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The Church #4

Beast: Part One

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Beast
It started with me. Five years ago, she interrupted my menu. I’d never met anyone like her. She didn’t run from me. Mother said they would all run. But despite how much she intrigued me, I had to kill her. It’s part of my job. Yet, when the time came, I couldn’t do it.
Now, five years later, I’m finally out of lockdown. I have a new mission; to take down the Church. Nothing can stand in the way of my new path. However, once again, I find myself drawn to Summer Jones. And even though I don’t deserve her, I can’t let her go.
Summer
I met him at the lowest point in my life. What started out as a desperate attempt to make some fast money turned into a night I'll never forget. He changed my world in one single night and then disappeared.
Now he’s back. I shouldn’t want him around. I should make him go back to wherever he’s been for the last five years. However, no matter how much his absence from my life hurt me, I can’t keep him away from his son.

Can two broken souls find the love and healing they are looking for? Or is it too late for their happily ever after?
Trigger This book contains violence, drug use, and discussions about suicide.
This is part one of Beast's story, THIS BOOK ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER.

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2024

261 people are currently reading
202 people want to read

About the author

Tiya Rayne

29 books537 followers

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5 stars
735 (80%)
4 stars
131 (14%)
3 stars
30 (3%)
2 stars
6 (<1%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
344 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2024
Its Complicated

Summer and Beast make sense in this complicated relationship in some ways, but also not. Tiya did at least give Summer some layers with her history, how they initially connect and realistic expectations of someone on the spectrum with his past that help you to see how there could be connection, but not at the same time. There are a few surprises, but not as great as the other books. We don't get to see the other brothers, more on thE DOE. I am sad Many and Zel won't get a story. This book drug on a bit with very little action between the two MC. But there was some good storyline of drug abuse, trauma, effects of it, therapy/ treatment, etc. Wasn't easy topics and kinda hard to read with both in that warm fuzzy way. Triggers alerts founded. Kudos for trying a different type of heroin even though she wasn't my favorite. Good writing overall which is hard to do for many, esp for black FMC
Profile Image for Nock Leighton.
373 reviews9 followers
July 27, 2024
I can see why this book has been split into two as there’s so much going on. So much to unpack. Understanding beast and his many levels, his trauma and what makes him tick. It often takes one troubled person to understand another troubled person and he and summer were so sweet together. Can’t wait for book 2
Profile Image for Sevyn.
100 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2024
Mmm, this crow tastes so good 😒

I have to preface this by saying that I’m a hater. Straight up, no holds barred, I’m an effing H8r.
I initially didn’t wanna read this book and legit skimmed the last book because I was annoyed af that it was yet another story about these Church bros having some random kid. I was tired of the theme and was wanting Beast to be different HOWEVER I was wrong. Them having a kid only enhanced the story, not hindered it. And the story overall was so good I was annoyed with myself for having doubts to begin with. Watching the arch of these two was so satisfying. They’re two peas-in-a-crazy-hot-mess pod. But the way they turned themselves around was great. Now Beastie Boy still has some work to do and that ending has me shook (though I was pretty sure that was gonna happen from the beginning) I can’t wait to read the next. Yes it was a cliffy but one that wasn’t infuriating. It just makes me more excited for the next one!
Profile Image for Nicole.
311 reviews
July 6, 2024
4⭐️

Speechless! I was not expecting this but I have to say I’m not happy with the cliffhanger because I don’t think I have it in me to wait until the next book! Beast and Summer were too cute, made you realise that even with mental problems everyone is deserving of love.
7 reviews
June 22, 2024
This book was sooo good!

This book was so good! It was like watching your favorite tv show. You know, the season finale. Just when it starts to get really good, they hit you with “to be continued” lol.

I really did enjoy this book. I like how the author ties in the past to the current. You really get to see how much of a positive influence Priest was to all of his sons. You also get to see that he loves those boys and took the time to cater to each of their personalities.

All in all, I hope beast two will be out soon. Although I’m still waiting on part two of Clayton, I can wait until you finish up with Beast 😏
Profile Image for Candace.
36 reviews
July 8, 2024
I need more Summer and Beast already

Tiya Rayne does it again and writes another fantastic book in the Church series. Not once did I want to put the book down and stop reading, as made clear by me finishing it on the same day I started reading.

The MCs were both so well thought out, as simple as it sounds they are both such complex people whilst also showcasing their human sides, especially Beast that deals with mental health issues and is on the spectrum - of which is not an issue but definitely adds more insight into his character. Then we have Summer, who deals with PTSD and suffered from addiction and we get the witness more vulnerable moments with her to then witness her rising above, you can't help but to cheer for the both of them.
I feel as though the topics of mental health, addiction and overall trauma was addressed quite well in this book and I have high hopes for part 2 to continue on this path.

At first glance, the romance between Summer and Beast may seem simple and one the follows an instalove trope. However, I don't know how Tiya Rayne does it but she fills their 'budding romance' with so much depth, while making it clear to the readers that both Beast and Summer had feelings for each other after that night five years ago. Well, I say I don't know but it was the ANGST.

I am struggling to put it into words mostly because I am terrible at writing. This book achieves so much in 433 pages and builds up the readers to be invested in both the romance between Summer and Beast, and Beast trying to uncover the secrets buried deep within the highest ranks of church and powerful people outside of it.

After the way this book ended I don't know if I can wait that long until part 2, I need it already!!
75 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2024
Well worth the wait

Please please please don’t kill Summer. She MADE this book. While I like Beast, Summer is the glue that made this book great. Her character development over the course of the book is exceptional. Beast is just now starting to evolve and that’s due to her love. Please don’t let this be their end. As a mom of a child with autism little Gabe has my heart and if we all had a Trina so many women would be confident in our ability to overcome anything because we know she’s got our back. I cannot wait for part 2. Please let his brothers come out to play as well..hell let the whole gang loose..including Fem and Priest.
1,877 reviews25 followers
November 27, 2024
Fantastic

A must read book. Summer and Beast are the perfect couple. Wow what a way to pause it all. Great read.
161 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2024
Beauty and the Beast

Man, oh man! This book is great! I've been waiting for Beast's story, and it did not disappoint.
Summer and Gabriel are great together. They love and understand each other, and no one can come between them. They both have been through hell. Neither thought they were worthy of love until they found each other.
Now, someone is threatening their happiness, and Gabriel is going to unleash the true Beast.
I can't wait for part 2!
247 reviews
June 28, 2024
I absolutely love Summer and Beast story 😍

I absolutely love this book!!! If I did not have to work or take care of my kid I would have read this book in one day lol! I will say I am not an author or anything in that capacity but from a readers POV I can tell you took your time with this book. The development of Beast and Summer story is absolutely amazing! Nothing was rushed and the storyline flowed! How you were able to put in their past to show how it shaped their present was great! I love Summer's friend Trina. Her presence was not overpowering because of course the story was about Summer and Beast. I was glad Summer had at least one person in her corner before Beast because her mom and sister were so hateful and jealous of her. I could not stand them. I was waiting for Gabriel and Summer to show out on them lol!! Now I am waiting on book 2 I will not spoil the ending to book 1 but I hope that is not what it really is! I ready for the conclusion on who is who and why!!! I am ready for the puzzle pieces to come together. I think I will go back and read all the books so everything will make sense when book 2 come out. Thank for sharing your mind with us Ms. Tiya Rayne!
Profile Image for Pamelon.
929 reviews18 followers
June 26, 2024
Tiya Rayne, Beast is Unbelievable!!!🔥❤💕👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Beast: Part One: The Church Series : Book Four by Tiya Rayne is beyond belief!! Beast and Summer against the world. Summer is traumatized from being shot as a child, by the one person she loved more than life! Her father. She also saw him murder himself. Summer's dad was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. Sometimes he wouldn't take his meds. When he didn't he was out of control. Summer's mom left her alone with him that day. Later Summer began to self medicate with pills, alcohol, weed or cocaine. She hit rock bottom, then she met Beast. The very night they look at each other they felt a pull. They belong to each other but Beast is an assassin who is also on a Spectrum! Check this book out to see what happens next. This book is a action packed, sometimes gory love story. I can barely wait for Part 2👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🔥🔥❤❤❤
Profile Image for Tashae'.
61 reviews37 followers
June 22, 2024
This book was EVERYTHING!!! I absolutely loved Beast, it was 10/10 and I'll be buying a physical copy for my personal library.

The whole Church series has been GREAT, but I just knew Beast was gone be on a whole new level and Tiya did not disappoint.

Assassins, dark romance, smut, mental health issues, drug abuse, action, this book definitely has it all and it's only part one of two!

Gabriel and Summer are so cute together and they learn how to be in a relationship together even after a 5 year separation.

I went through several emotions with this book and loved every minute of it, finished the book in one sitting!
Profile Image for ReadsByKerri.
119 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2024
“Im at peace. And to me, that is more valuable than happiness. Happiness comes and goes, but finding peace is something that stays with you.”
Profile Image for Mimi.
113 reviews
November 18, 2024
I love how this author writes characters that evoke strong emotional responses from readers. I was very curious to see how they would execute writing and developing a match between two characters with very heavy challenges. I think they did this quite well

Initially, I loved the mirrors in their back stories, their interaction was both beautiful, funny and sweet. However, as the story progressed I began to have mixed feelings about both the execution and events, similar to how I felt about the last two books, I think I’m generally tired of the series overall. I’ve found that whilst I’ve enjoyed how rich some of the characters are I think the books are jam packed with content and characters, I’m beginning to lose interest in keeping track.

I say all that to say that I still recommend reading this book. I think TR is incredibly talented, some of their books are my absoulute favourites and I’m yet to DNF a book.
1,271 reviews
November 23, 2024
Phenomenal book and love story! 2 people who are flawed but good at heart and they spark something in each other. I love the honest takes on mental health issues and addiction- both characters are phoenixes rising from the ashes to form a family that works because there is so much love- unspoken and spoken. I can't wait to read part 2. There were so many great lines in the book like when Gabe says slow down Hulk because of the way Beast eats and Beast ask him to show him how he eats. Trina is the funniest best friend ever. Summer telling the voices to shut up- everything works so well and lands perfectly. The way Beast feels he does not deserve love but has planned for his brothers to have love shows how loyal he is when he loves. I love this series. Chefs kiss-perfection.
4 reviews
August 7, 2024
My Lovely Beast

I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I would love to find my beast. I do think that there isn't a woman alive that doesn't want a man to stand up for her like that. Reading Beast brought so many things into the light; number one being always..always be mindful of the things you do and say around children. Mrs. Rayne your books are wonderfully written. I've read them all.
Profile Image for Dudi.
409 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2024
I’m at the edge of my seat and can’t wait to read the 2nd part. It was slow but I have grown to love Beast/ Gabriel/ Beastie. I also love Summer’s character. Although she had a rocky beginning, a person’s heart is what determines how they are as a person and Summer has a heart of gold. I am still laughing about the backyard birthday party scene. Glad little Gabe got to see when roles are reversed and the perceived underdog becoming the top dog.
Profile Image for Tash. Tash..
Author 3 books15 followers
August 16, 2024
well with the wait

You know how people are always like I want the next book now.. I get it I do cause me too but I’m the case of Beast.. Tiya COOKED do you hear me. She let this book stew and marinade to perfection and the love that was built just for Gabriel and Summer was EVERYTHING! i cant wait to read the next part.
Profile Image for LaTanya Wright.
702 reviews
July 1, 2024
Hulk Smash

Chile....I was not ready but I should have been. Part of me wanted to wait and read when the second book comes out in November but I gave into temptation. Beast is about to go Hulk!!!!
Profile Image for Patrid.
45 reviews
July 13, 2024
Wow! What am I going to read now!!! What can follow an epic Tiya Rayne book, my go to author for a good read. I felt my day job was an annoying interruption, LOL! I wanted to know what happened next. This whole series has stuck with me, worth a re-read!
121 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2024
Beast

Great story! I couldn’t put it down, and the character's dynamics and growth were amazing. I love how this book touch on true life addictions and the complexity with being too much. Overall I can’t wait until part 2.
Profile Image for Harper Miller.
Author 6 books438 followers
December 15, 2024
I had high expectations for this installment, especially since Beast has been a recurring presence in the previous stories. I was eager to learn more about his origin and backstory, anticipating it would bring the thunder! I found that the execution didn’t quite meet my hopes for a thrilling exploration of Beast's background. There’s definitely potential, though, and I commend the creative effort involved.

Summer's portrayal felt authentic and relatable, and I found Beast's character intriguing, especially as an autistic assassin (but I was looking for so much more). The cliffhanger ending didn’t bother me, especially since Part Two is already available. I found the intimate scenes to be significantly less satisfying than those in Priest, and on par with my level of discomfort in Twins. They felt awkward and could benefit from more thoughtful descriptions.

Can he feel the warmth coming from my lower lips, and the wetness that leaks from me.

He moves his fingers faster. I should be embarrassed at the music my pussy is making for him. I'm soaking wet.

I’m losing my battle with my own orgasm. I’m like a shaken soda bottle ready to explode.


I constantly find myself tapping out of these scenes.

Overall, I truly love this series, but with a bit more refinement in editing, I believe Beast Part One could reach its full potential. I rate this book 3 stars.
Profile Image for Janet R.
613 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2025
Top Tier Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫Suspense❣️

I thought Tiya Rayne’s Alpha was the best Romantic Suspense📕 but Beast Part 1 blows it away 😁This is the most prolific, dramatic suspenseful , intriguing ❤️ novel of 2025!!! The story arc starts off turbo charged & maintains high octane speed powered by jet fuel 🥹This novel is just like watching an action packed movie that never lets up! I strongly suggest you read the ✍🏽s TWs /CWs, because the title is 💯eponymous 😨Beast AKA Gabriel is an avenging angel who unalives mercilessly with extreme vengeance! If you’re on his “menu” & you are unfortunate enough to come F2F with him🫣 it’s like facing a polar bear- expect to say goodnight 4ever; so this book is definitely not for those who walk on the timid, easily triggered, pearl clutching side of life. Just bypass & leave Beast & his lady love, Summer for connoisseurs of pitch black dark 🖤. The side characters like Summers’ ride or die bestie - Trina is hilarious😂& baby Gabriel is so adorable, you will instantly fall in love with him👦This book ends on a heart stopping cliffy, so I’m on to the next 📚 to see how Beast, his brothers & his father-Priest finally take down the “ church”. Happy Reading🍷
Profile Image for Bea.
177 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2025
Good, But Not My Favorite.

Summer and Beast are dynamic characters and overall the book was good, but it was not my favorite.

Since I’ve read the entire series, I knew the first part of the book was overlay history which was helpful to get to act two. Summer was a hot mess, but her background was important, as was the background on Beast. Once act two began, there were just too many characters added and too much going on to the point of exhaustion. The frequent sarcasm and humor helped move the story forward but at times I felt the story became overly complex, unnecessarily violent and the scenarios just dragged on.

Summer’s friend Trina and little Gabe were great secondary characters and even Summer’s horrible family were done well, but then you had Andrew, and the guys at the club, and the people in the diner, and the mysterious benefactor, and on and on…..

In any event, I will read “Beast: Part Two” as I believe it is a conclusion. “Hawk” and “Twins” are still the best of the series and I hope this last book is as awesome as the first two.
1,588 reviews18 followers
August 20, 2024
Summer Elisa Jones and The Beast (Gabriel)

Summer is fighting to clean up her life, drugs and watch her father die from mental health problems and something more you have to read what happens that contributes to Summer mental health. Her mother and sister didn't know or loved her, they just mistreated Summer. Summer sister threw her out of her apartment because of her boyfriend Mitch, want to have sex with her, and her sister pregnant with her boyfriend child, Summer, she give him a black eye. Then, Summer went to her one true friend, and bestie that cared and loved her,Trina. Also Another person dangerously was look for Summer, it is her ex Nic. You have to read why? The guy Trina sent her to and How she meets Beast. Beast, name is Gabriel. These two broken soul and why? How their relationship turn to love. You have to read this, I enjoyed reading every single page of this story.
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,163 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2024
I hate cliffhangers

This is a great addition to the Church Series. We've been getting snippets about Beast. Now we see him in all of his glory. He has some alternate personalities he deals with. The voices in his head controls how he handles his menus. When Summer witnesses his handling a menu, he's supposed to leave no witnesses but there is something about her that calms him. After he spends five years for not handling Summer, he knows that he is not good enough for her and she thinks she is not good enough for him. She knows that he has mental problems but she loves him regardless and accepts him totally as he is. He loves her and Gabe totally and will burn the world down to protect them both. In handling his business, he kicks the wrong hornet's nest and now they are coming for him and those close to him. I HATE cliffhangers and now we have to wait for the next edition of this series.
Profile Image for Diana.
212 reviews3 followers
November 26, 2024
This almost ruined the entire series for me, the only reason I might eventually pick up the last book is to read from the previous characters' POVs since I didn't get that in this one. There were a lot of things that didn't work for me in this book, but these are pettiest ones:
- Everyone emphasizes how funny Summer is and I just don't get it, she jokes about balls for God sake. In fact, for the absurd amount of jokes written for every character, I didn't laugh once.
- One of the sex scenes mentions "nub" "pearl", "canal", "coochie", "creamed", "caramel folds" and "leaky faucet" in the same paragraph.
- For two people who are so obsessed with each other, they have the lamest pet names, I expected more than "baby" and "daddy".
- I started skipping every torture focused chapter after the first two, they got quite repetitive and unnecessarily dark.
9 reviews
July 24, 2024
I don't usually leave a posting on the stories I read, but this story was fantastic! I love how developed the main characters are, and how they connect. It was dysfunctional and traumatic, and in many situations, no relationship could thrive from that. I enjoyed the storyline. I actually laughed out loud and cheered near the end when Summer and Beast took care of the situation with her family at the birthday party. It was perfect! My only issue is that I consumed this book too quickly, that is how much I enjoyed it. I am so sad that I must wait until November for Beast 2. I also hope Tiya will continue to release more stories as compelling as the Church Series.
Profile Image for Su.
242 reviews1 follower
Read
November 14, 2024
I really don't know how to rate this book ... is just so based in trauma bonding?

I don't know ... but if this type OF THING exist in real life I really hope I never cross paths with ... This book doesn't have any type of love! It really doesn't!

I think another approach should've been took with this book!

I will probably read the second book to understand what route this is going to take! But this book is not dark romance, is pure trauma finding to people and making it a imitation of poor romance!

The killings ... the way he says he can go without it? EHHHH? THIS A VERY SCARY PLACE!
4 reviews
July 2, 2024
Great Read!

Tiya has been known to hit a few out the park, and this one is a home run. Great character development and an excellent job tying it into the rest of the Church series. If I had not read any of the previous books in the series, I would still be able to follow the plot of this book. Also, although this ends in a cliffhanger, this book is not anemic. For those who hate waiting on conclusions, this is a fully fleshed novel. You will need time to digest this one, even maybe re-read it before the next book comes out.
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