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Entreat Me
Afflicted by a centuries-old curse, a warlord slowly surrenders his humanity and descends toward madness. Ballard of Ketach Tor holds no hope of escaping his fate until his son returns home one day, accompanied by a woman of incomparable beauty. His family believes her arrival may herald Ballard’s salvation.
...until they confront her elder sister.
Determined to rescue her sibling from ruin, Louvaen Duenda pursues her to a decrepit castle and discovers a household imprisoned in time. Dark magic, threatening sorcerers, and a malevolent climbing rose with a thirst for blood won’t deter her, but a proud man disfigured by an undying hatred might. Louvaen must decide if loving him will ultimately save him or destroy him.
A tale of vengeance and devotion.
...until they confront her elder sister.
Determined to rescue her sibling from ruin, Louvaen Duenda pursues her to a decrepit castle and discovers a household imprisoned in time. Dark magic, threatening sorcerers, and a malevolent climbing rose with a thirst for blood won’t deter her, but a proud man disfigured by an undying hatred might. Louvaen must decide if loving him will ultimately save him or destroy him.
A tale of vengeance and devotion.
323 pages, ebook
First published December 16, 2013
About the author
Grace Draven
44 books7,285 followersI'm an author and Louisiana native living in Texas with my husband, three smalls and a big doofus dog. I have lived in Spain, hiked the Teton Mountains, honeymooned in Scotland, ridden in competition rodeo and am the great great granddaughter of a Nicaraguan president. I also hate doing laundry and refuse to iron anything.
I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.
I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,588 reviews
October 15, 2015
Eh. Not my favorite Beauty and the Beast retelling.
Most of this book reminded me a lot of the Disney movie. You could almost make a checklist and compare the two, that's how similar their timelines and scenes are. The only differences are the little twists to make this version more 'adult'.
And by twists I basically mean bloodshed and boning.
A lot of boning.
Almost too much boning.
The female lead was hit and miss for me. At times I really liked how blunt she was, but there's a difference between being blunt and being an asshole, and she seemed to have no grasp of that. Most of the time she just opened her mouth and word-vomited all over everyone around her, without tempering the things she was saying to take into account that they had FEELINGS.
It got old.
She was also hypocritical, and prone to violent tendencies whenever anyone didn't agree with her or do exactly what she wanted.
That got old too.
The male lead was dark and broody and mysterious. For all of five minutes.
It didn't last long enough to get old.
There was almost no build up between the two of them, and because of this there wasn't any lingering tension in their interactions to keep me interested or engaged. They simply fell into bed together pretty early on and then got to know each other.
Very. Slowly.
This was a lot like Master of Crows for me in that I kept waiting for something - ANYTHING - to happen. But still, minus a few typos it's a well-written book with some lovely passages. I'd definitely recommend it for people who love retellings and are craving a slow-burn romance.
July 26, 2016
Another great fairytale fantasy romance by Grace Draven!
ENTREAT ME is a creative retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and unfolds with a slow cadence that sets the tone until the final ultimate test of true love versus true evil.
“Behold the beast, my beauty.”
A four hundred year old curse meant to turn man into beast during the magical flux has captured Ballard and his son Gavin. Isolated in his crumbling castle, Ballard shoulders most of the curse in hopes Gavin can have a normal life. And just maybe find a way to break the curse.
What strange madness gripped this place that no one—not even her sister who’d been known to weep over a crushed spider—seemed bothered by the horrendous sounds emanating from the castle depths?
Louvean, a dark haired widow, and her beautiful sister Cianna find themselves Gavin's guest at his father's strange and remote cold castle, but the horrifying sounds beneath the floors tells them it may not be the safe haven they sought. They agree to spend the winter in exchange for protection against a morally reprehensible creditor, time which Ballard and Gavin need to learn if these two ladies can help break the curse.
“The castle had a strangeness about it--places where torchlight flickered one way while the shadows it cast scampered another; stairs ended in opposite directions without ever turning."
I loved all of the characters in this story. Grace Draven has a way of writing heroes and heroines thick with both virtues and flaws, and Ballard and Louvean are no exception. Before the curse Ballard was a ruthless warrior married to a woman he did not love in order to take her land. Louvean has a well deserved reputation as a shrew, which was nothing less than entertaining. Her tit-for-tat comments were priceless, especially when going up against the castle's magician.
The romance between Ballard and Louvean was the main focus of the story, and it was endearing. I loved how Louvean was able to look past his appearance, especially during the flux, and love the man inside. And Ballard growing need for Louvean was down right palpable at times! They made a great couple, and their romance quite believable.
“He hadn’t known it was possible to embrace lightning until he’d held her, and the experience had left him exhilarated.
Do you love her?"
For those wondering, this story is different than Master of Crows, a book I still consider one of my all time favorites. ENTREAT ME is a slower paced story without as many moving parts. It remains focused on the romance and not as heavily on the fantasy, dangers and world building. While I would have loved the story to move faster in places and give us more of the nail biting world building, I think the pace of this story worked great. It was equally as captivating, just in a different way then with MOC.
Thanks to Grace Draven for providing an ARC of this story.
November 19, 2015
4.5 Only You Can Break My Curse Stars
I love fairytale retellings and beauty and the beast is really my favorite to read retellings of. This is probably because I love the idea of seeing through the broken beast, to the heart of the man inside. How can you make the retelling even better for me??? Change it up just enough, sprinkle in some witty banter, a cantankerous wizard and some sexy times. Although, you sort of had me at sexy times, I’m easy like that.
Entreat Me is a slow burn. It takes a little time to get really going and most of the story is dialogue and character interactions with some real action towards the end.
I loved:
The lore changes instead of one beast there are two. A father and son cursed by a dying woman. Both trapped in their own ways and in need of a beauty to save them. Louvaen, a widow, comes to the castle to protect the virtue of her sister Cinnia in case the son’s intentions are not honorable making the possibilities of two couples.
The Roses they were a living breathing thing that seemed to carry all the hate of the woman who cast the curse in the first place. I liked how the Flux worked and Ballard was scared from his time in the magic ebs and flows like the tides but not truly all beast until the Flux hit.
The Sorcerer - his interactions with the household and Louvaen in particular were hilarious. I loved there semi-hatred for each other and how they teased one another.
The Slow Burn Love Story. It was easy to like Ballard, the man took on the brunt of the curse to free his son from it even though that meant that he would carry most of the scars. The way that Louvaen could see into the man that he was and slowly open up her own heart after losing her husband is the kind of love story that I really love.
The protection of Cinnia’s Virginity - Gavin took a long time trying to woo Cinnia. I liked that everyone was so worried about what a delicate flower she was and protecting her from knowledge of the curse and its affects. I’m was so glad when that all played out and she was stronger than anyone believed. But it made for some hilarious times as Louvaen made sure that her sister’s maidenhead stayed intact.
The Humor it was sometimes subtle but it was everywhere. I chuckled to myself so many times throughout the story. I really enjoy the way that Grace Draven weaves her tale and some of the funny things that happen along the way. Like using the enchanted mirror to check on their father only to find him tupping the neighbor and just little gems like this thrown in as well.
The ending of the curse didn’t really go as I thought it would and I actually liked the changes incorporated here. It wasn’t as simple as true loves kiss and I think that that made it all the better.
The Drawbacks
Well there really weren’t many for me. The beginning is a little slow but I never mind an author taking about 20% to get a good foundation going. And the middle there are quite a few sexy times….but again I enjoyed that part so I really liked it but still not for everyone.
The Wrap up and epilogue gave me just enough to keep me satisfied but I always want a little more it seems when I’m really loving a story.
Overall - If you like fairytale retellings with sex in them, then I highly recommend The world building and characters were a lot of fun. I still think that I liked Radiance for straight up Romantasy a little better but this is one of my favorite Beauty and The Beast retellings.
I love fairytale retellings and beauty and the beast is really my favorite to read retellings of. This is probably because I love the idea of seeing through the broken beast, to the heart of the man inside. How can you make the retelling even better for me??? Change it up just enough, sprinkle in some witty banter, a cantankerous wizard and some sexy times. Although, you sort of had me at sexy times, I’m easy like that.
Entreat Me is a slow burn. It takes a little time to get really going and most of the story is dialogue and character interactions with some real action towards the end.
I loved:
The lore changes instead of one beast there are two. A father and son cursed by a dying woman. Both trapped in their own ways and in need of a beauty to save them. Louvaen, a widow, comes to the castle to protect the virtue of her sister Cinnia in case the son’s intentions are not honorable making the possibilities of two couples.
The Roses they were a living breathing thing that seemed to carry all the hate of the woman who cast the curse in the first place. I liked how the Flux worked and Ballard was scared from his time in the magic ebs and flows like the tides but not truly all beast until the Flux hit.
The Sorcerer - his interactions with the household and Louvaen in particular were hilarious. I loved there semi-hatred for each other and how they teased one another.
Upon her return from Monteblanco, she’d thanked him for not bespelling her off the cliff.
“Keep your thanks,” he told her. “And an eye on your ale. I’m brewing something that turns shrews into toads.”
“While you’re at it, brew something that bestows courtesy and swallow a cup or two yourself,” she shot back.
The Slow Burn Love Story. It was easy to like Ballard, the man took on the brunt of the curse to free his son from it even though that meant that he would carry most of the scars. The way that Louvaen could see into the man that he was and slowly open up her own heart after losing her husband is the kind of love story that I really love.
