Claiming the Beast

Vegas Immortals: The Beast & the Badass #2

by Holly Roberds

I’ll claw down the walls around her heart, if it’s the last thing I do.

My angel of death succeeded in killing me, but I didn’t count on her bringing me back to life. My resurrection unleashed every monster and god ever slain by the Blade of Bane, including my immortal enemy.

Now Miranda hunts nightly, trying to put the dangerous immortals back in the steel prison of her blade, but I’ll be damned if I let her do this on her own.

Problem is, she’s built a fortress around herself, and who can blame her? When I vanished—when I left her alone—I broke something more fragile than bones: her trust.

To her I’m unreliable, a risk she won’t take again. I may be a chaotic mess, with a fractured brain, scarred by lifetimes of torment and imprisonment. But I’ll do anything to claim her heart, even if I must start by convincing her body that I'm the only one who can make her set her aflame with untamed desire.

The unhinged beast inside me may ruin everything, if the sun god doesn’t wipe out all the other gods in Vegas first.

Book 2 in Miranda and Xander's action-packed, spicy, plot twisty duet.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Dark Romance, Smut

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2024

About the author

Holly Roberds is an Amazon Top 40 Bestselling Author of the Vegas Immortals and Lost Girls series, known for badass heroines, gut-busting laughs, and spicy romance. Holly lives in Denver but is only outdoorsy in that she drinks on patios—with a prosecco in one hand and an espresso in the other. When not writing, she’s playing D&D, sharpening her banter skills, or sinking her teeth into her husband’s very bitable arm.

Reviews

[Amanda Carroll · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have been trying to finish this book for over a month, I just can’t do it. I feel like there is very little to intrigue me this time and I’m not sure what changed from the first book to this one but it just cannot hold my interest and I find myself really not caring what happens to the characters. The joystick scene was hands down one of the grossest things I have ever read in a spicy book 🤮 like dude….a public bar joystick?? I am too stubborn to DNF but finishing this one will be a struggle. Hopefully my review changes when I finish but I’m not feeling like that is likely.

Update, I gave up and DNF’d. Just couldn’t do it.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Miranda book, yay, we love a multidimensional, badass (hahah) WOC as our Main character ❤️🔥

Really enjoyed reading this, although I took a bit of a break reading this. Then again, this book made me take my Kindle to the gym, sooo.... Have you ever tried keeping a pokerface while reading smut on a treadmill? Because I sure did.

While plot-wise people may judge our big-bad as being foreseeable, I didn't mind. I read most fantasy smut to unwind, not to marvel at ingenuity, and this duology succeeded at just that. Getting me to unwind and relax for a couple of hours, just like all of Roberds' books have done for me so far.
10/10 would recommend for like-minded readers.

-1⭐ because of whatever was going on with Xander for the first few chapter. Ugh.

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨️
☆Can't stop thinking about this story☆
Whew, this book was a doozy! It's filled with emotions, unforgettable spice scenes ❤️‍🔥🥵, action packed, had immortal gods/monsters, and the main characters just kept getting better! I'm so glad that I found this author! Her writing and books have been a great reading experience 👏 🙌🖤

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story. I do love the way that Xander and “The Badass” work through their problems together. Very exciting story. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xander and Miranda's story continues in this action pact, spicy book! This book gave me everything I didn't know I needed and then some! Xander fights his inner voice as he doesn't feel right after everything that has happened between them.... 🌶🌶🌶 water will never look the same again 😈🫣😉

[Kacie Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series was entertaining, I'll give it that, and I enjoyed the premise overall, but the typos...

The typos.

Please. Fix. The. Typos.

[Kelsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I wanted to dig into her heart and nest there for all eternity.”

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was the perfect sequel to Breaking the Beast! It was also the most amazing finale for Miranda and Xander! So if you love immortal gods running amuck in the blistering Vegas heat, lots and lots of tension, a rigid takes no names but loving FMC, a brings the chaos to all situations but would turn the world on its head for her MMC, mixed up with all the drama, spice and romance you could ask for in a urban set romantasy than don’t miss out on Claiming the Beast!

This book is the sequel to Breaking the Beast so please be aware there could be spoilers for that book ahead!

In Claiming the Beast we pick up right where we left off in Breaking the Beast… with Miranda on the hunt! She broke the Blade of Bane, BOB, in her efforts to save Xander and the immortals have demanded as penance she must return all the souls that were released along with Xanders. This will not be an easy feat as that means reclaiming the lives of the gods that were trapped within the blade! Xander isn’t willing to let her go at this alone though as he knows just how dangerous those souls can be. Xander has two missions now that he’s back though… one keep Miranda safe, an almost impossible task as danger lurks around every turn, and reclaim Miranda’s heart… a feat that may prove harder than mission one when Miranda has built a steel vault around her heart, but if these two can make it through the danger and back to each other their romance may just be as explosive as reclaiming the gods souls!

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the adventure of them hunting down the gods, I found it so interesting and honestly hilarious! What I really loved though was the characters! Miranda has been fantastic since she befriend Viv in the Vegas Immortals series, but watching her character bloom in these two books has been amazing, I love that she’s a take no names women, who is willing to go down fighting for those she has chosen to love whether they been blood family or family she has chosen, I also just loved her determination throughout this novel, I loved seeing her fight to make things right even if the things she was making right weren’t necessarily all her fault! And when her walls started to crumble even just a bit it made me love her even more! While I loved Miranda I have to say Xander had me in stitches and may just be my favorite character after this book! I mean I always love the chaos characters… and Xander is that and so much more! I love that he was willing to fight for Miranda, and let her do things her way even if he was going to challenge her about it, and I loved his possessive side too! I also loved that in this book we get to see a bit more of his softer side, towards not only Miranda but her family as well! And I mean if that isn’t enough, who doesn’t love an immortal god who chooses a Hawaiian shirt to walk around Vegas in!

Overall if you want a fun, adventurous, romantic read then Claiming the Beast is absolutely one to be added to your TBR immediately!

HAPPY READING 📖

[Jess_is_reading_again · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG ok so now i have control of myself I can write my review {I think}

This is the second and last in this series {The Beast and The Badass} you can really feel the characters come to a natural end and I feel as though that shows a really talented author when they can see what the characters are telling them. Nothing felt forced.

I have given this book 4 stars and will be recommending it to everyone you do have to have read Breaking the Beast {first book in the series} for it make sense but why wouldn't you want to it is also an amazing read. Also I would recommend reading the first series in the Vegas Immortals series just so that you can get all the back stories for all the characters and get a feel for the world that Holly Roberds creates.

I found Miranda and Xander to be wonderfully down to earth characters {despite Xander being ioimmortal and having spent the last millennia locked in a cage}. The comedy and electrity between the 2 of them is so powerful even when trying to fight it they cant.

The spice is wonderful and you can really feel the deeper desire for each other. Some of the things they get up to are WILD - I'll never look at an aracade the same again IYKYK. Thats the best thing about spice from Holly Roberds there is defiantly gonna be something you never expected.

I read these on my kindle but I will definatly be buying them as the reread value in the is amazing. Even though you know how its gonna end the characters are so amazing ansd deep that you can't help be drawn in to their story. Also because the story does have a base in Egyptian Gods it is wonderful to see it done so well and how she has managed to tie things in her story to actual history it just keeps building that 'realness' of it all.

4 stars
4 spice {please don't attempt some of the stuff in this book and if you do I have questions}

[Michelle Ottey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… I loved the first book but I LOVED the second one. Oh my gosh it was so good. The characters were already in depth in the first book but somehow they are even more so in this one. You really learn all there is to learn about them and it is so emotional when you can really connect with the characters like you can in this one. The plot follows on from the first book and I think it’s super super interesting. The different twists and turns that are taken is so interesting to read and I’m kind of sad it’s over cause I could honestly stay in this world forever. It’s super interesting to read about. The chemistry between Xander and Miranda is so amazing and I love that their banter was able to be reignited and continue throughout this book. They are such an emotional and funny coupling to read about. Their chemistry is through the roof hot and I think a lot of that is due to the constant build up of tension between them that makes their time together so explosive. The spice was about the same as the first book it was there and it was super super hot. Not extremely frequent but it was plenty for the story any more and it would take away from the actual plot. So I’m putting it with book 1 at a 3/5. Overall, can I give a gazillion stars ? No? Oh well I guess it’ll be a 5 then. It was awesome. I’m so sad that it’s over I really am. It was so interesting to read and such a fun world to be in. It gives all the emotions and really draws you into the story. Loved it so much. 100% recommend.

[CaffeinatedShelfLove · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 A.R.C Review 📖

Claiming the Beast is book 2 of The Beast & The Badass duet, concluding Miranda and Xander's story through action, twists, and spice. Book 1, Breaking the Beast, should be read before jumping into this book.

“Sometimes, it’s the broken souls who love the fiercest.”

After how book 1 ended, I was giddy for the action but was not prepared for the emotions that slapped me across the face and dug its way into my heart. Even old gods experience the pains of inadequacy and Xander, aka Nun, our Egyptian god of primordial waters has to navigate these feelings while standing on the brink of insanity.

“But I practiced. I practiced so hard. Be normal, Xander. Be steady, Nun. Calm the waters inside, she needs calm waters. And I tried to calm them until I could come out. Come out to you.”

From the outside looking in, Xander seems like a manchild of a god finally let off his leash to play after being brought back to life. But get a closer look and you’ll find a broken man with only one thing, or rather badass, he holds onto like a lifeline. Miranda, is THE badass of a human with a god killing blade who gives him peace in the chaos while dealing with her own demons. While Miranda helps him hold onto his sanity, Xander tests the formidable walls she has around her heart.

“But if you want to keep fighting yourself, I’ll just stand right here with you. And remind you to feel the floor under your feet, the way your clothes wrap around your body, and to focus on the sound of my voice as I speak.”

I enjoyed the dynamic between these two as they were forced to find a balance in working to unalive the worst of the gods Miranda had unleashed. It’s forced proximity, but Xander ate it up like a kid in a candy store, trying to use the time to show Miranda he was enough for her. The side characters had me cackling at the best times. The banter is great with Miranda’s quick wit and the smut was smutting. I will never look arcade rooms the same 🫣

💀 Badass Single Mom FMC
💀 Unhinged Egyptian Sea God MMC
💀 Forced Proximity
💀 Touch her and expire
💀 Found Family
💀 Final book in series
💀 Spicy / HEA

[Katslovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was freaking amazing!! The action pack scenes, the sensual tension built up, twist and turns, this story had it all. The perfect ending for Miranda and Xander's love story.

This book follows Miranda and Xander and the events that happened in book one "Breaking The Beast". Now that all the monsters and old gods banished by the Blade of Bain are free things are getting out of control and Miranda is fighting back to regain control and trying to amend for what she did but Xander won't let her fight on her own and now more than ever he is determined to win Miranda's heart.

Xander is trying to keep Miranda safe while trying to put his mind together. He knows he needs to work hard to gain Miranda's love and trust and honestly his character went above and beyond this. I LOVE Xander and how he was willing to sacrifice everything that makes him a god in order to protect Miranda and all she loved.

The action pack scenes as well as the laugh out loud moments were perfect and all the steamy scenes were scorching hot. The paranormal romance is like no other and this world of "Vegas Immortals" that Holly created its one of my favourites, I hope we see more books in this series and re visit the characters that I loved.

[Gabriela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the original trilogy but, unfortunately, I didn't feel the same about this duet. It somehow didn't feel right. Spoilers ahead for those who haven't read the book.

