Customer Reviews

Beauty and the Beast (Noire Allure)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Deatri King-Bey has stepped out of the box and given her readers a Black fairy tale in Beauty And The Beast that I really enjoyed. Set in modern day Chicago; the story centers around millionaire business mogul, Bruce Maxwell, the beast and his beauty, Nefertiti Townes.

Bruce and Nefertiti grew up together as playmates, she being the god daughter of his beloved Aunt Victoria who took him in as a young boy when he was abandoned by her wayward sister. They shared a childhood of good times and as they approached adulthood; they both realized that there was a connection between them that was more than platonic.

However; Bruce's emotional dysfunction from having faced the rejection from his mother at such a young age did much to discourage him from pursuing the love he felt for Nefertiti. Although his aunt worked hard at loving him and giving him a secure life as his surrogate parent; Bruce never was far from the pain that his mother's actions brought into his life. Bruce had suffered from a mood disorder most of his life and his behavior sometimes had characteristics of a real `beast". His anger could be over the top and after years of therapy and changes in various medications; he had decided not to medicate. As a result; he hid himself away from the world.

Nefertiti on the other hand was the only child of two loving parents and a "Daddy's Girl" at heart. She did not understand why Bruce had suddenly become indifferent towards her affections. She was hurt and offended by his change of heart towards her.

Nefertiti always had a love of art and was very talented. She majored in fine arts in college and ended up the owner of several well-known art galleries in the area. She eventually met and fell in love with someone and planned to marry her fiance when tragedy struck this beauty.

Bruce Maxwell was determined to make a success of his life and worked hard in the business world amassing riches beyond anyone's imagination. His only interest was his business that he ran from Maxwell Manor, his opulent mansion on the outskirts of Chicago; that was until his beautiful Nefertiti was brutally attacked and knifed in a break-in at her home. The thief did not expect her to be there and the beating left her near-death. She also was scarred for life. Bruce was enraged and for the first time in a long time, he allowed himself the privilege of acting on his feelings.

Bringing his beauty home to Maxwell Manor where she would be safe until her attacker's day in court arrived; the couple were thrown together with no other option than to examine the feelings that they always had for one another. The love story that ensues is beautiful and tender. The story line also takes the reader on the trail of drug dealers, the world of stolen art and murder. It is a love story combined with drama, mystery and suspense. It is not your average fairy tale.

The author explores the meaning of beauty and how much it matters when there is true love. She also brings awareness to anxiety and mood disorders and how this issue is dealt with in the African American community. Beauty And The Beast kept me on edge, reading long into the night. I was delighted with the ending and look forward to more stories by Deatri King-Bey. This sister can really tell a story. I know you will love this novel as much as I did.

My recommendation; buy this book!

Reviewed by Idrissa Uqdah for [...]

Wow~ This story takes my breath away! Bruce and Nefertiti are two bright and talented people who are challenged with the life they were given - the challenges do not stop them from having love. Bruce loves Nefertiti and her disfigurements and Nefertiti loves Bruce and his 'beast' mannerisms that he fights to control on a daily basis. I have NEVER read a romance that includes the subject of mental illness and traumatic syndrome all in one - all so tastefully done! This story incorporates dedication, healing, giving up fear, family relationships and sensuality. I had to special order this book - but it definitel worth it!
This book will become a part of my personal collection.

In Deatri King-Bey's, Beauty and the Beast, we meet Bruce Maxwell and his childhood friend, Nerfertiti. Bruce suffers from bipolar disorder. Sometimes he is able to function in the world and sometimes he is not. Nefertiti, once a lively, free-spirit, becomes a recluse after a brutal attack that leaves her scarred for life. When Bruce's aunt brings Nerfertiti to Maxwell Manor to recuperate, Bruce embarks on a mission to make the only woman he has ever loved his wife. Self-doubt and fits of rage reign as Nerfertiti learns self-acceptance and Bruce tries to control the rage that presses him to seek revenge against Nerfertiti's attackers.

In this classic tale of beauty and the beast, the reader meets two not so classic characters. Although Bruce and Nefertiti are seriously flawed, their acceptance of each other is a life's lesson in love. Ms. King-Bey weaves a wonderful tale of unconditional love and forces the reader to remember that beauty is not skin deep but contained deep within the skin.

If you are a romance fan, Beauty and the Beast will surely not disappoint.

T. RHYTHM KNIGHT
APOOO BookClub

This story is a must read for all. It proves that beauty is only skin deep and beauty and love does tame the most savage beast. I read this book in one afternoon because I couldn't put it down. Great love story with a lot of intrigue to boot. A must read for all!

Deatri King Bey second novel is a novel well worth reading not only does she take you takes risk with stepping outside of the box but she writes a story that describes a man truly in love with a woman but with along with his love comes his moods.

