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The Devil's Beauty
Dimitri Tasarov has never had a choice in what he was. From infancy, he had been raised with the knowledge that he was a monster, an unlovable creature without a soul, until a single act of kindness threw his entire world into a tailspin.
Ava Emerson had always led a reluctantly sheltered existence. Friendship was a luxury that came with questions she couldn’t afford to answer.
They were an unlikely pair. He lived behind his mask and his roses, and she lived behind her secrets, yet they shared a bond that could get them killed if anyone ever found out.
Times were changing. The city was in turmoil. The weak were unprotected and someone needed to make a stand. But Dimitri wasn’t the only one with eyes on the north, or Ava, and they will stop at nothing to claim them both.
Can Dimitri keep Ava safe, or will the devil fall?
This book is NA and intended for a mature audience.
This is part of an Interconnected Standalone. It's not necessary to read them in order.
Other books in this series:
Transcending Darkness - Book #1
The Devil's Beauty - Book #2
Ava Emerson had always led a reluctantly sheltered existence. Friendship was a luxury that came with questions she couldn’t afford to answer.
They were an unlikely pair. He lived behind his mask and his roses, and she lived behind her secrets, yet they shared a bond that could get them killed if anyone ever found out.
Times were changing. The city was in turmoil. The weak were unprotected and someone needed to make a stand. But Dimitri wasn’t the only one with eyes on the north, or Ava, and they will stop at nothing to claim them both.
Can Dimitri keep Ava safe, or will the devil fall?
This book is NA and intended for a mature audience.
This is part of an Interconnected Standalone. It's not necessary to read them in order.
Other books in this series:
Transcending Darkness - Book #1
The Devil's Beauty - Book #2
555 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2016
119 people are currently reading
895 people want to read
About the author
Airicka Phoenix
65 books1,847 followersAiricka Phoenix is a multi genre author of dark contemporary & dangerous paranormal romance starring sassy female leads and sexy alpha heroes.
For more on Airicka visit: www.airickaphoenix.com
For more on Airicka visit: www.airickaphoenix.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 28, 2016
This book was good. It had everything alpha male, Mafia corruption, cold hearted family members, lies, heartache, sex trafficking, kidnapping and hot sex! Dimitri and Ava were awesome. I loved both of them.
Ava has loved Dimitri since she was ten. Her stepdad finds out they were dating and threatens Dimitri to leave her alone. And he does for eight years.
Then he comes back and swears he'll never leave her again. Oh if it was only that easy.
There's a fight over territories and a lot of people do not want Dimitri and Ava together. Dimitri doesn't care, he's not letting Ava go and he'll fight anyone in his way. And he does because Ava gets taken and Dimitri loses it. It forces him to work with his dad (who is Ava's stepdad) Jean Paul refuses to acknowledge Dimitri and has pure hatred for him. It's kind of sad how awful he is to Damitri. I kind of understand why he hates him but not really. I was mad at Jean Paul for how ugly he was to him for a situation that wasn't his fault.
I loved Dimitri and his utter loyalty to Ava. He always put her first and never cared what anyone thought. Mafioso or not he was hers and she was his.
Ava was a very likable character. Wasn't annoying. Didn't play hard to get. Through all the bullshit following her she wasn't a weeping mess. She was strong, funny and a little kick ass.
I can see myself rereading this book. I didn't read book 1 but I'm interested in what that one was about because like I keep saying I loved Dimitri and Ava.
Read
June 13, 2018DNF 65%
I never stop to a read a book this late in a story but if I have to read one more stupid thing ava does to endanger herself I am going to lose my shit. Honestly how stupid can one girl be... also the rest of the story is boring and Dimitri and ava have no chemistry... nope just nope.
This book just doesn't work for me.
I never stop to a read a book this late in a story but if I have to read one more stupid thing ava does to endanger herself I am going to lose my shit. Honestly how stupid can one girl be... also the rest of the story is boring and Dimitri and ava have no chemistry... nope just nope.
This book just doesn't work for me.
July 28, 2016
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Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Ava): 25yrs old – 2/5
Hero (Dimitri): 31yrs old – 3/5
Plot: 1/5
Grovel: none
Cheating: none
HEA: yes but no epilogue
Triggers: human trafficking
Average score: 1/5 - DNF
Best Line: This right here made him my hero:
“There was no one looking out for the lost souls swallowed up by the city. But he would.”
Personal Review:
This was a dark romance between a ‘princess’ who gets whatever she wants and a bastard (and I mean bastard in the literal sense of him being born out of wedlock) guy who just wants his father’s approval but never gets it.
This was such a long story that I gave up around 50% and just skipped to the end.
Random Ramblings:
•It took a while to get into the flow of the story
•I enjoyed the h’s stubbornness
•The h was a bit of a spoilt princess
•I have to say, I lost the plot a little around 35%
•Ava’s relationship with John Paul creeped me out
Overall Feeling:
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Ava): 25yrs old – 2/5
Hero (Dimitri): 31yrs old – 3/5
Plot: 1/5
Grovel: none
Cheating: none
HEA: yes but no epilogue
Triggers: human trafficking
Average score: 1/5 - DNF
Best Line: This right here made him my hero:
“There was no one looking out for the lost souls swallowed up by the city. But he would.”
Personal Review:
This was a dark romance between a ‘princess’ who gets whatever she wants and a bastard (and I mean bastard in the literal sense of him being born out of wedlock) guy who just wants his father’s approval but never gets it.
This was such a long story that I gave up around 50% and just skipped to the end.
Random Ramblings:
•It took a while to get into the flow of the story
•I enjoyed the h’s stubbornness
•The h was a bit of a spoilt princess
•I have to say, I lost the plot a little around 35%
•Ava’s relationship with John Paul creeped me out
Overall Feeling:
September 14, 2016
Between 3 stars (first 30%) and 5 stars (the rest of the book).
I'm not lying, the first 30% were good but I expected more from Airicka. Ava was a little too sweet and mellow. Dimitri was a little "tame" for a mobster.
But something dreadful happened to Ava and the book went from "ok but not more" to "haha, that's good and suspenseful and horrific and...! Will she make it?".
From that moment on, it was action, action and some more action with bullets flying, appartments exploding, best friend rigged to bombs, etc.
By the end of the book, we'd had some very hot and spicy sex scenes, discovered a naughty Ava (in the bedroom), cried some on father and son non existing relationship, dire circumstances surrounding Dimitri's conception aaand ended with a very surprising and iron fist Ava!
So Airicka saved my day.
I'm not lying, the first 30% were good but I expected more from Airicka. Ava was a little too sweet and mellow. Dimitri was a little "tame" for a mobster.
But something dreadful happened to Ava and the book went from "ok but not more" to "haha, that's good and suspenseful and horrific and...! Will she make it?".
From that moment on, it was action, action and some more action with bullets flying, appartments exploding, best friend rigged to bombs, etc.
By the end of the book, we'd had some very hot and spicy sex scenes, discovered a naughty Ava (in the bedroom), cried some on father and son non existing relationship, dire circumstances surrounding Dimitri's conception aaand ended with a very surprising and iron fist Ava!
So Airicka saved my day.
July 19, 2016
Review by Lisa Kane
“Because to love someone, really love someone, you need to have faith in them, even when they do stupid things.”
Ava Emerson is the step daughter of John Paul Morel, a powerful and rich man. Although she can’t stand her mother, Charlotte, Ave adores him and she is the light of his life. Charlotte is cold and calculating and Ava wonders why John Paul married her, yet alone is still married to her.
For the first half of her life, Ava was introduced to people as Charlotte's niece, or a friend's daughter. Ava had been given strict directions never to use the dreaded M word in public.
"I'm not old enough for that," Charlotte would say.
But Ava is bored and is jaded about life and love. She once had love or so she thought, but he left her without a backward glance. At a birthday party her mother threw for her (and then spent the night criticizing everything Ava did) Dimitri Tasarov makes an uninvited appearance. To others he may appear normal but to Ava’s trained eye, she knows he is hurt. Turns out he has been shot and Ava enlists her best friend Robby to patch him up. Robby is a med student and not reporting a gunshot wound can ruin his career. But he would do anything for Ava and he does the best he can do. John Paul tells Dimitri he must leave. Ava is heartsick over this (maybe we have discovered who her first love was?) but John Paul will not risk her life because Dimitri lives a secretive life.
“I told him he was putting you in danger. I told him a lot of things. Most of it I can’t remember now.”
Dimitri is back in Ava’s life but there is danger everywhere. The Devil’s Beauty has some heavy issues to deal with-human trafficking, the syndicate, torture and abuse. There are so many secrets that each character hides and when they all come out towards the end-there are twists I didn’t see coming.
I have loved Dimitri Tasarov in some shape or form my entire life,” she murmured. “Since I was ten years old, he’s been my best friend. I don’t know what my life would have been like without him. I don’t want to know.”
Why does John Paul have such animosity for Dimitri? Who is behind the robberies that are plaguing the rich and elite of the town? Why are John Paul and Ava so connected? How far is Robby willing to go to help his friend?
“I can’t give you the better man you deserve.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want a better man. I want you, all of you, the monster, the devil, the man, the lover, the friends. I want all the ugly broken, scared pieces of you, Dimitri, because they fit with mine.”
“Because to love someone, really love someone, you need to have faith in them, even when they do stupid things.”
Ava Emerson is the step daughter of John Paul Morel, a powerful and rich man. Although she can’t stand her mother, Charlotte, Ave adores him and she is the light of his life. Charlotte is cold and calculating and Ava wonders why John Paul married her, yet alone is still married to her.
For the first half of her life, Ava was introduced to people as Charlotte's niece, or a friend's daughter. Ava had been given strict directions never to use the dreaded M word in public.
"I'm not old enough for that," Charlotte would say.
