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Condemned Beast : Fairytales with a Twist

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Beast

Abandoned on the doorstep of Lumiere, the church that keeps secrets hidden within its walls. That secret is me, Beast. It's the name father Cogsworth gave me when I arrived. The nuns scurry when they see me coming and the priest, he did this to me. He reminded me daily growing up that it was my penance for my family's wrong doings. That I’m the face of evil. And they’re right, when I look in the mirror I see the monster he created. Too bad he didn’t live long enough to see the man I have become.

Reading is the only escape to the life I’m trapped into, it’s my safe place away from the horrors that await me outside its doors, until she shows up, her presence makes me feel and the beast doesn’t do feelings. I break everything that I touch but she isn’t scared of me, I should warn her but what fun would that be.

I want her fear, I crave it and if she tries to run, I plan to catch her and drag her back. She is my freedom, my ticket out of this hell I live daily.

Bella

My name instills fear into people, my father is head of the Amorro clan and a man you can’t say no to, that’s how I’m set to marry Gatson, being a mafia princess I have to do what is expected of me and getting married will bring peace.

I’m told to brush up on our family's history and I’m told the answers lie within the library.

I feel his eyes follow me, he thinks that I don’t know. I enjoy the chase, I always have. Everyone in this town knows who I am, yet he doesn’t look the other way in fear. The void look in his eye sends chills down my spine and I should run as far away as I can, but I have never been afraid of the monsters under my bed, they raised me.

The library holds all the family's secrets within its walls. Ones neither of us intended to uncover. Especially one secret so dark it could send me to my grave.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2023

79 people are currently reading
709 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Barrett

52 books809 followers
Samantha Barrett is originally from Auckland, New Zealand but living in Brisbane, Australia.

Sam writes all things dirty dark and delicious with a side of twisted mind fu*k.

She is a lover of all things red flags and an anti-hero is a must.

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5 stars
131 (51%)
4 stars
81 (31%)
3 stars
30 (11%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Dominique F.
340 reviews33 followers
June 19, 2023
This was sweet. The twist was the least twisty of all the series so far but I still liked their ride and love.

It’s not that the twist was bad. Just it was assumed basically at the beginning. At least I figured.

Anyways. I love this entire series nice read them all and they are all worth the ride
Profile Image for Katie (Katie's Corner Blog).
1,950 reviews67 followers
August 14, 2023
KC Rating: 4.5🍁 | 2🌶️

Who loves a good beauty and the beast retelling? Definitely me! Back in May, when this book was released, i somehow missed it, (there were circumstances behind the whole release, and how the author had to write this one last minute and damn, this book is good!).

This was probably the only fairytale in the series with the least of a twist, i was expecting the RH like in all others, but it is a “normal” MF book. But don’t be disheartened yet, because it is an absolute must read, and will make your panties melt!

Get ready to enter the world of mafia, secrets and meet Beast (Bass) and Bella (Beauty). They are amazing characters, and you’ll love them a lot! Bella was a strong FMC, and i loved reading about her so much! Now Beast was also an interesting character, and while he was pissing me off with some of his choices, i still enjoyed his character, especially when he was taking control of Bella and just ravishing her.
Profile Image for christine .
262 reviews14 followers
April 10, 2023
This retelling of beauty and beast with a mafia twist is sooo good. The way the characters was rewritten to fit the story line will have you drawn in and wanting more. The side characters are great and couldn't help to enjoy them throughout.

Bella is sassy smart mouth nonthing that the beast expects. She feels like she has no say so in what happens in her life until she meets the beast during her lockout. Bella connection with Beast is felt immediately and not forced.

Love how Bella bring a light hearted side of beast out. Make him laugh and want more than being in the shadows. I couldn't help to feel sorry for him as you find out Beast back story.
Profile Image for Lakshmi Praveen.
494 reviews26 followers
April 7, 2023
Well, a re-telling of the beauty and the beast which just blew my mind. I did not expect this story to go the way it did. Was so happy reading this one it hit all the key likes which I enjoyed in a dark romance book. The intrigue, suspense and the smut is just fabulous!! Beauty was so strong and fierce but Beast, yes please that man is just.... The pain he has and what he overcomes is wonderfully depicted. Love this one!!
Profile Image for Sarah Cupitt.
838 reviews46 followers
October 31, 2023
I probably should have finished this the other day when I hit 96%. I'm not sure when I decided this would be the only book I paid for at a convention, but it was good-ish. Ish part for sometimes my brain was like *skip the awfully written chapters for the love of god*. I'm not sure how Sammy came up with the whole Disney/beast/mafia crossover, but it worked for the plot and the library scenes, haha (until the last chapter, I hated the cringe).

(more quotes and notes coming later. I need to go through Post-it notes cause this was a hardcover book and not a Kindle read. RIP. I will return to this later)

Favourite scene:
(coming soon)
- "I shouldn't have been so rough with you." The earnest tone of his voice is the only reason I roll over, I look up at him but can't see shit thanks to the curtains now blocking out the moonlight. He runs his fingers through my wet hair, it's strangely soothing. "I liked it," I whisper into the still nighttime air. He chuckles lightly. "I know."

Funny moments:
(need to update)
- "I can hear you overthinking from here" (lol)
- "Let her go have and (some should've been here, bad typo) fun and I might just let you have some fun."

Smut moments:
(need to update)
- "What makes you think you know what I desire?" She sounds almost breathless. I slip my hands around her waist, loving the gasp that slips free. I lay one hand flat against her stomach while I trail the other up and over her tit as I wrap my hand around her throat. She doesn't fight me, instead she leans her head back against my chest exposing her neck to me.
- My shock allows her the advantage of slipping her tongue inside my mouth, and the moment her taste hits my senses, a need so vile and depraved overcomes me. I deepen the kiss as I finger fuck her, refusing to allow her to break the kiss when she tries to, forcing her to moan into my mouth.
- "Why the fuck would I be careful with you, Beauty, you love it when I fuck you so hard you can't walk."
- "You." Thrust. "Never." Thrust. "Should have." Thrust. "Let me fuck you."
Profile Image for The Bou.
272 reviews16 followers
August 6, 2024
Love this retelling of Beauty & the Beast.
The whole twist was a bit tiring especially every one doing their part on their side and NOT TALKING to each other 🙄
There are several times mention of Bella being punish for what will happened once the truth is told, but not.
I found some parts to be rushed or not well mastered but on and on quite enjoyable
The spicy was amazing 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Both characters are likeable.
This was a new author for me and I am intrigued by her other works now.

✅V heroine
✅ scared hero

❌no cheating
❌no OW drama
Profile Image for Book Life With Jen.
1,250 reviews23 followers
May 3, 2023
If the warning alone on Condemned Beast by Samantha Barrett doesn’t entice you enough to want to dive right in I don’t know what will! You f you’re a fan of dark fairytale/Disney forced proximity retellings featuring a certain rugged angry Beast and the beautiful lady that captures his heart, then this is the one for you!!

This is the story of Bella and her Beast and hello freaking fabulous retellings of all time! This story was absolute🔥and utterly mind blowing! If you love unique retellings with certain dark elements that are full of intrigue, suspense and tons of delicious steamy heat this story delivers all that and more! These characters will utterly capture your heart with how strong, fierce and dedicated they are as they learn ti work together to overcome all the obstacles in their way.

And as always, if you have certain triggers be sure to proceed with caution because Samantha knows how to bring the heat!!! But if you absolutely love all the filthy dirty degrading things then prepare your heart to be shredded by the Beast!
Profile Image for Bre-Book Bre- Landers.
408 reviews9 followers
April 3, 2023
“Here’s where she meets Prince Charming, but she won’t discover that it’s him til chapter three!” – Belle

Literally!!
A Beauty & the Beast Dark Retelling.
As many my age are, I am a major fan of Beauty & the Beast and loved Condemned Beast and the Mafia aspect that came with it.

Beast does not have an easy past. There are constant reminders and in the dark, where he thrives, is how he copes.
Belle is light that Beast is drawn to.
Her fate is set and attached to Gaston. There is no way out.
As the weeks go by, hope seems to become smaller and smaller.

Barrett did a great job with this one and I honestly hope there are more Fairytales With A Twist in the future!
Profile Image for Sharon Brown.
133 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2023
I'm not getting over this book for quite a while thats for sure !!!
I love reading a fairytale retold and this one did not disappoint, Bass is everything, he sucks you into his dark world and you'll find it's a place you never wanna leave !!
This tale of two tortured souls finding an amazing connection and falling into a hot and twisted love affair will keep you hooked, I literally couldn't put it down , I needed to know what happened next.
A good strong female lead is always a pleasure to read, Belle had it all, beautiful inside and out but with strength and courage to fight for what she wanted
I am totally in love with this entire book a truly well deserved 5 stars !!!
Profile Image for Debbie Vanvoorhis gladitz.
82 reviews
April 26, 2023
This is not your Disney fairytale. Lol Beast goes through something traumatic growing up and hides out inside a church called Lumiere in the shadows. Belle is betrothed to marry Gatson. She has to first go to Lumiere for three months to learn all about the families past and present history , before she can go to the Elders for some type of test before she can marry Gatson. But little does she know that Beast is actually watching her. This story was truly amazing. So many secrets come to pass. You mystery , really intense scenes and the sexual chemistry is awe inspiring. Samantha did fabulous writing in this book.
Profile Image for Jasmine Acena.
258 reviews8 followers
April 29, 2023
Let me preface by saying I’m not *usually* into Disney retellings, fantasy romance, monsters, etc. It’s just not my thing… BUT Sam completely flipped this story on its head and I fxcking LOVE it so much. This isn’t your typical Beauty and The Beast fairytale but don’t worry, the MMC’s still get their HEA. And there’s plenty of red, hot spice😏
While a good amount of the story is similar to the original, there are definitely some big time twists (I’d expect nothing less from Sam😉). I was completely surprised by the twist that her absolutely genius brain came up with!
Condemned Beast is definitely the Disney retelling that deserves a spot on your shelf and/or kindle ✨✨✨
Profile Image for Samantha Watson.
111 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2024
Perfect

