About the Book
Book: A Dark Beauty
Series: Victorian Retellings, #1
Author: Clarissa Kae
Genre: Fairy Tale, Historical Fiction
Release date: March 9, 2021
A Victorian Twist on Beauty And The Beast
Bold and brilliant, Georgiana has a gift for fixing machines—from clocks to carriages—while her father has a penchant for finding trouble. In an accidental fire, Georgiana and her father scar the once handsome face of Lord Pichon, cousin to the queen.
Rumors of Georgiana’s gift raise her family’s status. Her incomparable beauty captures the eye of many gentlemen and the wrath of Lord Pichon. Abandoned by his peers and alone in his cold castle, Lord Pichon is determined to enact revenge.
When Georgiana’s father makes a terrible mistake, she sacrifices herself to pay his debt—as a lowly maid in Lord Pichon’s castle.
Her wit and warmth begin to thaw Lord Pichon’s estate, making him question his version of the past. Will her kindness break the beastly lord or will he hold her family hostage forever?
Click HERE to purchase your copy!
About the Author
Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She’s the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.
Since her first novel, she’s explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.
She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.
More from Clarissa
As a young girl most of the fairy tales talked about beauty as the only attribute but when Disney came out with Beauty and the Beast, my world was rocked. For the first time the heroine was a woman with a brain and a plan. I began researching the fairy tale and read every version. When my youngest daughter was born (with dark hair and big beautiful brown eyes) I named her Isla Belle. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of writing a Beauty and the Beast retelling. And finally, that dream has come true.
My Thoughts
Beauty and the Beast is my most favorite fairy tale, so when I read the premise for A Dark Beauty by Clarissa Kae I knew I had to be part of this tour. I love Beauty and the Beast so much I named my daughter Isabella and call her “Belle.” Why did I name my child after Belle? Because Belle is the perfect heroine. She is highly intelligent, completely capable, and wholly independent. Yeah, she’s beautiful, but that’s a secondary feature, not her main characteristic. In a world that tells women to be Cinderella or Ariel, we should all fight back and be Belles.
A Dark Beauty is a wonderful story. I was hooked from page one and basically ignored my life for two days so I could just read. It was a glorious two days! I found the plot highly engaging. I love the characters. Georgiana is a great “Belle.” She is witty, she is intelligent, she is quirky, and she speaks her mind. I appreciate her ability to see people for whom they actually are, even her beloved father. And, I really love how Georgiana is able to see beyond Lord Pichon’s beastly demeanor to the big-hearted man he truly is. Lord Pichon — Dom — is a great Beast. He is scarred. He is broken. He is an outcast. BUT, he does have a heart of gold. Hurt people hurt people until someone breaks through and recognizes the beast for what it really is — a hurt heart. I love the relationship between Georgiana and Dom. It starts out a bit rough, but the more they’re thrown together the more they thaw towards one another and grow into quite a lovely couple. And, I have to say the “Gaston” character, Lord Rochelle, is quite well done. His character is super creepy and really brings tension to this story. What I love the most about this story is that it is its own story. It’s unique and engaging and unputtdownable. Yes, there is a solid nod to Beauty and the Beast, but A Dark Beauty is an excellent story all on its own.
A Dark Beauty is a lovely story, one I highly recommend. If you love a good fairy tale retelling, if you love a well-written Historical Romance, if you love a story with a bit of suspense, then A Dark Beauty is the story for you!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Clarissa Kae, via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Clarissa is giving away to two (2) winners one $25 Amazon gift card each!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!
Click the link below to enter.
PromoSimple Link
Blog Stops
For Him and My Family, March 25
Labor Not in Vain, March 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26
The Write Escape, March 26
Books and Everyday Life, March 26
Texas Book-aholic, March 27
Breny and Books, March 27
The Christian Fiction Girl, March 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 28
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, March 28
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29
Through the Fire Blog, March 30
Inklings and notions, March 30
deb’s Book Review, March 31
Connect in Fiction, March 31
Inside the Wong Mind, March 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 1
Inspiration Clothesline, April 1
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 2
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 2
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 3
To Everything There Is A Season, April 3
Beauty in the Binding, April 3
Connie’s History Classroom, April 4
Blogging With Carol, April 4
A Baker’s Perspective, April 5
Genesis 5020, April 5
Pause for Tales, April 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6
Godly Book Reviews, April 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 7
Mary Hake, April 7
The Christian Fiction Girl 
Sounds good.
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It was a good story!
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Excellent review, Nicole! Sounds like one not to miss. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you! It is a fun story. I hope you can read it soon. 🙂
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This sounds like a book I would enjoy!
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Yay! I hope you can read it soon. It’s a fun read. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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