"Crimson Melodies" is a unique twist on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, set in the intriguing world of rock and romance. This gender-swap version of the story, filled with energy and allure, unfolds at the haunted Hotel Caliwood in Hollywood, adding a layer of mystique to an already captivating narrative.

The story revolves around Benedict Boyd and Beatrice Sharpe, the former lead singers of the renowned rock band B & B + 3, who made headlines with their dramatic breakup at Hotel Caliwood, culminating in Beatrice taking an impromptu dip in the hotel's pool and ruining an expensive designer dress. With Beatrice vanishing from the public eye, the band is left without a lyricist, and Benedict's musical genius can't save them without the missing words.

As the band plans to resurrect their reputation by recording a long-awaited album, Benedict is desperate for lyrics. This is where the story takes an intriguing turn as he encounters "Beast," a mysterious and enigmatic harpy poetess who has found refuge in the hotel's abandoned library. Their initial interactions are anything but smooth, but as they collaborate on music, a deep connection starts to form between them, evolving into an unexpected affection.

What makes "Crimson Melodies" truly interesting is not just the looming curse placed upon Beast by a jealous enchantress. The prospect of a future together is tainted, and the narrative is enriched by the involvement of the ghosts inhabiting Hotel Caliwood. These spectral characters, together with Beast's beautiful lyrics, add depth and charm to the story. The question of whether Benedict can let go of his past and fully embrace this newfound love becomes the central emotional arc of the plot, while the curse adds a layer of tension and urgency.

Leslie O'Sullivan crafts a compelling narrative filled with vivid characters and an imaginative reimagining of a beloved fairy tale. "Crimson Melodies" is a delightful and enchanting romance that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Whether you're a fan of gender-swap stories, paranormal romance, or rockstar settings, this book offers a unique and captivating blend of all these elements, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh take on a timeless tale. ( )

I received a copy of this book through LT's early reviewers. I enjoyed the reworking of a fairy tale style story with Shakespeare's [Much Ado About Nothing] all set in a world of rock stars in Hollywood. Following a disagreement, the romantic pairing of Beatrice and Benedict find themselves separated by events that bear the trademarks of familiar fairy tale territory. Having said that the story has those familiar overtones, it's a new interpretation of the genre for a new adult generation. This is the fourth in a series, but I read it with no familiarity with the prior works and it is fine as a stand alone story. There were a few minor aspects that didn't work for me, mostly in terms of some of the language used - not that I was offended by it but just that personally it threw me out of the story <spoiler> use of words like 'shitiot' would be an example </spoiler> - it just felt a bit jarring in its unfamiliarity - possibly just a difference in my age demographic to the audience or language that is in use in my area. This isn't a significant enough factor that would put me off reading the author's work again, as I enjoyed the story development and the modern spin on familiar classics. ( )

3.5 Stars
A modern reverse adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, this NA urban fantasy fairy tale mixes pieces of classic literature with contemporary musician characters. It's part of a series, but the novel can be read as a stand-alone. I've read three of the first four works so far and I think this one is my favorite. There are still some sections that could be better organized, but overall if you enjoy NA fairy tale interpretations and are looking for a quick and easy read, give this book a try.

LibraryThing Early Reviewer ( )