gerade "liebevoll" geschieht. Sie mag die Art an ihm, wenn er auch sehr einem Ekel gleicht, auf menschliche Gefühle und Benimm keinen Cent gibt.
Wer die US Fernseh-Arzt-Serie "Dr. House" mit Hugh Laurie mag, der wird hier seine helle Freude haben. Piers Charakter ist nach dem Vorbild Dr. House charakterlich nach empfunden und behandelt genau wie Dr. House seinen Mitmenschen mit dem gleichem Respekt, nämlich mit gar keinem.
Aus irgendeinem Grund, scheint er sich etwas zu erweichen, wenn Linnet da ist, ein Gefühl was natürlich unterdrückt und (fast) erfolgreich bekämpft wird.
Zum Schluss heilen beide sich gegenseitig, er sie physisch und sie ihn psychisch.
Dazwischen habe ich viele Tränen gelacht, aber ich mag auch Dr. House. Was man aber bei der Buchbeschreibung von Piers schnell vergisst, da ich mir die Person Hugh Laurie nicht wirklich als Piers vorgestellt habe und wollte.
Die Liebesgeschichte ist wirklich sehr amüsant erzählt, da viele Dialoge zw. Piers und Linnet stattfinden. Aber auch die Mitmenschen in ihrer Umgebung bekommen stetig ihren Teil ab. Linnet zähmt "das Biest" auf ihre (langsame) Weise und nur bis zu einem gewissen Grad. Denn, dass Piers bzw. ein Charakter wie Dr. House sich nie in ihrem Verhalten ändern wird, dass ist wohl eine Tatsache.
Der Roman ist wirklich zu empfehlen und macht, wenn man die deftigen und teils ungehobelte Äußerungen von Piers zu schätzen weiß, richitg Spaß. Eloisa James hat gekonnt bei House geklaut und es so gut umgesetzt, dass das Vorbild schnell vergessen ist und man seine wahre Freude haben wird.