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I looked between the monster and the man, and I knew at once who was the beast.
Isabelle Berger grew up hearing stories of a legendary beast who killed over a hundred people. When a new wolf is spotted near the forest, the men of her village are convinced that another monster is on the rise. Isabelle is less certain, until her father is killed in the hunt.
Alone and hungry for revenge, Isabelle strikes out on her own to face the dreaded beast. But in this darker twist of a timeless fairytale, things might not be what they seem.
Can Isabelle find beauty in the beast?
If you like inspirational heroines, unique love stories, and some darker thrills and chills this paranormal/shifter romance is for you! One-click now to start the magic, romance, and heart-pounding adventure!
CRY WOLF is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, inspired by the Beast of Gévaudan and the French Revolution. An early version of this novel was published in the Kingdom of Mirrors and Roses Anthology (2019).
What are HighTower Fairytales?
HighTower Fairytales lean more toward the original sources (NOT Disney) with rich semi-historical settings. They have magic. They have scary monsters. And, most importantly, they have unique and complex characters who are trying hard to improve themselves.
They also include plenty of humor and all the heroes marry their prince/princess charming and live happily ever after at the end!
Basically, these stories meant to inspire, but have a very difficult and occasionally dark tower to climb. They are conservatively marked at 14+ and are appropriate for teens and young adults.
Currently these stories include:
Winter Falls: A Tale of the Snow Queen (2017)
Cry Wolf: A Tale of Beauty and the Beast (2020)
Depths: A Tale of the Little Mermaid (2020)
Letters by Cinderlight: A Tale of Cinderella (2021)
Robin's Hood: A Tale of Sherwood Forest (2021)
And more on the way!!!
Isabelle Berger grew up hearing stories of a legendary beast who killed over a hundred people. When a new wolf is spotted near the forest, the men of her village are convinced that another monster is on the rise. Isabelle is less certain, until her father is killed in the hunt.
Alone and hungry for revenge, Isabelle strikes out on her own to face the dreaded beast. But in this darker twist of a timeless fairytale, things might not be what they seem.
Can Isabelle find beauty in the beast?
If you like inspirational heroines, unique love stories, and some darker thrills and chills this paranormal/shifter romance is for you! One-click now to start the magic, romance, and heart-pounding adventure!
CRY WOLF is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, inspired by the Beast of Gévaudan and the French Revolution. An early version of this novel was published in the Kingdom of Mirrors and Roses Anthology (2019).
What are HighTower Fairytales?
HighTower Fairytales lean more toward the original sources (NOT Disney) with rich semi-historical settings. They have magic. They have scary monsters. And, most importantly, they have unique and complex characters who are trying hard to improve themselves.
They also include plenty of humor and all the heroes marry their prince/princess charming and live happily ever after at the end!
Basically, these stories meant to inspire, but have a very difficult and occasionally dark tower to climb. They are conservatively marked at 14+ and are appropriate for teens and young adults.
Currently these stories include:
Winter Falls: A Tale of the Snow Queen (2017)
Cry Wolf: A Tale of Beauty and the Beast (2020)
Depths: A Tale of the Little Mermaid (2020)
Letters by Cinderlight: A Tale of Cinderella (2021)
Robin's Hood: A Tale of Sherwood Forest (2021)
And more on the way!!!
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2020
About the author
Jacque Stevens
34 books217 followersJacque Stevens wrote her first novel as a stress relief activity during nursing school. Now, as a USA-Today Bestselling Author, she has taken a step back from nursing so she can spend all her time writing stories filled with elves, fairies, and all things awesome. She also is a freelance editor.
Jacque lives in Arizona where she can be found walking the streets with a dark and handsome young man who loves everything about her. He’s a shiba inu mix.
New friends, enemies, and wandering visitors from cyberspace can contact Jacque here: sjacquebooks.com or sjacquebooks(at)gmail.com.
Sign up for the newsletter to get a free short story and other extras.
Jacque lives in Arizona where she can be found walking the streets with a dark and handsome young man who loves everything about her. He’s a shiba inu mix.
New friends, enemies, and wandering visitors from cyberspace can contact Jacque here: sjacquebooks.com or sjacquebooks(at)gmail.com.
Sign up for the newsletter to get a free short story and other extras.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 31, 2021
I’ve been so afraid to write this review but I’m finally doing it! I hope I can do this book at least some justice with my ramblings because Cry Wolf was SO good!!
