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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Tales You Win is the beginning of Grimm & Beast story. Grimm is the “princess” aka Carter’s daughter and the next to take over the family business. Beast is her father enforcer and Grimm’s bodyguard. But to see how they starts falling in love is remarkable. I love how Grimm feels herself around Beast. And for Beast to finally come to terms with his feelings but is betrayal in the end. To says Kelly carries us on amazing rollercoaster is understatement. I have been waiting for their story and now I can’t wait to see their story finishes in Head You Lose.
You can find this review and all my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com
This is the tale of Beast and Grim. We first meet them as cameo appearances in Paige's other series, and now we get to hear their story. Grim is on the cusp of turning 18, she is set to inherit Tales, her father, Carter's, club. Her life is anything but rainbow and butterflies, but it's all that she knows. Beast is Carter's second in command, tasked with protecting Carter's most valuable possession - Grim. So when feelings begin to emerge, Beast does everything that he can to tamp them down and snuff them out, but there's only so many times he can ignore the pull he feels, the way Grim gets under his skin, and how the thought of anyone else touching her just about breaks him. Theirs is not a fairytale, it's a Grimm fairytale, and this is it's beginning.
I've only read one other series of Paige's so far, and I haven't read the one that I probably should have started on. I picked up her Academy of Stardom series on a whim, I came across a book recommendation post in a bookish group on Facebook and figured, why the hell not. I honestly wasn't expecting much, but it really sucked me in and I just couldn't stop reading. I fell in love with the way that Paige really emphasises the use of music in her writing, and it's carried through in this series too. I was really keen to pick this duet up because I fell in love with the cameo appearances of Beast and Grim in the Academy of Stardom series and I was keen for them to get a bit more screen time.
If you pick this duet up without having read any of the previous series, I feel like you'll be missing out on something. This can definitely be read first, the prologue and epilogue will not make sense, and do have slight spoilers for the other series (though we all know how they will end anyway), otherwise there's no reason you couldn't pick this duet up first. I implore you not to, however. I feel like what made this duet so amazing for me was that I already knew the characters. I knew what they would become and I knew how their story was going to turn out. It was that little giddy thrill of "hey! I know these guys!" that I feel really endeared the story to me before I'd even cracked the front cover.
I loved getting to see where Beast and Grim began. We had heard snippets in conversation in other series about little quirks and gestures (that one to do with hearts, I'm looking at you), so it was nice to get the first hand account of these events. I've always enjoyed getting back story to characters when we already sort of know them. Another series I love had little things mentioned from the past in the main story, and then these events were revisited in a collection of short stories, and I felt just as giddy with that one, and I did with this. I just love getting a more rounded view of a character than what I had before. Also, I don't know why, but I was picturing Grim and Beast a fair shake older than what they actually are, so it's nice to have some clarification on their ages. I really enjoyed both of their characters, are they cliche? Maybe. Do I care? No. Beast is your typical alpha-hole, possessive, body guard while Grim is your Mafia Princess, chip on her shoulder, girl on the cusp of womanhood. I also liked that we got to meet Carter, he was a piece of work.
The story itself was entertaining, it was very character driven which works well for me. And getting to see the different ins and outs of Tales before Grim took control was great. Even though I knew how their story ended (up to a point) I still found that I was a bit anxious about things going wrong and the possibility that the Grim and Beast I know would never come to pass. I feel like this really shows that Paige has a great ability in being able to write a dark and gritty story that, even when you know how it turns out, it still has you questioning whether you can believe what you know. Making me believe that there is a possibility that these two characters wouldn't end up together, when I KNOW that they do, is something special indeed. I was shocked by a couple of the revelations, and I didn't see either of them coming. I'm not sure if they're mentioned in the other series (as stated above, I've only read one), but they were surprising to me and I thought that was great.
