What do you think?
Rate this book
The Beast #1
The Beast
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 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.
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 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.
307 pages, ebook
First published March 16, 2014
75 people are currently reading
2748 people want to read
About the author
Jaden Wilkes
31 books838 followersI write the things that keep me up at night.
Join my mailing list to keep on top of new releases, get excerpts and sneak peeks, have access to exclusive giveaways, and collect some kick ass crock pot recipes. ;)
Join my mailing list to keep on top of new releases, get excerpts and sneak peeks, have access to exclusive giveaways, and collect some kick ass crock pot recipes. ;)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
March 24, 2014
Uh..... this book was really REALLY bizarre... I will just sum my thoughts up with.....
And then....
and then...
and finally......
And then....
and then...
and finally......
Read
May 27, 2014Once again, I am about to hit publish on a book that I wrote. Although in this case, I feel like I just transcribed events for you, Dimitri was the one in charge here.
Dimitri, Dimitri, Dimitri...oh how I love you, you complicated, brooding man. Columbia...wow, I certainly didn't know you had it in you. I just adore you both.
I suppose this isn't rapey/murdery enough for some connoisseurs of "dark erotica", but too much for others. I like to think of it as an in between, existing in some unclassifiable space where it is simply a story. Their story...imperfect as they are, but normal nonetheless.
I do hope you enjoy it, and I do hope you leave with some small piece of it sticking to your ribs, like a good home cooked meal. If you do take something away, let it be that "normal" is subjective and it's up to you to find your own definition. Remember, it's not always about the journey, sometimes the destination is just who you are, no matter how you got there.
Stalker links:
Facebook.
Website.
Twitter.
----------------------------------------------------
Teasers...
Dimitri, Dimitri, Dimitri...oh how I love you, you complicated, brooding man. Columbia...wow, I certainly didn't know you had it in you. I just adore you both.
I suppose this isn't rapey/murdery enough for some connoisseurs of "dark erotica", but too much for others. I like to think of it as an in between, existing in some unclassifiable space where it is simply a story. Their story...imperfect as they are, but normal nonetheless.
I do hope you enjoy it, and I do hope you leave with some small piece of it sticking to your ribs, like a good home cooked meal. If you do take something away, let it be that "normal" is subjective and it's up to you to find your own definition. Remember, it's not always about the journey, sometimes the destination is just who you are, no matter how you got there.
Stalker links:
Facebook.
Website.
Twitter.
----------------------------------------------------
Teasers...
October 2, 2014
A lot of books are slow burns. They spend a lot of page time working up to the main conflict or event that happens in the story, allowing the reader to get to know the characters, see them respond in a number of different circumstances and build the suspense. It’s a good formula. But occasionally, I’ll find an author who takes all semblance of a working formula and not only throws it out the window, but lights that sucker up like a Molotov cocktail and pitches it at the nearest cop car.
The Beast is exactly that kind of explosive glory. It moves so fast and so hard from the very beginning that you spend the entire book speed reading, just trying to catch up. Trying to wrap your head around these gorgeous and broken characters and how they come together in such an inexplicably perfect way.
Dimitri is The Beast. We learn that almost immediately. A former enforcer for the Russian mob (the Bratva) he is a larger than life character. The kind of man that both beguiles and terrifies simultaneously. The kind of man who grins wickedly at the thought of how much blood he has spilled and then delicately spoons caviar onto a water cracker. He is a walking, talking nightmare of a man to all but the darkest corners of society. And even those have rejected him.
Columbia is a broken girl. She’s sacrificed her life and happiness for her younger sister, to keep her safe from the monster that haunts both of their lives. She has taken the brunt of his abuse and anger for the majority of her life and done so willingly to keep Eden safe. But the cost has been substantial; wrung her dry of confidence, motivation and her core center of emotion. To cope she has started evicting the pain from her system in an incredibly destructive, and lasting, way.
There were so many directions this book could have gone once Dimitri and Columbia join each other on the same page. It could have been a more typical story of abduction laced through with a generous helping of Stockholm Syndrome, spoon-fed to the reader in just the perfect way to make us accept it. Or it could have been a straight tale of two broken people finishing each other off. What happens, however, is nothing I could have ever seen coming.
What happens is a lightning storm. One of those once in a lifetime things that epic tales are written about. Despite all of the gore and the pain and the violence, this book is a fairy tale in the truest sense of the word. It’s a story so huge, so grand, that it could probably never really happen. But, fuck, we all want it to. It’s the kind of story that if it could actually happen, would infuse so much hope back into the human condition. And not only that, but would shift perspectives on what love could look like, how it could feed us, nurture us, truly light us up the way it’s supposed to.
Jaden Wilkes has crafted an incredible book. There is very little arc to this story, it is pedal all the way down, from the very beginning to the very last page. You don’t open this book and merely begin to read. You strap yourself in, put on a helmet, say your last goodbyes, do a couple shots of vodka and hope you survive. This book is exquisitely written – beautifully composed as well as told. The very words that Wilkes chooses serve to bring the reader that much farther into this world; serve to infatuate us with both Dimitri and Columbia to the point where I was gasping my way through their story.
I could probably wax poetic about this book for pages. I was so immediately in its thrall, and happily so, that I made myself slow down reading so it would last longer. It didn’t help. I still devoured it.
I’ve spent a lot of time applauding authors who are willing to push the envelope, dissect human nature on a level most would otherwise shy away from. If I could, I would arrange a standing ovation for Wilkes every time she left her house. She so thoroughly took the idea of a love story, infused it with archetypical elements of a perfect fairytale and then loaded the whole thing into a bazooka and shot it at the moon, I find myself wanting to follow her anywhere.
The Beast is exactly that kind of explosive glory. It moves so fast and so hard from the very beginning that you spend the entire book speed reading, just trying to catch up. Trying to wrap your head around these gorgeous and broken characters and how they come together in such an inexplicably perfect way.
Dimitri is The Beast. We learn that almost immediately. A former enforcer for the Russian mob (the Bratva) he is a larger than life character. The kind of man that both beguiles and terrifies simultaneously. The kind of man who grins wickedly at the thought of how much blood he has spilled and then delicately spoons caviar onto a water cracker. He is a walking, talking nightmare of a man to all but the darkest corners of society. And even those have rejected him.
Columbia is a broken girl. She’s sacrificed her life and happiness for her younger sister, to keep her safe from the monster that haunts both of their lives. She has taken the brunt of his abuse and anger for the majority of her life and done so willingly to keep Eden safe. But the cost has been substantial; wrung her dry of confidence, motivation and her core center of emotion. To cope she has started evicting the pain from her system in an incredibly destructive, and lasting, way.
There were so many directions this book could have gone once Dimitri and Columbia join each other on the same page. It could have been a more typical story of abduction laced through with a generous helping of Stockholm Syndrome, spoon-fed to the reader in just the perfect way to make us accept it. Or it could have been a straight tale of two broken people finishing each other off. What happens, however, is nothing I could have ever seen coming.
What happens is a lightning storm. One of those once in a lifetime things that epic tales are written about. Despite all of the gore and the pain and the violence, this book is a fairy tale in the truest sense of the word. It’s a story so huge, so grand, that it could probably never really happen. But, fuck, we all want it to. It’s the kind of story that if it could actually happen, would infuse so much hope back into the human condition. And not only that, but would shift perspectives on what love could look like, how it could feed us, nurture us, truly light us up the way it’s supposed to.
Jaden Wilkes has crafted an incredible book. There is very little arc to this story, it is pedal all the way down, from the very beginning to the very last page. You don’t open this book and merely begin to read. You strap yourself in, put on a helmet, say your last goodbyes, do a couple shots of vodka and hope you survive. This book is exquisitely written – beautifully composed as well as told. The very words that Wilkes chooses serve to bring the reader that much farther into this world; serve to infatuate us with both Dimitri and Columbia to the point where I was gasping my way through their story.
I could probably wax poetic about this book for pages. I was so immediately in its thrall, and happily so, that I made myself slow down reading so it would last longer. It didn’t help. I still devoured it.
I’ve spent a lot of time applauding authors who are willing to push the envelope, dissect human nature on a level most would otherwise shy away from. If I could, I would arrange a standing ovation for Wilkes every time she left her house. She so thoroughly took the idea of a love story, infused it with archetypical elements of a perfect fairytale and then loaded the whole thing into a bazooka and shot it at the moon, I find myself wanting to follow her anywhere.
August 3, 2016
Oh, well, this turns out to be a very average dark erotica with tons of cliché moments.
Columbia is a cutter, one who cuts to releive herself from an emotional pain.
“You will no longer cut yourself. I will not let you damage my property,” he said. “Do you understand?”
she replied, “Yes,” and let him continue.
Columbia was in one word weak.
“Are you ready to ask me for my cock?”
“I want to go home, let me go,” she whispered.
“Do you want me to stop?”
“Ye-,” she started to say but stopped when he slid the knob backwards and found her tight hole.
“Do you want me to stop,”
“No,”
All these muscular alpha males somehow turn out to be totally boring when you encounter them again and again and again. Some variety wouldn't go amiss, you know?
Maybe this is a brilliant dark and twisted erotica, that i just didn't get it.....suit yourself.
Columbia is a cutter, one who cuts to releive herself from an emotional pain.
“You will no longer cut yourself. I will not let you damage my property,” he said. “Do you understand?”
she replied, “Yes,” and let him continue.
Columbia was in one word weak.
“Are you ready to ask me for my cock?”
“I want to go home, let me go,” she whispered.
“Do you want me to stop?”
“Ye-,” she started to say but stopped when he slid the knob backwards and found her tight hole.
“Do you want me to stop,”
“No,”
All these muscular alpha males somehow turn out to be totally boring when you encounter them again and again and again. Some variety wouldn't go amiss, you know?
