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Dragons of Viria #1

Beautiful Beast

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Standing in front of a dragon means dying by fire, but the heart knows there’s more than one way to burn.

Humans and dragons are at war, and I am a pawn in the battle.

Princess of a dying land, my life is not my own, and a marriage to a vicious, dragon-hunting prince will save my people from deadly famine or death by fire.

But before I can vow my life to a monster, dragons drop screaming from the sky with a single aim. End the alliance. Kill me. I welcome the flames, relieved to burn instead of rot.

But the flames never come.

One look in the dragons' eyes, and they carry me away. Three dragons whose gaze burns with hunger and fills me with fire.

They're not what we were taught, and every passing day I learn more of the truth. Dragons are not the enemy we thought they were.

Still, one question for centuries no one has stood before a dragon and survived. If these dragons were sent to kill me, why am I still alive?

Beautiful Beast is the first book in a why choose trilogy. All content warnings are available on the author's website.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

926 people are currently reading
1691 people want to read

About the author

Devyn Sinclair

37 books1,566 followers
Devyn Sinclair writes steamy Reverse Harem romances for your wildest fantasies. Every sexy story is packed with the right amount steam, fiery hot men, and delicious happy endings.

She lives in the wilds of Montana in a small red house with a crazy orange cat. When Devyn's not writing, she spends time outside in big sky country, continues her quest to find the best lemon pastry there is, drinks a lot of tea and buys too many books. (Of course!)

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5 stars
910 (43%)
4 stars
654 (31%)
3 stars
387 (18%)
2 stars
97 (4%)
1 star
22 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
Profile Image for Elina Tola (Bookeliina).
431 reviews65 followers
Read
July 9, 2024
My own fault, to read a book without checking Goodreads first.
It is a good book, a bit spicy and with dragons.
My problem?
It ends on a cliff-hanger and there is no release date for the next book.
Profile Image for CozyReaderDevan.
74 reviews49 followers
May 24, 2024
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 4.5/5

I really enjoyed this read! This is a reverse harem with Dragon shifters, mates, new beginnings, and a lot of spice! The writing was well done and very descriptive, it allowed me to immerse myself into the story.
The characters in this book didn't bother me at all, which is a wonderful surprise to see! I find there is always at least one member of the harem that I can't stand in the beginning, but I found myself understanding the motives behind them not being very welcoming in the beginning (trying to kill her and all). They each became utter teddy bears once they allowed themselves to accept the growing bond between themselves and Lena. Not to mention, they worship the ground she walks on.
Our FMC, Lena, is a wonderful fmc to read in the perspective of. She is innocent, but also ruthless if need be. She always keeps her head held high even when everything comes crashing down around her. I do hope I see her kick some ass in the next book and get stronger.
I thoroughly enjoyed the side characters that were allies with Lena and her Dragons. Idraol was probably my favorite. I have never read about a character who was as fluid as they were. They were loyal throughout the whole story and hope to see much of them in the next book. I would also like to know where I can get my very own Vari! A tiny dragon companion?! I need it now.
I believe there was a good amount of worldbuilding in book 1. Enough that I was able to keep up with what was happening in the story. I do hope to learn more about the Fallens in the next book.
The only thing I wish was different was the pacing in the story. There were some things I believe were too rushed and other things that were too flushed out. An example would be them becoming mates. I would have liked to see it spaced out more.
I am super excited to pick up the next book when it comes out! That ending was insane and I need to know what happens next!
Profile Image for The_Book_Brat.
943 reviews162 followers
May 1, 2024
*Reverse Harem
*Fantasy
*Multi-PoV
*Dragons
*Princess FMC
*Enemies
*Fated Mates
*Insta connection
*Mid-Slow Burn
*Established Harem (3)
*1/3
Dragons galore!
I really enjoyed this first book of this planned trilogy it’s got everything to keep you hooked! A waging war between the humans and dragon kind with some absolute @&)!? at the helm, who also happens to be a threat to our leading lady! Our FMC herself has certainly got a mystery about her in terms of what is she up to but also what is the draws these beasts in 😮 the men of the book are certainly different and stand out from each other which is good! Endre is the leader of their trio and is the broody one with a past who will do anything for those in his inner circle - if you’re out beware but once you are in boy will he go to bat for you 😍 Zovai is the more playful of the bunch, he’s like a giant puppy dog in his energy just in dragon form and does not want to let his new human go 🥰 then there’s Sirrus who is probably the more reserved and level-headed of the three but is no less obsessed with Kat ☺️ They are extremely suspicious of our FMC at first but they soon become obsessive and protective of her, and the more they learn of their own history they realise there may actually be more to their connection than meets the eye….and they might need that with the troubles they are facing from both human and their own dragonkind 😖
Profile Image for britta ⋆˙⟡.
474 reviews64 followers
Read
August 8, 2024
40% lost interest. started out with some pep but became slow and repetitive with eye rolling OW drama. couldn’t tell MMCs apart.
Profile Image for Mandy Sickle.
1,463 reviews152 followers
May 10, 2024
I received Beautiful Beast in return for a honest review from Chaotic Creatives Influencers.