But Ava is bored and is jaded about life and love. She once had love or so she thought, but he left her without a backward glance. At a birthday party her mother threw for her (and then spent the night criticizing everything Ava did) Dimitri Tasarov makes an uninvited appearance. To others he may appear normal but to Ava’s trained eye, she knows he is hurt. Turns out he has been shot and Ava enlists her best friend Robby to patch him up. Robby is a med student and not reporting a gunshot wound can ruin his career. But he would do anything for Ava and he does the best he can do. John Paul tells Dimitri he must leave. Ava is heartsick over this (maybe we have discovered who her first love was?) but John Paul will not risk her life because Dimitri lives a secretive life.
“I told him he was putting you in danger. I told him a lot of things. Most of it I can’t remember now.”
Dimitri is back in Ava’s life but there is danger everywhere. The Devil’s Beauty has some heavy issues to deal with-human trafficking, the syndicate, torture and abuse. There are so many secrets that each character hides and when they all come out towards the end-there are twists I didn’t see coming.
I have loved Dimitri Tasarov in some shape or form my entire life,” she murmured. “Since I was ten years old, he’s been my best friend. I don’t know what my life would have been like without him. I don’t want to know.”
Why does John Paul have such animosity for Dimitri? Who is behind the robberies that are plaguing the rich and elite of the town? Why are John Paul and Ava so connected? How far is Robby willing to go to help his friend?
“I can’t give you the better man you deserve.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want a better man. I want you, all of you, the monster, the devil, the man, the lover, the friends. I want all the ugly broken, scared pieces of you, Dimitri, because they fit with mine.”
April 13, 2020
4.5 Devil Stars!
Loved both of these books, and sad to see them go. I wish there were more in this series I enjoyed them so much. They are both so different from the books releasing lately which makes me like them more. The characters are more realistic, no one is invincible, but they're all strong characters which I love. No unnecessary angst or drama, no OW drama, no weak characters. There was some humor, but this one was more emotional to me, and I may have cried at a couple points.
I loved this book in it's entirety, but there was one thing that annoyed me and it was the timeline, more so in the beginning of the book. The author kept throwing out years and ages, and I'm pretty sure not all of them made sense in the timeline. For example, she was 25, and were apart for 8 years, so they would be apart since she was 17. But then we find out they didn't get together until she was 18, and were together for a year until she was 19 which would make her 27 presently, except we were told she was 25. Then another one was the hero mentioning how he taught her how to use a gun 11 years before which would have made her 14, but then he goes on to say that she had just turned 16. I'm also pretty sure he changed from being 8 years older than her, to 6. So that was constantly happening for half the book, and probably the only thing I didn't really like. It was confusing and I was constantly trying to figure out the timeline. Other than that, great book!
Loved both of these books, and sad to see them go. I wish there were more in this series I enjoyed them so much. They are both so different from the books releasing lately which makes me like them more. The characters are more realistic, no one is invincible, but they're all strong characters which I love. No unnecessary angst or drama, no OW drama, no weak characters. There was some humor, but this one was more emotional to me, and I may have cried at a couple points.
I loved this book in it's entirety, but there was one thing that annoyed me and it was the timeline, more so in the beginning of the book. The author kept throwing out years and ages, and I'm pretty sure not all of them made sense in the timeline. For example, she was 25, and were apart for 8 years, so they would be apart since she was 17. But then we find out they didn't get together until she was 18, and were together for a year until she was 19 which would make her 27 presently, except we were told she was 25. Then another one was the hero mentioning how he taught her how to use a gun 11 years before which would have made her 14, but then he goes on to say that she had just turned 16. I'm also pretty sure he changed from being 8 years older than her, to 6. So that was constantly happening for half the book, and probably the only thing I didn't really like. It was confusing and I was constantly trying to figure out the timeline. Other than that, great book!
July 18, 2016
This chick has done it again. Airicka Phoenix never ceases to leave me with such a book hangover. The Devil's Beauty is one book you dont want to miss out on. It's got it all the hot guys, money, crime lords and lots of hot scenes. Once I started reading this book, I couldnt stop, the author has you in a trance like no other, you can't help but want to know whats coming next from each page, each chapter, each character, you get sucked into this world. Ava and Dimitri's relationship and the events that unfold are nothing less than intense. If I had one complain it would be that I couldnt get enough of them. This is def top 2016 books you must read.
July 18, 2018
I kept picking this up, because I had loved Transcending Darkness and therefore had high hopes for this read, but it just wasn't meant to be.
Really, really disliked the heroine.
Really, really disliked the heroine.
January 31, 2018
I wish I could give it more than 2 rating!
2.5-3 for the first 30ish or so percent. There was so much going on that my head was spinning. And to felt the drama was just unnecessary!
Rest of the book 5 stars all the way! I loved there love story. Their second chance. The love never wavered. You don’t get this sense of life with them not together. You almost feel like no time as passed. Oh the I ending! I cried! I so wish there was more of an epilogue but you still get that sense of forever without it.
2.5-3 for the first 30ish or so percent. There was so much going on that my head was spinning. And to felt the drama was just unnecessary!
Rest of the book 5 stars all the way! I loved there love story. Their second chance. The love never wavered. You don’t get this sense of life with them not together. You almost feel like no time as passed. Oh the I ending! I cried! I so wish there was more of an epilogue but you still get that sense of forever without it.
