Luciana Vintello has been brought up in a convent as an orphan. She and the other girls on the island consider themselves sisters. The reason for Luciana being hidden since birth soon becomes apparent. Her special gifts will be very valuable when her new life starts.
Leofric of Benwick is the Lord Protector of the realm and nephew to a devious king. He is also known as the beast because he can kill with just a simple touch. His gift has caused him pain and torment all his life.
This is set in a fantasy land with four kingdoms who are always at war. It will take a lot of magic from the "Embraced" to bring peace to just this one of the kingdoms.
Lots of wonderful adventure and what looks at first like a hopeless love story. Secrets and political intrigue spice it up nicely.
This is obviously the first book in a series and I can't wait to read the next one. I loved it.

In a world called Aerthlan, there are 5 kingdoms. Four of the kingdoms extend across the continent, the fifth lies in the Great Western Ocean.
There are two islands: Moon and Mist.
The queen and her subjects live on Moon, the largest island. In Mist there is only 1 person, the Seer.
The kings worship the sun god. Whoever denies the god, is sentenced to death.
However, twice a year, the two moons line up. On that day, any child born receives a gift.
But kings don't accept that anyone has a gift that they don't have, so these children must die.
But their parents find a way to hide them. They are sent to Moon Island.
This is the story of one of 5 girls who were sent to hide. They have gifts that they still don't fully understand.
They are Embraced...

The first one, Luciana, doesn't like what she sees in the future predictions of the stones. Shortly afterwards, a man dressed in black, carrying a safe, arrives on the island.
The convent sisters on the island were famous for their books. But on this day the man didn't come fetch a commissioned book. He came for his daughter.

Luciana had been born a twin with Tatiana.
At that time, it was a bad omen to have twin children, so their mother asked her father to hide one of them.
Meanwhile there was a promise of marriage between Tatiana and King Frederic's nephew, Lord Leofric of Benwick, the Beast. No one knew but Tatiana had died, and not to lose the lands that the king coveted, Lucas Vintello wanted that Luciana pretended to be Tatiana.

Leo didn't get along with his uncle, the king. He knew the king had killed his father, Cedric. Leo is also an Embraced.
Even without wanting to accept his uncle's misdeeds, Leo ends up being enchanted by the audacious girl, but who was sometimes lost with the world outside the walls of the convent and about her powers.
Together, they would fight for her father's lands and against the tyranny of the king. And for that, they would count on the help of their friends and other powerful beings.

A Historical romance with touches of Fantasy.

4 stars

It only took one day for this Beast to tame me. I am in love with everything in this book! Love and adventure in far off places filled with people who are "embraced" with special gifts, hence the series name. This story had it all. Kerrelyn Sparks has created a new and magical world that I can't wait to read more about. Not only has she written this world so beautifully but the characters were wonderful. Love her trademark humor that was present in the interactions between the characters. Lots of fun moments that made me smile. Leo, aka the Beast, was the most lovable hero I have ever read. My heart totally broke for him and I fell in love with him along with Luciana. I so wanted to give him a great big hug. Luciana was very kind, brave and strong which made her a great match for Leo. Lots of things happening in this story that it seemed like Leo and Luciana weren't going to ever find their HEA or act on the crazy chemistry they had for one another, but it gets there. I promise. I was so lucky I was able to win an ARC of this book because I got to read it before it was released. Now I have to wait extra long for the next book in the series. I think everyone should embrace this new series because if book 1 was this great, the rest of the series will be amazing.

* I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book *

Wow, what a brilliant start to a new series, this is a twist on Beauty and the Beast and even though I've not read much from Ms Sparks, this series will rectify that.

Brilliant from start to finish, I couldn't put it down, I was hooked.

I voluntarily received an advanced readers copy from the publisher through Netgalley and all thoughts are entirely my own

I'll be totally honest...I'm a big fan of Kerrelyn and I was a little stand-offish when I found out she was straying from the vamps. However, She killed it!!!

I was totally taken with the whole storyline of separation of power. I was quite shocked how involved I got with the girls and their little game of stones. I just couldn't help myself to wonder why the stones were so important...Sneaky little writer!!!!!