“You can spout honeyed lies better than any court minstrel.”
Her small smile faded when he lifted a hand to cup her cheek.
“No false words, Louvaen. All you have to do is breathe, and you seduce me.” He watched, entranced, as a blush purled up her neck to her face and into her hairline.
The protection of Cinnia’s Virginity - Gavin took a long time trying to woo Cinnia. I liked that everyone was so worried about what a delicate flower she was and protecting her from knowledge of the curse and its affects. I’m was so glad when that all played out and she was stronger than anyone believed. But it made for some hilarious times as Louvaen made sure that her sister’s maidenhead stayed intact.
“Lad better quit dawdling and marry the girl, or I’ll kill him before Louvaen does. This is getting bloody tiresome; guarding an uncracked pitcher like it’s the crown jewels.”
Magda chortled. “Best entertainment we’ve had in years, I’m thinking. Those two slinking off for privacy, and your lover flying after them like a hobby on the hunt.”
Ballard shook his head. “Come get me if Gavin returns full of holes.”
The Humor it was sometimes subtle but it was everywhere. I chuckled to myself so many times throughout the story. I really enjoy the way that Grace Draven weaves her tale and some of the funny things that happen along the way. Like using the enchanted mirror to check on their father only to find him tupping the neighbor and just little gems like this thrown in as well.
The week prior to her taking to childbed, they had agreed he would choose the name if she bore a boy, and she would choose it if she bore a girl. “I don’t trust you not to call her something silly like Aurora or Buttercup or Snowdrop,” she told him. “And if you named her Briar Rose, I’d have to kill you.”
The ending of the curse didn’t really go as I thought it would and I actually liked the changes incorporated here. It wasn’t as simple as true loves kiss and I think that that made it all the better.
The Drawbacks
Well there really weren’t many for me. The beginning is a little slow but I never mind an author taking about 20% to get a good foundation going. And the middle there are quite a few sexy times….but again I enjoyed that part so I really liked it but still not for everyone.
The Wrap up and epilogue gave me just enough to keep me satisfied but I always want a little more it seems when I’m really loving a story.
Overall - If you like fairytale retellings with sex in them, then I highly recommend The world building and characters were a lot of fun. I still think that I liked Radiance for straight up Romantasy a little better but this is one of my favorite Beauty and The Beast retellings.
March 30, 2021
This was such fun Beauty and the Beast retelling! IN this story, both father and son are cursed and need to find love to break the curse (though, of course, it's never that easy). Louvean's sister is in love with a man, and Louvean follows her to an old, magical castle where her beloved is living with his cursed father. I really don't want to say much else, but I really loved how Louvean was a widow and fell for Ballard while her sister was in love with his son. This book was also definitely steamy and I loved how Louvean and Ballard slowly fell for each other. The curse was very complex in here and I enjoyed how it wasn't something that was easily solved or broken. If you want to pick up a really unique Beauty and the Beast retelling, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up!
January 22, 2022
Fantastic.
Easy 6 Star Read. Easily. Phenomenal!
Easy 6 Star Read. Easily. Phenomenal!
January 29, 2018
Holy Cursed Roses! I thought this was just a fluffy read between some good books but boy, was I wrong.
Instead of a stale re-telling of the Beauty & the Beast fairytale, I got a very well shaped world rich with magic, a twisted curse, many-layered characters and some impressively steamy scenes.
Louvaen and Cinnia are sisters and live with their father. Well, actually, Cinnia and the father are living with the widowed Louvaen in the house she once lived in with her husband. And Lou has taken to the task of keeping her beautiful sister safe from the numerous suitors as well as her father out of the debter's goal. However, her father really is stupid and not very skilled when it comes to business ventures, exposing his daughters to a cruel Don intent on getting his slimey hands on Cinnia. Thus, the beautiful (but in no way stupid) girl goes with the man she's falling for, believing she can very well protect herself and the family. An enraged and very worried Lou follows her - to a forbidding castle that houses a sorcerer, a feisty cook, two maids and a very scarred lord - to say nothing of some weird hissing roses that blossom even in winter. Hilarity ensues, especially because of Lou's shrew-like character (though, personally, I think she was just brutally honest and her own person, which is why I liked her so much).
Yes, some turn of events are predictable because of the fairytale this story re-tells. But that never got in the way of me enjoying the banter and comedic situations - or the smexy times.
Considering how highly I rated some smut novellas in the past despite them having no plot but insta-everything, I cannot but give this the full 5 star rating for having a very well thought-out story full of a realistic slow burn between the two main characters along with intelligent and heartfelt banter, endearing characters, and a detailed magical world.
Instead of a stale re-telling of the Beauty & the Beast fairytale, I got a very well shaped world rich with magic, a twisted curse, many-layered characters and some impressively steamy scenes.
Louvaen and Cinnia are sisters and live with their father. Well, actually, Cinnia and the father are living with the widowed Louvaen in the house she once lived in with her husband. And Lou has taken to the task of keeping her beautiful sister safe from the numerous suitors as well as her father out of the debter's goal. However, her father really is stupid and not very skilled when it comes to business ventures, exposing his daughters to a cruel Don intent on getting his slimey hands on Cinnia. Thus, the beautiful (but in no way stupid) girl goes with the man she's falling for, believing she can very well protect herself and the family. An enraged and very worried Lou follows her - to a forbidding castle that houses a sorcerer, a feisty cook, two maids and a very scarred lord - to say nothing of some weird hissing roses that blossom even in winter. Hilarity ensues, especially because of Lou's shrew-like character (though, personally, I think she was just brutally honest and her own person, which is why I liked her so much).
Yes, some turn of events are predictable because of the fairytale this story re-tells. But that never got in the way of me enjoying the banter and comedic situations - or the smexy times.
Considering how highly I rated some smut novellas in the past despite them having no plot but insta-everything, I cannot but give this the full 5 star rating for having a very well thought-out story full of a realistic slow burn between the two main characters along with intelligent and heartfelt banter, endearing characters, and a detailed magical world.
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July 5, 2024This was delicious. I highly recommend it.
July 23, 2023
Buddy read with the MacHalos.
This is one of my favourite books and probably my 3rd of 4th reread. usually it's the first reread that has the potential to lower a rating and if a book survives that then it will survive the following rereads unscathed. So there's not really anything else to add to my original review so if you're interested in what I thought just keep on reading!
Original review:
A retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" done in an exceptional manner. I was enchanted! The setting was great, the characters even more so.
I adore Louvaen (though I have no clue how to pronounce her name!) - a strong woman in a male-dominated world very similar to the middle ages. Of course that didn't endear her to the men populating that world, except for Ballard, who found her no nonsense manner attractive. That's a real man - one who's not afraid that a strong woman will emasculate him. Louvaen's sharp tongue provided lots of funny moments. No one was safe from her, not even the resident magician - Ambrose. Any scene with those two was hilarious. Ballard won my heart in the prologue. Sure, he's made a lot of mistakes but how can you not love a man who would willingly For most of the book Cinnia, Louvaen's younger sister, was not a character I cared for. I made the mistake of thinking she's pretty and weak and kept comparing her to her older sister. I saw her simply as a plot device to get the two main characters in the same place. But then a time came when she showed me she has a backbone and is more than capable of dealing with whatever fate throws her way. There was another strong female character in this book - Magda the housekeeper. I really enjoy books where all the characters pull their weight and specifically for the women - are not just there to provide a contrast for the main female lead by being the epitome of bitchiness and/or sluttiness. A lot of authors slam the entire female cast just to make the MC look good. Gavin and Ambrose were equally interesting and well developed. Both loyal to a fault, smart and resourceful they round up the principal cast and slowly steal your heart.
I love fairytale's retellings but they're usually very predictable. And I know that finding a way to spin the story away from what we all know without it becoming too different to be a retelling is difficult but there are a few exceptions that have a special place in my heart. Entreat me managed this feat by the way the whole "curse" thing was handled. And that the resolution was not simply true love's kiss. It required more so much more. And ultimately this was a story not only about the power of love but also about the power of family and what family truly is - blood is not enough :)
This is one of my favourite books and probably my 3rd of 4th reread. usually it's the first reread that has the potential to lower a rating and if a book survives that then it will survive the following rereads unscathed. So there's not really anything else to add to my original review so if you're interested in what I thought just keep on reading!
Original review:
A retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" done in an exceptional manner. I was enchanted! The setting was great, the characters even more so.
I adore Louvaen (though I have no clue how to pronounce her name!) - a strong woman in a male-dominated world very similar to the middle ages. Of course that didn't endear her to the men populating that world, except for Ballard, who found her no nonsense manner attractive. That's a real man - one who's not afraid that a strong woman will emasculate him. Louvaen's sharp tongue provided lots of funny moments. No one was safe from her, not even the resident magician - Ambrose. Any scene with those two was hilarious. Ballard won my heart in the prologue. Sure, he's made a lot of mistakes but how can you not love a man who would willingly For most of the book Cinnia, Louvaen's younger sister, was not a character I cared for. I made the mistake of thinking she's pretty and weak and kept comparing her to her older sister. I saw her simply as a plot device to get the two main characters in the same place. But then a time came when she showed me she has a backbone and is more than capable of dealing with whatever fate throws her way. There was another strong female character in this book - Magda the housekeeper. I really enjoy books where all the characters pull their weight and specifically for the women - are not just there to provide a contrast for the main female lead by being the epitome of bitchiness and/or sluttiness. A lot of authors slam the entire female cast just to make the MC look good. Gavin and Ambrose were equally interesting and well developed. Both loyal to a fault, smart and resourceful they round up the principal cast and slowly steal your heart.
