The Beautiful Book Review

What is it about?

Celine Rousseau, a young Parisian woman with a dark secret is on her way to New Orleans to start a new life. Everything seems utterly ordinary until a serial killer wreaks havoc in the quarter. Celine is then thrust into the world of mentalists and illusionists that reside in The Court of Lions when the serial killer sets their eyes on her. Mystery, magic, and Marti gras. Is this too much for Celine, or will she embrace her inner strength? Is Sebastian Saint Germain a friend or foe? What are her feelings for this tall dark and very handsome stranger?

My thoughts:

• I love the setting. I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans to try their food and experience the culture there. Having a paranormal romance in a place known for their magical origins and haunting architecture is perfect. Even better when it’s set in the 1800’s.
• I love that the author stays true to the racism of the time instead of romanticizing it. At the time, it was wiser to pass as white than to openly accept being multiracial. This is the dilemma that Celine -the main character- and other characters have. She doesn’t even know where her mother is from, only that she’s from the east.
• Expanding on my first point, I love the fact that there are multiracial characters. One of the main characters, Bastian is Puerto Rican and African American. I squealed when he revealed this. Before The Beautiful, I’ve never read a fantasy or paranormal romance book with a Puerto Rican mc. I thought I’d have to write one myself.
• As expected, I loved the gothic feel of the book. Of course, you can’t have a paranormal romance without creepy mysteries and gothic architecture. Renee Ahdieh did not disappoint. I may have found my new favorite author.
• The mystery and suspense was also top notch. Usually, I’m able to figure out who’s the culprit pretty early on, but that was not the case with The Beautiful. I was kept in the dark right until the supernatural serial killer reveals himself. And it wasn’t in a ‘this doesn’t make sense!’ moment, it was a ‘why did I not notice these clues before?’ moment. It was perfect. Kept me on my toes for the entire book.
• There was just the right amount of pining for me. I hate when there’s instalove and I also hate when the burn is so slow that I eventually lose interest. Some may say that the romance in here was a slow burn turned instalove, but the way it comes about is so cute. You’ll understand once you read the book sooo…..
• When this book came out last year, it was advertised as a vampire book. There was also a lot of complaints that it doesn’t have enough vampire action in it, which is understandable. You want a vampire romance with a ton of vampires. However, this is the first book it a four-book series. It also has a heavy dose of mystery. Part of that mystery is what types of creatures are in New Orleans. We’re supposed to find out as the series progresses. So, if you are looking for immediate vampire action, this may not be the book for you.
• It kind of reminded me of a penny dreadful. Not the show, the old school scary stories sold for a penny back in the 1800’s. I was living for that!
• It left me needing the next book! I should’ve done what I usually do and buy both books that were out. But after reading Crave, I took caution. Crave was okay but didn’t really leave me wanting to continue the series. Now I have to wait till Saturday to read the next book. Ugh!

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had everything that I wanted. So, go pick it up and read it so that we can fangirl/boy/non-binary person together! If you have read The Beautiful, please tell me what you thought of it down in the comments.