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Owning the Beast
When Annabella Blanca finds herself on the doorstep of her new home, she is terrified, yet hopeful of what her new life will be.
Griffin Stone has locked himself away from the world. One minor mix-up and all his carefully built walls come crashing down.
When love finds its way into even the darkest of hearts, will it be enough to stand the greatest tests? Can beauty own the beast?
Warning: This book contains a scarred hero, a virgin bride, insta-love, and tons of sex.
Griffin Stone has locked himself away from the world. One minor mix-up and all his carefully built walls come crashing down.
When love finds its way into even the darkest of hearts, will it be enough to stand the greatest tests? Can beauty own the beast?
Warning: This book contains a scarred hero, a virgin bride, insta-love, and tons of sex.
100 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2014
319 people are currently reading
1796 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Riley
283 books16.1k followersAlexa Riley is two sassy friends who got together and wrote some dirty books. They are both married moms of two who love football, donuts, and obsessed book heroes.
They specialize in insta-love, over-the-top, sweet, and cheesy love stories that don’t take all year to read. If you want something SAFE, short, and always with a happily ever after, then Alexa Riley is for you!
Feel free to follow us each on twitter @smut_sasshole & @SassNSmut
They specialize in insta-love, over-the-top, sweet, and cheesy love stories that don’t take all year to read. If you want something SAFE, short, and always with a happily ever after, then Alexa Riley is for you!
Feel free to follow us each on twitter @smut_sasshole & @SassNSmut
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
November 9, 2016
i'm a big fan of Alexa Riley but this wasn't as good as the other books, i really can't review this short book because i'll spoil the whole thing, so let's just say it's not my cup of tea and leave it at that.
September 19, 2015
** 3-3,5 “Beauty & the Beast PORN edition” STARS **
“You’ll be my first.”
“Your only, Bella.”
'Nuff said.
January 19, 2015
I was so excited when I found this book, because I know it had a "Beauty and the Beast" theme. So , I dove right in to be disappointed in such a big way. I almsot did a DNF, however I just had to give it a full chance as I was praying that it would get better. Unfortunately, it just didn't and here are a few reasons why.
The main reason this book didn't work was the "insta-love" that developed between the hero and the heroine. Annabella is sent to a man's home named Griffin Stone. Now, he is expecting his regular "whore" that comes when he orders her through an agency; whereas Annabella is under the impression she is being sent to Griffin's home to become his wife. When Annabella's parents died and left her alone, she decided to become a mail ordered bride so she could have an instant family and not be lonely anymore. What she gets is Griffin, who is a scarred man who many consider a beast. I forgot to mention that our heroine is a virgin, and literally from the time she lands on his doorstep; he takes her upstairs to screw her. Keep in mind, he thinks she is a whore..not a virgin who is expecting marriage. Griffin gets a huge surprise when the deed is done, and pretty much he is in love. Each page that goes on, he becomes more and more in love with her. Aaaaah...this is where my huge problem comes in. There was no getting to know one another. They had sex, and then were in love, and not just a little love; but all consuming--heart and soul love. Sorry, but unless her pussy is lined in gold...I'm not buying it!
The next thing that began to bother me was the inconsistancy with Annabella's character. One minute she is this timid, shy virgin; and then the next she is this sex pot trying to control Griffin. It just didn't fit. You either have one or the other...Or have the character slowly change over time. This book basically took place in a day, and believe me; the couple had a ton of sex in that short time, and became practical soul mates...oh, and I might add that in the 24 hour period, she didn't seem to be too sore...
You get the idea. I could go on and on; but I won't. My idea is not to bash the book, but I am sorry to say that it is one that I won't recommend. I think there was the potential for a great story; but it was far too rushed and no depth to it. It was a quick read, with a ton of sex. So, if you are looking for just a story with more sex than anything else, then maybe this one might be for you.. I sure would like to know what happened to all of the really good Beauty and the Beast books?? It seems that they are extremely hard to find anymore..which makes me sad as I love that fairytale!!!
