Dimitri Sokolov is a man scarred, physically and emotionally. From the rough streets of Moscow to the highest ranks in the Solntsevskaya Bratva, he has seen it all.
An attack four years ago left him disfigured and in seclusion, hiding from reactions to his appearance and in safety from those who failed to kill him the first time.
Comfortable in his penthouse, managing his billion dollar businesses, he’s resigned himself to be alone, simply called The Beast among those who’ve dealt with him in the past.
Columbia Grey is a pseudo-activist trying to save her neighbourhood from a developer intent on levelling it to build apartment towers. She goes along with a plan to confront the CEO of the company on his own turf, to force him to listen to her demands…all in a pathetic attempt to impress a man she barely likes.
Little does she know, she’s taken herself into the mouth of the beast, a man familiar with death and destruction, sex and seduction, a man used to getting exactly what he wants and a man with nothing left to lose.
She’s a beauty, but will that be enough to tame the beast and save her life?
**This can be read as a standalone, but is Book One in the Beast Series. Book Two is Little Dove.
*** This is not a fairy tale, this is what happens when the music ends and life goes on after the credits roll. This is about simply existing until you find yourself and write your own happily ever after, no matter what form it takes.
Jacque’s Review:
The Beast by Jaden Wilkes
It goes without saying, I offered to read this book because of the cover. DAMN that’s HAWT! (pauses
to wipe drool). Then I compared the title to the blurb and thought: Hmm…Beast
as in Beauty and the…? I like that story to I said what the heck. Yeah, It’s Beauty
and the Beast all right if you don’t expect the furniture and silverware to
dance around singing.
“They were twisted and dark and scarred and damaged…but they were perfectly normal and
perfect for each other”
If anything describes The Beast, THAT quote from the book does. Columbia and Dimitri…what a pair! I alternated between pity and fright for these two. Both have tragic pasts that are oh so
similar. Both have learned how to cope – one a killer, the other a cutter.
Considering his profession, once Dimitri catches her in his apartment, I
expected a bit more of a violent story. Yes, there is violence but it isn’t so
over-whelming to shock me. The sex is also a bit violent but not of the brutal
torture style. I’d like to call their brand ‘real rough sex’ and, after a
fashion, completely consensual. Okay there is a smidge bit of forced sex in the
beginning but let’s be honest kiddies, she is a trespasser and he is a killer.
Don’t be expecting hearts and flowers with these two but do expect some tender
(I’m using that term very loosely here) intimate moments as their affections
for one another grow. Do I think she succumbs to Stockholm Syndrome? Heck no! I
think he brings out her true, and surprising nature. There are definitely a few
twist I didn’t expect but I found very satisfying. Do expect a HEA for these two
damaged people. It would be cruel for them not to get one. However, as I sit here
smirking, expect to be cheering on Columbia and Dimitri because, of course, they
are perfect for each other.
Author Jaden Wilkes has some concerns regarding her readers not liking The Beast because she
supposes “this isn’t rapey/murdery enough for some connoisseurs of “dark
erotica”, but too much for others.” Call me Goldilocks because it was just
the right amount for me. This is actually my first book by Ms. Jaden. Peeking
at her other books I spot a few that look interesting so yes I will continue
reading her. As for The Beast, it gets my stamp of approval and my full
recommendation.
I received this book from Stephanie’s Book Reports in exchange for my honest review. The
opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I
compensated.
Stars – 5 Flames – 3
Jodi’s Review:
Loved it 5 stars
This isnt my usual reading but boy I enjoyed it. I wish I could find me a man like dimi, does that make me crazy…hope so…This wasnt your usual love story but I enjoyed the story alot and the characters, Columbia went thru alot and found a kindred soul in Dimi. Loved how she immediately looked past his scars and he loved hers. Hope to read more from this author.
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