Okay, I will be honest with you and say that I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this one going into it at first. I think I’ve read too many books where I get myself hyped up but then they fall short so I think my mind subconsciously became cautious about having high expectations so that I wouldn’t be disappointed if I read a book and it turned out bad (if that makes sense?). Maybe I could even be pleasantly surprised if I went into a book with low expectations and it slightly exceeded them? But woahhhhh, this book just blew me away!!! It was everything I could’ve hoped for and more, too!
Btw, please note I received an audiobook version of this story for review purposes. All opinions expressed are completely my own and I was not required to leave a positive review ☺️
On to the real review! First of all… okay, so I’m not supposed to say this yet, but Howl was just SOO adorable!!! I loved him so much!!! So much I could jump up and down and hug him if I saw him in real life!!! I’m not kidding, he’s amazing!!! I’m so, so sorry I ever doubted you, Howl!
Ahem. Um, where was I?... (*mentally tells myself to get a grip*) Okay, so starting this book, the first few chapters were a bit slow for me and I was a bit worried about blanking off since I had the audiobook version, but good thing I eventually got totally drawn into the story (I think that happened when you-know-who-if-you’ve-read-the-book died).
I still don’t know what to think about Isabelle / Belle, but she is certainly funny! I think my favorite part of the book was her and Howl just quipping back and forth at each other (Howl is so funny too!) And I love the way the audiobook-lady (audiobook reader? reader of the audiobook?) does Howl’s voice!!
The *twist* to the story was bone-chilling! I don’t wanna say anything more than that but I didn’t anticipate it at all! And I like it that way too! 😁 Definitely gave me some chills!!
Also, if you're still on the fence about this book, lemme just say that I stayed up until 4-ish AM listening to it! Yes, I was exhausted and yes, I had lots of things to do the next day, but I just couldn’t help it! So! Highly recommended!
Note: Sorry if this review was a bit… unprofessional… I tend to post two types of reviews. The first kind is nice and sophisticated and the second one is one in which I sound like a fangirl jumping up and down. 🥺 Clearly this one turned out to lean towards the jumping-up-and-down one.........
So! What are you waiting for???? Read it, read it! Or listen to it! Listen to it! 😁 Personally, I can’t wait to start book 2! (If the author is okay with giving me a code for the second book, ofc! 😂). Really, I have no clue if Ms. Stevens approves of fangirling but I don’t think I could’ve written a not-fangirling review of this one…...
Anywayyy, I definitely recommend this one! It had fantasy vibes while also being set in a real setting and loosely based off some things that happened in France in the 1700s (ahhhhh just thinking about the Beast of Gévaudan gives me shiversssssss now!! 😭). In terms of content warnings, there's suspense and some creepy stuff like murder and intrigue. I think Isabelle was thinking about her chest area near the beginning of the book, Howl is a bit coarse with wanting to "marry" Isabelle (but that's because he doesn't really know better), and the "Gaston" of the book is kind of a jerk (you'll see...) but that's about all. ☺️
Okay, I will be honest with you and say that I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this one going into it at first. I think I’ve read too many books where I get myself hyped up but then they fall short so I think my mind subconsciously became cautious about having high expectations so that I wouldn’t be disappointed if I read a book and it turned out bad (if that makes sense?). Maybe I could even be pleasantly surprised if I went into a book with low expectations and it slightly exceeded them? But woahhhhh, this book just blew me away!!! It was everything I could’ve hoped for and more, too!
Btw, please note I received an audiobook version of this story for review purposes. All opinions expressed are completely my own and I was not required to leave a positive review ☺️
On to the real review! First of all… okay, so I’m not supposed to say this yet, but Howl was just SOO adorable!!! I loved him so much!!! So much I could jump up and down and hug him if I saw him in real life!!! I’m not kidding, he’s amazing!!! I’m so, so sorry I ever doubted you, Howl!
Ahem. Um, where was I?... (*mentally tells myself to get a grip*) Okay, so starting this book, the first few chapters were a bit slow for me and I was a bit worried about blanking off since I had the audiobook version, but good thing I eventually got totally drawn into the story (I think that happened when you-know-who-if-you’ve-read-the-book died).
I still don’t know what to think about Isabelle / Belle, but she is certainly funny! I think my favorite part of the book was her and Howl just quipping back and forth at each other (Howl is so funny too!) And I love the way the audiobook-lady (audiobook reader? reader of the audiobook?) does Howl’s voice!!
