Wicked Beasts

by Shelley Leigh Crane

Amara Rose thought she knew what to expect when she took a personal assistant job at Black Manor, a remote estate up north on the island of O’ahu. But nothing could have prepared her for the charm of the intelligent and enigmatic Mr. Black or the seductive allure of his older brother, Dr. Shadow. As strange occurrences and unsettling truths swirl around her, Miss Rose begins to fear that the brothers’ captivating presence hides a far darker reality when the whispers of the skeletal woods start to terrorize her mind. Will she uncover the truth behind the manor’s haunting mysteries—or will she be consumed by them forever?

A gothic paranormal romance inspired by Beauty & the Beast and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Dark Romance, Romantasy, Retellings, Gothic, Paranormal

Paperback

First published September 18, 2025

Reviews

[Marquise]

If memory serves (ha!), I think my first Gothic/Horror story ever was either Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde or Poe's The Cask of Amontillado, at an age I wasn't supposed to be reading such adult books. I can't swear as to which came first for me, but I do have a vivid memory of watching the film Mary Reilly, a Jekyll/Hyde retelling with John Malkovich and Julia Roberts, in which you see the original Classic from the POV of the killer's maid who is in love with him. It made quite the memorable impression on my young mind, watching it at the theatre with my cousin, and it's probably one of the reasons I'm very picky about this genre.

So, when I saw a while back that this here book was a Beauty & Beast + Jekyll/Hyde rehash, of course I was going to park my pink truck and wait for it, since I wasn't granted an ARC. In hindsight, though, I think this was one of the few times the Book Gods were kind to me by denying me the ARC, because on release date and having sampled the opening, I can confidently say this would've gotten a thorough rubbishing. It's one of those bang-to-whimper stories, great beginning and terrible ending, with a poorly paced plot and characters that most certainly don't fit the B&B archetype. More I can't say, as the sample is limited, but if you look at the full reviews here, you can get an idea that this appaears to be a B&B retelling to avoid.

Pity. So much pity. Why is it that it's always the retellings with the most promising and creative and original plot premises that fail to deliver or end up being disastrous?

[Nancy •͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ {Comment restriction} · Rating 1 out of 5]

──⟡⋆˙✩ 1 stars ✩ ⋆˙⟡──

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☾ 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬, 𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥 ☾ ִֶָ࣪ ˖𓂃

I went into this one with such high hopes — a gothic, paranormal romance inspired by Beauty & the Beast and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde? The premise practically screamed atmospheric obsession and dark yearning. Sadly, what I got instead was confusion, secondhand embarrassment, and a main character who single-handedly tested the limits of my patience.

Amara Rose, the thirty-something author-turned-live-in assistant to the mysterious Mr. Black, reads like a hormonal teenager trapped in an adult’s body. She’s meant to be professional — instead, she’s ogling her employer five minutes after meeting him, calling him by his first name despite being corrected, and wandering into forbidden wings of the mansion like a toddler drawn to danger. Her professionalism? Nonexistent. Her self-awareness? Also missing.

The butler: The East Wing is forbidden
Our whiny 30 year old FMC: But WHYYYYYYYYYYYYY? What's in there? Why can't I go there?!

girl just stfu and do your job. this isn't your daddy's mansion.

The story itself had so much potential — the gothic mansion, eerie rules, and mysterious staff were perfect ingredients for a moody, haunting tale. But the tone was wildly inconsistent. One minute, Amara’s terrified of a ghostly presence; the next, she’s fantasizing about her boss’s veins (yes, veins). The lust-to-fear-to-lust cycle repeats until it’s almost parody.

As for the plot, it just… doesn’t exist. The first half is Amara and lusting after her employer while complaining about EVERYTHING and acting like a CHILD. The supposed “mystery” never builds tension, and when things finally start happening, it’s too rushed to care. The Beauty & the Beast and Jekyll & Hyde nods felt more like name-drops than genuine inspiration.

By the end, I didn’t feel haunted or enchanted — just tired.

Many thanks to netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Lotta Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Steely Co. Publishing for this ARC!

🤍 Tropes 🤍

🍎 Forbidden Fruit
🕯️ Gothic
🦇 Haunted Manor Vibes
🔥 Moth to a Flame - FMC!
💋 Lusty Lady - FMC
👩🏻‍🦳'OLD' Protagonist - 30s! FMC's views not mine! 😅
👣 Bad House Guest - wet feet!! FMC!
😶‍🌫️Socially Awkward and Mysterious Employer- MMC

⚠️ Warnings ⚠️ 
╰➤ Explicit Sexual Content 
╰➤ Swearing
╰➤Violence

Well, I kind of have a lot to say about this one…

Let’s start off with this: There were obvious references to Beauty and the Beast - the rose and the forbidden west wing of the house. I know the B&B story well so I like the little nods to this sprinkled throughout the text! There were also obvious references/plot points in the story relating to The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde and at times, I also got Jane Eyre vibes too! I enjoyed the vibes guys! I loved the setting of the house. It was all about the gothic haunted house vibes. Perfect for this season quite frankly!

I also really liked the side characters Manu and Mrs. Wong. If I was in the story I think I would have had wanted to get to know Manu a lot better! XD

Now on to the thing I really struggled with … the FMC (Amara Rose)!!!! I have pages of notes on this book! I was very triggered at times! 😭

The first thing that bothered me about the FMC is the fact that the Butler needed to correct her on what to call her employer … It’s Mr. Black! BUT she then goes on for the entire book pretty much calling him Tristian in her mental and verbal dialogue. 'Tristian smiles at me, a beautiful, perfect smile, and my knees nearly give out.' - I think you mean Mr Black!! Her mind voice should have changed in my opinion after being corrected. It also shouldn't have needed to be corrected if the FMC was a professional.

Next issue I had! Is the insta-lust from the FMC to her employer Mr. Black!

I guess maybe I just have an issue with her lack of professionalism coming from a professional background myself.
Strike One - Shows up looking a mess to her NEW place of employment!
Strike Two - Calls her employer by their first name! Totally inappropriate if not invited to do so for live in staff!
Strike Three - Blatantly drooling after this man she has never met! So much so that the Butler has doubts she will be able to function!
AND she’s out! I would have sent this woman back home I think. The type A person that I am just can't handle this level of silliness.

'... I desperately crave the chill of a cold shower to calm me.' REALLY?? You just met your employer and he was totally socially awkward. I just don't understand this at all……. This FMC just has complete impulse control issues for me. She also becomes obsessed with the east wing straight away! The house seems massive! Surely you could explore some of the other rooms before become desperate to see into the east wing! The forbidden fruit trope is heavily used here for her boss and the house.

Also, there were some odd comments being made in chapter two that pulled me straight out of the book. The FMC describes herself as being 'too old' … she is in her thirties... That's not old in my opinion. Also, why is the FMC making passive aggressive comments about teens and 20-something's always being the hyper focus for romances!? In my opinion, that is the normal time when people meet their partners. Nearly everyone in my family was married and settled in their late teens and early 20s! I don't understand those weird comments at all. Of course you don’t have to be settled down in your 20s but making comments about it seemed quite odd to me. Obviously I know this is not everyone's life experience and sometimes tragic things happen like a betrayal or unexpected tragic circumstances, but I just don't vibe with these comments in chapter 2!!

Ok, chapter four ... The FMC has gone from being terrified about a supernatural presence in the house to being ... YOU GUESSED IT! Hot for her boss!!! 🤢🤣

'... thoughts of the elusive Tristan Black invade my mind. I can't shake the idea of his fingers trailing over my bare skin, a ghostly caress that sends a thrill ripping through me, summoning heat between my thighs.'

Seriously! What are we doing here??? I'm so annoyed! How can she go from fearing for her life to being highly aroused?? Guys this is only chapter four! 

Oh no she didn't! She is now leaving wet footprints all over the floors???? Dry your feet woman! I just can't with this FMC! 

Also, she is still calling him Tristan in her mind! 

Now a sex dream... I have no words.

Chapter Five - FMC is taking offence at the use of the word 'girl' .... You think she would be flattered as she was complaining of being 'old' in earlier chapters! 

She is also a self-proclaimed people pleaser ... I am worried about her wellbeing.

Chapter Six - She is already trying to enter the forbidden wing! She has no self-control whatsoever! AND she is still calling him Tristan!!! Girlie, can you learn the rules please! 

ALSO! 'Why does everyone act like I'm a child here?' REALLY? I think it could be ... hmmmmm ... because of your behaviour thus far!!!

Chapter Nine - The ick continues! '...his forearm muscles tense, and the veins emerge like intricate rivers beneath his skin... I feel the urge to trace them with my fingers.' What did I just read? Why?? That's a bit gross to be honest. You want to touch his veins? That's a new one for me, never heard that before got to be honest.

Chapter Twelve - I'm convinced the FMC is a vampire 🧛🏻‍♀️ She is so hyper fixated on veins! Uhhhh gross! 🤢 

Chapter Thirteen - I like Manu! He's got this FMC's MO already!

Chapter Twenty-One - We have met the infamous Dr. Shadow. It was underwhelming. So far he is not a beast, he is just a frisky man. I'm struggling so hard with this. The 'romance' is not what I enjoy. 

Major ick - FMC being called 'little one' during a sexual act. 🤢 

Yeah, soooo .... I had a lot of notes on this one! Sorry about that guys!

The story itself could have been so good! The FMC just ruined it for me completely. Not sure if you can tell that! 😂

I had an idea while I was writing this review. I would have loved if this story had been written from Mrs Wong’s perspective. Like Wuthering Heights is with Nelly. That story would have been awesome! An older woman trying desperately to save the younger one from the ‘beast’! Gosh that would have been so good!

I’m giving this three stars because I am feeling generous today. One star for the vibes. One star for Mrs Wong and the story I rewrote in my head with her as the FMC. One star for Manu because I think he has excellent book boyfriend energy. FMC should have dumped Black/Shadow and picked herself a Manu!

Thank you all for reading!

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy of Wicked Beasts. I was instantly drawn to this by the beautiful cover and the description. I mean seriously, how stunning is that cover?!! And a gothic paranormal romance inspired by Beauty & the Beast and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde!! I was instantly excited to read it.

I wanted to love this one. I really did. However,there was just nothing that hit that mark for me. So here is the breakdown:

Amara is hired as a live-in personal assistant to Mr Black and arrives at his gothic mansion located in Hawaii. There are rules and curfews which she constantly complains about. She forms an insta-crush on her boss. She lurks where she’s not supposed to. Assists Mr Black by getting books for him 2 or 3x. He ignores her. She meets Dr Shadow then has crazy dreams and takes a lot of showers. That sums up the first 60% of the book. The rest of the book moves along at a strange pace and she has more dreams. Strange things happen. The end.

Things I liked that earned stars:
That COVER 😍 1⭐️
Spice level 🌶️🌶️ 1⭐️

Things I disliked and must mention:

1) The rose 🌹 (Ok, a nod towards Beauty & the Beast) She has it with her in the car on the way there (literally on the first pages) and keeps it in a vase on her desk but where did it come from?? Why did she just randomly bring a rose? There were mentions of it throughout but no real significance

2) Amara is a 30 year old woman yet she comes across like a teenager. She is supposedly an author and is looking forward to having time to write yet she makes zero attempt to write even one word. Gets offended when Manu calls her ‘girl’ but she acts like a child. Not impressed with her at all.

3) Gisella.(the second maid, yet Amara always describes the bathroom window as ‘grimey’ 🤨) I feel like Gisella and Amara had a friendship forming but it just blew by super fast then she left. Amara was seriously **devastated** but why? You never got that strong connection of friendship.

Overall thoughts: The author’s writing style flowed well and I liked the short chapters. But the book as a whole seemed pieced together in ways that just didn’t work

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping paranormal romance with a gothic atmosphere, that's a mix of beauty and the beast, Jekyll and Hyde, and Dorian grey.
It was full of mystery and intrigue, secrets in the shadows, and being consumed by lust.
Amara is torn between her mysterious and distant boss Mr Black, and the seductive and dangerous Dr Shadow, both forbidden attractions.
I enjoyed the creepy mansion, mysterious staff, the hauntings and shadows, and all the danger.
Dr Shadow definitely steals the show with his possessive energy, demanding personality and chilling mystery.
It's a seductive read with a haunting ending.

[Misty Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Netgalley. This is my first ARC ever, which was super exciting! This is a Beauty and the Beast/Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde retelling. I really enjoyed the Gothic vibes. The mashup of stories worked well while also having its own style, and I sensed hints of Dorian Gray and Cinderella sprinkled into the story as well. Quick and fun read with just a little bit of spice.

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐⭐.5

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

The premise of this story had me itching to start it - Jekyll and Hyde x Beauty and the Beast, set in a Gothic manor on beautiful Hawaii? Incredible. If that wasn't enough, the prologue? Absolutely outstanding. However... I didn't love Wicked Beasts. Which I'm sad about. The execution just fell short for me, and I was left with more questions than answers.

Amara, a 30-something aspiring mystery writer, takes a job in a Gothic manor house as the occupant's live in personal assistant. I loved the idea of a more mature heroine, particularly one who is smart. Unfortunately, Amara proved herself to be neither of these things. She acts like a lovestruck teenager in the presence of her boss, falling in insta-love with him, despite his lack of interest in her at the start. Her relationships with her coworkers are strange - she openly defies the head of the staff, Mortimer, within hours of arrival - not the actions of someone mature starting a new working role - and becomes very attached to Gisella, the maid, without a great deal of interaction to back up that attachment. She then experiences insta-lust with Dr Shadow. As a character who is supposed to be capable of writing mystery thrillers, she should be able to work out at least some of what is happening at the Manor, but she is totally blind to it all, lurching from one disaster to another. As the story went on, it was like watching a horror movie, where the character makes terrible decisions and you're screaming at the screen for them not to do it.

The characters of Tristan and Dr Shadow are far more enjoyable than Amara. Tristan is portrayed as a very gentle, intelligent man, complete with crooked grin and glasses, and his attraction to Amara is a far more measured burn, opening up to her slowly as he gets to know her, despite how much she throws herself at him. Dr Shadow is lust personified, but I found the way Amara responded to him a little off when you consider how deep her feelings seemed to run for Tristan - it left question marks over their veracity. You never knew which of the men would appear and when, and that constant tussle for power provided the suspense the story desperately needed.

I found that the pacing was a little haphazard in the story - it started with a massive bang, drifted along like a meandering river in the middle, then went at breakneck speed in the final 20% - which made it a little hard to stay connected. I also found myself struggling to identify what was real action and what was dream sequence, which I found lessened the impact of the action - such a shame. The Cordelia arc was fabulously executed though, with the mystery remaining until the very end - it was impossible to predict exactly what was happening with her.

This novel had so much promise, particularly from that incredible prologue, but sadly it just didn't deliver for me. It's always hard when you don't click with the hero/heroine of the story, and sadly the rest of the book didn't stand up well enough to save it for me. I have noticed that this is the first in a series of gothic fairytales set in Hawaii - and this is such an original location/setting that I'd love to read the next one, to see if it is more successful than this attempt.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

[Marie-Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75 ⭐

I was so excited to dive into a gothic paranormal romance and I must say, I really enjoyed the gothic vibes. The Black Manor felt hauntigly beautiful (and very creepy). The descriptions were vivid and every little detail was thought through. I could picture everything very easily. I also enjoyed the paranormal vibes a loooot. I actually had moments were I was getting physically stressed out and worried for our main characters.

Although, for me, the characters and romance fell a bit flat. I feel like I still don't know anything about the MCs and it made it hard for me to connect with them and be interested in their romance. I wish I had more from Amara, more of her personality or history. And more significant interactions between our MCs. Overall, I had a good time since I enjoyed the plot and the gothic paranormal vibes a lot! Perfect for spooky season 👻

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽

[Ree · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I love the premise of the story, okay? The author knows how to grasp you in this gothic romance with heavy elements of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde + Beauty and the Beast. This book is definitely perfect for spooky season.

There are things that I love about this book and things I was just scratching my head about.

I love the gothic theme this takes place in. A creepy mansion in Hawaii, a butler who gives off Lurch vibes from Addams family but talks more. Gives you warnings and house rules to abide by. Which the FMC doesn't, and he is loyal to his master. You have the grounds keeper who is a hard-ass with no explanation until 70% through? He always ends the sentence with 'girl' when he speaks with the FMC, Amara. Which can be infuriating when he does it out of spite. She has no clue what lies in the shadows. Literally until near the end. Then you have the 2 housemaids. One is bubbly, and the other seems she can't be bothered with. As if she always appears to scorn Amara. She isn't rude or anything. it just seems to me she is there to give the stank face to the FMC.

Amara seems like a dits to me. She is this thriller/suspense writer (well, trying to be), and she wants to solve the secrets that are lurking in the walls of the manor. She doesn't do a very good job of it. She wants to be in the know... But she hesitates too much for my liking. Too much inner monologues that seem to never get her anywhere besides taking a fresh shower every now and then. Hey, nothing wrong with being hygienic. It's too much of it for me to care.

Then you have Tristan Black, aka Mr. Black and his brother Dr. Shadow. (cough cough)

Don't get me wrong, Dr. Shadow is almost every woman's wet dream guy. I wish there were more elements between the two characters.

Things I didn't like
-character connections. There weren't any real connections between the characters. Amara is friendly with her best friend, which we meet for a few pages in the beginning of the book and semi middle. She texts her here and there, but it didn't feel like as if they are bff's. Then Amara became really attached to Gisella, who is the bubbly maid. She took the job because her boyfriend had passed in a tragic way and needed a change in scenery, but then she left the manor. Leaving our FMC behind. It was a short-lived friendship.

-I'm making the assumption that the timeline takes place in the fall. But there isn't a real timeline. It goes into days to weeks. I still don't know if she has been there for three months.

-Then there are the romance elements of this book. I felt like it was just one-sided, Amara chased Mr. Black until he submitted to her persistence. eh, it wasn't for me.

-the ending. WTF was that? I need answers for that ending. It ain't sitting well with me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Steely Co. Publishing for the eARC.

[Kim Layman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a dark romance with spicy open door scenes. But that is not the crux of the story. The FMC, Amara, took a job as a personal assistant to Mr. Black. Problem is, she’s not really sure what her job is. Her boss is elusive, and so is his brother, Mr. Shadow. And then there’s the warnings from the staff about certain parts of the manor she’s never to set foot in. Will she ever figure out who her boss truly is, and what is really going on in Black Manor?

Shelley blends fantasy, mystery, and science fiction together in this mash up of fairy tale and horror. I loved the concept behind a science experiment gone wrong on the beautiful island of O’ahu. You are immersed in the dark and foreboding of the isolated house, and follow Amara as she is determined to find out what is happening behind close doors.

Shelley also brings the spice, as both Black and Shadow draw Amara in, and ramp up the sexual tension. The attraction they feel is palpable, and there is a tense push and pull for Amara because of the secrecy and potential danger in the home. But she can’t deny how she feels, and won’t stop out she finds out the truth-and decide once and for all if who she wants can be hers.

I’m absolutely not a spicy girl, but the whole storyline drew me in. I love a unique mash up, and this one kept me engaged. Shelley created an immersive and engaging tale that provided a vivid and ominous feel. If you are a fan of dark romantasy, this one’s for you.

A huge thank you to Tracky PR for my arc. My opinion is my own.
.

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gothic paranormal romance inspired by Beauty & the Beast and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. Need I say more? The blend of the two inspirations is so unique and they intertwined perfectly together.

This is my favorite read of the year so far. I loved everything about it, and I didn’t want it to end. I was hooked right from the beginning. The writing is so well done I can’t even put in words. The author has such a way with words that flows so seamlessly and written so elegantly. The storytelling is so immersive and done so well it is like you are watching a movie and not just creating the scene in your head. The word choice and imagery were vivid and done perfectly. The character development was incredibly strong, and they each had depth to them. The spicy scenes were written well, and I didn’t feel the need to skim past them, which I sometimes do if it is too excessive. I am a fantasy reader through and through, but I will read anything from this author if that says anything. I can’t wait to read the other books coming out within the A Lament Princess collection.

Thank you so much to the author and Tracky PR for allowing me to be a part of the early ARCs.

[LeshaD Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked Beasts by Shelley Leigh Crane, took hold of the air in my lungs, and wouldn’t let go, having to finish reading, in order for me to breathe again.

I would classify this book as a Paranormal Beauty and the Beast / Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde mashup and retelling. The author does an excellent job of mixing insta-love, yearning and why choose into the story, making you feel and want all three. The attraction pulses off the page. There is equal measure of romance to plot, with the development keeping me intrigued. I was hooked at 20% and at 50% the story took off, then the last 75% of the book I could not put it down. Even though I anticipated what would happen, the mystery and intrigue written throughout kept me questioning myself.

This book had spice (my rating would be 4 chilis), the scenes placed appropriately, woven seamlessly into the story and with perfect intent. I would check the trigger warnings, as there is some dominant play with the MMC, as well as attempted suicide.

The writing was beautiful and seamless, leading you in and building to a crescendo. The characters, down to the supporting characters, were well developed, with depth and import, allowing the reader to want to get to know and understand them, while at the same time, being pulled into the intrigue of who they really are.

This was a fast read, but a good one. Thank you to #WickedBeasts #NetGalley, #SteelCoPublishing and #ShelleyLeighCraneAuthor, for providing me an ARC of this book. I would recommend picking it up!

DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER… SPOILERS BELOW:


SPOILERS:
+++++++++++++++++++++++
The FMC takes a job as a personal assistant to a scientist/professor. This professor is the MMC, who is tender/withdrawn (reserved) and kind. She is then introduced to his ‘brother’, who is the polar-opposite - Dark/Sinister/demanding. While working for the MMC, Tristan, she is kept from him and warned of the brother. As the story progresses, she is intrigued by the experiments him and occurring in the East Wing of the Manor, being told she is not to enter (and this is the Beauty and the Beast inference) She meets the brother, Dr. Shadow, and soon falls for both. Instantly falling for Shadow, but yearning for the reserved, MMC, Tristan Black. Her curiosity and concern for Tristan and his experiments, causing a steep decline in his health, and what seems to be his ultimate demise, sweeps her into a whirlwind of mystery and dangerous encounters. Falling in love with the MMC, she is determined to find a way to cure him, while the element of the paranormal visiting her in her nightmares/daydreams, threatening to kill her, tries to stop her.

[Tanya T. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stars: 1.5 Stars
Start Date:9/17/25
Ending Date:10/6/25
Genre: Gothic, Paranormal
Form: E-Arc
Page Count:395
Publishing Date: 9/18/25
Point of View: 1st,3rd
Setting: Hawaii

Content Warning: Sexual Content, Murder, Attempted Murder, Sexual Coercion, Suicide, Suicidal Ideation, Drug Abuse

StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...

My blog: https://tanyasreading.wordpress.com/2...

Thank you Netgalley and Steely Co. Publishing for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

What I expected: A Beauty and the Beast retelling mixed in with The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde set in Hawaii in a manor with Gothic Vibes.

What a got: A FMC that is supposed to be in her 30's but she acts like an 18 year old thirsting over her boss that is not even paying attention to her in house that she lacks critical skills to the fullest but supposed to be a writer. Who was thinking with her libido brain and not her real one.

I just hate when a book has an interesting premise by putting two classic tales together that I never thought would work but actually could work in cable hands but fail the execution. The weak link in the chain is the FMC and the pacing of the work in a book that probably could have been solid 3 stars. I would never have thought that Beauty and the Beast and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde could work together which this book proved me wrong. It could work together but it needed to be better written.

Amara,our FMC, is the biggest issue in this book which is a problem since we are in her head the entire book with an exception of one chapter towards the end. 

I cringed at the way FMC was acting towards the MMC aka her boss who she supposed to be his personal assistant that she had like three interactions with rather than being " You go girl! Go shoot your shot" Especially it being marketed as a BATB retelling. Most BATB retellings, it is a slow burn in which most of the time the Beauty has to get used to the beast and become friends with him before romantic feelings develop. Our FMC is constantly throwing herself at our MMC like she was having her first high school crush. Instead of being in 30s she's acting like a teenager who doesn't understand hormones. I never eye rolled so much in a book when every single time she talked about his taunt muscles and the way she wanted him to be inside of her.

Yes ,your employer is nice looking but you barely know anything about him while you are acting obsessed. You constantly have to be corrected by his servants ( aka the real mvps of this book) to call him by his last name and not his first. She constantly showed a lack of profession in the manor. It's only one time she actually called him Mr. Black which I eye rolled in the situation why she called them that..

I got a sense that since the FMC is in her 30s, that she will bring a level of maturity to the situation that is happening inside the house which didn't.

She was kind of a ditz and I want to smack the shit out of her so many times. Like a girl you are in an old mysterious house. Read the damn room. If a person tells you " oh hey don't go in this wing" you don't ask why.

She could have all the clues and all she has to do and think and piece them together and she still wants someone to spell it out for her. For her supposed to be a writer, ( which she wrote absolute shit the whole book) she failed in the context clues department big time.  Like she had the two biggest clues to what was going on in the house , one that she stole from the library and the other ,the MMC gave to her and she still couldn't piece it together.

She lacks empathy because when Gisella, the maid, who she short of become friends with ,leaves the manor, she acts like she abandoned her. Gisella saw a DEAD body on the ground. She already experienced grief and PTSD as well  because her boyfriend died before she started working for Mr. Black . She actually told you to dip with her since there was some paranormal shit going on in that house. What kind of selfish brat you have to be???

Even before that moment, Mr. Black,our MMC, was asking our FMC was she ok since she saw the body like Gisella  which he also asked to know more about her and she went asking him" Do you like me since you find me attractive?" Amara, People are dying. He was just checking up on you. Since Gisella was so shaken up by seeing a DEAD body on the grounds. This is not the time to play high school since he just wanted to know more about you.

For the majority of the book after you can clearly tell that something was wrong with MMC and his " brother", nothing makes a lick of sense and I was tired of everyone acting like it's nothing. FMC is not questioning a damn thing and going with the flow. Her own mental health was being fucked up in that house and just still continue to stay there when she really have no reason to stay there. She ain't trying to figure out what's going on. She aint trying to get answers from the people in that manor.

The world building and lore was not there in a story that is set in Hawaii and a damn manor. I didn't feel like I was in Hawaii or knew a damn thing about it if the only thing you are going to mention is people surfing.

The side characters aka the long time servants of the Black Manor definitely need more character development since we still barely knew anything about them. Mrs. Wrong, Mortimer, and Manu were the saving grace of this book with them side-eying Amara's antics through the whole book. Gisella should have also gotten more character development even though we did know a little more about her than the rest.

Dr. Shadow carried this book on his damn back and made the FMC a little tolerable with their scenes together. Even though he was starting to give me Erik from Phantom of the Opera vibes.

Tristian should have been more fleshed out as he was MMC along with his " brother" Dr, Shadow. He’s sweet but he’s playing the hot and cold game too much which you understand why. Amara just came on too strong and it was a borderline obsession on her part.

Needless to say that Dr. Shadow and Tristian are the reason I stayed with the book instead of dnfing but they couldn’t even save it. Not when the leading lady was not giving what she needed to give in a story like this.

The sexual scenes were probably the best written parts of the book. They were detailed and didn't make me cringe while reading them. Maybe the last one did but I was so over this book and FMC that I really got done.

In my opinion, there wasn't any romance in this book. Most people would probably consider it dark romance but honestly it was sexual tension, lust and obsession for the most part. No parts of this part would I see as having romantic tension to even be considered as romance.

The pacing was terrible in certain parts when you had so many chapters with nothing happening that the FMC is just wandering through the house when she is not having a scene with Tristian or Dr. Shadow.

The author did have a grip of what I can tell ( haven't read it. I know. Need to hop to it.) but didn't not have a grip on the Beauty and the Beast side of the story which is why I say it wasn't executed well. The author had dreams incorporated into the story but they could have been used to strengthen the BATB side of it. For example, Dr. Shadow took over in the waking world then Tristian should have been shown in the dream world and vice versa. That was done in the original fairy tale where the beauty saw the prince in her dreams and didn't know that it was actually the beast truth form. The dreams in this could have confused the FMC to think which personality is true to our MMC.

The dad character was in here but he was a non-factor even if one chapter towards the end she got sent back home. In most BATB retellings, she does go back home but in this story it was necessary. Especially since the dad is pretty much non-existent in the story.

I love the nods to Gothic literature. Not only Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,  but it was giving me Dorian Grey  and Phantom of the Opera Vibes.  

The curse was interesting on how the author tied it to the original story of Jekyll and Hyde but it fell flat on how late the story was presented.

The ending didn't make a lick of sense because it was not really known if the curse was broken or not.

This would have been the perfect recommendation for the Halloween /Spooky season but I can't in good conscience do so.

If you do want Gothic, Paranormal vibes with a slice of romance or just a story with Mysterious Castle or Manor in it, I would recommend:

Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

Bellamy and the Brute by Alicia Michaels

House of the Beast by Michelle Wong 

Firelight by Kristen Callahan

Cinder House by Freya Marske

Entreat Me by Grace Draven

Castle of the Cursed by Romina Garber

Bryony and Roses by T. Kingfisher

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

My Dearest Authors,

If I have to be in the FMC head since it's in her point of view, please make the FMC tolerable and not make me want to smack her every chance I get for being a half-brain lust full dimwit. I don't mind FMC being able to express their sexual desires and obtain them but not at the expense of the story and the characters around her.

Thank you

With Love,
Tanya T

[Lisa Conant · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️1/2
🌶🌶🌶 /5

🥀 Gothic Paranormal Romance
🦋 Suspenseful
🥀 Dual Personality
🦋 Why Choose, but not
🥀Haunted House
🦋Forced Proximity

I'm so mixed because the potential to be even better is there but i think it got caught up in all the wordy flourishes and was too mysterious with the mmc.

Truly a love letter to the literature classics of old (ala Robert Louis Stevenson and Daphne Du Maurier) and sprinkled with a bit of wonderous nods to Beauty and the Beast, this tale oozes poetic prose I love, but just too much.

I will not give anything away because that is part of the tantalizing mystery that is unfolded as we follow along our FMC protagonist. Exclusively in Amara's POV, we are treated with discovering this shadowy mansion of secrets through her eyes. Tucked away amidst lush greenery of Hawaii, the partly neglected mansion is quite the contrast; laden with velvet curtains, deep mahogany treatments, and bound in dusty secrets.

An enigmatic, handsome, albeit, shy and awkward young student of science, Tristan is magnetic. He's a rubix cube that we want to desperately figure out what pieces he's trying to fit together and why. A paradox of a man, whom we feel has much more going on beneath the surface of his kind amber eyes. I absolutely was smitten with him and every second he made an appearance. But it was too few.

Amara assists him in work but it's a second, more primarily seductive man, Dr. Shadow, that begins to have her second guessing the new visitor's intentions towards her and his connection to Tristan.

You need a lot of patience to revel in the unfolding of this deliberately paced mystery. You will be treated with seductive imagery, a world seething with mist, the smell of ancient texts and metallic iron. But sadly it's not enough to keep momentum. The fmc was rather immature and I just felt like too much was missing. The nugget of greatness is there but the missing male pov really stalls the oomph factor and he's the most compelling character so it's a shame.


I can't wait to read his POV (which is to come eventually) because that is the element that I feel would really elevate this.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Shelly Leigh Crane for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wicked Beasts is a darkly enchanting gothic romance that masterfully intertwines elements of Beauty and the Beast and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. Set against the haunting backdrop of Black Manor on the island of Oʻahu, the story follows Amara Rose, a personal assistant who becomes entangled in the enigmatic lives of her employers, Tristan Black and his brother, Dr. Shadow.

From the outset, Crane immerses readers in a world shrouded in mystery and allure. The mansion itself is a character—its shadowed halls, creaking floors, and eerie ambiance create a palpable sense of suspense. The juxtaposition of a gothic setting in a tropical locale adds an unexpected layer of intrigue, making the environment feel both isolated and otherworldly.

The narrative delves deep into themes of duality and transformation. Tristan's complex nature, influenced by the Jekyll and Hyde archetype, adds depth to the story, exploring the tension between light and dark within individuals. This internal struggle is mirrored in the mansion's secrets, keeping readers on edge as they uncover hidden truths.

Amara's journey is one of self-discovery and awakening. Her evolving relationships with Tristan and Dr. Shadow are charged with chemistry and tension, leading to moments of passion and vulnerability. Crane's writing is evocative, capturing the emotional intensity of these connections while maintaining the novel's gothic tone.

While the pacing occasionally lingers, allowing readers to savor the atmosphere, some may find certain plot developments predictable. However, the rich character development and atmospheric setting more than compensate for these minor drawbacks.

In conclusion, Wicked Beasts is a captivating read for fans of gothic romance. With its lush prose, compelling characters, and haunting setting, Shelley Leigh Crane delivers a tale that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Dark, mysterious mansion: Black Manor is the quintessential gothic setting—secluded, ominous, and filled with secrets.

Beauty and the Beast retelling: A classic trope reimagined with a brooding male lead and a heroine drawn to his darkness.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde inspiration: Duality and hidden identities play a strong thematic role, especially with the character of Dr. Shadow.

Forbidden romance: The love interests are tangled in moral gray areas and dangerous secrets that complicate their relationship.

Dark secret/love interest with a past: Tristan harbors secrets that impact not only his life but the entire plot's trajectory.

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book; this does not influence my review.

I really wanted to like this book. The premise sounded so promising: Beauty and the Beast with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and a haunted house, but it ended up being a difficult read.
Amara, a woman in her 30s, is hired as a personal assistant to Tristan, a 28-year-old, after months of unemployment. Right away, she leaves a poor impression: she complains about a standard three-month probation period, disregards rules set by both the butler and her boss, dresses inappropriately, and clashes with nearly every colleague she meets. Yet the author insists she is “friendly with everyone.” At this point, I began to suspect we were dealing with an unreliable narrator.

Within three days, Amara is infatuated with Tristan, obsessing over him like a schoolgirl. There isn’t nearly enough character development or interaction to justify her fixation, especially since he’s her boss. While Tristan is described as busy with school, research, and labs, Amara interprets his absence as him ignoring her and considers quitting. Adding to her immaturity is the constant snooping: sneaking into the off-limits east wing, visiting the library after curfew, and even going through personal items on Tristan’s desk. These are all clear violations of the rules, which, at her age, she should know better.

The timeline also has some inconsistencies. At times, weeks are said to have passed, only for the next sentence to claim it has been just one week since a major event happened. This made it difficult to follow, as even the narrator seemed to lose track of time. By the end, I wasn’t even sure if Amara had completed her probation.
The story finally picks up around page 200, when a body is discovered on the grounds. Gisella, another employee, becomes frightened and leaves. Instead of showing empathy, Amara is irrationally angry, blaming Gisella for “abandoning” her, even though Gisella’s boyfriend had just died, and she understandably fled after finding a body surrounded by blood. Amara’s lack of compassion here only made her harder to root for.

The spice was decent and offered a pleasant break from an otherwise frustrating storyline. Unfortunately, the conclusion felt rushed. The haunting subplot remained vague; we never learn if the ghost was truly exorcised or might return, and Amara seems oddly “fine” with it all, despite nearly being murdered by a ghost. The ending was too “happily ever after,” leaving the story’s bigger issues unresolved.

[Lisa (Queenie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

A tantalising gothic mystery romance. A Beauty & the Beast x Jekyll & Hyde inspired story which has beautiful writing and I really enjoyed the story over all.

The book immediately hooks you in with vivid descriptions of Black Manor and its foreboding, haunting and gothic beauty.

This is a modern gothic romance but aside from the fleeting mentions of a mobile phone and laptop this could easily be a historical book as Black Manor is very old and has minimal modern technology.

The characters were well written but I felt there was so much focus on descriptions of the world around them, and in depth descriptions of scenes but less character driven elements. Amara quickly becomes infatuated but I loved seeing how that intensified over time. She is in her 30's but she comes across as much younger in the book. Tristan spends a large amount of the book trying to avoid her to ensure professional boundaries but I would have loved to see more about his character and a POV of how he felt about her and about Dr Shadow. I would have loved a POV from him too!

There were parts I didn't really understand how they fit into the story such as the musician she meets, and also Gisella. They had potential but they just vanish from the book. I also didn't feel like we got to know the staff much despite their importance and also what was the rose all about. What did it signify because I didn't see what it was actually linked to whereas we know what it signifies in Beauty & the Beast.

I enjoyed the story itself and it keeps you hooked with its twists and turns.

I really want to read more by this author as her writing and the prose were beautiful. She painted a haunting, dark and dreamy gothic story which I felt fully immersed in. The use of shadows and suspense leaves you longing for more.

The spice was well written and I loved that you could feel the intensity of the attraction to both Tristan and Dr Shadow for completely different reasons.

I can see that there is going to be a series of fairytale inspired books from this author and I can't wait to read more.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing for the arc. This is my own honest review of the book.

[Robin Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Fantasy Romance
My Rating: 4.5 stars

**Please be sure to make a note of the trigger warnings before reading this book.

An inspired mashup of Beauty & the Beast meets The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde set in Hawaii.

Amara Rose is hired as the personal assistant to Mr. Black at his remote Manor. Amara is immediately enraptured by his presence and the haunting estate. Upon meeting his alluring brother, Dr. Shadow, she soon realizes there are far darker secrets to the estate and the brothers. She finds herself torn between her desires for Mr. Black and his brother. Driven by curiosity and desire, she is determined to uncover the truth behind the dangers surrounding the Black estate.

This was an interesting retelling that piqued my interest immediately. The two stories make sense together. I loved the atmosphere, and the characters were well thought out. The author’s use of imagery is immaculate, and I was able to clearly envision each scene.

While I enjoyed the book and towards the end it was unputdownable, it had a slow start. It wasn’t keeping my attention very long until about halfway through the book. If that’s your preference, then this could easily be a five-star read for you. I did enjoy the vivid imagery, however at times it felt like it was too much and extended the scene beyond what it should have been. I didn’t enjoy the shorter chapters, but that’s my personal preference. There were multiple times I felt the next chapter could have been a continuation of the previous chapter, but at the same time, it made for a quicker read.

If you love dark romantasy and dark fairytale retellings, I would highly recommend this book. I would also highly suggest reading over the trigger warnings.

*A Note From the Publisher: Wicked Beasts contains several on-page descriptive sex scenes meant for mature audiences. Readers sensitive to foul language, suspenseful themes, themes of sexual manipulation, unprotected sex, disorientation, drug and alcohol use, needles, drowning, suffocation, bruising, threatening, physical abuse, witchcraft, ghosts, suicide, blood, and sacrifice, may find some of the content disturbing*


*Thank you to NetGalley and Steely Co. Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to NetGalley for this ARC 🤗

Wicked Beasts is a dark, moody romance with major Beauty and the Beast meets Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde energy, set in this eerie old manor. The atmosphere is definitely the highlight… it’s got proper creepy woods, gothic vibes, and a spooky house that basically feels like its own character.

The writing is really visual. The author clearly knows how to set a scene, and some of the descriptions were genuinely lovely. You can see everything she’s describing, sometimes to the point where it’s a bit much. Like, I didn’t always need a full breakdown of how many times her hair moved in the wind. A bit overdone in places, but it still worked overall.

The main character is meant to be in her thirties, but she often came across like someone way younger. I didn’t always get her choices and some of them felt a bit daft but I stuck with her. She’s brave, I’ll give her that, and curious enough to keep the story moving.

Romance-wise, it’s very much focused on her pining after one bloke (who was emotionally unavailable 90% of the time), while the other one, Dr Shadow, actually brought more chemistry and spice to the table. I weirdly liked him more, to be honest. There’s a bit of a love triangle thing going on, and while I usually don’t love those, this one kept me interested.

Some of the side characters didn’t really make sense like her best mate just kind of disappears and a few others pop up without much impact. The timeline’s also a bit fuzzy throughout as it’s just mentions of “days and weeks” here and there, but the story’s still easy enough to follow.

It did drag in the middle a bit. There’s a whole chunk where not much happens except the FMC overthinking and doing a whole lot of not much else. But once you hit around 70%, it picks up again and finishes strong. There was a couple of twists that caught me by surprise which was good!

Final thoughts: It’s not perfect, but I still enjoyed it. The vibes are spot-on, the concept is cool, and the setting really sticks with you. If you’re into gothic romances with a bit of spice, you’ll probably have a good time.

Rating: 3.5 - 4 stars. Definitely keen to see what the author does next.

[Delibes · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 stars

When I first picked up Wicked Beasts, I was genuinely excited. The setting in Hawai’i sounded unique and full of possibilities. I thought the author would weave in culture, atmosphere, maybe even some folklore. But sadly, Hawai’i was just a backdrop and barely mattered for the story. That felt like such a missed opportunity, and it already set the tone for my reading experience: so much potential, but very little of it was actually used.

The premise—mixing Beauty and the Beast with Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde—was intriguing. On paper, it’s a smart idea to combine two classics of light and dark, love and monstrosity. But in practice, it didn’t come together. The FMC, who is supposed to be in her thirties, doesn’t act her age at all. Every time a man walks into the scene, she basically forgets how to function as a human being. Her decisions were irrational, overly naïve, and honestly frustrating. It felt like I was reading about a high schooler instead of an adult woman with life experience. That mismatch pulled me out of the story again and again.

Then there’s the “magic” aspect. Instead of being woven into the story naturally, it felt overly dramatic and thrown in just for the sake of creating suspense. Sometimes it didn’t make much sense, sometimes it just felt exaggerated—like the book was trying too hard to force tension, drama, and action where it wasn’t necessary. It didn’t add anything meaningful; it just distracted from what could have been an interesting gothic retelling.

And the ending? Predictable and yet strange in execution. I saw it coming, but the way it was handled left me unsatisfied. It didn’t tie things together, and it didn’t answer the questions the story itself raised. Instead of feeling like a conclusion, it just left me disappointed and with a bitter taste.

Overall, Wicked Beasts had all the right ingredients: a strong setting, two iconic inspirations, and the promise of mystery. But it lacked depth, character consistency, and thoughtful execution. For me, it was a frustrating read, because I kept seeing what it could have been—and it just never delivered.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

🕯️🏰 Wicked Beasts by Shelley Leigh Crane 🕯️🌑
Expected: September 18, 2025

A crumbling manor in Hawaii 🌴, whispers in the skeletal woods 🌲, and two magnetic brothers with secrets darker than the shadows themselves… this gothic paranormal romance is exactly the kind of spooky-season read I crave.

Amara Rose thought she was just taking a PA job. Instead, she steps into Black Manor—complete with eerie staff (the butler who gives Addams Family Lurch vibes 👀, maids with secrets of their own), chilling house rules, and mysteries clawing at the walls. Enter Mr. Black and Dr. Shadow (yes, that name 👏). Both dangerous, both captivating, both hiding truths that left me turning pages long into the night.

This is Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde 🧪 meets Beauty & the Beast 🌹, draped in gothic fog, with a touch of romance, unease, and slow-building dread. It’s atmospheric AF, perfect for anyone who loves their romances with a side of gothic horror.

✨ What Worked for Me:
🌑 The gothic vibes: remote manor, strange staff, ominous rules
🌹 B&B x Jekyll & Hyde retelling elements
💀 Creepy, atmospheric setting (haunted Hawaii?? unique + perfect)
🔥 Dr. Shadow… yeah, he stole the show

🤔 What Fell Short for Me:
📖 Too much inner monologue / FMC dithering instead of doing
💔 Romance felt one-sided at times
⌛ Confusing timeline (days? weeks? months?)
😱 That ending?! I need ANSWERS.

Even with those bumps, this book had such strong spooky season energy that I couldn’t put it down. It’s eerie, seductive, and haunting in all the right ways which is perfect for readers who like their gothic romance dark, mysterious, and just a little bit unsettling.

📌 Tropes / Vibes:
🏰 Gothic manor
🌹 Beauty & the Beast reimagining
🧪 Jekyll & Hyde inspiration
🫣 Dark secrets + strange staff
🔥 Broody MMCs (yes, plural 👏)
💀 Paranormal undercurrent

#WickedBeasts #ShelleyLeighCrane #NetGalley #GothicRomance #ParanormalRomance #DarkRomanceBooks #BeautyAndTheBeastRetelling #DrJekyllAndMrHyde #GothicHorror #RomantasyReads #SpookySeasonBooks #DarkRomantasy #AtmosphericReads #FallVibes #RomanceBookstagram #DarkRomanceTok #SteelyCoPub

[Why Choose Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for something cozy, look elsewhere—this book is less lace and moonlit waltzes, more gothic fog and the faint hum of danger. It's a twist on beauty-and-the-beast and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde drenched in atmosphere and questionably safe choices—and trust me, you'll be rooting for the chaos. Our FMC Amara Rose thinks she’s signing up for a quiet PA job on a remote island estate with room to breathe, Instead, she winds up living in a house that feels like it should come with its own exorcist, caught between logic screaming run and a magnetic pull she has no business entertaining. She’s clever enough to know danger when she sees it—she’s just not nearly clever enough to walk away. Dr Shadow, our MMC, is her mysterious employer whose presence is equal parts intoxicating and unnerving. On paper, he’s the sophisticated professional with an old-world air; in reality, he’s the kind of man whose smile feels like both a promise and a threat. He’s not merely a love interest—he’s the very definition of a complicated problem disguised as opportunity. Amara steps into the job expecting to clean rooms and keep her head down, but the estate has other plans. The rules are unyielding, the walls hide more than dust, and every corridor seems designed to remind her she’s not as free as she thought. The master of the house doesn’t just loom in the background—he dictates how Amara moves through this strange new world. Every decision she makes collides with his, whether she’s pushing against boundaries or being pulled deeper into the games he sets in motion. What begins as employment quickly spirals into a push-and-pull dynamic where his control shapes the stakes, and her resistance (or lack thereof) becomes the story’s heartbeat. Together, they set off a chain of revelations that tie Amara’s fate to the estate itself. Each confrontation, each reluctant alliance between them, drags her closer to the truth: she’s not just in a job, she’s in the middle of a dangerous unraveling where his role isn’t incidental—it’s central. Her survival, her choices, and her future all come to hinge on the one man she never meant to need.

[Mitra Mustafa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

As a fan of love triangles and "why choose" romance tropes, the synopsis of Wicked Beasts immediately caught my attention, and the eerie title paired with the pretty cover only sealed the deal. A gothic paranormal romance set in a remote Hawaiian estate? Count me in.

The story delivers beautifully on atmosphere. The moody gothic setting, paired with the lush, haunting landscape of Hawaii, creates a unique and immersive backdrop. Black Manor felt isolated yet alive, and the skeletal woods added an eerie edge that I loved. The gothic vibes are definitely one of the strongest aspects of the book.

That said, the writing took some time to grow on me. In the beginning, it felt a bit childish, but it gradually improved. While the author clearly has a knack for building atmosphere and emotional tension, the prose suffered from repetition, especially in descriptions and the FMC’s internal monologues, which often felt long-winded and redundant.

The main character, Amara Rose, is in her thirties, but her behavior often came across as immature, which made it harder for me to connect with her. Her choice to remain at the manor, despite being frightened and confused, lacked a convincing motivation and made her seem naïve rather than curious or brave.

Despite these issues, the romance is front and center. It's a character-driven story with a good dose of spice, and while I could see the twist about Dr. Shadow coming, I was genuinely surprised by Cordelia's arc. It kept the intrigue alive until the end.

Wicked Beasts is a fairly quick read with solid potential. With a bit more editing and tighter writing, Shelley Leigh Crane could truly elevate her storytelling.

I received the digital ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book was like watching a slasher movie, as I was screaming at the FMC for her horrible life choices for the entirety of the book. Why are you opening the creepy door? Why are you following a possible ghost into the forest? Why are you touching the slightly off mirror? This book is perfect for October if you love the idea of horror movies, but don't actually like being scared.

Amara Rose takes a job at a very creepy mansion as a live-in personal assistant. The longer she is there, the creepier things get, and the other employees of the house are keeping secrets. After meeting her boss, Tristan, 1 time, she becomes utterly obsessed with him. Like, he looks at her and she can't form words obsessed. I'm learning that I'm very much a hypocrite because I love it when the MMC is down bad after 1 meeting, but when it's the FMC? Absolutely not.

Amara is very much a damsel in distress and actively chooses to put herself into bad situations because she is "curious." Like running towards the creepy sounds instead of minding her own business. After breaking curfew several times, she meets Dante, aka Dr. Shadow. She is torn between the intense physical attraction to Dante and the emotional attraction to Tristan. She has been warned to stay away from Dante because he is not safe, but she refuses to let the secrets sway her and continues to seek him out.

Lots of other stuff happens in the book, but the general take away is that if you love a scary movie where the girl has no common sense and just blindly runs into the dark, this is the book for you. The romance doesn't really have much to do with the main plot line, so I personally would call this more of a mystery with a few spicy scenes thrown in.

Thank you to NetGalley and Steely Co. Publishing for the free eARC.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelley Leigh Crane’s Wicked Beasts is a deliciously dark gothic romance that wraps you in velvet shadows and doesn’t let go. Inspired by Beauty & the Beast and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, it’s a tale that dances between seduction and suspense, with just enough eerie charm to keep your spine tingling.

We follow Amara Rose, a personal assistant who steps into the enigmatic world of Black Manor on the island of O’ahu. What begins as a job quickly spirals into a haunting mystery, tangled between two brothers—Mr. Black, the brooding intellectual, and Dr. Shadow, whose name alone hints at the danger he exudes. The manor itself is a character: lush Hawaiian greenery clashing with its decaying grandeur, velvet curtains, and secrets thick in the air.

Crane’s prose is cinematic and immersive, painting scenes with a brush dipped in moonlight and menace. The pacing is deliberate, rewarding patient readers with a slow-burn unraveling of secrets and steamy tension that never feels gratuitous. Every scene, even the sultry ones, serves the story’s emotional arc.

The duality of the male leads—science and seduction, logic and lunacy—echoes the novel’s central theme: the beasts we love and the ones we fear may be one and the same. Amara’s journey is compelling, her voice authentic, and her descent into the manor’s mysteries is both thrilling and heartbreaking.

If you love gothic tales with a modern edge, haunted houses, morally grey love interests, and prose that reads like poetry, Wicked Beasts is your next obsession. Just be sure to check the content warnings—it’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who dare, it’s a beautifully twisted ride.

With thanks to Shelley Leigh Crane, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Faye Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wicked Beasts is book one in a series of gothic paranormal romances which will retell classic fairytales with gothic vibes but set in Hawai'i. This is a unique mashup and I hope that the interesting setting comes into play quite a bit in future books, since a gothic Hawai'i sounds like a great juxtaposition and could really set the series apart from other fairytale retellings. I'm not sure that the setting was used to full effect, but since this first book merges the 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Jekyll and Hyde' stories together, I'm going to assume that because both of those stories are sort of house-bound, there wasn't much opportunity to make use of the wider environment this time around. If future books use stories which aren't stuck inside a house, like The Little Mermaid for example, then I can see the Hawaiian environment being much more visible. The two stories that were used as inspiration for book one do go together quite naturally though.

There's spice in this book but it did feel a bit repetitive. Despite the spice, the main character felt younger than her actual age range, which was given as mid thirties. There was a lot of insta-lust/insta-love here and I wanted more of a connection for Amara with the characters beyond that lust. I would have felt more invested in the story if her connections to the other characters felt deeper.

I think the series has potential, and if the unique location for a gothic retelling can be leveraged in future books and there's more of a focus on the deeper connection between main characters, it could work really well.

2.5/5

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from Steely Co. Publishing and NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
I really like the plot - with Jekyll and Hyde/Beauty and the Beast themes. The writing is extremely descriptive yet the characters do not share enough. Everyone is so cryptic and secretive. The book creates a good bit of suspense but then ends so quickly and without giving us explanation of everything that was really going on and what it all meant. A good amount of spice.

I liked it and would read more from this author, but I think more is needed with this story to really give us closure. Different POV chapters would also be fun.

I obtained an ARC from NetGalley and read via ebook

Spoilers and so many questions:
Dr Shadow was a hard character to wrap my head around. I know that he was supposed to be irresistibly seductive, but I, personally, couldn’t figure out why Amara couldn’t resist when she seemed to have such strong feelings for Tristian. She seemed absolutely helpless in his presence. I also don’t get why he seemed to give up so easily in the study when his feelings towards Amara seemed more about power, attraction and knowledge versus actually caring about her.

It seemed clear to me that Cordelia was possessing Amara and that it was exacerbated by the rose necklace. It also seemed that other people noticed either the blonde hair or the rose necklace at some point but never said anything about it. Why didn’t Dr Shadow say anything at the dinner or when he tried to drown her?

I really would have loved more dialogue between Tristian and Amara at the end before their shower scene. Amara even thought about wanting to know more about how it all worked - we all want to know 🙂

I didn’t really understand the significance of the blue butterflies, though they do seem important or symbolic of something.

[Homesick Martian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing Gothic Twist with No Redemption

I usually love Beauty & the Beast retellings, especially when they carry a darker, Gothic edge. Wicked Beasts had a premise full of promise, but the execution just didn’t land for me.

The FMC was frustratingly passive, constantly diminishing herself and pining for someone she barely knew. Her immediate physical intimacy with the “beast” after just meeting him felt forced and unrealistic, making it hard to take her character arc seriously. Instead of romance or tension, it came across as shallow and unbelievable.

The pacing dragged, with long stretches of repetition that left me disengaged. Rather than building atmosphere or suspense, much of the narrative revolved around the FMC waiting and yearning, which quickly wore thin. And then the story ends on a cliffhanger and after all that, the lack of resolution felt like a letdown rather than an enticement to continue. I seriously wanted to flip a desk over.

For the folks who like this:

Beauty & the Beast retelling (with a Gothic / Jekyll & Hyde twist)
Brooding, grumpy “beast” MMC
Personal assistant heroine pulled into a dangerous household
Mysterious brothers / possible love triangle setup
Forbidden attraction
Cliffhanger ending

Spice Level: 🌶🌶 (2/5)

Some explicit scenes
Instant intimacy that feels rushed and underdeveloped
More focused on angst and longing than on slow-burn build-up


The premise itself still intrigues me, which is why I’m giving it two stars. But overall, this retelling fell short, and I won’t be continuing with the series.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Wicked Beasts in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Kirsty Hewes (hewes_books_are_these) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a fantastic gothic premise with strong echoes of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde mixed with Beauty & the Beast. The eerie mansion setting and quirky side characters give it a lot of atmosphere.

That said, some character choices left me scratching my head. Amara, the FMC, often feels ditsy and bogged down in inner monologues, which slows the story. The household staff are intriguing but sometimes one-dimensional. Certain dynamics (like the groundskeeper and housemaids) feel underdeveloped.

Tristan Black (aka Mr. Black) and his brother Dr. Shadow add intrigue. Dr. Shadow in particular being a standout in this book, though I wished for more meaningful interactions between them.

The character connections also felt a bit flat: Amara’s relationships with her best friend and Gisella (the bubbly maid) were short-lived and lacked depth, making it hard to invest in them. The timeline was also confusing; the story jumps between days and weeks without clarity, and I was never sure how long Amara was actually at the manor.

The romance didn’t quite work for me either. It felt one-sided, with Amara constantly chasing after Mr. Black until he gave in, which wasn’t satisfying. And the ending honestly left me baffled. It raised more questions than it answered.

Overall, while the atmosphere was strong, the weak character bonds, muddled pacing, and unsatisfying conclusion kept this book from reaching its potential. However, it’s an enjoyable, moody gothic romance with some strong elements, but uneven execution keeps it from fully delivering on its potential.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me a copy of this E-ARC to review.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Amara Rose takes a job at Black Manor she thought she knew what she was getting herself into and what to expect, even though the Manor itself was an estate up north on the island of O'ahu. But, there was nothing that could have ever prepared her for the charm of the intelligent and cryptic Mr. Black or that of his older brother, Dr. Shadow whom she found to be alluring and rather seductive. But, then she finds that strange occurrences and unsettling truths start to swirl around her. Suddenly Miss Rose starts to fear that both of the brothers' rather captivating presence is hiding a far darker reality than she had realized at first. And then she starts to hear the whispers of skeletal woods that begin to terrorize her mind.

Will Amara find that she is to be consumed by them forever?

Wicked Beasts is a gothic paranormal romance that is inspired by Beauty & the Beast and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay attention to the content and trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There are some scenes and content in this book that may be unsuitable for some readers and triggering for other readers. Please remember that your mental health comes first at all times.

Tropes: Gothic Paranormal Romance, Suspenseful, Dual Personality, Why Choose, But Not, Haunted House, and Forced Proximity.

Wicked Beasts by Skelley Leigh Crane is a gothic paranormal romance that has been inspired by not only Beauty & the Beast but also The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. And I found this combination to be a very interesting blend that at first I didn't quite think was going to work together to tell a clear and concise story. And yet, upon reading Wicked Beauty, I found that these two inspirations blended beautifully together to tell a unique and intertwined story that just blended together to flow perfectly.

I was enthralled by this book from the very first page and I never wanted it to end. Shelley has this beautiful magnetic way with words that flow seamlessly and elegantly on the page that you feel like you are being drawn into the story yourself.

This book is told from the POV of Amara our FMC and we get to discover with her the lush shadowy mansion that is Black Manor. Through her eyes, we get to discover all the secrets that the manor holds. The manor that is tucked away in the lush greenery of Hawaii we see that contrasted against the somewhat neglected mansion – that alone is a rather large contrast – and the mansion itself is full of velvet curtains, these deep mahogany treatments that catch your eye, and full of dusty secrets waiting to be found.

Tristan is this enigmatic, handsome, somewhat shy, very awkward young student who believes in science. He's like a circle wrapped in a box we a trying to figure out how to free without destroying the box. And I wanted to know so badly what pieces he was trying to fit together and just why he was doing it. Honestly, I found him to be more of a paradox than anything and I could tell that there was a lot more under the surface than we could see at first, but his amber eyes held the secrets.

Amara is supposed to be Tristan's assistant but it's actually Dr. Shadow who gets her second-guessing the new visitor's intentions not only toward her but also the connection that he has with Tristan.

The way that Shelley tells the story is more like she is painting you a picture or showing you a movie in your mind. Each word she chooses is perfect to create this vivid and evocative image in your mind of what is happening in each scene. It's masterfully well done and it's a talent that not all authors have.

Character development, growth, and arcs were again so incredibly strong. Every character had the depth to them that you wanted and yet you could see them grow and develop further as you progressed through the book. You never felt like any one character was stagnating and holding back the book from moving forward. There was always growth and movement from each character that was just amazing to see.

Even with the steamy scenes that we got, they were expertly written with care, with each reader in mind and you never felt the need to skim past them just to get to the next part in the story. Each steamy scene that was included was there for a purpose and was there to help move the story forward and keep the story from stagnating and getting to lax.

This book requires you to have patience in your reading in order to revel in how this very deliberately paced mystery unfolds. And believe me, if you take the time to read this book, have the patience, and wait for all to be revealed, the reward will be well worth the wait.

The seductive imagery, the world that is seethed in mist, a smell of ancient texts and metallic iron, and the chill creeping up your spine with the tense thriller. I loved the way that Shelly took a fairy tale that we all loved growing up and mixed it with everything in a gothic lover's dream added in all the twists and turns and then used such a dedicated hand that gave us this compelling and stunning narrative that in my opinion is a must read.

This book is a masterclass in writing and a chef's kiss in taking two opposite genres and putting them together into one intoxicating book that in my opinion is a must-read for everyone who loves gothic romance, forced proximity, Why choose but not why choose (gotta read to find that out.) I just highly recommend.

And I can't wait to read more from Shelley Leigh Crane. This is the first book by her that I have ever read but it is not going to be the last. I love her writing style, her literary voice, her character development, honestly, I don't think there is one bad thing that I can say about this book or Shelley's writing.