I feel like this is a guilty pleasure story for long time fans of Paige's work. As said in the beginning, if you haven't read any of the previous series, maybe start there first. I feel like I wouldn't have enjoyed this duet as much if I hadn't had some idea of who the characters already were and some of their backstory. If you're looking for spice, you're gonna have to wait until book two, there's a lot of building tension and agonizing in this one, but I promise, if you stick with it, the spice in book two is definitely worth the wait. Was some of this story and writing cheesy? Yes it was. Am I mad at that? No I'm not. I enjoyed this story for what it was, which is an inside look at how two constant characters in Paige's intertwining stories came to be who they are as we know them now. If you're looking for the next great piece of literature, look elsewhere, this is a fun, dark, gritty and emotional ride that is character driven and delivers on exactly what it promises, and I thoroughly enjoyed every damn second of it.
This is the tale of Beast and Grim. We first meet them as cameo appearances in Paige's other series, and now we get to hear their story. Grim is on the cusp of turning 18, she is set to inherit Tales, her father, Carter's, club. Her life is anything but rainbow and butterflies, but it's all that she knows. Beast is Carter's second in command, tasked with protecting Carter's most valuable possession - Grim. So when feelings begin to emerge, Beast does everything that he can to tamp them down and snuff them out, but there's only so many times he can ignore the pull he feels, the way Grim gets under his skin, and how the thought of anyone else touching her just about breaks him. Theirs is not a fairytale, it's a Grimm fairytale, and this is it's beginning.
I've only read one other series of Paige's so far, and I haven't read the one that I probably should have started on. I picked up her Academy of Stardom series on a whim, I came across a book recommendation post in a bookish group on Facebook and figured, why the hell not. I honestly wasn't expecting much, but it really sucked me in and I just couldn't stop reading. I fell in love with the way that Paige really emphasises the use of music in her writing, and it's carried through in this series too. I was really keen to pick this duet up because I fell in love with the cameo appearances of Beast and Grim in the Academy of Stardom series and I was keen for them to get a bit more screen time.
If you pick this duet up without having read any of the previous series, I feel like you'll be missing out on something. This can definitely be read first, the prologue and epilogue will not make sense, and do have slight spoilers for the other series (though we all know how they will end anyway), otherwise there's no reason you couldn't pick this duet up first. I implore you not to, however. I feel like what made this duet so amazing for me was that I already knew the characters. I knew what they would become and I knew how their story was going to turn out. It was that little giddy thrill of "hey! I know these guys!" that I feel really endeared the story to me before I'd even cracked the front cover.
I loved getting to see where Beast and Grim began. We had heard snippets in conversation in other series about little quirks and gestures (that one to do with hearts, I'm looking at you), so it was nice to get the first hand account of these events. I've always enjoyed getting back story to characters when we already sort of know them. Another series I love had little things mentioned from the past in the main story, and then these events were revisited in a collection of short stories, and I felt just as giddy with that one, and I did with this. I just love getting a more rounded view of a character than what I had before. Also, I don't know why, but I was picturing Grim and Beast a fair shake older than what they actually are, so it's nice to have some clarification on their ages. I really enjoyed both of their characters, are they cliche? Maybe. Do I care? No. Beast is your typical alpha-hole, possessive, body guard while Grim is your Mafia Princess, chip on her shoulder, girl on the cusp of womanhood. I also liked that we got to meet Carter, he was a piece of work.
The story itself was entertaining, it was very character driven which works well for me. And getting to see the different ins and outs of Tales before Grim took control was great. Even though I knew how their story ended (up to a point) I still found that I was a bit anxious about things going wrong and the possibility that the Grim and Beast I know would never come to pass. I feel like this really shows that Paige has a great ability in being able to write a dark and gritty story that, even when you know how it turns out, it still has you questioning whether you can believe what you know. Making me believe that there is a possibility that these two characters wouldn't end up together, when I KNOW that they do, is something special indeed. I was shocked by a couple of the revelations, and I didn't see either of them coming. I'm not sure if they're mentioned in the other series (as stated above, I've only read one), but they were surprising to me and I thought that was great.
I feel like this is a guilty pleasure story for long time fans of Paige's work. As said in the beginning, if you haven't read any of the previous series, maybe start there first. I feel like I wouldn't have enjoyed this duet as much if I hadn't had some idea of who the characters already were and some of their backstory. If you're looking for spice, you're gonna have to wait until book two, there's a lot of building tension and agonizing in this one, but I promise, if you stick with it, the spice in book two is definitely worth the wait. Was some of this story and writing cheesy? Yes it was. Am I mad at that? No I'm not. I enjoyed this story for what it was, which is an inside look at how two constant characters in Paige's intertwining stories came to be who they are as we know them now. If you're looking for the next great piece of literature, look elsewhere, this is a fun, dark, gritty and emotional ride that is character driven and delivers on exactly what it promises, and I thoroughly enjoyed every damn second of it.
emotional
tense
fast-paced
“Let me say this with your hand pressed against my chest so you can feel my heart beating beneath it and understand that I’m not fucking with you.”
Ahhhh I had been dying to know more of Grim and Beasts story, more from the snippets we’ve gotten in the other books and Bea did not disappoint!
I always knew Grim was an absolute boss but getting to actually read her story and see what she’s been through and how she persevered and became this badass?? Amazing.
Beast is just absolutely made for her, and likewise. The steam in this book is off the charts! The action, the tension, chemistry, plot twists…absolutely enthralling. I can’t wait for the next book!
If you haven’t read this yet, please do so! 10/10
I always knew Grim was an absolute boss but getting to actually read her story and see what she’s been through and how she persevered and became this badass?? Amazing.
Beast is just absolutely made for her, and likewise. The steam in this book is off the charts! The action, the tension, chemistry, plot twists…absolutely enthralling. I can’t wait for the next book!
If you haven’t read this yet, please do so! 10/10
book #37 of 2022
TALES YOU WIN
• Written by Bea Paige
• 309 pages
• 4.14 stars on @goodreads
When I tell you I FLEW through this book! And then got to the end, went to go buy the sequel, and realized it didn’t come out for three more weeks 😂😭 At least it was only a three week wait!
The way this was a slowwwww burn but in the best way possible 🥵 and a giant plot cliffhanger at the end 🤯
I loved Beast and Grim’s story and how they came together. I went into this book just looking for steam and came out loving the plot line and the romance. This was a darker romance than I usually read and I thoroughly enjoyed it 👀
Overall, I would recommend this book—especially if you’re an avid Kindle Unlimited reader and can snag it there!
TALES YOU WIN
• Written by Bea Paige
• 309 pages
• 4.14 stars on @goodreads
When I tell you I FLEW through this book! And then got to the end, went to go buy the sequel, and realized it didn’t come out for three more weeks 😂😭 At least it was only a three week wait!
The way this was a slowwwww burn but in the best way possible 🥵 and a giant plot cliffhanger at the end 🤯
I loved Beast and Grim’s story and how they came together. I went into this book just looking for steam and came out loving the plot line and the romance. This was a darker romance than I usually read and I thoroughly enjoyed it 👀
Overall, I would recommend this book—especially if you’re an avid Kindle Unlimited reader and can snag it there!
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 1/5
Tales You Win takes place in the same universe as Academy of Stardom and The Dancer and the Masks. I haven’t read Academy of Stardom yet (RH dance academy series) but I have read the Dancer and the Masks duet.
Tales You Win follows Grim, daughter of Carter and heir to the Tales fighting club and Beast, her father’s enforcer and main fighting champion. For comparison Tales You Win is much, much lighter than The Dancer and the Masks – by a long shot.
This book is an ultra-slow burn, friends to lovers, taboo romance and I absolutely loved being able to read from Grim and Beast’s POVs. I met them briefly in The Dancer and the Masks and knew I would love them both so this was a wonderful start to their story.