The *twist* to the story was bone-chilling! I don’t wanna say anything more than that but I didn’t anticipate it at all! And I like it that way too! 😁 Definitely gave me some chills!!
Also, if you're still on the fence about this book, lemme just say that I stayed up until 4-ish AM listening to it! Yes, I was exhausted and yes, I had lots of things to do the next day, but I just couldn’t help it! So! Highly recommended!
Note: Sorry if this review was a bit… unprofessional… I tend to post two types of reviews. The first kind is nice and sophisticated and the second one is one in which I sound like a fangirl jumping up and down. 🥺 Clearly this one turned out to lean towards the jumping-up-and-down one.........
So! What are you waiting for???? Read it, read it! Or listen to it! Listen to it! 😁 Personally, I can’t wait to start book 2! (If the author is okay with giving me a code for the second book, ofc! 😂). Really, I have no clue if Ms. Stevens approves of fangirling but I don’t think I could’ve written a not-fangirling review of this one…...
Anywayyy, I definitely recommend this one! It had fantasy vibes while also being set in a real setting and loosely based off some things that happened in France in the 1700s (ahhhhh just thinking about the Beast of Gévaudan gives me shiversssssss now!! 😭). In terms of content warnings, there's suspense and some creepy stuff like murder and intrigue. I think Isabelle was thinking about her chest area near the beginning of the book, Howl is a bit coarse with wanting to "marry" Isabelle (but that's because he doesn't really know better), and the "Gaston" of the book is kind of a jerk (you'll see...) but that's about all. ☺️
December 13, 2020
Beauty and the Beast has never been my favorite story, but after reading one dialogue from this book I was intrigued and wanted to read more. So, when I saw the chance to get an ARC I couldn't let it slip through my fingers. I wanted to read this story and if I could read an ARC, even better! I was therefore incredibly happy when I received the ARC. And even happier now after reading it.
Stevens really wrote a wonderful version of this very well know fairytale. Not only did she manage to attach the story of Beauty and the Beast to some historical events and happenings, she also add something new and unique to this story. And if you ask me, that's quite an achievement. There must be at least a billion versions of this story around yet.
The beast in this story was adorable. He's not brooding or dark or mean. He's not a bad guys who turns good for a beautiful girl. He's an adorable boy raised by wolves who just has no idea how the human world works. I wanted to wrap him in a blanket and cuddle him. Luckily Belle thought the same thing. Watching her slowly fall for him, understanding him and realizing that he was the one she needed was beautiful and made her easy to like and identify with.
But apart from the characters, I also really loved the mythology, the story behind the beast, how it connected him to historical events and how all the elements of the original story were kept and yet changed and flipped to feel fresh and original again. Everything was well thought out and it's clear that a lot of research went into this story, even though the result is an easy to read and enchanting fairytale.
I can't wait for the sequel, because that ending really made me want more!
Stevens really wrote a wonderful version of this very well know fairytale. Not only did she manage to attach the story of Beauty and the Beast to some historical events and happenings, she also add something new and unique to this story. And if you ask me, that's quite an achievement. There must be at least a billion versions of this story around yet.
The beast in this story was adorable. He's not brooding or dark or mean. He's not a bad guys who turns good for a beautiful girl. He's an adorable boy raised by wolves who just has no idea how the human world works. I wanted to wrap him in a blanket and cuddle him. Luckily Belle thought the same thing. Watching her slowly fall for him, understanding him and realizing that he was the one she needed was beautiful and made her easy to like and identify with.
But apart from the characters, I also really loved the mythology, the story behind the beast, how it connected him to historical events and how all the elements of the original story were kept and yet changed and flipped to feel fresh and original again. Everything was well thought out and it's clear that a lot of research went into this story, even though the result is an easy to read and enchanting fairytale.
I can't wait for the sequel, because that ending really made me want more!
July 18, 2020
An interesting twist on Beauty and the Beast that incorporates the French Revolution, misogyny, and the brutality of man. Isabelle is the daughter of a sheep farmer outside a small French village who has long been considered the “possession” of the local swain Jean. Although Belle appreciates Jean’s protection against the village bullies, she has no intention of becoming just another trophy for a young man who cultivates his image of a mighty hunter among the local barflies.