July 22, 2016
Title: The Devil’s Beauty
Author: Airicka Phoenix
Series: Crime Lord Interconnected Standalones, Book 2
Release Date: July 19, 2016
Genre(s): Dark Romantic Suspense
Page Count: 518
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
“He searched the perfect lines of her features, the sweet curves of her mouth, the adorable way the tip of her nose tipped up just slightly, and wondered how the hell he’d survived without her the last eight years. His sanity deserved some kind of medal for its resistance.”
5 devil stars! Hooked… that’s all I can say!!!
I won’t be giving too much away with my review, I will say that this book is highly addicting. I was sucked in and I had to know what was going to happen! I loved Dimitri and all his darkness and Ava was the perfect balance to him! I can’t elaborate more, but you will be addicted to this book the minute you start reading!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author: Airicka Phoenix
Series: Crime Lord Interconnected Standalones, Book 2
Release Date: July 19, 2016
Genre(s): Dark Romantic Suspense
Page Count: 518
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Dimitri Tasarov has never had a choice in what he was. From infancy, he had been raised with the knowledge that he was a monster, an unlovable creature without a soul, until a single act of kindness threw his entire world into a tailspin.
Ava Emerson had always led a reluctantly sheltered existence. Friendship was a luxury that came with questions she couldn’t afford to answer.
They were an unlikely pair. He lived behind his mask and his roses, and she lived behind her secrets, yet they shared a bond that could get them killed if anyone ever found out.
Times were changing. The city was in turmoil. The weak were unprotected and someone needed to make a stand. But Dimitri wasn’t the only one with eyes on the north, or Ava, and they will stop at nothing to claim them both.
Can Dimitri keep Ava safe, or will the devil fall?
Review:
“He searched the perfect lines of her features, the sweet curves of her mouth, the adorable way the tip of her nose tipped up just slightly, and wondered how the hell he’d survived without her the last eight years. His sanity deserved some kind of medal for its resistance.”
5 devil stars! Hooked… that’s all I can say!!!
I won’t be giving too much away with my review, I will say that this book is highly addicting. I was sucked in and I had to know what was going to happen! I loved Dimitri and all his darkness and Ava was the perfect balance to him! I can’t elaborate more, but you will be addicted to this book the minute you start reading!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
September 23, 2016
Man, that Airicka Phoenix sure can weave a complicated web. The problem with that is that I almost need to make charts and graphs to keep up with all the characters and details. Almost.
I love her writing, though. She can write a long story with a lot of words, but it never really feels drawn out or tedious. She does, however, force the reader to slow down. This is by no means a quick and easy read. You have to savor it slowly.
Being from the U.S., we have certain stereotypes of Canadians that make it hard to stomach some of the violent things that are described in the book. It's both refreshing and unreal to imagine that Canada actually has a crime syndicate. I mean I'm sure they do, but it just goes against what we believe are friendly, fun-loving, peaceful Canadians.
Characters are enjoyable, even the dark ones. I ended up forgiving some seemingly unforgivable flaws of some of the secondary characters. I did remove a star because of an unlikely happenstance of one character who behaved in a way that didn't jive with his personality. I really didn't like that angle at all.
I'm glad this author takes her time to construct her novels. I'm also happy that her writing seems to improve with each new book she crafts.
I love her writing, though. She can write a long story with a lot of words, but it never really feels drawn out or tedious. She does, however, force the reader to slow down. This is by no means a quick and easy read. You have to savor it slowly.
Being from the U.S., we have certain stereotypes of Canadians that make it hard to stomach some of the violent things that are described in the book. It's both refreshing and unreal to imagine that Canada actually has a crime syndicate. I mean I'm sure they do, but it just goes against what we believe are friendly, fun-loving, peaceful Canadians.
Characters are enjoyable, even the dark ones. I ended up forgiving some seemingly unforgivable flaws of some of the secondary characters. I did remove a star because of an unlikely happenstance of one character who behaved in a way that didn't jive with his personality. I really didn't like that angle at all.
I'm glad this author takes her time to construct her novels. I'm also happy that her writing seems to improve with each new book she crafts.
August 25, 2016
*sigh* This book could have been so much better than it was. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for buildup and suspense but that was all this book really was without the payoff of a fantastic ending; instead it was just "meh." The romance part took a backseat up until 75% of the story, and I didn't connect with the H much at all either. He had a lot of romantic thoughts about the h, but they just stayed in his head and he didn't act of any of them cause "it was too dangerous" *eyeroll* Once he did finally decide to be with the h, the book was great! It just had me wishing I had gotten that at around the 30% mark....not the 88% mark...
Read
July 23, 2016ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2021
I like this author but I have to say this one was very long and boring. So much happened and it was so blah. A lot of telling and not enough showing. I expected so much more gangster from a mafia crime boss but he was just..forgettable?…Ava went through a lot and she remained strong but sometimes she just annoyed me…she was so cringy especially with her stepdad and how the love they have was explained. Regardless this was just weak all around with a lack of chemistry.
