The last thing beautiful, inexperienced Joshua Bellamy wants is an arranged marriage with the terrifying Darius Legrand. But if Joshua wants to save himself and his family from being thrown onto the streets by Darius’s father, he has no choice. However, when Darius goes to extreme lengths to rescue Joshua from near-death, Joshua has to wonder if there’s more to his beastly husband than he … previously thought.
Former Captain Darius Legrand is used to being manipulated by his cruel father, but when Joshua is dragged into the feud between their families, he decides something has to change. Protecting Joshua is one thing, but Darius knows that falling in love can’t be an option. Someone so young and beautiful could never give his heart to an older ill-tempered brute like Darius.
Joshua is determined to bring joy to Darius’s life again, and Darius refuses to let Joshua hide his sweetness from the world any longer. Over time, it becomes clear that despite their differences, their hearts are drawing closer together. But can happiness ever be possible for a rose and a thorn when Darius’s father will go to any lengths to see his deadly game through?
Thorn in His Side is a steamy, standalone MM romance novel featuring tender bubble baths, a stubborn but loyal horse, thunder storms, enough healing touches to mend any broken heart, and a guaranteed HEA with absolutely no cliffhanger.
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Story 3.75
Audio 5 stars
I was given a free audio copy from the author and the GRR arc team for review.
I’m conflicted with how to rate this because at first I hated Darius but he grew on me. Whereas I loved Joshua from the start and even more as the story went on. Once they got on I thought they made a cute couple. The issues I have are with the plot. There are def some continuity issues. Is it modern times or ancient times? It bounced back and fourth rather contradictory in that matter. Then there’s the lack of realism. I know it’s suppose to be a fairy tale retelling but I just don’t believe the premise and parts of the plot were way too unbelievable. In the end I think it’s a cute love story with some steamyness and a interesting story that kept my interest from start to finish and I would recommend to anyone that likes fairytales. Just as long as you don’t put too much thought into the technicalities like I did.
I am a huge fan of retold fairytales and Thorn in His Side ticked all my boxes. Darius has spent a miserable life being the pawn of his truly evil father. His scars earned in the military make him feel hideous. He acts brutish but underneath all that pain is a wonderful man. Joshua begins his forced marriage to Darius as a meek man. I loved seeing him grow into a strong, confident one. The supporting characters add a wonderful layer to the story. All of them come together to defeat sinister plans and form a beautiful family.
Recommended author and series
Audiobook: Fantastic narrator
Narration ~ 5 Stars!
Story ~ 3.75 Stars!
Overall ~ 4.25 Stars
Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairytales ever and while Helen Juliet’s version was good, entertaining even, there were a few things that didn’t quite work for me.
Let’s start with what I loved: The narration. Every single book I’ve listened to with Kieran Flitton has been consistently excellent. He always delivers a great performance and gives each character a distinctive voice that generally fits my idea of them.
What I Liked: The whole idea of an MM retelling of the Beauty and the Beast, which actually followed the storyline fairly close, with a few twists.
Joshua and Darius were pretty well suited despite their age difference and were nice enough, at least once Darius decided to try to be. And it didn’t hurt that they had great chemistry.
What I Didn’t Like: Okay, so this is mostly me nitpicking, but I hate it when characters (male or female) cry at the drop of a hat. Joshua did it a lot and it was annoying. I got he was innocent and young, but there was no need to make him a crybaby on top of it all.
The idea of Darius, a 37-year-old Captain, allowing his father to manipulate him in the way he did was just too OOC.
And of course, Darius’s father, who was horrible and deranged and I simply don’t get how he could get away with everything he did.
Overall, though. I found the audiobook entertaining, the last portion was a bit OTT, but still enjoyable. Darius and Joshua were likable and I was rooting for them to get their HEA. Still, I have no trouble recommending it, it was nice to lose myself in the audiobook while doing some chores here at home today.
Audio Review
Overall – 5
Story – 5
Performance – 5
Suspenseful with great audio performance.
