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Claimed by the Beast King: A dark gothic romantasy
Every shifter, man, and fae has a beast living inside them. Scratching for survival, to be heard, to be loved.
Delphi's beast is about to meet its master.
In the shadow of the cursed Mistwood, where magic bleeds through ancient trees and mist devours the unwary, Delphi hides her forbidden magic behind healing tonics and herbal remedies. She's survived her father's cruelty, poverty's bite, and the constant threat of burning at the stake—all while dreaming of escape to a life of books and freedom.
But the Mistwood has been watching. And its king has been waiting.
Tenebrys isn't just a beast—he's vengeance wrapped in fur and fangs, imprisoned for thirty years by those who feared his power. When Delphi's father offers her as payment for his own dark bargain, she becomes the key to the Beast King's freedom... and the target of his obsession.
Trapped in a crumbling château where shadows breathe and magic pulses through every stone, Delphi discovers that her captor isn't the real monster she should fear. Ancient fae are stirring. Witch hunters are closing in. And the fire burning in her veins calls to the darkness in his.
He claims she belongs to him. She swears she belongs to no one. But when desire meets destiny in a world built on blood and magic, even beasts can become saviors, and queens must learn to rule.
A dark, spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling for readers who morally grey beast kings, enemies-to-lovers tension, powerful heroines discovering their magic, fated mates, and gothic romance that burns as hot as witch fire.
Forced proximity • Beast/monster hero • Forbidden magic • Touch her and die • She tames the beast • Dark fae • Possessive alpha
Content This gothic fantasy romance contains mature themes, dark elements, and steamy scenes intended for adult readers.
Delphi's beast is about to meet its master.
In the shadow of the cursed Mistwood, where magic bleeds through ancient trees and mist devours the unwary, Delphi hides her forbidden magic behind healing tonics and herbal remedies. She's survived her father's cruelty, poverty's bite, and the constant threat of burning at the stake—all while dreaming of escape to a life of books and freedom.
But the Mistwood has been watching. And its king has been waiting.
Tenebrys isn't just a beast—he's vengeance wrapped in fur and fangs, imprisoned for thirty years by those who feared his power. When Delphi's father offers her as payment for his own dark bargain, she becomes the key to the Beast King's freedom... and the target of his obsession.
Trapped in a crumbling château where shadows breathe and magic pulses through every stone, Delphi discovers that her captor isn't the real monster she should fear. Ancient fae are stirring. Witch hunters are closing in. And the fire burning in her veins calls to the darkness in his.
He claims she belongs to him. She swears she belongs to no one. But when desire meets destiny in a world built on blood and magic, even beasts can become saviors, and queens must learn to rule.
A dark, spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling for readers who morally grey beast kings, enemies-to-lovers tension, powerful heroines discovering their magic, fated mates, and gothic romance that burns as hot as witch fire.
Forced proximity • Beast/monster hero • Forbidden magic • Touch her and die • She tames the beast • Dark fae • Possessive alpha
Content This gothic fantasy romance contains mature themes, dark elements, and steamy scenes intended for adult readers.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2026
243 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Alessa Thorn
52 books987 followersAlessa Thorn believes that all monsters and villains deserve their happy endings. She prefers her clothes black, eyeliner winged and books full of hot romance. She thinks heroes are boring, so her first series 'The Court of the Underworld' centers around dark gods, monsters and villains from her favorite Greek Myths.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 8, 2026
Give me any fairytale retelling and I'm sold.
Give a Beauty and the Beast retelling and I'm toasted!
When you add paranormal into it? I'm dying here!!!
So we have a Beauty and the Beast retelling, paranormal, enemies to lovers, touch her and die, knotting, shifters, female with hidden power.
I really really liked this book. The resilient heroine that has endured many wrongs in her life, the hero that has endured so much pain for him and his friends, the paranormal aspect that added spice in the story.
It was a pleasant reading that gripped me and finished it in one day. The fact that it isn't a lengthy helped my cause.
What bothered me though was how the hero who considered heroine the enemy made a 180 turnaround just because she was his mate and I believe that it's the book length's fault. If it had been longer there would be room to see a smoother transition from enemy to lover.
Give a Beauty and the Beast retelling and I'm toasted!
When you add paranormal into it? I'm dying here!!!
So we have a Beauty and the Beast retelling, paranormal, enemies to lovers, touch her and die, knotting, shifters, female with hidden power.
I really really liked this book. The resilient heroine that has endured many wrongs in her life, the hero that has endured so much pain for him and his friends, the paranormal aspect that added spice in the story.
It was a pleasant reading that gripped me and finished it in one day. The fact that it isn't a lengthy helped my cause.
What bothered me though was how the hero who considered heroine the enemy made a 180 turnaround just because she was his mate and I believe that it's the book length's fault. If it had been longer there would be room to see a smoother transition from enemy to lover.
March 11, 2026
4,5 ⭐
It’s such a shame that there is some weird phrases sometimes, and a word missing or a word too many. I loved the story and look forward to continuing it.
It’s such a shame that there is some weird phrases sometimes, and a word missing or a word too many. I loved the story and look forward to continuing it.
February 18, 2026
I love a new Alessa world, and hope we see more from this one in the future.
February 12, 2026
Warning!
This book will consume your life until you have finished it. It is that good. The world, the magic, the badA leading lady, the sexy beast (literally), and the storyline… they all drag you in and make you want more and more. It is an all consuming sort of experience in reading that you only get with creative excellence and quality writing. Alessa Thorn continues to deliver this experience again and again. I cannot wait to read more in the *hopefully near* future. Until then, I will have to settle for the mediocrity of a different author, as I have already read the entirety of the Alessa Thorn catalogue twice… Although, I guess I wouldn’t mind reading everything a third time. 😘
This book will consume your life until you have finished it. It is that good. The world, the magic, the badA leading lady, the sexy beast (literally), and the storyline… they all drag you in and make you want more and more. It is an all consuming sort of experience in reading that you only get with creative excellence and quality writing. Alessa Thorn continues to deliver this experience again and again. I cannot wait to read more in the *hopefully near* future. Until then, I will have to settle for the mediocrity of a different author, as I have already read the entirety of the Alessa Thorn catalogue twice… Although, I guess I wouldn’t mind reading everything a third time. 😘
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alessa Thorn writes it? I'm going to read it and love every word. It's that simple.
February 17, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ for this little nugget of spicy goodness I happened to stumble upon. 😏 I’m a sucker for a BatB retelling, and this one was so fun. Dark, spicy, sassy, and a ton of story packed into 260-odd pages, I flew through this so quickly and wanted more.
Delphi was really pretty likable. I’m not the biggest fan of sassy heroines, but she walked the line between irritating and funny expertly. She challenged Ten when he tried to be all dominating beast lord with her, but also managed to be vulnerable and kind. The more we learn of her story/past, the more you sympathize with her and root for her.
Tenebris, my sweet down bad beasty. He tried so hard to be broody and cold, hating his enemy’s daughter like he should, but my big cuddly lion just couldn’t do it. A cinnamon roll so sweet your teeth will ache, with a filthy mouth and a dominating presence in the bedroom, he was pretty dang delicious 😏 Their dynamic was fun, and seeing him be challenged by the woman he thought would be a pleading prisoner, and loving it, was just what we needed.
The plot was interesting, kept my attention, and fast paced. The world was clear and immersive, without being tedious. The found family was just the start, and if anything I wanted more with the other shifters and Delphi. This easily could have been a full length book, I think there was plenty of story to keep going. But I was satisfied with the end and will keep an eye out for possible future installments to this world!
Delphi was really pretty likable. I’m not the biggest fan of sassy heroines, but she walked the line between irritating and funny expertly. She challenged Ten when he tried to be all dominating beast lord with her, but also managed to be vulnerable and kind. The more we learn of her story/past, the more you sympathize with her and root for her.
Tenebris, my sweet down bad beasty. He tried so hard to be broody and cold, hating his enemy’s daughter like he should, but my big cuddly lion just couldn’t do it. A cinnamon roll so sweet your teeth will ache, with a filthy mouth and a dominating presence in the bedroom, he was pretty dang delicious 😏 Their dynamic was fun, and seeing him be challenged by the woman he thought would be a pleading prisoner, and loving it, was just what we needed.
The plot was interesting, kept my attention, and fast paced. The world was clear and immersive, without being tedious. The found family was just the start, and if anything I wanted more with the other shifters and Delphi. This easily could have been a full length book, I think there was plenty of story to keep going. But I was satisfied with the end and will keep an eye out for possible future installments to this world!
March 18, 2026
Amazing book, amazing author!
I absolutely loved this take on the Beauty and the Beast retelling. Everything Alessa Thorn writes is awesome. You can count on technically solid writing, creativity in world building,
I absolutely love and never cease to be amazed by the lovely interpersonal dynamics she creates between characters, she really shines in this area. Not that she doesn’t shine in other areas as well, I love her plot development, she is simply a talented writer who keeps the reader’s attention.
I could be along in this, I felt like her voice was a little muted or geared toward a larger audience, I truly hope a huge audience catches on to this amazing shifter, M/F, open door romance (bring a cup of milk, because this salsa brought the SPICY chile’s), mates, knotting, page turning lay engaging storytelling, fun magic system, and a touch of Alessa’s keen sense of humor peppered throughout.
Though this can be read as a stand alone, it seemed to be left open for more books. I would LOVE more from this world, particularly Eiran, I’m immensely intrigued by this character and would love more of his backstory and more of Delphi’s mom’s story.
Loved, highly recommend, always a good time when you sit down with an Alessa Thorn book!
I absolutely loved this take on the Beauty and the Beast retelling. Everything Alessa Thorn writes is awesome. You can count on technically solid writing, creativity in world building,
I absolutely love and never cease to be amazed by the lovely interpersonal dynamics she creates between characters, she really shines in this area. Not that she doesn’t shine in other areas as well, I love her plot development, she is simply a talented writer who keeps the reader’s attention.
I could be along in this, I felt like her voice was a little muted or geared toward a larger audience, I truly hope a huge audience catches on to this amazing shifter, M/F, open door romance (bring a cup of milk, because this salsa brought the SPICY chile’s), mates, knotting, page turning lay engaging storytelling, fun magic system, and a touch of Alessa’s keen sense of humor peppered throughout.
Though this can be read as a stand alone, it seemed to be left open for more books. I would LOVE more from this world, particularly Eiran, I’m immensely intrigued by this character and would love more of his backstory and more of Delphi’s mom’s story.
Loved, highly recommend, always a good time when you sit down with an Alessa Thorn book!
March 24, 2026
4.5/5 Stars
Fascinating and kept me hooked till the end. Strong FMC who just wants to find a place to belong and understand her magic with an equally strong and gooey on the inside MMC who would do absolutely anything for his woman. Both were traumatized in their own way and carried those burdens through life.
This was just spicy 🥵 enough and sprinkled with comedic moments, especially in the later half of the book when the tone lightens a bit with the help of the MCs being together and getting to know the MMCs fellow cursed shifters. Those other shifters cracked me the hell up tbh. 😂
This definitely felt a bit like it could be a HFN situation whether we get another book with this couple or see them again in a connected book. This was a complete story but still felt like it left the door open for a series and I wouldn't hate that tbh. There was a lot left to explore about the Mistwood, The Fae, Faerie, the other shifter clans and even other witches including the FMCs own witch powers which weren't quite explored as much as I wish before the end. Even finally figuring out the curse that trapped all the shifters in their in-between states
Otherwise a solid read for me.
Fascinating and kept me hooked till the end. Strong FMC who just wants to find a place to belong and understand her magic with an equally strong and gooey on the inside MMC who would do absolutely anything for his woman. Both were traumatized in their own way and carried those burdens through life.
This was just spicy 🥵 enough and sprinkled with comedic moments, especially in the later half of the book when the tone lightens a bit with the help of the MCs being together and getting to know the MMCs fellow cursed shifters. Those other shifters cracked me the hell up tbh. 😂
This definitely felt a bit like it could be a HFN situation whether we get another book with this couple or see them again in a connected book. This was a complete story but still felt like it left the door open for a series and I wouldn't hate that tbh. There was a lot left to explore about the Mistwood, The Fae, Faerie, the other shifter clans and even other witches including the FMCs own witch powers which weren't quite explored as much as I wish before the end. Even finally figuring out the curse that trapped all the shifters in their in-between states
Otherwise a solid read for me.
February 28, 2026
DNF 64%
I have read a few of Alessa Thorn's books and really enjoyed them. I was excited to see that she had created a new world not linked to her Fae universe and I was ready to dive in.
This isn't a terrible book but the previous books I've read of hers are better. There were plot points and references that didn't make sense or feel authentic.
Ten is supposed to hate Delphi as the daughter of the man who cursed him and his people. He often brought this point up but then they fell into bed together so quickly that the tension between them hadn't even had a chance to grow. From there it just felt contrived and superficial.
Also, a pet peeve of mine is when modern slang is used in historical fantasy books. It knocks me out of the story so quickly. It just feels lazy.
This book didn't feel fresh and new. I've read better and though it wasn't a terrible book, I don't want to waste time finishing it when I'm at the point of skimming to get to the end.
I have read a few of Alessa Thorn's books and really enjoyed them. I was excited to see that she had created a new world not linked to her Fae universe and I was ready to dive in.
This isn't a terrible book but the previous books I've read of hers are better. There were plot points and references that didn't make sense or feel authentic.
Ten is supposed to hate Delphi as the daughter of the man who cursed him and his people. He often brought this point up but then they fell into bed together so quickly that the tension between them hadn't even had a chance to grow. From there it just felt contrived and superficial.
Also, a pet peeve of mine is when modern slang is used in historical fantasy books. It knocks me out of the story so quickly. It just feels lazy.
This book didn't feel fresh and new. I've read better and though it wasn't a terrible book, I don't want to waste time finishing it when I'm at the point of skimming to get to the end.
February 24, 2026
It’s Alessa, it’s 5 stars
Are we surprised? Alessa Thorn could write a 2500-page book on theoretical applications of tax law, and I would read it and own a minimum of 2 versions of it. The books simply *never* miss the mark. Enemies to lovers, monster romance w/ special anatomy, a magic and gently meddlesome chateau - are you kidding? In what world is that not a recipe for a banger of a book? Ten and Delphi were every-thing. From the first moment in her dreams to the very last page, I adored them. All the things she brought back to life, his disbelief but then utter down badness - I ate it up. Not to mention all the other shifters (because whew mama). I am hoping beyond hope that Alessa writes more in this world!
Are we surprised? Alessa Thorn could write a 2500-page book on theoretical applications of tax law, and I would read it and own a minimum of 2 versions of it. The books simply *never* miss the mark. Enemies to lovers, monster romance w/ special anatomy, a magic and gently meddlesome chateau - are you kidding? In what world is that not a recipe for a banger of a book? Ten and Delphi were every-thing. From the first moment in her dreams to the very last page, I adored them. All the things she brought back to life, his disbelief but then utter down badness - I ate it up. Not to mention all the other shifters (because whew mama). I am hoping beyond hope that Alessa writes more in this world!
February 5, 2026
Alessa has been an auto-buy author for years and lemme tell you, this book does NOT disappoint! It is not your classic Beauty and the Beast retelling but thats one of the reasons I loved it so much! It had all the elements you wanted from the classic story with lots of steamy spice and fae magic. I really hope we get to see more of this world because she's jumped into monster/shifter romance and I'm here for it!
February 21, 2026
Solid 3.5 stars.
I’ll read anything Alessa Thorn writes, so a loose Beauty & the Beast retelling? Absolutely yes. I did enjoy it but it didn’t hit me quite as hard as some of her other books, which is how it settled at 3.5 for me.
It has all the signature elements; strong heroine, alpha male, instant fated love and plenty of spice. There’s a thread of mystery woven through it as well, though it left a few things feeling unresolved by the end.
I’ll read anything Alessa Thorn writes, so a loose Beauty & the Beast retelling? Absolutely yes. I did enjoy it but it didn’t hit me quite as hard as some of her other books, which is how it settled at 3.5 for me.
It has all the signature elements; strong heroine, alpha male, instant fated love and plenty of spice. There’s a thread of mystery woven through it as well, though it left a few things feeling unresolved by the end.
February 22, 2026
This is how you do a retelling
Retelling of stories is always 50/50 so I'm always stoked when I come across a proper one. Beauty and and the Beast has always been one of my favorite stories so reading this dark take on it was flipping amazing. Bonus points is that Alessa always writes her FMCs as strong women who can kick some serious booty while writing MMCs who are dominant and can compliment the FMC characters flawlessly.
Retelling of stories is always 50/50 so I'm always stoked when I come across a proper one. Beauty and and the Beast has always been one of my favorite stories so reading this dark take on it was flipping amazing. Bonus points is that Alessa always writes her FMCs as strong women who can kick some serious booty while writing MMCs who are dominant and can compliment the FMC characters flawlessly.
March 11, 2026
It is a re-telling of "Beauty and the Beast" but not as dark as you would expect. So I don't know if it can be called Dark Gothic Romantasy. Saying that it is would be lying because even the FMC past is something we see in characters as normal, not too dark. Everything else is like another normal romantasy book, except this is shorter. I liked the twist of the classical tale though.
April 9, 2026
I love a good beauty and the beast spin off. The writing and world building was well done. I liked that even though Delphinium and Tenebrys were fated mates it wasn’t insta love. Delphi is definitely a strong female lead and I like how neither of them turned into simpering fools. The baseline for the story is pretty generic and standard, but still had some uniqueness.
April 28, 2026
cool book
I loved the story of Delphi and Ten. It was interesting and Delphi was unapologetically a survivor. She was good even after all the crap she lived through which was true of Ten as well. This wasn’t dark in my opinion and I loved the witty banter. Definitely a recommend! Some scenes are steamy hot!
I loved the story of Delphi and Ten. It was interesting and Delphi was unapologetically a survivor. She was good even after all the crap she lived through which was true of Ten as well. This wasn’t dark in my opinion and I loved the witty banter. Definitely a recommend! Some scenes are steamy hot!
February 6, 2026
OBSESSED
Absolutely loved it. It was everything I wanted out of a beauty and the beast retelling. A powerful woman, revenge, beastly *appendages*, a magical castle. Crossing my fingers for more because there’s so many options for more stories!
Absolutely loved it. It was everything I wanted out of a beauty and the beast retelling. A powerful woman, revenge, beastly *appendages*, a magical castle. Crossing my fingers for more because there’s so many options for more stories!
February 6, 2026
Loved it!
Another amazing book by one of my favorite authors! Loved the fierce and protective dynamic of the leading couple plus the acceptance this book emphasizes! Can't wait for book two hopefully if in the works
Another amazing book by one of my favorite authors! Loved the fierce and protective dynamic of the leading couple plus the acceptance this book emphasizes! Can't wait for book two hopefully if in the works
February 9, 2026
Wicked fun
A little darker than Thorn's usual books, but not nearly as dark as many dark romances out there - on the 1 sweet vanilla to 10 seriously-messed-up scale, it is probably a 6, but still very entertaining. Read in a day, couldn't put it down.
A little darker than Thorn's usual books, but not nearly as dark as many dark romances out there - on the 1 sweet vanilla to 10 seriously-messed-up scale, it is probably a 6, but still very entertaining. Read in a day, couldn't put it down.
February 15, 2026
I love Alessa Thorn. She writes it, I’ll read it!
I loved Delphi, such a strong young woman. I loved Tenebrys’ possessive traits. I enjoyed the plague and curse storyline. I loved how we learn about how her magic works at the same time as Delphi. My only negative thought? I want MORE in this world!!! I want to see more of the cursed shifters and how the fae will retaliate!
I loved Delphi, such a strong young woman. I loved Tenebrys’ possessive traits. I enjoyed the plague and curse storyline. I loved how we learn about how her magic works at the same time as Delphi. My only negative thought? I want MORE in this world!!! I want to see more of the cursed shifters and how the fae will retaliate!
March 1, 2026
Ebook. Purchased. After reading 2 dozen Alessa books (yes I counted) I love that she can still keep her writing so fun and fresh. I really, really enjoyed this one and am excited for more in this world.
March 12, 2026
please please please
ive always loved alessa thorn & her series but i think this one took my top spot. I am begging for there to be more of this series because I cant get enough of this world
ive always loved alessa thorn & her series but i think this one took my top spot. I am begging for there to be more of this series because I cant get enough of this world
February 5, 2026
Delightfully beastly
I love everything Alessa Thorn and this is no exception. A beast king. A witch. Enemies. Fated mates. Curses. Magic. Revenge. What could go wrong?
I love everything Alessa Thorn and this is no exception. A beast king. A witch. Enemies. Fated mates. Curses. Magic. Revenge. What could go wrong?
February 10, 2026
Dark Beauty and the Beast
I loved this dark Beauty and the Beast retelling. If you love shifters (that stay a little beastly) and 🪢 then this is for you!
I loved this dark Beauty and the Beast retelling. If you love shifters (that stay a little beastly) and 🪢 then this is for you!
Did Not Finish
February 13, 2026DNF at 7%
ew fast burn, get it away from me.
ew fast burn, get it away from me.
February 14, 2026
Will an ARC review ever be honest? Probably not. Lucky for you, this is not an ARC review. Do not recommend. Y’all need to stop lying. I hear it’s a sin.
February 15, 2026
excellent read
I was hooked from page one. Couldn’t put it down. It has everything, I laughed, cried, raged. Would recommend.
Well done Alessa Thorn.
I was hooked from page one. Couldn’t put it down. It has everything, I laughed, cried, raged. Would recommend.
Well done Alessa Thorn.
February 23, 2026
DNF 54%
This had *some* promise in the beginning, but it’s feeling very flat now.
This had *some* promise in the beginning, but it’s feeling very flat now.
February 24, 2026
I think this type of book is no longer for me
I just read it for the smut
I just read it for the smut
February 28, 2026
Beauty and the Beast vibes! Good book to break a reading slump.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews