4.5 stars. I could not stop reading this. I loved this version of Beauty and the Beast. There's a curse but not the Disney one. Belle is a wonderful character. She has a curious mind, a guarded heart, she's level-headed--very admirable. Gryphon is a tortured artist, and a big 'ole baby. Some twists make this especially fun. This isn't much of a horror as it is a fantasy/adventure. I'd love for this series to keep going. Demetri is next in a Little Mermaid retelling. Can't wait! And maybe Ansel will get a story?! Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

This was another winner in the Horrific Fairy Tales series, it had everything that I enjoyed from the Sleeping Beauty book in the series. The concept was wonderfully done and enjoyed the horror element used with the Beauty and the Beast story. The plot was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed getting to read this. I'm excited to read more from Elizabeth K. King and from the Horrific Fairy Tales series.

Thank you NetGalley and Elizabeth K. King for the opportunity to read this amazing story!

How anyone can rate this book less than 5 stars is beyond me. This was such an amazing retelling of Beauty and The Beast. Far better than the actual movie in my opinion and that movie is one of my favorites. It was atmospheric. There was angst, longing, indecisiveness, questioning, danger, love. This story had me gasping, smiling, crying, laughing. I LOVED how some of the characters from Rotting Beauty were incorporated into the story. However, not enough to make you wonder what’s going on. Elizabeth does it again in this retelling. She plays with your emotions in the best way possible. I can NOT wait for the next one. I’m a for-lifer when it comes to Elizabeth’s amazing storytelling.

I am glad I decided to read Rotting Beauty before diving into this book, as characters from that book appear in this one.

The cursed Lord of the Castle, Gryphon, is a compelling figure trapped in his own home due to a mysterious enchantment. As Isabelle becomes entangled in Gryphon's world, their burgeoning connection faces challenges both within and without. The dynamic between the two protagonists is the heart of the narrative, as Isabelle is drawn to Gryphon despite the dangers surrounding him.

Author Elizabeth K. King skillfully weaves romance, suspense, and supernatural elements, creating a gripping tale that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. The looming threat of shapeshifting wolves adds a layer of tension, heightening the stakes for Isabelle and Gryphon as they navigate their growing feelings amidst the danger.

I liked the first book and I liked Isabelle in it, so I was hopeful for this book. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment. At least half the plot was driven by the characters making stupid decisions (Isabelle getting attacked at least three times after doing stupid things, Gryphon falling asleep in the wrong place after years of living with his condition...), and I didn't really find the main pair likeable, nor did I feel the chemistry between them. I found myself skimming a lot in the second half of the book.

Having Garrett be part of the plot was interesting in the end, but giving him actual POV chapters was a bit strange. This isn't his story anymore, and I expected this book to be more standalone - but that might just have been my expectation based on other series where each book focuses on a different character. Either way, I feel like some of his POV chapters could have been a short story or something instead of part of Isabelle's book. Including him also meant twice as many side characters that didn't really feel fleshed out.

Lastly, I can handle one reveal of "these two characters are secretly related/linked together", but two is a bit much for one book. Is EVERYONE in this universe related by plot somehow? That's a pretty being coincidence.

-- I know that good feedback is supposed to include something positive as well, but honestly, I struggle to name anything that I really LOVED.

That being said, the next book is Little Mermaid retelling, so there's still a chance I'll pick it up.

Overall, it was a very good sequel. Not as good as the first book for me, but still enjoyable and well-written. The plot is interesting and mysterious, and the characters are quite pleasant to read about. The only thing I have a tiny problem with was the fact that the romance was a bit too quick for me. Other than that, it was really solid and gripping.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Elizabeth K. King, and the publisher.

I've read tons of Beauty and the Beast retellings but this is absolutely the most unique. It was incredibly interesting and completely sucked me into the story. I can't wait for the next story to come out.