I thought this was a good take off of Beauty and the Beast. I love books with a fake marriage trope and thought that this one was really good. The audio of this story had a Victorian vibe to it for me even though set in present day. This might be due to the British accent and the fake marriage between a wealthy man and a pauper. I loved Kieran Flitton’s performance. It’s only the second audiobook I’ve listened to by him but I will surely listen to more. I loved all of his different voices and he really rocked the creepy nasty voice of Darius’s father.
This is a slow burn story about a timid MC who lacks confidence, and a vulnerable MC with war wounds who doesn’t see how anyone could ever love him. In the end they both fight for their lives against a horrible monster. The last third of the book was particularly captivating for me and I couldn’t stop listening until I finished it in the wee hours of the morning.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
This standalone novel takes the Beauty and the Beast fairytale and not only modernizes it but revamps the familiar tale into something new and fresh. Joshua Bellamy and Darius Legrand are two men trapped by circumstances that require them to marry without ever meeting first. For both men, this marriage seems like it will just be a source of misery and heartache, especially with the overbearing and evil rules imposed by Darius’ bitter and controlling father. But what was supposed to be a miserable situation soon changes into something beautiful and pure when Josh and Darius begin to fall in love. Unfortunately, Josh and Darius falling in love was not in the original plans, and if they want to stay together they will have to fight for their relationship and their lives.
I loved every moment of this book. It felt like the perfect mixture between fairy tale and contemporary romance with a fresh twist to old tropes. There were a lot of sweet and fluffy scenes mixed with really steamy, sexy moments that were not only hot, but heart-meltingly intimate. The end of the book was packed with action that had my heart in my throat the entire time. I stayed up way too late (and was late for work in the morning, oops!!!) because I couldn’t put the book down. I loved this story and hope that there will be a sequel or at least a short story so we can revisit Josh and Darius in the future.
The audiobook was narrated by Kieran Flitton who has one of the most delightful voices I’ve had the pleasure of listening to. He did the character voices really well and made them feel engaging and like real people. I had no trouble keeping up with who was speaking and was able to follow along in the story with no trouble. The audiobook production was well done and incredibly enjoyable to listen to. I could hardly stop listening once I started. I definitely recommend this book.
Roughly based on Beauty and the Beast but in modern times.
Helen Juliets writing of this book gripes you from the beginning. You have the young beauty in Joshua, a good looking beast in Darius and then the wicked father who tries his hardest to ruin everyone’s life he ever comes into contact with.
Set in a fairytale castle that’s long been neglected. The twists that come along throughout the book keep you interested from the start to finish.
The characters are well written and flaws in the characters make you fall in love with them. A great story that I can recommend.
I read the book and listened to it on Audio. However you choose to read this book, you won’t be dissapointed.
Beautiful retelling of Beauty and the Beast! Joshua is such an innocent with Darius as his beast. Absolutely loved the new spin on the classic. I felt so many emotions reading this book. I was anxious and cried when Darius’s horrible father entered the picture. Their love prevailed!!
Joshua and Darius’ forced marriage by Darius’ wicked father was a twist on Beauty and the Beast. With Darius’s painful past he was reluctant to let himself fall in love with Joshua thinking the young and beautiful man could not love him with his scars and temper. But alas after some madness and mayhem both men got their happily ever after in their reclusive castle.
Thorn in His Side was my first read by Helen Juliet and I really enjoyed this modern day retelling of the fairytale classic Beauty and the Beast. Darius is a rumbly, grumbly “beast” of a man that due to life circumstances and a cruel father hides himself away from the world in a grand, but lifeless castle. Joshua is the beautiful, sweet and innocent young man that is forced to marry Darius to satisfy his fathers debts. It was sweet at times, sad at times, and definitely sexy at times, but through it all I loved watching their love story develop.
OMG! Helen Juliet made it again! The story of Darius and Joshua is an amazing modern retelling of the classic tale of Beauty and the Best with a MM twist. This is a story of love and courage, and how two lovers found inside themselves and in their love for each other, the strength to overcome all the obstacles and defeat evilness. Wonderful reading!!