Lena is set to be married to a man who is as brutal as they come, forced into a marriage she doesn't want but at the very last minute she's kidnapped by dragons. Suddenly everything has changed as three dragon shifters who were sent to kill her find themselves face to face with their mate. Will they be forced to kill Lena or will they be bound to her forever?

Gosh I love Lena so much she's such a great character, you can't help cheering her on through her adventures with her trio of dragon shifters. I think her dragon's are just perfect for her they each complement the other as they have been bound for many years. She's just what they needed as the world is slowly dying. However, danger is looming in the distance as war is just around the corner.

I devoured Beautiful Beast in just one session I was captivated right from the start and couldn't put it down. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help loving Lena and her men. I'm obsessed with the story it's beautifully written and the author does an amazing job telling a captivating story. I've only read a few of the authors books but I'm a huge fan she's a very talented storyteller and I'm quickly working my way through her backlist. She's one of my new favorite authors and a autobuy for me. This is a cliffhanger that left me screaming at the book as I read the last page. I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment. Highly recommend if you like a why choose steamy fantasy romance.
Profile Image for Melo.
831 reviews19 followers
June 4, 2024
DNF

This book starts out promising, the heroine has some fight in her and manages to be likable. Problem for me was the three dragons, they read like the same person. Their POVs don't help set them apart, seeing as they are all thinking the same thing, basically it's a bundle of repetition. When I started skipping more than reading I gave up.
Profile Image for CiCi | bookameme.
844 reviews50 followers
May 19, 2024
It captured all my attention!

I loved this story from the very beginning, Lena was cool AF. Her character marched to her own beat, was an independent thinker, and had an indomitable spirit. In short, I love her. And her harem of lovers 🥵

Some of the tropes you will see:
🔥 Why Choose
🐉 Angsty AF
🔥 Touch Her & ☠️
🐉 Suspenseful
🔥 Spicy
🐉 Soulmate
🔥 Jealous/Possessive
🐉 DRAGONS and more....

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 💙💙💙💙💙
Why Choose Romantasy: Dragon Shifters, Touch Her & ☠️, Runaway Bride, Soulmates, The Chosen One, Dragons and magic
First Person, Past Tense, Multi POV
Profile Image for Frida.
661 reviews25 followers
May 5, 2024
In a world where humans and dragons once lived peacefully together, a mortal conflict between the two races is brewing. Three dragons have kidnapped Princess Katalena Isabel Arslan Savea, who was to be married to Crown Prince Andaros of Craisos. The marriage would have solidified a human alliance and ultimately threatened the Dragonkind. The princess, now held captive, is expecting the worst. However, fate has different plans for her and the three mysterious dragon-shifters – Endre, Sirrus, and Zovai.

After dipping myself in several of Sinclair's books, I was prepared for her remarkable storytelling. She excelled in crafting the fantasy world and nurturing the relationships between the four protagonists. The dynamics between them evolve with each interaction, and the book is a thrilling rollercoaster of action and suspense. Sinclair's intricate details keep readers engaged, and her story takes unexpected turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Lena, also known as Katalena, is a formidable and resilient female lead. Her endearing nature and compassionate spirit make her instantly likable. Lena's refusal to accept her predestined path adds depth to her seemingly innocent character, unveiling her fierce spirit and unyielding resolve. This revelation proves that despite her human origins, she is a perfect match for the Heirs of all Dragonkind: Endre, Sirrus, and Zovai. One detail that I particularly appreciated was the portrayal of her sexual inexperience. I usually don't like the Virgin FMC trope, but her naivete was illustrated very well.

For some unknown reason, the male characters in RH usually overshadow the FMC. But this time it felt actually the other way around. Even though each heir possesses a unique and distinct personality, which makes them more than just "silhouettes," I wish we had a little more insight into the backstories and more of the character study in the first book. Underneath their brooding and threatening intensity, they have good hearts and care deeply for Lena. The developing romance between the guys and Lena is rather sweet, and it made me feel a little swoony by the end. Still, I think all three needed more character depth, and I wish we could have had a stronger focus on the emotional depth of their relationship instead of the physical one. While their past is only hinted at in this installment, it promises great potential for future books but also leaves you yearning for more!

I guess this is my overall complaint. I really enjoyed this story, but it felt like it could have benefited from more length, fewer plot elements, and a bit more character study. Certain aspects felt hurried, and I wish this could have been more of a slow burn with an infuriatingly torturous push-and-pull between the characters that would have made you scream once they finally found each other. But this is me nitpicking at the highest level!

The overall story is a blast to read, and it only made me more excited about the next book! I can't wait to dive deeper into this fantastic world and see where the story takes us. 4.25 stars!

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving the ARC didn't affect my opinion of the book.
Profile Image for OneDayI'll.
1,592 reviews42 followers
June 7, 2024
Different

A friend told me don't listen to the blurb. It sounds grim but has a lot of fluff. They weren't exactly wrong. But they weren't exactly right, either. The book starts off with Lena unwillingly engaged to a neighboring prince. A prince known to kill dragons and be less than kind to humans, too. She takes matters into her own hands in that she ensures his line won't continue through her. Being learned in potions helps her with this. But it doesn't matter because what was to be her wedding day turned into an unwitting rescue from the very beings her would-be husband wants to destroy. Her capture leads to multiple discoveries: her own strength, her life's path, and the history of humans and dragons.

Why, when men can father a child on any woman who can't escape them, did she sterilize herself instead of waiting to hand him a goblet to neuter him? Why show so much compassion to beings that want to destroy her? Why not research how to take down the big bass in charge of dragon kind? Why not research all the information to be found on human mates? So many libraries! And she doesn't utilize her resources. It's frustrating. I mean, I appreciate the author showing how kind the Heirs are and how protective they are towards her. But protection would be having all the knowledge they could stuff in their heads to help them figure out how to survive the courts. And how did humans cross the Bowl when not just a chapter before it was said they couldn't?? And we get no real mention of the layout of the world, when the event happens you'll be looking back at the tiny map you didn't pay attention to at the very beginning. And wondering why with such an unusual feature, more humans and dragons aren't researching it and where it leads to. Oh, wait, no one researches anything, right. They just hope someone imparts their handed down knowledge to them and that it's actually viable information. Oof.

Profile Image for Rachel.
2,345 reviews131 followers
May 4, 2024
Devyn has gone back to fantasy romance and this time it's with freaking dragons! I couldn't contain my excitement.


This book was perfection, from the characters to the plot to the vivid descriptions. Lena is intelligent, compassionate, brave, and has good instincts. Most of all the spitfire has an open mind and a pure heart, she was easy to connect to and even easier to like. Plus she's a Potion novice, how cool is that?


With Endre, Zovai, and Sirius giving all their attention to Lena this plot turned out to be more lovers than enemies, thankfully. The guys weren't what I expected. They've been through a lot and the situation isn't the best, but they have good hearts underneath the intensity and brooding. I love that they are different with Lena than they are with everyone else and Lena can be more herself with them. The developing romance between the guys and Lena is sweet and I was a little swoony by the end.


These are not your average dragons. Sure mostly everything about them screams dragon but they also have attitudes that I typically see in vampires, especially the Elders, and their cities (which are breathtaking) remind me of something the fae would have. It was an interesting shake-up.


The dragons and humans are in the middle of a war. There's complex history between the two groups and both sides are making moves. The story was paced pretty well and kept my interest because I didn't know how any of the characters (main or side) were going to react and what situations were gonna pop up. I certainly was hooked.


Noooooo! Devyn left Beautiful Beast off on the most heart-stopping cliffhanger ever. Wtf am I supposed to do now? Life can't simply just go on, not after that. Beautiful Beast was beyond epic and I need the next book like I need air. Here's to hoping book two will be available soon.
Profile Image for Ines.
1,326 reviews47 followers
April 30, 2024
I love this author's fantasy work, and Beautiful Beast absolutely did not disappoint! I have to admit I jumped into this story without reading the blurb, so I didn't even know we were going to meet three hot dragon shifters and their beautiful human mate. But even without reading the blurb, the story grabbed me from the start and I really loved discovering more about this fantasy world and the place dragons and humans hold in it.

While I loved this book from start to finish, I have to say both the start and the ending held the biggest punch. Each of those for different reasons, but they both made me truly admire our fmc Katalena (or Lena). Surrounded by big and bad dragon shifters, she's a true badass in how she follows her own values and she puts on a brave face throughout every single ordeal. It doesn't happen all that often, but I believe she's my favorite character in this series.

Before meeting her three big dragons, Katalena forms a connection with Vari, the cutest little dragon I've ever read about. And now I want my own pret dragon who can change colors and loves snuggling! I can't wait to see him, Lena and her men again in the second book!
861 reviews17 followers
July 11, 2024
2.5 because my girl could have used a better editor. Spoilers


There are winning parts of this book. The overall plot is engaging when we are focusing on it. The dragons, mates etc I'm always on board with. The execution however needed some work. As a fantasy lover I can appreciate how hard it has to be to create an entire world from the ground up and give us conflict at the same time, but this one did not get to where it needed. We touch on the world building but at times it's jumbled and could have done with some fine tuning.

As for mates, I'm down for instalove and letting them get together in book one but I ALWAYS struggle when characters drop the "I love yous" before we get any real connection scenes. Yes we get hook ups but they maybe have 4 conversations and they are just repeats of their previous conversations.

The main character gives us strength and calm and not the naive princess which is a nice change of pace. Nice to see a middle ground between the deadly assassin or complete idiot we usually get in fantasy.

I'm not sure this was enough to make me read the next book because I just could not connect with them but we shall see how my book slump goes.
Profile Image for Feya.
204 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2025
Paranormal Why Choose

I loved this story. It was quick and well paced. The history and world building was fascinating. I enjoyed getting to know the characters as they learned about each other and shared their experiences/past history.

The Heirs of the dragons, powerful and gorgeous but not in control of their own lives. Forced to do the dirty work of the Elders, wishing for the day they gained the ability to make their own choices. Never did they expect to fall for a human…

After years of war between the humans and the dragons, can these two beings find peace? Or will betrayal always win?

The cliffhanger always hurts my soul however this story is too good not to wait for the next book. This is a binge worthy series and it’s only the first one!

Devyn has this way of making the story come to life. I loved the foundation they were able to create without it becoming dry. The characters chemistry felt authentic and sincere. I liked seeing Kat become the strong, powerful
, and protective version of herself. She finally embraced her inner fire!
Profile Image for Maddisen.
114 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2024
I am beyond kicking myself for not realizing this was book one and there is no release date for the rest of the series…. AND it’s a cliffhanger!!!!!!!!!

I loved our FMC, Lena, so so so much. She reminds me a little of Aelin. Her strength knows no bounds. She repeatedly stares death in the face with grace and dignity. The way that she loves is all consuming and she treats even those that are below her with justice.

Varí was absolutely adorable and I loved him so so much. He made the story so cute and I swear I highlighted every single time he appeared. He’s just so small and cute and the way he protects his hoard is SO CUTE!!!!! He might have been my favorite part honestly.

Though also Idoral I adored. Their personality and stubbornness is beautiful. I loved them being a trusted advisor and I can’t wait to see their role in future book(s).

I’m not a shifter person and I tend to stay away from those books but this was so so so good.

And the cliffhanger? Oh HECK NO.
Profile Image for Coco TheChaoticLibrarian_.
122 reviews10 followers
May 10, 2024
What a wild ride. Slow burn, dragons, multi POV, princess and dragons, what’s not to love?!

This epic story of humans and dragons living amongst each other peacefully for a time but no longer the case Lena the princess is kidnapped. Strong in her convictions I loved how caring she is despite the circumstances
Ugh I absolutely love dragons. And these 3 dragons Sirius, Zovai and Endre did NOT disappoint.

The book is a slow burn as far as the romance of it all however the plot moves along rather quickly. Making for a pretty great and fast read.

HOWEVER I WAS DEVASTATED because the cliffhanger of epic proportions left me needing more.
Profile Image for Jenny P.
242 reviews10 followers
August 31, 2025
Damn... That ending was brutal. Almost all the things that can go poorly decide to go tits up. I'm going to have to take a minute and come back to write more later, but I would very much like to express that Vari is best boy. I want him. The idea of having a little tiny dragon friend who carries a gold coin(his hoard) in a tiny backpack really fills me with all kinds of gleefulness. I also absolutely need the next book now.

