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rayrooz's review
5.0
"With your good looks and my lack of moral compass, there's nothing we can't accomplish."
Cassius and Adam are two of the vilest people and I loved every minute of being inside their heads. Beautiful Adam is hilarious, a little deranged and sweetly romantic in a depraved and morally reprehensible kind of way.
Cassius and Adam are two of the vilest people and I loved every minute of being inside their heads. Beautiful Adam is hilarious, a little deranged and sweetly romantic in a depraved and morally reprehensible kind of way.
imme_van_gorp's review
5.0
|| 5.0 stars ||
Oh my, I genuinely loved this book. I am honestly obsessed with it. Perhaps not quite as obsessed as Cassius was with Adam, but still… I’m pretty goddamn obsessed.
This is a contemporary retelling of [b:The Picture of Dorian Gray|5297|The Picture of Dorian Gray|Oscar Wilde|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546103428l/5297._SY75_.jpg|1858012] and it was done incredibly well. It truly captured the idea of vanity and obsession, and these themes were consistently developed throughout. The writing was more than great.
The story focuses on a ditzy, easy-going, gullible beauty named Adam, who is trying to make it in Hollywood, and the influential man who becomes completely obsessed with him, named Cassius.
They get involved with each other, and a lot of questionable yet intriguing things start to happen within their relationship as well as with Cassius’ efforts to help Adam’s career along. Cassius is ruthless and cut-throat when it comes to making Adam happy and making him his: he is basically willing to do absolutely anything. And some of it is truly… intense.
Their characterization was also incredibly strong.
Adam’s narcissism coupled with his body-dysmorphia, eating disorder and self-image issues were poignant and very interesting. He is seen as dumb, but to me it seemed more like he just has blind-faith in Cassius to have his best interest at heart, and also like he simply doesn’t care about much of anything as long as he is praised, adored and complimented. He is such a unique and troublesome character.
Another incredibly unique but troublesome character is Cassius with his sociopathic and obsessive personality. He was written incredibly well and his general disregard for morality was awesome without ever becoming over-the-top. He felt real and I loved seeing his brain at work. His wit and sarcasm were top-notch as well.
So, yea, although neither of these two characters can be described as likable or good people, I absolutely loved reading about them. They were truly amazing characters.
Now, when it comes to the romance I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I was expecting to hate it at least a little, or maybe be irked by Cassius’ domination of Adam, but I did not feel any of that at all. Everything between them felt natural somehow, even though it was sick, depraved, controlling and all-consuming. The co-dependency felt adequately balanced between the two of them, and their relationship was just incredibly addictive to read about.
Cassius’ complete adoration, devotion and obsession for Adam had me thoroughly invested, and I couldn’t help but love the way he gave Adam all of his time, money, attention and affection. It was unconventional and insane, but it worked. I believed in their relationship enough for me to love each and every single thing about it, even when it included things that I would otherwise probably hate.
The plotline was also really good. It’s engaging, shocking, dark, intriguing, intense and absolutely never boring. I’m not going to go into it too much, but I definitely didn’t have any complaints on this front either.
Long story short, this story will not be for everyone, but I loved it. I am super happy I read it and I wish I could read a sequel about Adam and Cassius, because I am desperate to read more. I don’t think I’d ever get sick of their personalities or their dynamic.
'Monsters & Mayhem' series:
3. Death's Bloom - 1.0 star
4. Beautiful Adam - 5.0 stars
8. On Edge - 3.5 stars
Oh my, I genuinely loved this book. I am honestly obsessed with it. Perhaps not quite as obsessed as Cassius was with Adam, but still… I’m pretty goddamn obsessed.
This is a contemporary retelling of [b:The Picture of Dorian Gray|5297|The Picture of Dorian Gray|Oscar Wilde|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546103428l/5297._SY75_.jpg|1858012] and it was done incredibly well. It truly captured the idea of vanity and obsession, and these themes were consistently developed throughout. The writing was more than great.
The story focuses on a ditzy, easy-going, gullible beauty named Adam, who is trying to make it in Hollywood, and the influential man who becomes completely obsessed with him, named Cassius.
They get involved with each other, and a lot of questionable yet intriguing things start to happen within their relationship as well as with Cassius’ efforts to help Adam’s career along. Cassius is ruthless and cut-throat when it comes to making Adam happy and making him his: he is basically willing to do absolutely anything. And some of it is truly… intense.
Their characterization was also incredibly strong.
Adam’s narcissism coupled with his body-dysmorphia, eating disorder and self-image issues were poignant and very interesting. He is seen as dumb, but to me it seemed more like he just has blind-faith in Cassius to have his best interest at heart, and also like he simply doesn’t care about much of anything as long as he is praised, adored and complimented. He is such a unique and troublesome character.
Another incredibly unique but troublesome character is Cassius with his sociopathic and obsessive personality. He was written incredibly well and his general disregard for morality was awesome without ever becoming over-the-top. He felt real and I loved seeing his brain at work. His wit and sarcasm were top-notch as well.
So, yea, although neither of these two characters can be described as likable or good people, I absolutely loved reading about them. They were truly amazing characters.
Now, when it comes to the romance I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I was expecting to hate it at least a little, or maybe be irked by Cassius’ domination of Adam, but I did not feel any of that at all. Everything between them felt natural somehow, even though it was sick, depraved, controlling and all-consuming. The co-dependency felt adequately balanced between the two of them, and their relationship was just incredibly addictive to read about.
Cassius’ complete adoration, devotion and obsession for Adam had me thoroughly invested, and I couldn’t help but love the way he gave Adam all of his time, money, attention and affection. It was unconventional and insane, but it worked. I believed in their relationship enough for me to love each and every single thing about it, even when it included things that I would otherwise probably hate.
The plotline was also really good. It’s engaging, shocking, dark, intriguing, intense and absolutely never boring. I’m not going to go into it too much, but I definitely didn’t have any complaints on this front either.
Long story short, this story will not be for everyone, but I loved it. I am super happy I read it and I wish I could read a sequel about Adam and Cassius, because I am desperate to read more. I don’t think I’d ever get sick of their personalities or their dynamic.
'Monsters & Mayhem' series:
3. Death's Bloom - 1.0 star
4. Beautiful Adam - 5.0 stars
8. On Edge - 3.5 stars
lane_see's review
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I like it when you’re defenseless, when I can see through your skin and bones and straight to the marrow.
Eating disorders are one of my least favorite things to read about and was ever present in this book. That being said I loved this book. I was constantly laughing at the dynamic of a sociopath and narcissist falling in love with one another. Truly one of the most toxic relationships I've ever read and one of my favorites.
raven_beauty's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS DARK TRIGGERS THAT SHOULD BE READ WITH CAUTION!
Beautiful Adam: An MM Retelling of Dorian Gray (Monsters & Mayhem):
Rating: 5
Opener:
Having finally gotten the chance to read a book from the Monsters & Mayhem series, I definitely will say this story sunk its teeth into me and I was all for it! Couldn’t get enough of the depravity, cruelty, sexiness and sheer level of vanity through it all! Lascarso outdid herself most assuredly! Be an adult about this book since it is a horror story retelling with fucked up portions!
Positives:
This for sure is within my top favorites thus far for 2024! To list off some of what I cherished so much while reading this: {retelling of Dorian Gray in a modern sense, Cassius being a sociopath, Adam being a narcissist, horrific gaslighting, loads of (horrific gaslighting, toxicity, control, abuse, degradation, humiliation, etc.), top tier smut that had be burnt up (Cassius’s cum dumpster), Dollification, Adam being an ex baseball jock & twunk, both being assholes, darkness of Hollywood, and much much more}! Again, I will not list every single part that i loved within the book since this would go on for eons, but with what i just listed, were definitely parts that had me spellbound to the capital S! Cassius being husband material had me swooning! Adam for sure I loved as well with his sheer level of jock ego, temper, and willingness to worship Cassius! Just the overall wickedness and toxic behavior within this story checked off all my boxes! Top MM couples I love!
Improvements:
Even with how much i loved this book, I did wish there were trigger warnings for: {female centered language such as (bitchy, melting panties, cunt etc.) & feminization during dollification}. As for the dollificaiton part, which again I fucking was crazy over, i can understand the feminization there being used. With it being one time as well, no big deal. Mainly for some of the words used throughout the book that took me out of the story. Especially the use of “cunt”, which I did not care for. Again should have been listed as a trigger. Other than that, just wished for more with these diabolical and sexy guys!
Recommendation:
I highly, highly recommend reading this if what i said appealed to you in all the “right ways”! I know this is a book I will reread just for how much i loved it! Within my top favorites of 2024! very glad to have this on my bookshelf!Fantastic job Lascarso! Hoping this comes out on audiobook someday as well! Happy reading!
Monsters & Mayhem Series:
colorfulleo92's review
1.0
Second time reading and second time dnfing. I feel the romance and relationship is very specific and not for everyone. Was extremely toxic and weird. Loads of sex but don't feel any connection between them as a couple. I think this either works great or don't work at all for readers. And unfortunately it wasn't my thing. But I have the last three books in the series on the way and I hope I like them more.
--
I got 20 % and I just couldn't stand the characters at all, the plot and the laungage used was just not for me. I'm collecting all the books in the series and want to read them all. But for now this will be a dnf.
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I got 20 % and I just couldn't stand the characters at all, the plot and the laungage used was just not for me. I'm collecting all the books in the series and want to read them all. But for now this will be a dnf.
limebunny28's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jayden_h's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
lydiapugh's review
3.0
It delivered what was promised, I just really hate the MCs. But it was well written and steamy. Just prepare yourself to not like any character in the book!
theangstierthebetter's review
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
The highlights were whenever Cassius had the chance to drop either the funniest and sweetest scenes/lines or the most disturbing and unsettling
wandereaderr's review
4.0
So twisted and SO good.
Honestly, my head is spinning. This was suuuuch a wild ride! Like, the toxicity of Cassius and Adam was so beautifully done that even though they were completely messed up, I was still hoping they’d end up together. I’m truly impressed by Laura Lascarso’s writing.
I always love an author who isn’t afraid to Go There, you know? And to do it in a way that never felt gratuitous is so very impressive.
This was gritty and amazing.
Honestly, my head is spinning. This was suuuuch a wild ride! Like, the toxicity of Cassius and Adam was so beautifully done that even though they were completely messed up, I was still hoping they’d end up together. I’m truly impressed by Laura Lascarso’s writing.
I always love an author who isn’t afraid to Go There, you know? And to do it in a way that never felt gratuitous is so very impressive.
This was gritty and amazing.