I honestly didn't like the ending. I mean I get that this was probably the only way forward, given the MFC preferences and MMC fighting his own demons, but I dunno, I just wished differently. And then there were some moments that didn’t make sense. For instance, when the two magicians are also hunting for the big kitty god, they hypnotize a human and a God (albeit of weak mind) by just saying a few words? I thought there's more to hypnosis than that. Or another moment when Aten was released and claimed he created his little church to regain power. And Sunny had been waiting for such a chance for over 200 years - was she waiting specifically for him and that's why she released him? How would she even know him/to wait for him, when he was way older than her and dead for a long time before her being born? What will happen to Heinz (the little pup) - did he become mortal when he was brought to Earth? And don't tell me that Xander didn't recognise Aten as Miranda's neighbour, especially as he was his nemesis? Lastly, that joystick scene - I've already read a few books with unusual kinks, but this felt unnecessary, and I didn’t understand why, it felt unnatural and out of context.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot headed, stubborn & fierce 'Badass' Miranda's story continues as she battles not only the grief of losing Xander but the consequences of her actions after resurrecting him. Most of the battle however is within herself and we see more of that extreme stubbornness and independence that we (and Xander of course) fell in love with in the first part of their journey.
This book also delves a little more closely into the 'broken' (his words) Godly mind of Xander and we can easily see the parallels of someone battling mental illness.
I know we love Holly & her Vegas Immortals for the fun, the humour and heat but this book was also beautiful in showing the story of two souls reconnecting and fighting for each other while still fighting their own inner battles and I loved that. I loved that I got to be a part of their journey in healing themselves and working to help heal each other too.
As always, the side characters Holly creates are just as much fun and add so much extra to the story. Seeing Jamal, Meeting Mama Jean and of course reconnecting with Vivienne & Grim. I can't wait to see what the future brings for Timothy & Aaron!
Thank you Holly for another wonderful addition to the Vegas Immortals tales!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely loved this book. I love all of the angst, sarcasm, heartbreak, confusion, etc that Holly's characters go through in order to reach their happy ever after. To me this is what makes Holly's books and characters more relatable and enjoyable because I feel like I'm part of the situations and conversations. This book was no different in that I felt a real connection to Miranda and how she wanted to protect her heart and to Xander who only wanted to be loved and share his love in return.

What I didn't really care for were the long drawn out smutty scenes that started to feel repetitive and honestly a bit boring (and no one likes boring smut). Don't get me wrong I love a good steamy scene as much as the next romance reader but I felt like there was an excessive amount of information/visuals in some of them. With how often Xander and Miranda go at each other I actually wound up skipping past a bunch of the later scenes just to get back to the storyline.

While I understand that sexy time is a natural progression and part of the story I felt like it had started to distract from the incredible badassery that was Xander & Miranda's story. They go through so much together and I fully support their whole journey to the point where I wish there was more of them. I just don't feel the need to be all up in their "business" everytime I come around a plot twist.

All in all though this is another win for Holly and I absolutely cannot wait to see what comes out of her crazy beautiful mind next. Kudos Holly on another job well done.

[Tabitha Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I am so impressed with Holly Roberds writing! She will put you inside the book and let you become a silent observer of the story every time. I had previously only read The Lost Girls series (also LOVE) with Vegas Immortals on my TBR. I jumped ahead and inhaled Breaking the Beast first so I could read the duet in order.
Let me just say, I adore books with a strong FMC, and Miranda is all of that and more. She is a warrior, a mother, a friend, and not afraid of anything. Except her own heart.
Xander, MMC, may be a god but he is far from perfect. He is obviously a warrior in his own right as he had to endure lifetime after lifetime of mental instability and pain but his connection to his Badass promises him a life worth living for.
This book has action, an amazing, relatable story line, that even though it spans two books is just the right length, imagery, romance, twists, and the perfect amount of spice. I absolutely recommend it, you won't be disappointed. After all every Beast needs a Badass to show him how to live and every Badass needs a Beast, not to save her, but to stand beside her while she saves herself.

[Sophie Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m your god now and I’m going to fuck you into oblivion.”

This was the perfect conclusion to Miranda and Xanders story, I’m gutted there story is over but it was so good.

