A dark romantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Yes, please. One Cursed Rose by Rebecca Zanetti is the first in the Grimm Bargains series. This dark romance offered suspense, mystery, and blended magic and technology, delivering a refreshing take on a favorite classic.
by Rebecca Zanetti
Series: Grimm Bargains #1
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Information is power, and those who control it live like gods.
In my world, billionaires play deadly games of insult and influence where magic is the dirtiest weapon of all. Here, even a powerful princess can be swallowed by the darkest of shadows . . .My name is Alana Beaumont, and due to a recent tragedy, I’m the sole heir to Aquarius Social, a family business being systematically dismantled by an unseen enemy. My father’s solution is to give me in marriage and create a coalition with a competing family, so I’m torn between my thirst for revenge and my duty. Now I just have a week to finish my hunt before the wedding.
There’s nothing like an assassination attempt to cut short the best of plans—even worse is my unwanted rescue by Thorn Beathach, the Beast whose social media empire is driving Aquarius under. The richest, most ruthless of them all, he protects his realm with an iron rule: no one sees his face. When he shows himself to me, I know he’ll never let me go.
Adam may think he can lock me in his castle forever, but I’m not the docile Beauty he expects. If the Beast wants to tie me up, I’m going to take pleasure from every minute of it . . .and we’ll just see who ends up shackled.
As you know, I am always game for a Beauty and the Beast retelling and was excited to dive into Rebecca Zanetti’s dark romantic fantasy. From the world that blends magic and technology by utilizing social media, I quickly found myself caught up in this story of power, danger and romance.
In this world, five families control the magic and gain power and wealth through social media and the powering of gemstones used to run their servers. It was a unique setup. We meet Alana Beaumont, who by outwards appearance is a wealthy socialite who parties, wears designer clothes and posts it all on social media. Her family, the Beaumonts, own Aquarius. They’ve recently suffered a tragic loss. Alana’s brother died in a tragic car accident, only she suspects foul play. Now stocks are slipping and her father wants to merge families through marriage; with Alana as the bride.
Alana is not just a pretty face. She is smart, can wield stones and has no intention of marrying. Someone else things Alana is smart, sexy and his….. when her life is in peril he swoops in and saves her. Some might call in kidnapping. Thorn Beathach, the Beast whose social media empire is driving Aquarius under and who has a dark reputation as a killer, brings Alana to his lair.
The tale that unfolds was sexy, suspenseful and full of twists as we learn Thorn has been cursed. I loved their back-and-forth banter, his neanderthal ways and her fire. A little BDSM, sweet gestures, and chemistry kept me vested in the romance even as I thrilled to learn who cursed Thorn, if Alana’s brother was murdered and who tried to kidnap Alana.
An interesting cast of side characters, including a Gaston, made for an intriguing tale. Zanetti’s story was well paced and the world solidly developed, allowing me to become completely lost in the story.
There are triggers to be found for some and some grey areas involving consent, but I had no issue with it. If you love rivals to lovers, sparks, suspense, mystery and romance weaved into your fantasy retellings, you’ll want to add this one to your summer reading list. I look forward to the next novel in the Grimm Bargains series.
About Rebecca Zanetti
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
I love Rebecca Zanetti, so I was very excited for this book. I quite enjoyed it too.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Beautiful cover! It sounds like it was good. I think I’ve read one book by this author in the past, so I’ll have to keep this on my TBR. Great review!
Amorina Rose
Great review but I struggled with this one. I wanted to like it. I didn’t not like it but it lacked something but that’s the way of a reader. Your review is very persuasive.
Katherine
This sounds really good and I’ve had a lot of luck with romance/fantasy! I will have to add this to my TBR.
ailyn koay
I enjoyed this one! I was lucky Netgalley let me have the arc. I think it’s okay as a retelling, it had the elements but not bad for Zanetti (think she can do more)
sherry fundin
I don’t chase after retellings, but your fantastic review makes me curious.
Sophia Rose
This is definitely one I agonized over having to pass on for review. But, I will get to it eventually. Sounds great!
Anne- Books of My Heart
It sounds interesting but I am not always with enemies to lovers stories.
Angela @ Simply Angela
I’m such a fan of Beauty and the Beast retellings but I’ve been hesitant about this one as I often have trouble getting into Rebecca’s writing. I must say your review has intrigued me! Great review, Kimberly!