My Vicious Beast

Claimed by Beasts #2

by Melissa Cummins

I ran to New York for a fresh start… and got captured by a monster instead.

One moment I'm planning my small-town wedding, the next I'm walking in on my baby sister with my fiancé. Betrayed by everyone I loved, I flee to New York City.

I'm finally finding my footing, then I'm stabbed in a dark alley, bleeding out on the dirty concrete, with no one coming to save me.

Until an ancient gargoyle snaps the neck of my attacker like a twig—and decides I'm his.

In one night I go from living paycheck to paycheck in my tiny studio apartment, to being showered in luxury by a creature who vows to fulfill my every desire.

I know I should be terrified of this vicious beast. But I'm addicted to his dark, possessive devotion, and every minute I spend with him makes me crave more.

His every word, every touch, pulls me deeper into his world. And now? I'll surrender to him completely.

Genres: Paranormal

108 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2026

About the author

Melissa had a difficult time speaking as a child, and thus writing became her best friend. There she learned the power of emotion, how to communicate heartbreak, sadness, tragedy, and still hope for something better: the happy ever after.

She loves to write imperfect, possessive heroes, that will risk their lives for those they love, strong heroines that can hold their own, and steamy scenes that grab you by the throat and bring you to your knees.

Melissa lives in a small town off the coast of Egypt, and is a huge mythology buff, with a love of all things magical, supernatural, paranormal, and steeped in lore and fantasy. When she is not writing Melissa can be found singing and dancing her heart out, or up, late at night, contemplating space and the universe with a large cup of tea.

Want to find the latest deals, read bonus content, and get exclusive sneak peaks to character art and books? Visit my website here!

Reviews

[PleaseGoAwayImReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a really cruddy day today and can I just tell you how nice it was to sit down tonight and read this? It’s a quick read— the pacing is fast and this isn’t very long. But I was completely pulled in to Sienna’s story from the start. I was shaking my fist in solidarity and yelling “Yes! Tell them!” at my Kindle when Sienna took a stand against cheater James and her sister. My adrenaline was also up during her confrontation with her parents.

So what (who?) do I have to do to get my own Sol? Because I am not gargoyle averse, and if this sexy hunk of manly being wants to house and clothe me in style while emotionally and physically worshipping me please consider my arm to be well and truly twisted. #pickme

[May Sinclair]

A great little read, with the main female characters learning to be strong and put herself first. With a male that can be scary but nice proving true love is more than looks. Great book.

[Alicia Bish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sienna and Sol

I love a revenge plot and when it’s a self-identified revenge it’s even sweeter. Sienna got the hell out of dodge because it was that or something she couldn’t come back from(honestly either outcome would have satisfied me) but she took her heartache by the reins and made a whole new life. Sol was possessive, obsessive, and so so gentle with sienna it was swoon worthy!

I loved this book and I only wish I had more of it that’s it my only complaint. Melissa you truly know how to bring the biggest MMC’s to their knees and I’m so here for it! Sienna and Sol were just what the other was missing and the spice was fire. Do yourself a favor and read the book ASAP :)

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short read, I call it a palette cleanser before moving on to something more hefty. This gargoyle is so in love with the woman he has waited a VERY long time for. This woman’s dream for a partner has come true. Of course there’s more to the story, but I won’t ruin it for ya’ll. I strongly suggest you take an hour or so and read this feel good paranormal romance by Melissa Cummins.

[Teresa R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choosing Herself
Sienna’s world and her psyche have been destroyed by those who should have supported her. So she flees to NY to find herself. Little does she know that someone has been waiting there for her for millennia and when he finds her, he’ll never let her go!

[Farrahlea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, I like her writing. She's a new to me. Author, her first one was short and again I felt like this one was too short as well. Did I enjoy it? Yes, I did enjoy the story. I loved it. I always love beauty and the beast retellings and the beast is different. I wish her books were longer

[Megan Cowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not even surprised how much I enjoyed this. It was fast paced, short, and easy to follow!

I admittedly felt myself relating to Sienna more than I want to admit. I think that’s what made me fall in love so fast and easy.

I already can’t wait to read what’s next by Melissa!

[Theresa Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars 5/5 Spice
Usually monster/beast romance aren't really my jam but since this was Melissa Cummins & I loved her Crowned in Blood book & this sounded intriguing I figured I'd give myself something different a try & boy did she deliver on this. I love the FMC Sienna feeling like i can so relate to her when you sometimes feel like you have no one who care about you & you'd feel better if you just packed up & dissappear & start over. The Beast Sol OMG the way he loves for her, I was asking myself where can I find my own Gargoyle lol. Such a amazing read that IT DID NOT DISSAPOINT ESPECIALLY AFTER SIENNA GOT BURNED BY THOSE WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FAMILY BUT SHE GOT CLOSURE WITH THEM & THEN FOUND HER HEA. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS HOTT KNOTTing Beast Read & read TODAY

[Chris T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a quick fun read and kept my attention the whole time. I enjoyed the book and plan to look for more books by this author!

[RaymieReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Super quick read and very enjoyable. I was cheering for the FMC right from the start and am so happy with how things ended for her.

[JudyReadsFantasy Naude · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Vicious Beast by Melissa Cummins was such a fun and addictive paranormal romance read, especially if you love possessive gargoyle mates, fated love, and a heroine rebuilding her life after betrayal.

The story follows a curvy red-haired heroine whose entire life falls apart after discovering her fiancé has been having an affair with her younger sister — and that her sister is pregnant with his child. What hurt even more was seeing her own family fail to support her. Instead of staying trapped in a life that no longer valued her, she leaves everything behind and starts over alone in New York.

I really loved that aspect of the story because it felt empowering watching her choose herself for once.

Then enters the gargoyle.

The paranormal element was honestly what hooked me most. A gargoyle who had been in hibernation for centuries awakens because of her scent and spends a year searching for her before finally finding her injured and near death. The possessive protective energy was definitely there and I enjoyed the chemistry between them.

The writing itself was easy to read and engaging, and I flew through the book very quickly.

My biggest issue honestly was that I wanted MORE.

More world building.
More emotional development.
More explanation about the gargoyle lore and bonding.
More depth to both main characters.

The romance moved very fast emotionally and physically, and I personally would have loved more tension, trust-building, and emotional connection before they instantly fell into the “I trust you completely” stage. The story had such an interesting setup that I kept wishing it had been expanded further because the ideas were genuinely intriguing.

Overall though, it was still an entertaining paranormal romance with a strong “starting over after heartbreak” storyline, protective monster romance vibes, and a heroine finally choosing herself after years of being overlooked.

If you enjoy:
✨ gargoyle romance
✨ fated mates
✨ possessive paranormal heroes
✨ curvy FMC representation
✨ starting-over stories
✨ quick spicy fantasy romance reads

[Sarah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will read anything with a bit of a beauty and the beast vibe to it and this didn't disappoint.

My god Sienna's family and ex-fiancé are just monsters. We only see them for a bit but they made an impression, a very bad one. First you have the soon-to-be ex-fiancé screwing her younger sister in their bed and then having the nerve to try and talk their way out of it. Then you have the manipulative parents who just want the whole thing swept under the rug regardless that she was meant to be marrying the guy. So glad she finally put herself first and cut ties with the lot of them.

Starting over can be tough but it was very much needed for her to grow into the person she was always meant to be. She has always been drawn to New York and it seems there is a very good reason for that. A certain beastly man of sorts who has been waiting an eternity to find her.

The creature - later named Sol - was created to protect humanity from demons who like to feed off the chaos they create with those possessed. After living through a millennia passing judgement he started to question whether those possessed could be saved and wanted to understand more of the changing world around him. So he decided to fall into a deep slumber. Turning into a statue of sorts, one eventually sent to sit atop a church in New York. So you can see what might have been calling her there. The pull is strong between them, so much so it wakes him to start his search for her. Takes him a year but he was always going to show up, seems it was just in the nick of time too.

When she wakes and finds herself face to face with the creature who saved her she is somewhat shocked as to what he really is. The wings, tail and being 8feet tall are a bit of a giveaway that he might be a little different. Seems this is very much not a deal breaker as that bonds pull is strong and if anything she is just intrigued and wants to know more.

The things a tail can do! Spicy little read when this ravenous beast wants to claim his mate. Might be a short read but it packs a punch. Both of them have pasts that have moulded their views on themselves. They need each other to help heal what was broken. I think I would have liked it to be longer, wanted to know what was going to be their fate, though we do get a good epilogue. Sol was such a sweetheart for her. Longing for his soulmate and willing to wait eternity for her. He very much sees it all as worth the wait. Fate has a way of pulling you to where you are meant to be. She needed to go through all that crap to push her to be more herself and ultimately find her perfect guy.

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

[Carole Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dawn and her Savior

This is the second of the Claimed By Beasts series and it was a powerful novel filled with heart and heat and packed quite the punch! There are themes of betrayal and drama through past events, but it is an addictive, instalove read that is emotional and riveting and it culminates in a hard-won, sweet and spicy HEA.

Poor Sienna has been dragged through a tough life, being bullied by so called friends and family and when she finally thought she had connected with the love of her life, she feels the sting of betrayal by him and her younger sister and the family that discards her and discounts her feelings. She finally chooses to put herself first and takes off for New York and through heartbreak and the discovering magic of growing and learning, she meets her loyal savior.

Sol the Gargoyle, a creature beset by doubt and anxiety, is millennia old and worn down by the vagaries of the human world. He doubts himself, his abilities and duty and yearns for the one bright dawn of his life; for his mate to choose him. When a bright illuminance colours his mind, he sets off to search for that one person who will find him enough and deserving of a better and brighter future together.

From heartbreaking, soulful and teary moments and hurtful drama to loving values, I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me.
I thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.

[Mrs. K. Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES! This is an absolutely binge-able read! It's a quick, deliciously seductive, paranormal romance between an ancient, nameless gargoyle and his plus-size, fierce fated mate. 💕

I felt so bad for Sienna! To be cheated on like that?!?! And S.T.abbed soon after?!?! No way. I'd have let Sol k!ll both a$$holes. 🤬 (I'm not a merciful human being.) She's been told her whole life by everyone in her small town that she's just not good enough. She's been told to just get over it. She was bullied by everyone because of her curves, her red hair, her attitude.

And that's why we like the fated mates trope, because no matter what you look like or what you've done to get by in life, the chemistry is still cooking! 💗 THIS is how you write an insta-love trope!

Where can I find a man that speaks to his woman like Sol speaks to Sienna? 🥵
Example: "Let me look at you. Let me worship you."

Can't wait to read the rest of this series! I love the way Melissa Cummins writes - quick and dirty. 😘 Can't get enough of it!

[Aneta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The creatures were made to protect humanity, they are divine justice. Abandoned by they creator, they began to fracture. Our creature fell into a deep sleep after being faced with the blurred lines between right and wrong hoping that someday someone will need him to wake up.

That is the prologue in this book and just by reading it, I couldn't wait to find out what will be coming next.

Comes Sienna who calls herself a fat redhead who learned to navigate the world with her head down. But once she catches her boyfriend having sex with her sister things change. She decides to prioritize herself and moves to new York after cutting ties with everyone from her former life. To the town where the creature sleeps waiting for a reason to wake up.

This book shows us that if we decide to choose ourselves, good things can happen, that if we open our eyes, we will realize that we are enough and that those who think otherwise don't deserve our time and affection. I love that it sends a message to love yourself and stand up for yourself.

I wouldn't have minded if the book was a bit longer.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC from the author.

We meet Sienna who had spent her life not being chosen. She thought her life was going in the right direction when she was proposed to. However all things come to an end when she finds her fiance with her sister. That was the final straw. She thought her parents would be on her side but alas they chose her sister and baby on the way. Sienna leaves that life behind for NYC to start a new. We meet creature, a gargoyle type being who was created to get rid of evil away from humans but along the way he questioned what he wa really doing. Centuries asleep a bright aura wakes him up and he spends a year searching for his light. Sienna is attacked one evening and is saved by him. She wakes up in a luxurious place and comes face to face with her savior. There is smtg about him that has Sienna longing for him. She gives creature the name Sol as he is her sun and she feels love.

[Lisa Ann D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

𒑳𒑳𒑳 “I love you,” I whisper into her hair. “I’ve loved you since before I knew you existed, and I will love you until the end of time.” 𒑳𒑳𒑳
⑉

My Vicious Beast (Claimed by Beasts 𝟸)
by Melissa Cummins
𒑳❤︎𒑳

𝙼𝙸𝙽𝙸 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆:
This is one of those reads that shows it can have
few pages & still be a
great story-

★★★★★
𝙵𝙸𝚅𝙴 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁𝚂 (4.3 rounded up)⬆️
𒑳

⬤ 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 & 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗜𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦:

➽ Plus Size Curvy FMC
➽ 8-Foot Gargoyle Mate
➽ Her shitty family & Ex
➽ He Built Her a Home Before He Knew Her Name
➽ Size Difference
➽ Made For Him
• Touch Her and Die-for realz
➽ Fated Mates
➽ He Falls First by Centuries
➽ She Named Him
➽ Emotional Depth
➽ Explicit Scenes Spicy AF
➽ (magical) Age difference

√ Epilogue YES
√ Cliffhanger NO

━━━𒑳━━━
𒑳
“You’re magnificent,” I murmur as I kiss and lick away the tears on her cheeks.
𒑳

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗕𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀.
❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗙𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥
✨🌈✨

[Kiersten Cassel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sienna immediately draws you in. She is clearly going through it, but what stands out is how relatable she feels throughout everything. She is not overpowered or unrealistic, just a woman trying to survive a really difficult situation.

Astrid is such an important presence in the story. With how awful Sienna’s family and sister are, she stands out as the only true friend Sienna has. The magic is woven in subtly, acting as a quiet layer underneath everything.

The Creature ends up being one of the strongest parts of the book. I liked how complex he was, especially once his backstory started coming out. He is not just a monster, but something far more layered and tragic. That makes his relationship with Sienna more interesting, especially given how protective he is of her.

I also enjoyed the book overall and found it to be a quick read.

[Kayleigh Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review.

I was lucky enough to be given a copy of this. I havent read one of Melissa's books before but have them on TBR pile.

This book didnt disappoint and now want to explore more of her books!

She is everyone's punching bag in her small town, by her parents, sister and fiancee. After the final blow she decides to leave. Starting over in New York.
Hes been waiting lifetimes for her, sensing but not never finding her. Then tragedy comes and now he finds his Little Dawn.

Great plot, characters, spice and HAE.

Couldn't recommend more!

Book quote:
Nothing can stop me from meeting her, my sunlight, my precious dawn. I’ll come for her and do her bidding. My goddess, my place of worship, my sole devotion, my everything. Should she have prayers, I will answer them. Should she have dreams, I will ensure they come true.

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick fairytale vibe read that I finished in 1 sitting. Starting with a Gargoyle like created creature going into a long slumber because he's discontented with his usefulness onto the poor Sienna being disparaged her family and the community will pull you in. Her sister getting pregnant by her fiance made Sienna pull up her big panties and hit the road. Meeting Astrid, a witch, helped her set on her road letting go of her self doubts and failure feelings. When the creature felt a strong pull to a vibrant soul, the pathway is set for the fairytale to get sizzling hot. Fated mates with a spicy HEA. Short, but a feel good read after feeling like kicking her family that demolished her self esteem.
I received an advanced review copy from the author and leave this review voluntary Thank you Melissa.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is dual POV, well written and edited, and fast-paced, steamy, fated mates contemporary fantasy romance between Sienna, the female human lead escaping to the city from her judgmental small town and unsupportive or downright treasonous family, and the male gargoyle lead created to keep demonic activity and possession under control who is unconvinced by the actions he has previously had to take. I empathised with Sienna’s acknowledgment of the reality of her family’s disregard and enjoyed her determination to remove herself from further emotional harm. I enjoyed the male lead’s pursuit of self-determination, and his respect for Sienna’s choices and consent. I enjoyed the instant attraction and the steamy intimate moments. I enjoyed the joy of the ending.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Candis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through BookFunnel as an ARC. I left a previous review on the main website I believe is where it was. However, I felt the need to do a review here on this site as well. I loved the storyline on how the main characters met, and was glad that it wasn’t redundant to the previous book which I finished not too long ago. The spice level within the book was a 4/5, reason being was the descriptiveness did not get lost in the wording. I loved how the female character got to name her beast as in the previous book too, it adds a uniqueness to the storyline. I also love how they give the reasoning for the name that they picked as well. This book took me approximately 24 hours to finish, it was not a very long read being only eight chapters. However, it did not seem rushed with the writing style.

[Martina Peeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a super fast read and perfect for a lazy afternoon! Right from the start, I loved Sienna. The way she handled the people who hurt her, chose herself, and moved on was amazing.

This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I’m so impressed! She has an incredible talent for describing the characters' emotions, making it so easy to dive into their minds and feel exactly what they are feeling.

The story would have been a 5-star read and felt more complete if there were some actual explanations, though. How does their relationship even work when he’s a literal gargoyle creature with wings, a tail, and grey skin, especially since monsters don't exist in her world? And where does he get the money for all that luxury? My brain just cannot function without these answers, haha! 🤷‍♀️🦖💸

Overall, it was a very entertaining read!

