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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Beast is the first book in her "Twisted Ever After" and after reading her Cinderella retelling, I was very curious to see her take on Beauty and the Beast. I definitely think I had too many high hopes for this one. I can see why this book appeals to some readers though because its a very compelling read. That is a pure talent from this author, she really pulls you into her stories. However, this book wasn't as good as I expected and was way more dark than I thought we would get here. Now I can handle many types of dark elements in a story, but a hero abusing the heroine in the way that he does...its bad. I mean he literally constantly tortures her at least until the very end. And that is what was disappointing. It just felt like so much darkness with not enough swoons and soft emotions to balance it out and really make the dark elements worth the investment. And while I was intrigued by the connections that we see to the Beauty and Beast retelling, in fact, it was these relations to the classic tale that kept me with this story. The hero was a real challenge to enjoy. I wanted to like him as a hero, but I just couldn't get past how violent he was against the heroine.
Overall while it had some factors that were a challenge, It had quite a few redeeming qualities that kept me going and the ending was beyond poignant and heartfelt!
Overall while it had some factors that were a challenge, It had quite a few redeeming qualities that kept me going and the ending was beyond poignant and heartfelt!
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First of all, the cover is gorgeous. It's what caught my attention to read the synopsis of this book. The synopsis was iffy for me, but after checking reviews, I decided to give this a chance.
This book was enthralling. I couldn't stop turning the pages, driven by the curiosity of having to know what happened next. This is definitely a dark romance, where one must suspend your disbelief. With that being said, I enjoyed the internal struggle of both characters throughout the story and the growth of their feelings for each other. One minute, the MMC was cruel, and the next, he was tender. His emotional struggle was evident not only in the chapters from his POV but in the chapters from the FMC's POV.
Overall, I give this story a 4.75. If you like dark romance, definitely give this one a try. If you like tortured heroes, definitely give this one a try. If you like obsessive hero, definitely give this one a try.
This book was enthralling. I couldn't stop turning the pages, driven by the curiosity of having to know what happened next. This is definitely a dark romance, where one must suspend your disbelief. With that being said, I enjoyed the internal struggle of both characters throughout the story and the growth of their feelings for each other. One minute, the MMC was cruel, and the next, he was tender. His emotional struggle was evident not only in the chapters from his POV but in the chapters from the FMC's POV.
Overall, I give this story a 4.75. If you like dark romance, definitely give this one a try. If you like tortured heroes, definitely give this one a try. If you like obsessive hero, definitely give this one a try.
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Kidnapping
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Torture, Medical trauma
dark
What did I just read?!? This will be tough for me to review...I can't say too much or I will give the story away. Isabella, a songwriter, singer, and American Star prior competitor, is on tour. Her dad is missing. Because of his work? Personal life? Bella can't get answers. She believes Javi, whom her dad treated like a son, can help her. But he is a recluse. Can't be found. She's never met him. Strap on your seat belt folks, cuz this book is twisty turny DARK. I absolutely loved it! Make sure you have the time to read from start to finish all at once-you will not be able to put it down! I've loved all of Ashley's books, but this one is definitely my favorite!! ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Zavarelly is best for her complex story of revenge. She conjures a brooding, broken, dark twisted hero who always melt heart. Beast is a twisted adult version of Beauty and the Beast. I also sense Phantom of the Opera on this book. I have mix feeling towards Miss Zavarelli works. I like her works OK. I think its because so many layers of complexity of revenge and characters clashing with each other.
I found the complexity is too much for me. I like complex story but in Beast, I feel like it is glorified sexual assault. I cringe at some of the part of this book. BTW triggers are everywhere. The steamy sex scene is hot. But I do not feel it contributes to the story and characters development.
I found the complexity is too much for me. I like complex story but in Beast, I feel like it is glorified sexual assault. I cringe at some of the part of this book. BTW triggers are everywhere. The steamy sex scene is hot. But I do not feel it contributes to the story and characters development.
I really enjoyed this dark read. I'm not really into dark books that give you no clue as to why the H is abusing the H and I felt that I got the answers pretty fast with this one. I guess it lets me excuse his horrible treatment? Find him redeemable? But I don't think the H had enough info to be ' broken' and his so early on. Supposedly her lyrics and journal entries might have eluded to her darkness inside but we never got to hear any of it. But other than the timeline of falling in love, it was a great read.
Twisted Deliciousness!
I can't say in words how much I loved this book. Maybe I'm strange, but I love dark, twisted fairytales. Bella and Javi were a perfect example. My chest aches with emotions I shouldn't be feeling for such a dark tale. But it was also a tale of friendship, hatred, fear, happiness, betrayal, true love and devotion. It was beautiful.
I can't say in words how much I loved this book. Maybe I'm strange, but I love dark, twisted fairytales. Bella and Javi were a perfect example. My chest aches with emotions I shouldn't be feeling for such a dark tale. But it was also a tale of friendship, hatred, fear, happiness, betrayal, true love and devotion. It was beautiful.
Some spoilers , but they are tw
This one was fucked up. Like stalking, rape (but she likes it), degradation.
So it made me squeamish and it bothered me but I also I couldn't stop reading. (3hrs, one sitting)
It was a convoluted tale or revenge, manipulation and abuse.
It is not the kind of books that I read nowadays but it's the kind of romantic erotica that I started reading (6? Years ago). So it had a nostalgic element for me.
I liked the writing, the sex scenes were at times hot even if always disturbing.
The heroine is a case of Stockholm syndrome / mind break.
Tw: stalking, kidnapping, rape, kind break, knife play, torture (not graphic), degradation and abuse in general.
This one was fucked up. Like stalking, rape (but she likes it), degradation.
So it made me squeamish and it bothered me but I also I couldn't stop reading. (3hrs, one sitting)
It was a convoluted tale or revenge, manipulation and abuse.
It is not the kind of books that I read nowadays but it's the kind of romantic erotica that I started reading (6? Years ago). So it had a nostalgic element for me.
I liked the writing, the sex scenes were at times hot even if always disturbing.
The heroine is a case of Stockholm syndrome / mind break.
Tw: stalking, kidnapping, rape, kind break, knife play, torture (not graphic), degradation and abuse in general.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Physical abuse, Rape, Kidnapping
Minor: Torture