I also don't think I've ever wanted so many characters from one book dead at once. A feat.
Profile Image for Basak.
762 reviews42 followers
May 20, 2024
My first ever dragon shifter book and I am h00ked❤️ I fell for every single handsome, strong and enigmatic dragon enraptured by Princess Lena and even got attached to the little one, Vari. Unfortunately, right up until the last few chapters, I hadn’t realized that this would be the first book in a series, and the intricately woven story would end with a brutal cliffhanger. Now, all I wish for is a speedy release of the second book so this wouldn’t become a t0rturous experience.
Profile Image for Ana Paula Fiorotti.
569 reviews4 followers
September 22, 2024
DNF in 60%

I was loving the book, it was different from what I was seeing everywhere, a good world building and much more... but then the author just threw everything on the garbage with the hurry to get to a sex scene. Not only it started out of nowhere, but also after it everything became about having sex and not being able to have enough of each other, and all the rest, including the amazing story that the author was creating, went to the back seat. Very disappointing.
Profile Image for Debra.
793 reviews17 followers
May 2, 2024
Princess Katalena is marrying Prince Andaros to unit their kingdoms to unite against the dragons. The dragons didn’t want that merger so Endre, Sirius and Zovai were sent to kill the Princess. The day of the wedding, the three attack the wedding and Zovari got to Katalena first but couldn’t kill her so he kidnaps her.
The three dragons were feeling the pull toward Katalena and not understanding why. Things start heating up between the four and Katalena is all for it too. I enjoyed watching Lena be strong and true to herself and accept new things. Living in a new and very different lifestyle is not easy but Lena makes it seem easy. This is a wonderful story and I couldn’t put it down until the last page. Can’t wait for book two.
Profile Image for Maria.
164 reviews12 followers
May 5, 2024
ARC REVIEW

I loved this book so much! It was such an adventure. I loved learning about this world and how dragons/humans interacted. Loved the dragons and Lena was a bad ass, but Vari????? My favorite part!

I highly recommend picking this one up, you won’t be disappointed..also that CLIFFY. I need the next book yesterday.
Profile Image for Heather Rada.
576 reviews132 followers
March 12, 2025
absolutely amazing!

I can’t remember how I stumbled upon this book but I’m so glad I did! Devyn wrote a true masterpiece that kept me entranced from beginning to end. Dragon shifters, fated mates, and a war with the humans - literal perfection! I’m not sure when book 2 comes out but I know that it will be equally as amazing cause that cliff was intense.
Profile Image for Dark Little Reader.
283 reviews11 followers
May 4, 2024
I absolutely loved this latest release by Devyn Sinclair! I usually have to be in a specific mood to read fantasy but this sucked me in right away! I will say, it moves at a real quick pace but I'm assuming this is because Devyn wants them together while facing all of the adversity and challenges and not just only the building of their relationship.

If you like Dragon shifters, fantasy, spice, fated mates, and a hilarious little dragon sidekick then definitely check this one out!
590 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2024
Wow! Just wow! Really enjoyed this book and the start to this world. Devyn knows how to write amazing characters and a story that sucks you in. I devoured this book as fast as I could, it finished way too quickly for me. I’m really interested to see how things will play out in the next books for these characters.
Profile Image for Daphnne.
1,312 reviews8 followers
May 3, 2024
Great story with dragons

This book was just wow! Lena was awesome - strong yet kind. Selfless in a way that inspired. Her dragon mates were sexy and good and a little tortured. I knew that the wedding day would come back to haunt them but holy smokes not in that way. I really, really hope that the Elders are assisted to their fade painfully. And Andaros - I hope Lena gives him his just desserts. Overall this was a great read and I look forward to more.
Profile Image for Trinity abrell.
70 reviews
October 6, 2024
That’s not how it ends ?!? With no release date for the next ?!?some of the dialogue was either choppy or cringe and it’s definitely insta lust/love still have really cute moments over all .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Whitney Walston.
181 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2025
interesting new story

Oooohhhh this is a nice change of pace for RH dragons. I like that the author kept you in suspense with how the dragons felt about the human princess
492 reviews23 followers
May 12, 2024
Great start

Book one of this new series is captivating. We dive into the action pretty quickly and all of the key characters meet early on. Great world building. Well developed characters. Sweetness. Steam. Deplane despair. Ends in a cliffhanger, almost literally (iykyk). 😄

☑ RH
☑ MFMM (no MM, no FF)
☑ Med burn (some steamy scenes towards the last third)
☑ Fated mates, shifters, human princess who is also more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews

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