I was totally shocked that Luciana would just agree to such a farce. Leaving her family for one that left her. It was insane. Then on top of it, her having her sister in her face non-stop, that alone was annoying.
Then add Leo (the Beast to the mix) poor Ana has got a lot on her hands. I mean this man is a no-hands kinda guy. The fact that he shoots lightning out of his hands could be a good reason. But, when things start to turn and Leo realizes that Ana is different....all bets are off and the story takes on from character development to adventure. The castle is attacked, prisoners are killed, Leo's death is at the top of the king's list!!!
You would think that once Leo and Ana travel to a Cousin's Castle that things would calm down, but Nooooooooo the tale is still being told as yet another sister is about to begin her story as we wait for the king's next move ....what will the stone tell this time. Will Leo and Ana make it happily ever after ...what about her sisters??? I honestly can't wait for the next story.

Kerrelyn Sparks skips the stones across the pond and then some on this remarkable start to the Embraced series. One can't help but be intrigued with the adventure and romance the follows.

If you've read Ms. Sparks before you know what to expect. A fabulous fresh paranormal romance, filled with humor, heart and great characters.

And How to Tame... fits the bill and then some! However rather than be contemporary in nature, this is a historical. In fact, I felt the cover was a bit too modern looking (not to mention I didn't think the model did Leo justice -okay just in hair color- LOL).


I was immediately enthralled with book. I found it hard to put down and less I gush even more, let's just say you need this book.

As I mentioned above it's historical but doesn't feel overly so. Ms. Sparks has created a fresh new take on the paranormal. All of the characters shine, in fact some of the secondary characters practically take over (in a good way!).

I read somewhere that novel had a Princess Bride movie feel to it, and I couldn't agree more. I'll even go further and it has a Mel Brooks vibe. Again not bad things and this sense of hilarity to the novel is what I think made it so good.

There was also such a sense of sweetness to the romance which brings me to the fact that I thought the heat level (i.e. sex scenes) were totally at odds with it. I don't mind sex in my books, and explicit does not phase me. It's just my opinion and in no way lessened my enjoyment of the book, but I'm just saying...

I can not wait for the next books in the series and hope Ms. Sparks plans to write many many more!

OMG, OMG, OMG! No seriously run to the stores and get this book.

I'm honestly not sure what I expected from this book as I'm no stranger to Kerrelyn Spark's writing. I have enjoyed her vamp series and that's why I said 'heck yeah' when the awesome people at SMP offered me a chance to read this earlier. So I am here thanking Luna and Lessa goddesses of the moons who I think moonlight as publishers at SMP... *wink*

The entire standalone, paranormal, fantasy book was full of wit, humor, and so much slow burning good angst from our hero (who does not see himself as such) and heroine. Leo the Beast of Benwick is the Lord Protect of the Realm and NOT because he does an awesome job (but he does!) but because his asshole uncle gave him such high-risk job in an effort to shorten his life span, that is if his nature doesn't do him in first. What makes him special? Well he was born Embraced and that means he was born on a specific day under the moon that gifted him with a magically supernatural ability. An ability that makes him a lightning rod of sorts. As all the storms bring on the lightning which is channel right into him. In turn he uses this harnessed lighting power and wisely uses it to protect the realm (Think Storm from X-men lol). In another effort of assassination plot, the King of the Realm aka asshole uncle decrees his marriage to a daughter of Duke of Vindalyn from kingdom of Eberon, denial of which means death for all parties. So what a girl and boy to do but follow the king's ruling. The problem is Luciana has her own secrets, her own powers (that are kept secret as being Embraced is not a good thing), and her own issues that are just compiled when she has to step up and marry the Beast of Benwick.

Honestly, the entire story was so well developed that no character was left out without a chance to show off to the reader. I have fallen in love not only with the brute and high-handed Beast but with all the secondary characters... no matter how annoying or sneaky some were. Aaaaand if I am not wrong there is so much more to come for some of those characters. But this story was about Luciana and Leo falling in love and in some way in trust with each other. A great deal of the book is them learning to be comfortable around each other and that dance was hilarious to watch. I loved fierceness of Luciana. She never gave up on who she was to the core while maintaining the necessary facade to survive the castle living. After all, she was brought up and raised in secret in a covenant and being put in a role of marrying a stranger while trying to survive through assassination attempt on her life did not give her the right coping mechanisms. However, her Embraced nature has provided her with enough to keep her alive, coupled with Leo looking out for her from the moment he set his eyes on her. The moment that sealed their fate. Fate that was divined.

The story as a whole was FULL of life with not a dull moment. I never felt like any part could have been cut, all of it was necessary and all of it was fun... and surprisingly with a nice dose of feminism. Kerrelyn does a fantastic job of describing all in great detail that doesn't get overly flowy but just enough to set you in the right mood and scene. I was extremely sad when I had to say good bye to the characters but I am hoping to see more of them in the next book... perhaps a peak? Please... no seriously pretty please? Even though I will be fine with not seeing them again by letting them be-- basking in the glow of their totally gushy HEA ending.

I love Kerreyln Sparks. She is one of my favorite paranormal romance writers. I was surprised with the start of a new series and even more surprised that I wasn’t reading vampires. But, what I wasn’t surprised about what turned out to be an interesting, serious, sometimes amusing story.

Interesting, that’s a good word to describe The Beast. He was strong, feared and so very lonely. He has set his mission in life to protect those people who fear him the most, talk behind his back and wish him dead. He is a giving man, a trusting man and a man desperately looking for love. Because of his power as an Embraced, he will never be able to find that but his heart is taken by the beautiful woman that he is ordered to marry. He doesn’t know what her secrets are but is determined to gain her trust, her heart and her love. He may never be able to consummate his marriage but he vows to protect her.

Luciana is also Embraced but she cannot let anyone know. Not even Lord Leo. As he starts to “guess” at her secrets and figure her out, she has no choice but to tell him the whole truth. But, she does this on her terms. She is a strong woman and will not sit idly by and allow him to run her life as her husband. He’s finding out that her spies are just as resourceful has his own. He’s finding out that she’s brave and loyal. He’s finding out that she’s determined to find a way to love him as a wife loves her husband, to touch him and hold him day in and day out.

As several attempts on both of their lives fail and all the truth comes out, these two strong, capable and loving people fall in love, marry and start to build their lives together. They find that together they can take on the world and the throne.

I loved all the sub-characters in this story as well as the main ones. Leo and Luciana were the heart of this story but there were so many others that totally supported them. Tatiana started off as someone you were going to love to hate but turned into . Brody was the life of the story – he was cute, fun and an overall hero. Nevis was the comic relief as things got hot and heavy and we can’t forget that he was all “muscle”. Luciana’s sisters from the Isle of Moon were delightful and fun. I am looking forward to see what Kerrelyn Sparks has in store for them.

How To Tame A Beast In Seven Days held so many messages. It was a story about love, of course but Ms. Sparks also taught us about repression, religious oppression, freedom and the lengths people with go through to overcome them. With a mixture of humor, seriousness and understanding, Kerrelyn Sparks totally started off The Embraced series with lots of “sparks”. It was innovative, original and totally enjoyable.

In a world where magic is despised, a group of magically blessed young woman are thrust from the safety of their lives on an island sanctuary into the world that would see the destroyed for their abilities.

Luciana never knew she had a twin or a family that sent her away for her safety. When her sister is murdered, her father barely escapes, but he must ask Luciana to enter this world that would see her dead in order to save a family she never knew…but beyond that, she must marry the Beast of Benwick to save her father’s life.

Sparks is back with a brand new series that has a compelling historical, light fantasy flare. Magic and mayhem take place in a world controlled by dictators that fear both magic and mayhem.

Light, playful, and highly entertaining, HOW TO TAME A BEAST IN SEVEN days was utterly enjoyable. While Sparks provided her classic world building and humor filled characters to back up the adventure and romance.

My only complaints, it was an insta-love situation as well as a bit repetitive, which kept me from loving it.

If you are a fan of Sparks, this is a must read! For all others, you must check out this new set of quirky characters in Spark's' THE EMBRACED SERIES.

I received this ARC copy of How to Tame A Beast In Seven Days from St. Martin's Press. This is my honest and voluntary review. How to Tame A Beast In Seven Days is set for publication March 7, 2017.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Kerrelyn Sparks
Series: The Embraced (Book 1)
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Publication Date: March 7, 2017
ISBN-10: 1250108217
ISBN-13: 978-1250108210
Genre: Fantasy Romance

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I'm not a huge fan of historical novels but when they bend into the paranormal realm, sometimes I cave. I've been caving a lot lately, still looking for that one book that will bring me back to the damsel-in-distress crowd. How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days may not have sold me but it definitely made a good attempt.

There's a lot of world-building that went into this story. Another world, five kingdoms, islands, mainland, worshipers of gods and goddesses, but most importantly the Embraced. Those are the ones born when the moons align and are gifted with supernatural powers, ones the king orders put to death because he wants no one alive that has more power than him. Yikes!

Which brings us to Luciana and Leofric. He is known as the Beast of Benwick. His power is to have the ability to harness lightning. Unfortunately, his mere touch when fully charge has the ability to maim and even kill. Despite his killer touch and his horrid uncle the evil king, Leofric is very protective of his people and takes his duties seriously. When he's ordered to retrieve his bride and appear in court he intends to follow it to the letter.

Luciana's story is a bit more complicated. She has been raised on with other Embraced thinking she was an orphan. Needless to say, she was shocked when her father shows up and she finds out she is not only not an orphan, but she is actually a twin to Tatiana. Her twin was betrothed to Leofric by order of the king. Unfortunately, Tatiana has recently died and now her father comes to Luciana begging her to take her sister's place or else the King would kill him. Needless to say, Luciana is way too nice for her own good and agrees.

Watching the story unfold was quite fun. Despite being very sheltered and way too sweet, Luciana is a fairly resilient cookie. Equally, Leofric with his uber scary powers is a fragile soul since no one has been able to touch him as a child. Not quite an insta-love between them but the L-word does come on a bit early. But what do expect when the title says '...in Seven Days'? There are quite a few interesting characters, in particular, Nevis and Brody, which I hope to see in future stories. Luciana has a few spare Embraced sisters back on the island I can see matching up with Leofric's friend.

Is there a HEA? Of course, there is and the journey these two take to get there made How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days quite an entertaining read. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, a perfect way to spend the day. I've had author Kerrelyn Sparks on my author bucket list to try for a while. Now that I have I can't wait to read more by her.

reviewed by Jac

This was an interesting book by Kerrelyn Sparks... Both Luciana and Leo have special talents...his cause him to be called the beast... Kerrelyn had no problem pulling me into the story and I really enjoyed it... There is a HEA but there are also some unsolved issues so I'm sure each of Luciana "Sisters" will have their own stories.

I am always happy to have an author enter the genre of fantasy romance... you have heard me say time and again that there are not enough books out there in this genre! Kerrelyn Sparks really knocked it out of the park with this first installment of the The Embraced series. Her world-building was done well, and she gave us a nice prologue detailing the history of the kingdoms and the Embraced race.

In short, in the fantastical realm of Aerthlan, the Embraced are born on the night of the two moons eclipse. This special birth gives them special powers, which is seen as dangerous by the kings of the land. The Embraced are executed if found, so they must live in secret, and are sometimes sent to the Isle of Moon as infants to be raised in hiding. This is where we meet five teenage girls who have been raised in a convent on the Isle of Moon - Luciana, Brigitta, Gwennore, Sorcha, and Maeve. Having grown up together, these girls share a special bond and consider themselves sisters who will be together forever.

Our first heroine of the series is Luciana, a nineteen year old young woman who believes she was abandoned at the convent as a babe. She is taken aback when a man proclaiming to be her father appears at the convent with a coffin, and the ghost of her deceased twin sister. Luciana learns the truth of why she was hidden away at the convent, and shows her altruistic nature when she chooses to help her father to prevent his execution by a tyrannical and greedy king. Thus begins Luciana's adventure to an unknown land where she is to marry a man known as the Beast of Benwick. Luciana was a lovely heroine, she was kind to everyone no matter their station in life. This was quite different than her twin, Tatiana, who was spoiled and snobbish and petulant. I admired Luciana's bravery in taking on this task for a father she just met, and she was quite mature for a youngish heroine. She took each obstacle in stride and didn't break down in hysterics when faced with adversity.

Leofric of Benwick, Lord Protector of the Realm, is the nephew of the tyrannical king of Eberon. Leo is also one of the Embraced, but his lightning power is so great that no one has been able to kill him. This same power makes Leo a tragic and sympathetic hero, as he cannot touch or be touched without harming or killing the other person. So Leo is lonely and touch-starved, and despairs that he will kill his future bride that the king has demanded he wed. Leo's power also earned him the nickname the Beast of Benwick, and he is feared and reviled by all the people of the realm. I felt very bad for Leo - the whispers and fright did a number on his self-esteem, and it was especially hurtful given that Leo was a good man and used his power to protect the people.

The relationship between Leo and Luciana was sweet and sometimes humorous. Being convent-raised, Luciana was fairly naive and didn't know what to expect between a man and his wife... this lead to some entertaining scenes. I loved the flirtatious side of Leo, and was drawn into his longing for Luciana and the torment of not being able to touch her. These two were paired perfectly, with complementing personalities and abilities. I am super appreciative that both characters were mature to the extent that you really didn't focus on Luciana's young age as the story progressed.

One of the reasons I love fantasy romance is for the adventure and political intrigue. Sparks did well in this regard and gave us a rich plot to offset the romance. The danger and political machinations were well-integrated and helped advance the plot at a steady pace. The secondary characters were also endearing and humorous... not only Luciana's sisters, but also Brody and Nevis (Leo's men), Luciana's father, and the various ghosts that Luciana could see with her special abilities.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, St. Martin's Press.

Well, I must admit I’m conflicted on how to rate this one, my fellow romance book loving friends. I truly wanted to love it because of the unique paranormal plot premise. However, I found myself at times struggling with one thing or another, even at the very beginning. It just felt off at times. The demeanor/banter between Luciana, the heroine, and her circle of sisterhood orphan friends felt more adolescent than young adult enough to be of marrying age. Yes, I know the other girls were younger than Lucinda, but I would have pegged her much younger than 19. Their island accent came across as as part Scottish/Irish brogue mixed with uneducated medieval English, which didn’t make sense since these ladies, who each possessed a special gift, were educated in a convent. I know...I know, perhaps I’m being overly picky. But you know what they say. The devil is in the details. When little things don’t match up, it becomes a big annoyance to this NetGalley reviewer.

Using religious terms/customs/expressions too closely mimicking another real religion (i.e., making the sign of the moons) and making those pagan beliefs seem superior to the king’s religion (which had priests/chapels/confessional booths) referred to as The Enlightenment is risky business, folks. This author may unintentionally offend some readers with this aspect. I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt in hope I’m completely mistaken in seeing that possible correlation.

The writing itself also at first felt mechanical to the point I found it distracting. The whole premise of lightning out to get a certain someone had me scratching my head wondering what the heck was going on. But not nearly as befuddled as the situation regarding Tatiana, Luciana’s deceased twin sister. That was pretty bizarre to me. I actually stopped reading and was a little hesitant to start again.

Having received an ARC, I felt obligated to try again, and for the most part I’m glad I did, at least until towards around 80%. What turned the tide for me? One word, my friend, L-e-o. I loved Leo, the hero, and his reaction to seeing Luciana the first time, even though things were not what they seemed. He soon became alpha protective of her, yet they still had not even officially met. It had me forgiving and overlooking obvious discrepancies, like an assassin would know if their sword struck a real body. Leo likely wouldn’t take out guards assigned to watch over/protect Luciana. No, he would use his unique skill set to sneak around in a stealthy sort of way. Don’t you think? Those special talents, btw, at times came across resembling a comic book superhero. Actually, make that two...Batman and Spiderman combined.

Regarding the heroine, she certainly had her own paranormal ability, which could come in handy and be quite annoying for her at the same time. Tatianna, her sister, provided proof of what an annoyance factor it could be. For she was the very essence of the word annoying.

What is the passion meter on this one? The main couple are not intimate until 80% into it, and considering Leo’s condition that wasn’t surprising. However, when it finally did occur, it was so non-characteristic erotic for them that it seemed OTT too smexy for their first time together. Up to that point, there is only steamy thoughts and heated glances. Luciana seemed completely clueless on where Leo planned to put his lightning rod, folks. I wish I could take credit for that creative term, but it was Luciana’s own word for that particularly manly appendage.

Overall, this book had me all over the place. Not caring for it at times then being fully engaged for long periods, as well. Likely because I felt there were enough occasions of inconsistencies in the quality/believability/likability of the plot and writing style I found myself wondering if I should finish it. I agree with other reviewers who point out there was too much modern day lingo used in this historical romance and not enough dragon action.

I could easily name at least five concurrent aspects to this multi-pronged plot, as well. Too much unfolding drama leaves little time for the romance portion, which I felt was the case here. Tracking down multi would be assassins was exhausting for them and me, as well. The all too convenient and bizarre reason why Leo could touch Lucinda without harming her was glazed over like it was no big deal, when in fact it was quite pivotal to the romantic plot.

At 86%, I realized I no longer cared how it all worked out with the king. The plot and writing no longer held my attention. I walk away from this one having mainly enjoyed how enamored Leo was with Luciana. The rest, even though at times was interesting, felt overly drawn out.

Title: How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days, Series: The Embraced (Book 1), Author: Kerrelyn Sparks, Pages: 416, 3/7/17, stand-alone, paranormal elements, historical romance in a mythical kingdom with dragons, made up religions that mimicked real one, some violence, virgin heroine, hiding a big secret, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama except for Tatiana’s ex-lover causing problems.

(This review is based on advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, and Barnes & Noble.)

I enjoyed this introduction to a new series. I really liked the mix of fantasy and humour. I appreciated that the development of the female friendships was such a big part of the book.

Kerrelyn Sparks launches a new series with How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days. Luciana has lived her life at a convent when her father that she’s never met shows up and takes her to marry Lord Leofric, the Beast. Leofric is very powerful and feared. His powers are so strong that he can rarely be touched by others.

He's is believed to be heartless and tough, but he actually keeps himself at a distance for fear of hurting them. He leads a lonely life until he meets Luciana. She’s caring and doesn't fear the Beast. They have a lot of chemistry and their attraction simmers as they get to know each other.

I’m not s huge fan of paranormal/fantasy, but I think every reader will find something they like in this imaginative and sexy romance.

I absolutely love this book.The characters were very well written and the world Sparks has created is fascinating. Lea and Lucianna were very likeable, and it's nice to see that Leo trusts her, instead of the tired old chestnut of forced drama to pad it out. I will definitely be reading the other books in this new series. Go ahead read it, you won't be sorry.

How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days by Kerrelyn Sparks
The Embraced #1

Loved this introduction to a wonderful new paranormal fantasy series filled with romance, intrigue, wondrous beasts and delightful characters. I found the prologue provided just enough information to set the hook that led me into the story. My guess is that the five sisters of the heart mentioned in chapter one will each get a book of their own and I look forward to reading each and every one of their stories.

In book one Luciana learns she is not an orphan after all and has the opportunity to save her father’s life IF she is willing to return with him to his castle and marry Leo, The Beast of Benwick. With her skills of communing with ghosts, the need to keep her identity secret and an upcoming marriage to a man who can kill with a touch she is not sure what will happen but is willing to do what she can to save her father and his people. With assassins out to get her, ghosts telling her secrets and her growing attraction to Leo her life is never dull. Leo is equally attracted to his bride to be BUT worries that he won’t ever be able to touch her let alone consummate their marriage.

This is a fun adult romance that has everything I like in a book. I was taken back to fairytales of childhood but with a more grownup story to read. I smiled at interactions, worried about characters, hoped that the hero and heroine would manage a HEA and am now eager to find out what will happen in future books of this series because this one was so very very entertaining.

I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. This is my honest review.

5 Stars

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I have to say that I am already a fan of Ms. Sparks and her "Love at Stake" series. This new story is totally different and I loved it!

Luciana has been raised at a convent along with some other children, all female. She always thought she was an orphan, an abandoned child.

One day she learns her father has come for her? Father? Where has he been, why did he leave me here? He explains the circumstances to her, that it was to protect her life.

He need her help. Her twin has died and the King has ordered her to marry his nephew. If is doesn't happen, the King will then have the excuse he needs to take the lands and kill her father. She agrees to help.

Leo has received his orders to marry also. What he has heard of this girl is not good.. she is snobby and spoiled...but then again, Leo is "the beast".

Leo and Luciana are both "Embraced" which is frowned upon, most embraced are killed. It means they have their own special power.

This review is really hard because I don't want to give any real details. It's so awesome to read that I don't want anyone to have a preconceived notion.

Leo can never touch anyone because of his power. He has not had any love or real affection since he was a child and his power started to develop. Luciana's power is a bit more quirky but saves their lives time and time again...as much as it causes conflict between them.

There is a genuine physical attraction but it doesn't do much good when you can't touch someone!
Although innocent, Luciana is a wonderful young woman. She is kind and generous, totally opposite of her sister. As much as Leo is feared, he is a good man. He protects his land and is good to his people.

There is a part where Leo sees Luciana telling others that Leo was not a beast, he is a good man. She didn't know he was there and I could see this man's heart just start to beat again, to become alive...I could see him thinking he was worth something after all...it just warmed my heart.

There is an interesting cast of characters...alive and dead. I had some "laugh out loud" moments along with hoping this couple would survive the attempts on their lives.

It's a great read! I look forward to more of this series!

'How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days' by Kerrelyn Sparks is book One in the "The Embraced" series. This is the story of Luciana and Leo. I must say this book hooked me in pretty fast and I could not put it down...I had to read it until I was done. What a great book to start what appears to be a great Series by Ms. Sparks!
Luciana grew up on Isle of Moon along with a few other girls with special powers. They are all close and feel like sister but each one is starting to have their own adventure and to deal with their unknown past.
Luciana father comes for her a man she never met or knew that he was alive. But her father needs her now to save him, his land and his people. Luciana finds that she is the key to a marriage that will save her father and all that he holds dear. But Luciana learns she must pretend to be her sister who is now dead. Can Luciana pretend to be her sister who other than looks... has no similar trait?
Leo is known as the Beast because he is rumored to have killed his mother and nanny along with others. The King wants him to marry. But Leo knows there is a reason behind it, as the King is evil. Leo fears that he would hurt his future wife if he touches her but he finds her so attractive that he is having a hard time dealing with his fear. Luciana too finds Leo attractive and worries that her secrets will become an issue.
Leo was a strong, hurt yet loving with an Alpha Male attitude toward Luciana. I loved watching these too come together.
I so loved the secondary characters and hope to see their story next!!
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s I said, my favorite fairy tale re-telling is B&B. I just adored that type of love that can grow despite appearances and against all odds. How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days did not disappoint at all.

Luciana was raised in the Isle of Moon, together with other four girls because they are Embraced, that is to say that they have magical powers. They all believe they are orphans and love each other like sisters. Until Luciana’s father shows in the convent and explains his troubles to her and she decides to go with him. Luciana and her father play a dangerous game of deceit, but if the true nature of Luciana’s birth were to be known, they could loose their life. Luciana is beautiful, gentle, smart but naive, and has an unusual ability (I’m not saying what, to not spoil it for you). The king dictates that she is to be married to Lord Leofric, the Beast of Benwick.

Leo is reluctant to even meet his new betrothed, especially since his mere touch can kill. He has a power that comes from lighting and gives him electricity, speed and strength, but although he can better protect the kingdom that way, he cannot touch another human being. It’s a solitary life and everyone fears him and are actually quite mean to him. As soon as he sees Luciana he becomes intrigued, then protective, then lustful and then falls in love. Adversity – like the assassins trying to kill them – can bring people together fast!

“Did you wonder why I’m praying for a drought”?… “No rain means not lightning. That means my power would slowly disappear.”

The back of her neck tingled. “Why would you want to lose your power?”

“So I can touch you. Kiss you.” His voice lowered to a whisper. “Bed you.”

I loved Leo and Luciana together. It’s so funny that Luciana thinks that she’s hiding so many things and being sneaky, but that Leo is able to deduce a lot of what’s going on. Instead of confronting her though, he waits for Luciana to trust him. I think they both try to see though each other’s eyes and realize that they have no choice and they are better off joining forces.

I won’t lie to you, I mean, the book’s title is How to Tame a Best in Seven Days, so there is a case of insta-love here. However, it is not at all bothersome. I really think that Leo and Luciana were created for each other. They become infatuated, protective of each other and when so many things and so many people are against them, they become a united front. Besides, for some reason a paranormal, thriller kind of story lend itself better for a fast developing romance.

“The Beast wanted to be loved .

And it had to be her. He cared about her.”

I really liked the secondary characters, Luriana’s dad and sister, Christopher, Brody (I’m dying to learn that story!), Nevis, Jensen, and Edmond. Both Leo and Luciana inspire trust and loyalty so it’s not hard to see that they are loved and followed by so many.

I loved the world building. It is well thought out and developed, religion and politics play a big part, and there are also dragons, elves, shifters, ghosts, assassins and much more. The writing was excellent, as well as the banter between the characters. The only caveat is that the pace is a bit slow, it takes a while for things to happen on the romantic level if you take my meaning.

Overall, How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days is different take on the B&B fairy tale that is special, cute, romantic, full or action, magic and intrigue. There are only two books projected in the series, but since there are five sisters in total I have high hopes of getting all five books. In the meantime, I shall wait for So I Married a Sorcerer due to be published in August.