Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Nightmare Lovers

Beautiful Beasts: A Dark Romance Duet

Rate this book
Beautiful Beasts is a dark & spicy contemporary romantic suspense duet by K.J. Devoir, author of Amazon best selling Moonvine (Kings of the Order). Each dark romance in the Nightmare Loves series is a standalone, fast-paced contemporary mafia/noir college romance with a gothic twist.
These are 18+ with explicit content. Check trigger warnings in Author's Note of book.

Book OneMAJESTY INTERNATIONAL is more than a premier matchmaking service, securing the fortunes and power of world elites via carefully calculated marriages. Majesty is a lifestyle club with a range of exclusive benefits requiring an oath of secrecy from members to its governing Crown and a pledge to uphold its motto Once & Always. Once a member, always a member.

THE GROOM

He is a dangerous mafia billionaire they call Frankenstein. I am his mail-order bride.

THE BRIDE

The writing I spied on that gold-embossed paper inside Father’s office was a tiny window into the twisted darkness that would become my future. It said nothing about arranged marriages sealed with blood oaths, or death threats over broken vows. Father would only say that marrying me off was for the benefit of the family legacy. Mother let it slip that Father was being blackmailed. I put two and two together. Father was desperate. His mafioso dealings had caught up to him. I was his last bargaining chip. Mother convinced herself that I would be happier finishing college in California. She promised I only had to endure the marriage for three years. My choices have been made for me. All I can do is make the best of it until I earn my freedom. But I’ve learned that some vows can not be broken, and the only way out is death.


Book Two

The "I'm not supposed to love a missing dead girl..."

One year ago, Brynlee Jones was brutally attacked and threatened on the UCLA campus after witnessing a crime. After fleeing Los Angeles to start a new life in Vegas, she’s determined to finish her degree while working the night shift. But there is no escaping the past.

When rich-kid law student Case Channing is given his fraternity’s initiation task of finding a missing person, it leads him to Brynlee, this strange but beautiful girl, unlike anyone he’s known. But meeting her becomes the most dangerous thing he’s ever done, setting a deadly chain of events into motion that forces him to reckon with his family’s mafia connections and the dark memories of his past. Case doesn’t know what he’s up against until it's too late.

Together, Case and Brynlee must find a way out…

446 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2024

3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read

About the author

K.J. Devoir

27 books59 followers
🥀𝑲.𝑱. 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌, 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒖𝒃-𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆𝒔. 𝑺𝒖𝒃𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓 @ KJDevoir.Com
𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑾𝑰𝑷𝒔, 𝑮𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑺𝒘𝒂𝒈!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
21 (52%)
4 stars
18 (45%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Rebel.
2,654 reviews
June 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Gothic danger, obsessive billionaires, and a romance so dark it bites

Let me just say: I devoured Beautiful Beasts: Nightmare Lovers like a guilty pleasure I didn’t want to admit I was obsessed with... but here I am, telling the world. K.J. Devoir didn’t just write a story—she dragged me into a world dripping in secrets, blood-oath marriages, stalker billionaires, and gothic decadence where love feels like both salvation and damnation.

Right off the bat, Majesty International gave me chills—the kind of elite matchmaking club that feels more cult than Cupid. That gold-embossed paper? That hidden deal behind closed doors? Yep, I was instantly hooked. Because when you tell me the hero is a mafia billionaire they call Frankenstein, and the heroine is a mail-order bride trapped in a deal she never saw coming... oh honey, I need to know how that unravels.

And it does. In the best, darkest, most morally grey way.

This isn’t your average arranged marriage trope. This is high-stakes, secrets-in-every-corner, breathe-through-the-chaos kind of storytelling. He’s possessive, unhinged, and broken in that delicious “I will burn the world for you” way—and she’s not just some pawn. Watching her navigate this twisted kingdom of power and obsession had me on edge every step of the way.

Then Book Two hits. The Initiate. And ohhh my god. We shift gears, but not vibe. Brynlee’s story gripped me by the throat. One year after trauma, trying to rebuild, only to realize the past isn’t done with her? Yeah, my chest hurt

reading her fear, her fight. And then there's him—the one who isn’t supposed to love her, who might just destroy everything trying to protect her? I was feral.
K.J. Devoir knows how to serve up morally grey romance like a decadent poison—beautiful, sharp, and completely irresistible. These books are fast, intense, shadowy, and completely unapologetic about walking the line between danger and desire.

