The modern remake of a classic tale that twists the fictional into possibility.When two lost souls are brought together in an unlikely circumstance, it’ll take more to scare this feisty beauty away from a domineering beast. A story of love, loss, and learning to accept when life gives you a second chance.Elena Salazar has taken care of her gambling-addicted brother since her parents’ death. When … gambling-addicted brother since her parents’ death. When he calls her late one night asking for help, she’s thrown into Tristan Mercier’s life and is at his mercy. Unable to pay her brother’s debt, a contract is signed: she will live and work for Tristan for six months while her brother is sent to rehab.
Tristan Mercier is scarred, both physically and emotionally. He lost his happily ever after five years earlier in a fire that nearly took his life. He’s broken and bitter, but with Elena’s arrival, things are changing, and the feelings he thought long buried begin to resurface.
Can this brute open his heart to give his belleza a chance?
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Belleza and the Brute: A Modern-Day Retelling of Beauty and the Beast
By Jane Matisse
5 Stars
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I base most of my books on whether when I set it down to do real life does it stay with me and cause me to hurry to pick it back up. This one did that and although I wanted to slap Tristan more than once throughout the story, and he won’t make the list of one of my favorite book boyfriends, my heart did in fact break for him and I found some understanding in some of how he was who he was, he just wasn’t able to redeem himself completely with me by the end. In saying that….Elena was awesome!! I connected with her the minute I met her and I loved how her character was written, I loved her attitude and her quick comebacks throughout.
This was a great story and the twist threw me, I wasn’t even expecting anything like what happened, I had a feeling something was going to happen with a certain character but my mind never went that way, so I really loved that the author was able to throw that in.
I loved the secondary characters as well in this story, a couple of them made me laugh out loud many times and it was awesome. Im curious as to whether there will be another story to follow and if Adam will get his own book, I would definitely love to read his story and where his future takes him.
I really did enjoy this and would recommend it..The story flow was spot on and it was a smooth easy read. I can’t wait to see what else this author has available.
Belleza and the Brute is a standalone novel from author Jane Matisse. This is my first read from this author and I’m so glad that I got the chance to read this. I can’t wait to see what else this author brings, and how her other books compare to this one but I’m excited to find out!
This book was compelling, intriguing and I cannot say how much I enjoyed this read. I loved that it was a take on Beauty and the Beast, but it also had it own unique spin to it that I really enjoyed.
This book was romantic, steamy, sweet and at time entertaining and funny. But also maybe little predictable but that didn’t take away how much I enjoyed this read. I wouldn’t change anything about it. There was time in this read that a twist was thrown in that threw you, but it also gave this story an added depth. But you cannot ignore that there was something real and raw with this book with the nightmares and memories of Tristan’s and Elena’s past but also the thoughts and feeling that Tristan was feeling throughout this book. But there was also something with the vulnerability that he has that made you love him even more.
Elena was most definitely the best thing that could happen to him, with them both experiencing pain and lost within each of their lives they found something within each other that connected them on a deeper level and I think she is exactly what Tristan needs to overcome and more forward from his past.
Elena brings something and make him feels things he never wanted of thought he deserved to feel again, but you could help but just wish Tristan would stop being so stubborn and except his feelings that he knew were not going away and just except the inevitable.
Elena really knew how to pack a punch, she tested Tristan at points and also made him smile and laugh. They have a great chemistry that starts of slow and then ignited and cannot go ignored. I really think that it makes their relationship even more real for the fact that all the have faced and experienced they understand the hard times and except it from each other.
We cannot forget to mention the secondary characters that come into this read. Let’s first say if it wasn’t for Adam, Tristan and Elena would never get to where they are today, but I would love to read about his journey he takes after the events of this read. Also how amazing are Paola and Keith, they bring another level of excellence to this read and the journey our two main characters make. And lastly the shady Daniel, from the moment he spoke to Elena in the library and basically insulted books and reading I disliked him and he continues to prove so through the book in which you will, have to read in order to find out!