I love fairytale's retellings but they're usually very predictable. And I know that finding a way to spin the story away from what we all know without it becoming too different to be a retelling is difficult but there are a few exceptions that have a special place in my heart. Entreat me managed this feat by the way the whole "curse" thing was handled. And that the resolution was not simply true love's kiss. It required more so much more. And ultimately this was a story not only about the power of love but also about the power of family and what family truly is - blood is not enough :)
February 22, 2017
I’m quite picky when it comes to romances, but this is the second book by Grace Draven and I have to admit – her writing works for me.
This story reads as a dark gothic fairytale where horror as well as the romance are brought up to an adult level. With possessions, werewolves, curses and scary magic Grace Draven’s books have enough darkness to them to keep the suspense and intrigue going and whilst the romance is sexy and plays an important part – you can take it all away and it will still be a sound and interesting story.
Recommended for readers of dark fairytales, fantasy-romance, Beauty and the Beast retelling fans.
This story reads as a dark gothic fairytale where horror as well as the romance are brought up to an adult level. With possessions, werewolves, curses and scary magic Grace Draven’s books have enough darkness to them to keep the suspense and intrigue going and whilst the romance is sexy and plays an important part – you can take it all away and it will still be a sound and interesting story.
Recommended for readers of dark fairytales, fantasy-romance, Beauty and the Beast retelling fans.
January 15, 2020
3.75 stars
First, shout out to my friend Beanbag for gifting me this story. This was her way of protesting the outrageous price inflations publishers are charging readers for kindle and hardcover books. Thank you so much for including me in your protest and choosing to share some of your favorite authors with me. Thank youuu!
Review time!
A twist to the Beauty and the Beast fairytale that is probably not for everyone. I wasn’t sure if it was for me given the heroine of this story. Oooh boy. Louvaen Demunda puts any and all sharp tongued self-proclaimed shrews to shame.
She’s something else. I usually, normally write off uptight pinched mouth heroines like this after 5 minutes, especially if they spend so much time strong arming and verbally incinerating others without batting an eye. And oh yes she’s one of those. Brace yourself. But….she grew on me. Beyond the prickly exterior, you have to really admire her strength, intelligence, resourcefulness and sharp wit. She showed the bravery and spine usually saved for the heroes of the story who come charging in guns blazing, Louvean did a lot of the saving here instead. Of herself and those she loved. So kudos there!!!
Now I personally could have done without the whole ‘are you still a virgin?’ drill sergant routine she would obsessively screen her sister with. That got tiresome and went really overboard. I didn’t like her much when she was in Dragon Sister Mode. It was overbearing and just too extreme and reminded me of what a grandmother would do. But when she’s around the hero Ballard, I enjoyed her. I honestly was surprised how easily she warmed up to him. I found it a little *too easy* to be honest given her guarded tempermental personality. She doesn’t trust very easily and yet somehow seemed to warm up so quickly and easily around Ballard. I found it sweet yet conflicting to her character.
Grace Draven's stories and style of writing isn't for everyone. It's fantasy, fairy tale, historical, gothic combined. Her dark writing with funny spots of humor oddly works. There are some moments where you question what era exactly the story takes place given some of the colorful unvarnished blunt dialogue. There are a lot of twists and turns on this take of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale. Instead of one cursed "prince" (no Princes here) you are dealing with two. I thought Ballard was way too kind and forgiving of his crazy wife who cursed not only him but her own son as well. The curse itself is so layered with so many trap doors that you can't help but feel hopeless for both men and the women who love them.
Now the reason I’m struggling between 3 and 4 stars are 2 reasons. One, the pacing was too slow in the second half, especially at the 70% mark I felt things came to a crawling hault for no reason. It felt more like a conclusion rather than 30% left of the story to go. The author deciding to focus and drag out the final show down between Lou and Jamenin (Gaston in this case) just took forreeeeever to wrap up. Your protoganisits are literally withering away in a castle but yet you are focusing on the mundane daily going on of making tea, sitting by the fire and bickering with neighbors?? It just ruined any sense of urgency and climax. It made the payoff a little underwhelming in the end because I just wanted them to…. just.... get…...there. As much as I loved the characters I found myself really fighting not to skim pages to get to the end. How many cursed fluxes do the poor guys have to go through??
The other thing that I didn’t 100% love? Ballard’s final ‘beastly’ form. I know I know, that seems too specific and nitpicking but I’m a visual reader. If I can’t picture things clear enough, my mind wanders and I scramble to fill in the blanks and what I kept coming up with during the final face off just….....wasn’t very impressive:
Gavin's transformation was much more terrifying and impressive in comparison.
But overall, nice twist to a fairytale. I enjoyed this and will definitely read more Grace Draven stories.
First, shout out to my friend Beanbag for gifting me this story. This was her way of protesting the outrageous price inflations publishers are charging readers for kindle and hardcover books. Thank you so much for including me in your protest and choosing to share some of your favorite authors with me. Thank youuu!
Review time!
A twist to the Beauty and the Beast fairytale that is probably not for everyone. I wasn’t sure if it was for me given the heroine of this story. Oooh boy. Louvaen Demunda puts any and all sharp tongued self-proclaimed shrews to shame.
She’s something else. I usually, normally write off uptight pinched mouth heroines like this after 5 minutes, especially if they spend so much time strong arming and verbally incinerating others without batting an eye. And oh yes she’s one of those. Brace yourself. But….she grew on me. Beyond the prickly exterior, you have to really admire her strength, intelligence, resourcefulness and sharp wit. She showed the bravery and spine usually saved for the heroes of the story who come charging in guns blazing, Louvean did a lot of the saving here instead. Of herself and those she loved. So kudos there!!!
Now I personally could have done without the whole ‘are you still a virgin?’ drill sergant routine she would obsessively screen her sister with. That got tiresome and went really overboard. I didn’t like her much when she was in Dragon Sister Mode. It was overbearing and just too extreme and reminded me of what a grandmother would do. But when she’s around the hero Ballard, I enjoyed her. I honestly was surprised how easily she warmed up to him. I found it a little *too easy* to be honest given her guarded tempermental personality. She doesn’t trust very easily and yet somehow seemed to warm up so quickly and easily around Ballard. I found it sweet yet conflicting to her character.
Grace Draven's stories and style of writing isn't for everyone. It's fantasy, fairy tale, historical, gothic combined. Her dark writing with funny spots of humor oddly works. There are some moments where you question what era exactly the story takes place given some of the colorful unvarnished blunt dialogue. There are a lot of twists and turns on this take of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale. Instead of one cursed "prince" (no Princes here) you are dealing with two. I thought Ballard was way too kind and forgiving of his crazy wife who cursed not only him but her own son as well. The curse itself is so layered with so many trap doors that you can't help but feel hopeless for both men and the women who love them.
Now the reason I’m struggling between 3 and 4 stars are 2 reasons. One, the pacing was too slow in the second half, especially at the 70% mark I felt things came to a crawling hault for no reason. It felt more like a conclusion rather than 30% left of the story to go. The author deciding to focus and drag out the final show down between Lou and Jamenin (Gaston in this case) just took forreeeeever to wrap up. Your protoganisits are literally withering away in a castle but yet you are focusing on the mundane daily going on of making tea, sitting by the fire and bickering with neighbors?? It just ruined any sense of urgency and climax. It made the payoff a little underwhelming in the end because I just wanted them to…. just.... get…...there. As much as I loved the characters I found myself really fighting not to skim pages to get to the end. How many cursed fluxes do the poor guys have to go through??
The other thing that I didn’t 100% love? Ballard’s final ‘beastly’ form. I know I know, that seems too specific and nitpicking but I’m a visual reader. If I can’t picture things clear enough, my mind wanders and I scramble to fill in the blanks and what I kept coming up with during the final face off just….....wasn’t very impressive:
Gavin's transformation was much more terrifying and impressive in comparison.
But overall, nice twist to a fairytale. I enjoyed this and will definitely read more Grace Draven stories.
November 23, 2015
Now, don't laugh at me.... But as soon as I finished reading this book, I *had* to watch the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast. I forgot just how much I love this story.
This book was glorious. I love the way Grace Draven writes, she is incredibly eloquent and the way she paints the world with her lyrical prose is simply stunning. Her style is not for everyone, but I am a proud Dravenite.
This is a wonderful interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. This is dark, ominous and heartbreaking. The characters in this are fantastic. Louvaen is a strong, hot headed, stubborn woman who is the perfect match for the equally stubborn and prideful Ballard.
The slow burn of the romance that builds between Ballard and Louvaen is absolutely amazing and the love scenes in this are out of this world. The bath scenes were my favorites. A+ on the heat level in this.
The additional romance of Cinnia and Gavin was cute, even though Cinnia got on my nerves a little in the beginning. And the banter between all the characters was entertaining and interesting. I especially liked the fact that
While all of this was lovely and there was plenty of drama that kept the story ticking along (albeit at a slow pace) there were points in this that were never really fleshed out properly and they didn't make sense. The way I had to talk to my fellow buddy readers to get clarification on what actually happened. I'm sensing a pattern in Ms. Draven's writing, that the finale's are never quite as good as the rest of the book and this is a shame, because there is promise here for four and five star ratings but it is squandered with holey world building and sloppy finales.
