I was unfortunately not able to finish this book. I found too many things difficult to overlook. The FMC submitted far too quickly to the MMC in a situation where she would definitely not have. And, for some reason, she doesn't ask about her job or her previous life until 10 days into her kidnapping? Not likely.

It reminds me of 50 Shades of Grey with kidnapping. I wanted to push through, but in the end I couldn't. Especially as someone who has been part of a BDSM community...it's a hard no for me.

I love fairytale retellings. Especially anything with Beauty and the Beast. I enjoyed what the author did with the story and the twists that were added. I will try to read more from this author.

3.5 stars. I wanted this book to be my everything because I absolutely love Beauty and the Beast retellings. The story didn’t exactly hit the mark every time like I hoped it would have. The concept itself was really creative, but I felt like the pacing was somewhat uneven. There were moments when the story went too fast and other parts just dragged on.

There were moments I was dragged into the world the author created and loved every second of it. But I didn’t connect to the characters and story as much as I would have hoped to.

I know people who would love this book and it would be right up their alley. If you are a fan of fairytale retelling’s that have a dark twisted edgy side to them then this is a read for you. It is definitely worth checking out.

This one triggered me. My bad, I should have looked up the trigger warnings first. I would still try others from this author, the writing was well done, just this one wasn't for me.

It was okay, I just had a hard time connecting with the characters in the story. I did love the slice though! The overall storyline though I had a hard time being invested in. It was still a good read though and I’m sure others will be obsessed

3.5 stars. This wasn’t exactly my cup of tea but still enjoyable. There are tons of people I will be recommending this to as I think it’s right up their alley.

A Bedtime Story had an interesting twist on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, blending it with darker, more mysterious elements. I liked the unique setting and the “underworld” vibe—it added a gritty, intriguing layer to the familiar story. The concept itself was creative, and there were definitely moments where I was pulled into the world the author created.

However, while the premise was promising, the execution didn’t always hit the mark for me. The pacing felt uneven at times, with some sections moving too quickly and others dragging on. I found it a bit hard to fully connect with the characters; there were moments where I wanted more depth and development, especially with the relationship between Beauty and the Beast.

That said, it’s still a fun, dark twist on a beloved fairy tale, and I can see how it would appeal to readers who enjoy retellings with an edge. It just didn’t fully draw me in the way I had hoped. If you’re a fan of fairy tale retellings with a darker spin, it’s worth checking out, but I was left wanting a bit more.

I'm not typically one to like many retellings but I wanted to give this a shot. I'm glad I did! It exceeded expectations, and was a fun read.

What an incredible retelling! Loved how atmospheric the story felt, the characters really came alive! I was so immersed in this story I could not put it down. Highly recommend!

I was initially interested in the book because I love a good beauty/beast retelling.
The start of the book was interesting enough but I found myself becoming less and less interested in the characters. Laura is stubborn to the point of nearly killing herself and Kayne's inner monolog put me off.
The POV jumped around so quickly I got whiplash.
I don't think this particular retelling is for me but I did like the twist ending.

I really think this book was not for me. At the time, I was trying to expand my genres but turns out this is not my genre. If you like small town, almost witchy vibes consider this but not for me and thats okay.

I honestly struggled with this book- and not because of some of the darker themes. It should have been right in my wheelhouse for a 5 star read and I really like the idea, but it wasn't an engaging read. I had to restart several times because I'd get a couple of pages in and it just didn't hook me. I powered through because I really wanted to love it but I just didn't. It's a dark, Beauty and the Beast inspired tale with a Mafia man, but instead of being enthralled and excited to keep reading to find out how it plays out, the pacing felt weird and a lot of the conversations felt unnatural and I had to really work to finish it.

"A Bedtime Story (Beauty Meets the Beast)" by L.C. Moon is an intensely gripping read that dives deep into the raw and twisted facets of love and humanity. From the very first page, I was drawn into the dark, somber fairy tale world where the line between beauty and beast is blurred, not by physical appearances, but by the psychological scars and emotional trauma the characters bear.

Laura Spencer, initially portrayed as timid and fragile, gradually reveals layers of resilience and complexity that make her incredibly relatable. Her evolution from a seemingly delicate character to someone shaped by harsh realities is both heart-wrenching and empowering. I found myself empathizing with her struggles and rooting for her transformation throughout the story.

Kayne Malkin, on the other hand, is a brilliantly crafted anti-hero. His character embodies the perfect blend of danger, dominance, and unexpected tenderness. His ruthless demeanor as a member of the Russian Mafia contrasts sharply with the moments where Laura's innocence brings out his reluctant sensitivity. The dynamic between Laura and Kayne is electric, filled with tension that kept me on the edge of my seat.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its unapologetic approach to dark themes. The story does not shy away from exploring the ugly and untamed sides of love, touching on difficult subjects like trauma, abuse, and identity. This depth adds a layer of realism to the fantastical elements, making the narrative deeply immersive.

The ending is particularly noteworthy. Unlike many stories that tie up with a neat, happy conclusion, "A Bedtime Story" stays true to its dark roots. The unresolved, bittersweet conclusion felt authentic and fitting, leaving a lingering impact long after I finished the book. It's refreshing to read a story that doesn't conform to typical romantic tropes but instead challenges readers to confront their own darkness and the complexities of human nature.