September 30, 2016
I really wanted to love this book, I did. I loved the first book in the series, Transcending Darkness; sadly I just had trouble getting into the story of The Devil’s Beauty.
There are some points in the story that just don’t make sense to me, the syndicate being one of them. I get what it is in a broad term, but what I don’t get was how Dimitri is able to take over a seat. He then is miraculously all rich and powerful. It didn’t make sense to me. Then there was the thing with his father hating him but loving his stepdaughter Ava. It was finally explained, but it was honestly a horrible reason. It didn’t make me feel any sympathy whatsoever for the father and just made me feel even more horrible for Dimitri.
Ava and Dimitri have one thing in common they both have shitty parents. The fact that Dimitri’s father is also Ava’s stepfather just makes things even more complicated. Yet they have this tragic relationship due to the fact, that Dimitri’s father hates him. I guess the fact that I have known my Step siblings since we were little kids and the thought of having any kind of romantic relationship with them is as vile to me as incest just makes me disengage from this type of story.
I did like Ava’s character. She had a lot of tragedy and heartbreak happen to her. Including being kidnapped and sold into slavery. Yet she remained stoic and strong. No girly breakdown with her. She was pretty tough considering what was going on. Dimitri on the other hand is forgettable to me. There really isn’t anything about him that made him stand out, compared to any other alpha male stories I’ve read.
The Devil’s Beauty is LONG, with over 500 pages. They really don’t start getting down and dirty until almost the end and by that point I was pretty much ready to be done with the book. The only thing really memorable is that they like things on the rough side. But the last scene I skimmed because I was just ready for the book to be over.
Ava and Dimitri being steps sickened me. I don’t know what this new obsession is with this lately but I’m like “eww”. The only saving grace is they weren’t raised together. He could have been the son of a business rival to Ava dad with the same exact effect.
Overall, I was disappointed with this story and never really got into it. If it wasn’t for how well I like Ava, I don’t think I would have finished. As it is this is only going to get 2 Boundless Stars from me. It could have been so much better....Sara
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There are some points in the story that just don’t make sense to me, the syndicate being one of them. I get what it is in a broad term, but what I don’t get was how Dimitri is able to take over a seat. He then is miraculously all rich and powerful. It didn’t make sense to me. Then there was the thing with his father hating him but loving his stepdaughter Ava. It was finally explained, but it was honestly a horrible reason. It didn’t make me feel any sympathy whatsoever for the father and just made me feel even more horrible for Dimitri.
Ava and Dimitri have one thing in common they both have shitty parents. The fact that Dimitri’s father is also Ava’s stepfather just makes things even more complicated. Yet they have this tragic relationship due to the fact, that Dimitri’s father hates him. I guess the fact that I have known my Step siblings since we were little kids and the thought of having any kind of romantic relationship with them is as vile to me as incest just makes me disengage from this type of story.
I did like Ava’s character. She had a lot of tragedy and heartbreak happen to her. Including being kidnapped and sold into slavery. Yet she remained stoic and strong. No girly breakdown with her. She was pretty tough considering what was going on. Dimitri on the other hand is forgettable to me. There really isn’t anything about him that made him stand out, compared to any other alpha male stories I’ve read.
The Devil’s Beauty is LONG, with over 500 pages. They really don’t start getting down and dirty until almost the end and by that point I was pretty much ready to be done with the book. The only thing really memorable is that they like things on the rough side. But the last scene I skimmed because I was just ready for the book to be over.
Ava and Dimitri being steps sickened me. I don’t know what this new obsession is with this lately but I’m like “eww”. The only saving grace is they weren’t raised together. He could have been the son of a business rival to Ava dad with the same exact effect.
Overall, I was disappointed with this story and never really got into it. If it wasn’t for how well I like Ava, I don’t think I would have finished. As it is this is only going to get 2 Boundless Stars from me. It could have been so much better....Sara
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https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
July 13, 2016
The Devils Beauty was such a rush, just amazing!
It featured all of my favorite topics: darkness, pain, murder, sex, kidnapping, love, abuse, and hurt. ( I'm not twisted, but this author may be ( jk!))
Airicka Phoenix certainly knows how to get into a dark mindset and pound out incredible reads! All of her books are on click buys for me,hands down.
AND Oh man! is there a lot of hot sex throughout this story. Talk about squirming in my chair! These scenes were awfully realistic and filled with such passion!
The characters in The Devil's Beauty were full of emotion and intrigue, making me feel slivers of their pain and love along with them! I was sitting on the edge of my seat for most of this story, with my mind reeling with what came next!
The plot and storyline are fantastic and included some major explosions, a HEA and many extremely witty lines! I just love what Airicka Phoenix brings to the reading world and I can't wait for what is next!
It featured all of my favorite topics: darkness, pain, murder, sex, kidnapping, love, abuse, and hurt. ( I'm not twisted, but this author may be ( jk!))
Airicka Phoenix certainly knows how to get into a dark mindset and pound out incredible reads! All of her books are on click buys for me,hands down.
AND Oh man! is there a lot of hot sex throughout this story. Talk about squirming in my chair! These scenes were awfully realistic and filled with such passion!