Alright then, people, listen up, and listen GOOD!
READ THE DAMN BOOK!!
Cos let me tell ya, I Love Ms Juliet, I *think* I’ve read most of her back catalogue, but every time I read a new one, it becomes my favourite, adn this is no exception!
Darius’ father (and I use the term very loosely!) blackmails Joshua’s father (and I use the term far less loosely for him) into making Joshua marry Darius so Joshua doesn’t lose his family home. That Darius begins to feel for Joshua is regardless. That Darius begins to WANT Joshua, more so. But Victor doesn’t want Darius and Joshua to be happy, and he will go to any length to keep them apart.
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast and for a long time I did NOT get that, but somewhere along the line, the penny dropped and all the hints and clues came together. I loved that I missed them though!
Darius is, my his own admission, a grumpy soul, who is just about existing in his castle. Joshua is scared of the older man at first but Darius tries to keep away, so not to scare him. At some point, though, Darius begins to seek out Joshua’s company and the pair grwo closer by the day. Victor, Darius’ father person, doesn’t like that, but he thinks he thought of everything. Joshua proves him wrong.
I loved the part the roses play in the story, how it joins both Darius and Joshua’s late mums. That Joshua, even though he has no gardening skills, tries hard to make them bright again. Loved what Joshua does for Darius when he finds out about his childhood dog. LOVED the supporting cast at the castle!
Hated, hated HATED Victor! That man was nasty at the beginning, but he really has to be the worse kind of father person EVER! But when it all becomes clear WHY he’s doing all this, and then, what he’s been doing to his own company all this time, it really is the final nail in his coffin. *wanted so bad for Joshua to really hit with that shovel!*
It’s delightfully sexy, with some heavy emotions and darker story lines, and I really rather bloody loved it!
So, again, READ THE DAMN BOOK.
AUDIO REVIEW.
Now, I don’t like to swear in reviews, its not really very professional. However, I feel this particular narration requires me, nay, FORCES me to stress a point!
Kieron Flitton f8cking NAILS it! Nails the damn book to the wall, with a hammer so f8cking big it about breaks!
His voices are perfect. His reading voice is perfect. The emotion the man gets across is PERFECT!!
He gets across the terror that Darius feels, that first time Joshua runs. He gets across the joy that Joshua feels as he and Darius grow closer. And when it all goes down?? I was walking home from work at that bit, but I sat at a bus stop for 2 chapters, I had to concentrate, to absorb it all! F8cking brilliant, is all I can say!
And get this? He’s only got a handful of books under his belt! I mean, nailing this level of skill, with so few books? I can’t WAIT to listen to his skill grow as he gets more audio books narrated, cos there WILL be more, I tell ya!
I look forward to listening to more of his work, especially paired with Ms Juliet. I have one, Right Royal Affair, sitting waiting, so very patiently!
5 stars (but really want to give more!) for the book
5 stars for the narration (but again, f8cking more are needed!)
5 stars overall.
5 stars (but really want to give more!)
**thank you, Ms Juliet, for my copy**
4 ½ Stars
I enjoyed this.
Darius and Joshua are good, solid characters. I quickly came to love them as individuals and as a couple. They are written with the fairy tale in mind, and some scenes remind me of that, but they are so much more. They learn and grow together, moving past innocence and delving into the adult areas of trust, passion, and love.
The secondary characters are supportive of the storyline and bring to mind a particular animated movie. I like that. The warm and happy feeling I got reading this was reminiscent of how I felt upon viewing the video those many, many times when my children were small. And I love the horse.
The villain of the piece is appallingly bad, with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. His part in the tale is over the top evil, and just the mention of him was enough to have me shuddering in disgust. Had the story not been as sweet as it is, I would have been tense the entire time because of him.
With his darkness overshadowing everything, the book is surprisingly lighthearted. Darius and Joshua made that happen. Their slow dance into their HEA gave me plenty to hope for as the pages turned.
I look forward to more by this author.
Darius’ father is controlling and villain like in his evilness. So when he forces a marriage of convenience upon Darius with the sweet Joshua, Darius is not expecting much. For his part, Joshua isn’t looking forward to his marriage to the brutish Darius either. Luckily for both, neither man is quite what the other had expected, and feelings start to grow. But Darius knows better than to form an obvious connection, lest his father notice and target Joshua for his wrath, so he isn’t outwardly expressive of his feelings. Will they ever be able to show their feelings for each other?
I love me a good fairy tale retelling, and this one is really an enjoyable take on Beauty and the Beast. Although slow burn in feel, the two have amazing chemistry, and are likable characters both individually and as a couple. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next.
A terrific modern-day, steamy, and romantic retelling of beauty and the beast. Joshua and Darius couldn’t be more opposite, and are forced into being prisoners in a marriage arranged by Darius’s manipulative father. I felt so bad for both Joshua and Darius. They’re both so afraid and vulnerable, though it takes a bit for Darius to let his guard down so Joshua can see this side of him. He starts off brutish and grumpy and literally makes Joshua flee the castle after a frightening altercation. But with Joshua’s persistence in being kind and compassionate, Darius can’t ignore his heart any longer. And these two when they finally start to realise they can have something more together are beyond sweet. They had me constantly swooning! Thorn in His Side is most definitely a magical and beautiful read with a fairytale romance. Loved it!
What a stunning read. I adored Darius and Joshua story, the beast and the beauty. This was an authors take on this well known fairy tale and it’s perfect!
Retelling a classic tale in an original and surprising way is quite a difficult task, but I think Helen Juliet did a great job! I loved how unique and complex the MCs were. They are not your obvious Belle and Beast impersonations, there is much more to them and it is clear from page one.
The plot is also very well developed and despite the fairy tale in the background, it does not feel repetitive.
Overall, it’s a really good book and I loved reading it!
What an enjoyable fun read! My first by this author but not my last, really enjoyed this fast reading well written tale with shades from beauty and the the beast.
Inspiring fairy tale retelling with drama, action, courage and love. This is a truly delightful re-look at one of my favorite fairy tales, Beauty and the Beast. The scene is set and the story unfolds with wonderful writing and a well executed plot. I really enjoyed the characters and their insights into each other and themselves. I found Zeus and Hephaestus really adorable.
Darius and Joshua have challenges communicating in the beginning and yet they find a way to be better together. Each of these MC’s will touch your heart and make you want to give them hugs and admire their courage as they stand against the bad guys.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
Such a lovely, genderbent retelling of Beauty and The Beast, one of my favorite fairytales.
Darius is so deliciously perfect as the wounded beast, with a gruff and taciturn exterior that hides such a gentle and protective soul.
His cruel, monstrous, vicious father has made it his mission to destroy his life.
The forced, arranged marriage he foists on Darius was simply another means to provoke more harm while conducting his shady business practices.
Poor, sweet, gentle Joshua is simply a pawn in this cruel game of chess.
His unintentional and unknowing role was to be a constant reminder of Darius’s (in his father’s opinion) less than physical attributes and his perverted nature.
Darius attempts to hold himself in check out of fear for Joshua’s safety, but his defenses simply crumble when faced with his overwhelming desire for him as well as the chance to finally be happy.
Seeing their friendship develop into something more was wonderfully sweet.
Joshua’s love healed Darius, bringing him back into the land of the living, instead of simply existing on the fringes of it.
Darius, in turn, gave Joshua the strength to be confident and fiercely brave.
The conclusion was suspenseful and action packed, with Joshua coming in to the rescue.
An absolutely lovely, charming, sweet, emotionally charged story about the healing power of love.
Thorn in His Side by Helen Juliet mixes steam with tender. Its an m/m romance about an arranged marriage, falling in real love, and uncovering betrayals. The writing is well done, the plot entertaining and the characters are wonderful. Fantastic story with sweetness and heat.