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Beautiful Monster #1
The Exchange
Lev Baronovsky, a soulless creature of the night, has a problem. Carly, the love of his life has just died in an accident and in three days will pass to the other side. Without a soul, he cannot cross over with her and the thought of spending eternity without his beloved is unbearable. Is seventy-two hours enough time to find a way?
With the help of his brother, Alexei, they must face the vilest creature of all, Boris, an ancient one with selfish motivations of his own.
With the help of his brother, Alexei, they must face the vilest creature of all, Boris, an ancient one with selfish motivations of his own.
- GenresParanormal
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2015
62 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne Bannon
19 books207 followersJeanne Bannon is a USA Today bestselling author. She has worked in the publishing industry for over twenty-five years, first as a freelance journalist, then as an in-house editor for LexisNexis Canada. She currently works as a freelance editor and writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 2, 2016
Damn.
While this reminded me of The Vampire Diaries in the way that both brothers were vamps and polar opposites it seems there was an interesting twist.
Turns out Alexei was the better brother if [spoiler removed] so Lev is the umm....still good vamp but that twist. Dang. That's pretty sad, even for a vamp.
4/6 stars.
While this reminded me of The Vampire Diaries in the way that both brothers were vamps and polar opposites it seems there was an interesting twist.
Turns out Alexei was the better brother if [spoiler removed] so Lev is the umm....still good vamp but that twist. Dang. That's pretty sad, even for a vamp.
4/6 stars.
February 13, 2015
This story of a vampire in search of his soul - and his soon-to-be-lost love - is a great read. I only like vampire stories with a human twist (meaning, I can feel for the characters as ‘real’ human beings) and this one fills the bill. It’s also quite dramatic and fast-moving, with lots of suspense, and some clever twists. I like language, and some of the descriptions are beautifully done. It may be grim in that bloody, undead way, but it would be disappointing if it wasn’t! It’s also fun, and oddly heartwarming.
March 15, 2015
Beautiful Monster is a paranormal romance story with a plot unlike any I have read before. Lev, a creature of the night, finds the love of his life, Carly, has died and is now a ghost. Her spirit has only a few days before she will be gone forever. In these few days they have to figure out how to get Lev's soul back so they can be together for eternity.
This story never lost my interest. There's emotion, drama, and lots of intensity that makes the story fast-paced. Ms. Bannon's gift for writing dialog and descriptive scenes puts the reader right in the thick of the story.
Great job, Ms. Bannon
This story never lost my interest. There's emotion, drama, and lots of intensity that makes the story fast-paced. Ms. Bannon's gift for writing dialog and descriptive scenes puts the reader right in the thick of the story.
Great job, Ms. Bannon
March 5, 2015
This is a story about a vampire and his soon to be dead love, Carly. Lev wants to be reunited with his love, but he has no soul and can't go into the light with his love. In his quest to find a way to be with his love, Lev and his brother meet with his brother's maker, an ancient creature that Lev hopes will be able to help him to reunite with Carly. This is a fast paced read and will keep you interested until the last page. I highly recommend this book.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for a review.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for a review.
March 17, 2015
Lev has lost the love of his life Carly and as a vampire he does not have a soul so he can't join her in the afterlife. With the help of his brother Alexei who is also a vampire, they try to find Alexei's maker to see if he can help him find a way.
This was a good story and I enjoyed the story between the two brothers. I did think there could have been more on Carly considering she was the reason Lev was risking his life for. She didn't have much of a back story. The interactions between the brothers and Boris made up for it though. An entertaining story for fans of vampires.
This was a good story and I enjoyed the story between the two brothers. I did think there could have been more on Carly considering she was the reason Lev was risking his life for. She didn't have much of a back story. The interactions between the brothers and Boris made up for it though. An entertaining story for fans of vampires.
April 11, 2017
Enjoyed the book and I thought it was an interesting concept on vampire stories. There are some sad parts for sure, and one really gruesome part.
