The Black Beast of Belleterre: A Victorian Christmas Novella

Written by Mary Jo Putney

Narrated by Siobhan Waring

The Beauty and the Beast: a haunted and hidden lord, a desperate young beauty, and a marriage of convenience between two people who yearn for more…

James Markland, Lord Falconer, knows that he is ugly, very ugly, and he lives a life of seclusion, wearing a heavily cowled mantle to conceal his face from the world. When he learns that a neighboring girl, the exquisite young Ariel Hawthorne, is about to be sold into marriage with a revolting lecher, he offers her the only protection he can: his name. Of course it will be a marriage in name only, because what woman could want him?

A talented artist, Ariel is cursed by her beauty and vulnerability. Though she never sees her husband's face, she is drawn to his kindness and generosity, but he is determined to push her away. Will he allow her to love him before it's too late? Perhaps the magic of Christmas can bring them together…

About the Author

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USAToday bestselling author, Mary Jo Putney's novels are known for psychological depth and intensity and include historical and contemporary romance, fantasy, and young adult fantasy. Winner of numerous writing awards, including two RITAs, three Romantic Times Career Achievement awards, and the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from Romance Writers of America, she has had numerous books listed among Library Journal's and Booklist's top romances of the year.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pandamax Press
• Release date: Feb 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781094269269

Reviews for The Black Beast of Belleterre

[Carrie Ladley · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A realistic retake on an original classic...absent the witchcraft but retains all the magic

[Karen O Hansen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A tender beauty and the beast story in the nature of a fairy tale

[Barb Valdez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a sweet, beautiful story. The narrator was superb. This version of Beauty and the Beast was done very well.

[Laurie Crain · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A joy to read! This book was refreshing. I really enjoyed it.

[Valrie Golaub · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well written,romantic,excellent narration , made me cry with joy at the ending

[Thuy Cao · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So freaking sweet. Ugh. I am saddened that this was a novella and therefore too short. I need more James and Ariel!! Randomly picked this book and was not disappointed at all. First book of this author and I'm ready to look into all her books now.