Maybe this is a brilliant dark and twisted erotica, that i just didn't get it.....suit yourself.
Want to read
February 21, 2014I'VE GOT A SERIOUS CASE OF COVER LUST.
March 20, 2014
2 stars...
Seriously!
Had a HUGE potential.. until it started sounding really familiar. And when I say familiar, I mean that in terms of the good ol' phrases that's been used before. Been there, done that. It was predictable.. and I mean, really predictable.
I don't mind the dark; I'm a big fan of it, really! But, and I'm sorry to say this, the darkness in this book was almost mocked!! I mean, she'd been abused by . She had no problem what-so-ever submitting quickly, even with her history of abuse. She lived her life normally, like nothing happened in her life! And he acted like a love-sick-puppy quite quickly! And to make it more perfectly cheesy, it turned out that she enjoys .
Well now! Aren't those two just the most adorable black holes of need!
Loved the idea, but the execution.. was an execution!
Seriously!
Had a HUGE potential.. until it started sounding really familiar. And when I say familiar, I mean that in terms of the good ol' phrases that's been used before. Been there, done that. It was predictable.. and I mean, really predictable.
I don't mind the dark; I'm a big fan of it, really! But, and I'm sorry to say this, the darkness in this book was almost mocked!! I mean, she'd been abused by . She had no problem what-so-ever submitting quickly, even with her history of abuse. She lived her life normally, like nothing happened in her life! And he acted like a love-sick-puppy quite quickly! And to make it more perfectly cheesy, it turned out that she enjoys .
Well now! Aren't those two just the most adorable black holes of need!
Loved the idea, but the execution.. was an execution!
March 23, 2014
The Beast really is a modern day retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story but, be warned, this is no fairy-tale. In the fairy-tale Belle’s goodness healed the Beast and he became a charming and handsome man. In this story, it’s far more a case of our heroine discovering the darkness in her Beast and finding that she really rather likes it and deciding to stay there with him.
Dimitri is our Beast and he’s a Russian criminal underlord whose mentor has turned on him and attempted to kill him and has disfigured him in the process. Now, fearing for his life and knowing his scars making him instantly recognisable, he is hiding out under a false name in a penthouse in Vancouver living an incredibly reclusive lifestyle constantly trying to stay one step ahead of his nemesis.
Dimitri really is not one of the good guys – he’s a cold-blooded killer, a career criminal and likes to take his frustrations out on well-paid whores who he pushes to their limits and to within an inch of their lives. There’s very few redeeming features in our beast – he’s been betrayed by a man who is every inch as bad as he is and he’s so incredibly wrapped up in himself, he cares for no one.
Columbia, our Beauty,is an abused young woman who is trying to protect her younger sister from her depraved father and the only outlet for all her emotional turmoil is self-harm – cutting herself. She’s a damaged soul but she still finds time to be a social activist and sneaks into Dimitri’s penthouse with the intention of confronting his fake persona about a building project in the city.
Talk about your case of mistaken identity!
Of course, our huge Beast of a sociopath, finds his Belle and takes her captive and tells her he will either have to kill her or keep her forever and so the story really begins and is told by both Columbia and Dimitri with alternating POV’s which helps to understand what they’re both thinking and understand their thought processes.
I did enjoy this and I loved to see how much they affected one another – Dimitri I think brought out the darkness in Columbia and she found the light in him and, rather than heal one another, I think they just found their perfect match. The sex is pretty hot although really rather brutal and, as I said earlier, this consent, at least at first, is rather dubious and this is a man with very dark sexual proclivities so be warned.
I’m giving this one a 3.5 although it was almost 4 stars because they went from captor and captive to desperately in love far too quickly for me and I began to lose the connection I’d originally had with the story. It just seemed to happen in one screaming orgasm with no real build up – I think I would have much preferred to see their feelings change more gradually especially given that both of them have strong and deep reasons to mistrust other people. I do, however, think fans of dark erotica will love this one.
3.5 stars
Dimitri is our Beast and he’s a Russian criminal underlord whose mentor has turned on him and attempted to kill him and has disfigured him in the process. Now, fearing for his life and knowing his scars making him instantly recognisable, he is hiding out under a false name in a penthouse in Vancouver living an incredibly reclusive lifestyle constantly trying to stay one step ahead of his nemesis.
Dimitri really is not one of the good guys – he’s a cold-blooded killer, a career criminal and likes to take his frustrations out on well-paid whores who he pushes to their limits and to within an inch of their lives. There’s very few redeeming features in our beast – he’s been betrayed by a man who is every inch as bad as he is and he’s so incredibly wrapped up in himself, he cares for no one.
Columbia, our Beauty,is an abused young woman who is trying to protect her younger sister from her depraved father and the only outlet for all her emotional turmoil is self-harm – cutting herself. She’s a damaged soul but she still finds time to be a social activist and sneaks into Dimitri’s penthouse with the intention of confronting his fake persona about a building project in the city.
Talk about your case of mistaken identity!
Of course, our huge Beast of a sociopath, finds his Belle and takes her captive and tells her he will either have to kill her or keep her forever and so the story really begins and is told by both Columbia and Dimitri with alternating POV’s which helps to understand what they’re both thinking and understand their thought processes.
I did enjoy this and I loved to see how much they affected one another – Dimitri I think brought out the darkness in Columbia and she found the light in him and, rather than heal one another, I think they just found their perfect match. The sex is pretty hot although really rather brutal and, as I said earlier, this consent, at least at first, is rather dubious and this is a man with very dark sexual proclivities so be warned.
I’m giving this one a 3.5 although it was almost 4 stars because they went from captor and captive to desperately in love far too quickly for me and I began to lose the connection I’d originally had with the story. It just seemed to happen in one screaming orgasm with no real build up – I think I would have much preferred to see their feelings change more gradually especially given that both of them have strong and deep reasons to mistrust other people. I do, however, think fans of dark erotica will love this one.
3.5 stars
June 3, 2021
MY THOUGHTS
Dimitri has been living in Vancouver for 3 years now. He has never left his million dollar penthouse in all that time.
He's hiding. Not only from the russian mafia-boss Sergej who wants him dead. But also because he's scared to face people. He's been badly scarred when Sergej tried to kill him.
His best friend brings him blindfolded whores - to 'use' for his special sexual tastes. And even though he sometimes hurts them very badly they often leave halfway in love with this stranger who paid them so much money for a few hours of their time.
Columbia is a 19 year old girl with scars of her own. Both inside and outside. Her father molests her and her mother doesn't care all that much anymore.
The only 2 things that keep her alive are college and her little sister.
By trying to impress the guy she's had a crush on since high school - she joins his environmental group and she even volunteers to be smuggled into the apartment of reclusive texan billionaire Jarrod Jacob to confront him about his intentions of building ugly highrises in their neighboorhood.
Only Dimitri isn't a texan billionaire. He's a russian ex-criminal billionaire - and one of his legitimate business aliases is that of the texan guy.
Dimitri catches Columbia on his security cameras - a beautiful girl who's probably there to kill him - he grabs her, blindfolds her, and ties her up in his 'Interrogation-Room'.
Dimitri tries to find out if she's there to kill him - and he's not very gentle ... he knows how to find out the truth from people. He learned that in his time with the russian mob.
Columbia wants to escape but there's just no chance - so she has to wait for the right moment.
But does she really want to escape??? Here's this beautiful man who wants to control her - she would finally be able to let go and just BE for a while.....
That's how things get started.☺
I'm not telling you what will happen next -
and LOTS of things will happen - but you just have to read the book to find out ...
and please do!!!!! Because....
____________________________
I REALLY LOVED THE BOOK - and I LOVED DIMITRI & COLUMBIA ☺
You might think that Dimitri is this horrible, wild, violent, mean russian ganster ... and he is - or was. But from the first lines of the book we're in love with him - or at least I was.
He had a horrible childhood and then he was semi happy working as in the russian mob - making money - having sex whenever and with whomever he wanted. But then he was betrayed by the guy he thought of as a father-figure. And he's now hiding and waiting for his chance to kill his enemy.
And while he's hiding and waiting - he somehow forgot how to live. That is so sad to read!!! The poor rich guy all alone in his million dollar penthouse - but never going outside to walk along the streets of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
But then Columbia comes along and even though it's the opposite from what he expected - she drags him out of his gloom and shows him to live again!
The two of them are so perfect for each other - both so horrible scarred and abused.
They need each other to heal.
I literally fell in love with the book while I was reading the first two lines. - And the last line was just as amazing!!!! ☺ But please don't go and read the last lines first - I hate when people do that!!!!
THE BEAST was a wonderfully dark and erotic Love Story about 2 lost souls who are finally able to start to live again - even if it's in a, for us unimaginable, way. For them it's perfect.
GO AND BUY THE BOOK!!!
it might not be for everybody - it's violent and really dark and twisted - but those things really need to be in the book!!!! Just try it - but don't leave a horrible review because something in it is against your 'religion' ☺☺☺
A few tiny little things I didn't like - the whole sex-thing started a bit late for my tastes - it took a bit too long to lead up to them really being together.... hm well...it was totally ok the way it was, but...I just expected a bit more sex ☺☺☺
AND - the story is told from both Dimitri's and Columbia's POV - one chapter his POV - one chapter hers - and sometimes those chapters overlap ...they tell us about the same scene - not the complete scene again - but a few moments of it. That was a bit confusing for me - it took me a while to get used to it - hehehe I was probably just too stupid to get it - I guess it will be a bit more obvious for other people ☺
BUT - I still LOVED the book & especially DIMI ♥
♡
♡
April 1, 2014
4 "could have made it to 5" Stars!
Recommended for: fans of dark, gritty and "is it wrong that I'm smiling?" reads.
"They were twisted and dark and scarred and damaged...but they were perfectly normal and perfect for each other."
The Beast started off so well and had all the components of an ugly, dark and twisted story that could curl my toes and corrupt my mind:
- Hot as hell badass with almost no moral conscience.
- He falls for a naive girl from an abusive home.
- The girl likes to self destruct.
- He holds the girl captive against her and is delighted to discover that she likes the circumstances she's found herself in.
Sounds great so far! I'm with it!
Dimitri is a bad guy from the Russian Mafia. I mean bad...after the things he's done a sane woman should never find herself alone in his presence much less in love with him, luckily I'm not a sane woman. His relationship within the Mafia goes bad and he is almost killed. He survives and is left with a disfigured face. Filled with hatred for the person who tried to kill him becomes a recluse biding his time to take revenge.
In stumbles clueless Columbia on a mission to convince this mysterious man to stop a real estate project he is working on. A bit corny, I thought but oh well I went with it. It's a "legitimate" business Dimitri has started over the years...
She sneaks in to his home and like a dummy gets trapped with "The Beast"! He refuses to let her leave, and later finds out the she is receptive to his torture methods. Columbia eventually sees underneath the scars and distressed soul and falls in love with him. A modern day Beauty and the Beast tale was the goal I think.
All that was so good up and everything I wanted until about 50% then I felt the book rolled down hill way too fast! I wanted more time and we were expected to buy a lot in a short timeframe. I would have loved to see this as a two part series. It would have given more time for the story to build into a more believable Bonnie and Clyde bond.
I really wanted to but I just couldn't push the "I believe button"...
I hate when that happens...
Recommended for: fans of dark, gritty and "is it wrong that I'm smiling?" reads.
"They were twisted and dark and scarred and damaged...but they were perfectly normal and perfect for each other."
The Beast started off so well and had all the components of an ugly, dark and twisted story that could curl my toes and corrupt my mind:
- Hot as hell badass with almost no moral conscience.
- He falls for a naive girl from an abusive home.
- The girl likes to self destruct.
- He holds the girl captive against her and is delighted to discover that she likes the circumstances she's found herself in.
Sounds great so far! I'm with it!
Dimitri is a bad guy from the Russian Mafia. I mean bad...after the things he's done a sane woman should never find herself alone in his presence much less in love with him, luckily I'm not a sane woman. His relationship within the Mafia goes bad and he is almost killed. He survives and is left with a disfigured face. Filled with hatred for the person who tried to kill him becomes a recluse biding his time to take revenge.
In stumbles clueless Columbia on a mission to convince this mysterious man to stop a real estate project he is working on. A bit corny, I thought but oh well I went with it. It's a "legitimate" business Dimitri has started over the years...
She sneaks in to his home and like a dummy gets trapped with "The Beast"! He refuses to let her leave, and later finds out the she is receptive to his torture methods. Columbia eventually sees underneath the scars and distressed soul and falls in love with him. A modern day Beauty and the Beast tale was the goal I think.
All that was so good up and everything I wanted until about 50% then I felt the book rolled down hill way too fast! I wanted more time and we were expected to buy a lot in a short timeframe. I would have loved to see this as a two part series. It would have given more time for the story to build into a more believable Bonnie and Clyde bond.
I really wanted to but I just couldn't push the "I believe button"...
I hate when that happens...
February 9, 2015
2 'B&B + Fifty + mafia' stars
The only thing I like about this book is the prologue and the epilogue. Everything in the middle are unbelievable.
The Beast, Dimitri was an ex-Bratva enforcer who is hiding away and biding his time to exact revenge on his ex-boss, Sergei for trying to kill him and caused him to have half a scarred face.
The Beauty, Colombia was a pseudo-activist (now I know why the blurb mentioned 'pseudo') and a victim of being sexually abused by her stepfather for years.
I'm expecting Dimitri to be plotting his revenge, I'm expecting Colombia to be a tough career woman. I want this two unlikely person to come together and fell in love against all odds. But... What I got is another captor/captive story with BDSM element. Colombia is only 20 years old and she felt like a NA heroine. Dimitri is in his 30s and after he captured her, he decided to 'train' her to be his new pet.
I decided this book is a bust when they both declared 'I can't live without you' and 'I love you' after knowing each other since YESTERDAY! Yes, I'm not even exaggerating the timeline here. I felt like they both feel in love after one freaking orgasm.
"Had it only been a day? It had been, just a day since she thought she was going to die, then found herself revived and renewed by the most unlikely of men."
Apparently, the author did know it had only been a day and she throw out all these flower and roses, and till death do us part, and expect me to accept their all consuming love for each other.
Where is the plot? The built up of Dimitri and Columbia's background are fantastic. But everything after they meet each other are done and finish in two days in the penthouse.
I like the epilogue though, with Columbia new direction in life with Dimitri and the part with the revenge. If only the author took this epilogue and wrote the book instead.
The only thing I like about this book is the prologue and the epilogue. Everything in the middle are unbelievable.
The Beast, Dimitri was an ex-Bratva enforcer who is hiding away and biding his time to exact revenge on his ex-boss, Sergei for trying to kill him and caused him to have half a scarred face.
The Beauty, Colombia was a pseudo-activist (now I know why the blurb mentioned 'pseudo') and a victim of being sexually abused by her stepfather for years.
I'm expecting Dimitri to be plotting his revenge, I'm expecting Colombia to be a tough career woman. I want this two unlikely person to come together and fell in love against all odds. But... What I got is another captor/captive story with BDSM element. Colombia is only 20 years old and she felt like a NA heroine. Dimitri is in his 30s and after he captured her, he decided to 'train' her to be his new pet.
I decided this book is a bust when they both declared 'I can't live without you' and 'I love you' after knowing each other since YESTERDAY! Yes, I'm not even exaggerating the timeline here. I felt like they both feel in love after one freaking orgasm.
"Had it only been a day? It had been, just a day since she thought she was going to die, then found herself revived and renewed by the most unlikely of men."
Apparently, the author did know it had only been a day and she throw out all these flower and roses, and till death do us part, and expect me to accept their all consuming love for each other.
Where is the plot? The built up of Dimitri and Columbia's background are fantastic. But everything after they meet each other are done and finish in two days in the penthouse.
I like the epilogue though, with Columbia new direction in life with Dimitri and the part with the revenge. If only the author took this epilogue and wrote the book instead.
April 5, 2014
Horrible. I actually laughed out loud at how bad this book was. The sample was decent. So, I decided to purchase the book. Thank goodness for the lawsuit settlement money from Amazon. I think I would have returned this book if I had paid anything out of pocket for it.
I do applaud Jaden Wilkes for being able to stretch this book into a full length novel. Basically every chapter was written in one character's pov or the other. Only they were repeats of the same events. It was very unnecessary. I could see picking up certain pivotal moments in an alternating pov, but not every single chapter. Also, the course of the book is told over a period of about four days. Yup, in four days "The Beast" was tamed. Well actually that happened in two days. Then, there was a breakup that lasted almost 24 hours.
I think this book is suppose to be considered dark erotica. However, it was neither dark nor erotic. Seriously lacking on plot development.
I do applaud Jaden Wilkes for being able to stretch this book into a full length novel. Basically every chapter was written in one character's pov or the other. Only they were repeats of the same events. It was very unnecessary. I could see picking up certain pivotal moments in an alternating pov, but not every single chapter. Also, the course of the book is told over a period of about four days. Yup, in four days "The Beast" was tamed. Well actually that happened in two days. Then, there was a breakup that lasted almost 24 hours.
I think this book is suppose to be considered dark erotica. However, it was neither dark nor erotic. Seriously lacking on plot development.
September 11, 2016
Rating: 4.5
Note: HEED the warning in the book blurb! This story contained elements of choking, violence and mentions of rape.
The author stated that this story wasn’t a fairy tale, however I found aspects of it to be just that. A dark, twisted, fairy tale that only made sense to the protagonists. Dimitri was barely twelve years old when he killed his father for passing him off to friends to be sexually abused. Living on the streets in Russia had been a test in survival. Then he was caught pickpocketing by the man who would eventually become his father figure, mentor and employer. At fourteen, aid man had brought him a whore to make a man out of him. Dimitri climbed his way up in the feared crime organization earning him the name The Enforcer. He was deadly and ruthless. Then one day it all changed. Every couple of years he was on the move, secluding himself in a penthouse as secure as Fort Knox. None of his staff were allowed to see him, but a few caught glimpses here and there and soon the rumors began. The Enforcer had become The Beast. He dedicated every day to staying ahead of the man who had tried to kill him. Thoughts of revenge and violence filled his every thought. When he caught Columbia Grey trying to sneak into his apartment, he came to one conclusion for her presence – his past had finally caught up with him and she was there to kill him. But not if he killed her first.
This story gripped me from the first page. Getting the run down of Dimitri’s past gave me a very clear picture of the man he had become – hurt, betrayed, angry, violent. I shouldn’t have felt sympathy for him, but I did. For all the outward ugliness, and buried beneath the lethal anger was still something to humanize him. When Columbia showed up, there were some scenes that weren’t comfortable to read. He was violent with her until he could convince himself of her innocence. I didn’t get the feeling that the author was just trying to make his acts heinous for shock value. He was true to character, falling back on his time in the Bratva.
For an eighteen year old, Columbia was a strong female character. That is something I wasn’t expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised at the show of backbone. She wasn’t a stranger to pain, self-loathing or even scars.
She would not let him find out she was a nothing, easy to kill and dispose of. She would not let him know how unimportant she was.
She had her own demons, and somewhere along the way, she and Dimitri found a common ground. I loved the change from one end of the spectrum to the other, even if it moved very quickly. Their brand of love-making wasn’t gentle. Each encounter was intense, a blend of pleasure and pain. While he was used to it, it was cathartic for Columbia. She found strength to stand up for herself, and he found his heart.
