While this book was quick and fantasical, I did not find it to be convincing enough to be consider good. Every mage gets one clear vision on the eve of their Ascension into their full powers, right before they get the brand of their mage-mark: you see the thing that will cause your absolute demise. Lisiane is a proud female and her pride is at stakes when she agreeds to let Rhaim master and control her body in exchange of being trained into becoming a mage. With aspects of Howl's Moving Castle and even a touch of Harry Potter, this story has so much more then just a Beast trying to get a Beauty to fall in love with him. The elements of the original tale are peppered throughout the story in an entirely new light, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.

A promising first book in this series, I would easily recommend Bend Her to any new and experienced readers of this genre, as the plot and heat will keep you gripped right until the end. Victoria’s portrayal of the sheltered princess betrayed by her family and then punished and humiliated by the All-Beast was incredible.

The heart of the story is undoubtedly the relationship between Lisane and Rhaim, but the author wove an impeccable plot around it, which stands out completely from other Beauty and the Beast retellings I’ve read. To anyone reading, this short series is 1000% worth your time and I highly recommend the audible version, the performances were stellar. We are discovering a new world with her as she learns more about herself, her limits and boundaries, and what she truly wants in life. But I wasn't accustomed to my own breath hot against my face, or the rough feeling of fabric against my cheek-or knowing that my wrists were tied behind my back, painfully tight.

Seeing as Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairy tales ever, I’m always excited to find new retellings and I was over the moon when I had the opportunity to read an eARC of this. I couldn't put it down and I can't wait to read the next one to see how it progresses and the relationship between Rhaim and Lisane goes. Not that one or the other can't voice both characters but, in this case, it really helped me to image the story play out in my head. star rating are: character motives felt weak and inconsistent, world building could be stronger and filled out more, and most of the smut came off more as abuse.There was a bathroom scene, though, that was delicious, and I am patiently awaiting to read more about a certain cheeky piercing. She danced for me, beneath my onslaught, prancing like the proudest pony might, tossing her head as her ass swayed beautifully. Again and again I had to suspend disbelief to keep going because the characters were all over the place. She seemed eager to "find" herself and become strong and independent and while the author descriped her like in her father's home (and it was very clearly not a life that would be considered enjoyable), I have a hard time believing that a life of solitude with a monster who imprisoned and humilated you? Bend Her is book one in the Transformation trilogy and is the dark fantasy story of Lisane and Rhaim.