Sunday, January 23, 2011

Guest Review - - When Beauty Tamed the Beast

When Beauty Tamed the Beast
By Eloisa James
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: January 25, 2011







In When Beauty Tamed the Beast, her second fairytale-based romance novel, Eloisa James combines elements of the traditional story with subtle subversions of it to weave a tale rich with humor, high in sizzle factor, and substantive in its portrayal of love as a healing, transforming power.

Linnet Thrynne possesses the kind of beauty that bemuses and enchants men from commoners to princes, but even so great a beauty as Linnet’s cannot overcome the disgrace of a shattered reputation. Her desperate father arranges her betrothal to Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, known in London as “the Beast” and sends her off to Wales where the Beast, supposedly sexually impotent, terrorizes most of those within and around his castle.

Within pages of meeting one another, Linnet and Piers agree they will not be marrying one another. Of course, the rest of the book is devoted to their discovering that what each most truly desires is to spend a lifetime together. Between first meeting and HEA, the reader will find the kind of banter possible only between two intelligent people with a keen sense of humor, the gradual revelation of the individuals beneath their cultivated surfaces, and a cast of wonderful secondary characters. I adore the butler. (Only Eloisa James would create a butler and name him Prufrock.)

Scholars have identified 179 Beauty and the Beast tales from different countries, and most romance readers can easily list several favorite treatments of the tale. James’s take on the story is unique among those I’ve read. Traditionally, the heroine is the youngest of three sisters, and her virtue equals her beauty. James begins her story with Linnet’s virtue being questioned, and Linnet’s beauty has a sensual quality that is a marked contrast to the more typical innocent beauty. Her aunt says to her, “That dimple, and something in your eyes and about your mouth. You look like a wanton.” While Beauty is often described as a booklover (Think Disney’s Belle), Linnet’s intelligence is as important as her beauty in WBTTB. It marks her as a misfit in London society. Her aunt cautions her, “I’ve told you time and time again, all that cleverness does you no good. People would like a lady to be beautiful, but they expect her to be ladylike, in short: sweet, compliant, and refined.” One of the ways the reader understands that Linnet belongs in Piers’s world is that the intelligence, tartness, assertiveness, and earthiness that had to be hidden in the polite world are the very qualities that make her a suitable match for the Beast.

Piers is no more a conventional Beast than Linnet is a conventional Beauty. I’m quite certain he’s the first Beast who is a practicing physician. The Beast most often is imaged as a lion-like creature, although some versions have portrayed him a looking like a bear, a warthog, and an elephant. Piers, on the other hand, looks rough and uncivilized, but Linnet is aware of his physical appeal and power almost immediately.

Her first impression of the rude man was that he was big—huge, in fact. The blond doctor was tall and lean, but this man was even taller, and much bigger. His shoulders seemed twice as wide as those of the other men. He was all muscle, with a kind of predatory force that looked out of place next to a sickbed. In fact, he looked as if he should be out leading hordes of Vikings . . . berserking, or whatever it was those men did for a living.

James reveals in her “Historical Note” that the cantankerous Piers with his crippled leg was inspired not by earlier Beasts but by TV’s Dr. Gregory House. House fans will recognize similarities to the acerbic doctor in the Beast’s difficult relationship with his father, his battle with chronic pain, his skills as a diagnostician, and his disregard for medical protocol as well as in his temperament and sharp wit.

James also does some interesting gender role reversal in her tale. It is Linnet, not Piers, who undergoes a physical transformation, and it is she who asks the question traditionally posed by the Beast: do you love me? In the most emotionally powerful scene in the book, it is Piers who finds Linnet and brings water to revive her. The most traditional part of WBTTB may well be the ending when once again love proves redemptive and a fruitful marriage provides the HEA.

As she did with A Kiss at Midnight, James has once again blended bits of an ancient story with historical details and the most cherished conventions of romance fiction to create a witty, allusive, emotional, sexy novel that bears her signature traits. Fans who have come to expect an outdoor love scene will be pleased, as will those who anticipate with pleasure the subplots that add complexity. If you’re an EJ fan already, run, do not walk, to your nearest book source. If you’ve never read Eloisa James, I highly recommend this book.

~Janga 

PJ here:  Thank you, Janga for that wonderful review!  Because I loved this book so much too, I'm giving away a copy to one randomly chosen person who leaves a comment today.  