The main reason this book didn't work was the "insta-love" that developed between the hero and the heroine. Annabella is sent to a man's home named Griffin Stone. Now, he is expecting his regular "whore" that comes when he orders her through an agency; whereas Annabella is under the impression she is being sent to Griffin's home to become his wife. When Annabella's parents died and left her alone, she decided to become a mail ordered bride so she could have an instant family and not be lonely anymore. What she gets is Griffin, who is a scarred man who many consider a beast. I forgot to mention that our heroine is a virgin, and literally from the time she lands on his doorstep; he takes her upstairs to screw her. Keep in mind, he thinks she is a whore..not a virgin who is expecting marriage. Griffin gets a huge surprise when the deed is done, and pretty much he is in love. Each page that goes on, he becomes more and more in love with her. Aaaaah...this is where my huge problem comes in. There was no getting to know one another. They had sex, and then were in love, and not just a little love; but all consuming--heart and soul love. Sorry, but unless her pussy is lined in gold...I'm not buying it!
The next thing that began to bother me was the inconsistancy with Annabella's character. One minute she is this timid, shy virgin; and then the next she is this sex pot trying to control Griffin. It just didn't fit. You either have one or the other...Or have the character slowly change over time. This book basically took place in a day, and believe me; the couple had a ton of sex in that short time, and became practical soul mates...oh, and I might add that in the 24 hour period, she didn't seem to be too sore...
You get the idea. I could go on and on; but I won't. My idea is not to bash the book, but I am sorry to say that it is one that I won't recommend. I think there was the potential for a great story; but it was far too rushed and no depth to it. It was a quick read, with a ton of sex. So, if you are looking for just a story with more sex than anything else, then maybe this one might be for you.. I sure would like to know what happened to all of the really good Beauty and the Beast books?? It seems that they are extremely hard to find anymore..which makes me sad as I love that fairytale!!!
April 23, 2020
Read this in one sitting and I loved it! The very second our hero first laid eyes on our heroine, sparks flew. Yep. Insta-love, baby. I know people are probably tired of reading about "insta-love" in romance novels but I have no complaints given that this is a short story and I absolutely enjoyed it.
Griffin was such an alpha male and I fucking love the shit out of him. He may have been a jerk at first—treating the heroine badly and all—but he has his reasons to justify his actions and rude behavior towards our heroine when they first met that will make you go from hating him to wanting to cradle him in your arms and just hold him tight. The moment he saw her, he wanted her in his bed. When he had her, he went from cold to sweet to "I can't keep my hands off her" and to "I want her to stay with me forever." He was OTT jealous and possessive, didn't want another man looking at what belonged to his. And I loved the fact that he didn't wear protection with the heroine, where he always wore one with other women in the past.
On the other hand, I was a bit confused with the heroine, Annabella. One moment she was shy and sweet, then the next she was throwing an attitude. And the plot twist that suddenly came out of nowhere had me arching a brow, which lost a star for me. Other than that, it was still an entertaining read.
If you're looking for a quick read to spice up your time with insta-love, a bunch of smutty sex scenes, hot-as-hell dirty talks, a sweet virginal heroine and an OTT possessive hero with extreme caveman tendencies who will do anything in his might to keep his woman, you're in luck! This book fits just right up your alley and I guarantee it would be worth your while. You might need extra panties though, because this one is panty-dropping hot. *winks*
Griffin was such an alpha male and I fucking love the shit out of him. He may have been a jerk at first—treating the heroine badly and all—but he has his reasons to justify his actions and rude behavior towards our heroine when they first met that will make you go from hating him to wanting to cradle him in your arms and just hold him tight. The moment he saw her, he wanted her in his bed. When he had her, he went from cold to sweet to "I can't keep my hands off her" and to "I want her to stay with me forever." He was OTT jealous and possessive, didn't want another man looking at what belonged to his. And I loved the fact that he didn't wear protection with the heroine, where he always wore one with other women in the past.
On the other hand, I was a bit confused with the heroine, Annabella. One moment she was shy and sweet, then the next she was throwing an attitude. And the plot twist that suddenly came out of nowhere had me arching a brow, which lost a star for me. Other than that, it was still an entertaining read.