The characters in The Devil's Beauty were full of emotion and intrigue, making me feel slivers of their pain and love along with them! I was sitting on the edge of my seat for most of this story, with my mind reeling with what came next!
The plot and storyline are fantastic and included some major explosions, a HEA and many extremely witty lines! I just love what Airicka Phoenix brings to the reading world and I can't wait for what is next!
July 31, 2016
#review #NewRelease @AirickaPhoenix
The Devil's Beauty
QueenZany 4.5 Star Review
The Devil's Beauty
by Airicka Phoenix
I'm so excited about “The Devil's Beauty”!!! Yes if you know anything about me. Then you know I'm a complete Mafia Slut.
So of course I had to have this book!! Man it did not disappoint. Storyline somewhat magical! With a death defying love that you can not live without! Yes but utter surreal at the same time. Yup I had a bookhanger by the end.
Arc was provided in exchange for an honest review!
https://plus.google.com/+heatherpollo...
The Devil's Beauty
QueenZany 4.5 Star Review
The Devil's Beauty
by Airicka Phoenix
I'm so excited about “The Devil's Beauty”!!! Yes if you know anything about me. Then you know I'm a complete Mafia Slut.
So of course I had to have this book!! Man it did not disappoint. Storyline somewhat magical! With a death defying love that you can not live without! Yes but utter surreal at the same time. Yup I had a bookhanger by the end.
Arc was provided in exchange for an honest review!
https://plus.google.com/+heatherpollo...
July 19, 2016
I really loved it when Dimitri would tease his woman, it showed that he was actually human, and not all 'I kill people now's type of man', "the forearm lifted a fraction and he squinted at her with one opened eye. “Woman.” His low warning had her biting back a grin." Dimitri is quite the possessive alpha male, "he did look angry now when he turned his attention back to Julian. “Anything happens to her, I don’t give a eff who you are, I will burn your effing life to the ground.” I loved this book, I loved Dimitri.
July 25, 2016
Ms Phoenix's return to the literary world couldn't come soon enough! Her latest installment doesn't disappoint at all. In fact, it excites and it arouses. I love this woman's descriptive words and her writing. I live for it. She makes you feel every breath the character's live. I don't normally read anything of this genre, but this i loved. It is dark yes, but not completely R rated. So if you are not a fan of the dark and twisted this genre usually promotes, i say give The Devil's Beauty a try. 5/5 stars.
July 17, 2016
Wow. Strong lead characters, exciting plot, adventure, heartache, love, loss and a HEA. I started the Devil's Beauty thinking I'd have to start and stop several times. Boy was I wrong. Read the whole thing in one day. I'm now going back to read book one.
I was given a ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2016
I was given a free copy for an honest review
OH MY GOD!!! I am falling off my seat... beside myself. This book has left me speechless. Lots and lots of action, adventure, lust, steamy steamy scene and Crime!!! Mawwahhh! (Evil Laugh) The pages turn all by themselves, and before you know it THE END and you are left sitting there........ with ONE massive book hangover.
OH MY GOD!!! I am falling off my seat... beside myself. This book has left me speechless. Lots and lots of action, adventure, lust, steamy steamy scene and Crime!!! Mawwahhh! (Evil Laugh) The pages turn all by themselves, and before you know it THE END and you are left sitting there........ with ONE massive book hangover.
August 19, 2016
3.75 stars
I liked a lot about this book, but there were some instances where things were mentioned or you would think something was going to happen...and then in the next chapter, it was like it had never happened in the first place. A few things weren't wrapped up, but I still enjoyed it. Especially everything to do with Penny (side character). I'm hoping she gets a story very soon!
I liked a lot about this book, but there were some instances where things were mentioned or you would think something was going to happen...and then in the next chapter, it was like it had never happened in the first place. A few things weren't wrapped up, but I still enjoyed it. Especially everything to do with Penny (side character). I'm hoping she gets a story very soon!
September 30, 2016
2-2.5 Stars at best
Sadly, I didn't quite enjoy this story. It totally had the makings of a great read but the execution of the storyline was flat and boring for me:( I felt like I was skimming to get to any "good" parts!
Unfortunately this was a miss but I am still up for reading more by this author in the future!
Sadly, I didn't quite enjoy this story. It totally had the makings of a great read but the execution of the storyline was flat and boring for me:( I felt like I was skimming to get to any "good" parts!
Unfortunately this was a miss but I am still up for reading more by this author in the future!
Read
August 3, 20162 stars. Review to follow on Boundless Book Review
November 3, 2016
2.5 stars. The plot has too many holes in it. Allot of it didn't make sense. The writing wasn't bad though.
July 24, 2016
A dark fairy tale with sex, violence and some conscience I must clarify a few things before I write this review. First, due to problems with the system I did get the book much later than I expected so I read it at quite a pace and didn’t have time to savour it. I’m also aware that I read an ARC copy and there were some issues I found with the book (that I won’t mention here as I’m sure they won’t be a problem with the definite version published) that might have affected my full enjoyment of the novel. The other thing I wanted to mention is that the novel, described as an NA book, is very sexually explicit (I’d say to the level of erotica, although I’m not a big fan of the genre and don’t read many books on it, so others might not agree). There are between five and six sex scenes (one is divided in two so I’m not sure if I should count is as one or two) some quite long and as I said very explicit, and one that is ‘rough’ although even the protagonist makes the point of saying that she does not enjoy S&M. The book is fairly long so the sex scenes are not a major part of the book, but for me they didn’t add much to the story (and that together with my dislike for this type of writing and with what I felt was the uneasy combination of such scenes with the nature of some of the themes of the book didn’t work for me). In what I think it’s a standard of the genre those scenes stretched the suspension of disbelief for me personally, but I suspect nobody is too worried about what is biologically possible when reading an erotic fantasy.
I was intrigued by the book because of the suggestion that it might have a link to Beauty and the Beast, and in a way it does, although a much darker version (well, not that a monster is not dark), that involves crime families, stormy and highly conflictive family relationships, danger, violence, murder (and murder attempts), sex trafficking, drugs. Kidnappings, blackmail…
The story is told in the third person from the point of view of two different characters, Ava, a young woman whose mother, Charlie, is worse than most fairy tale evil stepmothers (although we only get a few scenes with her), and whose adopted dad (but not her official stepfather for reasons we learn later), Jean Paul, loves her dearly and is very rich. We later also learn that he is a big crime boss. The city where the action takes place is divided in five sectors and Jean Paul is one of the bosses. Dimitri, the man Ava loves, who’s been keeping away from her for eight years for reasons we learn later, is the son of one of the other crime bosses, a Russian woman called Elena. (And if Ava’s mother is a cold and horrible human being, Elena fits into a category of her own. I can’t think of many women who could compete.) He also happens to be the biological son of Jean Paul, but his father wants nothing to do with him and insist he’s a monster. Jean Paul is also determined to keep Ava and Dimitri apart, and theirs is a very extreme version of the star-crossed lovers.
Things don’t work according to Jean-Paul’s plans and once Ava and Dimitri come together again, nothing can separate them, even if Dimitri’s reasons to go back to her are suspect to begin with (he kidnaps her to blackmail Jean-Paul into agreeing to his becoming the boss of the North sector). Everybody around Dimitri and Ava seem destined to get into trouble, as if their coupling created an eye-of-the-hurricane effect, and Ava gets stolen away from Dimitri and sent on a shipment with other women who are being sold away, ending up in Puerto Rico. The subject of sex trafficking is horrific and those chapters make for harrowing reading, even if we’re quite convinced that Ava will survive, because this is her story. She doesn’t get much of a break because she’s shot at, and the subject of many more attacks (that I won’t discuss as I don’t want to give any spoilers).
The action is fairly fast, and we are kept guessing as to who is doing what and even more as to their possible reasons, as there are those who unwittingly might help the bad characters, but also very devious evil people, and the cast of people involved is long indeed. The book flows along at good pace although at some points there are things that seem to be left hanging on to be eventually revisited and solved later. This is not a realistic and gritty book (there is violence, wounds, and fights, although the level of description of the violence is not as detailed as that of the sex scenes, but I think it might be too violent for those who don’t like any such themes) although as mentioned some of the themes are raw and dark, and the way in which these criminals can buy their way out of all their troubles and sort out any difficulties stretches credibility, as it does the seeming indestructibility of the protagonists, but that’s only to be expected from the genre.
With regards to the characters I really liked some of the secondary characters like Penny, Frank or Sayeed, which deserve full books. I liked some aspects of Ava’s character (like her attachment and loyalty to her friends), and enjoyed the couple of times when she took control of the situation, but although no human being could go through her experiences unscathed, I wondered about her sense of morals and the easy way she accepts the situation, especially considering what she has lived through. She is always being rescued by the men in her life (not a plot device I like) and I wondered if the ending (that I enjoyed) quite makes up for the rest. Dimitri, in my opinion, although a bit one-dimensional is a more consistent character, even though his style of possessiveness is not to my taste, but I know I might not be in the majority in that respect. His stunts as ‘the Devil’ when he steals from the baddies to give to good causes make him more sympathetic, and he’s an exciting individual, the forbidden bad-boy who is not quite as bad as he appears to be, although he’s darker than the beast of the fairy tale.
I didn’t realise until I started reading it that this book is part of a series, although it is not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy it as the stories are completely independent.
In summary this is a thrilling book, that treats serious themes, although its focus is on the romance between the two main characters whose relationship causes chaos and danger to everybody around them (and to both of them). It has sex and violence and it’s not my ideal kind of book but I’m sure many will enjoy it.
I was intrigued by the book because of the suggestion that it might have a link to Beauty and the Beast, and in a way it does, although a much darker version (well, not that a monster is not dark), that involves crime families, stormy and highly conflictive family relationships, danger, violence, murder (and murder attempts), sex trafficking, drugs. Kidnappings, blackmail…
The story is told in the third person from the point of view of two different characters, Ava, a young woman whose mother, Charlie, is worse than most fairy tale evil stepmothers (although we only get a few scenes with her), and whose adopted dad (but not her official stepfather for reasons we learn later), Jean Paul, loves her dearly and is very rich. We later also learn that he is a big crime boss. The city where the action takes place is divided in five sectors and Jean Paul is one of the bosses. Dimitri, the man Ava loves, who’s been keeping away from her for eight years for reasons we learn later, is the son of one of the other crime bosses, a Russian woman called Elena. (And if Ava’s mother is a cold and horrible human being, Elena fits into a category of her own. I can’t think of many women who could compete.) He also happens to be the biological son of Jean Paul, but his father wants nothing to do with him and insist he’s a monster. Jean Paul is also determined to keep Ava and Dimitri apart, and theirs is a very extreme version of the star-crossed lovers.
Things don’t work according to Jean-Paul’s plans and once Ava and Dimitri come together again, nothing can separate them, even if Dimitri’s reasons to go back to her are suspect to begin with (he kidnaps her to blackmail Jean-Paul into agreeing to his becoming the boss of the North sector). Everybody around Dimitri and Ava seem destined to get into trouble, as if their coupling created an eye-of-the-hurricane effect, and Ava gets stolen away from Dimitri and sent on a shipment with other women who are being sold away, ending up in Puerto Rico. The subject of sex trafficking is horrific and those chapters make for harrowing reading, even if we’re quite convinced that Ava will survive, because this is her story. She doesn’t get much of a break because she’s shot at, and the subject of many more attacks (that I won’t discuss as I don’t want to give any spoilers).
The action is fairly fast, and we are kept guessing as to who is doing what and even more as to their possible reasons, as there are those who unwittingly might help the bad characters, but also very devious evil people, and the cast of people involved is long indeed. The book flows along at good pace although at some points there are things that seem to be left hanging on to be eventually revisited and solved later. This is not a realistic and gritty book (there is violence, wounds, and fights, although the level of description of the violence is not as detailed as that of the sex scenes, but I think it might be too violent for those who don’t like any such themes) although as mentioned some of the themes are raw and dark, and the way in which these criminals can buy their way out of all their troubles and sort out any difficulties stretches credibility, as it does the seeming indestructibility of the protagonists, but that’s only to be expected from the genre.
With regards to the characters I really liked some of the secondary characters like Penny, Frank or Sayeed, which deserve full books. I liked some aspects of Ava’s character (like her attachment and loyalty to her friends), and enjoyed the couple of times when she took control of the situation, but although no human being could go through her experiences unscathed, I wondered about her sense of morals and the easy way she accepts the situation, especially considering what she has lived through. She is always being rescued by the men in her life (not a plot device I like) and I wondered if the ending (that I enjoyed) quite makes up for the rest. Dimitri, in my opinion, although a bit one-dimensional is a more consistent character, even though his style of possessiveness is not to my taste, but I know I might not be in the majority in that respect. His stunts as ‘the Devil’ when he steals from the baddies to give to good causes make him more sympathetic, and he’s an exciting individual, the forbidden bad-boy who is not quite as bad as he appears to be, although he’s darker than the beast of the fairy tale.
I didn’t realise until I started reading it that this book is part of a series, although it is not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy it as the stories are completely independent.
In summary this is a thrilling book, that treats serious themes, although its focus is on the romance between the two main characters whose relationship causes chaos and danger to everybody around them (and to both of them). It has sex and violence and it’s not my ideal kind of book but I’m sure many will enjoy it.
March 22, 2018
Devil's Beauty was way way too long. Reading the first 38-40% of this book was like pulling teeth. There were things that were disjointed and didn't make sense and things (like entire paragraphs) that didn't add anything or were completely extraneous. Finally about 40% in we start to get an actual story but still the first 40% had swamped it down so much it was hard to discover any enthusiasm for some time. The middle of the book finally has things beginning to happen and some coherency which is a massive step up. Unfortunately, it's really the last 30% that really feels like there's action, suspense and a real love affair to grasp onto. I should've read Transcending Darkness instead since the reviews are more even on that one but I ended up on this and in the end I can't in my right mind give it over 2 1/2 stars. And that's only because the end picked up all the slack one went through for the first half of the book!
July 2, 2017
Honestly I have read better from A. Phoenix. This story fell short, it had so much potential but not that wow factor. It took me forever to read. I left half way through, read another book, then came back. Once I stared it again I pretty much skimmed until I got to the good parts. I just couldn't connect with the story. There really isn’t anything that make the story stand out. Felt horrible for Dimitri the way his father treated him. His reasons were some what justified but at the time he was only a child. His father never got over it. To sum it up, The Devil's Beauty was ok.
December 5, 2017
Another good read by this author. White/White romance.
This is Dmitri and Ava's story. A good read but I am not sure if I enjoyed this story as much as book 1. I intend to read more stories by this author as I enjoy her storytelling.
Definitely worth a read.
This is Dmitri and Ava's story. A good read but I am not sure if I enjoyed this story as much as book 1. I intend to read more stories by this author as I enjoy her storytelling.
Definitely worth a read.
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