Their sexual chemistry remained off the charts in this book, and Holly Roberds wasn’t lying about her writing something new in chapter 19. I mean it would take a god to think of that.

I loved how Xander was around her family and how he was always so friendly with her son Jamal.

Xander tried everything to be the sweetest god alive, even but getting her something he thought she had lost as a kid. Cue all the heart eyes at his sweetness.

After losing Bob I’m so glad his sentient little voice came back, always protecting Miranda and being the perfect little companion.

I loved how Jamal a 12 year old, a sentient blade and a supernatural dog were the voice of reason for Miranda to finally let her walls down for Xander.

The ball in that outfit (if you haven’t seen the artwork for this scene look up hollys socials, it’s amazing.) Xander showing up for Miranda and only having eyes for her.

Then it all blows up, with what seriously reminded me of a scooby doo style trap, and more heartbreak and then the perfect ending.

Loved the trash eating kitty god, so glad he got to live out a sweet little dream. Sweet little kitty I knew he’d be all okay.

I seriously can’t wait for Hollys return to Vegas Immortals for Timothy and Aaron’s books, they are going to be so needed.

Overall a sweet conclusion, with hints of Grim and Viv and how their relationship has continued (cue pillow fights at the worst timing possible). I loved it.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

“Oh but I’m your psycho, sweetheart.”

[Alex S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claiming the Beast picks up right where book 1 ended.
Miranda having released all the banished Gods when she resurrected Xander, now has to put them back into the Blade of Bane.

Xander is nowhere to be seen, he has forsaken her after being released. Miranda is hurt and her walls go right back up

Then comes Grim, forcing the two love birds to work together to try to return all the banished Gods back to the blade. But can they fix what has been broken?
I was on edge with these two: will they or won’t they? They frustrated me so much, I just wanted them to let go of their stubbornness.
Between Miranda’s inability to let people in and Xander thinking he’s not good enough, I just wanted to crack their heads together! But no one said love was easy!

Aten being the worst most powerful God they have to face. He’s a narcissist and thinks the sun shines out of his ass…
Oh wait it does tehe, he’s the God of the Sun! Still a prick though! He wants to get rid of all the other Gods and have the entire world worship only him.

The last few chapters had me holding my breath! All the chaos coming to fruition was too much. But the ending was perfect, I did not even see it coming and I couldn’t be happier!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Thebookimburiedin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really glad that we got to read more about Miranda and Xander. The beginning of the book was almost like a third act break up, but not quite because they still had that forced proximity thing going on which I love.

I love that the book doesn’t end with everything being all perfect and fine. I think mental and emotional trauma gets overlooked a lot and by the end of some books everybody’s all better. I think it’s important to show that just because your life is starting to make sense for you does not mean that you can’t still have bad times, bad moments, and need reassurance from your partner. I did struggle a little bit with how fiercely independent Miranda is, I kind of understand it, but I also just wanted her to relax!

I will say that I will never, and I mean never look at an arcade without thinking of this book. I think Holly keeps one upping herself in the smut department and the back of the book alludes to another book in Vegas With Aaron and Timmy (lol) I am here for it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to the author for admitting that she originally thought this would be a three volume story but it wrapped up at two. There are several authors I read who don’t have the strength of character to do this but drag their stories on far longer than necessary. I assume it’s for profit since they’ll sell more books. The repetitiousness grates but the reader is hooked and wants to find out what happens so it obviously works.

In the previous book I speculated that Sunny had wanted a Fae brought back to life. The characters in this book indicate she was obeying the influence of Aten. This is probably correct as Miranda brought the gods back to life, not the Fae.

I question that Sunny was omniscient and able to project what would happen 200 years in the future, therefore becoming Aioki’s lover so she could be in the right place at the right time.

Xander has to regain Miranda’s trust since he disappeared for a month after she resurrected him (and all the other captured gods) An excellent explanation is given for the reader but I don’t think it’s ever conveyed to her.

