Vengeful Beauty: Beautiful Monsters Duet, #1

Beautiful Monsters Duet #1

by Anna Ioannidi

Nora
We have been following that group of men for a while now. They are five members of our college's football team. Frat boys who are all legacies to this school. Generations of their families all attended here. They own the school in ways most people are oblivious to.  Sadly, they believe they own the students, too, which is how we ended up in this situation. With a dead man wrapped in a sheet, a redhead covered in blood, and a rolling head. Fuck my life.
Elliot

Serving justice has been my whole purpose in life since I was sixteen when I decided to follow in my father's footsteps and become a cop. That clearly did not work out, as now I have found myself working in secret a case, I was instructed to drop. But I won't be the reason that people fall off the grid because no one believes them. I swore to my father's grave that I would make him proud, a promise I never forgot.

Vengeful Beauty is part of the Beautiful Monsters duet. This book ends on a cliffhanger. For Trigger warnings, please check the author's website. The content of this book is not suitable for those under 18.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Sports

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2025

About the author

Anna Ioannidi is a writer, artist, and horror fan. When she's not plotting her next story, you'll find her curled up on the couch with her dog, watching a movie or lost in a book, often with a cup of coffee that's long since gone cold.

More About Anna:
https://linktr.ee/annaioannidiauthor

Reviews

[Tamarra Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a quick fast paced read then this is your book.

Nora attends college with her best friend and adoptive sister Iris. Together they’ve been following a group of men, five guys specifically, who are part of the college’s football team. Women, students attending the same college are being victimised. The only things these five guys have in common is that they’re part of the same fraternity and they’re all legacies, their families having attending the same college prior to them.

The college is all bout their reputation, sweeping the allegations under the rug, victimising the victims all over again, taking the perpetrators words for what they are. Nora and Iris won’t stand for this, and they take matters into their own hands.

What no one realises is that Nora is the daughter of an infamous hit man and Iris exhibits tendencies that need to be seen to be believed. That’s why these two work so well together.

As they take care of business their way, they don’t realise they’ve caught the attention of Elliot, a police officer who has secretly been working the case involving the victims, a case he’s been told to drop. During the investigation Elliot meets Nora and they hit it off, literally.

Their attraction is undeniable, Elliot leading the charge. Because when they come together, it is a claiming that neither will deny, it is one of high heat, passion and dominance.

But as Elliot digs deeper, and his suspicions confirmed, does he go sleuthing for further proof in Nora’s apartment, but Nora one ups him. Elliot can’t believe his blind luck, the woman he’s fallen for is a murderer, and as truths are revealed, there is another threat they have to face, someone is looking for Iris, only she isn’t there.

Nora and Elliot become a dynamic duo. The law that Elliot swore to uphold, he turns a blind eye to, helping Nora to cover up her involvement and removing any traces of any wrong doing, of course he would do that for the woman he loves, because he made a promise to his father, and it is one he intends to keep.

As they bask in the blissfulness of their romance, an unsettling message puts Nora on edge, Iris has been taken. With Elliot by her side, together with their resources they will find her, because if that cliffhanger was anything to go by, they won’t stop until Iris is safe, consequences be dammed.

Recommend both the author and the book. Now onto book two Iris’s story.

I received an ARC. Therefore, I am submitting a voluntary review.

[David Hauser · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor Editing

The characters and plot were interesting and fast-paced, but it was so hard to read. It was like reading a high school student's rough draft. It seems this wasn't edited at all, and really needs to be cleaned up and polished. The simple, repetitive language was distracting and really downgraded the quality of the book.

[Vix · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC readers review
This is my 3rd book of Anna Ioannidi and she's done it again another 5 star read. This story was a bit different from Their deadly game and Sweet revenge. If you've not read those I highly recommend that you do. This was a dark romance with dark humour. So be sure to check the trigger warnings. But this book had me gripped from the first chapter and in stitches in places I simple just laughed out loud. Oh and if you love cupcakes maybe don't eat one whilst reading this!!!

[AliceinBookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeful Beauty follows Best friend Duos Nora and Iris as they learn together how to complete and get away with murder of the campus legacies who have gotten away with damaging and tormenting female student on campus for far too long.

Enter MMC sexy but possibly slightly unhinged Police Officer Eli; who happens to be stuck behind a desk but secretly obsessing over the string of rapes that just keep getting swept under the rug.

what happens when Iris gets a taste for blood and loves it a little too much?
Can Nora keep them out of the eye of the police?
And what happens when Nora and Eli just keep getting closer and closer? Can she keep Eli in the dark long enough to protect Iris?

Or will everything fall apart right before Nora’s eyes?

Find out all the answers and maybe more within the pages of Vengeful Beauty.

Anna Ioannidi is BACK with another great dark romance novella filled with dark humor, interesting characters, spicy scenes and a few twists and turns you won’t be expecting.

This beautifully crafted novella hit every mark! I was hooked from page 1 all the way to the very last page. The dark humor, unraveling of characters personalities and level of dirty spice between Nora and Eli just kept me wanting more!

I thought Ryker from Sweet Revenge was my top unhinged boyfriend until I met Eli from Vengeful Beauty.
Come and see in this part one of two Monsters Duet Saga.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Vengeful Beauty. It took me a bit to get used to author Anna Ioannidi’s writing style—she originates from Greece, so the language cross is different, but, I am certainly not one to take stars for that, because the story is oh, so good 🩶

Vengeful Beauty is dark, dramatic, bloody, sinfully spicy, with tons of tongue-in-cheek banter, and fantastic main/supporting characters. I was cheering for the bad …?… nahhh—GOOD girl to get away with murder … and the man!

Mind that cliff—it’ll leave bruises!

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Elliott ‘Eli’
FMC:
✨Nora
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨Cliffhanger, HFN, to be continued
Series:
✨Book 1 of Beautiful Monsters Duet
Tropes:
👉vigilante justice romance
👉darkest of morally gray comedy
👉cop mmc/serial killer fmc
👉golden retriever mmc/black cat fmc
👉touch her and ☠️
👉forbidden romance
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex: graphic, explicit, BDSM, bondage, toy usage
💥profanity
💥violence: mention of sexual assault, weapons usage, kidnapping,
💥death: mention of suicidal ideations, murder
💥mental health issues
Burn Speed:
✨medium
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first few pages, the author completely draws you in, making it easy to feel invested in both the characters and the storyline. The ending delivers a perfect cliffhanger, and you’ll find yourself immediately reaching for the second book.
I really enjoyed this story and was hooked from start to finish. The writing flows well, the passion behind it is clear, and while there are a few small grammar errors, they don’t distract from the overall experience.

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bam! That’s literally how this book starts, straight into the nitty gritty and I’m all there for it 😎

Iris may get a little carried away at times, but damn that girl has got some lady 🥎’s, loved her. Nora is trying her best to keep it all from going pear shaped unfortunately, she’s fighting a losing battle 🤭

Enter Elliot, as Nora takes a chance on a little bit of happiness. Will it last? Will he learn her secret? Will justice be served?

Loved this story, read it one sitting. It had my heart rate going at certain points, scoffing at others, holding my breath then Anna only goes and throws in a cliffy 😈


𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

[Allicia M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story 4.5 ⭐
Spice 4 🌶️

Vengeful Beauty is a dark serial killer romance with several really amusing moments and a cliffhanger. It is very much a dark romcom that is a bit darker than most dark comcoms are. Check the warnings if needed.

Nora and Iris make for a very entertaining team out for revenge. Nora and Elliot start as a pair that is bound for disaster, cop and serial killer. As this ends on a cliffhanger, there is no HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[🦇Vamp Xander⚰️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

my kind of unhinged and obsession love.. the twists and turns… FUCKKKK- if you’re into humor, dark, unhinged and major obsession….. THIS is NOT one you want to miss. READYYYY for part two. 😫😫😫

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Your girl, huh?"
"I think by dead body number three, our relationship has reached official status."

ARC Review: Vengeful Beauty by Anna Ioannidi

Vengeful Beauty is a dark romance and the first book in the Beautiful Monsters Duet.

Elliot Astle is a cop who genuinely wants to make a difference. So when multiple young women report sexual assault, only to mysteriously retract their statements the next day, he starts digging deeper. Unfortunately, he finds nothing. Fortunately for the victims, two best friends from the same college—Nora and Iris—decide to take justice into their own hands. Their mission? Kill the five monsters responsible.

Did they plan every detail? They thought so.
Did things go smoothly? Absolutely not.

This book delivers an intense, suspenseful, and surprisingly entertaining revenge story. The main trio is a wild mix: the green-flag police officer (who has a spicy side), the introverted brainiac, and the psycho Barbie. Their chaos makes the story even more thrilling. I especially loved the eccentric ways Iris disposed of the monsters—it was both chilling and fascinating. And the cliffhanger? It promises a lot for the next installment!

If you're a dark romance fan, this is one you don't want to miss.

[Sierra Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cupcakes 🧁😪🥴
That's all
But seriously, this book was a free book, both books, from a stuff your kindle day.
I always get so much during those events and I put them all into a spinner and have fate choose for me, typically. This was not one of those times. I simply saw the cover and said hmm this looks cool.
I do judge a book by its cover.
I knew nothing going in. The trigger warning list, oh my so long so that instantly hooked me. I saw the page count got sad, because typically shorter books aren't the best when it comes to developing a good plot line & character development. That was not the case with this book. The plot was perfectly paced for the book & the characters introduced in a good way. Plus Nora & Elliot remind me
so so much of Logan & Lana from the Mindfu** Series by St Abby yet it still kept them unique on their own. This has honestly become my 2nd 5⭐️ read of the year. It does end on a cliffhanger but I'm expecting the 2nd book to be just as unhinged as Iris, I love her. The pink sparkly ax, my god I love her.

[Brendee Vee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark romance novella will have you twisting and turning through a roller coaster of emotions and you will love it and ask for more! This is a one sitting read because you just want to learn everything all at once! These characters have me all over the place, yet it seems to be my fault and still has me asking for more. The revenge that Nora and Iris plan doesn’t happen as easily and smoothly as one would think but it really adds to the story. I loved the dark humor and the spicy parts were hot! It was funny and intense and dark all in one and the cliffhanger has us all wanting more and I for one can’t wait for the next part!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria Book sister · Rating 4 out of 5]

In just a few pages, the author manages to make you feel connected to both the characters and the plot! The three main protagonists are each uniquely unhinged—exactly the kind of chaos I love. It also gave me serious vibes from one of my favorite book series (The Mindfck Series*), which made me love it even more. The ending leaves you on a cliffhanger, and of course, you dive into the second book within seconds!

I absolutely loved the story and became addicted!

I also want to give huge kudos to the author—despite English not being her first language, she did an amazing job. The writing was great, the effort clearly showed, and I’ll definitely be reading everything she writes!

[Bam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing part one of this duet, so happy I got to read this. It's a totally different story then one would expect.
You did not disappoint in any aspect of this book. Loved the strong FMC'S, they kick ass for real!
For those who crave darkness, unhinged love and obsession with a little sense of humor, this is a must read. It's exciting, spicy and enough smut to keep you going throughout the day.
Enjoyed it very much.

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no easing into this story it’s in your face from the beginning. I enjoyed the fast paced let’s get this started vibes. These roommates are unbelievable sweet and supportive and completely true to each other. While one is more subdued I have to say I’m in love with the crazy room mate. This book is the roommate who wants to plan and work out things first story. While hers ends in a hea this book leaves you in a cliffhanger. Thankfully book two is available! There some editing issues but over all no one’s perfect and I enjoyed the story line.

[Doris Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very good. It’s very engrossing it just sort of draw of you and it doesn’t let you out and you really don’t wanna stop reading even though some of the stuff is horrible and the characters really aren’t nice but it’s definitely a good book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolutely most unhinged, dark, funny, and spiciest arc I have been so happy to have recieved!

I was hooked from beginning to end with this one! I had to leave the author with a bit of bread crumbs in my review🤭🤭

Being that I am not a dark rom reader, this one just be the introduction I have been needing- Thank you!

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

overall @ 3.5.. it would have given it a 4 but the errors in the writing made it difficult to, there is a lot of broken English or wrongly used words..
however the story itself is really good, it's fun, it's fast passed, and has enough spice for the story.. the plot is good, and has some good twists..
editing just needs working on and it would be a solid 4⭐ book

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not what I expected, it’s better, however you will need to read the triggers first.
I love Elliot, Nora and Iris and how they band together.
The writing is great, the relationships are complex. This is a great read!

[Kimberly Rahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok seriously, this book was dark, funny and spicy all at the same time. The cupcakes had me giggling out loud. Nora and Iris are the perfect friend duo and the added mix of Eli made it even better. I need to know what happens next because that cliffhanger was just plain mean.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this comes at you like a runway train from the very first page. So of course I was getting on this ride! This was dark and funny, kept me turning the pages. I don’t think there was one moment of boring at all in this. Definite must read.

[Thelena Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love the dark romance genre and this made my day when 7 read it. I would reread this all day.

[Monika Zilli · Rating 4 out of 5]

fast paced, 🌶️spicy🌶️, mürdery and overall one of the best novellas i've read so far. Nora and Iris the perfect "Girl Power" Duo and then to top it off with Elliot.. Chefs kiss 👨🏻‍🍳🤌🏻💋 😮‍💨

[Megan Cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dont know where to start. I went in blind and I wasn't ready. It has some grammatical errors and it is very fast-paced. I felt like I wanted more build-up, but it still kinda flowed well... I didn't like the cliffhanger. Honestly, I didn't see that coming and just went into book two, expecting something similar. I think I liked it. it was kinda funny.

[Brianna Stinnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Love the story line and best friend duo. Still needs some editing.

[Amy Newlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeful Beauty by Anna Ioannidis is a dark and twisty story filled with intrigue,obsession, spice and incredible humour. From the very first lines, the tension is palpable.
I devoured this book in a single sitting ❤️ If Anna Ioannidis's other books are anything like this, readers are in for a wild, unforgettable ride.

Be sure to read triggers before you start reading 😘.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book

[Kenzie Nolen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so this is my first book by this author and once I finished it I immediately went over and followed her because I need book two! Before I get into my thought please check your trigger warnings!! As this book is/will not be for everybody!!

Now this book, just wow! It started off with a bang and it did not stop I was hooked from the beginning and I needed to know what was going to happen. Loved the creativity of Iris, and I loved the cop/killer relationship between Nora and Elliot. The way Elliot stood with Nora after everything they went through I just couldn’t get enough. If you’re looking for a cop/killer dark romance you need to add this to your TBR.

[Billie Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a cross between making me laugh and cringe. it needs a heavy handed editor on this and the flow wasn't quite there, but there were a few places that did make me laugh. I didn't dang it so it kept me entertained to finish it. I am debating on reading book 2 or not.

[Zena Davea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up really enjoying this book. I love Iris and her personality. Especially the bedazzled ax. They are literally the female version of Batman and Robin but make robin dark and broody and Batman loves pink. Does end on a cliffhanger though