[Holly Capps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, fast-paced story between Sol and Sienna as two wounded hearts find their way together. Wounded by deep betrayal, Sienna fights insecurities she’s faced her entire life that make her question if she’s worth loving at all. Sol, carrying the trauma and crushing guilt of his past, believes himself to be completely unworthy of love. But when Sienna’s soul calls him, Sol can’t help but go searching for her. Together, they find themselves more similar than different, even if they’re from worlds apart.

Favorite Quotes:
“Love, real love, is quiet, yet so sure there’s no room for doubt.”
“I will not give up. I will not surrender. I will do whatever I must to win her heart. That is how much she means to me.”
“There is no battle I wouldn’t fight if it meant keeping you safe, not just your mind or body, but your heart and your honor.”

[Autumn Storm · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason I found the story a bit confusing in the fact that the whole thing was a bit too simplistic for me. FMC is cheated on, then attacked, MMC saves her, they have a conversation and then wham, bam, thank you ma’am hea. This story has the potential to be so much more.

If you’re looking for a short insta love story then I guess it works. But if you’re looking for something with teeth, then I’d give it a pass.

Will I go back and read the first one? Yes.
Will I continue with the series? Also yes.

*** I’d like to thank the author, Melissa Cummins, for giving me an ARC of the novel in return for an honest review ***

(If you like the author’s writing style then Ms. Cummins’ book “Crowned in Blood” is a fantastic five star read. It will forever more be one of my favourite novels. I highly recommend. Fingers crossed for more in that world)

[Ephiny Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I received an electronic ARC of My Vicious Beast from the author. I am not being paid for my thoughts. This is my honest opinion and review of MVB.

After devouring My Brutal Beast, I was EXCITED to see a gargoyle romance from Cummins.

I finished it in one sitting. I could not put down my tablet.

It is a quick read, but the pacing was not too rushed. The spice scenes were nicely detailed, but I truly love the bonding and the FMC Sienna's character arc in the story. And though it is a complete story, I hope Cummins will consider revisiting these two in the future.

If you're a Disney's Beauty and the Beast fan, a plus size gal in need of an emotional pick-me-up, a monster romance fan...

Or, if you're like me, you're all three and thought Goliath from Disney's Gargoyles was peak brooding boyfriend vibes, give this a go.

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t understand how this book got me so invested in such a short read. But man was I locked in from the beginning. Sienna had me captivated with her story and personality. There were multiple moments I cheered for her out loud. Couldn’t help it. The way she took no crap with regard to James and her sister, or her parents, made me so happy. Sol is the definition of possessive and obsessive. He is so very intense, but for Sienna he is so gentle and caring. It was a delicious combination. The chemistry and tension between them was so heated and on point. Their connection was intense and raw. It felt so genuine and intimate. And the ending they got felt like it was utter perfection for these two.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book to get lost in.

I picked it up expecting a good time and ended up flying through it way faster than I planned. It had that kind of pull where I’d finish a chapter and immediately want to keep going.

I think my favorite part was how easy it was to just sink into the book and enjoy the ride. Sometimes you pick up a book and everything clicks right away, and that’s how this one felt for me.

I was completely entertained from start to finish and found myself smiling more than once while reading. The pages seemed to disappear, and before I knew it, I was already at the end.

Honestly, this was just a really enjoyable escape and exactly the kind of book I was in the mood for.

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I totally devoured this wonderful story.

This quick read is paced very well. I enjoyed the spicy 🔥 scenes.

Sol our Gargoyle MMC has been waiting and preparing for when his soul mate calls to him.

Sieanna our FMC who has been broken down by her family and runs away to New York. Finally, finally alerts Sol of her existence.

All you Gargoyle Monster Lovers are going to love this must read. It starts out tragic but ends beautifully. ♥️🥰

Our Plus size FMC with our MMC her gargoyle mate has a very very happy ending. This whole story filled my heart with hope and joy 😊💜🤗

Thank you so much Melissa for this very wonderful story. 💜🤗

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for the ultimate fast-paced, high-heat monster romance, My Vicious Beast delivers exactly what you need.
I absolutely loved how quick of a read this was, it’s the perfect size to devour in a single sitting when you need a fast escape. Melissa Cummins completely hooks you from the very first page. The storyline is fantastic, giving you a fresh, dark, and incredibly satisfying twist on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale.
A protective, possessive gargoyle hero who falls first and fast, a relatable heroine, and plenty of tension, it is exactly what is needed for a quick fix of romance and monsters. I couldn't put it down!