The Borrowed Rose: Beauty and the Beast Book Recommendations and Retellings

Warwick Goble's Beauty & the Beast, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Do you wonder what classifies a story as a fairy tale?   I 've been wondering that lately, as I read a wider variety of  Beauty and the Beast tales.   Plus, h ow can I discern if a retelling is a true fairy tale or a fun rendition using the BATB premise of girl falls for beastly guy?   So I did a bit of light research (resources at the end), and here's what I found about the general make-up of a fairy tale: There's a moral lesson to be learned There's a heroine or hero There's an obstacle, task that needs to be accomplished or ordeal to be endured There's magic involved There are friends or other characters supporting the protagonist There's a happily ever after - the ordeal is overcome! and...   I'm not sure of the reliability of this source , but it sure sounds legit and rings true with what I know of the original Beauty and the Beast tale: A fairy ...

There's one thing that Beauty & the Beast fan fiction doesn't skimp on - racy retellings of this beloved fairy tale.  courtesy of StockSnap I've found, especially via Kindle Unlimited and with the relative ease that authors can self publish, there's a plethora of racy versions no matter the genre you're seeking.   Looking for a fun browse through stories that push the boundaries into light erotica?   Check out alien abductions, shape shifters or other paranormal topics.   I've seen equally racy selections in contemporary romance and have read my share of racy historical picks.   We love racy.   It's ok to own it.   It's safe here.   And what better time of the year to enjoy a racy retelling of a favorite fairy tale?   Summer, of course!   Beach time, pool time, sofa time, before bed time.   Anytime is a great time for a racy rendition in the summer.   Though I might posit that anytime in the year is great for a racy r...

I've mentioned in my  reading list for 2020  that I'm changing up my go-to genres for reading this year, adding varieties that are outside of my usual picks.  In fact, this year, I made a TBR book list.  I've not done that before, and so far I'm digging it.  I often veer away from the list or pause and fit in a few other selections, but so far, it's been helpful when I've just finished a book and am aimless in moving to the next one.  I have a few long ones on the list this year, and find that I tend to pause for a day to finish taking in the characters and story before launching into a new world.  The list gets me picking up the next book faster, spending less time browsing on the Kindle . Courtesy of Pixabay This approach has also worked well for Beauty & the Beast retellings this year.  However, I need to pick up the pace - I'm five of 12 and only have three new ones (not even on the list!) to share with you for this report.  But I di...

Sooooo… that vacation. Yep, off the books due to Covid. I hate that. We love to travel and like to get away and see something new every few moths or so. In the meantime, I'm discovering some cool ways to explore the world. Phantom phans, this one is for you. BATB fans, the Phantom is a creepy cousin to the Beauty & the Beast tale. Well, both are rather creepy. Beauties and beasts, in their own fashion, so we're going with it. The Palais Garnier in Paris and Google Arts & Culture partnered to bring us a virtual tour of the Palais Garnier . Woot! There are views of the lake under the Palais, views of lovely Paris from the rooftop, the Library-Museum and the theater itself where you can see the fresco ceiling and famed chandelier. They also include pictures of the artwork and statues that adorn the Palais, inside and out. Every nook and cranny has a sculpture or painting to discover. The Wikipedia site on Palais Garnier includes a fun illustration indicating ...

As I mentioned in the  reading list for 2020 post , I'm endeavoring to change up my go-to genres for reading in general.  I've taken that to heart and added a bit of variety for the retellings read over the 2020 winter months.  A contemporary romance, sci-fi rendition, and an Amish retelling made the list this season. Of Beast & Beauty  by Stacey Jay - A dystopian, sci-fi-esque, young-adult retelling with a moral undertone encouraging acceptance of differences. Belle:  An Amish Retelling of Beauty and the Beast (An Amish Fairytale Book 1)  by Sarah Price - A sweet, clean romance between a disfigured recluse and a heart-strong Belle. Beauty & the Billionaire:  A Dirty Fairy Tale (Dirty Fairy Tales Book 1)  by Lauren Landish - A racy BATB-esque story. Masque (Two Monarchies Sequence Book 5)  by W.R. Gingell - A delightful read about a smart, savvy protagonist set in an environment evoking the Victorian era. 💖 Beauty and the Phanto...

Everything has to have a first, including happily ever afters (HEAs).  The love story of Cupid & Psyche is noted to be literature's first fairy-tale.  Elements within the story influence tales such as Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast.   Shakespeare also drew on elements from the tale for his M idsummer Night's Dream . The story of Cupid & Psyche itself is cleverly embedded within a larger story, called Metamorphoses (which was also called The Golden Ass ), written by Roman author Lucius Apuleius Madaurensis in 2nd century AD.  Cupid & Psyche's story is one of overcoming obstacles with a heavy dose of soap-opera drama.  You know those fickle, attention-greedy mythological gods. Cupid & Psyche's Story:  The First Happily Ever After Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss by Antonio Canova (my own photo) The general plot goes something like this:  Psyche is gorgeous and Venus is jelly.  She sends her son Cupid to make Psyche fal...

Happy New Year, 2020! Last year I decided to track what I read each month.  As I review the list, I realize that I don't have quite as much diversity in my genre selections as I'd like.  So this year, I'm taking a new approach to grow the variety of genres that I ingest.  Sure, I'll still throw in random picks, because, you know, you get an itch for a particular something every once in a while. I have a monthly list of books I'll be tackling for general fiction and a few "business" selections.  I also have 12 Beauty and the Beast choices, that I'd love to share with you.  I typically lean towards retellings that are fantasy in nature. This year, I'd like to read a few retellings that are yes, fantastical, because the fairy tale is that, but in a different setting--contemporary, for example. So, in no particular order: updated 6/28/20 Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay - read Masque by W.R. Gringell - read Lord of Scoundrels by Lor...