March 2, 2015
I bought this book because I love the paranormal and in particular vampires. It was a quick read but that was okay because the author wrapped it all up quite well. All in all I was impressed. I loved the atmosphere and the creepy, strange characters. One in particular - Boris, was really well done. Never a dull moment in this story
April 11, 2015
Firstly I would just like to say that I absolutely loved this book! I am a sucker for a good vampire story, they always intrigued me. This one definitely did not disappoint. The protagonist Lev is an emotional character, in which I felt I could really connect to. The description given to him is just beautiful and engaging.
The story of the book is dramatic and intense which I loved because the fast pace created a lot of suspense. Not only did this make me completely emerge myself into the story but it also allowed me to emotional connect with the characters. The beautiful description added to the passionate and dramatic story line; making it more emotional.
The thing that I found most interesting about this story was the relationship between Lev and Alexec (the brothers). It added another complexity to the novel because it oozed with raw emotions, due to the fact that Lev blamed his bother Alexec and although Alexec was the ‘bad’ guy, I felt really sorry for him. I wanted to jump into the story and help them; I want Lev to reconnect with Carly and for the brothers to sort out their troubles. However their relationship kept me intrigued and on edge.
Bannon creates a dramatic story, accompanied with a skillful and appealing writing style that makes you both weary and sympathetic towards the characters. The beautiful description from the author majestically paints a vivid picture of the supernatural. Although it was a quick read, the story held my attention the whole time. I really think that if you enjoy reading intriguing stories about vampire then this is for you.
The story of the book is dramatic and intense which I loved because the fast pace created a lot of suspense. Not only did this make me completely emerge myself into the story but it also allowed me to emotional connect with the characters. The beautiful description added to the passionate and dramatic story line; making it more emotional.
The thing that I found most interesting about this story was the relationship between Lev and Alexec (the brothers). It added another complexity to the novel because it oozed with raw emotions, due to the fact that Lev blamed his bother Alexec and although Alexec was the ‘bad’ guy, I felt really sorry for him. I wanted to jump into the story and help them; I want Lev to reconnect with Carly and for the brothers to sort out their troubles. However their relationship kept me intrigued and on edge.
Bannon creates a dramatic story, accompanied with a skillful and appealing writing style that makes you both weary and sympathetic towards the characters. The beautiful description from the author majestically paints a vivid picture of the supernatural. Although it was a quick read, the story held my attention the whole time. I really think that if you enjoy reading intriguing stories about vampire then this is for you.
April 21, 2015
This is a tragically beautiful poetic story full of such irony that there is sadness in the lovely quality of it. Lev is a soulless creature who loves deeply and still holds on to his moral compass and doesn’t kill. His brother who was turned by a monster still has some beauty deep down in his soul for his brother but no one else. He doesn’t regret like Lev and he certainly doesn’t love or have guilt. His life is one with guilty pleasures. But his brother he does love.
Lev loses his true love. Not wanting the life he has anymore he turns to his brother for help to get him to be with his love again. At first Alexei is adamant about not helping but when he sees what Lev is threatening he agrees. At first you start to see a side to Alexei that warms your heart but than his monster within comes out as does his selfishness. Lev truly is the tragic irony. A monster with beauty and kindness. One with morals and love to give.
A decision is made that hurts Lev but he knows that it is right after all the hurt his brother has caused him. To see the tragedy of Alexei and how his turning made him a monster in a sense but Lev’s made him beautiful in a ironic sense. His beauty is more now than before because he fights the nature of what he has become to stay true to himself.
This is the story of Lev finding a way to be with his true love. A way to maintain his true self even in his monstrous existence and find peace and happiness. A truly beautifully poetically written story of Lev and his journey to be who he was meant to be.
Lev loses his true love. Not wanting the life he has anymore he turns to his brother for help to get him to be with his love again. At first Alexei is adamant about not helping but when he sees what Lev is threatening he agrees. At first you start to see a side to Alexei that warms your heart but than his monster within comes out as does his selfishness. Lev truly is the tragic irony. A monster with beauty and kindness. One with morals and love to give.