This was an incredible read, that if written would love to read another story about Elena & Tristan to see where thegy have come in their journey together, but until then (hopefully) do not miss this wonderful, compelling and brilliant read!
Belleza and the Brute by Jane Matisse
5 Stars!!!!!
The only thing better than finding a good book is finding another great author! I really enjoyed this book and just couldn’t put it down. I like sort of love against the odds and second chance romance type reads. This book was a breath of fresh air. I really liked how the author had the underdog covered as well and how not only did she get her man but she helped him to get back to himself.
The chemistry between Elena and Tristan was quite refreshing. There was a certain sense of the forbidden or not sure if they were worthy of the love. I really like how Elena helps to not only put the wrongs of Tristan’s past to rights but she also worms her way into his heart. I was really captivated by this book and I just couldn’t put it down. I will definitely be reading more from this author in future and I will definitely be reading this book again as I love to read and reread!
Belleza and the Brute is the second book I’ve read by Jane Matisse and I really look forward to reading more by this author.
As you may be able to tell by the title, Belleza and the Brute is a modern day beauty and the beast tale. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite stories so I really can’t pass up anything evenly loosely based on the tale, this book is the best I’ve read in some time.
Elena has a knack for putting others ahead of herself and I feel like she’s a relatable character, how she came to meet Tristan is believable and their arrangement never seemed over the top to me somehow. I will say I have a tendency of reading the synopsis of a book then completely forgetting what I read, this story was no different so much of the plot took me by surprise. Tristan is an intriguing character, it is obvious he has a past and has been hurt, but he wasn’t a pompous jerk like we would see in so many similar novels.
I enjoyed the supporting characters just as much as Tristan and Elena, there’s even a Mrs. Potts type of woman!
The twist in this novel was in my eyes predictable, but once again you’re talking to the girl that thinks an entire novel is a surprise because she forgot the synopsis, so maybe we were supposed to know this detail all along. Regardless, this is Jane Matisse’s second novel and I truly enjoyed it, she’s definitely an author that’s on my radar now.
Belleza and the Brute- Jane Matisse
5-stars!
Belleza and the Brute by Jane Matisse is a must-read romance! This story completely took me by surprise, I absolutely loved this authors take on a classic story. This story is sweet, romantic, haunting, real, and steamy, it had me feeling all kinds of emotions!
From the get go I was rooting for Elena and Tristan and I was certainly not disappointed with how their story played out. I found it to be really engaging and entertaining the whole way through. I really connected with Elena’s character, she was a quiet, honest, and intense woman with a heart of gold. And it was love at first mention with Tristan, he made for the perfect book boyfriend, he was serious, successful, powerful, rough around the edges and sexy, with his scars and all! They were a truly perfect match.
Though this was my first book by this author it won’t be my last, I look forward to reading more from Jane in the future! This is a romance read I would certainly recommend to others!
Belleza and the Brute: A Modern-Day Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Jane Matisse is my first book by this author. I was drawn in because of the retelling of one of my favorite fairy tale. This is a modern day version and overall was an enjoyable read. The characters fit their roles and the story flowed as expected. There were some nice emotional moments but others that made me smack my head. I liked the character of Elena and her love and loyalty to her brother. Elena’s beast is the character, Tristan. He is a tortured soul stuck in his past and unable to move forward completely. The secondary characters were overall well done and helped to move the story along. If you are looking for a read with a familiar plot but set in modern times this is a nice book to pick up.
Belleza and the Brute; A Modern Day Retelling of Beauty and the Beast
By Jane Matisse
Rated 5 stars
Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite movies. So while reading this there are certain lines that I can hear the BEAST say that remind me of the cartoon. “Who Told you to come in here?” See? Gruff! In my head I hear “WHO TOLD YOU TO COME IN HERE?….ROAR. Then I smile to myself thinking I’m glad I picked up this book.
