I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Happily ever after is only the beginning as Belle takes on the responsibility of becoming queen and learns to balance duty, love, and sacrifice, all while navigating dark political intrigue-and a touch of magic.

It's 1789 and France is on the brink of revolution. Belle has finally broken the Enchantress's curse, restoring the Beast to his human form as Prince Adam, and bringing life back to their castle in the province of Aveyon. But in Paris, the fires of change are burning, and it's only a matter of time before the rebellion arrives on their doorstep.

Belle has always dreamed of leaving her provincial home for a life of adventure. But now she finds herself living in a palace, torn between her roots as a commoner, and her future as a royal. When she stumbles across a mysterious, ancient magic that brings with it a dire warning, she must question whether she is ready for the power being thrust on her, and if being Queen is more than just a title.

Short and Sweet Review

In 1789 France is on the brink of a revolution. Belle and Lio have recently gotten married and are trying to realign themselves into society. After learning about everything going on in France Belle and Lio agree that they have to put their people first to prevent a revolution taking place in Aveyon.

Lio enlists the help of his cousin Bastien, who has been living in France and has more information on customs and laws that Lio would have missed out on while he was under the curse for the past ten years. Bastien is one of those people who seems like they’re helpful but they’re actually up to no good. Because he’s Lio’s cousin Lio tends to take his side but Belle can see that Bastien doesn’t have the best intentions. While trying to go about how to make Aveyon a better place Bastien suggests that they focus on noblemen while Belle wants to focus on commoners, this leads to tension between the two.

Lio ends up going to visit noblemen around the town and he ends up being gone for a while. Belle is still at the castle and though she doesn’t want to be called a princess or queen she still has the authority to make decisions. Most of the decisions she makes are shot down by the advisors, but sometimes the advisors agree because Bastien agrees first. Belle also stumbles upon a magic mirror which gives her warnings about what’s to come, one of them being a revolution is closer than she thought. While Lio is gone its almost like she has no friends which is why I’m glad when Marguerite comes to Aveyon. Marguerite is someone that Belle met at one of Bastien’s parties in France. Marguerite is someone Belle can confide in and is also very helpful in organizing the library and setting up a salon.

I did like the relationship between Belle and Lio, they have a closer bond then most people think, because of what they had to go through when the curse was still intact. Lio sometimes still has nightmares about the curse and it seems like Belle is the only one who can soothe him.

I loved how this was a retelling but also included actual history as well! We also get to see some familiar characters from Beauty and the Beast. Belle is everything you want in a heroine, someone who cares about people, someone who wants to do the right thing, and someone who trusts their gut. I’m so happy that I got to read this book and I’m excited to see what the next book in the series has in store! Definitely check this book out if you like retellings but with some history sprinkled in!