If you're looking for a quick read to spice up your time with insta-love, a bunch of smutty sex scenes, hot-as-hell dirty talks, a sweet virginal heroine and an OTT possessive hero with extreme caveman tendencies who will do anything in his might to keep his woman, you're in luck! This book fits just right up your alley and I guarantee it would be worth your while. You might need extra panties though, because this one is panty-dropping hot. *winks*
January 19, 2016
3.5 Sexy Beast Stars
It’s no secret I have much love for Alexa Riley books, they are the modern day Fabio on the cover romance books our mothers use to read in the 80’s. I’m a proud smut reader and Owning the Beast was exactly what I needed right before I went to bed.
It was sexy, sweet, short and super sassy. Some parts where cheesy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Give me a brute, a damsel in distress with plenty of steam… well that makes me a happy wife.
Read on Kindle Unlimited
It’s no secret I have much love for Alexa Riley books, they are the modern day Fabio on the cover romance books our mothers use to read in the 80’s. I’m a proud smut reader and Owning the Beast was exactly what I needed right before I went to bed.
It was sexy, sweet, short and super sassy. Some parts where cheesy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Give me a brute, a damsel in distress with plenty of steam… well that makes me a happy wife.
Read on Kindle Unlimited
November 14, 2015
(3.5 stars but as a personal rule, I round down.)
I said this before, and I'll say it again: Alexa Riley is God's gift to womankind. Seriously. This woman can blow your underwear off with just one swish of her pen.
Okay, fine, there isn't anything to expect in the way of a plot or character development. But let's be honest here, that's not what we're here for. We're here for steamy, dirty, "make-me-pregnant" sex and boy did we get it with Owning the Beast. I'm a big sucker for the Beauty and the Beast trope so that's a big plus. My only complaint was that the story seemed a tad bit messy, and the major conflict was poorly executed.
But overall, I recommend this to anyone looking for a quick(ie) read.
I said this before, and I'll say it again: Alexa Riley is God's gift to womankind. Seriously. This woman can blow your underwear off with just one swish of her pen.
Okay, fine, there isn't anything to expect in the way of a plot or character development. But let's be honest here, that's not what we're here for. We're here for steamy, dirty, "make-me-pregnant" sex and boy did we get it with Owning the Beast. I'm a big sucker for the Beauty and the Beast trope so that's a big plus. My only complaint was that the story seemed a tad bit messy, and the major conflict was poorly executed.
But overall, I recommend this to anyone looking for a quick(ie) read.
Read
February 8, 2015Hope you guys love it! xoxox
April 15, 2015
3 Beauty and the Beast Stars
Ok, well if you can get past the TOTAL whiplash insta-love...it's an ok read. Seriously, one day to the next, from I hate you to I need to marry you right the fuck now and fill you with my seed. And then, the heroine Anna, one minute she is the timid little virgin and the next she is a sex-crazed vixen! I know it's a short read, but damn!
Other than THAT, it was hot and a steamy quick read. I'm a sucker for a Beauty and the Beast themed story and it is definitely that.
This author seems to be intent on writing some complete OTT taboo stuff and don't get me wrong, this is my third read of hers so, there is definitely something that's drawing me to her writing. I'd be interested in seeing her try to do a longer novel or novella, and not so much OTT and insta-love. I think she'd be pretty good. She's definitely got something!;)
Ok, well if you can get past the TOTAL whiplash insta-love...it's an ok read. Seriously, one day to the next, from I hate you to I need to marry you right the fuck now and fill you with my seed. And then, the heroine Anna, one minute she is the timid little virgin and the next she is a sex-crazed vixen! I know it's a short read, but damn!
Other than THAT, it was hot and a steamy quick read. I'm a sucker for a Beauty and the Beast themed story and it is definitely that.
This author seems to be intent on writing some complete OTT taboo stuff and don't get me wrong, this is my third read of hers so, there is definitely something that's drawing me to her writing. I'd be interested in seeing her try to do a longer novel or novella, and not so much OTT and insta-love. I think she'd be pretty good. She's definitely got something!;)
March 18, 2017
Okay, okay I give up. I'm not embarrassed anymore to admit really liking this author's brand of smut. This time I'm in more familiar territory, since this features one of my favorite tropes: beauty and the beast.