Tristan is difficult to understand. Not as a character but a person. He is secretive and doesn’t share personal information. He likes Elena she has qualities that draw him. He is “Beast like” in that he is surly and gruff but secretly admires and wants her. Which aggravates him therefore more surly and gruff….see the pattern here.
Elena is a saint. She is the only family her brother has left and will do anything to protect him. That’s how she gets herself into this predicament. Although she also has a curious nature and gets her into trouble more than once. Oh..and this Beauty loves to read as well.
The secondary characters are a mix of good and evil. Therefore some i liked and others i detested. Just like good storybook characters. I enjoyed Paola and Keith. They are cute together! His continuous flirting and her rebuffing makes me smile.
I enjoyed this story and am glad I grabbed it. This is a first time author for me. The story flowed nicely and I loved the comparisons. There was a lot of thinking in their heads towards the end which i am not a huge fan of. I prefer talking and interactions instead. The characters were delightful for the most part (remember I said some were evil). I read it fairly quickly just to see where the story would take me.
Belleza and the Brute: A modern-Day Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Jane Matisse is a great re-imagining of the tale we all know and love.
Elena has always taken care of her brother. Through his addiction she is the one who has stood by him and helped him through. So when she gets a call one night to say he is in trouble, yet again, she jumps to his rescue. However this time she isn’t able to pay off his debts. Instead she finds herself signing away six months of her life to live and work for Tristan Mercer. Her brother will attend rehab while she works to pay off his debts.
Trsitan isn’t quite what she expected. Scarred both physically and emotionally he is living half a life. Bitter from his loss he has shut himself off from everything. But when Elena moves in things begin to change. But can they change enough to open new possibilities? Or will the past be too much to overcome?
I was excited to see what this book had to offer, being a fan of the traditional Beauty and the Beast story. This one surely did not disappoint. I liked Elena and her desire to always protect her family. The lengths she would go to in order to protect her brother was admirable. But it was Tristan who really captured my attention. He was so broken and scarred that you couldn’t help but be drawn to him. The story was well constructed. It was interesting and engaging throughout. For anyone wanting to get completely lost within a story this book is definitely for you.
Belleza and the Brute: A Modern-Day Retelling of Beauty and the Beast
By: Jane Matisse
5 out of 5 stars
The story Belleza and the Brute: A Modern-Day Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Jane Matisse is a contemporary romance book. It is a book that I loved reading. I loved the characters of Elena Salazar and Tristan Mercier. Elena is a woman who is caring, compassionate, and loving. It is her love for her brother that finds her agreeing to a contract with Tristan. She is finding her attraction to him is becoming stronger each day. Tristan is a man that is very wealthy and keeps his personal life private. While he says that he will never love or give his heart away there is something about Elena that makes him want to get to know her. Is Elena able to break through the cold demeanor that he displays? Will Tristan be able to admit his true feelings for her? Do these two have a chance at a happy future together? Read this book to find out. This is a story that I just didn’t want to put down until I had read the final page. I got caught up in the romance and the emotions that both Elena and Tristan felt. The chemistry between these two is strong. The scenes between them are swoon-worthy. There are heartwarming scenes and also scenes that will make the temperature in the room rise. While this story is about loss and guilt, it is also about friendship and love. There are scenes that had me misty-eyed. There are other characters that you are introduced to. They all have a part to play in the story and I enjoyed reading about them and how they interact with each other and with Tristan and Elena. I couldn’t see the story being complete without any of them. If you love romance this is a book that you don’t want to miss out on.
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I enjoyed the emotional roller coaster ride it took me on. The characters are both relateable and loveable. Two people who are lost from tragic events from the past come together under one situation. I enjoyed watching them fight their way to the present. I also enjoyed the twists and turns that they took me on that kept me turning pages until the end. I highly suggest this book.
So I should mention I did struggle with this book a wee bit.
