Mary Jo Putney Follow

The Black Beast of Belleterre does not hide that it is a Beauty and the Beast retelling and is all the better for it. Instead, it embraces reimagining the fairytale in Victorian England.

James was deemed ugly in childhood. Further damaged in an accident, he has come to accept the lonely life his ugliness has subjected him to while still finding enjoyment. Ariel is the quintessential beauty but chooses life in the country rather than taking living as a trophy wife. When they are thrust together in a marriage of convenience to protect Ariel, they have to come to terms with themselves and their growing feelings for one another.

While by no means ground-breaking, The Black Beast of Belleterre is a quick, delightful, fluffy romantic read with a dash of Christmas charm. James and Ariel both blossom as characters, and their romance is a joy to read.