My Brutal Beast

by Melissa Cummins

I've been captured by a monster...and I just might let him keep me.

One night out, one innocent conversation, and now I'm lying on the ground fighting for my life. No one realizes I'm missing. No one's coming to save me.

Until a brutal winged beast eviscerates my attackers, saving me in a spray of blood.

In one night I go from my mundane, unfulfilling life, to living in a castle with a monster who vows to claim me as his own.

I know I should resist his forbidden embrace. But I'm irresistibly drawn to his darkness, and dangerously close to falling for this brutal beast.

I'm playing with fire, on the brink of burning, but for him? I'm willing to be destroyed.


Dark monster romance, beauty & the beast retelling

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Monsters, Novella, Dark Romance, Dark, Monster Romance

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2023

About the author

Melissa had a difficult time speaking as a child, and thus writing became her best friend. There she learned the power of emotion, how to communicate heartbreak, sadness, tragedy, and still hope for something better: the happy ever after.

She loves to write imperfect, possessive heroes, that will risk their lives for those they love, strong heroines that can hold their own, and steamy scenes that grab you by the throat and bring you to your knees.

Melissa lives in a small town off the coast of Egypt, and is a huge mythology buff, with a love of all things magical, supernatural, paranormal, and steeped in lore and fantasy. When she is not writing Melissa can be found singing and dancing her heart out, or up, late at night, contemplating space and the universe with a large cup of tea.

Want to find the latest deals, read bonus content, and get exclusive sneak peaks to character art and books? Visit my website here!

Reviews

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 "I am yours, and you, little star, are completely mine."

TROPES:
~beauty and the beast retelling
~monster hero
~fated mates
~KINKY
~touch her and die
~virgin H

Cassandra is having a rough night. She's coming to the realization that her friends are just using her, so she decides to leave the bar early. What she doesn't know is that someone spiked her drink. In a dangerous situation, she hopes for a knight in shining armor but what she gets is a beast. A beast who soon becomes obsessed with her.

"Her soul is pure light, sparkling, immaculate. In all my years, I have never seen anything like it. She is a kaleidoscope of colors, equally bright and glowing, and her darkness is just as pure."

He quickly saves her and takes her back to his home. He's a monster with no name (yet) and has wings, webbed feet, scales, a tail, and fangs. He can change his appearance but doesn't hide anything from Cassandra. He realizes that she's his fated mate and strives to care for her. He's OTT but in the best possible way. The things he says are the sweetest!!

"I would wage wars, burn the world to ash, and sacrifice my life all to have her like this. She is my Helen of Troy, my weakness and salvation."

But don't worry, Cassandra says sweet things too!

"He's my blessing, my guiding light. He deserves the world-and so help me, I'm going to give it to him."

Cassandra more or less jumps into the relationship. I think the reasoning here is that she's been through so much that she needs a happy ending... with lots of orgasms. And man, does he give her lots of orgasms.

"That's my good girl. Now take your monster's cock and come all over it."

I really, really enjoyed this. I love that Cassandra gave Raven his name. There's a tiny bit of angst, some drama, & triggers and kinks galore. I was so honored when I got this ARC! It was right up my alley because I adore Beauty and the Beast retellings. This one was fantastic and I will be reading it again!

SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate?: heroine isn't a virgin, but the hero IS!
OM/OW?: slight OM, but Raven handles them
Cheating/sharing?: no
Triggers: from the warning in the book- physical/mental/emotional abuse (not by H), SA, violence, murder, blood drinking, decapitation, fatphobia, manipulation, kidnapping, discussions of trauma, negative self-worth, pregnancy (in epilogue), depression, alcoholism, child abuse & neglect.
Kinks: dubcon, CNC, praise, pleasure dom, breath play, multiple orgasms, knotting, breeding, primal play
HEA? yes!!

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome spin on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale!!!!
I've never read it done this way which made it unique. Cassandra is a beautiful plus size beauty who was abused by her own father after her mother left her and her father and he took out his frustration on her because she wasn't perfect enough and no matter what she did it wasn't enough. Unloved by her father and being lonely had her growing up scared emotionally and being used by her so called best friends! They used her and she put up with it for years! Until one night they encouraged her to meet them for drinks and dinner but it became a shit show with them sticking her with driving them from bar to bar and even sticking her with the tab. As Cassandra sat their feeling sorry for herself a handsome guy acted like he was interested in her but he drugged her and him and buddy were planning on raping her but out of the blue came her savior all 8"5 foot of him with gray skin and sharp features who litterly tore them apart! Raven has walked the earth for thousands of years protecting humans and with all evil he's seen it has darkened his soul and without his mate he doesn't know how much longer he can keep the darkness away.But tonight he's on the edge and is being pulled to something and when he sees Cassandra's aura he knows his found his mate! By the description I'd say Raven is a gargoyle he has gray skin,fangs,wings and a very naughty tail!!😂 He's so fucking sweet that you can't help but love him!!! He's shy but intense and will set you on fire in bed!!! I've always had a thing for gargoyles and this one is delicious and while he can be gentle he can also be a total beast in bed!! Cassandra is a great character who started out kind of poor me but when you know her story and see her come to life with love and some really awesome primal sex it changes her personality and your happy for her and Raven both! At the end of the book is also a chance to see some bonus scenes that were edited and they were awesome too. This is my first book by Melissa Cummins and it made me want to check out more of her books. This is a great short quick read and I loved both the writing style and the characters. Until next time Luv's💕💋

[kaleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Virgin H/ non virgin h
She’s his first kiss and first everything
No OW
no detailed mention of her past
OM drama- she goes to a bar and two guys who she wasn’t interested in drugged her but the H saved her

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ .75

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story from a novella and nice BATB retelling. The spice, the characters, I just wanted more to read! May be a harsher critic because I love the story so much. I did enjoy the read and it keeps you on your toes!

I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!

[readingwithliliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ★

I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions below are my own! 🫶🏼

“𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳, 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦.”

tropes:
➺ beauty and beast retelling
➺ monster romance
➺ fated mates
➺ touch her and d!e

Cassandra is having a terrible night and goes through the realization that her “friends” are just using her. She decides to leave the bar, but unfortunately she’s put in a terrible situation where she’s left defenseless. The fear of no one coming to save her goes through her mind, until a brutal winged beast saves her, who she later feels drawn to.


“…𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦, 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘺, 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘮.”

I literally devoured this up! As soon as I started this novella, I couldn’t put it down. This was a great retelling of The Beauty and the Beast and left me wanting more. I would recommend this to anyone that loves “touch and her d!e” vibes, while also being the most caring person in the world and only for her.

*make sure to read trigger warnings*

[Obsessedwithbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's a shame that it's only a short novella. You could write such a great story with the characters. The writing style is perfect. I like the protagonists. Why wasn't it made into a 400-page book? It would be a perfect storyline. The approach to the story would already be there. All you need are the details and you've got a perfect book!!! I'll definitely read some of the author's other books.

[Michelle Delp (Fazio) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really quick, darker, beauty and the beast retelling with a happily ever after. It is a novella so I’m forewarning you all that it’s under hundred pages. And while, it was a short and quick read, it was SO good. The spice? Perfection. The mated fates aspect? Also perfection. Our MMC and FMC were perfect for each other and their love was really beautiful and sweet. I wish it was longer. Happy reading all!

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short (and very spicy) novella was honestly perfect. It delivered a delightful storyline, character motivations, and plenty of spice.

Cassandra is a lonely woman and is treated poorly by those around her.

Creature has been a part of the darkness for so long, would he know happiness if he found it?

Cassandra is a relatable character and I loved her character arc through the story. I think many of us could learn a lesson from the epiphanies she experienced.

This story includes these themes just to name a few.

💀Instalust
💀Need to protect
💀Fated Mates
💀Monster Love
💀Wingspan

*As always, check your TW*

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Neyhouse · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the hell was even that.

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Arc review*
When I say I ate this novella up, I mean it. This was a Beauty and the Beast retelling I didn't know I needed. It perfect mix of plot and spicy and so easy to read. I definitely want more of
Cassandra and Raven's story!!

[PleaseGoAwayImReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I love retellings and reimaginings so this was fun to read. It was, however, very, very short so naturally my brain was left wanting more: more on Cassie’s history, more on Raven’s history, and just more of them together beyond the HEA in this novella. Having said that, I enjoyed the instalove, touch her and d!e vibes, and the spice was pretty yummy. If you want some dark romance action with the instalove, touch her and die, creature vibes that is also a super quick, spicy read then give this one a look!

N.B. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Di Salvio · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This is a book club read.

I don’t read dark romances. I’m not the kind of reader for this kind of book…. but I liked it.

I’m going to start with the positive.

The writing is good. You can feel the emotions. Some sentences hit real deep in your heart. But at the same time, some repetitions in sex scenes were a bit much. The « she cries out » was driving me insane. But overall, it’s well written.

The characters were likeable. Cassandra deserved more space in narration, because she suffered a lot. And Raven is a creature, but not a monster. I found him sweet. He’s devoted to Cassandra and sometimes in those books, I hate it, but this time, I found it really sweet.

The story itself was great. The problem was the length of it. It deserved 200 pages more to not jump into a relationship in 15 minutes. To dive more into Cassandra and Raven’s past. To build around them not just telling us and just get away with it between sex scenes. The potential of the story deserved more that 86 pages. So yes the story was really good, it’s a wonderful retelling of beauty and the beast I might say, but it could have been perfect with more to the story and a slower pace.

But the thing I’m most upset about this book, was the price of it. Normally I don’t talk about prices in review, but this one, I will.

The book was good, but 20$ for 86 pages, even if it’s good writting, even if the story isn’t bad, even if the sex scenes aren’t cringe, is a scam. It’s not worth the price. Not for the length of the book, I’m sorry. No matter how good you write, that’s way overpriced. Especially in self-publishing where the author did the cover herself and that Amazon take the printing price out of royalties. If you take out the money she might have put for editing, we are looking at a 75% royalties every book she sells. I understand the fact of making money for your work, but for me it felt like greed.

And for that reason, I can’t trust this author again. Even if she writes well.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a little sad this wasn't a full length novel because it has amazing potential to really kick off an awesome story.


While it was sweet and Raven is an absolute sweetie of a monster (exactly what I asked for). It was very insta love and would have liked a smoother transition. And then I say insta love... I mean full on 100% acceptance dude has a tail and fangs without any kind of explanation...

I mean, until after the fact..we get an expectation. But there is not good transition from 'holy crap to lovers'

Things were just accepted way t0o fast even for a novella. I wanted more.

Besides that, it was a super cute, insta love romance between human and monster.

[Shiny Ruins · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

I know for such a short story that things have to happen quickly but a little finessing between the beats would have made it all flow better.

Raven is adorable, golden retriever demonish MMC isn't something that I knew I needed but I do now.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:

This book has some of my favorite dirty triggers. Tail play? Check. Knot? Check. Breeding kink? Check. I do love how imaginative this fairytale retelling is. Don't take the length of this novella as any indication of quality.

I feel a kinship with Cassandra. A woman who feels the need to work themselves to death to earn enough money to be happy. On top of that, feeling unworthy from the trauma of childhood and being treated like a pawn in other people's lives. If anyone deserves a hot, protective, OTT monster mate, it's her. I love that even though she doesn't feel she's worthy of Raven's love, she still wants to work on herself to try to be. That is real growth.

It was poetic that Raven didn't have a name before Cassandra. Almost like he really wasn't living until he met her. I think Raven has to be the perfect fantasy boyfriend. Willing to do anything in his power, buy anything, do anything, and kill anyone he has to so that his woman will be happy. Where, though, did Raven learn to be such an affirmation giving and emotionally supportive guy if he claims he knows nothing about human emotion? Obviously monsters are just born different, I'm a little jealous.

I loved that it showed two beings who believed they were tarnished and broken in very different ways coming together and completing each other. It really is the dream.

Overall, an amazing quick read, especially for halloween. It has gore, a monster, and dirty sex. What more could a girl want?

[Kirsten Van Hooland · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Brutal Beast is a short, but very spicy Beauty and the Beast-retelling.
Cassandra comes to the conclusion that her “friends” only use her. As she tries to leave the club, she feels dizzy and strange. Her nightmare becomes reality: someone spiked her drink. Before blacking out completely she is saved by a beast, who will become obsessed with her. What happens next, is for you to find out!
The characters are very likeable and the chemistry between Cassandra and Raven is so hot!
I am an absolute fan of Raven! Can he get any cuter? Oh my god!
I was hooked from the very beginning of this book! This was the fourth book I’ve read of Melissa Cummins and she keeps surprising me! I absolutely love her writing style!
Tropes: touch her and you die, fated mates, monster hero.
5⭐️ (ARC-review)

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I gobbled this novella up so fast. 4.5 stars. Monster Smut always has a place in my heart, and the smut was SPICY! Cassandra is a curvy black woman with a history of childhood and friendship trauma who I totally relate to. Creature/Raven is perfect; I love a cinnamon roll monster who will kill for his woman. The insta-love felt fated and tugged at my heartstrings. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick, spicy read.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Brutal Beast by Melissa Cummins is a Dark Monster Romance; a retelling of Beauty & The Beast. I might be a bit bias with this review as I’m already a fan of this author’s writing and the world that is written. This novella is no different, I was immediately hooked. This was such an amazingly well done read, I loved it! I related so much to Cassandra with her feelings of being unworthy. I really liked Raven’s character and how he treated her. I loved his honesty. I was so interested in this story that it kept my attention to the end and I enjoyed all the little twists and turns. This was great and I throughly enjoyed reading this couple. I can’t recommend this book enough.

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars.

[Aya Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I actually really enjoyed this. There were only a couple of things that I didn't like, but those are things that just aren't for me. Over all this was steller Raven was in my mind almost perfect and who doesn't want a guy with a built in vibrating clit stimulator?

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short novella, the only downside it's to short! It had a great Beauty and the Beast vibe to it.
When Cassandra came to the Creature and he asked her to name him, my heart swelled with emotion. And when he adopted Cassandra's last name as his own — Raven Leon — it was such a beautiful moment! The happy ending was just perfect! Even though Raven is so big, it was hilarious to think about him trying to hide while he was following Cassandra around.
Overall, it was a good read and would make the most amazing story in its longer version.

[Ciru · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm, spicy hug.

I love that it was short. It's spicy. But most of all, I loved that Cassandra was a black girl and the depth to her depression/realizing who her "friends" were. Raven was also a sweet monster with her and deadly monster to others, it was very sweet.

Loved it!

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a steamy paranormal novella with a curvy fmc. As it's a novella the story moves very fast but it's done well. I really enjoyed the characters and hope to see them pop up for cameos in other books.

[Elvira · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the prologue to the epilogue this book was encapsulating! It’s short BATB retelling and I do wish there was a little more to this story but I truly loved it just the way it is. Once I started this book I could not put it down and finished the whole thing in one sitting. It’s kinky, invigorating and exciting and I can’t wait to see what else Melissa puts out into the world!

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good short novella. I felt for Cassandra and what she went through in her life. I was very happy once things progressed with Raven. I wish I could run into a Monster who wanted to keep me and cherish me for life! 🥰 Definitely recommend this if you just need something quick to read.

[Kristina DeNoble · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC.

This book is a short novella BATB retelling. It follows our main character, Cassandra, who is struggling with past trauma and current toxic relationships. After a series of extremely unfortunate events, her hero, Raven, comes and saves her from being assaulted. They end up falling in love and Raven takes incredible care of Cassandra, helping her heal from her past.

While I understand this is quite a short novella, the speed in which Cassandra falls in love with Raven is concerning. Within 24 hours she is drugged, nearly assaulted by strange men, and then rescued and falling in love with Raven. This is definitely an instalove story.

I feel if this was a little bit longer, some areas could be better explained with time and some more plot. The premise is there. The characters are interesting and stand on their own, but the story line I felt just needed more time for development to make this feel a little more believable (even from a fantasy standpoint, Cassandra should have been questioning a lot more things, like how he has wings and a tail, and where she is). Overall, I feel the writing is done well, I just think it should have been a little bit longer to help better explain some major points.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You have the most brilliant, radiant soul I have ever seen, and while I don’t deserve you, I will try my hardest to. If you will teach me, I vow to spend eternity cherishing you.”
…
My Brutal Beast was a fantastic take on Beauty and the Beast. It’s dark, violent, and has a scarred monster finding love in a woman he rescued. I give this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!

This was the first book by Melissa I’ve read and oh my god, she’s such a great author! I was subscribed to her newsletter and preordered this book through her website. I love that more authors are using this as an option for obtaining their books. I’d much rather support an author this way than through Zon.

Back to the book! I LOVED IT! It was so dark and gritty. Raven struggles with the darkness inside him. His purpose in life is to be a guardian, to protect those who need it most (he’s like a gargoyle). When he rescues Cassandra from being attacked in an alleyway he never expected to feel any emotions for a human. He can tell she’s his mate, but now he has to figure out how to keep her.

Cassandra is also struggling in life. She’s never been truly loved or appreciated. She’s taken advantage of by friends and she’s just sick of it, but doesn’t know what to do. Ending up with Raven in his castle after he rescues her is terrifying at first. But she comes to see his struggles too.

They open up to one another and during their time together they realize their souls are meant to be together. They both find the happiness and freedom that life has to offer by being together. Their love was so strong and I really enjoyed watching it unfold.

The spice is hot hot hot!
🌹 Monster gargoyle/human pairing
🌹 Virgin MMC
🌹 Primal play
🌹 Tail play
🌹 Fangs
🌹 Praise
🌹 Knotting
🌹 “Touch her and die”

[Samantha Ketchum · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am yours, and you, little star, are completely mine”

🥀 Beauty and the Beast Retelling
🥀Dark Monster Romance
🥀 Plus sized FMC
🥀 Touch her and 💀
🥀 Primal Play
🥀 Fated Mates
🥀 Monster MMC

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️🌶️

Meet Cassandra, she is a beautiful plus sized woman who is having one of the worst nights of her life. Her friends, or should say “so called” friends yeah they’re totally assholes that only call when they want something from her and use her. She decides to go out with her friends only because of guild to meet a man at a bar they go out to. She goes to leave only to discover the man who she thought was begin kind to her spiked her drink. She soon becomes light headed and very unwell. She’s in danger and hopes that someone will come to save her…

Meet Raven, he’s the monster who had no name till he meet Cassandra. He didn’t plan on going out that night but something Cassandra was pulling him towards her. He sees what’s going on and saves her from the man who has spiked her drink. He soon realizes that she is his everything and will do absolutely anything to make her happy.

This book was so extremely good, I freaking loved it. I have been in such a book slump and this brought me right out. I love a dark romance retelling. This book truly doesn’t disappoint. For my first ever monster 🌶️🌶️🌶️ I loved it!!! I really hope that there is more in the further with Cassandra and Raven.

[Gail Collyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet and spicy

Really enjoyed this story of two lost souls coming together. Sweet “beast” character who loves passionately. What’s not to enjoy? I enjoyed the author’s writing style and will be looking at more of her work. Recommended.

[ilabeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, I'm going to start by saying that this book was actually a cute one to read if you want a insta-love, supportive partner, finding courage and happily ever after story. Not to mention, THE SPICE! I'm for sure a new fan for Melissa. I've always enjoyed Monster Romances and this was a really good retelling, especially because I love BaTB. Read your TWs!

Quote: "Tell me what you want, my little star, and I will move the heavens and the earth to get it for you" - Raven

The FMC, Cassandra, goes through some hardships and MMC saves her. Cassandra has a lot of trauma and I can't help but feel for her. There's not a person I don't know, that hasn't gone through what she's gone through. I enjoy that emotional connection I can feel with the FMC. She's strong but got taken advantage of a lot. Always trying to fit in and not upset anyone that she was basically a doormat.

MMC has been around for generations, he's an ancient sweetheart and doesn't even have a name. He saved FMC from what could have turned out to be a very terrible ordeal. She names him Raven and he finally has his own identity. Cassandra turns out to be his fated mate and he's just feral for her. I could not get enough of how much he really cared for her. Like, can I have a Raven too please? Their time spent together was sweet to read.

I love how positive and healthy their relationship is from the start. Raven has never been with a woman, but he for sure knows how to treat one right. The spice was top-knotch. I wish the book was longer but I do plan on buying the physical copy if there ever is one XD

There are other characters in the book that have their own stories, from what I read, and I plan to read those soon as well.

I am leaving this review voluntarily for receiving an ARC copy :)