When Jean returns from the revolution in the capital, it is with stories of prowess in killing a new sort of prey; the nobility. He regales the villagers with stories of all the nobles he helped execute, stories that have no backup. He attempts to further impress his fans by inciting their fears of a new monster wolf, similar to one that preyed on village women and children twenty years earlier. Jean gathers a group of hunters, including Belle’s father, to kill this huge predator but the only one killed is Belle’s father.
Belle is driven to try to kill the wolf herself, but is instead knocked from her horse and carried off to a derelict castle in the woods by an unusual young man who goes by the name Howl. She becomes friends with Howl and the pack of wolves he controls until she learns the truth of the master of the castle and Howl’s own history.
Caught between a young man who has been labeled a monster, and another who is a monster behind his glamour of civility, Belle must decide where true evil lies and how to see through it.
When Jean returns from the revolution in the capital, it is with stories of prowess in killing a new sort of prey; the nobility. He regales the villagers with stories of all the nobles he helped execute, stories that have no backup. He attempts to further impress his fans by inciting their fears of a new monster wolf, similar to one that preyed on village women and children twenty years earlier. Jean gathers a group of hunters, including Belle’s father, to kill this huge predator but the only one killed is Belle’s father.
Belle is driven to try to kill the wolf herself, but is instead knocked from her horse and carried off to a derelict castle in the woods by an unusual young man who goes by the name Howl. She becomes friends with Howl and the pack of wolves he controls until she learns the truth of the master of the castle and Howl’s own history.
Caught between a young man who has been labeled a monster, and another who is a monster behind his glamour of civility, Belle must decide where true evil lies and how to see through it.
April 15, 2020
Beauty and the Beast is one of the fairy tales that I do not get tired of reading or watching. There is something about finding the man inside the beast that speaks to me. There have been a lot of renditions of Beauty and the Beast, with the Beast portrayed in many ways, usually as a not-handsome man with really bad manners and a well-hidden heart of gold. This one manages to incorporate the Disney movie version of Beauty and the Beast with the Jungle Book and all the blood thirstiness of the French Revolution. This version of the fairy tale is disturbing yet strong yet sweet. Adults and young adults will find a lot of depth in this story.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2021
Best Beauty and The Beast retelling ever.
This B&B retelling was unlike any other I've read, and it was absolutely THE BEST VERSION EVER. I liked Belle, but I adored Howl. He is perfection and anyone who says otherwise is just wrong. Funny and lighthearted while still being strong, he really made this story shine.
To be clear, it is an amazing story regardless. I just. I can't because spoilers, but the ending was BRILLIANT. WELL PLAYED, STEVENS. WELL PLAYED.
This rendition of the story held all the right notes of the original while still being completely fresh. The foreshadowing was incredible. The characters were charming. I laughed out loud throughout. It was just all around amazing. I'm starting book 2 right away.
This B&B retelling was unlike any other I've read, and it was absolutely THE BEST VERSION EVER. I liked Belle, but I adored Howl. He is perfection and anyone who says otherwise is just wrong. Funny and lighthearted while still being strong, he really made this story shine.
To be clear, it is an amazing story regardless. I just. I can't because spoilers, but the ending was BRILLIANT. WELL PLAYED, STEVENS. WELL PLAYED.
This rendition of the story held all the right notes of the original while still being completely fresh. The foreshadowing was incredible. The characters were charming. I laughed out loud throughout. It was just all around amazing. I'm starting book 2 right away.
Want to read
October 4, 2021Recommended by Lily Yu on 10.4.21
Initial thoughts:
- Unfortunately Lily didn't give me any notes/reviews to go by for this one xD (To Lily: Send some my way if you wish 'cuz I'm open for it!)
- The cover and blurb is pretty standard I guess for a retelling tale
- B&B IS one of my favorite tales though, probably rank it right under the tale of Eros/Psyche ;)
Initial thoughts:
- Unfortunately Lily didn't give me any notes/reviews to go by for this one xD (To Lily: Send some my way if you wish 'cuz I'm open for it!)
- The cover and blurb is pretty standard I guess for a retelling tale
- B&B IS one of my favorite tales though, probably rank it right under the tale of Eros/Psyche ;)
December 14, 2020
“ A daring beauty. A legendary beast. A hunt for revenge brings to them together, but a deadly secret could tear them apart.”
Now anyone who knows me knows that I love a good fairytale retelling and that Beauty and the beast is my ultimate favourite so I couldn’t wait to dive into this boxset and boy is it good!! It’s well written with a darker twist the the original version as well as shifters, magic and scary monsters. I love the characters and Our heroine is strong and totally kick ass and this boxset holds all four books so no waiting for each one to come out plus a bonus short story.
Now anyone who knows me knows that I love a good fairytale retelling and that Beauty and the beast is my ultimate favourite so I couldn’t wait to dive into this boxset and boy is it good!! It’s well written with a darker twist the the original version as well as shifters, magic and scary monsters. I love the characters and Our heroine is strong and totally kick ass and this boxset holds all four books so no waiting for each one to come out plus a bonus short story.
March 4, 2021
I love the wolves!
Cute story. I loved the wolves/werewolves, especially Howl. They are a delightful mix of human and canine. The twist with the other point of view chapters was excellent. I found the story with the perfect amount of "darkness"--realistic without being gratuitous.
Cute story. I loved the wolves/werewolves, especially Howl. They are a delightful mix of human and canine. The twist with the other point of view chapters was excellent. I found the story with the perfect amount of "darkness"--realistic without being gratuitous.
July 27, 2020
This was unexpectedly interesting. I like the realistic twist of this fantasy retelling of beauty and the beast. It's a little darker but I really enjoyed it.
Want to read
November 4, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/4/2020)! 🎁
August 6, 2020
I love fairytales. This one was darker and more sensual than I prefer. It is a clean romance despite several indelicate observations.
Cry Wolf is quite similar to Disney’s animated version of Beauty and the Beast with much of the main characters and some of the plot. Isabelle lives with her old father and loves books. Jean is a scarier version of Gaston. He’s not only narcissistic, he feels ‘off’ like there is something not honest about the front he puts up. He changed a lot after returning from serving as a soldier though this trait may have just been hidden well before. I like that Isabelle had the sense to fear him.
Since her father is the best wolf hunter, he goes on a hunt with Jean and the men of the village for a wolf-like beast that is now ravaging the countryside. Isabelle is told after the hunt that her father was killed by a wolf.
The book follows an interesting format with Isabelle’s story interspersed with short internal dialogue from ‘The Beast’. Is the Beast the fanged man who rescues Isabelle from another wolf attack after her father’s death or is it an unassociated individual?
Isabelle’s leg was injured when she was attacked. Howl, her rescuer, takes her to his home in a former mansion to help her heal. Surprisingly, he lives with a pack of wolves.
Howl is the biggest difference from the Disney film. He is very energetic and cheerful like a fun puppy instead of a ferocious beast. His eagerness to please and lack of sophistication reminded me of a charming five year old.
It felt like Isabelle and Howl were best friends which is important for a lasting marriage. I didn’t see the usual signs of falling in love though. Howl was obviously attracted to Isabelle’s womanly charms but I’m not sure what he liked about her as a person since the story of their relationship was told from Isabelle’s perspective. Their romance might have felt more relatable to me if the characters showed more emotions. I loved that Howl respected Isabelle and honored her wishes.
I admired the way the author did not overuse narration to fill in information. One thing to be aware of, the ending of this novel does lead into a sequel.
This could be a great read for someone who enjoys fairytales with a darker edge. Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen is a darker steampunk retelling of the same fairytale; the mood of that book reminded me of the feeling I got while reading Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, Brahm Stoker’s Dracula, and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: The 1818 Text. Readers who loved that tale may enjoy Cry Wolf too!
I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own. Originally posted on Book of Ruth Ann!
Cry Wolf is quite similar to Disney’s animated version of Beauty and the Beast with much of the main characters and some of the plot. Isabelle lives with her old father and loves books. Jean is a scarier version of Gaston. He’s not only narcissistic, he feels ‘off’ like there is something not honest about the front he puts up. He changed a lot after returning from serving as a soldier though this trait may have just been hidden well before. I like that Isabelle had the sense to fear him.
Since her father is the best wolf hunter, he goes on a hunt with Jean and the men of the village for a wolf-like beast that is now ravaging the countryside. Isabelle is told after the hunt that her father was killed by a wolf.
The book follows an interesting format with Isabelle’s story interspersed with short internal dialogue from ‘The Beast’. Is the Beast the fanged man who rescues Isabelle from another wolf attack after her father’s death or is it an unassociated individual?
Isabelle’s leg was injured when she was attacked. Howl, her rescuer, takes her to his home in a former mansion to help her heal. Surprisingly, he lives with a pack of wolves.
“Can I meet your wolves? Are they friendly?”
“They are friendly to who I tell them to be.”
“Can you tell them to be friendly to me?”
He laughed. “I already did. If I didn’t, you would have never made it through the front door. I just didn’t want them to come in and scare you.”
“I appreciate that, but I think I would be all right with meeting some of them now.”...
He bent down and scooped me into his arms as quickly and effortlessly as he had the chamber pot.
“Howl!” I jerked, and pain ran up my leg. The willow bark wasn’t working nearly fast enough.
Howl is the biggest difference from the Disney film. He is very energetic and cheerful like a fun puppy instead of a ferocious beast. His eagerness to please and lack of sophistication reminded me of a charming five year old.
It felt like Isabelle and Howl were best friends which is important for a lasting marriage. I didn’t see the usual signs of falling in love though. Howl was obviously attracted to Isabelle’s womanly charms but I’m not sure what he liked about her as a person since the story of their relationship was told from Isabelle’s perspective. Their romance might have felt more relatable to me if the characters showed more emotions. I loved that Howl respected Isabelle and honored her wishes.
I admired the way the author did not overuse narration to fill in information. One thing to be aware of, the ending of this novel does lead into a sequel.
This could be a great read for someone who enjoys fairytales with a darker edge. Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen is a darker steampunk retelling of the same fairytale; the mood of that book reminded me of the feeling I got while reading Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, Brahm Stoker’s Dracula, and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: The 1818 Text. Readers who loved that tale may enjoy Cry Wolf too!
I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own. Originally posted on Book of Ruth Ann!
July 12, 2020
Reading Method: Kindle eBook (ARC)
Reading Time: 1 Hour and 10 Minutes
ARC provided by Hidden Gems ARC Program in exchange for an honest review.
I had a fantastic time with this short little read! For full disclosure I've never read the original Beauty and the Beast fairytale and I hardly know the Disney version at all either so this overall story was very fresh to me.
I thought Jacque Stevens did a fantastic job with all of the major characters in the story. I fell in love with Izzy almost immediately when we discover she's an independent, hard working woman who can do everything the men around her can do even if most of them still view her as lesser. She was very open and honest and didn't act like a blushing maiden like so many female characters set in this time period tend to do. I really enjoyed Izzy's father as well and I thought their supportive, understanding and open relationship was wonderful and refreshing. Jean's antics and his relationship with Izzy at the beginning of the story was, while a bit overbearing, was still realistic and enjoyable and I liked Jean's character quite a lot. And finally we get to Howl who was absolutely adorable and so endearing and charming and kind. Just an utterly fantastic job with all of these characters.
Another thing I thought was done so well was how Jacque Stevens portrayed the French Revolution and the ideas and emotions surrounding it. She really captured the chaotic and violent and so over the top nationalistic fervor that gripped the nation at that time to the tee. You can see it in the behavior and thoughts of both the soldiers we meet who actually fought in the revolution and in the average village folk that Izzy interacts with.
The romance was portrayed excellently and ramped up at a good pace as we followed Izzy and Howl's interactions during their time together. It never felt like too much of a slow burn and it also didn't seem unrealistically fast which was very pleasant to experience. I thought they made an adorable couple and did a good job enhancing each others strengths and improving each other's flaws as well.
The story is, unfortunately, extremely short and is part 1 of a 4 part series. I feel like the story ended very abruptly on an odd cliffhanger-y moment which is my one major issue with it. I definitely want to read the sequels but I can't help but feel this series didn't need to be broken up into 4 novella-sized offerings.
Reading Time: 1 Hour and 10 Minutes
ARC provided by Hidden Gems ARC Program in exchange for an honest review.
I had a fantastic time with this short little read! For full disclosure I've never read the original Beauty and the Beast fairytale and I hardly know the Disney version at all either so this overall story was very fresh to me.
I thought Jacque Stevens did a fantastic job with all of the major characters in the story. I fell in love with Izzy almost immediately when we discover she's an independent, hard working woman who can do everything the men around her can do even if most of them still view her as lesser. She was very open and honest and didn't act like a blushing maiden like so many female characters set in this time period tend to do. I really enjoyed Izzy's father as well and I thought their supportive, understanding and open relationship was wonderful and refreshing. Jean's antics and his relationship with Izzy at the beginning of the story was, while a bit overbearing, was still realistic and enjoyable and I liked Jean's character quite a lot. And finally we get to Howl who was absolutely adorable and so endearing and charming and kind. Just an utterly fantastic job with all of these characters.
Another thing I thought was done so well was how Jacque Stevens portrayed the French Revolution and the ideas and emotions surrounding it. She really captured the chaotic and violent and so over the top nationalistic fervor that gripped the nation at that time to the tee. You can see it in the behavior and thoughts of both the soldiers we meet who actually fought in the revolution and in the average village folk that Izzy interacts with.
The romance was portrayed excellently and ramped up at a good pace as we followed Izzy and Howl's interactions during their time together. It never felt like too much of a slow burn and it also didn't seem unrealistically fast which was very pleasant to experience. I thought they made an adorable couple and did a good job enhancing each others strengths and improving each other's flaws as well.
The story is, unfortunately, extremely short and is part 1 of a 4 part series. I feel like the story ended very abruptly on an odd cliffhanger-y moment which is my one major issue with it. I definitely want to read the sequels but I can't help but feel this series didn't need to be broken up into 4 novella-sized offerings.
May 27, 2020
Who is really the monster? Someone she knows or the boy she just met?
I enjoyed this spin on beauty and the beast. Isabelle is a shepredess, happy with the life she has with her father. Jean is the son of the inn keeper and has a huge family, so he always tries to be the center of attention. Jean has just returned from the revolution and tells a story of seeing a russet colored wolf and wants to start a hunting party just because of one ruined snare trap. Jean also assumes the Isabelle is going to marry him now that he has returned, but she doesn't want that.
Her father, wanting to keep her safe and to talk to Jean, joins the hunt and tragedy strikes. Her father is killed and Jean says that the wolf did it. Isabelle is heading home when she come across a wolf messing with her snare trap and chases it, but is injured in the process. When she wakes up she finds herself in a building she doesn't know with a strange young man, who seems really innocent like a young child and behaves strangely, like a wolf or a dog.
Isabelle gets more then she bargained for in her search for answers about the wolf that killed her father. I definitely want to continue reading this series.
I enjoyed this spin on beauty and the beast. Isabelle is a shepredess, happy with the life she has with her father. Jean is the son of the inn keeper and has a huge family, so he always tries to be the center of attention. Jean has just returned from the revolution and tells a story of seeing a russet colored wolf and wants to start a hunting party just because of one ruined snare trap. Jean also assumes the Isabelle is going to marry him now that he has returned, but she doesn't want that.
Her father, wanting to keep her safe and to talk to Jean, joins the hunt and tragedy strikes. Her father is killed and Jean says that the wolf did it. Isabelle is heading home when she come across a wolf messing with her snare trap and chases it, but is injured in the process. When she wakes up she finds herself in a building she doesn't know with a strange young man, who seems really innocent like a young child and behaves strangely, like a wolf or a dog.
Isabelle gets more then she bargained for in her search for answers about the wolf that killed her father. I definitely want to continue reading this series.
September 22, 2020
Ok, so it starts off so similar to the familiar telling of the book, that I was a bit put off. It skews in a new and fun direction though a little way in, so wait a few chapters before you decide. This was a fun take on an old story. It is set in the period, not a modern retelling. The characters were well thought out and "real", and the plot was well written. I am definitely buying the next book in the series. If you are in the mood for a short, fun, fantasy book, I think you'd like this book. There was no inappropriate language or overly mature themes except for some violence (not explicit). I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
May 16, 2020
This was a fun new take on a classic story. I've always loved Beauty and the Beast, but found it difficult that someone could fall romantically in love with someone in an animal form. This take seems much more realistic from that standpoint. Also, the interactions between Howl and Belle were just so sweet it was hard not to love them. When Belle was able to hear another wolf speak, so the story could be further explained, it was a little out of left field though. I wish this had been led up to and explained a bit better. However, this was a well written book otherwise. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2020
Cry Wolf is a wonderfully written YA fantasy romance, a new and refreshing take on a classic, the Beauty and the Beast. Jacque Stevens is an excellent storyteller and has done a fantastic job with the world-building and the characters. The storyline is engaging, well-paced, sweet, with some twists, I definitely enjoyed it.
Caroline Turner Cole and John Pirhalla portrayed the narrative and the characters very nicely, further immersing me into the story. Overall, Cry Wolf was a delightful listen, one I'll recommend..
Caroline Turner Cole and John Pirhalla portrayed the narrative and the characters very nicely, further immersing me into the story. Overall, Cry Wolf was a delightful listen, one I'll recommend..