I felt this dragged towards the end. I was ready for the happily ever after about 70 pages before the actual ending, but there was even more drama yet to come and I thought it was a little bit over the top.
But even having said all this, I still enjoyed the hell out of this book and will continue to read anything and everything that Ms Draven writes, except stories relating to douchenozzle Silhara, he can go suck a bag of dicks.
An enjoyable frolic through the fairy tale that is Beauty and the Beast, I would happily read this again and would keep my tissues handy because this is a heartbreaking journey.
3.5 remember-me Stars
Thanks for the buddy read, you lovely bunch of people over at Buddies, Books and Baubles !
This book was glorious. I love the way Grace Draven writes, she is incredibly eloquent and the way she paints the world with her lyrical prose is simply stunning. Her style is not for everyone, but I am a proud Dravenite.
"He'd take what she might offer and thank the gods for giving him such a fine gift before the curse overwhelmed him."
This is a wonderful interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. This is dark, ominous and heartbreaking. The characters in this are fantastic. Louvaen is a strong, hot headed, stubborn woman who is the perfect match for the equally stubborn and prideful Ballard.
The slow burn of the romance that builds between Ballard and Louvaen is absolutely amazing and the love scenes in this are out of this world. The bath scenes were my favorites. A+ on the heat level in this.
"All you have to do is breathe and you seduce me."
The additional romance of Cinnia and Gavin was cute, even though Cinnia got on my nerves a little in the beginning. And the banter between all the characters was entertaining and interesting. I especially liked the fact that
"Four hundred years earlier he would have paupered himself, defied a king and single-handedly conquered an empire if that's what it took to win this woman."
While all of this was lovely and there was plenty of drama that kept the story ticking along (albeit at a slow pace) there were points in this that were never really fleshed out properly and they didn't make sense. The way I had to talk to my fellow buddy readers to get clarification on what actually happened. I'm sensing a pattern in Ms. Draven's writing, that the finale's are never quite as good as the rest of the book and this is a shame, because there is promise here for four and five star ratings but it is squandered with holey world building and sloppy finales.
I felt this dragged towards the end. I was ready for the happily ever after about 70 pages before the actual ending, but there was even more drama yet to come and I thought it was a little bit over the top.
But even having said all this, I still enjoyed the hell out of this book and will continue to read anything and everything that Ms Draven writes, except stories relating to douchenozzle Silhara, he can go suck a bag of dicks.
An enjoyable frolic through the fairy tale that is Beauty and the Beast, I would happily read this again and would keep my tissues handy because this is a heartbreaking journey.
3.5 remember-me Stars
Thanks for the buddy read, you lovely bunch of people over at Buddies, Books and Baubles !
January 18, 2022
I ADORED this beauty and the Beast retelling. This has a very unique spin to the fairy tale, with another excellent friends to lovers romance reminiscent of Radiance, one of my favorite heroines of all time, and a super satisfying and endearing HEA.
Also love that the curse was not easily broken. This ranks right up there with Radiance as my fave from this author. Loved it so much.
Also love that the curse was not easily broken. This ranks right up there with Radiance as my fave from this author. Loved it so much.
March 14, 2017
Beauty and the Beast retold, okay but not the best one for me that I've read. I was so frustrated by the end.
Spoilers and questions
I'm going negative first, after being left frustrated when it finally ended.
This just didn't work for me and it's hard to place why, so many details didn't fit for me. There were more off putting points than intriguing ones. The story followed the traditional version almost like a checklist, some parts didn't fit well. They felt just thrown in just to cover all the bases. The roses were one of those that didn't fit. It felt like the roses were in the tale so that had to be tossed into the story. Why did they lust for blood ? What did they get from it ? What was their tie to the curse ? Why, Why Why ? What was with the animosity between her and the sorcerer ? Was it her lack of knowledge on magic, her hatred of it, her ability to breath ? He liked verbal sparring, liked spunky snarky women, he loved one why did he hate her ? The son, fell in love with his woman why ? Was it her amazing beauty ? That's all I got from it. The pathetic father, why was he such a wimpy useless bag of flesh ? He wasn't an alcoholic, he bedded the neighbor, and didn't seem depressed so what was wrong with him ? Why was there so much bath time ? It seemed like they spent a lot of pages bathing, or thinking about bathing. Menses, Sex, I like sex in a story but these two rutted at every opportunity.
Why did the mother/wife hate her husband so much ? Before the whole slaying/birth thing ? Why ? It was the norm of the times to live as she did. Why the extreme hatred ? Oh and how did the beast know his end time was coming ? He talked about it, enough to make me question it.
Now the good.
The female MC was a widow, and didn't believe in holding her tongue, or her fist. She had the fight response working for her. She was called a screw and owned it, head held high. She wasn't squeamish, proper, or virginal. She was physically in tune with her wants and needs and was never ashamed. I feel like I need to get the Pom Poms out and cheer for a real woman character in a fairytale.
The wicked big bad boy-man who had to have the girl, the prettiest in all the land. He was nasty, in all the right ways. He lashed out at everyone he could, such a good bad boy. I would have liked more of him in the story.
I love this tale, it is my favorite fairytale. I know the author worked hard and I appreciate her work, even with the holes I found in the story.
Spoilers and questions
I'm going negative first, after being left frustrated when it finally ended.
This just didn't work for me and it's hard to place why, so many details didn't fit for me. There were more off putting points than intriguing ones. The story followed the traditional version almost like a checklist, some parts didn't fit well. They felt just thrown in just to cover all the bases. The roses were one of those that didn't fit. It felt like the roses were in the tale so that had to be tossed into the story. Why did they lust for blood ? What did they get from it ? What was their tie to the curse ? Why, Why Why ? What was with the animosity between her and the sorcerer ? Was it her lack of knowledge on magic, her hatred of it, her ability to breath ? He liked verbal sparring, liked spunky snarky women, he loved one why did he hate her ? The son, fell in love with his woman why ? Was it her amazing beauty ? That's all I got from it. The pathetic father, why was he such a wimpy useless bag of flesh ? He wasn't an alcoholic, he bedded the neighbor, and didn't seem depressed so what was wrong with him ? Why was there so much bath time ? It seemed like they spent a lot of pages bathing, or thinking about bathing. Menses, Sex, I like sex in a story but these two rutted at every opportunity.
Why did the mother/wife hate her husband so much ? Before the whole slaying/birth thing ? Why ? It was the norm of the times to live as she did. Why the extreme hatred ? Oh and how did the beast know his end time was coming ? He talked about it, enough to make me question it.
Now the good.
The female MC was a widow, and didn't believe in holding her tongue, or her fist. She had the fight response working for her. She was called a screw and owned it, head held high. She wasn't squeamish, proper, or virginal. She was physically in tune with her wants and needs and was never ashamed. I feel like I need to get the Pom Poms out and cheer for a real woman character in a fairytale.
The wicked big bad boy-man who had to have the girl, the prettiest in all the land. He was nasty, in all the right ways. He lashed out at everyone he could, such a good bad boy. I would have liked more of him in the story.
I love this tale, it is my favorite fairytale. I know the author worked hard and I appreciate her work, even with the holes I found in the story.
February 13, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed the story. It did drag on a bit and I felt like the backstory scenes were unnecessary. I did like the twist on the old story.
I enjoyed the story. It did drag on a bit and I felt like the backstory scenes were unnecessary. I did like the twist on the old story.
January 4, 2018
Re-tellings of Beauty and the Beast abound, but having read and enjoyed Draven’s Radiance, I had high expectations.
Entreat Me contains all the usual tropes and elements of the famous fairy tale, but the author twists them into new configurations. There are now two couples, one handsome, the other not so much, the curse is much more complicated and far-reaching, the rose is evil (truly repelling!), and the focus is on the characters, what makes them tick, and their interactions. Draven creates great protagonists that feel alive and fully formed, and this is not just for the main ones - the whole cast is engaging. She takes her time with them, letting them develop in front of our eyes. Yes, it slows down the narrative, perhaps too much and could have been tighten up a little.
This is a fantasy romance at heart, but dealt with a scalpel. It is also telling that Draven makes the older ‘couple’ the centre of her story, with their heavy baggages of pain and experience, both having to find what lies beneath the surface. It is also incredibly fun with all the snark! :O)
Additionally, this tale is also one of love and sacrifice between father and son, and between siblings, both these being key to solving all.
P.S. A note on the art that accompanies Graven’s books - the cover and chapter headings are beautiful!
Entreat Me contains all the usual tropes and elements of the famous fairy tale, but the author twists them into new configurations. There are now two couples, one handsome, the other not so much, the curse is much more complicated and far-reaching, the rose is evil (truly repelling!), and the focus is on the characters, what makes them tick, and their interactions. Draven creates great protagonists that feel alive and fully formed, and this is not just for the main ones - the whole cast is engaging. She takes her time with them, letting them develop in front of our eyes. Yes, it slows down the narrative, perhaps too much and could have been tighten up a little.