In summary, "A Bedtime Story" is not for the faint-hearted. It is for readers who appreciate a dark, erotic tale that delves into the intricacies of damaged souls finding a twisted semblance of love. If you're drawn to stories that explore the shadowy corners of the human psyche with raw honesty, this book is definitely worth picking up. L.C. Moon has crafted a narrative that is both haunting and unforgettable, making it a standout in the realm of dark erotica.

L.C. Moon’s “A Bedtime Story (Beauty Meets Beast)” offers a fresh twist on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, blending romance, mystery, and fantasy into a cohesive narrative. While the book has its strengths, it also has some areas that might not resonate with every reader.

The characters in this novel are well-developed, with Beauty’s strength and kindness making her a protagonist to root for. The Beast’s complexity adds layers to the story, and their evolving relationship is depicted with moments of tension and tenderness. However, at times, their interactions felt a bit predictable, lacking the spark that makes a romance truly captivating.

Moon’s writing style is vivid and evocative, creating an immersive world that draws readers in. The world-building is imaginative, blending familiar fairy tale elements with new details. Despite this, the pacing of the plot felt uneven, with some sections dragging on while others rushed through crucial developments. This inconsistency made it difficult to stay fully engaged throughout the book.

The balance between romance and darker, mysterious elements is one of the book’s highlights, adding an element of suspense that keeps the reader curious. However, the resolution of these mysteries sometimes felt too convenient, lacking the impact needed to leave a lasting impression.

Overall, “A Bedtime Story (Beauty Meets Beast)” by L.C. Moon is an enjoyable read with a mix of strengths and weaknesses. It’s a tale of love and redemption that may appeal to fans of fairy tale retellings and romantic fantasies. While it didn’t quite hit the mark for me, it still offers an engaging experience for those looking for a new take on a beloved story.

Rating: 3 stars

I wanted to like this. I enjoy gothic dark stories in general. But this was just so stereotypical and repetitive. Nothing to like about any of the characters, and the way they interacted was annoying, like when we have our sadistic "hero" smirking over and over and over when dealing with his wife. It just felt so pointless.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

L.C. Moon's "A Bedtime Story" is hardly all that a person would rate for a story to get them to sleep. It wades through familiar tropes from fairy tales but executes them so darkly, broodingly, that instead of counting sheep, one has questions begging for answers.

On the bright side, the book does deal with very interesting themes. It delves into the bottomless well of trauma, the convolutions of self, and the unyielding tug of fate. Moon presents readers with an engrossing voyage for those in search of something beyond sugarcoated dreams. She is a great writer, as darkly lyrical tapestry lingers with a reader long after the finish of the last page.

Yet, the shadows cast by these very strengths threaten at the same time to shroud the reading experience. The pacing indeed feels uneven, truly so, as lulls drag between bursts of the intense. Character motivations—chiefly those for the supporting players—are left murky; some questions go unanswered, with a sense of incompleteness. And although the ending denotes a thought-provoking ending, it might leave some readers unsatisfied and actively yearning for a more conclusive resolution.

Ultimately, "A Bedtime Story" is for those who like their fairy tales a little rough around the edges. If you like your reading light and sweet, look elsewhere. If you're the type to follow introspection anywhere and through blinding or choking darkness, this may be the book that'll lull you into a different kind of dream, the one that hangs with you long after waking.

Wow! What an amazing start to this trilogy! I cried for the FMC more than once. The MMC finding his humanity through the telling was beautifully written. L.C. Moon has an amazingly power storytelling voice. This pulled me in and kept me captive through every chaotic plot point and piece of character development. The ending left me both emotionally devastated and cheering for Laura and her upcoming quest for justice. #longlivethequeen indeed. I can’t wait for the next book!

While I enjoyed the dark, gothic setting of this book, the writing pulled me out of it. The dialogue between the main characters was scarce and yet when it was finally on page, i found it was lackluster.

A darker retelling of Beauty and the Beast that I wasn't ready for, I went from liking to dislike and frustration back to liking them again. An enjoyable read that definitely provokes reactions from readers.

Many thanks to L.C. Moon and NetGalley for the eARC.

Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite Disney story and I have read quite a few adaptations of it and was excited going into this. I didn’t mind the dark romance aspects of this book, but I really struggled to connect with either main character. Unfortunately, I thought Laura was extremely cringey. I couldn’t get on board with the rollercoaster of submissive and then lover and then, in the end, the Queen. Her personality just changed gears so much and so quickly that it was hard to get into her character. Equally, Kayne was just as conflicting and confusing. From being a sadistic dominant personality, to wanting to soothe her so quickly, it was just so jumpy and disconnected.

HUGE SPOILER ALERT INCOMING****

I literally felt nothing when Kayne died. I just thought, “okay,” and proceeded to keep reading. It was nothing shocking to me. The most enjoyable part for me was like the last 3-5 pages where Laura steps into her role and is acknowledged as “Queen”. I’m not sure I will continue on with the series when it comes out.