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.

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

[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.

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique romance with a touch of PNR to whet the appetite!
Always considered the second choice in life, whether at home by her parents, by her sister and by her friends. But she never expected the betrayal of her fiance' and sister when she finds them in her home, in her bed!
She finds her voice and defends herself as both Aubrey, her sister and James, her now ex-fiance' try to placate her and bring her around to their way of thinking.
But she is done....Yay, go Sienna!!
But what hurts the most is her parents reaction and as she soon realises that it should not surprise her as Aubrey was always the daughter of choice.
So she decides to move on ....and leave for New York.
This story is of a woman that has no trust in herself, feels self depreciating as that has been the way she has been expected to feel for herself. Fat and ugly are two words that have been a mantra in her head for many years.
Moving to the city was the best thing she ever did.
Leaving her family behind and deleting them from her life....yep you guessed it, best decision ever!
And she meets Astrid, a local witch and finds that this is where she is meant to be.
Enter The Creature, soon to be named Sol by Sienna, a Gargoyle.
He saves her from imminent death.
She is his fated mate, and he has been searching for her for 12 months!
He teaches her that she is enough. She is Beautiful. She is important to him.
It is an all enthralling story of reinvention as both Sol and Sienna soon help each other to become better versions of themselves and to accept that their past does not impact what their future brings.
Loved the story and the HEA!

[MisguidedBread]

I have never been so captivated by a book before! The writing style was fantastic and kept you hooked on every word, relating so heavily to how Sienna have spent her life never truly being enough for anyone in her life, flaws thrown in her face and made to act like the bigger person while her life is crashing around her. But, boy when she took her life back into her control and seeing her confidence grow had me on a roller coaster and dang her t-shirt quote was hilarious enough to make me get my own! The meeting between Sienna and the 'Beast' who she names 'Sol', which is shown why earlier in the book, was fast and it felt easy, their bond evident, how they quickly fell for one another. He told her all his dark secrets and she shared her past! I can't get over how amazing the pacing was, it kept me hooked, despite his vicious past he was nothing but devoted and in love with this woman who he'd been searching for. He shows her she is enough, she's always been enough. And when he says "If I had found you first— before that bastard ever laid eyes on you— you would be wearing my ring right now. You would have never known what it felt like to be betrayed, to be abandoned. To be thrown away like you were nothing. Because I would have treasured you from the start." Healed something in me I didn't know was broken. Their story is amazing and I would love for there to be more of them and follow their future, fantastic and I would HIGHLY recommend for anyone to try this!

[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.

[Elizabeth Judge · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF ADVANCED COPY RECEIVED FROM AUTHOR

What can I say? Melissa has smashed it out of the park yet again. Her ability to create FMCs which you can totally identify with is uncanny and her ‘beastly’ MMCs are just what they need in their lives after being let down by all those around them who should know and do better. This book is the second in Melissa’s ‘Claimed by Beasts’ series but can be read as a standalone. Side note - definitely go read ‘My Brutal Beast’ too though, it’s super worth it.

In ‘My Vicious Beast’ we meet our FMC Sienna, who has been let down in life by her parents, her sister and her fiancé. She has spent her entire life trying to fit into an image that she thinks those around her want her to be, believing that if she can just be the daughter/sister/partner they want then they’ll love her. She ends up being totally betrayed by all of them and so she flees to NYC, somewhere she’s always felt drawn to. There, she bit by bit slowly manages to put her life back together and is on the cusp of being ready and open to meeting someone who will love her for the person she is when she is brutally attacked. On the verge of dying, she is saved by her ‘gargoyle beast’, who has been searching for her for a year. I’m not going to spoil it for you but suffice it to say that Sol turns out to be everything Sienna wants and needs from a partner and vice versa too. His fury on behalf of the harm she has suffered at the hands of those who should have loved her the most will be a balm to your soul. Their relationship brings peace to each other, a great depth of love and a feeling of being seen, valued and desired. The spice hits towards the end of their story but it is hot, hot, hot.

If you like your FMC to be relatable and your MMC’s number one priority to be your happiness then you’re sure to enjoy this story.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[Cindy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Sienna! Her family is literally garbage,and then she finds out her fiancé is too. She meets Creature after almost dying. He should be the scariest thing she has ever encountered in her life but turns out to be the absolute best. I fell in love with Creature myself. He had so much humanity and depth. His love for Sienna and the care he took to make a home for her before he even found her was just stunning. Sienna was so easy to relate to as a person. How we all judge ourselves and that its hard to kick those thoughts and habits. It kinda makes me want more of them. Great job!

[Momma T's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Beauty and the Beast. And the Beast is a Gargoyle and he doesn't turn into a human. He's the Beast. He feels as a Beast should. He loves as a Beast should. He holds you against the wall ... as a Beast should. A fun quick read for when you don't have much time, but want the whole story in one setting.

It was ok. I didn't enjoy it as much as her other books. But that doesn't mean it was bad. Maybe it was the length. I needed more of the , "waited forever feel," that you don't get in Novellas.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the ultimate betrayal, Sienna leaves her scrappy town and moves to New York. Not only does she find herself, but an encounter has her finding her Sol.
This was a quick read with everything you need in a paranormal romance. It starts right off with the betrayal and we see Sienna steal herself and not take any of the crap everyone is trying to feed her. I loved going through her change and embracing herself. I was very happy she got her HEA. I would've loved for a later encounter with her former family where they saw her living her best life and being adored.
I highly recommend.

[Liz K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great Beauty and the Beast story! The hurt that Sienna went through from the people who were supposed to love her, was awful. Finding herself again in new surroundings and a new job was healing for her. The only thing she was missing was a touch-her-and-die beast to fall at her feet. Her knight in hard rock finds his way to her and saves her from imminent death. He woos his way into her heart, and other places. 🔥
The chemistry between Sienna and Sol was the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. A great, quick read, and another hot beastly tale from Melissa!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review: This book is well written and so good. The FMC is curvy which I love because I am also curvy and there aren't many FMCs out there like that. I was able to relate to some of her emotional issues as I have faced them too. She is relatable, loveable, and you see her growth through the chapters despite it being a novella. The MMC is so amazing! He would literally burn the world down for her. It is a standalone but I wish I could have read the first book in the series.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Gargoyle
- Instalove
- Fated mates
- BATB vibes

If you love gargoyles as much as I do, this is the book for you. It's a quick read, heavy on the cayenne. We have a beast who awakens to find his true mate...and he wants to make all her wishes come true.

Sienna has turned away from her family after they disappoint her one too many times. She heads to NYC to begin a new life....little does she know how different that new life will be!

I read this in one sitting, it was so good!

[Michaela Zeno · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, thank you to the author, Melissa Cummins for an ARC of this. I didn’t read the first book in the series, but you can still enjoy this one without having read book one. This is an interconnected standalone series. This is a quick read that is romance with a little bit of a twist. Sienna who is a human and Sol who is an argyle and they meet in New York when Sienna is in need of help and Sol sweeps her off her feet.

[Sophie Bonacorda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.45/5⭐️

This was so good! It was a short read and that was a nice change of pace. This was fast and a lot of fun.

This book packed a lot of emotions into 112 pages. Sienna and Sol’s story really touched my heart and I really felt for them.

I read this in one sitting! I absolutely have read even more than what was written.

The spice was just what I needed today! It was so incredibly hot.

I will definitely be reading more of what this author has to offer!