My Striking Beauty (Wicked Retellings #2)by Olivia Wildenstein
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Synopsis:
TURNS OUT, VENGEANCE MAKES A TERRIBLE FOUNDATION FOR A LOVE STORY.
Cillian Lowry-real name classified, god-hater, former juvie kid, current dance instructor, professional liar. He entered my life pretending to be harmless and homeless. What he really was? A walking vendetta intent on destroying my people.
Electra Serran-modern-day goddess, romance-book devourer, proud moth in a world of butterflies, skilled avoider of emotional vulnerability. My mission? Make Malachi Hadez-my forever crush-finally take notice of me.
When Cillian suggests we fake-date to make Malachi jealous, I accept. After all, that trope works wonders in books.
The problem? The way Cillian looks at me. The way he touches me. The way he worships me.
The bigger problem? The way I start looking back. The way pretending begins to feel real. The way I open myself to him.
When his mask slips, my desire for his heart becomes a thirst for his blood.
I wished for a love story grand enough to burn the world down.
My fake boyfriend over-delivered.
Welcome to a world where gods walk among mortals, vengeance has teeth, and falling in love becomes more than a game. My Striking Beauty is a sizzling, gender-swapped retelling of the age-old tale of Cinderella.
Review:
My Striking Beauty was a fake dating, gender swapped Cinderella that will take you on a spell binding adventure! With mystery swirling, a mesmerizing cast of characters, and an entertaining storyline, I binged this book so quickly! If you love romantasy that will tug on your heart and consume your every waking thought, then definitely give this series a try. I’m obsessed!
“He’s really sweet, and you’re…”
“A bitch?” I supply.
Electra could be so prickly and harsh, but I loved her from the previous book! She was resilient, such a bad ass, and someone you would always want in your corner. So her deep friendship with Calanthe warmed my heart. But she was still hung up on Malachi, and I hurt for her since he only saw her as a sister. And he seemed to always have Ines around, on his arm. So, when Cillian suggested they fake date to make him jealous, I was all in! Even if I knew barely anything about him!
Cillian’s appearance throws me. He looks nothing like the man in the tux I met last night, or the easygoing teacher in sweatpants from this morning. How many faces can one person wear?
Cillian wasn’t even his real name. And Electra was his target. The games he played were dangerous. And his dark side had all the shades of grey. He was nothing but a bed of lies. So, while I wanted to hate him with every fiber of my being, I just couldn’t. His cheesy lines, his words that made me swoon, his perseverance, I loved it all. He snarled me with his seductive and charming ways. And I wanted to know all of his secrets.
“You’re relentless.” Her murmur ghosts across my Adam’s apple.
Electra and Cillian’s banter was so much fun, and their moments could be so steamy! But as feelings were caught, I watched as those were torn over what to do. Guilt played a prominent figure. And as pieces of the puzzle came together, my jaw was on the floor. I did guess a few things, but what a twisted web of deceit and secrets that swirled around them. I also screamed and was panicky as things came to fruition. And I couldn’t help the tears as feelings emerged, especially with forgiveness from those you don’t expect. It all made this book impossible to put down!
The darkest smile spreads over his lips as though he were a monster about to devour me whole.
My Striking Beauty was a hypnotic romantasy that kept me glued to the pages! Just keep in mind that this isn’t a standalone, and I highly recommend you read My Dark Beast first. In this story, you get to catch up with all of our favorites and even see some happily ever afters play out. But hold on, because it’s a rough road to get there and not everyone we care for will make it *cries*. That second half is definitely action packed! So, if you’re looking for a new romantasy series to get lost in, add this one to your list! I can’t wait for the next book, and I have a solid guess for who the couple will be, eeps!
Other Favorite Quotes:
Not all of us are meant to blaze in the sun. Some of us are built to blend with the dark.
My spirit animal is definitely the moth.
I can’t risk Cillian getting attached. Even if I can erase his memories, I can’t erase mine.
I turn on my side and brace my head on my fist. “I just wasn’t expecting… you.”
My girl…
Electra isn’t my girl; she’s only my way in.
As my conscience goes to war with my gut, I grip her hip and flip her front to back.
I’ve lost control— of myself, of this mission, of her.
I drop my voice to a whisper. “Wanting you was never one of my lies.”
I close my eyes, shame and grief gnawing on my insides.
I was too late.
Too late.
Too late.
My ears buzz.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
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