The Virgin and the Beast by Stasia Black is a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story of Xavier and Melanie. It was wrought with tension both sexual and emotional. How could Mel not fall for the gruesome-looking beast of a man, who seems to know you better than you know yourself?

Some may find the story debasing or dehumanizing, but for me, it was deeper than a story about male domination. He was flawed and he was working with what he knew and it apparently was what Melanie needed and secretly wanted.

Their romance is intense and sensual so prepare yourself for a hard look at whether it's a prince charming type of man that you want or a beast with a heart of gold.