It's a very modern interpretation because hi-jinx ensue when our beastly Griffin, mistakes our innocent Annabella for the hooker he ordered. Once again, don't think to hard, and just go along with the Days Of Our Lives of it all. This is an awesomely trashy read, so I'm not recommending it for anyone's Book Of The Month selection. Normally my strange book tastes lead me to darkside. This author's work is almost more subversive for combining taboos, with a sunny smile.
It's a very modern interpretation because hi-jinx ensue when our beastly Griffin, mistakes our innocent Annabella for the hooker he ordered. Once again, don't think to hard, and just go along with the Days Of Our Lives of it all. This is an awesomely trashy read, so I'm not recommending it for anyone's Book Of The Month selection. Normally my strange book tastes lead me to darkside. This author's work is almost more subversive for combining taboos, with a sunny smile.
April 14, 2015
Sometimes I think my bookshelves just drop books. Pretty hot quick read.
March 1, 2016
3 or more stars for sex scenes. 2 stars for story and plot.
It’s a short story - mostly sex scenes. She writes good sex scenes. There is a lot of desire and lust.
As to plot and characters, not so much. There was just enough to fill in between the sex scenes. I wanted more story development. The story begins with Griffin being angry. I wanted to know more about why he was angry. What little was said did not help me understand.
Another strike against the book was that it was done in 1st person which I usually don’t like. One chapter was 1st person Annabella, the next chapter 1st person Griffin. The alternating chapters continue throughout the story.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person Annabella and Griffin. Story length: 86 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: about 7. Setting: current day Creston Falls. Copyright: 2014. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.
It’s a short story - mostly sex scenes. She writes good sex scenes. There is a lot of desire and lust.
As to plot and characters, not so much. There was just enough to fill in between the sex scenes. I wanted more story development. The story begins with Griffin being angry. I wanted to know more about why he was angry. What little was said did not help me understand.
Another strike against the book was that it was done in 1st person which I usually don’t like. One chapter was 1st person Annabella, the next chapter 1st person Griffin. The alternating chapters continue throughout the story.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person Annabella and Griffin. Story length: 86 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: about 7. Setting: current day Creston Falls. Copyright: 2014. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.
March 22, 2015
Just one thing: Dear Author, please choose a verb tense (present or past, I don't care) and stick to it while writing a book. Thanks!
September 5, 2017
3.75 stars!!!
My inner sluttiness (is this even a word?) is very alive while reading this book!!!
It was a fast read. No very complicated conflicts and whatsoever. So Bella and Griffin had the "love at first sight" (or lust at first sight) thing in this book. I enjoyed reading it because even thou it was super fast-paced it wasn't boring. Actually, it was opposite of boring. This book is really HOT and WILD.
It was my first Alexa Riley book and I loved it so far. I hope her other books are just like this, or even better than this book. Fingers crossed!!!
My inner sluttiness (is this even a word?) is very alive while reading this book!!!
It was a fast read. No very complicated conflicts and whatsoever. So Bella and Griffin had the "love at first sight" (or lust at first sight) thing in this book. I enjoyed reading it because even thou it was super fast-paced it wasn't boring. Actually, it was opposite of boring. This book is really HOT and WILD.
It was my first Alexa Riley book and I loved it so far. I hope her other books are just like this, or even better than this book. Fingers crossed!!!
July 1, 2018
3 stars
Just a normal AR book.
Alpha male, hot sex, happy ending..... just the good stuff.
And where can I find a millionaire?
May 12, 2017
No sé, tengo como un guilty pleasure con esta autora, siempre odio sus libros pero me dan mucha curiosidad!!!
Este fue como los demás, corto, sin pretensiones de más. De los que lees entre libros más pesados para pasar el rato.
Además, soy débil con los protas con cicatrices y las historias Bella&Bestia jajaja
***2.5 THE Beast STARS***
Este fue como los demás, corto, sin pretensiones de más. De los que lees entre libros más pesados para pasar el rato.
Además, soy débil con los protas con cicatrices y las historias Bella&Bestia jajaja
***2.5 THE Beast STARS***
August 25, 2020
Annabella and Griffin's story is kind of a retelling of beauty and the beast.
I know it's short and too much sex, wasn't that bad.
I kinda enjoyed it.
