BEAST (A Dark Mafia Romance) (Beast & Beauty) Paperback – August 16, 2022

I’ve never read anything from this author before but it is so good and dark! Beast meets Aurora when he’s sent to kill her father. Beast is a killing machine and has been ordered to kill everyone. But when Beast sees her he can’t go through with it. So he takes her back to his owner because he knows everything Beast does so he has no choice. This begins the craziest ride you will ever be on. Beast is caged, tortured and terrifying but there’s just something about him that draws Aurora in. This book ends on a cliffhanger but Beauty, the next book in this duet is out. I bought it as fast as I could, I had to know what was next! Somehow this author threads the needle between way too far and just far enough. The chemistry is electric despite the horrible situation they’re in. Everything seems so hopeless but somehow they keep fighting and I loved it. This book also has a mystery surrounding Aurora that will break your heart. Her father is terrible to her but she loves him still and Beast is opening her eyes to his perfidy. One-click this baby if you like it dark and sexy!

This is NOT a stand-alone read. It is the first part of a Duet. Fortunately the second part is available now to read, so even though this DOES END ON A CLIFFHANGER, you don’t have to wait to find out happens.** From the beginning to the end is nothing but scenes not suitable for sensitive readers. There are trigger warnings listed on Clarissa Wild’s wenbsite and I have included a listing of topics below. **⛔️ If you have not read the story, the following may contain spoilers, otherwise I can adequately explain why the lower rating.There are some grammatical issues, of which I uploaded my notes to goodreads for anyone interested. These were mainly comprised of extra inserted words, missing words, typos and/or incorrect word choices. I mention these for readers such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow and visualization.I didn’t rate this 5 stars because there were times it was a little too repetitive with Aurora’s thoughts. Then there are some data inconsistencies, I highlighted a couple in my notes. Here are a few examples: Beast has been treated as a Dog in every way, but he somehow understands electronics, while somehow being uneducated enough he doesn’t understand the definition of what a friend is? Then Aurora gets shot in one scene, but doesn’t receive any medical attention and nothing is ever mentioned again. Things like this within the story needs to be explained or corrected.⛔️ Contains references to, or scenes detailing, subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some, including, but not limited to: adult language; derogatory terms; mental health challenges of depression, PTSD and anxiety; steamy adult intimate scenes with consensual / non-consensual acts, (attempted) rape, voyeurism, exhibitionism, blood play, breath play, etc.; violence such as kidnapping, enforced long-term captivity with inhumane treatment and conditions, murder / death, torture, assault, fighting, betrayal, blackmail, coercion, human trafficking, child neglect, mental, physical and sexual abuse of children and adults, drug use and distribution, gun running, gambling, loan sharks, mafia organizations, etc.

I have conflicting feelings about this book. The story is interesting but the execution is weak. I’m surprised at all the glowing reviews. There were so many obvious contradictions. Better editing would have really helped and maybe some beta readers who could have pointed out some of the weak spots. I’m giving it 3 stars because I’m going to move on to the next book (so I’m interested enough to see what happens) but I did almost give up on it a few times and that is rare for me.

What a cliffhanger! Very well written with so much angst. This is a story about two individuals who have a similar upbringing (both being raised by monsters) and fall for each other. There is plenty of more depth and plot going on than just that, but I don't want to spoil anything.

A deliciously dark side of the classic Beauty and the Beast that didn’t disappoint. Aurora and Beast’s life changed from the first time they met, fast forward to the present and once again their life takes a drastic turn but this time they are together. Their journey was hard to put down with a storyline filled with heartbreak, intense movements, and steamy chemistry. I enjoyed this first part of a two part story that will grab you from the start. I can’t wait to see if these two find their HEA with all the twist that keeps happening in their lives.

This was a strange book. Some of the plot details were a bit convenient and a little far-fetched, but that didn't really bother me too much while reading because the writing style is extremely immersive. It sucked me into that dark dungeon room with Aurora and Beast, and I felt every bit of what they were experiencing. It definitely tugged at my heartstrings.I will say I have 2 major criticisms. First and foremost is the way Aurora calls the MMC Beast throughout the whole book. She openly corrects the guards and even Lex when they refer to him as a beast and a dog and so on, but she never bothers to learn his real name for herself. Referring to him as Beast makes her feelings toward him seem all the more self-serving and shallow, and frankly, I hated it.Secondly, the book could benefit from some good editing. There were a few places here and there where repetition or bad grammar broke the story's immersion because I had to pause to figure out what the author meant.I will warn that the story is very dark. Like there was a scene toward the end that literally made me nauseous while reading, and it really drove home the reality that being a slave means absolutely nothing is sacred or private, and that rattled me a little.Overall, I enjoyed the story and will read the 2nd book to finish it.