Of course there came the time when she had to be set free to face her demons, and while it was predictable, I really liked that Dimitri gave her the truth and not some bullsh*t to drive her away. He was very protective of her, and she of him which I found endearing. The ending was a little surprising, unconventional even, but it was perfect for them.
The Bottom Line
This story is not for the faint of heart. It’s gritty, it’s raw, and it’s uncomfortable. The story was fast paced, but I really enjoyed their journey on the dark side. I’ll be keeping an eye on this author because something about the way she tells a dark story just keeps me riveted.
Disclaimer: Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own, and in no way represent the views or opinions of the publisher/distributor.
August 15, 2016
This is not your average fairytale. I am giving you a warning, this is a dark book. A story of two tortured souls who find each other in darkness and fill the others' emptiness. There are situations that may be uncomfortable for some to read
That being said, The Beast is a deliciously deviant book. One I couldn’t put down once I started.
Dimitri Sokolov
Dangerous, deadly and tortured. A combination anyone should be wary of. Once known as The Enforcer, a top member of the Russian organization, the Solntsevskya Bratva, he was a man to be feared by all. Now he is just the Beast.
After an attempt on his life by his mentor and leader, Sergei, Dimitri is a shadow of his former self. With scars now covering the left side of his body, he lives in a gilded cage, biding his time to exact revenge. Not ever wanting to be seen for risk of discovery or presumed disgust of his appearance, he lives in darkness with his concierge, his only trusted friend.
He passes the time honing his body and then using it. You see, he finds pleasure in inflicting pain. Using call girls for his sexual relief, he blindfolds, uses and abuses them, and sends then away battered and bruised. But always begging for more.
Columbia Grey
Innocence stolen. A young girl, hardened by life. She’s seen and experienced more than she should. In all outward appearances, she’s just a normal girl. But underneath her layers of clothing, she hides her secret.
Her stepfather is her big bad. She wants to leave but cannot. She needs to protect her little sister. She endures the pain and releases it with a slice of a blade.
It was only supposed to be a simple protest. As a member of a local community group, Columbia volunteered to confront the man tearing up their town, Jarrod Jacobs (Dimitri's alias). She had no way of knowing she was sneaking into a lion’s den...
What follows next is a journey of power, submission, discovery and acceptance.
He brings her darkness to light and she brings light to his darkness. It sounds cliché, but they complete each other.
I could go on and on about this book. It is unlike anything I have ever read before. Sure, I have read my share of these types of books; captive falling for captor, but there is something unique about this one. If you aren't afraid of the dark ride this tale will take you on, I couldn't recommend a book more.
March 18, 2014
This book is not for the faint of heart. It is dark, for two separate souls to come together after what they went through in their lives, is nothing short of miraculous!
Columbia Grey comes from a family of dysfunction. Her mother is absent and leaves her to an abusive step-father. Her step-father is a horrible drunk who does unspeakable things to Columbia. His abuse has led her to becoming a cutter just to survive the pain. It's her way of dealing, and although heartbreaking, it does bring her a little control in a life that is very much out of hers. The only shining beacon is her younger sister Eden, whom she loves and protects. Eden is innocent and funny and just generally a great girl. I kinda wished she was in the story more.
Dimitri Sokolov is a man with a tragic past as well. Growing up as a street kid, he didn't have the best childhood either. Abused by his father for no real reason, we as he catches the eye of Sergei, a very powerful and dangerous man who runs the Bratva. But although Dimitri doesn't actually betray Sergei, Sergei believes he does and sets out to kill him, leaving him almost dead and horribly disfigured. Now Dimitri is in hiding and biding his time until he can have his revenge.
The feelings I had when reading this novel were extreme. I was angry for both Dimitri and Columbia, given their pasts. But I was also ran the gambit of emotions just in general. I was afraid for Columbia on several occasions when she is with Dimitri, I will let you read the story to find out why. I love this story and it's dark side. I love that Dimitri thinks Columbia is perfect. I love that there is no judgement from either of them regarding the other one that isn't positive. They truly are perfect together.
The only downside I have to this book is the ending. I felt like things were a bit rushed. They went from intense about each other to split up to back together again very quickly. I also have a love/hate relationship with the epilogue. I love how it ended, but it felt anti-climatic to me.
This was a great way for me to be introduced to Jaden's work and I can't wait to read what's next!
I give this 4.75 lipsticks. It was steamy as hell and almost perfect!
~B~
Columbia Grey comes from a family of dysfunction. Her mother is absent and leaves her to an abusive step-father. Her step-father is a horrible drunk who does unspeakable things to Columbia. His abuse has led her to becoming a cutter just to survive the pain. It's her way of dealing, and although heartbreaking, it does bring her a little control in a life that is very much out of hers. The only shining beacon is her younger sister Eden, whom she loves and protects. Eden is innocent and funny and just generally a great girl. I kinda wished she was in the story more.
Dimitri Sokolov is a man with a tragic past as well. Growing up as a street kid, he didn't have the best childhood either. Abused by his father for no real reason, we as he catches the eye of Sergei, a very powerful and dangerous man who runs the Bratva. But although Dimitri doesn't actually betray Sergei, Sergei believes he does and sets out to kill him, leaving him almost dead and horribly disfigured. Now Dimitri is in hiding and biding his time until he can have his revenge.
The feelings I had when reading this novel were extreme. I was angry for both Dimitri and Columbia, given their pasts. But I was also ran the gambit of emotions just in general. I was afraid for Columbia on several occasions when she is with Dimitri, I will let you read the story to find out why. I love this story and it's dark side. I love that Dimitri thinks Columbia is perfect. I love that there is no judgement from either of them regarding the other one that isn't positive. They truly are perfect together.
The only downside I have to this book is the ending. I felt like things were a bit rushed. They went from intense about each other to split up to back together again very quickly. I also have a love/hate relationship with the epilogue. I love how it ended, but it felt anti-climatic to me.
This was a great way for me to be introduced to Jaden's work and I can't wait to read what's next!
I give this 4.75 lipsticks. It was steamy as hell and almost perfect!
~B~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2015
4 Beast Stars
This book is dark, delicious and disturbing, at the same time it's brilliantly thought out and written to perfection.
Honestly this was the perfect story of two very broken, very destroyed people living a very lonely life, yet together they created something tragically beautiful.
This book is dark, delicious and disturbing, at the same time it's brilliantly thought out and written to perfection.
Honestly this was the perfect story of two very broken, very destroyed people living a very lonely life, yet together they created something tragically beautiful.
September 10, 2014
Dimitri Sokolov, aka enforcer, aka Beast, had pledged his life and loyalty to a prominent Russian Bratva only to be targeted for assassination when he's accused of disloyalty to Sergei, the Bratva's leader. Barely surviving, Dimitri reemerges with a new identity and life far from Russia, plotting for the day he can repay those who tried to kill him.
Columbia Grey wants to make a difference in her community which is why she agrees to infiltrate the highly guarded secure penthouse home of a CEO who plans to replace four blocks of her neighborhood with a high rise development complex. The activist group she belongs to believes that if he's confronted and made to listen they might save the tearing down of low income homes and independent businesses. While Columbia believes in the cause, she's more interested in gaining the admiration and affection of the group's leader.
When Dimitri finds a lone assassin has infiltrated his high tech security measures to gain entry to his home he knows he needs to kill or be killed, but not before first finding out who/what/where/how. When he discovers the assassin is a female, he decides to interrogate her using every painful implement at his disposal - in his dungeon.
Things get complicated when the truth comes out and Dimitri discovers he and Columbia share more in common than she realizes. Pain, Abuse, and a craving for BDSM...
* * * *
Warning: This is a dark themed story that includes elements of violence, dub/non con, BDSM between a sadist and pain slut, and may affect those with triggers for childhood abuse and sexual assault. Consider yourself warned.
Wowzer. What a ride. This author didn't hold back in providing a dark edgy read that will push the comfort levels of some readers. This is definitely a book that will have a limited fan base but for what it's worth. I am so one of them. Loved loved loved it.
Dimitri, the antihero of the story, is a complex character who superficially could be hard to relate to or care about. He's a member of the Russian mob in a high level position. No love lost there for me. Yet. It's a case of nature versus nurture in that his family, the mob, was the primary influence in his developmental stages of life. It's what he knew and what he cared about. So. When they turn their back on him and put out a contract for his death... That too has to be emotional. Looking at the direction the author went with all that. Ya. Dimitri worked his way into my heart, though, like any predator not to the degree I'd want to be alone with him or anything...
Columbia. Like an onion with many layers, her character was equally complex. That is the primary reason that I wouldn't have been too upset IF Dimitri had offed her when they first met. Yet, as the layers were revealed, the reality that these two were meant for each other became all too apparent. Very well done Ms. Author. Indeed.
Adult content/erotica. I am totally serious when I say that the BDSM scenes are intense, graphic, violent, and may push comfort levels. But. This is a series that needed those aspects as the Russian mob lifestyle isn't chocolates, roses, and fairy tale hero material. Sure, there were a few times it got to me emotionally, but life isn't always fair or righteous. Shit happens. It's what we make of it that matters. Vague additional comment: it's always darkest before the dawn.
My only constructive comment is that I felt this book was divided. In that I mean the first half was edgy and had me on the edge of my seat digesting the pages as fast as I could. I was in zen heaven as things played out fearful of what was to be but knowing as this is a trilogy it wouldn't end (in this book at least). Then, and I can't/won't be more specific. Their relationship changed and it was like an entirely different author had written that part of the story. No, no, no. I wasn't on board with how things could change so. That portion of this book included rushed scenes and convenient wrap ups that gave me the impression the author had run of of time and space. That's the reason I went with a 4 star. Keep in mind this is only my opinion and I'm sure others disagree. But isn't that the beauty of reading a good book? To motivate readers to discuss/debate/rehash/validate...
For those who are fans of contemporary antihero BDSM dark themed erotic romance reads, this is a book I encourage you to check out. It's not for fans of romantic BDSM because of it's slant toward sadomasochistic play. Neither is it light reading. But, it's not as dark as I was lead to believe either. :D
Columbia Grey wants to make a difference in her community which is why she agrees to infiltrate the highly guarded secure penthouse home of a CEO who plans to replace four blocks of her neighborhood with a high rise development complex. The activist group she belongs to believes that if he's confronted and made to listen they might save the tearing down of low income homes and independent businesses. While Columbia believes in the cause, she's more interested in gaining the admiration and affection of the group's leader.
When Dimitri finds a lone assassin has infiltrated his high tech security measures to gain entry to his home he knows he needs to kill or be killed, but not before first finding out who/what/where/how. When he discovers the assassin is a female, he decides to interrogate her using every painful implement at his disposal - in his dungeon.
Things get complicated when the truth comes out and Dimitri discovers he and Columbia share more in common than she realizes. Pain, Abuse, and a craving for BDSM...
* * * *
Warning: This is a dark themed story that includes elements of violence, dub/non con, BDSM between a sadist and pain slut, and may affect those with triggers for childhood abuse and sexual assault. Consider yourself warned.
Wowzer. What a ride. This author didn't hold back in providing a dark edgy read that will push the comfort levels of some readers. This is definitely a book that will have a limited fan base but for what it's worth. I am so one of them. Loved loved loved it.
Dimitri, the antihero of the story, is a complex character who superficially could be hard to relate to or care about. He's a member of the Russian mob in a high level position. No love lost there for me. Yet. It's a case of nature versus nurture in that his family, the mob, was the primary influence in his developmental stages of life. It's what he knew and what he cared about. So. When they turn their back on him and put out a contract for his death... That too has to be emotional. Looking at the direction the author went with all that. Ya. Dimitri worked his way into my heart, though, like any predator not to the degree I'd want to be alone with him or anything...
Columbia. Like an onion with many layers, her character was equally complex. That is the primary reason that I wouldn't have been too upset IF Dimitri had offed her when they first met. Yet, as the layers were revealed, the reality that these two were meant for each other became all too apparent. Very well done Ms. Author. Indeed.
Adult content/erotica. I am totally serious when I say that the BDSM scenes are intense, graphic, violent, and may push comfort levels. But. This is a series that needed those aspects as the Russian mob lifestyle isn't chocolates, roses, and fairy tale hero material. Sure, there were a few times it got to me emotionally, but life isn't always fair or righteous. Shit happens. It's what we make of it that matters. Vague additional comment: it's always darkest before the dawn.
My only constructive comment is that I felt this book was divided. In that I mean the first half was edgy and had me on the edge of my seat digesting the pages as fast as I could. I was in zen heaven as things played out fearful of what was to be but knowing as this is a trilogy it wouldn't end (in this book at least). Then, and I can't/won't be more specific. Their relationship changed and it was like an entirely different author had written that part of the story. No, no, no. I wasn't on board with how things could change so. That portion of this book included rushed scenes and convenient wrap ups that gave me the impression the author had run of of time and space. That's the reason I went with a 4 star. Keep in mind this is only my opinion and I'm sure others disagree. But isn't that the beauty of reading a good book? To motivate readers to discuss/debate/rehash/validate...
For those who are fans of contemporary antihero BDSM dark themed erotic romance reads, this is a book I encourage you to check out. It's not for fans of romantic BDSM because of it's slant toward sadomasochistic play. Neither is it light reading. But, it's not as dark as I was lead to believe either. :D
March 24, 2014
I want to start this review much the same way Jaden Wilkes starts off her book, with a bit of a warning!
[image error]
This is a dark book that deals with topics not everyone is prepared to read about. There is talk of both abuse and rape as well as a good share of some BDSM. If these are not things you are comfortable reading about then this book isn’t for you. That being said I LOVED this dark story. This un-fairy tale is still so much of a fairy tale for me! The two people could not be more different and yet more perfect for each other.
When this story begins Columbia is trying to impress a guy who she has been lusting over for a while by sneaking into Dimitri’s building to confront the Real Estate Tycoon who is changing their neighborhood. Once Dimitri finds her he cannot let her go because she might lead the men out to get him back to his penthouse. He initially keeps her for his safety but it doesn’t take long for him to realize his intense attraction to Columbia.
Columbia is a young girl who is getting by in life. She comes from a rough childhood but has persevered for both her sake and the sake of her younger sister. The only way for her to deal with what she has been through is to cut herself so mixing some pain into her life is nothing new for her.
I won’t go into much detail about these characters or this story because I truly believe there is something special about discovering it as you go in this book. Columbia is damaged but a tough fighter, even after she has been captured and tortured she keeps fighting and refusing to give in.
Dimitri is an Russian ex-mob assassin with a hit on his head. He is hiding out while plotting his revenge on his old mentor turned enemy. Dimitri has only one person in his life who knows who and where he is and that is if confidant and attendant, The Concierge. Living the life of a fugitive or sorts has done it’s toll on him and he trust no one.
He keeps to himself and has girls brought in and blindfolded to relieve the tension h e builds up. So, when beautiful and innocent Columbia appears in his place he wants to keep her both for his safety (she knows where he is ) and his desires!
Let’s talk sexual chemistry! These two have it from the beginning, even when fighting it Columbia knows she wants this scary man. Once they give in . . . oh my! I can’t even explain how good it is!
This novel by Jaden Wilkes way well written and kept me guessing the whole way. Both Dimitri and Columbia are in a way broken but together they seem whole. Although their time together is fast paced and everything happens quickly it felt appropriate didn’t seem unrealistic to me. I loved the characters and the story and cannot wait to fall in love with them again in Little Dove. I honestly believe this is Jaden Wilkes best work yet and cannot wait to read more from her.
~miranda
[image error]
This is a dark book that deals with topics not everyone is prepared to read about. There is talk of both abuse and rape as well as a good share of some BDSM. If these are not things you are comfortable reading about then this book isn’t for you. That being said I LOVED this dark story. This un-fairy tale is still so much of a fairy tale for me! The two people could not be more different and yet more perfect for each other.
When this story begins Columbia is trying to impress a guy who she has been lusting over for a while by sneaking into Dimitri’s building to confront the Real Estate Tycoon who is changing their neighborhood. Once Dimitri finds her he cannot let her go because she might lead the men out to get him back to his penthouse. He initially keeps her for his safety but it doesn’t take long for him to realize his intense attraction to Columbia.
Columbia is a young girl who is getting by in life. She comes from a rough childhood but has persevered for both her sake and the sake of her younger sister. The only way for her to deal with what she has been through is to cut herself so mixing some pain into her life is nothing new for her.
I won’t go into much detail about these characters or this story because I truly believe there is something special about discovering it as you go in this book. Columbia is damaged but a tough fighter, even after she has been captured and tortured she keeps fighting and refusing to give in.
Dimitri is an Russian ex-mob assassin with a hit on his head. He is hiding out while plotting his revenge on his old mentor turned enemy. Dimitri has only one person in his life who knows who and where he is and that is if confidant and attendant, The Concierge. Living the life of a fugitive or sorts has done it’s toll on him and he trust no one.
He keeps to himself and has girls brought in and blindfolded to relieve the tension h e builds up. So, when beautiful and innocent Columbia appears in his place he wants to keep her both for his safety (she knows where he is ) and his desires!
Let’s talk sexual chemistry! These two have it from the beginning, even when fighting it Columbia knows she wants this scary man. Once they give in . . . oh my! I can’t even explain how good it is!
This novel by Jaden Wilkes way well written and kept me guessing the whole way. Both Dimitri and Columbia are in a way broken but together they seem whole. Although their time together is fast paced and everything happens quickly it felt appropriate didn’t seem unrealistic to me. I loved the characters and the story and cannot wait to fall in love with them again in Little Dove. I honestly believe this is Jaden Wilkes best work yet and cannot wait to read more from her.
~miranda
March 18, 2014
Visit Reading Eating & Dreaming for more reviews by Jamie, Dana and Morgan!
4 EMOTIONALLY CAPTURING STARS!
“This ARC was kindly given to me in exchange for an honest review.”
Right from the get-go, The Beast reminded me of the classic Disney tale, Beauty and the Beast but it entails a much darker plot with emotionally damaged characters. This story is specifically geared for a mature adult audience.
“I trust you with my life, my heart, with everything. I belong to you.” –Columbia
Columbia and Dimitri have imperfections, both physically and mentally. This surprisingly makes them a perfect pair together.
Columbia always feels out of place and self conscience of her body from a cutting addiction, originating from experiences surrounding her messed up family. Cutting is her high, her way to maintain control, her pleasure/release.
Dimitri stems from a background filled with constant death and violence. He now feels trapped and alone in his high rise apartment because he also has a flawed physical appearance. Columbia and Dimitri are extremely strong-willed, intelligent and perfectly capable of deeply loving others around them, they both just need to figure that out.
This is a dark erotic read, so expect several sexual encounters throughout the story filled with rough acts and intense scenes. A few situations include some mild violence but I think Ms. Wilkes does a wonderful job at keeping the sex hot and thrilling… not centering all the sex on getting raped and grotesque demeaning acts.
Many of the kidnapping stories that I’ve read lately from other authors include violent rape scenes where the woman easily “get off” on being tortured almost to the point of death. I realize these are all works of fiction but in order for me personally to 100% connect with the abused/helpless character and really “feel” for them, their emotions and actions should be somewhat realistic in nature. The Beast has a perfect mix of what I’d call “rough kinky play” and it’s every bit believable to me.
The Beast is one of those stories that you just have trouble putting away, simply because you are constantly wondering what will happen next. It’s unpredictable at times, especially toward the end. If you are a fan of dark erotic romance stories written by authors like Aleatha Romig or Belle Aurora, then I honestly think that you’ll really enjoy The Beast.
I just absolutely LOVE Ms. Wilkes writing. I fell in love with her work after reading, Dirty Little Freaks and I will forever be a loyal fan…
I give The Beast, 4 EMOTIONALLY CAPTURING STARS!
XOXO
Reading Eating & Dreaming
4 EMOTIONALLY CAPTURING STARS!
“This ARC was kindly given to me in exchange for an honest review.”
Right from the get-go, The Beast reminded me of the classic Disney tale, Beauty and the Beast but it entails a much darker plot with emotionally damaged characters. This story is specifically geared for a mature adult audience.
“I trust you with my life, my heart, with everything. I belong to you.” –Columbia
Columbia and Dimitri have imperfections, both physically and mentally. This surprisingly makes them a perfect pair together.
Columbia always feels out of place and self conscience of her body from a cutting addiction, originating from experiences surrounding her messed up family. Cutting is her high, her way to maintain control, her pleasure/release.
Dimitri stems from a background filled with constant death and violence. He now feels trapped and alone in his high rise apartment because he also has a flawed physical appearance. Columbia and Dimitri are extremely strong-willed, intelligent and perfectly capable of deeply loving others around them, they both just need to figure that out.
This is a dark erotic read, so expect several sexual encounters throughout the story filled with rough acts and intense scenes. A few situations include some mild violence but I think Ms. Wilkes does a wonderful job at keeping the sex hot and thrilling… not centering all the sex on getting raped and grotesque demeaning acts.
Many of the kidnapping stories that I’ve read lately from other authors include violent rape scenes where the woman easily “get off” on being tortured almost to the point of death. I realize these are all works of fiction but in order for me personally to 100% connect with the abused/helpless character and really “feel” for them, their emotions and actions should be somewhat realistic in nature. The Beast has a perfect mix of what I’d call “rough kinky play” and it’s every bit believable to me.
The Beast is one of those stories that you just have trouble putting away, simply because you are constantly wondering what will happen next. It’s unpredictable at times, especially toward the end. If you are a fan of dark erotic romance stories written by authors like Aleatha Romig or Belle Aurora, then I honestly think that you’ll really enjoy The Beast.
I just absolutely LOVE Ms. Wilkes writing. I fell in love with her work after reading, Dirty Little Freaks and I will forever be a loyal fan…
I give The Beast, 4 EMOTIONALLY CAPTURING STARS!
XOXO
Reading Eating & Dreaming
March 31, 2015
I loved this story of two broken people coming together by accident(or kidnapping)and going on a journey of self-discovery with each other.
Dimitri is a former "Enforcer" with a Russian Bratva. His old boss, Sergei, turned against him and set him on fire causing hideous scars to half of his body. Dimitri goes into hiding to plot his revenge against Sergei. He lives in a fortress in the sky with a full time staff that never sees his face. The only person that he has face to face contact with is his Conceirge, the man commissioned to care for and protect Dimitri.
Colombia(Aka Little Dove)is a 20 year girl just trying to survive. She has put up with years of abuse, physical and mental, from her stepfather and as a result, she cuts. Mars her beautiful skin. The only reason she doesn't leave home is to protect her little sister Eden from her father. Colombia gets involved with an environmental protection group just to get close to her old high school crush, Stuart. The group devises a plan to "drop in" on a faceless millionaire that plans to tear down their neighborhood and put up high rises. Colombia volunteers to confront the never-before-seen millionaire...all in an effort to impress Stu. Colombia doesn't realize that said faceless millionaire is a paranoid former Bratva member named Dimitri. She doesn't know how much that visit will turn her life upside down.
Dimitri "captures" Colombia as she tries to confront the man responsible for tearing down her neighborhood. He blindfolds her immediately so she can't see his hideous scars. He doesn't trust the reason she's there and believes Sergei sent her. He begins to torture her and realizes that the pain doesn't seem to bother her like most. Little does he know, it's providing a release somewhat like cutting does for Colombia. A way to let go of everything from her past. When Dimitri sees her scars, he relates to her and feels that they are kindred spirits. When Colombia is released from the blindfold, she feels the same way about Dimitri's scars. They find beauty in one another and begin to fall in love.
Dimitri realizes how dangerous it is to keep Colombia around. He fears Sergei finding and killing the one thing he has come to love. He sends her away, only to have her come back a day later covered in blood. Seeing himself in Colombia, Dimitri vows to protect and keep her forever. Together they go on a mission to exact revenge on Sergei.
I loved this book. The writing was wonderful. I loved seeing two damaged characters come together in an unexpected way. I also love it in a book when the couple are badasses/murderers together.
Dimitri is a former "Enforcer" with a Russian Bratva. His old boss, Sergei, turned against him and set him on fire causing hideous scars to half of his body. Dimitri goes into hiding to plot his revenge against Sergei. He lives in a fortress in the sky with a full time staff that never sees his face. The only person that he has face to face contact with is his Conceirge, the man commissioned to care for and protect Dimitri.
Colombia(Aka Little Dove)is a 20 year girl just trying to survive. She has put up with years of abuse, physical and mental, from her stepfather and as a result, she cuts. Mars her beautiful skin. The only reason she doesn't leave home is to protect her little sister Eden from her father. Colombia gets involved with an environmental protection group just to get close to her old high school crush, Stuart. The group devises a plan to "drop in" on a faceless millionaire that plans to tear down their neighborhood and put up high rises. Colombia volunteers to confront the never-before-seen millionaire...all in an effort to impress Stu. Colombia doesn't realize that said faceless millionaire is a paranoid former Bratva member named Dimitri. She doesn't know how much that visit will turn her life upside down.
Dimitri "captures" Colombia as she tries to confront the man responsible for tearing down her neighborhood. He blindfolds her immediately so she can't see his hideous scars. He doesn't trust the reason she's there and believes Sergei sent her. He begins to torture her and realizes that the pain doesn't seem to bother her like most. Little does he know, it's providing a release somewhat like cutting does for Colombia. A way to let go of everything from her past. When Dimitri sees her scars, he relates to her and feels that they are kindred spirits. When Colombia is released from the blindfold, she feels the same way about Dimitri's scars. They find beauty in one another and begin to fall in love.
Dimitri realizes how dangerous it is to keep Colombia around. He fears Sergei finding and killing the one thing he has come to love. He sends her away, only to have her come back a day later covered in blood. Seeing himself in Colombia, Dimitri vows to protect and keep her forever. Together they go on a mission to exact revenge on Sergei.
I loved this book. The writing was wonderful. I loved seeing two damaged characters come together in an unexpected way. I also love it in a book when the couple are badasses/murderers together.
November 23, 2014
CARMIE'S REVIEW -
The Beauty’s love slayed The Beast.
Who is The Beast? His name is Dimitri, a former enforcer for the Russian Mafia. He stands 6’6” and is a “mountain of flesh rippling over bulging muscles.” He used to be a handsome man, but now he is horribly scarred from hip to head on the left side of his body. He is in hiding from the Sergei, his former mafia boss and mentor who also happens to be the man responsible for his disfigurement. Sergei must have been feeling threatened by the growing power of The Beast.
Who is The Beauty? Her name is Columbia, she is a college student that is helping to raise her younger sister. She belongs to an environmental group that is protesting a development project that Dimitri’s company is working on. Columbia is being abused by her step-father and cuts herself because that is the only way she is able to control her life.
In order to confront Dimitri about the development project, the environmental group is able to smuggle Columbia into The Beast’spenthouse apartment. Little does she know that she has entered the home of a trained killer. Dimitri decided he is going to keep Columbia as a pet since she has wondered into his apartment. In addition to having a price on his head, Dimitri has risqué preferences in bedroom.
As the tale unfolds the relationship between Dimitri and Columbia blossoms into love. Dimitri knows when Sergei finds him that anyone he loves is in danger. The day comes when Sergei locates Dimitri and must leave everyone and everything from his life if Vancouver behind. Is Dimitri strong enough to leave Columbia behind or can he convince her to go with him?
Sound like your average story? It’s not. The book is written for a very mature audience and explores the dominant and submissive roles that happen behind closed doors. Is it FSOG (Fifty Shades of Gray)? No, but if you liked FSOG you will love this book. The author found the perfect balance between a romance and erotic fiction. The author developed the story line and characters in a way that did not leave you feeling rushed.
I would love to see another book that picks up where this one leaves off!
The Beauty’s love slayed The Beast.
Who is The Beast? His name is Dimitri, a former enforcer for the Russian Mafia. He stands 6’6” and is a “mountain of flesh rippling over bulging muscles.” He used to be a handsome man, but now he is horribly scarred from hip to head on the left side of his body. He is in hiding from the Sergei, his former mafia boss and mentor who also happens to be the man responsible for his disfigurement. Sergei must have been feeling threatened by the growing power of The Beast.
Who is The Beauty? Her name is Columbia, she is a college student that is helping to raise her younger sister. She belongs to an environmental group that is protesting a development project that Dimitri’s company is working on. Columbia is being abused by her step-father and cuts herself because that is the only way she is able to control her life.
In order to confront Dimitri about the development project, the environmental group is able to smuggle Columbia into The Beast’spenthouse apartment. Little does she know that she has entered the home of a trained killer. Dimitri decided he is going to keep Columbia as a pet since she has wondered into his apartment. In addition to having a price on his head, Dimitri has risqué preferences in bedroom.
As the tale unfolds the relationship between Dimitri and Columbia blossoms into love. Dimitri knows when Sergei finds him that anyone he loves is in danger. The day comes when Sergei locates Dimitri and must leave everyone and everything from his life if Vancouver behind. Is Dimitri strong enough to leave Columbia behind or can he convince her to go with him?
Sound like your average story? It’s not. The book is written for a very mature audience and explores the dominant and submissive roles that happen behind closed doors. Is it FSOG (Fifty Shades of Gray)? No, but if you liked FSOG you will love this book. The author found the perfect balance between a romance and erotic fiction. The author developed the story line and characters in a way that did not leave you feeling rushed.
I would love to see another book that picks up where this one leaves off!
August 3, 2016
I had the pleasure of beta reading this book.
Great story, for a dark, twisted kind of fairy tale. What horrible things to have happen, but it is compelling and fascinating. I didn't find the many (graphic, violent, dark) sex scenes especially sexy, because I couldn't relate at all, but I wasn't disgusted, either. I guess that means it was well presented.
I'm often on the fence about rating these kinds of books, because I don't personally dig the anti-hero thing, although Dimitri really does have a heart of gold. But I hate to apply my moral compass to something that is very up front about what it is: a very dark, violent, erotic tale. Realistically, I probably wouldn't choose this kind of story from reading the cover blurb, so I hate to rate based on that. But this story is very well crafted and perhaps surprisingly, I enjoyed it.
I stopped short of the fifth star because, well, I really can't say I found it AMAZING. That is all. (I find I'm getting stingier with my 5 stars as I go along.)
If you are not squeamish, and like a tale that will take you through the dark side of two people finding each other in this messed up world, then I think you will enjoy The Beast.
Great story, for a dark, twisted kind of fairy tale. What horrible things to have happen, but it is compelling and fascinating. I didn't find the many (graphic, violent, dark) sex scenes especially sexy, because I couldn't relate at all, but I wasn't disgusted, either. I guess that means it was well presented.
I'm often on the fence about rating these kinds of books, because I don't personally dig the anti-hero thing, although Dimitri really does have a heart of gold. But I hate to apply my moral compass to something that is very up front about what it is: a very dark, violent, erotic tale. Realistically, I probably wouldn't choose this kind of story from reading the cover blurb, so I hate to rate based on that. But this story is very well crafted and perhaps surprisingly, I enjoyed it.
I stopped short of the fifth star because, well, I really can't say I found it AMAZING. That is all. (I find I'm getting stingier with my 5 stars as I go along.)
If you are not squeamish, and like a tale that will take you through the dark side of two people finding each other in this messed up world, then I think you will enjoy The Beast.
May 10, 2014
I just finished The Beast and I really liked it. I understand that this book had gotten pulled due to some delicate things in the book and after reading it I can totally get it. It is not everyones cup of tea but it was certainly mine. Dmitri is scarred for life, and biding his time to extract revenege on Sergio, his mentor, that did this to him. He hides himself in his mansion with little to no contact with anyone expect the conseirge. Except for one night, Columbia sneaks in with her own ulterior motives. He thinks she is there to kill him. She is really there to talk to his alter ego Mr Jacobs to stop a developemental construction that is happening in the area that she lives in. Sneaking suspisions lead to sort of torture to get the truth. He is a ruthless man that can take her life within seconds. Part of her is releshing in it due to home life and she is just not wanting to live anymore. But put in that sort of perdictament and you will fight for your life. She fights him but this leads to certain discoveries and he cannot let her go. Will she stay with him where she has truly found freedom or will she go home where she has none? You will have to read and see....
I really did enjoy this story. I felt like it was a modern take on Beauty and the Beast with a little Christian Grey in the mix, if you know what I mean?!!! I thought that the story flowed really well, not saying there werent certain things that I didnt care for but it made sense in the long run and I can understand those certain interactions and I am ok with it. It was really a compelling story that even though had some predictable moments, was still enjoyable to read.
Sigh, Dmitri. AKA the Beast. I loved him. He was my type of guy. He was sexy and alluring and yes even though had some controlling issues, he still was able to put that asside for Columbia once he understood what was going on. I felt bad for Columbia, she has been dealt with a bad blow and I just wanted the best for her even though she didnt know it at first but DAMN, once she does, she falls just as quickly as he does. The best part....OH YEAH. You know what I am going to say. Dmitri has such a sexy potty mouth, I was on board! I so wanted to be her!!!!
Seriously, I can see where people might be hesitant to get this and it may not be for some readers but I loved it and you will not know until you get it. Give it a try. It just might be your cup of tea!!!
Story 4.5
Smut 5+++
Overall 5
Reviewed by Beggin from Mommys a Book Whore
I really did enjoy this story. I felt like it was a modern take on Beauty and the Beast with a little Christian Grey in the mix, if you know what I mean?!!! I thought that the story flowed really well, not saying there werent certain things that I didnt care for but it made sense in the long run and I can understand those certain interactions and I am ok with it. It was really a compelling story that even though had some predictable moments, was still enjoyable to read.
Sigh, Dmitri. AKA the Beast. I loved him. He was my type of guy. He was sexy and alluring and yes even though had some controlling issues, he still was able to put that asside for Columbia once he understood what was going on. I felt bad for Columbia, she has been dealt with a bad blow and I just wanted the best for her even though she didnt know it at first but DAMN, once she does, she falls just as quickly as he does. The best part....OH YEAH. You know what I am going to say. Dmitri has such a sexy potty mouth, I was on board! I so wanted to be her!!!!
Seriously, I can see where people might be hesitant to get this and it may not be for some readers but I loved it and you will not know until you get it. Give it a try. It just might be your cup of tea!!!
Story 4.5
Smut 5+++
Overall 5
Reviewed by Beggin from Mommys a Book Whore
August 25, 2015
I'm not sure how to rate this book...so I'll say 3.5/3.8
The beginning of the book started out strong. Dimitri is an ex-enforcer for the Russian mob. His mentor, friend, father like figure turns on him and tries to kill him. He escapes half burned and half dead and relocates to Canada where he's been a recluse for 3 years, to heal and plan his revenge. (See...intriguing)
In Canada he is under a fake alias multi-millionaire Jason Jorrdan (something like that) unimportant. Mr. J is buying up half of Canada and building huge properties that have the environmental activist going ape shit.
They send our h/Columbia to break into his house to confront and demand he stop. (Again...so intrigued). Dimitri catches her (obviously) interrogates her, holds her hostage and beats her into submission. He's a total A-hole!
Both H/h are damaged souls with troubled past. Dimitri has a bad upbringing, plus mob ties but he's also been locked in a cage he built himself for 3 years. So him falling for our h/Columbia wasn't at all shocking. I understood it. Even 2 days in. Who wouldn't cling on the first real contact in 3 years if it presented itself. Columbia was broken, dealing with her life by cutting plus an absent mother, so any sign of kindness she was all over it.
Here is my issue
Dimitri goes from badass dickface to mushy gushy. I was not down with that. And in 2 days. Really!? I liked him better as a hard ass mob guy. Once he started this, I got bored and he lost sex appeal.
However! the sex in the book was Hot! And the ending was pretty good. I think I'm going to read book 2 to determine if I'm going be down with the series or move on.
The beginning of the book started out strong. Dimitri is an ex-enforcer for the Russian mob. His mentor, friend, father like figure turns on him and tries to kill him. He escapes half burned and half dead and relocates to Canada where he's been a recluse for 3 years, to heal and plan his revenge. (See...intriguing)
In Canada he is under a fake alias multi-millionaire Jason Jorrdan (something like that) unimportant. Mr. J is buying up half of Canada and building huge properties that have the environmental activist going ape shit.
They send our h/Columbia to break into his house to confront and demand he stop. (Again...so intrigued). Dimitri catches her (obviously) interrogates her, holds her hostage and beats her into submission. He's a total A-hole!
Both H/h are damaged souls with troubled past. Dimitri has a bad upbringing, plus mob ties but he's also been locked in a cage he built himself for 3 years. So him falling for our h/Columbia wasn't at all shocking. I understood it. Even 2 days in. Who wouldn't cling on the first real contact in 3 years if it presented itself. Columbia was broken, dealing with her life by cutting plus an absent mother, so any sign of kindness she was all over it.
Here is my issue
Dimitri goes from badass dickface to mushy gushy. I was not down with that. And in 2 days. Really!? I liked him better as a hard ass mob guy. Once he started this, I got bored and he lost sex appeal.
However! the sex in the book was Hot! And the ending was pretty good. I think I'm going to read book 2 to determine if I'm going be down with the series or move on.
May 27, 2014
Hmmm well, where should i begin....?!
I was disgusted and uncomfortable through the first half of the book i had a lot of mixed feeling for both of them......for him it was simple hatred and anger.he was your typical fucked up anti-hero with more disturbing qualities at first.
for her, at first i was feeling sympathetic and my heart ached for her then i was infuriated with her reactions and decisions but some how unconsciously i began to worm a "little"for the two of them. But that was after i felt in the horizon some glimpses of redemption.
“No matter how damaged we were by our lives, we are whole when we are together. No matter how we got here, the thing that makes us normal is exactly what we decide together.”
They were Two broken,tortured and desperate souls united under unconventional circumstances fighting to find their lost humanity and trying to find solace and hope in each other and a purpose for living!
i just had a problem with all those events and developments that happened over a really short period of time.
“We are normal. Whatever we do here is normal. If desire is like a destination, then you are not defined by how you arrived.”
the epilogue was NOT convincing AT ALL! I don't wanna say much but his revenge wasn't the intense and epic closure i expected after all the build up and charging through out the story.and this final kiss was like the final sealing over their animalistic twisted nature.
But whatever....after all, they had their own fucked up fairy tale -something so far beyond the realm of normal- in their own twisted unique way.
their own "normal" like they called it.they were way far from perfect but they were perfect for each other.
It was dark,twisted,fucked up and sometimes uncomfortable read,if you are in the mood for any of the above just go for it!
I was disgusted and uncomfortable through the first half of the book i had a lot of mixed feeling for both of them......for him it was simple hatred and anger.he was your typical fucked up anti-hero with more disturbing qualities at first.
for her, at first i was feeling sympathetic and my heart ached for her then i was infuriated with her reactions and decisions but some how unconsciously i began to worm a "little"for the two of them. But that was after i felt in the horizon some glimpses of redemption.