September 26, 2020
Beauty and a Werewolf Beast
I really enjoyed this Beauty and the Beast variation. Set during the French Revolution a boy who can change from wolf to human, living with a wolf pack deep in the woods, gives rise to rumors and fear among the residents of a nearby village.
This is an often told story, and even though other werewolf Beauty and the Beast stories have been written, this one is still unique and engaging.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
I really enjoyed this Beauty and the Beast variation. Set during the French Revolution a boy who can change from wolf to human, living with a wolf pack deep in the woods, gives rise to rumors and fear among the residents of a nearby village.
This is an often told story, and even though other werewolf Beauty and the Beast stories have been written, this one is still unique and engaging.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
February 24, 2021
the mix of history and fairytale made this one very awesome read. I liked the twists and turns, the emotions this brought about. the characters were interesting and I cannot wait to read more about them. I also thought the beast's point of view off and on was interesting. I have already downloaded book 2 to be read as soon as I have time for another one sitter because I have a feeling the second book will be much like this one, read in one sitting.
June 1, 2020
This book puts a very unique spin on Beauty and The Beast. If you love werewolf books, this is definitely for you! Howl comes across a little childish at first, rather than the typical steamy werewolves books but he`s absolutely adorable and I can`t wait to see where book 2 leads! So glad I won this book in a goodreads giveaway! Thank you for giving me a new series to dive into!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2020
** GoodReads Giveaway Winner **
I absolute loved this retelling of Beauty and the Beast!
Jacque Stevens did a great job of adding her own spins and twists to the basic bones of the Beauty and the Beast story line.
Wonderful balance of the old and new.
Looking forward to book two; Wolf in Sheep's Clothing.
I absolute loved this retelling of Beauty and the Beast!
Jacque Stevens did a great job of adding her own spins and twists to the basic bones of the Beauty and the Beast story line.
Wonderful balance of the old and new.
Looking forward to book two; Wolf in Sheep's Clothing.
July 2, 2020
A unique retelling like no other! 🐺
It took several minutes to adjust to the time and tone to the story , i think this takes place in ( 1790s maybe ?) and as the story progressed i loved it even more! Im glad i didn’t give up : so worth it! Forget what you think you might know for this will surprise you in the best way! 🐺💙
It took several minutes to adjust to the time and tone to the story , i think this takes place in ( 1790s maybe ?) and as the story progressed i loved it even more! Im glad i didn’t give up : so worth it! Forget what you think you might know for this will surprise you in the best way! 🐺💙
July 5, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Jacque Stevens; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2020
I gotta say, this book was everything and nothing like I expected. I could not put it down once I started it and did not want it to end when I got there!
An utterly engaging story-line that grabs you right from the start, keeping you engrossed throughout.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
An utterly engaging story-line that grabs you right from the start, keeping you engrossed throughout.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
May 18, 2020
I love the fairy tales and how they have so many facets. This one, is yet again, wonderfully different and I enjoyed it immensely! It was clear cut, well written and just plain fun to read. I will read it again.
I received a free copy from Hidden Gems in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy from Hidden Gems in return for an honest review.
May 19, 2020
I loved this version of Beauty and the Beast. It reminded me a bit of the twist Once Upon a Time did to the Little Red Riding Hood story. My only complaint it that it was much too short. On to the next book!
May 20, 2020
When I started reading it, I thought it was going to be kind of hammy and cliche. I was proved wrong. This book was actually quite good! The characters were well written and the story line kept you hooked. I didn't expect the twist but I enjoyed it!
September 27, 2020
Loved the twist on Beauty and the beast. In my opinion it is one of the better retelling. The author really thought about the characters and the plot. It is more of a darker version than disney but I don't mind this. It made it more realistic.
I would highly recommend it.
I would highly recommend it.
April 11, 2020
This was a wonderful take on a classic fairytale. I have always loved Beauty and the Beast. This dark version kept me entertained and enlightened. The author did an amazing job.
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July 10, 2020Tale a beauty and a beast
Tale told over again and again I never tire of hearing it...slight twist adds to excitement....enjoyed...easy read....way with words to paint a picture
Tale told over again and again I never tire of hearing it...slight twist adds to excitement....enjoyed...easy read....way with words to paint a picture
July 7, 2020
This is a great reimagining of beauty and the beast!😍 I devoured it and glad to see there are more books to come it's a wonderful story!
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