Beauty and the Beast (Noire Allure) (Paperback)

by Deatri King-Bey (Author) "And no matter what my knucklehead nephew says, I hired you, and I'm the only one who can fire you..." (more)
Key Phrases: water ninja, fire ninja, hell naw, Dixon Textiles, Auntie Vic, Uncle Nathan (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Once upon a time there was a beast who dwelled in a mansion in the far outskirts of Chicago. Rarely did the beast leave his safe haven, for he'd given up on the outside world years ago. When the woman he has always loved is violently attacked, the beast must return to save her. Many see Bruce Maxwell as a beast, but to Nefertiti Townes, he is Prince Charming. After she is released from the hospital, she goes to the one place she feels safe-Maxwell Manor. Being under the protection of the man she loves should be a dream come true for Nefertiti, but their personal demons strive for a nightmare. As Nefertiti and Bruce fight their attraction for each other, they discover there was nothing random about the attack on Nefertiti.

About the Author

A Chicago area resident, Deatri works as an editor. Deatri has worked as an editor for both Third World Press (publisher of The Covenant with Black America: Edited by Tavis Smiley) and Genesis Press Inc., the largest African-American owned publishing house. An avid writer since childhood, Deatri's first novel, Caught Up, was released in February 2006 by Genesis Press with Ebony Angel (Genesis Press) due to hit the shelves in February 2007. Three children, two dogs, and one husband keep her days pretty full. Deatri's idea of a great afternoon is a trip to the bookstore, followed by hours curled up on the sofa with her newly purchased romance, fantasy, or science fiction novel. Her Website is http://www.deewrites.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 226 pages
• Publisher: Parker Publishing, LLC (December 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600430066
• ISBN-13: 978-1600430060
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #153,922 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Modern-Day Urban Fairy Tale, January 18, 2007

By	Idrissa Uqdah (New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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 [...]

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Your Classic Cast, February 20, 2007

By	T. Rhythm Knight (Coral Springs, FL United States) - See all my reviews

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

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love is Blind, Deaf and Unconditional!, December 11, 2006

By	Denise Bolds "Lion Who Reads A Lot!" (New York United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.