“No matter how damaged we were by our lives, we are whole when we are together. No matter how we got here, the thing that makes us normal is exactly what we decide together.”
They were Two broken,tortured and desperate souls united under unconventional circumstances fighting to find their lost humanity and trying to find solace and hope in each other and a purpose for living!
i just had a problem with all those events and developments that happened over a really short period of time.
“We are normal. Whatever we do here is normal. If desire is like a destination, then you are not defined by how you arrived.”
the epilogue was NOT convincing AT ALL! I don't wanna say much but his revenge wasn't the intense and epic closure i expected after all the build up and charging through out the story.and this final kiss was like the final sealing over their animalistic twisted nature.
But whatever....after all, they had their own fucked up fairy tale -something so far beyond the realm of normal- in their own twisted unique way.
their own "normal" like they called it.they were way far from perfect but they were perfect for each other.
It was dark,twisted,fucked up and sometimes uncomfortable read,if you are in the mood for any of the above just go for it!
March 18, 2014
Well.....huh.
I am a little stumped. I'm not sure how the hell to proceed with this review.
I mean I liked it but didn't love it. Not sure if it has more to do with me or the actual book.
I love dark, twisted, fucked up brutal jaw dropping "love" stories.
The plot was cool although a tad predictable but it had a few twist and turns looped through out the story.
The characters were engaging,loveable. The dual POV was awesome.
I love how they each are each so uniquely fucked up yet their damages are so much alike.
Both feel unloved and alone because they each think of themselves as ~unlovable~ because of fucked up childhoods and well earned "trust issues"!
Ying and Yang comes to mind.....
they complete each other ( Unapologetically in a raw,unconventional therapeutic kind of way.)
It is bad-ass!
My only complaints that dry humped my last damn nerve was how fast Columbia fell "in love" with Dimi.
Like in 2.2 seconds~
BAM~
she never wants to leave him or does she(her indecision gave me whiplash) ....blah.
Actually the same goes for Dimi. He was obsessed with Columbia from the start. Which was a little overkill in my opinion. It made me think maybe he was just more lonely than anything.
AND
The ending felt rushed to me.
All with-in a chapter or so the damaged couple are
~ ON ,OFF , Purging Personal Demons, annnnnnd back ON again.
Eh, Maybe it's just me.
Beauty and 'The Beast' get their fairy tale ending but the best part
------> NO CLIFFHANGER!
Over all I enjoyed Dimi and Columbia's dark and demented fairy tale.
3.5 Stars
I am a little stumped. I'm not sure how the hell to proceed with this review.
I mean I liked it but didn't love it. Not sure if it has more to do with me or the actual book.
I love dark, twisted, fucked up brutal jaw dropping "love" stories.
The plot was cool although a tad predictable but it had a few twist and turns looped through out the story.
The characters were engaging,loveable. The dual POV was awesome.
I love how they each are each so uniquely fucked up yet their damages are so much alike.
Both feel unloved and alone because they each think of themselves as ~unlovable~ because of fucked up childhoods and well earned "trust issues"!
Ying and Yang comes to mind.....
they complete each other ( Unapologetically in a raw,unconventional therapeutic kind of way.)
It is bad-ass!
My only complaints that dry humped my last damn nerve was how fast Columbia fell "in love" with Dimi.
Like in 2.2 seconds~
BAM~
she never wants to leave him or does she(her indecision gave me whiplash) ....blah.
Actually the same goes for Dimi. He was obsessed with Columbia from the start. Which was a little overkill in my opinion. It made me think maybe he was just more lonely than anything.
AND
The ending felt rushed to me.
All with-in a chapter or so the damaged couple are
~ ON ,OFF , Purging Personal Demons, annnnnnd back ON again.
Eh, Maybe it's just me.
Beauty and 'The Beast' get their fairy tale ending but the best part
------> NO CLIFFHANGER!
Over all I enjoyed Dimi and Columbia's dark and demented fairy tale.
3.5 Stars
March 17, 2014
I was lucky and honored enough to win a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Jaden Wilkes for this emotional, crippling, stimulating and captivating read!
Wonderfully psychotic mind tripping thrill of a read, I have never been so disappointed to see the end of a book as I did with this one.
Dimitri Sokolov, The Enforcer.. The Beast, a man betrayed and horribly scarred, withdrawn from society and thirsting for revenge. His raging psychopathic tendencies are mostly contrived by memories of suffering atrocious physical and emotional abuse by his father. I wonder though is he to jaded or is there some scrap of humanity left in his damaged soul?
Columbia Grey is no shrinking violet she learned her tough times in the school of hard knocks with a gambling, MIA mother and a predator for a step-father who uses and abuses her for years. This courageous beautiful and strong little woman is a wanna-be-activist and strives to make a difference in her community and raise her little sister on her own. Is she strong enough to tame the beast or will she die trying?
See what happens when 'two imperfect beings find each other in the dark'. Does the savior become a wolf? Does the daughter who became the guardian become a princess? And finally does the devils who have done these dark deeds get their just desserts?
Can't wait to read more from this author and barely hanging in there for the Therapist, thanks again Jaden Wilkes
Wonderfully psychotic mind tripping thrill of a read, I have never been so disappointed to see the end of a book as I did with this one.
Dimitri Sokolov, The Enforcer.. The Beast, a man betrayed and horribly scarred, withdrawn from society and thirsting for revenge. His raging psychopathic tendencies are mostly contrived by memories of suffering atrocious physical and emotional abuse by his father. I wonder though is he to jaded or is there some scrap of humanity left in his damaged soul?
Columbia Grey is no shrinking violet she learned her tough times in the school of hard knocks with a gambling, MIA mother and a predator for a step-father who uses and abuses her for years. This courageous beautiful and strong little woman is a wanna-be-activist and strives to make a difference in her community and raise her little sister on her own. Is she strong enough to tame the beast or will she die trying?
See what happens when 'two imperfect beings find each other in the dark'. Does the savior become a wolf? Does the daughter who became the guardian become a princess? And finally does the devils who have done these dark deeds get their just desserts?
Can't wait to read more from this author and barely hanging in there for the Therapist, thanks again Jaden Wilkes
April 27, 2016
This is the first book I've read from Jaden Wilkes and I thoroughly enjoyed it's dark and twisted theme. She surely drew my mind into a nightmare. This book does touch on some BDSM but more on the S & M side.
Unfortunately I suffered a disconnect from the characters. I'm not sure what I was looking for but by the end I hadn't found it. It was hard to like Columbia. I couldn't really get into her head although half the story is told from her POV. And she truly pissed me off at one point. So yeah, she didn't exactly float my boat. I'm hoping for better from her in the next book, especially because of that epilogue.
I actually really liked Dimitri. He's the sole reason this book gets 3 stars. He was dark, twisted, disfigured, vengeful, a killer, a wee bit insane, etc. Everything I want in a dark hero. He's not a good guy and he's not sorry about it. However, I do think he's the perfect match for Columbia. What he's gone through is excruciating, from childhood to now, and I like that he's finally able to grab a slice of happy with her.
I'm off to read book 2 and hopefully find what was missing in this one.
Enjoy! xo
Unfortunately I suffered a disconnect from the characters. I'm not sure what I was looking for but by the end I hadn't found it. It was hard to like Columbia. I couldn't really get into her head although half the story is told from her POV. And she truly pissed me off at one point. So yeah, she didn't exactly float my boat. I'm hoping for better from her in the next book, especially because of that epilogue.
I actually really liked Dimitri. He's the sole reason this book gets 3 stars. He was dark, twisted, disfigured, vengeful, a killer, a wee bit insane, etc. Everything I want in a dark hero. He's not a good guy and he's not sorry about it. However, I do think he's the perfect match for Columbia. What he's gone through is excruciating, from childhood to now, and I like that he's finally able to grab a slice of happy with her.
I'm off to read book 2 and hopefully find what was missing in this one.
Enjoy! xo
January 22, 2016
2.5 Stars
The heroine is part of a group that is not liking the new development in her neighborhood. The heroine volunteers to be the one to go the main guy's house and confront him about the development. The heroine is taken by the man who has never been seen. The hero has been severely scarred and has not been outside in years.
The heroine suffers daily abuse from her father.
The hero was part of the Russian mob until the leader tortured him and scarred him. This is a story of two scarred people who find each other.
Some parts of this book were good, while others left me scratching my head. The hero does not even see/interact with the heroine until 20%. Before that the reader reads about the hero's life and then what the heroine is doing with the protests.
It is a dark read with BDSM.
The heroine is part of a group that is not liking the new development in her neighborhood. The heroine volunteers to be the one to go the main guy's house and confront him about the development. The heroine is taken by the man who has never been seen. The hero has been severely scarred and has not been outside in years.
The heroine suffers daily abuse from her father.
The hero was part of the Russian mob until the leader tortured him and scarred him. This is a story of two scarred people who find each other.
Some parts of this book were good, while others left me scratching my head. The hero does not even see/interact with the heroine until 20%. Before that the reader reads about the hero's life and then what the heroine is doing with the protests.
It is a dark read with BDSM.
August 17, 2015
Great story, for a dark, twisted kind of fairy tale. This book is dark, delicious and disturbing, at the same time it's brilliantly thought out and written to perfection. This book was not what I expected at all.... Dimitri & Columbia are damaged. This was certainly an unconventional read: two disturbed and scarred individuals finding there way into each other's lives and finding what they need in each other; finding the inner beauty in each other. The events which bring them together may have been slightly bizarre but given that Dimitri is living in his own self devised prison, the options were limited. Both parties finding perfection in their imperfections.By the end they save one another. Truly, a fantastic story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews