New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden spins a dark and sexy new paranormal romance tale…
He’s a man with a beast inside…
Connor Marrok never intended to work for the Seattle Para Unit. He’s not one of the good guys—he’s a real monster, and the beast he carries doesn’t exactly play nicely. But now he finds himself being blackmailed into a new assignment. It’s supposed to be his last gig. His mission? Protect the beautiful Chloe Quick. Keep her alive. Destroy her enemies. Easy enough…until he starts to fall for Chloe.
She just wants to escape.
Chloe is tired of being a prisoner. She wants to get away from her Para Unit guard and run fast into the night. So what if Connor is the sexiest guy she’s ever met? Chloe knows trouble when she sees it, and Connor is one big, dangerous package of trouble. But, when an obsessed werewolf begins stalking Chloe, she realizes that her paranormal bodyguard may just be the one man she needs the most.
Their attraction is primal.
Every moment that Chloe and Connor spend together increases their attraction. Chloe has never felt a need so strong or a desire so dark. The beast that Chloe carries inside has always been silent, but Connor is stirring up her animal instincts. And as the danger and desire begin to twist together, Chloe wonders just how far she’d be willing to go…in order to spend one more night in Connor’s arms.
CHARMING THE BEAST – Book 3 in the Purgatory Series
The PURGATORY Series:
THE WOLF WITHIN – Book One MARKED BY THE VAMPIRE – Book Two CHARMING THE BEAST – Book Three
Award-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
Charming the Beast was another enjoyable read in the Purgatory series. I loved Connor and Chloe, I thought they had great chemistry and I enjoyed their story. I'm looking forward to Eric's book.
4 - "People are never who we actually think they are." Stars!
I think Cynthia Eden, is one of the most imaginative PNR authors that I have ever read. I honestly cannot think of a book, or series by this author in this genre that I haven’t been completely cock-a-hoop for.
Charming the Beast as well as the previous books in the Purgatory series is just another example of the extremely well thought out and completely engaging story-telling spell that this author manages to cast over her readers with every one of her fantastic stories. One thing you can always expect with a book by Cynthia is that it is never going to turn out the way you expect it too! And once again she managed to completely surprise me with the direction this installment in the series took, and with the revelations it contained.
”I would have thought that dying once would have been enough for you.”
A creature forged from blood and death, and science.
Once again we are given a totally hot, sexy and dominating hero in Connor Marrock, this guy has history, then a bit more history, and then some more history that even he doesn’t know about. Originally an inmate of Purgatory Paranormals Prison, circumstances have changed for him somewhat of late, and now instead of trying to Kill Eric Pate and his team, he is now one of them (albeit reluctantly).
His job was to make sure Chloe Quick stayed alive.
Although there is a little more to Chloe than meets the eye as well, and even though he tries his best to keep her out of the firing line, in favour of keeping her in his bed, their relationship is not built on the trust that either of them want.
”Maybe,” … “When you trust me enough to tell me about your past, then I’ll tell you mine.”
Chloe hasn’t had the best life, what with a father who pretty much used her for his own experimentation as well as then offering her up as a potential mate for the Alpha in a local Wolf-pack he is trying to keep close ties with; she has basically exchanged one form of prison for another, trusting is hard, caring is even harder, especially as she is now being held by Eric Pate, someone who has always been classed as the enemy in the past.
”I wasn’t ever meant to have one of those happily-ever-after lives. For me, those dreams ended a long time ago.”
This couple together, as you would expect were sexy, but a little vulnerable, sometimes sweet and oh, so hot! Connor has always been a bit of an ass in the previous books, but you get to see the other side of him in Charming the Beast a fighter, a protector, a man discovering emotions he never knew he could feel, and a damn hot lover!
He was a beast. She made him a man.
Loved this book. Love this series. Adore this author.
Eric ‘the asshole’ Pate is up next, I am dying to see how Cynthia makes this guy into a likeable character, as he has definitely been the one you ‘love to hate’ throughout all the books so far.
ARC generously provided vie Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Great story,incredible characters,scorching hot chemistry,all that is Charming the Beast!
Cynthia Eden always managed to deliver amazing stories who have your attention from the first till the last page,and this book again confirms all that :)
Charming the Beast by Cynthia Eden was absolutely amazing! This is the first book I've ever read by Cynthia Eden, and I have to say I'm seriously impressed. I also haven't read the previous books in this series, but was able to follow along easily with no issues. Eden clearly explains and gives you ample background on the characters as you advance in the story. I'd easily say you could read this as a standalone, but bet it would be even better if you read the series-which I plan to do;)
Connor and Chloe make a fantastic couple. Connor is a damaged hero, he's a scarred man with horrors most people couldn't even begin to imagine. He's also a mixed breed of vampire and werewolf, a terrifying mix of monster resides within him. Connor could be a monster, but he's absolutely the opposite in this story. He's caring and strong with his focus being on protecting those around him, especially Chloe. Chloe is definitely a girl that had an extremely horrible and hard life growing up. Even though she's gone through some seriously sick stuff she's still a fighter, she won't let anyone imprison her. She's also got a big heart and an innocence that is unusual in her world.
The story itself is awesome. I loved the plot and the pace of the story, the romantic parts of this story were well placed. There wasn't any odd veering off track, everything that happened led to the conclusion and helped tie into the story. This book was certainly unique showing multiple points of view, one of them being the evil guy. I haven't ever read a story where you actually get to see what the evil guy is thinking. I also enjoyed the fact that each perspective gave interesting info, it wasn't just a copy of what was already shown. Each voice was very unique.
I'd definitely recommend to paranormal romance lovers and shifter fans. This is an 18+ story, there are sex scenes.
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is my 26th novel by Ms Eden, and it shows. While I loved many of her books in the past, I found myself less than enthralled by the Purgatory series. I had the same problems with Charming the Beast that I had with Marked By The Vampire.
Namely, I couldn't really see how they fell in love. We don't have a mate bond, but it's giving me the same feeling of being cheated of a love story. They fell in love outside the story. You don't see them falling in love, you don't see their love, there was no build-up to the start of their relationship. It just is. It may not be a problem for many readers, for me it means I'm not invested in the couple. I have more problems in dealing with what happens to them.
But I'm even more annoyed by the lack of agency of the heroine. I'm used to Eden's heroines being different, sweet, yes, but never compliant or weak. But the heroines in Purgatory seems so doormat-y compared to the other women who starred her previous books. I have some difficulty in accepting them. I can't empathize nor identify with them.
The plot is a suspense story, this author's forte and usual dish. There's not much of a world-building, unfortunately, even if I've read the other two books. So I'm still wondering how Eric can blackmail all his operative and the heroine, is there no justice in this world?
The book ends with a glimpse of the future couple, the male character being Eric. Now, how will the magical Ms Eden save a very nasty jerk that has never changed along three books?
Charming the Beast can be read as a stand alone, but you'll miss so much that I wouldn't suggest it.
I loved getting back into this world Eden has created. Werewolves, vampires and now to learn there are crossovers too. Conner and Chloe were both well matched and their chemistry just sizzled off the pages. This story had action, suspense, steamy hot scenes and a shock that rocked Conner and his brother, Duncan. A great addition to the series.
I picked up the four books in this series at a good price. This is the third book. I was disappointed. The writing is good and the author does a good job of telling the story but it is the same story as far as the characters are concerned. The story of a set of characters is told in this series with each book focusing on one of the men in a team of paranormal FBI agents and his romance. But each book uses the same formula as the previous books. The names, places and action change but the romance story is the same. This book was so very predictable.
At the end of Marked By The Vampire, Chloe was shown to be in trouble. At the beginning of this book, she’s trying to escape her bodyguard. She just wants to be free for a few minutes.
But she can’t truly be free.
Her father is a senator and he wants power. Whether it’s normal or paranormal, he wants it. And he’s used Chloe to get it.
Chloe isn’t human. Her scent calls to wolves everywhere. And unfortunately that means they can track her anywhere, even to a safe house, but they can especially track her if she slips her guard and takes off clubbing.
