The Beauties and Her Beast

Reviewed by Mary Clarke for Readers' Favorite - ★★★★★ The Beauties and Her Beast (Love and Flora) by A.J. Hughes follows Belle Holmes, a sixteen-year-old girl who sacrificed herself to save her father, Freddy, after he stole from a magical kingdom ruled by two beastly brothers, Raoul and Esmé. Freddy lost his wealth and medical license after a mistake at work that led to a lawsuit. He ended up in a magical kingdom during a snowstorm, where he stole some items, including roses for Belle. He was caught by a beast named Esmé but was spared when Raoul offered a deal that he would only be let free if one of his daughters agreed to live there in his place. Belle's journey showed her growing relationship-and possible love-with Esmé and also her relationship with her kind and independent sister, Desiree. I loved how A.J. Hughes made this magical story feel realistic. The struggle Belle's family faced, and her resilience and kindness, shone throughout the narrative. Belle is very different from her siblings, and her bond with Desiree was fascinating. Desiree's love for her sister and her strong will to protect her from the beasts at all costs were really captivating. The character development was good, and their names made the story seem more like a fairy tale. The modern setting and magical kingdom gave it a balanced approach. I loved how Raoul's and Esmé's complex personalities were explained in detail. The sudden cliffhanger and Luther's actions left me excited for the sequel. The Beauties and Her Beast (Love and Flora) covered themes of family, sacrifice, and redemption. I recommend it to readers who enjoy fairy tales with magic, family drama, and modern struggles.