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  As we stared into each other’s eyes, the minister pronounced us husband and wife.

  And then we lived happily ever after.

  THE END

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  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairytale. Partly because I’m such a romantic, and this story has all the feels. But mostly because I love the heart of the story. It’s one I can relate to. I know what it’s like to be the beast. To be someone who is uncomfortable in her own skin. Someone who feels like her outside doesn’t match her inside. Someone who is shunned, teased or misunderstood. Someone who is judged unfairly by how she looks.

  In elementary school, boys would sometimes refer to me as a dog. In high school I liked a boy who told me he would like me back if I didn’t have such a big nose and if I wasn’t so overweight. It was weird because when I looked in the mirror I didn’t see what others saw. I saw someone I was proud to be. I liked my nose, my body, my face. But the more people laughed, whispered and teased the more I didn’t. The more I despised it.

  As an adult, I’ve learned to embrace who I am and how I look. But it took a long time. It wasn’t an easy road. As a society, we put a great emphasis on outward appearance. We judge and tease when someone looks a way that we don’t like or don’t understand. We’re also a culture that judges and teases things we’re fearful of. I think these two things go hand in hand, primarily with teenagers. It’s not that the child is fearful of someone who is deemed ugly or unpopular. It’s that they’re afraid if they don’t go along with the teasing they’ll be deemed ugly or unpopular.

  Even adults are guilty of this – putting their need to be accepted and liked above the need to simply love another. Our desire for comfort and acceptance often trumps our need to reach out to someone else. But Beauty and the Beast is a story of hope. It shows us that by simply loving someone they can be transformed. Love is a powerful thing. So is kindness.

  I’ve always wanted to write a retelling of this story, but it’s been done so many times I wasn’t sure I could add anything to it. Then one day I dreamt up Layla and Jasper, and I knew I had to write their story. At times it was reminiscent of Kyler and Jade in Break Free, and if you’re an avid reader of mine you know they’re my favorite characters ever. I had a blast writing this story. I felt everything the characters did and at times found myself crying or laughing along with them.

  It’s a story of hope, of healing and of unconditional love. And I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

  As always, I have many people to thank:

  My family – Andrew, Eli and Kayleen – for the unwavering support.

  My superstar editor – Auntie Boo!! You’re the best.

  My beta – Megan Squires. Your encouragement kept me writing.

  My graphic artist – Kris Pitman. The cover is perfect. I love it.

  My fan club – love you girls!!

  And to God. Thank you for allowing me to live my dream. Everything I do is for you.

  Amber

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Amber Garza is the author of the bestselling Playing for Keeps Series, as well as many other bestselling young adult romance novels including Tripping Me Up and The Summer We Fell. She also has several new adult and adult romance novels including Break Free, Star Struck and Head Above Water. She has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Coffee and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they’re real people. She currently lives in California with her amazing husband, and two hilarious children who provide her with enough material to keep her writing for years.

  Table of Contents

  1

  THE FOREST

  2

  THE HOUSE

  3

  THE MASK

  4

  THE BEASTLY

  BOY

  5

  THE PLAN

  6

  THE PIANO

  7

  THE GARDEN

  8

  THE STREAM

  9

  THE CAR

  10

  THE RETURN

  11

  THE INVESTIGATION

  12

  THE BETRAYAL

  13

  THE STATION

  14

  THE MOB

  15

  THE CURSE

  16

  THE MIRROR

  17

  THE MANSION

  18

  THE WITCH

  19

  THE DATE

  20

  THE EVER AFTER

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR