Royal Beast

Royals of the Underworld #1

by Renee Zara

Forced to marry the man who ruined my life.
Hiding his child from him for four years.
Now I’m his captive bride… and he’s about to find out everything.

One night with Kellan Brannagan left me with a secret I swore I’d take to my grave.
A daughter.
He never knew.
And I never planned to tell him.

Until my father’s debts to the Brannagans caught up with us.
Cancer. Gambling. Lies.
And now the only man who can save us…
Is the monster I ran from.

Kellan wants payment.
Not money.
Me.

He puts a ring on my finger and a lock on my life.
Cold. Dangerous. Covered in scars and ink.

He doesn’t believe in love. Only control.
And if he ever finds out Rose is his…
He’ll never let us go.

But secrets don’t stay buried in this world.
And when our daughter is kidnapped,
I’m forced to tell the beast his biggest secret.

She’s yours.
And they took her.
Now burn the world to bring her back.



Author's
Royal Beast is the first standalone romance in the Royals of the Underworld series — a dark, decadent world where classic fairytales are reborn with dangerous men, forbidden passion, and mafia stakes.

Each book is a twisted fairytale retelling with its own love story, packed with heat, heartache, and jaw-dropping cliffhangers.

Ready to fall for more deadly royals?

Royal Deception – A Cinderella Mafia Story
Royal Bargain – A Little Mermaid Mafia Story
Royal Pretender – A Snow Queen Mafia Story
Royal Lies – A Rapunzel Mafia Story

Dark. Twisted. Addictive.
Welcome to your next mafia obsession.

Genres: Dark Romance, Second Chance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2025

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He offered her a way out. She never expected it to cost her heart.

Darcy’s life unravels when her father’s dangerous debt puts her and her daughter Rose in the crosshairs of ruthless men. With only hours to find a way out, the last person she expects to see is Kellan, a powerful figure from her past with the kind of resources that could save her…and the kind of control that could destroy her. His price for paying off the debt is simple: marriage. What starts as a calculated arrangement quickly becomes a collision of wills, each refusing to surrender ground.

Pulled into Kellan’s world of power plays, criminal alliances, and deadly rivals, Darcy learns that survival means adapting. She guards her independence fiercely, even as Kellan’s protective nature and relentless pull chip away at her walls. Secrets from the past, including the truth about Rose’s father, threaten to break what fragile trust they’ve built. When the Russians strike at the heart of their family, both have to decide how far they’ll go to protect the people they love.

As blood is spilled, lines are drawn, and loyalties tested, their marriage shifts from a cold bargain to a bond forged in fire. Trust becomes their greatest weapon, love their sharpest risk. In a world where control is power and vulnerability is dangerous, Darcy and Kellan face the ultimate choice: fight together, or lose everything.

Darcy grows from a woman cornered by her father’s mistakes into someone who stands her ground, protects her daughter, and challenges Kellan’s authority. Kellan shifts from a controlling and guarded crime boss to a man who learns to balance power with vulnerability and emotional connection. Their relationship changes from a transactional deal built on necessity into a real partnership where trust, love, and loyalty take root despite the dangers around them.

A dark, steamy, enemies to lovers, forced marriage, high stakes mafia romance, exploring love, power, control, family loyalty, trust, survival, and redemption. It's about risking everything for the people who matter most.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy has spent her entire life picking up the pieces of her father’s reckless choices. First his doomed get-rich-quick schemes, then his ruinous gambling habit that drained them of everything. Now, with her father gravely ill, he leaves her with one final disaster, a mess so dangerous it threatens not only Darcy but also her young daughter, Rose. With nowhere else to turn, Darcy is forced to seek help from the one man she’s avoided for years, the unknowing father of her child, Kellan Brannagan. But Kellan doesn’t give without taking. He has conditions of his own. Though he’s never forgotten Darcy, or stopped wanting her, he understands why she kept her distance. Still, with the chance to finally bind her to him, the temptation proves impossible to resist. Unfortunately, it couldn’t come at a worse time. The Brannagans are on the brink of all-out war with the Russians, and bringing Darcy and Rose into the crossfire is a risk that could cost them everything. The tension is thick throughout. Danger lurks in every shadow, each side scrambling for the upper hand, and both Darcy and Rose caught in the middle. I’ll admit, I was surprised Kellan didn’t put more safeguards around them, considering the constant threats. That said, the suspense kept me hooked, especially with how far each faction was willing to go. Darcy tries to navigate their precarious arrangement, but Kellan’s hot-and-cold behavior leaves her constantly guessing. He’s all fire and passion behind closed doors (and wow, does he burn), but he shuts her out the moment she gets too close. No wonder she doesn’t know whether to run or cling tighter. What truly anchors the story, though, is Rose. From the moment she meets Kellan, she accepts him without hesitation, as if she’s known he belongs with them all along. And though he doesn’t realize he’s her father, Kellan’s tenderness and fierce protectiveness toward her are undeniable. It’s in those moments, when she sees his adoration for Rose, his determination to keep her safe, that Darcy finally sees the man beneath the armor, breaking down the last wall between them and allowing love to take root. While I didn’t quite feel the “Beauty and the Beast” parallels, the story stands strong on its own as a gripping mafia romance. And with the Russian conflict far from resolved and the epilogue teasing at the next couple’s journey, I’m eager to see where the Royals of the Underworld series goes next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelley G · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderfully written story, great plot, with twists and turns, secrets, betrayal, family problems, discoveries, high heat and more. Darcy ends up pregnant by Kellan after a one night stand. but afraid of his world she keeps it secret. her father gets into terrible debt again and again and this time he's done something that will leave darcy and rose out on the streets and hunted by those wanting repayment. so she goes to kellan asking for help and kellan demands marriage. darcy continues to keep her secret telling kellan he isn't her father until suddenly rose is kidnapped and she is forced to tell the truth in order for kellan to rescue her. the story unfolds of the difficulties of the marriage where chemistry and heat are high, feelings are developing but kellan is fighting it and keeps trying to maintain that its all a business arrangement and nothing more while darcy's secret haunts her as she sees him come to care for rose. but slowly he comes to love little rose and can't help but wonder what could be if this were all real. and darcy's dad continues to make stupid choices and cause all kinds of problems for darcy.

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

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the the new series Royals of the Underworld.

Darcy Flynn has once again found herself caught in the middle of her father's gambling debts. When she's warned that if she doesn't figure out how to pay they'll come for her or her 4 year old daughter. She calls the one person who she knows will be able to help the man she's been avoiding for over 4 years Kellan Brannagan. There's only one problem his price is her hand in marriage.

What happens when a marriage of convenience turns into so much more only to be tested to the breaking point. Her and her daughter are pulled into a dangerous and deadly power play between mafia families, politicians and her own father? Blood is spilled, secrets exposed, families divided and lives hang in the balance. Can they come together and fight or risk losing everything?

I'm looking forward to the 2nd book in the series Royal Deception- that will follow Rory and Clary's story.

I received an ARC through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[vixen ‹𝟹 reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘/𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝖇𝖊𝖑𝖔𝖜 ↴
(𝔪𝔞𝔶 𝔟𝔢 𝔠𝔬𝔫𝔰𝔦𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔰𝔭𝔬𝔦𝔩𝔢𝔯𝔶)‼️

⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
𝖘𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘: Royals of the Underworld #1
𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞 𝖙𝖞𝖕𝖊: interconnected
𝖍𝖊𝖆/𝖈𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖋𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖗: hea ღ epilogue
𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖗𝖊: dark mafia romance
𝖕𝖔𝖛: dual

𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖕𝖑𝖊: Kellan Brannagan & Darcy Flynn
𝖕𝖊𝖙 𝖓𝖆𝖒𝖊: “Wildflower”

📕 𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖊 → this series follows the Brannagan Family, set to be read in order, but each can be enjoyed as a standalone

♥️ 𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘 - secret child, debt repayment, protective mafia man, beauty & the beast, forced proximity, history, one night stand

🧨 𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖊 - handcuffs, blindfold, toys, edging/denial, praise, after care, kınky drawer, impact play, ice play, control swap

🚩 𝖗𝖊𝖉 𝖋𝖑𝖆𝖌𝖘 - marriage proposition, controlling, devils deal, possessive

⛔️ 𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗𝖘 - child abductıon, terminal cancer diagnosis inc hospitalisation and loss of life (on-page) + themes, triggers and content in line with dark romance genre.

⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
⇉ 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘕𝘖𝘛 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥.

[Shantrellia Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

My overall thoughts of the book are it was a good read. I enjoyed the characters. Kellan is a man who is all about control. Darcy is stronger and independent until her father puts them a bad situation. Kellan is a true predator he saw his opportunity and took. The action was good I will say I thought that it got a little slow and I wanted more but that could just be me. It was still a good read. The plot was good it could have went in a couple different directions. OH My Spice-O-Roma there was spice and more spice and naughtier spice. The book definitely delivers on the spice. The details and the amount. This book has ups and downs, action and spice, and some loveable moments. I just picked up the second book in the series.

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

[Crystal Junebug · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I often do, I pick my next book simply by the cover and this one was one of those and my method of choosing did not disappoint. This is the first book in the Royals of the Underground series and it was quite the start. Marriage of convenience was the initial trope with plenty of action, angst, danger, and top-shelf spice. I never was a big fan of these mafia romances, but I'm slowly starting to see the appeal. Kellan Brannagan was downright delectable and the visual that the cover art gave me made the whole experience three michelin kisses. I am definitely going to read the subsequent books in this series. If it's anything like this one, it'll be really good.

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

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal Beast: A Beauty and the Beast Mafia Romance story of Kellan and Darcy..He is a mafia enforcer,ruthless and dangerous and the woman he never forget and the mother of his child that he didn't know about..She is a single mom who work hard for her daughter but got in trouble because of her gambling father who put her and her child in danger and trhe only one who can help her is the man she doesn't want near her and her daughter the father of her child..An intense,exciting,steamy,emotional,with angst action and suspense..ook 1 of Royals of the Underworld.

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

[PugLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy turns to Kellan when she needs help with her father. Kellan's solution is marriage. This is the story of a marriage of convenience that turns to true love. Add in Rose, the daughter Kellan doesn't know is his, but guesses is. If that's not enough lets throw in some Irish and Russian territory clashes. This book starts off a little slow but ramps up as you go along, leaving us with a glimpse into book two to look forward to.

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

[Unrulyreadr Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written story with a gripping plot full of twists, turns, secrets, betrayals, family drama, exciting discoveries, and plenty of heat. Darcy's unexpected pregnancy after a one-night stand with Kellan adds another layer of intrigue, as she struggles with the fear of his dangerous world, keeping her secret. I found this book to be an absolute page-turner, delivering a satisfying and heartwarming happily ever after.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy is stuck between a rock and hard place, again her father's gambling debts are becoming her problem. If she does not pay they are threatening her four year old daughter, Rose. She knows she needs to reach out to the one man that can help, who she has tried to avoid as he does not know about his daughter. The only way he will help is if she marries him.

Will they be able to maintain a marriage of convenience when they are already aware of the chemistry between them? Things start to unravel for Darcy when their daughter is kidnapped and she needs Kellan's help to get her back.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the very beginning, I loved the balance between romance and mafia. Kellan and Darcy are like two magnets. Kellan is passionate and dangerous where Darcy is compassionate and stubborn. The chemistry between them is explosive. They both have so much going on that spills into their relationship that's barely hanging on. The drama, suspense, and passion make it hard to put the book down.

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

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 of Royals of Underworld and a standalone story. Two complex characters coming together and finding love. She needs his help and her needs her. The story is full of danger that lurks around corners. If these two can survive what is coming, they might find their happy ever after. I like the preview into the next book and cannot wait to read it.

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

[Hope Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her father Max has ruined her life. Facing debt collection with fear, she turns to the man that opened her heart but also filled it with fear, Kellan Brannagan. Kellan can save her from her father's debt but the price is a ring. He lets her believe it's a contract and keeps pushing her and her daughter away causing immense heartbreak. Only when her daughter is taken will everything change for them.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy and Kellan draws you into this compelling story that is filled with twists and turns circling the characters. When Darcy's gambling debts endangers her and her daughter, she has no choice but to go to the man she has been avoiding. It comes with a price of marriage, and it begins their journey. Will Kellan and Darcy's relationship bring them happiness in the end.

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

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for Royal Beast by (new for me) author Renee Zara

Kellen and Darcy are great characters - he is all into protecting her but it seems more like control she just wants her freedom.

Contract marriage that becomes real and then there is Rose !!!

Enjoyed this read and will check out more of this authors work !.

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

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Darcy and Kellen's story. Darcy spends one night with Kellan but then she runs. She later finds out she is pregnant. And a few years later her father is in debt and Kellan is the only person to bail them out. But he doesn't even know about his secret daughter. And he demands Darcy as payment. If you love action packed mafia stories with romance and even k!dnapping, and a MMC that would burn the world to keep his family safe then this is your book.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Kellan and Darcy. Theirs is full of suspense, secrets, betrayal, action, twists and turns, danger, and throw in an unplanned pregnancy, and you have a story you'll want to read in one sitting. They go through a lot and face many challenges, but ultimately, they get their long-deserved HEA.









I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kendall Rubel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kellan and Darcy; how to put there relationship with one another was insane in the beginning, just because Darcy and her father had issues, mostly with her dad. But I did really enjoy the story plot of them falling in love, even if they did have a rocky start, I was silently rooting for them wholeheartedly. Thanks for letting me read this book!.

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

[Amy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good, Loved it!!
Loved, Loved reading Royal Beast. This book was a serious page turner and I couldn’t put down because it was so freaking good. Darcy and Kellan’s story was action packed, emotional and the chemistry between them was extremely HOT and didn’t want it to end, Loved their story. I can’t wait to read Clary and Rory’s story next in Royal Deception.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chemistry was undeniably, both Darcy and Kellan just can't fight the attraction despite the odds. And then the twist that comes from the least suspect.

Quite an interesting read, looking forward to reading Tory and Clary's story.

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

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a story that pulls us into the lives of Kellan, Darcy and her daughter, Rose. The heart pounding story keeps us turning the pages with a forced marriage, secrets, danger, revelations and action.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not only my first book to read by Renee but it’s the start of a new series that I am going to love reading because this book was Phenomenal. The storyline as well as Kellan and Darcy were riveting and gripping to make this a page turning 5 stars read. I am desperately needing to read more books by Renee.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slightly dark twist, with some mafia influence, on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. The story develops nicely with some good twists and turns. This riveting story has elements of drama, action, danger with family, betrayal and secrets. I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end.

[Kelly Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A marriage of convenance turns into something else completely! Darcy needs Kellen years later and is also hiding something! It does turn into so much more though!.

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

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I hope it won't be the last. This hot and steamy book has secrets, lies, betrayal, action, drama and suspense throughout and I couldn't put it down. Well written with characters you can believe in, this is definitely a five star read.

[Carrie Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great story and character's. With a steamy romance that can be a little hot,cold but also sweet. And suspenseful, I would definitely recommend this book.

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

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Renee Zara. I enjoyed the story and the characters, They started out as marriage in name only and their love grew.

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

[Narelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy and Kellan's story is a dark and secret filled read, with a protective man and the love of his life. Mafia drama and politics mix with family drama and a bit of steaminess too.

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

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was well written and I couldn't put it down and I thought this was a great start to this series. and I can't wait to read more. I enjoy this series. I recommend this book.

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