beauty and the beast – Sydney Winward

Book Review of Bjerner and the Beast by Miranda Grant

My Review

Wow! I really enjoyed this book.

What better match could you have for a woman who can turn people to stone with a single look than someone who is blind? Greek mythology mixed with Beauty and the Beast made for an interesting tale of love and heartbreak. Not only did this story contain some really funny dialogue, but I found myself near to tears on multiple occasions when the story took a sad turn.

Miranda Grant has a talent for weaving an incredible story and hitting the reader right in the feels. Bjerner and the Beast is the perfect mixture to make a heartbreakingly amazing love story.

My rating 5 stars

June 5, 2021June 5, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Moonfire Bride by Sylvia Mercedes

My Review

A year and a day. That’s how long Valera must stay with the fae man who has stolen her away to be his bride. But if she can’t see him and she doesn’t know if she can trust him, will she be able to keep herself from finding a way to see his face?

The Moonfire Bride was everything I hoped it would be and more. I loved the story and the style of writing. I especially enjoyed every scene Erolas and Valera had together. I couldn’t help but wonder… Who was this mysterious fae man and what curse was he under?

The story was perfectly paced, perfectly spun, and the ending left me eager to start reading the second in the series.

My rating: 5 stars

May 4, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Shatter the Dark by Jenna Collett

My Review

The tale of Hansel and Gretel has never been one of my favorites, but in Shatter the Dark, Jenna Collett managed to create something unique, entertaining, and above all, romantic. I ADORED this mashup of Hansel and Gretel and Beauty and the Beast. Both Liana and Bowen are such a great match, each a little bloodthirsty in their own ways and out for revenge. Despite their dark pasts, they bring out the best in each other and I loved seeing how each character transformed into something strong at the other’s side.

Once again, Jenna Collett has weaved an incredible fairy tale retelling, one that brings back other characters in the series while maintaining that fun, humorous tone I like so much. This book is definitely worth a read for those who love fairy tales, humor, and unique retellings.

My rating: 5 stars

April 27, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Scarred Mage of Roseward: Wraith by Sylvia Mercedes

My Review

In Wraith, Sylvia Mercedes masterfully wraps up the conclusion of The Scarred Mage of Roseward series. The author throws new twists and turns, both surprising and delighting the reader. The book comes to an interesting but hopeful end for the characters we have come to love and adore.

I think my only disappointment with this book was the chemistry I had hoped would blossom between the characters. I think Nelle had more chemistry with Kyriakos, and even Sam, than she had with Soran. And by the end, Soran had more chemistry with his own creation than he did with Nelle.

Overall, I really enjoyed the series and I’m looking forward to discovering other books by Sylvia Mercedes.

My rating: 3.5 stars

April 18, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Scarred Mage of Roseward: Prisoner by Sylvia Mercedes

Book Review

At book one, I craved more. At book two, I can say I might actually be addicted to the world Sylvia Mercedes has created in The Scarred Mage of Roseward series. In his past, Soran Silveri was not a good guy. He was arrogant and selfish. But in this book, I truly got to see the beauty deep within his soul. His dedication to keep others safe. His need to protect Nelle from the dangers she faces each day. I couldn’t help but fall a little more in love with Soran, and I can’t wait to see how he continues to grow in the next and final book.

My rating: 5 stars

April 16, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Grace by Contract Book Tour

After her father uproots the family to the northern duchy of Brackenhurst, Grace Eldon and her four younger sisters struggle with a new life of hardship. Desperate to keep a roof over their heads amid mounting debts, she and her youngest sister seek employment in the Duke of Brackenhurst’s household despite fearsome rumors.

Scarred and maimed from a terrible fire Silas Isling, Duke of Brackenhurst, buries himself in his work to avoid the stares of pity and fear. When one of the new maids shows no fear at his appearance, he is intrigued. That is until his meddling steward gives her the task of cleaning Silas’ bookroom. It is a most unwelcome disruption since he prefers to be alone.

While a thief plagues his castle, an old nemesis reappears, and enemies invade in the guise of guests. Amidst the distractions and chaos, Grace brings some unexpected order. Once convinced his scars had stolen all hope for love, Silas finds his life forever changed by the quiet maid. Could she love a scarred Duke?

Inspired by Beauty and the Beast

March 5, 2021February 13, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Beauty and the Baron by Joanna Barker

My Review

Kindness matters most when it is hardest to give.

Fairy tale retellings are one of my favorite types of books to read, and Beauty and the Baron did not disappoint. The book was short and sweet, full of a wide range of vivid descriptions and beautiful emotions. The characters were fun to read about, with great chemistry and adorable scenes that often had me smiling.

If you’re looking for a sweet regency retelling of Beauty and the Beast, you should definitely give this book a try.

My rating: 5 stars

November 29, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Beauty and the Beast Live Action Movie Review

Let’s talk about this movie for a sec.

First of all, I am a HUGE fan of Disney movies, especially when there are princesses involved. When the live action Cinderella movie came out, I loved it so much that I felt so floaty and happy after I came out of the theater. The casting was perfect. The story was perfect. Even the twists that weren’t in the animated film were perfect. So it makes me disappointed to say that I definitely did not have these same thoughts and reactions to Beauty and the Beast live action. Why?

Continue reading “Beauty and the Beast Live Action Movie Review”

February 5, 2019March 5, 2019 by Sydney Winward