96 comments:

  1. Beauty and the Beast stories are my favorite. It is always delightful when the story line is shaken up a bit. Eloisa James writes delightful, complex stories and this sounds like it will be one of my favorites. I love the cover.

    librarypat AT comcast DOT net

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  2. I am so looking forward to this book! Eloisa hit it out of the park with the first book in her fairy tale trio, "A Kiss at Midnight" so I'm excited to get my hands on this one!

    Enjoy the launch party,Eloisa!

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  3. I haven't read any of Eloisa James's books yet, but this one sounds wonderful! I'll have to add it to my never ending list. :) Thanks for the review, Janga!

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  4. Great review! I loved the previous book, "A Kiss at Midnight" (great dialog, if nothing else), so I'm really looking forward to reading this one.

    ironss[at]gmail.com

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  5. I can't wait to read this one. A Kiss at Midnight was glorious. Thanks for the review.

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  6. Janga

    Great review I do love Eloisa James's stories and I really need to catch up on a few she is an auto buy author for me.

    I look forward to reading this one

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  7. I'm dying to read this book!!! Not only am I a huge fan of Eloisa's but my fav fairytale is Beauty and the Beast. They both learn that character (and heart) is more important then countenance. So true.

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  8. I love beauty and the beast stories and I love Eloisa's books! I am breathless with anticipation over this one; I can't lie.

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  9. I love Eloisa James' writing and would love to read this book. .. That review has me chomping at the bit to read the story for myself!

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  10. Love, love Eloisa James' books - will be on the lookout for this one - sounds GREAT

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  11. I love anything Beauty and the Beast! It's one of my favorite tropes and I'm looking forward to reading this one:)

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  12. I would love to win BEAUTY AND THE BEAUTY! Eloisa James is one of my favorites! Thanks!

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  13. I love Eloisa Books, I was so happy that recommended that I give her a read. What a great read!

    Thank you.

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  14. I love the whole concept of using traditional fairy tales to weave romances from. And who better to do it than Eloisa James? I loved Kiss at Midnight and can't wait to see what she does with the beauty and beast theme.

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  15. Yeay! It's finally here! I remember following her blog/facebook posts as it was being written and the title chosen.

    Can't wait to read it!!

    caitlyn at metrotech dot ca

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  16. Awesome review! If I wasn't already. A fan if EJ, your review would have enticed me into becoming one. I have always loved the way EJ's characters go against romantic lit conventions. Can't wait for this new fairy tale . Again, wonderful praise for EJ and WBTTB.

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  17. I love Eloisa James' books! I can not wait to get my hands on this book. I just go through her books so quickly!

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  18. I adore fairy tales and after reading her "Cinderella" tale, I very much look forward to readintg this book!

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  19. Two more days and I can read my favorite fairy tale written in a yummy way.

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  20. I've read all of Eloisa James' books and this one looks to be another good read.

    I love when I find an author I can't put down.

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  21. Looks like an awesome story! I Love Eloisa James books!

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  22. I have always enjoyed Eloisa's books, and I was excited when I heard that she was getting into the fairy tales. "A Kiss at Midnight" was absolutely delightful, so I can't wait to read this one!

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  23. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale and I'm looking forward to reading this one!

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  24. Another wonderful Elosia James story to hold me enthralled.

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  25. Good Morning (or afternoon or evening)depending on where you live! It's wonderful to see so many new faces here today, sharing the EJ love. *grin*

    Janga, thanks again for bringing us an excellent review of WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST. I hope this one will be another NY Times Bestseller for Eloisa James. It certainly deserves to be!

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  26. librarypat, I also adore Beauty and Beast stories and WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST has shot right to the top of my favorites.

    Isn't that a great cover?

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  27. fsbuchler, A Kiss at Midnight made my list of 2010 favorites so I've been looking forward to When Beauty Tamed the Beast. I was not disappointed!

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  28. Eloisa is a great writer and from the "teasers" she has left on her Facebook page I can't wait to read this book.

    mpratteddy@gmail.com

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  29. Oh, Trisha! We need to correct that! You have some wonderful reading ahead!

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  30. Sheree, lots of terrific dialog in the new book too!

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  31. LSU Reader, I agree! Have you read Storming the Castle? It's an e-novella that is the story of Wick, the prince's brother from A Kiss at Midnight. Loved it!

    Oh, and the best part? It's only $1.99!

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  32. I have to read this one. Great review!

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  33. Helen, grab a drink, put your feet up in the cool air-conditioning and let Eloisa take you away! :)

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  34. They both learn that character (and heart) is more important then countenance.

    That's a good lesson for us all, isn't it, Kirsten? Hope you enjoy the book!

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  35. I love beauty and the beast stories and I love Eloisa's books! I am breathless with anticipation over this one; I can't lie.

    Only two more days to wait! Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you'll visit us again!

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  36. silygoos said, I love Eloisa James' writing and would love to read this book. .. That review has me chomping at the bit to read the story for myself!

    Doesn't it though? I've already read an advance copy of the book but Janga's review has me wanting to dive right back in for a second go-around!

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  37. I have yet to read a Eloisa James book that I didn't love. She is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read this one.

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  38. I love Eloisa's books and am looking forward to losing myself in this one.

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  39. Oooo - a "beast" based on the Dr. House character, who I actually like. Can't wait to get my "paws" on this tale because I know Eloisa's writing and love her style. Thanks for your review of this new novel!!

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  40. I love Eloisa James' books and cannot wait to get my hands on When Beauty Tamed the Beast. It looks like it will be another EJ favorite and a best seller too. Love her stuff very much, she is an amazing writer.

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  41. Love Eloisa James, her books have a prominent spot on my "keeper shelf".
    Beauty and the Beast theme is a favorite. So often in reality inner beauty is overlooked and outer beauty praised. Give me a man with wit and intellegence and I'm hooked. Can't wait to read this one

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  42. I always love whatever Eloisa does. Always have. She paints pictures with her words. Looking forward to this one.

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  43. This would be such a lovely win! Crossing my fingers!! Love love love book giveaways!! :-)

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  44. Beauty and beast stories are my favorites!!!!..Cant wait till Tuesday,I know she'll do a gret job telling this story!

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  45. This sounds like such a good book - I can't wait to get my hands on a copy and read it!

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  46. I still remember reading James' first book which I bought after attending a workshop she did at the RWA conference in Chicago in 1999! I remember thinking, after reading her first book, that she's going to write lots of great stories! And she did!

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  47. Jerusha Thomas: This would be my first Eloisa J. book. I would very much appreciate having it soon. sounds utterly fascinating :) had me daydreaming and deeply curious of the plot just after reading 2 chapters. can't wait! ~ 18, Malaysia.

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  48. Very good review, Janga. I like fairy tale-type stories. Because of your review, I will pick this one up. I am not--okay, I'm going to get gasps from all of you here--an EJ fan...., but I will try this story.

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  49. Can't wait to read this book. Eloisa is awesome, I don't think she could write a bad book.

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  50. I have always loved Beauty and the Beast stories and Eloisa James, so this is the perfect combination! The book sounds absolutely delightful.

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  51. Ruth C, it's a wonderful story. Hope you enjoy!

    Bella, it's one of my favorite tropes too and Eloisa's twist on the traditional story is so delicious!

    RW1010, thanks for stopping by!

    K Stew E, I enjoy most of Eloisa's books too but the first two of her fairy tale series (plus Wick's novella) have really scored high marks with me!

    Edea, hope you enjoy WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST!

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  52. Caiks said, Yeay! It's finally here! I remember following her blog/facebook posts as it was being written and the title chosen.


    Seems like time is going so slowly and then...Wham!...it's book release time! Hope you enjoy the book!

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  53. Time for me to get ready for work but I'll be back online later.

    It's so great to see all of you here today. Be sure to stop back in the next few days to find out if you're a winner!

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  54. I'm so glad my wait for this book is ALMOST over, reading the first two chapters and then having to wait has been torture! Beauty and the Beast was always my favorite fairytale, with Robin McKinley's "Beauty" at the top of my list of adaptations, followed by Mercedes Lackey's "The Fire Rose".
    I have a feeling I'll need to rearrange my list once I've finished "When Beauty Tamed the Beast"...:D

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  55. Absolutely fabulous review, Janga! Eloisa has long been an auto buy for me, and When Beauty Tamed the Beast is at the top of my list.

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  56. This book sounds fantastic....love the title!!!

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  57. I love Eloisa's books. This one sounds grwat and I can't wait to read. I hope I win!!

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  58. Sounds wonderfully exciting..a definate must read!

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  59. OMG I love House & to have Piers compared to House has me salivating to read this book. LoL
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam

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  60. Got my copy from the bookstore and definitely looking forward to diving into the book!

