Beastly

I am a beast.

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright--a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever--ruined--unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Alex Flinn modernizes the classic Beauty and the Beast tale in her novel, Beastly. I've been wanting to read this for a quite some time, probably since the movie adaptation came out. It definitely lived up to my expectations. 

Kyle Kingsbury is the main character of this fairy tale. He's the guy that everyone secretly, or not so secretly, hates. He's snooty, selfish, and knows he's attractive. The worst combination ever. He's also cruel to those he sees as below him. Until the witch that is. Then Kyle becomes a spell induced beast who can no longer rely on his looks and his money to get through life. Kyle then changes his name to Adrian King. But his name isn't the only thing that changes, obviously. He becomes caring, kind, and thoughtful and begins to realize his own potential. Readers will no doubt dislike Kyle Kingsbury, but they will come to love Adrian King. Though it's difficult to relate to a beast, that fact can be used as a metaphor for any characteristic that makes us self conscious. This interpretation will connect readers to the beast. 

The plot begins with Kyle taunting a girl named Kendra who plays the witchy role. When he fails Kendra's little test, she casts a spell on him. Kyle will look like the beast he is on the inside until he can find someone who will love him for him. Someone he loves as well. And he only has two years. The modernized tale follows the well known story pretty closely and is easy to enjoy. With relatable characters, fairy tale situations, internal struggle, and a happily ever after, Beastly won't disappoint. 

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups

Just the Way You Are

"A baby brought them together -- and even though Alli has always loved her strong, sexy husband Sam and the life they've built together, she has decided to set him free to follow his youthful dreams. It is no longer enough for her to be wife and lover when she knows she holds so little of his heart.

Sam has always dreamed of a life away from the close-knit world of Tucker's Landing, but marriage and fatherhood ended all that. Now Sam is torn between what was and what was meant to be. He must decide if it's time to rekindle the dreams of the past ... or accept Alli, and her love, just the way she is.

Don't miss this heartwrenching tale of a man torn between two sisters, the one he loved, the one he married ..."

*May Contain Spoilers*

Barbara Freethy's novel, Just the Way You Are, stole my heart and my full box of tissues. It was an absolute great vacation read and I couldn't put it down, even with the beach calling my name. Freethy's writing style had me laughing, crying, sniffling, smiling, and frowning. My heart was at odds with itself because I wasn't sure which sister I wanted to win Sam. (Who is an exceptionally great character!) 

He's the kind of guy who puts others needs before his own. He accepts responsibility, doesn't look to change his past, and loves his daughter with all that he is. It was refreshing how Sam didn't have the answers for Tessa and Alli. He acted on his own feelings but still allowed the sisters to figure out how they really felt without his input. 

After halfway through I knew how I wanted the story to end, but sometimes they don't go the way you imagine, which forced me to keep reading. Tricky author... But, goodness, was it worth it? YES! 

Readers can connect with either of the sisters and this gives the reader a chance to root for the sister they want to win. And what exactly they want to win. Because, in the middle, what each sister should get and what she wants become two different things. 

Alli is the younger sister, a great mom who never gives up, always remains calm, handles emergencies well, and is head over heels in love with her husband. But she's taking the high road and giving Sam a divorce that she thinks he wants. Mainly because, Tessa (older sister who seems to have it all) has always been between them. At least, Alli thinks so. And Sam doesn't exactly contradict her. Afterall, Sam and Tessa were high school sweet hearts. 

But the past is the past. It can't be changed. And the present doesn't abide by the same rules. So it's up to Alli, Sam, and Tessa to realize what they want and go after it. Even if it does bring about an oyster being chucked at someone's head. 

Just The Way You Are 

on Amazon

rating: 5/5 cups