Nefertiti Townes never thought a man would love her again after the fateful attack she was left to feel as if she was condemned from the world. She feels as if her family has shut her out and that everyone around her feels pity for her. The man she loves has pushed her away constantly and now she needs him to deal with the fate of everything around her. Bruce Maxwell is known as a man all about business but those close to him knows the man behind the business the man who buys at least three laptops a year of not more because of a little minor flaw in him but a flaw that makes him the man that he is. With his family and his staff he's determine to break Nefertiti out of her solemn mood and bring her back into the world but can she do the same for him?

King-Bey has written a story that allows her to touch a side of people that many authors don't attempt to reach she shows that it's okay to be the way you are because of who you are. She also points out the fact that not everyone can be perfect and that we have to accept those around us for who they are. Deatri has written a book well worthy of praise.

This author tackles the issue other authors seem to avoid-emotional disorders and does it BEAUTIFULLY!! I am still re-reading this book. Whatever price you purchase this book at, it is well worth the cost. One of the best interracial romance books I've ever read.

This is the first novel I've read by Mrs. King-Bey and I must admit when I first read the books description, I thought who wants to read about a guy who suffers with a bipolar disorder and a woman that's been horribly disfigured, however, I must also admit I am definitely impressed, this novel was beautifully written. In BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Deatri King-Bey brings to light a story about finding the true beauty within. This novel was so realistic and thought provoking. It had me crying and LOL at some of Bruce and Nefertiti's antics. The emotion and love that was portrayed throughout this novel between Bruce and Nefertiti was just overwhelming. Despite the 'flaws' Bruce and Nefertiti suffered, be it physical or emotional, they were able to see pass all that and open their hearts to one another to a deep and unconditional love. This novel raised awareness about the bipolar disorder, it had mystery, action, humor and definitely some HOT and steamy love scenes. A real page turner that I couldn't put down until I was finished. Definitely a novel for the hopeless romantic and those that believe in fairy tales. Thanks for a real eye-opener, Mrs. King-Bey!

I just finished reading Beauty and the Beast and it was a very good read! It had a little bit of everything in it (romance, mystery, suspense, humor here and there) which I enjoyed. Plus I was cracking up throughout the book, mainly and Nefertiti and Bruce. I loved their relationship together. At several points throughout the book my heart felt for Bruce and his mother all I have to say is wow. Ms. King-Bey definitely touched on a subject that is definitely "taboo" in the AA community (mental illness). I also like how she incorporated Nathan (Nefertiti's dad) and how he and Bruce were similar. I also like how Bruce and Nefertiti were NOT the "typical" hero and heroine. Wonderful wonderful! This was my first book by Ms. King-Bey but I'm definitely going to check out her other books!

What would you and those around do if you were left severely scarred and disfigured? Is beauty really in the eyes of the beholder? In BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Deatri King-Bey brings to light a story about finding the true beauty within, as love prevails. Nefertiti Townes was stabbed 36 times when she interrupted a burglary in progress in her home one fateful night. Her life, though spared, changed forever. While hospitalized and bandaged from head to toe, she listens as her fiancé, sickened by her appearance, vomits and races from the hospital. During her recovery period she notices that people stare uncontrollably and even her parents have distanced themselves from her. She turns to the only place she knows for help and support, Bruce Maxwell and his Auntie Victoria.

Bruce has always had a problem controlling his rage, which has earned him his nickname, The Beast. He thinks nothing of the fear he instills in people as he treats them cruelly with his boorish behavior, chasing them away. His soft spot, though, has always been Nefertiti. Bruce takes her injury personally, vowing to find the mastermind behind this cruel attack. When she moves into Maxwell Mansion, he takes over her recovery and an investigation that puts both their lives in jeopardy. While tracking those responsible for the senseless attack, they discover the enemy is closer than they think. Not only is Bruce searching for justice, he is also looking for a way to help Nefertiti regain her confidence and restore her faith in mankind. He sees the beauty she has on the inside; he just has to make sure she sees it too. What Nefertiti also discovers is that Bruce needs some healing from all the internal rage he has. And just maybe she is the one who can calm the savage beast in him.

King-Bey has written an endearing, action-packed modern day beauty and the beast drama that rivals Disney's version. Suspense, mystery, romance and a little bit of humor--it's all there--rolled into one very neat package. The characters were well fleshed out, the twists and turns had me hanging by the seat of my pants and I enjoyed a beneficial lesson to boot; who could ask for anything more? This book charged ahead into the question: do looks really matter in love? The heart knows; so why do we get so caught up in how we look? This is a story that will force you to take a hard look at what is really important in life. All I can say is, King-Bey, my hats off to you girl; you sure know how to tell a story.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Bruce Maxwell was a passionate man that truly loved Neferti. He was determined to protect her and he did so without her knowledge. I enjoyed this book. It dealt with mental illness, love, fear and anger. Would love concur?