If you're into:
• 💀 Obsessive, morally grey heroes
• 💋 Arranged marriages that burn
• 🖤 Gothic elite societies with deadly secrets
• 🔪 Trauma, survival, and love with sharp edges
• 🚨 Trigger warnings that mean it (check those, trust me)

Then Beautiful Beasts Nightmare Lovers will give you exactly the kind of dangerous romance ride your dark heart craves. I’m already prepping for a re-read. Or therapy. Maybe both.
Profile Image for kymagirl.
6,365 reviews89 followers
May 19, 2025
A dark romance collection that dives deep into control, betrayal, obsession, and women who refuse to stay powerless. Each story follows a heroine trapped inside an elite world ruled by secrets and domination, where the only way out is through. At their sides are morally grey men shaped by violence, loyalty, and the kind of love that doesn’t follow the rules.

In Dark Rituals, Brynlee witnesses something she was never meant to see. Her life explodes in violence, lies, and fear. Case is sent to find her as part of a fraternity initiation, but what starts as a mission turns into obsession. Together, they unravel a legacy built on secrets and corruption, and the deeper they dig, the more dangerous it gets. ‍

In Cruel Vows, Eliza is traded into marriage to protect her family’s name. Thrown into a mansion of surveillance, power games, and masked control, she’s forced to obey. But Derek, her husband’s nephew, sees her as more than just collateral. Their bond is twisted and toxic, but it becomes the only truth they can hold onto as the world around them threatens to destroy them both.

Dark romantic thrillers exploring survival, legacy, and the brutal beauty of taking back control. The women were handed off like property. The men were raised by monsters but choose something else. Together, they become the kind of love that doesn’t ask permission.
Profile Image for Vivien Richards.
1,535 reviews20 followers
January 7, 2026
This is great dark romance collection, two stories in one book. One book is Derek and Eliza's story. She is in an arranged marriage to Derek's uncle but can't help herself falling for Derek instead. The next book is Bryn and Case's story. It's a college dark romance. Bryn witnesses something awful on campus and flees for her safety. Derek's fraternity makes him go find her, but is he one of the good guys? I loved the suspense in these stories. I'm a big dark romance fan and I would definitely recommend reading these.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
1,744 reviews70 followers
January 21, 2026
Just absolutely awesome. Loved this duet. Enjoyed both stories immensely. There were both packed with so much. Betrayal, secrets, danger. Strong women. Both were intense. I loved that they each offered something different from the other. I was really pulled into them. Sad when I came to the end. I really can’t wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Anita Balthazar.
59 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2026
This was a wild read that had me from the start. Heed your trigger warnings because this was an absolutely crazy read that had me screaming for more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Bollnow.
276 reviews11 followers
August 18, 2025
Dark Rituals-A secret society and a stripper cross paths, making for an interesting dark romance. Bryn and Case meet, but they both have secrets. When their secrets come to light, it could affect their instant attraction toward each other. There is plenty of spice.
Cruel Vows-Dark romance with spice. Arranged marriage to a monster. a mansion with secret rooms, a secret society, and the bride may be falling for her soon-to-be husband's nephew. Main characters, Eliza and Derek, tell the tale from their perspectives. A tale full of suspense, spice, and excitement.
Both tales are quite enjoyable, and having 2 in one book is even better. I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,300 reviews16 followers
June 6, 2025
LOVE THIS AUTHORS BEASTS
MAJESTY INTERNATIONAL - CRUEL VOWS - Derek, Eliza and Frankford. To save her family she has been promised to marry Frankford in a virtual marriage by the Majestic International a premier matchmaking service. Hes old and scarred and hes been called Frankenstein. She and Derek, Franks nephew, are two trapped souls who try and save each other. Derek who is totally hot and arrogantly smug. He tells her to be careful and that Frank likes to be humiliated. Derek finds her and takes her to a dark room and Frank is pacing back and forth and Derek says remember what I told you....grab a weapon and use it on him.......WHAT and she's falling further down the rabbit hole, humiliate and hurt him or I will humiliate and hurt you. Grabbing a flogger she looks and His back is riddled with thickened crisscrossing skin, forming a stitch-like pattern as if new layers of skin have been sewn on top of old layers. After its over Derek says I warned you Liz.
This book is deliciously twisted and full of emotion down a deep dark pit.
I love this author. She writes such intriguing, dark, ghostly, twisted, morally grey, stories that capture and keep your attention till the very twisted end you can imagine and like it.
THE INITIATE - DARK RITUALS - CASE AND BRYNLEE - They are both in college. Shes brutally attacked and flees to Vegas to disappear and finish her degree. Hes in a fraturnity and his initiation is to find a missing person. Thats Brynlee. He doesnt know what he unleashes until its too late. He has mafia ties to his family and hes put her in danger. Danger they both must face. Danger mystery suspense and very intriguing read. Loved the charecters. Another great read by KJ Devoir. Cant get enough.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for A. King.
360 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2024
Book One:

This is a darker read, and I want to leave that notion first and foremost because you absolutely need to check your triggers. There are things in here that some people cannot handle and while I like to say that I am open minded about most things, there are certain ones that even I had a hard time with.