There were certain aspects of this story that were just not my cup of tea and if I had been aware of them before starting I would probably given “Belleza And The Brute” a miss.
So first things first, the title here, I wasn’t really a fan and it was only that this was described as a modern beauty and the Beast tale that made me overlook this.
I do so have a soft spot for anything Beauty and the Beast.
It’s one of my all-time favourite fairy-tale’s so I was definitely intrigued as soon as this was mentioned in the blurb.
Unfortunately, this book for me had quite a few of my most hated romance tropes.
The first being The dead wife or girlfriend, I really don’t like it especially when I feel the H or h is getting a raw deal and made to feel like second best.
In this, I felt like Elana drew the short straw which was a shame as she was really quite the sweetie.
A girl wants to feel like the most important person in their lover’s life, not a replacement for what they cant have and I really felt that Tristan felt this way overall, sigh.
Don’t mistake me Tristan’s past was tragic, I just think he should have ultimately committed himself more to the partner that was alive and breathing and just remembered his dead wife fondly and with love rather than totally obsessing over her.
Then there was Elana’s virginity, I’m so sick of the untouched virgin storyline.
Maybe if we were dealing with an eighteen-year-old then yeh Ok, but not at Elana’s age, it’s a highly improbable scenario.
Then on top of that, there were actions in this book on the H’s part that I was just like
Why Just Why?
So there deep breathe, that’s my negatives out of the way onwards and upwards.
So despite the above, I did finish this and it passed for me a pleasant couple of hours.
This was a lot lighter in nature than what I was expecting and was also well written and despite some reservations, I did want to keep reading to discover the end-game.
It’s just a real shame that ultimately we didn’t gel more.
That I think was really more about my own personal preferences than anything else.
That’s why after careful consideration I rated this three stars as this wasn’t actually badly written just a bit of a bad fit for me overall.
I still found “Belleza and The Brute” an enjoyable read, it just didn’t ultimately blow me away.
Oh, and on a sidenote that pet name Tristan used for Elana “Ma Puce” not only does the French sound plain awful and unromantic the meaning “My Flea” is so weirdly random I had to look it up to see if it was in actual fact a commonly used term and Yep it actually is!!!
who’d of thought ay.
It’s like calling someone sweetie apparently, how weird and wonderfully strange is that.
You learn something new every day, all-though I would still give my partner the stare of death and destruction and reign god damn mayhem on his head if he dared to refer to me in such a fashion as a bloody flea.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of “Belleza And The Brute” of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
It’s no secret that Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie so I was intrigued that this was being taglined as a modern re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. While you could tell the similarities, there were differences between the two as well.
I really didn’t like Tristan at the beginning. He acted like a jerk and there was no way I could root for him and Elena to be a couple. I think if there was a little more of his transformation from jerk to hero written into the book, I could have come to like him more. There was one scene that I didn’t care for but hey, it worked proving him as a jerk (since that was what he was trying to be at the time).
The big reveal of “who dun it?” was unexpected yet predictable (if that makes any sense). It was like you could see it coming but didn’t want to truly believe that it was true.
Overall, the book was enjoyable as long as you went in with a completely open mind and didn’t expect a sweet hero from the beginning.
3.5 stars for a modern retelling of a favorite fairytale.
I wasn’t overly taken with this story. There were parts that were just so… wrong, at least for me and I couldn’t get past them.
I didn’t particularly like Tristan, he was too stuck in the past, too indifferent toward Elana at times.
Elana was forced by circumstances to work for Tristan and she’s barely more than a doormat at times. I didn’t feel the chemistry the way I’d have liked to. It didn’t help that the story was told in third person so it was hard to get into the heads of the characters to see how they were really feeling. It’s based on Beauty and the Beast, hence the title, but for me, it just didn’t capture my imagination.
THE best retelling of beauty and the beast with keeping close to the Disney version. I loved this so much! Highly recommend!