Connor has to keep Chloe close. Her scent affects him, but not as badly as it seems to affect other wolves. But make no mistake, it does affect him. She smells like sex and lust, and every male near and far wants her, but none so much as the bad guy, who was promised Chloe by her dad.
I won’t spoil the bad guy, because it’s a good plot twist. Just understand that it’s a very typical Cynthia Eden book; a hero who isn’t strictly a white knight, a fiery heroine, and a villain who you don’t necessarily see coming.
Cynthia Eden writes the best Paranormal Romantic Suspense out there. I’d recommend reading this series in order, and since The Wolf Within is free right now, I’d grab it and start.
I was excited for Connor and Chloe's story, especially with the way the previous book ended. But I'm sad to say that I wasn't invested in their romance. I devoured the first two books, but it took me ages to get through this one. The plot was interesting enough, but the romance wasn't my cup of tea. I had such an issue with Chloe making stupid choices, despite knowing that her life was in danger and that she truly couldn't protect herself.
I will say that I appreciate Cynthia Eden's ability to give unique powers to the heroines in this series. I love that each heroine brings something new to the table. And I'm so excited to find out more about the heroine of cold-hearted and manipulative Pate.
I'm in love with this series. Although this was my least favorite of the 3 books so far it is still a solid 4 stars. Connor was amazing. Chloe is stupid rather often and that is where my point is gone... I can't wait for Eric's book. He has so many secrets. Every now and than there are flashes of the guy he truly is. Looking forward to it.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
I saw this book on NetGalley and thought it looked and sounded good. But I don't love starting a series in the middle (this is Book 3 of this author's Purgatory series) so I went and purchased Books 1 and 2. A little impulsive, sure. But definitely worth it! Charming the Beast, although not my favorite book in the series, was another great installment and I can't wait to read whatever this author has coming up next!
I wasn't all that sure that I would like the heroine, Chloe. I mean, I didn't particularly care about her one way or the other at the start of this book. BUT, she was mentioned in Book 1 and introduced towards the end of Book 2, so I should have wanted to read her story but I just wasn't all that enthused about it. Eventually, Chloe brought me around. I thought she was a very strong heroine. She's had a pretty crappy life, at least since she was 16 years old and was attacked and bitten by a bunch of werewolves. As I learned more about her, I cared more about her so I think that, if nothing else, she ends up as a likable character. I also liked that she has some follow through. When she wants something, like her freedom, she figures out the best way to get it, comes up with a plan and goes for it. But it wasn't like she was heartless about it or all about herself. During one of her escape attempts, she was almost home-free but she stayed to help others who were in danger. So by the end, I really liked her! Now, you may have noticed that I mentioned her wanting her freedom and an escape attempt and I didn't explain either. That's on purpose - not because it's a spoiler but because I thought it was more fun to experience her feelings as she was feeling them. Please forgive my evasiveness but I swear, it's for your own good! :D
Connor was a character that should have been a hard sell.
Connor has had at least a minor role in all of the books so far but I finally got the full story on him in this book. But I still wasn't sure I'd like him - he's abrasive and not super friendly. Of course, I don't blame him. He's been lied to for most of his life. But once he encounters Chloe, he starts to thaw a little bit. I thought he had a few fleeting moments of stupidity as far as Chloe is concerned, where I wish there had been some kind of repercussion from his actions but there wasn't any. I think perhaps it took me a little longer to warm up to him (probably due to his role in Book 1) and that's why I couldn't let his dickish behavior go. Overall though, I liked Connor. He was a great hero: a serious badass with a lot of heart.
It DID take me a little longer to root for Chloe and Connor as a couple. But I came into this book with some preconceived notions that were not helpful! Connor didn't immediately stick up for Chloe the way I wanted him to and I think I held a little bit of a grudge against him for that. Once I got over it, I liked them both more. Of course, they do NOT have a smooth relationship in this book. Connor doesn't want to get attached and neither does Chloe so they're both fighting against an attraction they have for each other. That can get really old, really quickly but I was just fine with it in this book. In fact, it would have felt strange if they jumped in with both feet right from the start!
Despite all that, I would still recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance. Strangely enough, readers may actually be better off by NOT reading the preceding books in this series! Ha! You'll probably NEVER hear me say that again! But I came in not liking/trusting Chloe and Connor so that's something that can and probably should be avoided. On the other hand, the events of Books 1 and 2 are building up to the events in this book. So I'm really not sure if I should suggest reading Books 1 and 2 first or not! This book CAN stand alone and I think readers will still enjoy it. But defeating the baddies will have a little less satisfaction if readers haven't been on the full ride. Whatever you all decide to do, I can say that this is an exciting book with plenty of hot Sexy Time. I think that this book and this entire series is not to be missed!
**I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review***
Charming the Beast’ is the third book in the Purgatory series .This story is about Connor Marrok and Chloe Quick. Connor has been thru so much in his life, literally been thru horrible things. Connor wants to make up for some of the bad things he did in his life and gets blackmailed to working for Eric Pate and his team.
Chloe hasn’t had the easy life- her father used her for his own experiments, what her father has done to her and made her, then her father pretty much sold her off to the wolves as possible wife to the Alpha that he was trying to get in with. Chloe is stuck, unable to get out of the life she is in and she just wants out of the life she has been put in by her father-she wants to be free to live her life, to find love, to be happy but fears it will never happen, Connor’s last mission is Chloe Quick. All he has to do is keep her close and make sure no one else gets their hands on her. That seems pretty simple, but the beast inside Connor has no plans of keeping away from her nor keeping his hands off her.
This book was literally HOT! Connor and Chloe’s attraction was intense and they get together rather quickly. Then the rest of the book addresses the other issues that are there and trying to figure out what she is and how far one will go for each other.
I really loved this book and how the author kept everything on track. There was a perfect flow, there was no awkward pauses; I really enjoyed all the characters and hope to see Eric Pate get his own book. I really really loved Connor and Chloe-this was such a great book, the twists and turns throughout of the plots kept me on my feet and loved it! Cant wait for another book in the Purgatory series.
Charming the Beast is the third book in Cynthia Eden's Purgatory series. Although it can stand alone, reading the previous books helps in establishing the overarching plot of the series plus the leads, Connor and Chloe are featured in them as well adding depth to their personal histories. When the story starts, Chloe is running away from someone or something and she can't seem to escape them. Connor on the other hand was assigned to guard her and is simply tired of trying to fight off the bad guys while holding on to Chloe to make sure she doesn't give them the slip again. For Connor works for the elite Para Unit of Seattle and Chloe is a valuable and unknown power asset. She is a werewolf who can't shift, and seems to be sending of waves of pheromones that drives the other weres batty. She also came back from the dead. Connor is repaying a debt of such magnitude that it seems it can never be repaid and his sins can never be forgiven. For these two attraction is inevitable but a relationship is nearly impossible. Cynthia Eden never fails to amaze with her twists and turns regarding plot. As a reader you are lulled into a trap thinking you can predict where the story is headed and then suddenly gasps once everything is revealed shaking your head thinking I never thought of that. The romance is a given, but how Chloe and Connor eventually get their happy ending is definitely something worth reading about.
*ARC of the novel was provided by the publisher thru NetGalley in return for an honest review*
Charming the Beast is the third book in Cynthia Eden's Purgatory series and deals with the aftermath of the second book. It can be read as a stand alone but reading the previous books helps in establishing the plot and the characters
Chloe is tired of being held as prisoner and runs away from her guards, who are also trying to protect her. Connor was assigned as one of those guards and hopes after this job, that he has settled his obligations and can leave the Para Unit.
there are a lto of twists and turns in the plot and it seems nearly impossible for them to really get together. there are also some developments, which seem kind of strange and a bit far-fetched.
regarding the development of the relationship was Mrs Eden not her usual self in this one. I missed a bit the building of tension between the characters. it was more a case of "boom" and then they had to work through their issues. which was well done but left me hanging on how they developed those feelings.
all in all, this is a good read for a rainy afternoon and I will definitely read the next book in this series. can't wait to get to Erics story ...
Disclaimer: ARC was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review
This series has really taken off! I started at the second book but never really felt like I was lost or missed anything!!
Chloe is being guarded by Connor, a half vampire, half werewolf. They are running from safe house to safe house. No one really knows what she is after her father experimented on her & she killed him. Several werewolves are after her because of her scent. Connor protects her, but is drawn to her, especially after he bites her. Chloe just wants to be free.
This was a great descriptive book & the characters were, also, well planned & described. Now, as silly as it is, I cannot wait for the next book!
She is a cross between Christine Warren (when she first came out & was good) and Alexandra Ivy. Not individually, but cross them.
In the last book, Chloe Now that she´s an unknown kind of paranormal, she´s under the protection of the Para Unit. Although Chloe feels it´s more like in jail, so she tries to run. Connor is working of his debt to the Para Unit, this time baby sitting Chloe and trying to keep her safe with her shifter friendly scent. Not as easy as you´d think, especially when an old foe returns for her.. PNR, smutty fluff and action in a great combo, love this series! A copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Love triangle? Cheating? HEA? Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex? Would I read more by this author/or in this series? YES. Rating: +3 stars
Review
I really enjoyed reading this one but the previous book in this series was a bit better than this one. There's a lot of action and angst, there could have been more romance, tho.
I'm really looking forward to reading Eric's story. I wonder what's it like being in his head. :)
I had a little Shane hangover but Connor worked his magic Now Connor was a total surprise I mean the guy was practically the villain in the first book but he sure cleans up nice. I didn't really like Chloe in the last book but she grew on me in this one. The intensity here wasn't the strongest but I did love Connor and Chloe together also that plot twist at the end was unexpected. Now I'm seriously looking forward to reading the last one .. I would love to see Eric fall on his mighty arse because that guy is one mean sob.
I confess that I haven't read the other 2 books in this series BUT with how much I LOVED this, I will DEFINITELY have to check them out!!! That Connor, he could be my beast ANYDAY *SMIRK*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Hocus Pocus Publishing*
Chloe has lived the nightmare over and over again. Not even allowed to rest in peace after her father killed her. now she feels abandoned by her lover, unlovable and surrounded by evil.
Title: Charming The Beast - Purgatory Series Book 3 Author: Cynthia Eden Publisher: Hocus Pocus Publishing Published: 10-27-2014 Pages: 310 Genre: Paranormal Romance Sub-Genre: Vampires; Werewolves; Shifters; Suspense ISBN: 9780991027675 ASIN: B00OV38DMO Reviewed For NetGalley and Hocus Pocus Publishing Reviewer: DelAnne Rating: 4.5 Stars
He's a man with a beast inside...
Connor Marrok never intended to work for the Seattle Para Unit. He's not one of the good guys--he's a real monster, and the beast he carries doesn't exactly play nicely. But now he finds himself being blackmailed into a new assignment. It's supposed to be his last gig. His mission? Protect the beautiful Chloe Quick. Keep her alive. Destroy her enemies. Easy enough...until he starts to fall for Chloe.
She just wants to escape.
Chloe is tired of being a prisoner. She wants to get away from her Para Unit guard and run fast into the night. So what if Connor is the sexiest guy she's ever met? Chloe knows trouble when she sees it, and Connor is one big, dangerous package of trouble. But, when an obsessed werewolf begins stalking Chloe, she realizes that her paranormal bodyguard may just be the one man she needs the most.
Their attraction is primal.
Every moment that Chloe and Connor spend together increases their attraction. Chloe has never felt a need so strong or a desire so dark. The beast that Chloe carries inside has always been silent, but Connor is stirring up her animal instincts. And as the danger and desire begin to twist together, Chloe wonders just how far she'd be willing to go...in order to spend one more night in Connor's arms.
As always, Cynthia Eden, grabs her readers from the start and holds them in the grips of her word from the start. The series offers multiple characters of the paranormal nature and contention between the leads. Connor Marrok fears that which lives within him and as such fears the harm he could cause Chloe. She knows that his love will protect her. The battle Conner has with himself is the biggest threat to their future.
This is the third book in the series and I recommend reading the series in order. As the information on the characters is given in previous books that explains background information talked about in Book 3. As always it is fun to learn about characters from previous books even if it is in passing.
My rating of "Charming The Beast" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.