However in finishing the book, I also have to admit that the only reason it lost a star is because the oddity of the chapters (for me, some being only one page doesn't set right, though admittedly I suppose it "fits" the situational purposes?) and the ending... the ending leaves a lot to be desired. I'll say it now that it is a cliff-hanger, and that is the only spoiler I will give because I don't enjoy giving away details. I feel it ruins the reading for others. It was an abrupt change of pace, to say the least.

Book Two: Despite this being a book about two wholly different main characters from the first one, it still sets the bar for a fairly good read. Again, chock full of triggers that most people need to read up on (PLEASE know your limits because there is physical abuse tucked into some of these pages).

Personal I found it engaging, despite the enormous amounts of pain tucked in the pages. It talks about having a past, and the idea of moving forward though you have to disappear to do it. I think that it takes a lot of heart, or perhaps a LOT of fear, to make someone go through with it. ON top of the fact that there are a lot of things a person feels they have to do in order to get paid under the radar to keep themselves hidden from their past... it all chalks up to a crappy life and the reality of it can be crushing to someone not able to withstand it.

All in all, a realistic read and fingers are crossed that there's still more to come!
Profile Image for Elle Kay.
50 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2025
They told me to tell you this was an ARC review. This is an ARC review.

If you like your romance dark, twisted, and full of morally questionable decisions, Beautiful Beasts has you covered. K.J. Devoir delivers two intense stories packed with intrigue, romance, and characters who are equal parts dangerous and captivating.

This duet brings us two tales that dive deep into the world of power struggles, passion, and the blurred lines between love and obsession. Cue all the tension, secrets, and moments where you just know someone’s about to make a terrible (but entertaining) choice.

The plots? Solid. Twisted in all the right ways. The dark themes? Executed well without being over-the-top. But if I had one request, it’d be more detail—some moments could’ve used a little extra depth to really punch up the tension and character development.

That being said, the complexity was a win. The characters aren’t your typical knight-in-shining-armor types—more like knights with Glocks, unusual hobbies, and Tom Ford cologne. And I respect that.

3.5/5 Stars – Would definitely read more from K.J. Devoir.
217 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2025
This is a repackaging of two previously published novellas in a single volume. I didn’t notice any differences between the first half and its previous version. In the second half, I did notice a small but significant change. Two sentences are added to the end of chapter 73 and one to the beginning of chapter 74 ( the last two chapters before the epilogue). It’s not much, but it fills in a rather jarring break in the story that I had noticed reading it the first time.

Since I saw no other differences, I refer you back to my reviews of Cruel Vows and Dark Rituals for additional detail. To summarize, both books are well written, the characters are all engaging, the sex is very hot, and I wished they had been longer and had more detail, especially in the climactic sections.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,605 reviews12 followers
June 8, 2025
Beautiful Beasts was an absolutely amazing mafia romance. Author K.J. Devoir has continued to prove to me what a breathtaking author they are with each book that I have read so far from this author. This book had me completely captivated from beginning to end. I didn’t want to put this book down until I read the last page of the book. I absolutely enjoyed getting to know the main characters and witnessing their story come to fruition. I would most definitely give this book as a recommendation for anyone who enjoys reading mafia romances. I can’t wait to read more amazing books from this author in the near future.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,631 reviews
December 5, 2024
"All I can do is make the best of it until I earn my freedom. But I’ve learned that some vows can not be broken, and the only way out is death."

My first story by this author. I was captivated!

Mafia romance is a go to for me and this was a great addition!

Sometimes, the best laid plans and all that! Yep, as you can expect, expect the unexpected!

Then, do a bit of squirming!

There may just be a dark savior for Eliza in Derek!

I will definitely be checking out other stories by this author!
Profile Image for Brianna.
34 reviews
December 9, 2024
I loved this book duet and although the two were very different, I liked both of them. A few things that I would've changed were that the main characters started getting together a little bit too soon, maybe wait a few more chapters? And with the smut, it was great with the writing but the scenes could be a bit longer, I think the amount of scenes was good though. I loved the writing in these novels, and the books overall. I received an advance review copy from booksirens, so I am leaving this review!
226 reviews
December 26, 2024
Beautiful Beasts: A Dark Romance was my first time reading KJ Devoir and it won’t be my last. Beautiful Beasts is a collection of two different stories that did a good job of holding my attention. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. These books contained the right mix of the tropes that I enjoy reading about such as the mafia, gothic twists, college romance, and suspense and it had the right amount of spice. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Anni Barkla.
230 reviews5 followers
November 27, 2024
I enjoyed this read, that said, I skipped book 1, as I already had read it previously - and I dove straight into book 2, about Bryn & Chase. It was a dark story with several triggers, but extremely descriptive and well written, I enjoyed both the leads backgrounds, and their chemistry. The ending snuck up on me and they were quick to profess their love, but the ending was happy (pun included) and it was a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
651 reviews3 followers
December 15, 2024
Derek & Eliza/ Case & Bryn
Book 1 of Nightmare Lovers: A dark romance duet. Book 1 in this duet is Cruel Vows, and this is Derek and Eliza’s story. Book 2 in this duet is Dark Rituals, and this is Case and Bryn’s story. K.J. Devoir does a great job with dark romances, and this was a great duet. They both have well developed characters, and exciting storylines that will keep you entertained throughout.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Daria.
2,008 reviews42 followers
January 11, 2025
This we like...its dark
A duet that just keeps you reading and definitely on my reread list.
Best like it dark cuz there are no rainbows and bunnies here.
Stand alones A bit mafia... a bit angst academic. We have anti heroes and villains. Young women that will need to "grow up" fast.
Both decent stories with a definite sketchy ending. The characters well suited to each story. Enjoy
Profile Image for SJ.
811 reviews12 followers
June 24, 2025
Rooting For The Anti-hero...

Two fast-paced steamy/dark stalker billionaire romance books in one. This book was a wild ride full of suspense, steam, and thrilling twists. The stories have a little bit of everything dark, delicious, and unhinged. Written in 1st person dual POV which I always enjoy. Overall I really enjoyed reading these.
Profile Image for Nicole Deanne Veracruz.
2,442 reviews15 followers
November 25, 2024
I did not realize when I accepted the ARC copy that I had previously read these books separately. I still very much enjoyed rereading them. Super hot and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Genoveva.
1,521 reviews12 followers
November 29, 2024
Please check all CW and TW before diving into this duet. This one definitely had me on the edge of my seat and explored subjects that I have not ready too many books with and it worked well in these stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Dominique.
67 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a duet, I thought the 2nd portion of the book would continue following the first, but it doesn't. Both of these stories have dual POV's. Overall a good read!
2,559 reviews5 followers
December 9, 2024
Wonderful Collection Has Cruel Vows and Dark Rituals, I have read both dark thrillers. I usual read romances, But K.J. Devoir it a wonderful writer, A page turner each one,

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
7,160 reviews33 followers
December 10, 2024
An enjoyable read. The story will hold your attention all the way through. The characters are likeable and fit well together. The story is full of drama, suspense, action and much more.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Smutty Demi.
566 reviews15 followers
December 10, 2024

This was a fast paced story, and you are really taken into the lives of the main characters. Compelling and clearly described, a lot happens in the book so it is certainly not boring. Definitely recommended!
Profile Image for Katie Justesen.
51 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2024
This book was great! I enjoyed the spice and plotline.

I feel that the ending was left with many questions and felt rushed, but I still enjoyed both stories and would like to read more from this author.

I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest feedback.
Profile Image for brenda hurley.
1,384 reviews7 followers
June 8, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. which is two books and one and let me tell you, you'll not be disappointed at all. It had me on the edge of my seat while reading this book. I can't wait to read more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Crystal Junebug.
402 reviews
December 22, 2024
I love a complete series in a single book. I am not a fan of a blatant cliffhangers. There's plenty of spice sprinkled along all the fast paced intrigue and plot twists. What an entertaining journey. Overall, a good read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katie Gilroy.
269 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2025
This duet is crazy!! Both books had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. Lots of suspense, a good amount of spice, and great characters.

If you like mafia/secret society/dark romance, definitely check this one out!
618 reviews4 followers
March 19, 2025
This was edgy and it was a good duet. The spice was good. This was an easy book to read but at points it did seem a little predictable. Overall good.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicole Deanne Veracruz.
2,442 reviews15 followers
June 9, 2025
I did not realize when I accepted this copy that basically it was just previous books put in one with a slight change. I enjoyed them the first time I enjoyed them this time.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.