If you’re anything like me, you love a good retelling. One of my all-time favorite Disney movies is Beauty and the Beast, and finding an exceptional retelling of the classic or a book heavily inspired by it is a rare treat. Here’s a list of Beauty and the Beast inspired books as suggested by our readers in our Romantic Fantasy Shelf Facebook group and some of our top picks, in no particular order.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Not strictly a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but it still hits all the right notes: a girl locked in a castle, and a beast with a curse to break.
Amazon Reviewer
“I could not stop reading until I finished the last book and I still beg for more, as any good series would leave you wanting.”
Beauty by Robin McKinley
A masterfully written and sweet retelling perfect for lovers of YA fantasy.
“This is a beautiful retelling of a classic story with great imagery, a strong heroine and fantastic language in the telling.”
Amazon Reviewer
The Fire Rose by Mercedes Lackey
An old West twist on the classic tale by one of romantic fantasy’s master storytellers.
Amazon Reviewer
“An intriguing retelling of a tale as old as time – Beauty and the Beast gets new life in this version.”
Entreat Me by Grace Draven
A beautifully rendered, brutal, and sexy tale perfect for adult fans.
Amazon Reviewer
“An expertly done fairytale, so that the tale sucks you in and has you turning the pages well past bed time. “
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Weaving in Greek mythology and other folklore, this is an exciting retelling with a compelling arranged marriage element.
“Cruel Beauty had me hooked from the first sentence and as soon as I finished reading, I was depressed that it was over. If you’re a lover of retellings, dark romance, and a courageous heroine, then this is one book you do not want to miss.
Amazon Reviewer
Goddess of the Rose by P.C. Cast
Dark, sexy, and steeped in mythology, this is one readers rave about.
“ For [anyone] who is a fan of classic fairy tales with a twist, I would say stop waiting and read this book!”
Amazon Reviewer
No Man Can Tame by Miranda Honfleur
RFS Book Club Winner February 2019
Beauty and the Beast inspired with a unique twist with dark elves, clever world building, and a slow-burn romance that will leave you aching for more.
For those who enjoy Beauty and the Beast retellings or high-fantasy romance stories, I definitely recommend No Man Can Tame. It has all the appeal of both the genres beautifully woven together in a satisfying and charming package
J.M. Butler
Check out J.M. Butler’s full review right here.
Heart of the Fae by Emma Hamm
RFS Book Club Winner February 2019
It hits all the beats of a Beauty and the Beast retelling, with a fresh setting woven with Celtic mythology.
For those who enjoy Beauty and the Beast retellings with a darker and grimmer edge or Irish mythical retellings, this book is likely a good match.
J.M. Butler
Check out J.M. Butler’s full review here.
Stolen Enchantress by Amber Argyle
A mash-up of Beauty and the Beast with the Pied Piper makes for a unique twist.
Amazon Reviewer
“Argyle paints a breathtaking, Avatar[-esque] world in this incredibly well written story. “
The Fury Queen’s Harem by Meg Xuemei X
The tables are turned in this reverse harem: the girl is the beast and there are three men to break her curse.
“I was completely captivated. Meg Xuemei X has done an incredible job at writing a one of a kind story that is sure to pull the reader in within the first few pages…”
Amazon Reviewer
Enchant by Demelza Carlton
An adult retelling, filled with great characters, twists and turns that readers adored.
“Enchant is the perfect name for this book. It completely captivated and enchanted me from the beginning to end.”
Amazon Reviewer
Dragon and the Beast by Amberlyn Holland
Dragons, intrigue, magic and romance. This book has it all!
“I could not put it down.”
Amazon Reviewer
Beauty and the Goblin King by Lidiya Foxglove
A sexy retelling you don’t want to miss!
“It’s steamy, sexy, and makes you want your own goblin king.”
Amazon Reviewer
Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier
Lyrical prose, amazing characterization, and Gaelic mythology: what more could you want?
“I pretty much loved everything in this novel and think I was sucked in from the very start.”
Amazon Reviewer
Shadow & Thorn by Kenley Davidson
A thief, an exiled prince, and a whole lot of intrigue, magic, and romance.
“Written with such insight and intelligence there were just too many gems to count.”
Amazon Reviewer
Fausta Borja’s Beauty and the Beast
A steamy gothic romance retelling, with strong French influences.
“If you [want] a raunchy fairytale, this is for you.”
Amazon Reviewer
