Title: Beauty in Darkness

Author: Elizabeth Briggs

Pub. Date: May 16, 2019

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

They’ve been enemies their entire lives, their two kingdoms locked in a never-ending war—until an arranged marriage sparks a passion they can’t ignore…

To save her father’s life, Princess Rose must wed the handsome, brooding wizard king Raith, her kingdom’s greatest foe. Though she always knew she’d be married off in a political alliance, she never expected it to be to that monster. Or that the only time she would see her elusive husband is when he’s teaching her magic, treating her more like his student than his wife.

King Raith may have taken a bride to end a war and protect his people, but after his former wife’s murder he has no interest in falling in love again, especially when Rose defies him at every moment and refuses to stay out of trouble. But Rose’s beauty and boldness tempt him to open his heart a second time, and every day it gets harder to resist her.

Just as Rose begins to see another side to Raith, she discovers her new home holds deep, dark secrets that threaten the entire land, secrets no one dares speak of—and he’s at the center of them. As their desire for each other grows, Rose will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth about his past and the shadows spreading across the land. But when darkness threatens to tear them apart, they’ll have to find a way to stop it together—or doom their kingdom forever.

This will be a mini spoiler free review. I listened to the audiobook via Audible.

I think I’m repeating myself ad nauseam, but I’ve been in a mood for a pretty particular kind of fantasy book. And this fits right into what I’ve been seriously loving lately. I’ve really been enjoying non-mainstream books recently and there are so many out there.

Beauty in Darkness is a BATB retelling and you immediately get sucked in. Rose and Raith are perfect and I loved their relationship. There’s just *something* about the BATB storyline that makes me fall in love with the dynamic. Would I want to be forced to live with a “beast” in order to save those I love? Probably not. But jfc I can’t get enough of these kinds of stories. They’re basically all NA fantasies and I’m here for it. Give me the cute fluffy moments and the spicy ones. I want it all.

I was actually a little impressed going into this book. I didn’t know what to expect – having read nothing by this author before – so I was surprised at the quality of writing, plot and world building. My only real complaint is how fast this book progressed. I didn’t buy into Rose’s and Raith’s relationship as much as I thought I would. Don’t get me wrong – I still loved it, but everything happened pretty quickly. I didn’t think the emotional build up was completely there.

That being said, you really can’t go wrong with this book. It’s a quick, really enjoyable read that’s based on BATB. It’s got some spicy moments and a twist you may or may not see coming. Either way, I bet you’ll like this book.

Let me know if you read and/or review this book! I’d love to know your thoughts!