This is a fantasy romance at heart, but dealt with a scalpel. It is also telling that Draven makes the older ‘couple’ the centre of her story, with their heavy baggages of pain and experience, both having to find what lies beneath the surface. It is also incredibly fun with all the snark! :O)
Additionally, this tale is also one of love and sacrifice between father and son, and between siblings, both these being key to solving all.
P.S. A note on the art that accompanies Graven’s books - the cover and chapter headings are beautiful!
Shelved as 'own-need-to-read'
February 9, 2017This story, ENTREAT ME by Grace Draven, was gifted to me by Beanbag in protest of the outrageous prices professional publishers are charging for their books. She's chosen a few of her very favorite INDY published books to share with some of her Goodreads friends. She explains her unusual form of protest beautifully, here: Beanbag's Review of J.R. WARD's Blood Vow
A glimpse of what she has to say:
A glimpse of what she has to say:
"But some of us are just plain tired of being played for chumps and something that might seem like just a few bucks give or take ... well there's that one last straw that breaks the camel's back. Frankly, it's insulting, and my money goes where I want it to go. Because while authors may not be their readers' bitches (thank you Neil Gaiman for that one), readers are not authors' bitches either."Please take a moment to visit her "review" of Blood Vow to read for yourself all that she has to say!
November 8, 2015
No False words Louvaen. All you have to do is breathe and you Seduce Me
It's like I'm on a winning streak in choosing Awesome books this week. I Love Love Love this Read. This is my second read from Grace Draven and I must say that I'm most pleased with her work thus far. This book is in essence a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast but with a twist.
The story was well written, the characters full of depth and character development. The protagonists Ballad and Louvaen were mesmerizing in there roles to say the least. I love when authors pen stories that are I can identify with. It's refreshing to see the leads flawed and broken, average looking ( Yeahhh....because it seems that everyone has to be drop dead gorgeous to me leads, which annoys me ). I could not get enough of their story. The supporting characters were wonderful also. This in my opinion is how retelling are to be done.
5 ~ I Fell So Hard for The leads ~ Stars
Read
December 30, 2021I've only recently discovered Grace Draven and so far I loved all of her books with a varied degree of intensity. So, naturally, I was pretty sure Entreat Me was going to be another excellent read for me: it's a "classic" Draven and friends and Goodreaders I follow all liked it a lot.
Ha, high expectations!
Hey, if you like Draven's work you'll like this, too: it has all the elements that make her books stand out from the rest - a brooding, destitute hero tragically removed from society, a smart, strong-willed and resourceful heroine, a slow-burning romance, great moments of intimacy and a hard-won HEA . If you're unfamiliar with this author, you should remedy soon: Draven is an intelligent writer who knows how to tell a delicate but sexy romance, has clear in mind what constitutes a strong male lead without resorting to this aggravating alpha male bullsh*t that's all the rage nowadays (you know, the kind of male leads that, were they real-life men, would have you sprinting for the nearest police station screaming for help and that for some reasons have become the epitome of sexiness in certain fiction), she knows what consent during sex means so you won't be forced to read rapey crap sold as romantic overtures and she stays clear of some of the most eye-rolling tropes typical of the genre.
Entreat Me is no exception to Draven's bibliography so I think it's safe to say that it is, by all standards, a very good romance novel. And yet, it didn't work as well for me as her other books did. My main problem was Louvaen, the female lead - or rather, the way she's portrayed throughout the book. Which is all the more saddening since I really appreciated to have - finally! - an "older" romantic heroine (as in, she's in her thirties instead of being 22: and in romance when you hit the 25 years old mark you instantly turn into a decrepit hag). But Draven's pretty insistent about the fact that Louvaen has a terribly temperamental and violent personality: the other characters speak of little else but of her bossy and overbearing ways and the jokes about hiding weapons, cutlery and various pointy tools from her abound - you literally can't go two pages without reading about someone scuttling off in the background to hide a fork from her. The thing is, I saw very little of Louvaen's infamous bad manners: to me she actually was the one sane person amidst a bunch of people reacting hysterically to anything she said or did. It kept dragging me out of the story, especially since I couldn't help but wonder if I didn't see Louvaen's shortcomings because they are my own. I mean, am I a harpy?! But, come on, if the people around you commented non-stop about your awful personality, you'd get all pissy too... right?
I also thought that Draven's recourse to magic was pretty lazy. Since this is a fairytale retelling, I wasn't expecting anything tolkienesque, but while in The Undying King magic, albeit of the pretty generic sort, is a mysterious and otherworldly presence, almost a character in its own right, here is used merely as a deus ex machina, conveniently doing as much or as little as the author requires to move the plot forward. Not a major failing, to be sure, but having a magical system in place, like in Draven's Master of Crows, could have added some interesting twists to the story: as it is, in Entreat Me magic is just a prop and, at times, it gets pretty confusing.
On the plus side, I loved Ballard's relationship with his son and their household and how, despite Ballard and Louvaen's unquestionably deep love for each other, their loyalty is, first and foremost, to their families: Draven definitely has a knack for writing romance that manages to be incredibly sweet while still ringing true and somehow relatable.
Despite my complaints, Grace Draven remains one of the authors to go to if you want a smart, delicately written, engaging romance with a touch of fantasy to it: next up, her Wraith Kings series.
Strong Blood (very) short story found in Lover of Thorns and Holy Gods: ★★★ to Silhara and Ballard sharing a few drinks together (who am I kidding: the rating would be way higher, but Draven's short stories are seriously too short - more like snippets, really).
Ha, high expectations!
Hey, if you like Draven's work you'll like this, too: it has all the elements that make her books stand out from the rest - a brooding, destitute hero tragically removed from society, a smart, strong-willed and resourceful heroine, a slow-burning romance, great moments of intimacy and a hard-won HEA . If you're unfamiliar with this author, you should remedy soon: Draven is an intelligent writer who knows how to tell a delicate but sexy romance, has clear in mind what constitutes a strong male lead without resorting to this aggravating alpha male bullsh*t that's all the rage nowadays (you know, the kind of male leads that, were they real-life men, would have you sprinting for the nearest police station screaming for help and that for some reasons have become the epitome of sexiness in certain fiction), she knows what consent during sex means so you won't be forced to read rapey crap sold as romantic overtures and she stays clear of some of the most eye-rolling tropes typical of the genre.
Entreat Me is no exception to Draven's bibliography so I think it's safe to say that it is, by all standards, a very good romance novel. And yet, it didn't work as well for me as her other books did. My main problem was Louvaen, the female lead - or rather, the way she's portrayed throughout the book. Which is all the more saddening since I really appreciated to have - finally! - an "older" romantic heroine (as in, she's in her thirties instead of being 22: and in romance when you hit the 25 years old mark you instantly turn into a decrepit hag). But Draven's pretty insistent about the fact that Louvaen has a terribly temperamental and violent personality: the other characters speak of little else but of her bossy and overbearing ways and the jokes about hiding weapons, cutlery and various pointy tools from her abound - you literally can't go two pages without reading about someone scuttling off in the background to hide a fork from her. The thing is, I saw very little of Louvaen's infamous bad manners: to me she actually was the one sane person amidst a bunch of people reacting hysterically to anything she said or did. It kept dragging me out of the story, especially since I couldn't help but wonder if I didn't see Louvaen's shortcomings because they are my own. I mean, am I a harpy?! But, come on, if the people around you commented non-stop about your awful personality, you'd get all pissy too... right?
I also thought that Draven's recourse to magic was pretty lazy. Since this is a fairytale retelling, I wasn't expecting anything tolkienesque, but while in The Undying King magic, albeit of the pretty generic sort, is a mysterious and otherworldly presence, almost a character in its own right, here is used merely as a deus ex machina, conveniently doing as much or as little as the author requires to move the plot forward. Not a major failing, to be sure, but having a magical system in place, like in Draven's Master of Crows, could have added some interesting twists to the story: as it is, in Entreat Me magic is just a prop and, at times, it gets pretty confusing.
On the plus side, I loved Ballard's relationship with his son and their household and how, despite Ballard and Louvaen's unquestionably deep love for each other, their loyalty is, first and foremost, to their families: Draven definitely has a knack for writing romance that manages to be incredibly sweet while still ringing true and somehow relatable.
Despite my complaints, Grace Draven remains one of the authors to go to if you want a smart, delicately written, engaging romance with a touch of fantasy to it: next up, her Wraith Kings series.
Strong Blood (very) short story found in Lover of Thorns and Holy Gods: ★★★ to Silhara and Ballard sharing a few drinks together (who am I kidding: the rating would be way higher, but Draven's short stories are seriously too short - more like snippets, really).
December 31, 2015
Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for wither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me.
I LOVED this book. Grace Draven just has a knack for writing Romantasy (Fantasy + Romance).
Louvaen, is the very protective sister of Cinnia the “Beauty” and Ballard is the “Beast”, who’s dead wife’s hatred has placed a curse upon him and his son, Gavin. Ballard’s sorcerer has put a spell on the castle and all the inhabitants, slowing time, so that he can find a way to break the curse. But over 300 years later nothing has changed. But then Gavin meets Cinnia on one of his travels, and in order to save her, he takes her home with him. Ballard’s family believes that Cinnia can break the curse placed upon him and Gavin, but Louvaen seems to be the fly in their ointment, determined to rescue her sister from ruin.
“All you have to do is breathe, and you seduce me.”