A decision is made that hurts Lev but he knows that it is right after all the hurt his brother has caused him. To see the tragedy of Alexei and how his turning made him a monster in a sense but Lev’s made him beautiful in a ironic sense. His beauty is more now than before because he fights the nature of what he has become to stay true to himself.
This is the story of Lev finding a way to be with his true love. A way to maintain his true self even in his monstrous existence and find peace and happiness. A truly beautifully poetically written story of Lev and his journey to be who he was meant to be.
April 30, 2016
What a brilliant read. I love the author's writing style and the story, as a whole.
From the start, I was drawn into this read. I loved that fast-paced action that started straight away. Already we were thrown into the lives of our main characters. The author also has an exceptional writing talent.
I found it hard not to connect with the characters. From the start, we are given enough detail to picture what the characters are like. I loved that the author was able to create a full cast of characters, each with their own personality and characteristics, and each either joined into the story or was inherently against the grain.
The pace of the story was done very well. It was a great blend of a action packed, fast paced, urgent battle to hunt and slower, subtle moments where we got to know our main character. I liked how the pace would flip, in a moment’s notice, leaving me wanting more more more.
The storyline was good. The detail and storytelling skill really brought the story to life. It gave the story a feel that it was real and true part of this world. This made it easy to connect with and really get into.
Overall, I found this story interesting and a true pleasure to read. I highly recommend giving it a go. I know I’ll be checking out more by this author.
*I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
From the start, I was drawn into this read. I loved that fast-paced action that started straight away. Already we were thrown into the lives of our main characters. The author also has an exceptional writing talent.
I found it hard not to connect with the characters. From the start, we are given enough detail to picture what the characters are like. I loved that the author was able to create a full cast of characters, each with their own personality and characteristics, and each either joined into the story or was inherently against the grain.
The pace of the story was done very well. It was a great blend of a action packed, fast paced, urgent battle to hunt and slower, subtle moments where we got to know our main character. I liked how the pace would flip, in a moment’s notice, leaving me wanting more more more.
The storyline was good. The detail and storytelling skill really brought the story to life. It gave the story a feel that it was real and true part of this world. This made it easy to connect with and really get into.
Overall, I found this story interesting and a true pleasure to read. I highly recommend giving it a go. I know I’ll be checking out more by this author.
*I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 6, 2015
It starts out as a tragedy. I think I liked this because it easily could have ended the story. Much like a popular vampire series we’re all familiar with, there are rival vampire brothers. One is a ruthless killer (and in some ways hits a few Lestat notes) and the other a brooding softie. Sound familiar? That's about where it ends though.
There was a nicely woven pattern that merged the beautiful vampires and the ugly truths. Some of this weaving defied the stereotypes.
The author created Alexei in such a short amount of time that it was something to admire. Alexei was probably the most well-rounded, though he isn't the main character. I think I enjoyed his personality best because it wasn't contradictory but was still rich and interesting.
The primary focus is, of course, a love story and the separation of death. It didn't feel too short, nor was the pace slow. I think for a quick read, this one hit a lot of marks.
Fans of Vampire Diaries will love this book. It's quick and bubbling with romance, conflict and questions of the afterlife. The writing is fabulous and fits the story very well. I was impressed with the writing the most.
FULL REVIEW @ thereadershollow.com under "Paranormal" in "Reviews"
There was a nicely woven pattern that merged the beautiful vampires and the ugly truths. Some of this weaving defied the stereotypes.
The author created Alexei in such a short amount of time that it was something to admire. Alexei was probably the most well-rounded, though he isn't the main character. I think I enjoyed his personality best because it wasn't contradictory but was still rich and interesting.
The primary focus is, of course, a love story and the separation of death. It didn't feel too short, nor was the pace slow. I think for a quick read, this one hit a lot of marks.
Fans of Vampire Diaries will love this book. It's quick and bubbling with romance, conflict and questions of the afterlife. The writing is fabulous and fits the story very well. I was impressed with the writing the most.
FULL REVIEW @ thereadershollow.com under "Paranormal" in "Reviews"
April 11, 2015
Vampires. My lifelong obsession and love. And the more violent the vampire story is, the more I love it. Rarely, nowadays, can a vampire story be both beautiful and brutal. Usually, you must sacrifice one for the other, but not with Ms. Bannon's latest novella!
The story is dark, brooding, beautiful and very vicious. Two vampiric brothers, each as different as night from day. Lev is more human, he falls in love and never kills. Alexei is dark, murderous, but harboring a deep secret fear.
The plot is very fast-paced. No lingering gazes or drawn-out confrontations here! Just blood, death and loss. Alexei is my favorite of the brothers (don't ask why; I always fall for the a**holes), and he is so wicked, it's very refreshing. Lev is sweet, until he has to be strong and bitter. He constantly surprised me throughout the story. Alexei did as well, but not in the same way. You'll see.
The story was wonderful, all violence with an undertone of love and loss. It's not too violent, I think anyone could read it, but it's not so sweet that men will scoff at it. It's one of the few books that could entertain anyone who loves vampires, no matter of they prefer 'Salem's Lot or Twilight.
A great, wonderful book. It left me craving more!
5/5--read this. Now.
The story is dark, brooding, beautiful and very vicious. Two vampiric brothers, each as different as night from day. Lev is more human, he falls in love and never kills. Alexei is dark, murderous, but harboring a deep secret fear.
The plot is very fast-paced. No lingering gazes or drawn-out confrontations here! Just blood, death and loss. Alexei is my favorite of the brothers (don't ask why; I always fall for the a**holes), and he is so wicked, it's very refreshing. Lev is sweet, until he has to be strong and bitter. He constantly surprised me throughout the story. Alexei did as well, but not in the same way. You'll see.
The story was wonderful, all violence with an undertone of love and loss. It's not too violent, I think anyone could read it, but it's not so sweet that men will scoff at it. It's one of the few books that could entertain anyone who loves vampires, no matter of they prefer 'Salem's Lot or Twilight.
A great, wonderful book. It left me craving more!
5/5--read this. Now.
October 10, 2015
Beautiful Monster by Jeanne Bannon
Lev is a soulless undead monster. A vampire. He has never taken a life or turned someone, unlike his brother Alexei, his own "maker". This one act makes him different then any other of his kind. He can fall in love. A pretty terrible habit to have if you keep falling for frail and weak human women.
A lesson Lev learns the hardest way possible when he loses the love of his life in a freak accident. Guilt ridden he mourns Carly and knows he must stop at nothing to be reunited with the woman he loves. The question is how? And will the price he could have to pay be to much?
This short story is everything you could ask for if you are a vampire fan. Ms. Bannon made the characters come to life in a way to wouldn't think possible in only 71 pages. All the way from Lev, the brooding recluse, to Boris, the disgusting ancient villain of the story, each character is developed just enough to feel like you know them. Then it's all topped of with a majorly twisted ending you don't want miss!
A solid 4 outta 5 stars. Don't pass this one up if you're a vampire fan, I promise you will not regret it!
-Word Girl
Lev is a soulless undead monster. A vampire. He has never taken a life or turned someone, unlike his brother Alexei, his own "maker". This one act makes him different then any other of his kind. He can fall in love. A pretty terrible habit to have if you keep falling for frail and weak human women.
A lesson Lev learns the hardest way possible when he loses the love of his life in a freak accident. Guilt ridden he mourns Carly and knows he must stop at nothing to be reunited with the woman he loves. The question is how? And will the price he could have to pay be to much?
This short story is everything you could ask for if you are a vampire fan. Ms. Bannon made the characters come to life in a way to wouldn't think possible in only 71 pages. All the way from Lev, the brooding recluse, to Boris, the disgusting ancient villain of the story, each character is developed just enough to feel like you know them. Then it's all topped of with a majorly twisted ending you don't want miss!
A solid 4 outta 5 stars. Don't pass this one up if you're a vampire fan, I promise you will not regret it!
-Word Girl
April 15, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for honest review.
This is a beautiful paranormal romance Novellea.
How far will you go to be eternally with your true love??
This is the question lev had to ask himself when faced with the news his love (Carly) had died!
Three days the pair had left together, how would they spend there time and is there any chance at FOREVER??
A beautiful romance tale that tugged at my heart strings, lev's devotion to Carly was out of this world.
That ending epic. Like seriously amazing.
Looking forward to seeing what book two has to bring to the table.
This is a beautiful paranormal romance Novellea.
How far will you go to be eternally with your true love??
This is the question lev had to ask himself when faced with the news his love (Carly) had died!
Three days the pair had left together, how would they spend there time and is there any chance at FOREVER??
A beautiful romance tale that tugged at my heart strings, lev's devotion to Carly was out of this world.
That ending epic. Like seriously amazing.
Looking forward to seeing what book two has to bring to the table.
July 12, 2015
I love vampire books and when the author can spin the mythology and make it their own I love it even more. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
September 29, 2023
This was one of the most intriguing vampire stories I've seen in a long time. While the vampires took traditional form (allergic to sun, sleeps "in coffin," super senses/strength, charismatic and alluring, wealthy, arguably homoerotic bonds between vampires and their sire, eternally how they "died"), the author's voice and the way she expanded on the typical attributes of the genre made it feel new again.
The main character, Lev, has been in a continuous struggle since the day his brother turned him. He would have never chosen this life at the cost of his soul. Although he knows it's grasping at straws, he refuses to kill in the hopes of salvaging that tiny piece of the "real Lev" that he believes still exists within him. Meanwhile, his brother has long been lost to bloodlust and constantly pressures Lev to kill. He says doing so will eradicate the rest of his human emotions- the ones that once again have led him to heartbreak as his most recent human lover lay dying in a hospital.
He could turn her so they may be together forever, but two things stop him: he doesn't want her to lose her humanity, her soul and she has already stated she does not wish to be turned.
As Lev sits next to his unconscious lover, listening to her heart beat fainter and fainter, he struggles with whether or not to turn her. He doesn't want to be alone. He doesn't want lose her. He knows that without his soul, he will be damned in the next life while she will live on in a better place. The only way not to lose her is to damn her as well. This part of the story really had me on edge because I can imagine being in his position. It would be so difficult to not act selfishly and keep her with me.
Finally she dies, but her ghost approaches the distraught vampire with the announcement that she has three more days they can spend together before she must move on. Lev of course wants to use this time to find a way for her to stay longer without condemning her. As the story goes on, it is discovered that his brother has been keeping major secrets about being a vampire from him...perhaps major enough that there is indeed a way for the two lovers to be together eternally.
'Beautiful Monster' was nothing like I expected. It was beautifully heart-wrenching, came with unexpected turns, and new abilities and qualities to vampires I have not yet seen explored. I liked that the author capitalized on sexual ambiguity- the vampires were equally interested no matter the gender, even if Lev seemed to prefer females and his brother preferring males. The idea that a vampire can get drunk off a drunkard's blood is something I've always thought interesting too.
The characters all seemed perfectly fleshed out and distinctly different people. I loved how the author was able to pull you into Lev's experience, falling for what he fell for, loving how he loved, frightened of what he feared. I hated that it was so short, but honestly I'm not sure dragging it out further wouldn't have sacrificed the quality. Besides, there are two more installments!
The main character, Lev, has been in a continuous struggle since the day his brother turned him. He would have never chosen this life at the cost of his soul. Although he knows it's grasping at straws, he refuses to kill in the hopes of salvaging that tiny piece of the "real Lev" that he believes still exists within him. Meanwhile, his brother has long been lost to bloodlust and constantly pressures Lev to kill. He says doing so will eradicate the rest of his human emotions- the ones that once again have led him to heartbreak as his most recent human lover lay dying in a hospital.
He could turn her so they may be together forever, but two things stop him: he doesn't want her to lose her humanity, her soul and she has already stated she does not wish to be turned.
As Lev sits next to his unconscious lover, listening to her heart beat fainter and fainter, he struggles with whether or not to turn her. He doesn't want to be alone. He doesn't want lose her. He knows that without his soul, he will be damned in the next life while she will live on in a better place. The only way not to lose her is to damn her as well. This part of the story really had me on edge because I can imagine being in his position. It would be so difficult to not act selfishly and keep her with me.
Finally she dies, but her ghost approaches the distraught vampire with the announcement that she has three more days they can spend together before she must move on. Lev of course wants to use this time to find a way for her to stay longer without condemning her. As the story goes on, it is discovered that his brother has been keeping major secrets about being a vampire from him...perhaps major enough that there is indeed a way for the two lovers to be together eternally.
'Beautiful Monster' was nothing like I expected. It was beautifully heart-wrenching, came with unexpected turns, and new abilities and qualities to vampires I have not yet seen explored. I liked that the author capitalized on sexual ambiguity- the vampires were equally interested no matter the gender, even if Lev seemed to prefer females and his brother preferring males. The idea that a vampire can get drunk off a drunkard's blood is something I've always thought interesting too.
The characters all seemed perfectly fleshed out and distinctly different people. I loved how the author was able to pull you into Lev's experience, falling for what he fell for, loving how he loved, frightened of what he feared. I hated that it was so short, but honestly I'm not sure dragging it out further wouldn't have sacrificed the quality. Besides, there are two more installments!
September 22, 2020
His vampire brother turned Lev Baronovsky a hundred years ago. Since then, he’s waged an internal battle to retain his humanity by refusing to neither kill a human nor turn one into a creature of the night. It’s a tough battle, for his brother, Alexei is his polar opposite.
When Lev’s mortal girlfriend, Carly, dies from complications due to an automobile accident, the vampire is crestfallen. All he wants to do is die and join her on the other side. But how can a soulless son of Dracula be accepted into heaven?
Thus begins Jeanne Bannon’s YA novella, Beautiful Monster: The Exchange Book I. Bannon does an amazing job developing Lev’s and Alexei’s characters. When we are introduced to Boris, a monster that makes Alexei look like a Disney character, we are appalled by his ugliness and ferocity. Boris goes way back to the beginning of time. When Alexei met him, Boris was a power hungry older man back in the days of the Bolshevik uprising in the brothers’ native Russia. Boris is an immensely strong vampire who Bannon describes as a person with “a strange look in his eye, like a ravenous lion eyeing a lamb.”
Beautiful Monster: The Exchange will keep readers hooked from beginning to end in this 78-page vampire tale. It’s also is a love story that will grip your heart like a vise until its heart-stopping conclusion.
When Lev’s mortal girlfriend, Carly, dies from complications due to an automobile accident, the vampire is crestfallen. All he wants to do is die and join her on the other side. But how can a soulless son of Dracula be accepted into heaven?
Thus begins Jeanne Bannon’s YA novella, Beautiful Monster: The Exchange Book I. Bannon does an amazing job developing Lev’s and Alexei’s characters. When we are introduced to Boris, a monster that makes Alexei look like a Disney character, we are appalled by his ugliness and ferocity. Boris goes way back to the beginning of time. When Alexei met him, Boris was a power hungry older man back in the days of the Bolshevik uprising in the brothers’ native Russia. Boris is an immensely strong vampire who Bannon describes as a person with “a strange look in his eye, like a ravenous lion eyeing a lamb.”
Beautiful Monster: The Exchange will keep readers hooked from beginning to end in this 78-page vampire tale. It’s also is a love story that will grip your heart like a vise until its heart-stopping conclusion.
July 10, 2018
Unlike any other romance
Lev and Carly are star crossed lovers once she dies. Vampires don't have a soul and that's what preventing them to be together. This story is unlike any other vampire romance story that I have read. This book has so much love written into the story it's beautiful.
Lev and Carly are star crossed lovers once she dies. Vampires don't have a soul and that's what preventing them to be together. This story is unlike any other vampire romance story that I have read. This book has so much love written into the story it's beautiful.
February 20, 2019
This was certainly something different but also refreshing. I was getting sick of reading the same old vampire story and then along comes this little beauty. Written with passion and elevation. It certainly makes me want to "sink my teeth into" the next one in the series. A definite one-click book.
April 25, 2020
It was okay.
This was an interesting story but seemed shallow somehow. It was hard to become invested in the characters because I didn't understand their thinking or reason for doing things. I guess I just needed more details. Still it wasn't bad. It was interesting. It had a nice ending.
This was an interesting story but seemed shallow somehow. It was hard to become invested in the characters because I didn't understand their thinking or reason for doing things. I guess I just needed more details. Still it wasn't bad. It was interesting. It had a nice ending.
November 19, 2018
Amazing. Lev is a souless creature of the night, but the love of his life, Carly has died in an accident. He doesn’t want to live without her. A romantic Paranormal story to keep you intrigued.
December 19, 2018
I thought this short story was interesting!! It wrapped up nicely done too.. Not sure whether I’ll read the next books or not.
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January 16, 2021🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (1/16/2021)! 🎁
April 3, 2015
When I first started reading Beautiful Monster- The Exchange I thought "great another vampire book" but this wasn't just your run of the mill vamp book. It was so different like The Vampire Diaries meets Angel, it was very easy to get invested in the characters. There just aren't many vampires that would rather have their soul back once they become creatures of the night.
Lev and Alexei did not have the best of relationships but I guess that is to be expected– especially since Alexei made Lev a vampire. That had to put a damper on things. I was amazed Lev didn't hate Alexei for that but he didn't seem to. Well not until the end anyway. I'm not sure who I felt was more wrong at the end, Alexei or Lev. It was wrong for Alexei to have lied to Lev but it was wrong for Lev to let Alexei get slaughtered by Boris. I couldn't believe that happened! How could you do that to your brother for a girl that was already dead. Well I guess I just answered my own question, I think Lev was way more wrong than Alexei. It would have been better if Lev didn't end up with Carly in the end, it would have served him right. I'm mean, I know.
This was a very fast paced book, I read the entire thing in a couple of hours. I didn't want to put it down once I started it. There was little I disliked about it, maybe the ending but that was just because of my preference. It wasn't because it was bad. I liked the concept of a vampire so sad about being unable to spend eternity with his true love that he would want his soul back. Even though that would mean he would need to die, it was sweet in a way – I guess. Maybe I feel if Carly truly loved Lev she would have told him not to do it.
I really did enjoy reading this. It captured my attention in chapter one and held it the entire time. I see it say book 1 but I'm trying to figure out how there is going to be a book 2. Maybe different characters? I don't know but I know I'll read it.
For more of my reviews visit: http://www.hyperashley.com/
Lev and Alexei did not have the best of relationships but I guess that is to be expected– especially since Alexei made Lev a vampire. That had to put a damper on things. I was amazed Lev didn't hate Alexei for that but he didn't seem to. Well not until the end anyway. I'm not sure who I felt was more wrong at the end, Alexei or Lev. It was wrong for Alexei to have lied to Lev but it was wrong for Lev to let Alexei get slaughtered by Boris. I couldn't believe that happened! How could you do that to your brother for a girl that was already dead. Well I guess I just answered my own question, I think Lev was way more wrong than Alexei. It would have been better if Lev didn't end up with Carly in the end, it would have served him right. I'm mean, I know.
This was a very fast paced book, I read the entire thing in a couple of hours. I didn't want to put it down once I started it. There was little I disliked about it, maybe the ending but that was just because of my preference. It wasn't because it was bad. I liked the concept of a vampire so sad about being unable to spend eternity with his true love that he would want his soul back. Even though that would mean he would need to die, it was sweet in a way – I guess. Maybe I feel if Carly truly loved Lev she would have told him not to do it.
I really did enjoy reading this. It captured my attention in chapter one and held it the entire time. I see it say book 1 but I'm trying to figure out how there is going to be a book 2. Maybe different characters? I don't know but I know I'll read it.
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May 25, 2015
Yes I know I normally don't do vamper stories, but this one is short, a fast paced read, and it's almost sweet. Lev is a vampire. His own brother made him one. And when Lev needs to rescue the soul of his lover, as well as his own soul, he asked his brother Alexei for some help. I really liked the plot of this one. I also really liked the characters. I was also heartbroken, for both brothers. Some lies and betrayals and some tragedy make things a little crazy! And Carly is our dead lady. Everything seems to revolve around her dying.
The writing is well done and this was a quick read. It'll keep you hooked because you'll have to know what will happen, and then if you're like me, you'll be a little mad at the characters. Actually I was a lot of mad. LOL If you like vampires, especially with their humanity still hovering around in tact, this is your read. I enjoyed it. 4.5 PAWS.
The writing is well done and this was a quick read. It'll keep you hooked because you'll have to know what will happen, and then if you're like me, you'll be a little mad at the characters. Actually I was a lot of mad. LOL If you like vampires, especially with their humanity still hovering around in tact, this is your read. I enjoyed it. 4.5 PAWS.
March 2, 2015
a good supernatural book. well written. I'd say thought out and good storyline but it kinda vereed on you and went off the rails towards the end. I think the end should've played out differently. plus it kinda didn't add up.
I'm not going to ft into spoilers.
it's just a all around vampire/mortal love story with tragedy and instead of him turning her he lets her die. Lev and Alexie the brothers just weren't strong enough characters and carley kinda was too girly. Boris too resulting in the descrition. which isn't bad I could actually picture it. but if you cant do that with the rest if the story then it's missing something. other then that I think it had good intentions and could've bergamot better just storyline wise.
I'm not going to ft into spoilers.
it's just a all around vampire/mortal love story with tragedy and instead of him turning her he lets her die. Lev and Alexie the brothers just weren't strong enough characters and carley kinda was too girly. Boris too resulting in the descrition. which isn't bad I could actually picture it. but if you cant do that with the rest if the story then it's missing something. other then that I think it had good intentions and could've bergamot better just storyline wise.
August 25, 2015
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Beautiful Monster is book one of The Exchange by Jeanne Bannon. This story brought us some old school vampire attitudes of Dracula, and a little Nosferatu. I wasn't impressed with Carly. She was a pretty big sissy. I have to say, I was very surprised by the turn of events within Beautiful Monster. It has me intrigued, and I'm very curious about where this story will take us.
Beautiful Monster by Jeanne Bannon was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.
March 30, 2015
I think this was a very good vampire and ghost love story. It caught my attention at the beginning and kept it through out the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes vampire or ghost stories. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
May 21, 2016
A different story
So this was a short story about a vampire whose human girlfriend does and he is trying to find a way to be with her. The story was there but I didn't feel the emotional connection that Lev and Carly was supposed to have as soulmates.
So this was a short story about a vampire whose human girlfriend does and he is trying to find a way to be with her. The story was there but I didn't feel the emotional connection that Lev and Carly was supposed to have as soulmates.
May 25, 2016
I can´t believe Lev allow Boris to kill his brother... it was really unexpected because the character was protracted as impassive and too human for being a Vampire. I think it was really out of character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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