I did not think this mafia beauty and the beast retelling story would suck me in, but boy, it did. From the plot to the twist and to the very last word had me mesmerized. Bass is the beast who lurks in the shadows, wanting to be unseen due to the scares on his body. Bella is the light that brings him out of the darkness and shows him just how beautiful he is with all his wounds. The romance between the two did not last long. The moment beast started to watch his beauty, he knew she was the one. I wish I could reread this over for the first time again. Thank you, Samantha. I'll forever love this retelling story.
Profile Image for Libby DeLira.
23 reviews
March 13, 2025
A must read spicey Retelling of a tale as old as time...

An amazing story inspired by the classic tale with an adult spicey twist. An engaging and unique Retelling that will have you reading well into the night! I started and once I realized this story not only was well told, well written, engaging, with endearing characters loosely based on the same we've come to know, but also a spicey reteeling told in dual perspective from both the beast's and beauty's perspective I couldn't put it down and read it all in a day! Do yourself a favor and read this book! You'll be glad you did😉
4,226 reviews
May 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Condemned Beast by Samantha Barrett is a dark, compelling twist on the Beauty and the Beast story. Beast, a broken man bound by guilt, finds unexpected connection with Bella, a mafia princess who is just as dangerous as she is intriguing. The tension between the two characters crackles as they navigate their dark worlds, and the exploration of their inner conflicts adds emotional weight. This retelling is raw, intense, and beautifully tragic, blending danger and passion into a story that is impossible to put down. Fans of dark romance with complex, tormented characters will devour this.
Profile Image for Kerri’s Reading Corner.
496 reviews52 followers
April 24, 2023
Condemned Beast is the retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast with a twist. Barrett incorporates the mafia trope with a whole lotta of steam to keep you turning the pages.

Bass (Beast) thrives in the darkness but when Bella shows up on his doorstep, things change. I love their shared moments together in the darkness. The connection they felt almost immediately.

The mafia twist adds a big of darkness and intrigue to the plot. I was fully immersed in this world and read the book in one sitting.

I hope Barrett continues to write more fairytales with a twist.

Profile Image for Nic_key_reads .
518 reviews13 followers
May 2, 2023
Condemned Beast is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a sprinkle of mafia added to it.

Samantha took the classic story of Beauty and the Beast and made it her own.

At first I wasn’t sure about this one. But I stuck with it and I really did enjoy it. I really liked how Samantha used the characters and made them hers. This is a retelling story so you know it’s going to be completely different. Condemned Beast is a dark romance lovers dream.

This is my 10th book by Samantha and she has yet to disappoint me!
Profile Image for Daniela A..
84 reviews
June 1, 2023
I absolutely love this book. It's a beauty and the beast retelling but a steamy one. It has arranged marriage, badass female, mafia, dirty mouth male character and more. It was so well written, that I couldn't put it down and read in one sitting. I don't read much fairytale retelling but this was one of the best ones I read so far. Didn't want it to end. The build up of the story was amazing. There was many loveable characters and hatefulness characters. Wish the story never ended. Can't wait to read more from Samantha.
Profile Image for Nessa.
3,924 reviews71 followers
June 5, 2023
LOVED IT! I never imagined an author would do a beauty and the beast retelling in the mafia genre, but it was interesting. I don't have much time to get into the details, but just know that if you're a BATB fan, you definitely need to pick this up!

The characters were cute and so damned fucking sexy + passionate. The male lead was a growly, dominant and possessive beast, while the heroine was a smart and beautifully submissive woman who wasn't afraid to fight for love.

How could anyone not love this bit of hot and heavy fluff???!!

READ IT NOWWW!!
Profile Image for Angela.
938 reviews38 followers
May 19, 2024
dark yet sweet retelling

Condemned Beast
Fairytales With A Twist book four
Samantha Barrett
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Time to read: 4 hours
HEA
**My review may contain spoilers!!!!!
**Read Trigger Warnings!!!!

Tropes/Genres/tags:
Maf1a
V1rg1n heroine
Dub-c0n
Hero with a dark past
Accidental pregnancy

Beast and Beauty start off extremely rocky but end up falling in love. True to the classic fairytale, Beauty saves Beast but in return he also saves her from a fate she truly did not want nor deserve.
Profile Image for Tessabelle's Book Obsession .
104 reviews25 followers
March 30, 2023
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹/5

To say I was sucked into this retelling was an understatement. I haven't put this baby down all day and I'm completely heart broken its over. I've been through such a roller coaster of emotions, from laughing to crying and of course we can't forget the spicey feelings. 🤭

And yes Sam I fell so damn hard for the beast. Why do you do this to me woman 🤣

I was so fricken lucky to receive an ARC copy from the beautiful heartbreaker Samantha. Do yourself a favour and read this book!
Profile Image for Cora Jane.
Author 12 books251 followers
April 21, 2023
BRING ON THE SPICE

This is such a unique and steamy retelling of beauty and the beast. It’s a mafia romance, where Bella must decipher between what she really wants. She obviously wants out of her current situation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that she wants to insert herself into another complicated scenario. A scenario that will mess with her head, soul, and body, leaving her wanting more with every encounter.
609 reviews16 followers
April 30, 2023
Condemned Beast is such an amazing book with a story of the retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It was sooooo good. I love all the smut in the book. I’m so glad Bella and Beast (Bass) met and fell in love. It reminded me of Beauty and the Beast with a mafia twist. You did it again Sam. Your books are always so good. Can’t wait for your next one. Thank you for providing me with an ARC. I really appreciate it. Your the absolute best 🥰🥰💯💯
Profile Image for Sonya.
1,301 reviews59 followers
May 4, 2023
Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite Fairytales but a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a Mafia vibe is EVERYTHING!!!

Expect to find:

Enemies to Lovers
Virgin FMC
Abused FMC
Scarred & Broody MMC
OTT Possessive MMC
Meddling & Nosey Friends/Allies
Marriage of Convenience
Warring Mafia Families

If you want a dark retelling full of Angst, Tension, Secrets, Violence, Spicy and a love beyond anything imaginable then this is your next dark Fairytale.
Profile Image for Terry Wilson.
142 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2023
dark & twisty fairytale

Love this take on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. It’s mixed in with a mafia style story. The characters interact well throughout the story and the plot progresses nicely. I didn’t see some of the twists and turns which is always nice to get surprised while reading. The steamy scenes are noteworthy for sure! This is by far my favorite version of this retelling to date!
669 reviews5 followers
July 28, 2023
I love Beauty and the Beast retellings, and this one sure didn't disappoint! I loved the whole story, the character and world building and of course the spice! I'm so happy that Belle and her Beast got their HEA. I loved the way they immediately fell for each other and couldn't resist the attraction. The hot scenes were spicy, and everything had me cheering on the good guys. I thoroughly enjoyed this twist on my all time favourite fairytale!
Profile Image for Savannah.
290 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2024
Definitely not your Disney fairytale

Do you ever have those moments where you love the MMC but also want to scream at him simultaneously? Yup that was me most of the book. I'm not normally big on fairytale retellings but this sold me! I loved Bella and Bass' chemistry from the beginning. But reading her relationships with the other people in Lumiere brought her character to life for me!
Profile Image for Brenda.
725 reviews23 followers
May 2, 2023
Beauty and the Beast is my absolute favorite fairytale, and Samantha Barrett did not disappoint!
Beauty and the Beast, with steam, darkness and a mafia element, absolute perfection! I was hooked from the beginning.
"Fairytales with a Twist" I can only hope Samantha Barrett writes more of these.
Profile Image for Kacie Mummawh0reads.x.
738 reviews27 followers
May 14, 2023
This was the first proper fairytale retelling I’ve ever read and i was always hesitant because I didn’t know if anyone would compare to the originals! And I must admit I was pleasantly surprised with how well Sam retold Beauty and the Beast! This is a dark romance and has content with may disturb some readers. But you all know how much I love my DR Books! 😈
Definitely worth a read!

4⭐️
Profile Image for Country Mama.
1,432 reviews63 followers
May 29, 2023
I loved this beauty and the beast re-tell with the mafia addition! I am such a fan of Beauty and the Beast and I also love mafia books y'all so this one was right up my alley!

I love a dark book and this one was great! This is the story of Belle and her Beast and I loved the characters. They were so perfectly done!
155 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2023
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast! I love the Disney story and movie. I wasn't sure how I would like this retelling, but after reading the blurb for this book I had to check it out as it had me wanting to know more!!
I'm so glad I did cause I loved it, the whole Mafia twist amaze balls!!!! Sam you had me from the first chapter!!
Do yourself a favour and read this book!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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