I adored the romance between Louvaen and Ballard. Grace Draven’s romance is always a slow burn, and that works perfectly for me. I loved how these two started at opposite ends, always bickering, but slowly their attraction to each other started shining through, and I loved watching the proud Ballard and the fierce Louvaen fall in love.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast, and Entreat Me is definitely my favorite of this trope. The story was so very captivating, and I loved all the characters and the sexy times ;-).
A must read for everyone who loves fantasy or romance.
October 23, 2019
Grace Draven can literally do no wrong in my reader's eyes considering this is third book by her that I've 5 starred. This was a twisty, sinister, magical, loose interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. I'll actually take this version over my favourite Disney film, so this is high praise.
Ballard is the beast, but not in the way you might envisage before dipping your toe into this book. The curse, the beast-incarnate is both sinister and attractive. There is clever mastery in Draven's ability to create supposed unattractive even revolting men and she then doesn't make them handsome to sort the ugliness out, she makes their character, the inside, something so compelling and desirable. Ballard did 'it' for me, it's that simple.
"Wife of my soul."
Lou was a funny woman, half-shrew, yet noble, full of integrity with fierce, fierce love. I came to admire her hugely. This book was peppered left and right with amazing side characters of differing importance, Ambrose, Gavin, Cinnia and more.
I feel like the magic in this book was a character in itself. It scared me in it's evil intent. It's use of nature and Ballard's body set a shivering context. The chapter beginning illustrations just enhanced everything, they were excellent.
I need to own this book in paperback. I will read it again. I think this author is most fabulous and I love her writing for her men, her humour, the bite of sarcasm and complex but inviting stories. All hail Draven!
Re-read by audio Oct 2019, such a excellent experience in audio with superb single POV narration. I loved it as much second time around.
Ballard is the beast, but not in the way you might envisage before dipping your toe into this book. The curse, the beast-incarnate is both sinister and attractive. There is clever mastery in Draven's ability to create supposed unattractive even revolting men and she then doesn't make them handsome to sort the ugliness out, she makes their character, the inside, something so compelling and desirable. Ballard did 'it' for me, it's that simple.
"Wife of my soul."
Lou was a funny woman, half-shrew, yet noble, full of integrity with fierce, fierce love. I came to admire her hugely. This book was peppered left and right with amazing side characters of differing importance, Ambrose, Gavin, Cinnia and more.
I feel like the magic in this book was a character in itself. It scared me in it's evil intent. It's use of nature and Ballard's body set a shivering context. The chapter beginning illustrations just enhanced everything, they were excellent.
I need to own this book in paperback. I will read it again. I think this author is most fabulous and I love her writing for her men, her humour, the bite of sarcasm and complex but inviting stories. All hail Draven!
Re-read by audio Oct 2019, such a excellent experience in audio with superb single POV narration. I loved it as much second time around.
July 11, 2016
Amazing <3 Probably one of the best Beauty & the Beast retellings out there.
February 5, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning upon reading this review
First Impressions
Entreat Me was a story that I was so highly looking forward to and I had such high hopes for and I won’t lie to you all, I struggled with this book, it even came close to becoming a DNF. I do think much of this was because of the narration. I just don’t think it worked well for me, but also I just wasn’t that invested in this romance, and I really had to push myself to finish it, I mean it took over a week to read this one. But I wanted to see what all the hype was about, and while I ended up really enjoying it at the end there so part of me is happy that I had decided to stick with it in the end, It definitely wasn’t the type of tale that I liked. Also, it has a fling trope and yeah that REALLY doesn’t work for me, but most especially in one of my favorite retelling themes. I am such a sucker for the beauty and beast trope but I felt like the “fling” aspect really ruined it for me. I do think this story will work for some readers, I just wasn’t one fo them.
What I Loved
There are some aspects to this story that I did really enjoy though. I really liked the close connection to the actual French “Beauty and the Beast” tale. So I did respect how the author handled some of those aspects. I was intrigued by the curse that is tormenting the hero and his son and was so curious about how it would all play out in the end. But also I was really curious about how the curse would be broken. The hero was such a solid character. I adored him in every way. His devotion to his son was remarkable and made him, even more, sexier in my honest opinion. I just love a good father figure in a hero, and what he is willing to do for his son only made him even more remarkable of a character. I adore the father of the two daughters, he really stands his ground when it’s important. There are some great feels in this story so it definitely has its redeemable moments. I do think the later half of the story is what makes it worth sticking with it for. I will say the villain in the story makes for a superb one and really enjoyed how Draven implemented his role into the story.
What I Struggled With
I will be honest, I really struggled with a few aspects of this story. I really didn’t care for the heroine. I am not a huge fan of the more prickly heroines and I just got turned off by her personality. I was also confused on how the curse was broken to be honest, I was hoping for something a bit more satisfying, but it was just a weird implement into the story and just didn’t make sense to me. I was hoping for something more epic feeling to culminate the story more fully.
The Narration
I really struggled with the narrator here, and was a big part of the reason why I struggled so much with this story and I am wishing that I had read this physically instead of through the audio format. I really think it was the voices she implemented and I was turned off by her voice a bit, but especially the way she handled the male voices was a struggle for me.
Overall View
While this story had its detractions for me personally, Entreat Me is an epic story of sacrifice and love amidst the struggle of fighting a magical curse that portrays the original tale so beautifully that will attract its readers in a pivotal way.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning upon reading this review
First Impressions
Entreat Me was a story that I was so highly looking forward to and I had such high hopes for and I won’t lie to you all, I struggled with this book, it even came close to becoming a DNF. I do think much of this was because of the narration. I just don’t think it worked well for me, but also I just wasn’t that invested in this romance, and I really had to push myself to finish it, I mean it took over a week to read this one. But I wanted to see what all the hype was about, and while I ended up really enjoying it at the end there so part of me is happy that I had decided to stick with it in the end, It definitely wasn’t the type of tale that I liked. Also, it has a fling trope and yeah that REALLY doesn’t work for me, but most especially in one of my favorite retelling themes. I am such a sucker for the beauty and beast trope but I felt like the “fling” aspect really ruined it for me. I do think this story will work for some readers, I just wasn’t one fo them.
What strange madness gripped this place that no one—not even her sister who’d been known to weep over a crushed spider—seemed bothered by the horrendous sounds emanating from the castle depths?
What I Loved
There are some aspects to this story that I did really enjoy though. I really liked the close connection to the actual French “Beauty and the Beast” tale. So I did respect how the author handled some of those aspects. I was intrigued by the curse that is tormenting the hero and his son and was so curious about how it would all play out in the end. But also I was really curious about how the curse would be broken. The hero was such a solid character. I adored him in every way. His devotion to his son was remarkable and made him, even more, sexier in my honest opinion. I just love a good father figure in a hero, and what he is willing to do for his son only made him even more remarkable of a character. I adore the father of the two daughters, he really stands his ground when it’s important. There are some great feels in this story so it definitely has its redeemable moments. I do think the later half of the story is what makes it worth sticking with it for. I will say the villain in the story makes for a superb one and really enjoyed how Draven implemented his role into the story.
“I can’t accept this, my lord. Its too fine a gift, and I am no queen.”
Ballard gently pushed it back to her. “You are, Louvaen. You’re simply uncrowned.”
What I Struggled With
I will be honest, I really struggled with a few aspects of this story. I really didn’t care for the heroine. I am not a huge fan of the more prickly heroines and I just got turned off by her personality. I was also confused on how the curse was broken to be honest, I was hoping for something a bit more satisfying, but it was just a weird implement into the story and just didn’t make sense to me. I was hoping for something more epic feeling to culminate the story more fully.
The Narration
I really struggled with the narrator here, and was a big part of the reason why I struggled so much with this story and I am wishing that I had read this physically instead of through the audio format. I really think it was the voices she implemented and I was turned off by her voice a bit, but especially the way she handled the male voices was a struggle for me.
Overall View
While this story had its detractions for me personally, Entreat Me is an epic story of sacrifice and love amidst the struggle of fighting a magical curse that portrays the original tale so beautifully that will attract its readers in a pivotal way.
December 6, 2013
This was a long awaited treat for me since I read Grace Draven’s Master of Crows about 3 years ago in paperback then bought it again in Kindle format. It has been in my All Time Top 5 ever since and I kept waiting for more since most authors drop new books every few months or so. This took a bit longer and it was worth the wait.
Louvaen has been both mother and sister to Cinnia since her younger sister was a child, now Gavin has appeared and her sister seems to have fallen for the handsome young man. Being the self appointed guardian of her sister’s honor she is not likely to be fooled by his charm but things happen to change that, not the least of which is meeting the lad’s father Ballard who has been cursed.
This is an original story which uses the basic framework of the Beauty and The Beast fairy tale to convey an amazing story of love, devotion, obsession and magic. You have a pair of tragic heroes, a pair of damsels in distress, an old curse, an evil villain and a few thorns. The story is riveting and the main characters and most of the secondary characters are fully written and deeply part of the story.
So we have to try to break the curse, keep their father out of jail and the hands of the evil villain, keep an eye on her sister’s honor and find a way to live happily ever after. Quite a tall order and it may not happen at all, this is no fairy tale, it is filled with hatred and evil still having power. The touch of "love conquers all" is still a great read even if well worn a bit .
At the core of all of this is a slow story of romance and growing devotion that will be the key to most everything so if you are looking for somebody to jump into bed or passionate embraces in the first 25% of the book, sorry this is a slow moving deeply detailed romance which you will remember long after you turn the last page. This is why we read these type books, this is an exceptional story told by an talented writer and you will hate to see this book end. Trust me. 5 Star materiel all the way and it will probably be one to read over and over in years to come.
Louvaen has been both mother and sister to Cinnia since her younger sister was a child, now Gavin has appeared and her sister seems to have fallen for the handsome young man. Being the self appointed guardian of her sister’s honor she is not likely to be fooled by his charm but things happen to change that, not the least of which is meeting the lad’s father Ballard who has been cursed.
This is an original story which uses the basic framework of the Beauty and The Beast fairy tale to convey an amazing story of love, devotion, obsession and magic. You have a pair of tragic heroes, a pair of damsels in distress, an old curse, an evil villain and a few thorns. The story is riveting and the main characters and most of the secondary characters are fully written and deeply part of the story.
So we have to try to break the curse, keep their father out of jail and the hands of the evil villain, keep an eye on her sister’s honor and find a way to live happily ever after. Quite a tall order and it may not happen at all, this is no fairy tale, it is filled with hatred and evil still having power. The touch of "love conquers all" is still a great read even if well worn a bit .
At the core of all of this is a slow story of romance and growing devotion that will be the key to most everything so if you are looking for somebody to jump into bed or passionate embraces in the first 25% of the book, sorry this is a slow moving deeply detailed romance which you will remember long after you turn the last page. This is why we read these type books, this is an exceptional story told by an talented writer and you will hate to see this book end. Trust me. 5 Star materiel all the way and it will probably be one to read over and over in years to come.
May 16, 2019
I have yet to find a book by Ms Graven that I didn't love. So, please, take this into account while reading this review. I'm not usually a blabbering idiot, but I have to admit that she makes one out of me. [But I swear I will refrain from gifs....]
Entreat Me is one slow-burning addiction to this author lyrical writing, to her stories full of passion, of magical worlds you'd like to see, of characters you'd like to meet.
We had to wait a few years since Master of Crows. But what we got in exchange is a book as good as MoC. And completely different from it. Many authors tend to fall on the same repetitive lines. She never does. I've read all she has written and published (in a way or other), and I have yet to find some common ground.
Entreat Me is a fantasy and yes there's romance in it too. But calling it simply a fantasy romance seems reductive to me. Because it's both.
The story may have started as a "wink" to Beauty and the Beast. But it's just that, a wink or a tribute, if you like. What Ms Draven makes of the fairy tale is a stunning new spinning. In it there are evil and monsters and a beauty and a beast that are not what or who you think. There's a fierce heroine and a battered hero that makes you realized that all the alpha BS is just that. Crap.
This is a book that you savour and dread reading. Because reading will bring you nearer to the end. An end that has your heart in your throat for a single, terrible moment when you stop breathing and ask: how will they...?
As I said, I'm not sure this review will be of any use to you. It really goes off the deep end of fandom. And as such is uber personal.
But I wish you'd try her books. At the end of the day they are cheap enough and you might discover a gem too. Or lose just a few bucks.
Entreat Me is one slow-burning addiction to this author lyrical writing, to her stories full of passion, of magical worlds you'd like to see, of characters you'd like to meet.
We had to wait a few years since Master of Crows. But what we got in exchange is a book as good as MoC. And completely different from it. Many authors tend to fall on the same repetitive lines. She never does. I've read all she has written and published (in a way or other), and I have yet to find some common ground.
Entreat Me is a fantasy and yes there's romance in it too. But calling it simply a fantasy romance seems reductive to me. Because it's both.
The story may have started as a "wink" to Beauty and the Beast. But it's just that, a wink or a tribute, if you like. What Ms Draven makes of the fairy tale is a stunning new spinning. In it there are evil and monsters and a beauty and a beast that are not what or who you think. There's a fierce heroine and a battered hero that makes you realized that all the alpha BS is just that. Crap.
This is a book that you savour and dread reading. Because reading will bring you nearer to the end. An end that has your heart in your throat for a single, terrible moment when you stop breathing and ask: how will they...?
As I said, I'm not sure this review will be of any use to you. It really goes off the deep end of fandom. And as such is uber personal.
But I wish you'd try her books. At the end of the day they are cheap enough and you might discover a gem too. Or lose just a few bucks.
July 4, 2020
4 solid stars.
It kept me interested to the very end and I never skimmed. The romance was great and I loved both MC's. One of the better Beauty and the Beast retellings I've come across. I especially loved the heroine; she was unapologeticly brash and strong. Some could see her actions coming off as bitchy but I actually loved her for it. She wasnt an insecure wallflower and she took charge and spook plainly without riddles or guessing games. What annoyed me was the constant mention of the heroines sisters virginity and the Hero's past sexual history when he was a warlord. It was very distracting and I felt like both of these things took up a lot of space in the story.
Safety:
No cheating
No OW/OM after meeting or drama.
H celibate for over a century but was a manwhore in previous life.
h is a widow. Only had sex with her dead husband.
Small seperation
Epilogue with children
It kept me interested to the very end and I never skimmed. The romance was great and I loved both MC's. One of the better Beauty and the Beast retellings I've come across. I especially loved the heroine; she was unapologeticly brash and strong. Some could see her actions coming off as bitchy but I actually loved her for it. She wasnt an insecure wallflower and she took charge and spook plainly without riddles or guessing games. What annoyed me was the constant mention of the heroines sisters virginity and the Hero's past sexual history when he was a warlord. It was very distracting and I felt like both of these things took up a lot of space in the story.
Safety:
No cheating
No OW/OM after meeting or drama.
H celibate for over a century but was a manwhore in previous life.
h is a widow. Only had sex with her dead husband.
Small seperation
Epilogue with children
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2022
3.75 stars
This book was a very sweet Beauty and the Beast retelling with some more mature themes. Although I liked how cute the romance was, I wish we got more tension between Ballard and Louvean. They were into each other fairly quickly and didn’t have to deal with conflicts within their relationship which made the book a little boring and drag in certain parts.
Besides that, I did enjoy the relationship part of the story and really liked the FMC’s blunt-but-will-kill-for-her-sister’s character. I think she was good for the MMC and she never shied away from him but also never lied or acted as if he was the most beautiful man she’s seen. She was a tough FMC without her being cruel to the other characters which is one of my favourite kinds of FMCs. I also loved the epilogue, it was short but very cute!
This book was a very sweet Beauty and the Beast retelling with some more mature themes. Although I liked how cute the romance was, I wish we got more tension between Ballard and Louvean. They were into each other fairly quickly and didn’t have to deal with conflicts within their relationship which made the book a little boring and drag in certain parts.
Besides that, I did enjoy the relationship part of the story and really liked the FMC’s blunt-but-will-kill-for-her-sister’s character. I think she was good for the MMC and she never shied away from him but also never lied or acted as if he was the most beautiful man she’s seen. She was a tough FMC without her being cruel to the other characters which is one of my favourite kinds of FMCs. I also loved the epilogue, it was short but very cute!
January 6, 2014
3.5 stars - Spoilers
This was pretty good. I didn't like it quite as much as Master of Crows but for the most part it was still a charming little read.
-What's what: A retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Ballard and his son (Gavin) are cursed by his dying wife, the only way to break the curse is true love. Enter sisters, Cinnia and Louvean. Gavin falls for Cinnia and believes she can break the curse and save him and his father. Louvean who is very protective of her younger sister is suspicious of Gavin and his motives. She watches over their courtship and in the process becomes closer to Ballard and the truth behind the curse.
-The story was rather romantic and enthralling but it did have the tendency to drag in places. I was impatiently waiting for Ballard and Gavin to tell the sisters their beastly secret but they kept them in the dark for ages — it sort of slowed things down since the story behind the curse was revealed early on to the reader… So yea, I was unimpressed with Louvean spending a good chunk of the book trying to figure out the mystery of Ballard's disfigurement when I already knew everything.
-I enjoyed the world building and setting, it was easy to immerse into and it added that little bit of magic and slight gothic vibe.
-Louvean was a decent character, she was protective, capable, intelligent, and hard working. However, at times I did feel that her character was written a certain way in order for her to seem like the perfect match for Ballard, instead of her being a character in her own right.
-I loved the slow build up of Ballard and Louvean's relationship, the way they played off each other and the heat between them was great. However, there were some aspects of the romance I wasn't pleased with: 1. Once they had sex all the tension was gone 2. They went from fancying each other to full on lovers and commitment after spending just one night together and 3. The romance was quite cliched… It basically boiled down to the tortured and broody hero being saved by the love of a good woman. It was still a sweet romance but it would have been better if they hadn't gone from awkward tension to non-stop sexy times overnight.
-Ballard deserved to be cursed by his first wife, he separated her from the man she loved (even if he was a douche) and forced her into marriage just so he could own her lands. He was such a dick to her.
-Louvean and Cinnia's sisterly bond was lovely to read about, it was definitely the best element of the book. Most fantasy or PNR/UF/YA books don't have such strong bonds between female characters so it's always great to find a book that portrays a wonderful relationship between female characters.
-I loved that Louvean felt no jealousy or insecurity whatsoever because her younger sister was beautiful and beloved by all.
-For the majority of the book there wasn't much to Cinnia's character apart from her beauty. I'm pretty sure if she didn't look the way she did then Gavin would never have been interested in her, he was in love with her beauty more than anything.
-Louvean and Cinnia's dad was a useless dolt and caused so many problems for them with his weak ways and daft business ideas. He did come through in the end when he stabbed Jimenin but it was a case of too little, too late.
-Jimenin was a perverted wanker. His obsession with Cinnia was creepy, he deserved a worse death than what he got.
-I wasn't all that clear on how the curse was broken. When Cinnia and Louvean declared their love for Gavin and Ballard it only made things worse. But later on Gavin's part of the curse was stopped when he recognised Cinnia in beast form, and Ballard's beastly form disappeared when Louvean shot him — so yea, not sure how that translated to Louvean's love saving Ballard.
-I didn't like the epilogue, it felt to me as if Ballard would always love Gavin more than Louvean and his new son, which wasn't exactly romantic.
I did on the whole enjoy Entreat me, it was a pleasing fantasy romance read, there were just a few elements that I wasn't impressed with.
This was pretty good. I didn't like it quite as much as Master of Crows but for the most part it was still a charming little read.
-What's what: A retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Ballard and his son (Gavin) are cursed by his dying wife, the only way to break the curse is true love. Enter sisters, Cinnia and Louvean. Gavin falls for Cinnia and believes she can break the curse and save him and his father. Louvean who is very protective of her younger sister is suspicious of Gavin and his motives. She watches over their courtship and in the process becomes closer to Ballard and the truth behind the curse.
-The story was rather romantic and enthralling but it did have the tendency to drag in places. I was impatiently waiting for Ballard and Gavin to tell the sisters their beastly secret but they kept them in the dark for ages — it sort of slowed things down since the story behind the curse was revealed early on to the reader… So yea, I was unimpressed with Louvean spending a good chunk of the book trying to figure out the mystery of Ballard's disfigurement when I already knew everything.
-I enjoyed the world building and setting, it was easy to immerse into and it added that little bit of magic and slight gothic vibe.
-Louvean was a decent character, she was protective, capable, intelligent, and hard working. However, at times I did feel that her character was written a certain way in order for her to seem like the perfect match for Ballard, instead of her being a character in her own right.
-I loved the slow build up of Ballard and Louvean's relationship, the way they played off each other and the heat between them was great. However, there were some aspects of the romance I wasn't pleased with: 1. Once they had sex all the tension was gone 2. They went from fancying each other to full on lovers and commitment after spending just one night together and 3. The romance was quite cliched… It basically boiled down to the tortured and broody hero being saved by the love of a good woman. It was still a sweet romance but it would have been better if they hadn't gone from awkward tension to non-stop sexy times overnight.
-Ballard deserved to be cursed by his first wife, he separated her from the man she loved (even if he was a douche) and forced her into marriage just so he could own her lands. He was such a dick to her.
-Louvean and Cinnia's sisterly bond was lovely to read about, it was definitely the best element of the book. Most fantasy or PNR/UF/YA books don't have such strong bonds between female characters so it's always great to find a book that portrays a wonderful relationship between female characters.
-I loved that Louvean felt no jealousy or insecurity whatsoever because her younger sister was beautiful and beloved by all.
-For the majority of the book there wasn't much to Cinnia's character apart from her beauty. I'm pretty sure if she didn't look the way she did then Gavin would never have been interested in her, he was in love with her beauty more than anything.
-Louvean and Cinnia's dad was a useless dolt and caused so many problems for them with his weak ways and daft business ideas. He did come through in the end when he stabbed Jimenin but it was a case of too little, too late.
-Jimenin was a perverted wanker. His obsession with Cinnia was creepy, he deserved a worse death than what he got.
-I wasn't all that clear on how the curse was broken. When Cinnia and Louvean declared their love for Gavin and Ballard it only made things worse. But later on Gavin's part of the curse was stopped when he recognised Cinnia in beast form, and Ballard's beastly form disappeared when Louvean shot him — so yea, not sure how that translated to Louvean's love saving Ballard.
-I didn't like the epilogue, it felt to me as if Ballard would always love Gavin more than Louvean and his new son, which wasn't exactly romantic.
I did on the whole enjoy Entreat me, it was a pleasing fantasy romance read, there were just a few elements that I wasn't impressed with.
December 25, 2015
Another lovely story by Grace Draven, that manages to avoid two of the most annoying tropes of the genre: the blushing virgin and the handsome male love interest. They are there, making cow eyes at each other, but only as side characters. Our main characters are a widow and a cursed, disfigured and grumpy lord of a manor. Ok, he is dark and broody, but definitely not handsome or rugged.
Slow burn, some snark, lovely characters. Somewhere in the middle I got a bit bored, as the story did not make much progress. But even so I still enjoyed it. This is definitely nothing for someone looking for a lot of action. Again. This seems to be quintessential Draven. It is more about the characters' interactions than about plot.
There is a distinct lack in explaining the workings of it all. How does the homing thing work, for example? I never really understood the working fo the curse either and the final resolution of it was a clear as mud to me. And what happened in the world, since they have been looked away from it?
Another Draven book, where I am undecided between giving three or four stars. Three stars, because while it is a good book, I was a little bored throughout the middle. A lot of love and sex and lovers getting to know each other, not a lot of plot development.
Four stars, because I like the charaters and the fact, that they are adults and behave like people with brains and life experience. However, I almost cried during one of the more boring stretches, and again at the end. I think that probably warrants four stars, right?
Would I recommend this to a friend or get it as a gift? Absolutely. With the caveat that it has a slow, slow burn.
Read something else by the author? I'll be right on that, as soon as Eidolon is published...
And a quote... "Princes are dull. I’d be bored to death traipsing off to royal balls and in a foul mood because I would be cinched into a scratchy gown and wearing the latest fashionable shoes—something ungodly painful and foolish like glass slippers. I’d rather dream of a Green Man with horns or a margrave with pretty scars and a lovely body."
Slow burn, some snark, lovely characters. Somewhere in the middle I got a bit bored, as the story did not make much progress. But even so I still enjoyed it. This is definitely nothing for someone looking for a lot of action. Again. This seems to be quintessential Draven. It is more about the characters' interactions than about plot.
There is a distinct lack in explaining the workings of it all. How does the homing thing work, for example? I never really understood the working fo the curse either and the final resolution of it was a clear as mud to me. And what happened in the world, since they have been looked away from it?
Another Draven book, where I am undecided between giving three or four stars. Three stars, because while it is a good book, I was a little bored throughout the middle. A lot of love and sex and lovers getting to know each other, not a lot of plot development.
Four stars, because I like the charaters and the fact, that they are adults and behave like people with brains and life experience. However, I almost cried during one of the more boring stretches, and again at the end. I think that probably warrants four stars, right?
Would I recommend this to a friend or get it as a gift? Absolutely. With the caveat that it has a slow, slow burn.
Read something else by the author? I'll be right on that, as soon as Eidolon is published...
And a quote... "Princes are dull. I’d be bored to death traipsing off to royal balls and in a foul mood because I would be cinched into a scratchy gown and wearing the latest fashionable shoes—something ungodly painful and foolish like glass slippers. I’d rather dream of a Green Man with horns or a margrave with pretty scars and a lovely body."
November 15, 2015
3.5-stars
Entreat Me is read like a HR with some magic and a hateful curse. Tbh, I am still unclear of what the magical world looks like and the timeline it defines. I like it overall, but it doesn’t top my first Grace Draven’s book Master of Crows which has a much better balance of world building and romance.
The curse:
He bore an animalistic appearance with his reptilian eyes, claws and fangs. Bark for skin, vines for hair
Ballard : “Why don’t you fear my appearance as others do?”
Louvaen: “....My husband was an undertaker….One of the duties was to prepare the dead if the family wasn’t up to the task. As his wife I helped with his business, and such duty fell to me.”
Ballard: “I may be disfigured, but I assure you I’m not dead”
Sweet:
“You’ve flowers in your hair,” she said. Tender amusement, instead of distaste, threaded her voice.
‘That’s because they’re growing out of my head. Along with a pair of horns.”
“At least they aren’t roses.”
Both LCs are well-developed. Ballard is my favorite character in book. Louvean is a tough heroine and I do like her interactions with Ballard. I just feel that nothing about her character surprised me throughout the story. That said, it is still a good read for me and I would recommend.
Entreat Me is read like a HR with some magic and a hateful curse. Tbh, I am still unclear of what the magical world looks like and the timeline it defines. I like it overall, but it doesn’t top my first Grace Draven’s book Master of Crows which has a much better balance of world building and romance.
The curse:
He bore an animalistic appearance with his reptilian eyes, claws and fangs. Bark for skin, vines for hair
Ballard : “Why don’t you fear my appearance as others do?”
Louvaen: “....My husband was an undertaker….One of the duties was to prepare the dead if the family wasn’t up to the task. As his wife I helped with his business, and such duty fell to me.”
Ballard: “I may be disfigured, but I assure you I’m not dead”
Sweet:
“You’ve flowers in your hair,” she said. Tender amusement, instead of distaste, threaded her voice.
‘That’s because they’re growing out of my head. Along with a pair of horns.”
“At least they aren’t roses.”
Both LCs are well-developed. Ballard is my favorite character in book. Louvean is a tough heroine and I do like her interactions with Ballard. I just feel that nothing about her character surprised me throughout the story. That said, it is still a good read for me and I would recommend.
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