His persistence pays off and they work as a team to hunt down those that need to be smote by Bob. A ridiculous pair of magicians keep thwarting their attempt to capture one god in particular. There’s a death defying showdown and a bittersweet ending.

Did they keep the aquarium at the hotel? I would think the weight alone of all that water would make it a hazard.

(I obviously need to read the earlier Vegas Immortals books to find out Grim & Vivien’s story)

[Bookworm Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought book 1 was great but this one surpases it - and some. Xander still feels he isn't right for Miranda and she doesn't see a future for them because he is immortal. As the story unfolds, their emotions and feelings are explored on the pages. Miranda continues her job of tracking down the Gods she was conned into releasing. Xander helps out but his mental instability hinders him. Things get dangerous for our favourite duo as they continue their pursuit of Aten - "he who must be destroyed to save mankind". This is a fantastic read, adventure, twists and turns in the plot, love, hot smexy scenes between our two heroes and the return of our favourite characters from book 1. Some light humour as Grim and Vivian continue their pillow fights. All in all a fabulous read, was so disappointed when it finished. Holly Roberds is simply a brilliant author, her attention to detail and her storylines are superb.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and I voluntarily leave this honest review.

[Casandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part Two of The Beast and The Badass Duet

This wrapped up Miranda and Xander’s story so beautifully. I cried on multiple occasions. I laughed out loud. I verbally abused my kindle. I cheered and apologized profusely soon after. Then cried again.

Miranda is a human badass among gods and immortals, the only being with a weapon that can permanently kill them and walls only one god can bring down.

Xander is an all powerful primordial god, struggling to hide his vulnerability from the woman who inspired his newfound desire to live after thousands of years of pain and isolation.

Both of them are broken and lonely and despite all the reasons why they would never work, they somehow manage to find peace in each other’s arms.

This book had me in all the feels. Xander’s honest vulnerability was so beautiful to read. And Miranda finding the strength to be vulnerable with him. Ugh. I’m just obsessed with this series and I’m absolutely going to have to re-read it.

Highly recommend!

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, where to start! They are a month in from when Xander and all the others were released from the Blade of Bane. Miranda is out hunting trying to right her wrong. The others are also on tether hooks awaiting the other shoe to drop from the biggest nemesis! Xander is MIA from Miranda! When he does appear, finally, it is to a cold shoulder and heart. He will do his best to win her over once again…he loves her!

All the gods blame Miranda and want her to suffer. Meanwhile, Grim and Vivienne have their own little war going on! Everyone is in agreement that Miranda needs to wield her blade, quickly. Xander is still trying to deal with the influx of the world and all its newness! He will continue to try to protect Miranda, against her judgement. He initiates himself into her family. But it will all boil down to who will put down the biggest threat to them all? Especially, when he wants Miranda for himself! This is a great humorous ending to the duet of Miranda and Xander!!

[akfyrfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing throughout. The witty banter was such a fun element to the ending of this tale.

To get a feel for the mood of this book, just read this line:

"You know, for a second there, I thought you were going to lose it with those two." I shrugged. "The thought crossed my mind. But then I remembered I'm trying to be a civilized god now." "Civilized? You?" "Hey, I'm wearing a shirt, aren't I?" I gestured to my Hawaiian shirt. "And it's... mostly buttoned up."

The Beast and the Badass are battling it out, trying to find a way to work together, finding their places in the world of the gods and humans.

Miranda's soft side comes to play and it adds a sweet new element to her and it's brilliant.

I was half hoping to be left on a cliff so there could be a book three, but I love how it ended and was sad that it was over.

I hope the author comes back to this world, just so we can get a glimpse of the Beast and the Badass again. They are my favorite characters!

[Nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart Warming Ending

Xander is trying to cope with being back into the world.
He wants to help protect Miranda while she hunts everything that escaped from Bob, so he forces himself to endure.
He wants to get back into her good graces after "ghosting" her for a month.
During the hunting, Miranda and Xander grow closer together and run into some strange characters along the way. After not returning any of the gods back to the blade, Miranda finally enlists Echo's help, which worked out for the better.
While the sun gods disguise was predictable, I still enjoyed reading how things played out when he finally revealed himself. The dance had a predictable interruption but not in the way I was expecting, which made it still surprising.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. While it was mainly about capturing rampant gods and creatures, there is an element of healing and learning self-love. Both characters needed it, and it was nicely executed.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, was I blown away. I’m sad to see that this will only be a duology and not a trilogy, but I’m glad with how everything wrapped up. Miranda and Xander are couple goals and I love every interaction they have (even when Miranda is mad at Xander). This world was such an amazing one to live in while reading her books. I’m glad that we got the interactions of Grim and Vivian throughout these books even though this wasn’t their story anymore. I do hope we get to see a book with Timothy and Aaron soon. I’ve loved everything Holly has written and I can’t wait to see where she goes next. These books were so action packed while still having a good storyline for romance in a way that nothing felt rushed. I’m happy that I got to read an ARC of this book and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

[A' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda finds out, after accidentally killing Xander with the Blade of bane (as he stepped in front of her son to prevent her accidentally killing him), that there is a way to bring him back. **spoiler alert** But in doing so, the Blade also releases every other god and evil it ever killed. Miranda feels like it's her responsibility to send them all back and sets out to do so. Xander helps but she thinks he angry with her and doesn't want him around. All this while trying to figure out how they feel about each other and Miranda keeping her family together and pain tucked inside. There is a lot of fighting and a lot of sex. The two of them go back and forth, while trying to do the right thing. I loved the bar scene - that was real. A good story with a HEA!
* I was given an advanced copy for an honest [always] review *

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I slept on the first of this series but I fired it up real quick after the opportunity to ARC read this one. This is such a good book, and like most of the Hellions Queen's books it was a blast to read. The inside of this woman's mind must be the most marvelous playground.

The story of a god who's seen some shit and the badass woman sent to kill him. Holly has this ability to imbed deep themes but keep a sense of fun and some seriously spicy times. There are themes of insecurity, learning to let go and allowing ones self to love and be loved, especially after deep trauma.

I loved this and the little sneak peaks of Grim and Vivien were amazing. All in all would definitely recommend this and the Vegas Immortals to literally everyone.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claiming the Beast is a perfect ending to The Beast and the Badass duet! Miranda and Zander are at odds for most of the time as a consequence of that little incident at the end of the previous book, Breaking the Beast, but the sizzling attraction between them hasn’t let up a single bit! Forced to work together to chase down the gods released from the Blade of Bane and put a stop to Aten’s nefarious plans, Miranda learns to forgive herself and realizes that Zander truly does love her while Zander on the other hand, gets comfortable with all aspects of his chaotic nature and has to trust he is what Miranda needs - just as he is. This was another exciting and engaging read in the imaginative world of the Vegas Immortals!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
4 🤯🤯🤯🤯

I think you out did yourself with this book. I didn't think you could top Breaking the Beast, but I was wrong. Action, adventure, and of the pillow war are still in the book, but you took the spicy scenes to a whole new level.

Very rarely does parts of a book leave me speechless, but you did it with chapter 19 in this book. The things that Xander does to Miranda in the arcade room made me blush and a little flustered. I have one question for you. How did you ever come up with that scene? I give you around of applause for it! 👏👏👏

I love how Miranda and Xander fight for the people they love and care about. I also saw how much they both grew in this book. This is the perfect book to end The Beast and The Badass story.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, this book was such a treat. I will be honest I have not read book one, but I was able to understand this book perfectly fine. There was a lot of back history mentioned which made it easier. And I must say I just love how silly and yet loveable Xander was. His sense of clothing, his longing for love and Miranda, along with the crazy ways he expresses himself to her. I am looking at joycons a bit differently now. Then you have Miranda who is just a badass and a fighter, but clearly holding back because of a traumatic event that happened when she was younger. This book I was able to devour in a short time since I wanted to know what was going to happen next. And I honestly love the ending of this book, it seemed so fitting.