    Great review Janga! And yes, Eloisa does come up with the best names for her characters no? Some of my favorites are Cherryderry from A Kiss at Midnight, and Lord Sibblestich from This Duchess of Mine.

    I used to watch House, and Hugh Laurie really is incredible. What I find most impressive about him is that he's British, but you'd never know it from the show! (Though I imagine he gets tired of talking about that during every interview, lol). I loved him in Sense and Sensibility and had a great scene in Friends too.

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  61. I can't wait to this one. Thanks for being such a good author.

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  62. I absolutely cannot wait for this one Eloisa!!! The review was great.

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  63. I love Eloisa, and cannot wait for this book!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  64. This book sounds very interesting. I love the Essex sister books.

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  65. I can't wait to read this book! It sounds like it's going to be wonderful ... just like all of her other books!

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  66. Hello,

    Thanks for the great review. I discovered Eloisa James' books a year or two ago and have really enjoyed them. Beauty and Beast is one of my fave Disney movies (This is my only reference point) and I really like the idea of changing up the story, but keeping the essence intact. Looking forward to this book. Thanks.

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  67. The review has totally whetted my appetite to read another of one of my favorite author's works, When Beauty Tamed the Beast. (And I'd REALLY like to win it, as well!)

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  68. I'm really looking forward to reading this book. I love Eloisa James' work.

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  69. I love Beauty and the Beast stories! I can't wait for this one!

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  70. I can't wait to get my hands on this one. Love her books!

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  71. I just love Eloisa, everytime I read one of her books I learn something new about writing. I cannot wait to read When Beauty Tamed the Beast to learn more.

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  72. Terrific review, Janga! I will be picking this one up, for sure. I love fairy-tale themes and EJ is awesome!

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  73. Thanks for a fabulous guest review, Janga! I love Eloisa's books and I'm looking forward to reading this book.

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  74. I love Beauty and the Beast. The little differences pointed out in the review leave me intrigued about how they could impact the HEA. Great review and thanks for the giveaway.

    smccar1 at hotmail dot com

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  75. If this is open internationally, I'd love to enter! (I'm in the UK.) She's one of my favorite authors, and I can't wait to read this book.

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  76. Thanks for the review. It sounds interesting.

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  77. This one is on my wish list. I love fairy tales, especially when they are transformed into an adult story!

    cbandy10(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  78. Looking forward to this great read! Eloisa James is my #1 favortie authur ever! Her books are always something that's hard to put down.

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  79. I enjoy beauty/beast stories as well and would love to win this won.

    Thanks for the review :)

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  80. I love Eloisa James I have read every one of her books and loved them all. Beauty and the beast type stories are my favorite and I can't wait for this one! Great post today!!!!!

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  81. I am looking forward to this book too! Eloisa is an amazing storyteller.

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  82. Thanks for stopping by today, everyone! We hope you'll visit us again.

    Be sure to check back to find out if you've won a copy of WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST!

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  83. I can't wait to read When Beauty Tamed the Beast. I love Eloisa's stories and I know this will be another fantastic one.

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  84. Eloisa is an auto-buy for me. I have all her books on my keeper shelf and I can't wait to read WBTTB. It would be wonderful to win it! Thanks.

    Meljprincess AT aol DOT com

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  85. Sounds like an interesting and fun book.

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  86. I'd love to win this! It's already on my TBR list!

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  87. What an interesting blogpost. I have to agree, there is something about truly witty dialogue that makes me re-read a book. This is one reason I am a romance reader. It really challenges the pre-conceived notions that romance novels are meaningless fluff with unrealistic sex. Obviously they have never read EJ (or a whole host of other favorites).

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  88. I can't wait to read another from Eloisa! The Lady Most Likely was just AMAZING!! Good luck to everyone! P.S. Pick me please!! ;)

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  89. This sounds so good...would love to read it! Like the cover a lot too
    lgm52@hotmail.com

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  90. I've not read Eloisa James yet, however I love a good Beauty and the Beast story. This one sounds intriguing! Thanks for the review.

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  91. I can't wait to read this book! Who doesn't love fairy tales and romance. Plus Eloisa is fabulous!

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  92. Love her stuff. Can't wait to read it!

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  93. Great review! :) I'd love to read (and win) this book!

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  94. Forgot to say, I'm at sweetbrier at shaw dot ca Just in case I'm a lucky winner. :)

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  95. great review! Eloisa James incorporates so much wisdom into her characters. I can't wait to read her Beast!

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