Grim is 17, almost 18 and has been interested in Beast for a while. Beast is likewise interested – but refuses to pursue a relationship because of her age and the fact that her father would quit literally have him drawn and quartered for touching her. The sexual tension between the two as they deny their feelings and then slowly begin to accept them was perfection. Getting to see Grim grow and change into the badass I know she’ll become was extremely satisfying and I can’t wait to see what she does after that cliffhanger! Beast is the strong, slightly terrifying enforcer for her father, but also a man who would do anything to protect those he loves and those who are innocent. The duality between his violence (human hearts in a box anyone?) and his soft, loving side was fantastic and makes him a perfect example of a morally grey hero.
Just as a forewarning however, this book is ultra-slow burn. There is no sex, just incredible sexual tension and a few lip-biting…solo scenes.
I can’t wait for the next book! Thank you to Bea Paige for the ARC provided for my honest review.
Spice: 1/5
Tales You Win takes place in the same universe as Academy of Stardom and The Dancer and the Masks. I haven’t read Academy of Stardom yet (RH dance academy series) but I have read the Dancer and the Masks duet.
Tales You Win follows Grim, daughter of Carter and heir to the Tales fighting club and Beast, her father’s enforcer and main fighting champion. For comparison Tales You Win is much, much lighter than The Dancer and the Masks – by a long shot.
This book is an ultra-slow burn, friends to lovers, taboo romance and I absolutely loved being able to read from Grim and Beast’s POVs. I met them briefly in The Dancer and the Masks and knew I would love them both so this was a wonderful start to their story.
Grim is 17, almost 18 and has been interested in Beast for a while. Beast is likewise interested – but refuses to pursue a relationship because of her age and the fact that her father would quit literally have him drawn and quartered for touching her. The sexual tension between the two as they deny their feelings and then slowly begin to accept them was perfection. Getting to see Grim grow and change into the badass I know she’ll become was extremely satisfying and I can’t wait to see what she does after that cliffhanger! Beast is the strong, slightly terrifying enforcer for her father, but also a man who would do anything to protect those he loves and those who are innocent. The duality between his violence (human hearts in a box anyone?) and his soft, loving side was fantastic and makes him a perfect example of a morally grey hero.
Just as a forewarning however, this book is ultra-slow burn. There is no sex, just incredible sexual tension and a few lip-biting…solo scenes.
I can’t wait for the next book! Thank you to Bea Paige for the ARC provided for my honest review.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It is all tension. A book book of slow burn but I loved it! The chapters swotch perspectoves but are not titled by the character so it is a little hard to catch on to at first.
Bea Paige does not disappoint me. I read Tales You Win as an ARC and i have to say, Ahh! I have been waiting for this book for a little over a year and I have to say I am in love with it. If you have read Academy of Stardom as well as Their Obsession Duet, you will know these characters.
The tension and banter between Grim and Beast was beautifully written to fit with the storyline/plot and character development, which was also wonderfully written. The angst....ugh! I can't wait to see how their relationship explodes with how this book ended. Getting more backstory on the though characters that I loved in Academy of Stardom to love them even more. I need book 2!!! I honestly do not have many words to say, just that I loved this book and it is my favorite read of 2022 so far.
The tension and banter between Grim and Beast was beautifully written to fit with the storyline/plot and character development, which was also wonderfully written. The angst....ugh! I can't wait to see how their relationship explodes with how this book ended. Getting more backstory on the though characters that I loved in Academy of Stardom to love them even more. I need book 2!!! I honestly do not have many words to say, just that I loved this book and it is my favorite read of 2022 so far.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This lost half a star for being icky about age. Obviously nothing gross happened otherwise it would have lost a lot more stars, but honestly it flirted with the line of ok a fair bit. Can everyone just be in their 20s and 30s and up in these please? Can we just make that a new rule?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship