Savage Beauty

Beautiful Monsters Duet #2

by Anna Ioannidi

Iris
They thought kidnapping me would be easy. Well, joke's on them. If they are so determined to make my life a living hell, I may as well have some fun with it.


Ajax
The redhead that Johnny hired us to kill, turned out to be more trouble than we expected. The fucking bitch bit my ear off.


Alexander
Jax is clearly overreacting; it was just the tip.


Savage Beauty is part of the Beautiful Monsters duet. The story continues right after the events of Vengeful Beauty. The content of this book is not suitable for those under 18.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark

132 pages, Paperback

Published May 29, 2025

About the author

Anna Ioannidi is a writer 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:
annaioannidiauthor.com/links

Reviews

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one follows on from the cliffhanger that is Vengeful Beauty.

Iris finds herself the captive of two brothers, who have been employed to delete her, once permission is given. The problem being is; they never expected a feisty, strong natured detainee nor to fall for her hook, line and sinker!

We are privy to her own methods of fighting back using any means necessary 🤭, until they win her over but is it all plain sailing from here on out? Is she still their captive? Or are they her captives? Will justice be served?

From the start Iris is nothing if not determined, we are led through some of her past and also the brothers, giving us their back stories helping us to learn why they are emotionless, full of darkness and attracted to another crazee. The story progresses (no spoilerzzz) with a lot of spicy scenes, MF and MFM. That ending though…talk about ‘throw in a curved ball’ damn that was a big ole’ beach ball right there!

As Anna is Greek her writing is unique, giving us a piece of herself in her stories should you be inclined to read between the lines and I like this style as it draws you in. This one may spit you out at the other end but it works so well, I totally enjoyed this duet, the humour had me scoffing at times, however, please read the trigger warnings.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one … til the end ☹️

Best friend of Nora from Vengeful Beauty, Iris is brutal chaotic perfection, wrapped deceptively in a mix of ward cleaver’s wife, 1950’s Barbie … in Pink stilettos—hiding the Harley Quinn 🩷 They started out as captors and prey. Until they are caught in the same web of seduction. Their games are as deadly as they are intoxicating. Until someone decides to disrupt their play … then all hell breaks loose.

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨’Jax’ - Ajax
✨Alexander
FMC:
✨Iris
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨bittersweet happy as possible
Series:
✨Book 1 of Beautiful Monsters Duet
Tropes:
👉dark romantic comedy
👉serial killer fmc
👉morally dark gray MCs
👉enemies to lovers
👉touch her and ☠️
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
💥violence
💥death
💥kidnapping
💥immuring
Burn Speed:
✨medium
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF
👉MFM.

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

[Geena Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, I will definitely say mind your triggers because this book may be too much for you and that's okay.

I absolutely loved Ajax because I get it man, a hot girl with a chainsaw and a lollipop is hot as hell. Iris was definitely the type of crazy and broken that she was the glue for Xander and Jax.. She needed someone to care for her and someone to make her feel like the good girl she is..

If you love psychotic men one with morals and one without, a captors/captives, and a bit of loss.. get this book, seriously get this book 📖 👏🏻

[Taneshia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to finishing this series and seeing how the story ends. It was too fast paced for me. If I was doing all my calculations it seemed like everything with the love interests, in both books, happened in the span of a month. I may be wrong but it truly did go too quick for me. The brother’s interest in her changed in like a split second and it didn’t necessarily make sense to me. The final conclusion of the story was unfulfilling for me. Just quick two seconds and resolved. The story has so much potential, it just wasn’t ideal for me.

[Stefanie Staples · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved Under Your Scars, then you need to read this book. You will need to read the first book, Vengeful Beauty to understand what made the second start off. Smut is so so good.

[Rebecca Masterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book, loved every minute of it. Has everything you need with plot and theme. Great characters and a very worthy read!.

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

[Tamarra Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two picks up where book one ended.

Iris is in the company of her two captors Ajax and Alexander. She is being held per Johnny’s request.

Johnny failed to mention Iris’s tendencies, more so her proclivities.

Ajax and Alexander decide to play a game, only Iris has turned the tables on them, her level of cray-zy matching their own, when they learn she is a serial killer, they know they’ve met their match.

The dark humour and witty batter keeps it real between them, however the tension is undeniable.

The sexy times they share is pure, raw, carnal and uninhibited. They’ve fallen for Iris. She’s unlocked feelings inside of them ones they thought they would never experience, they’re not letting her go.

We learn about Iris, Ajax and Alexander’s backstory. It helps the readers to understand who and what they are.

Unbeknownst to Ajax and Alexander, Johnny has his own agenda, and when they learn that she’s been taken by him, they go out of their minds wondering what he is doing to their girl. When they do find their girl, they needn’t worry because she can handle herself, because the pain Johnny inflicted on her, she gives back, only for Nora and Elliot to step into the fray, and all hell breaks loose, Nora losing her life, breaking Elliot’s heart. But Iris succeeded in bringing Nora’s plan to fruition, the five men now no longer praying on vulnerable women.

Iris feels guilt for what happened to Nora, that she gets to live her life with Ajax and Alexander whilst Elliot is left to walk the world alone without the love of this life. But Iris understands that Nora wouldn’t want her to live her life like that, she would want her to live her life to the fullest. Elliot says goodbye to his heart with Iris by his side, always and forever hers.

Recommend both the author and the book.

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

[Vix · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, Anna's writing style immediately drew me into the story of Iris's kidnapping by Jax and Alexander. The narrative is captivating, making it impossible to put down. I was instantly invested in Iris's fate and the unfolding drama.
The suspense throughout the story is palpable. I found myself constantly wondering if Nora would arrive in time to save Iris. Anna expertly builds tension, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat with every turn of the page.
The spicy scenes between Iris, Jax, and Alexander are undeniably hot. Anna writes these moments with a skillful balance of passion and intensity, adding another layer of complexity to the story.
Iris is a fantastic FMC. I love her !! She's portrayed as a strong, badass character who faces her challenges head-on. Her resilience and determination make her a compelling and admirable protagonist.
The ending was truly shocking, and I didn't see it coming. Despite the unexpected turn, it only solidified my appreciation for the story as a whole. This was a fantastic read from beginning to end.
Final Rating: 5/5 stars

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows on from the first in the series although the focus is on Iris and what has been happening to her since she left. The insights into the unhinged minds of Jax and Iris is both fascinating and amusing. The interactions between the characters are engaging and whilst they are very much anti-heroes they have a sliver of goodness inside them.
There are lots of unexpected twists and turns as well as steamy moments. I will read more by this author in the future.

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

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part two to the duet so make sure you read book one first. Like the first book there’s no easing into or building up. This author plops you down in the thick of things and doesn’t let up. I enjoyed book one but I loved this one. The crazy roommate (this one’s her story) was amazing. Despite being broken she never gives up, she adapts and she kicks butt. The rain scene has me rolling. I was sad about some of the book and glad it wasn’t in book one but over all a good dark read that keeps you on the edge of your seat!

[Kenzie Nolen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like book one in the series please check your trigger warnings as this book is/will not be for everyone!

This book was a wild ride! It picks up right where the cliffhanger from book one left off and I was immediately hooked. Iris is such a strong character and I love her. So determined and hot headed. Such a great story and I’m still trying to wrap my head around that ending. If you’re looking for a dark romance you need to read this duet.

[Maria Book sister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooohhh Jax.. you are so psycho just like Iris!
"Nora thinks I am the crazy one, wait until she meets Jax"

" I just needed him. Jax. My captor. "


The bond between Iris and Nora, what Iris did & thinks for her sister is heartbreaking.


And Alexander of course..
Favourite quote of him:
Don't worry little brother,I will always protect you. 🥹🥹

Lot of spicy scenes, MFM mostly and they are so so hot!

And the ending?? Nooo, i can't believe it 😭

[Monika Zilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did i or did i not, love this book? If you think not, then ur wrong. I devoured it like a maniac!
Little Demon? yeah you got me there!
Loved Iris and her cray cray from the first book🔥
5/5⭐️ 4/5🌶️ absolute perfection 🤌🏻

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot is simple, but the writing is exquisite.
I love the dialogue between the brothers and Iris is a spunky as ever.
This book is addictive and I couldn’t put it down.
Remember to read the triggers and if they don’t bother you then this book will be a treat!

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just keeps getting better and better. The first one was good, This one was awesome. Iris is a crazy train all her own. Alex and Ajax didn’t see her coming. That’s for sure. This was hot, crazy, and spicy fun.

[Thelena Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

when I read this one oh my God I thought I was going to lose my brain over the morally gray characters y'all need to get the book

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good.. carried on really well from the first book, was fast passed, the plot was good and THE TWIST I did not see coming at all!! Amazing!!
So well written, and grammatical errors were zero to none in this book, you can see the author progressing as she writes more books..
Would definitely recommend giving Anna's book a read!!

[Sierra Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picks right up where the last one started. It was a short book. Super fast paced. It explained everything well from the last book. Iris reminds me a lot of Sibby from Haunting Adeline and especially when she is being the cute psycho she is. Also a certain spicy scene in the book also reminded me of something from Haunting Adeline while also being different from that particular scene. There was definitely no happily ever after for one of the characters. It had me sobbing.
Overall 4/5⭐️ despite it not ending happily.
I love a more realistic ending and thats what gained the extra ⭐️

[Megan Cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Umm, what?! This one was funny! It made me laugh out loud. I liked the guys and the spice. I didn't like the ending or that it really didn't flow or give more detail about the storyline. I wanted more plot, but I still liked it. I would say this is spice with 25% plot lol still not sure what I read here haha

[Zena Davea · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This was a fun read. I didn’t like how they immediately started getting into the spice. It was like no character development no nothing. Very interesting and pretty spicy. Also a pretty sad ending.

[Leanne Lim-Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25/5 - This focused more on Iris and her situation, I enjoyed it more than the first. Fast paced, quick read. Unfortunately there’s typos again. The ending wasn’t quite what a wanted, if someone was to die it wouldn’t have been them

[kazzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

anna !! you did it again !!! you have made this read amazing !!! yes the ending was a bad ending but the plot was everything! you are an amazing writer keep going lovely !!!

[Alexandra S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick paced, which i love! Great background and chemistry! I wish there was a little more tension with the Xander to join or maybe more writing about Xander and Iris's connection.

[Ceira · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Although these books are very short I throughly enjoyed them, as it follows from the first book with iris, her capture, didn’t expect the ending at all and was shook

[Jennifer B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would love to give it 4 stars but the ending annoyed me , Nora dies ( spoiler ) sorry could she not be saved and and have her hea

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Vengeful Beauty asked how far revenge can go, Savage Beauty answers: farther than anyone survives unchanged.

This story picks up right where the chaos left off — with Iris kidnapped by two brothers hired to eliminate her. They expect fear, bargaining, maybe tears.

Instead, they get teeth.

Iris isn’t a helpless captive; she’s a storm wrapped in pink stilettos. Equal parts unsettling and fascinating, she turns captivity into a psychological battlefield. Every conversation feels like a chess match, every moment charged with danger because you’re never sure who actually holds the power. The question quickly stops being will she survive them? and becomes will they survive her?

Ajax and Alexander bring two different shades of darkness — one reactive and emotional, the other controlled and calculating. Watching them try to understand Iris is half the tension of the book. Watching them fall for her is the other half. Their dynamic shifts constantly between predator and prey, captor and captive, until the lines blur completely.

What makes this story stand out is how character-driven it is. Through their backstories you start to see why they’re drawn to each other — not because they’re healthy, but because they recognize something broken and familiar. It’s unsettling, magnetic, and impossible to look away from.

And the ending?
Not comforting. Not predictable. Definitely not neat.

You’ll love this if you enjoy:

Dark, morally gray characters

Enemies-to-lovers tension

Psychological cat-and-mouse dynamics

Unpredictable heroines

Twists that hit hard

This isn’t a romance about saving each other.
It’s about people who were never meant to be safe finding connection anyway — messy, dangerous, and unforgettable.

In Savage Beauty, nobody walks away innocent…
and that’s exactly why you can’t stop reading.

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

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Savage Beauty by Anna Ioannidi is the second book in the Beautiful Monsters Duet.

Alexander and Ajax are hired by Johnny to kidnap and kill Iris. He claims she murdered his friends, but the brothers don’t believe him. Despite Iris showing clear signs of being unhinged, they completely underestimate her. When Ajax proposes a twisted game, she reveals her psychotic tendencies—and Ajax is instantly hooked. He falls in love with her in that moment and soon follows his big brother. But how are they supposed to follow through with their deal with Johnny?

This is a gripping dark romance featuring two brothers and one dangerously captivating woman. The plot is simple yet intense, revolving around the mind games and evolving relationship between the trio. I loved the characters, especially Iris—my favorite from the previous book too. Her blend of Barbie-girl charm and ruthless psychopathy is fascinating. Ajax feels like her perfect male counterpart—impulsive and childlike—while Alexander is the reserved, parental figure… until he gives in.

The sexual tension and scenes were scorching hot, some of the best I’ve read. My favorite scene? The one with the brush—it had me laughing out loud!

My only minor issue was the ending—it didn’t quite match my usual preference for a happily ever after. Still, that doesn’t take away from how excellent the book is.

If you enjoy MFM dark romance with twisted characters and sizzling chemistry, Savage Beauty is definitely for you.

[Allicia M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story 4 ⭐
Spice 4.5 🌶️

Savage Beauty is the dark romance sequel to Vengeful Beauty told from the perspective of Iris, Ajax, and Alexander.

The change in character perspective for a direct sequel following a cliffhanger is a bit odd, but getting to see things from Iris's perspective was great. Nora and Elliot play a very small but fairly significant role in Savage Beauty. Personally I would have loved to have seen a chapter of 2 from them throughout the book just to tie into the cliffhanger from Vengeful Beauty a bit more.

Iris is such a fun character who really decides to do things her own way and got her kidnappers to fall for her after some crazy antics. She is easily the best character of the duet. Very much the comedic relief between her and Nora.

There is no HEA after this one either and even darker subject matter than Vengeful Beauty. Please check the warnings if you are concerned.

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

[G. L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well well well anna has done it again which is not surprising at all! Whatever anna writes i will for sure be reading!
So savage beauty is book 2 of a duet and wow I absolutely blooming loved this book and totally devoured it.
The characters were just perfect we have 2 male main characters that are brothers and soooo very hot and our female main character was also my fave from book 1 she's bold and psychotic and I adore her.
After being accused of something she may or may not have done our mmcs decide to play some litte mind games but come our girl won't just take nonsense from anyone.
Can they resist her of course not hehe
The spice was so hot it had me blushing absolutely incredible.
I will definitely be reading this spicy little duet again soon.
I hope everyone enjoys this as much as I did!!

[Polli.p · Rating 3 out of 5]

Savage Beauty continues the story of Nora and Iris and their crazy, murderous escapades.

Book 2 is shorter and flows much better than book 1. Here Iris is being held by two incredible hunks expecting to be killed herself, and Iris being Iris makes good on her captivity with the two brothers.

Initially I was drawn to these books by their covers which are very similar to a famous author I enjoy as are some of Iris's sex scenes. That said, this story is an improvement on the first, though still full of dark humour and rather dubious antics.

Again I feel it needs a good editor just to help with the focus and direction of the plot, which at times feels a little haphazard. Apart from that it's an oddly fun read.

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