I know it's short and too much sex, wasn't that bad.
I kinda enjoyed it.
June 22, 2017
Short and hot. Alpha, possessive male and virgin heroine is always a winner for me. Only thing i didn't like was the epilogue. How many kids did they have? needed more info! :(
January 13, 2024
Mail order bride meets beauty and the beast and I’m here for it. What happens if the person you’re falling for wasn’t even meant to be there? Do you take a chance ? Do you run and hide ? Or do you claim her and make her yours forever?
This book checked all the boxes and then some. The sex was smoking, the drama was spicy and the couple had an instant attraction like no other.
This book checked all the boxes and then some. The sex was smoking, the drama was spicy and the couple had an instant attraction like no other.
November 8, 2021
senelerdir okuyamadığım Alexa Riley kitaplarına ansızın gelen 'Beauty & Beast' retellingi okuma isteği vesilesi ile başladım.
tam olarak aradığımı buldum.
şalterleri kapatıp mantık aramadan okumalık bir erotica istediğimde uğrarım bu yazara.
*mail-order bride
*virgin heroine
*beauty & beast retelling
*scarred face
*insta-love
*love at first fuck
*age-gap
not: hikayenin kötü adamı bu kadar zorlama hissettirmese 3'e bile yuvarlardım, ne gerek var türk dizisine döndürmeye (hayatımda verdiğim en pozitif 2 puan bu sanırım asdfghjsaj).
not 2: şöyle uzunca yazılmış güzel bir B&B retellingi romance bilen varsa söylesin lütfen.
tam olarak aradığımı buldum.
şalterleri kapatıp mantık aramadan okumalık bir erotica istediğimde uğrarım bu yazara.
*mail-order bride
*virgin heroine
*beauty & beast retelling
*scarred face
*insta-love
*love at first fuck
*age-gap
not: hikayenin kötü adamı bu kadar zorlama hissettirmese 3'e bile yuvarlardım, ne gerek var türk dizisine döndürmeye (hayatımda verdiğim en pozitif 2 puan bu sanırım asdfghjsaj).
not 2: şöyle uzunca yazılmış güzel bir B&B retellingi romance bilen varsa söylesin lütfen.
June 17, 2016
Not one of my favorite AR's.
The story was okay, but what lowered my rating is all the talk about the whores he's used. It was a bit much and unusual from what I have read so far in AR's reads.
She did however do a good job at playing them off as not much of any concern, but seriously it was mentioned too often for my personal tastes. Therefore the hero, for me wasn't as likable.
I also didn't care for his douchbaggery attitude in the beginning. It was too over the top, or maybe not too over the top but just not done well. They could have had him keep the beast thing about him by choosing other ways aside from calling and treating her like a whore.
I also would have liked to see the heroine show a little more balls and stand up to him, maybe even make him grovel a bit. She was too forgiving and I don't buy that she would have decided to treat him nice afer the horrendous way he treated her. It lacked reasonable logic IMHO.
The anatgonist was too cartooinish in the end and could have been done better.
Maybe this all could have been easily solved if the story was longer and developed a bit more.
OW = no
Cheating - no
Violence - some not much
Cursing - hell yes
sex- pfft obviously
insta love - yes for the most part
hero-not virgin
heroine-virgin
Heros past - mostly whores, no previous loves
Rape- No but kinda debatable, she was willing but he was forceful
I still love AR and will continue to read her books, but this one isn't one I would recommend. She has others that are far better.
October 9, 2015
This was a retelling of Beauty And The Beast. And it's a good one. A story about an older man, Griffin and a younger virgin woman, Annabella. She was bought as a virgin bride while Griffin asked for a woman to spend time for 24 hours. But a mistake was made and Annabella was sent to Griffin. He thought the agency was making fun of him to send Annabella to him. He thought she's acting an innocent virgin until he realized the truth.
They thought Annabella being sent to him was a mistake by the agency but it was planned by the one who killed his parents in a car accident and where he got his scars from. But Griffin killed him to save Annabella and got his revenge for what the man did to him and to his parents.
And like what we love in a fairy tale story, they got their happy ever after. An epilogue, 16years after they first met. It was a short but sweet epilogue.
It's safe to read and very light.
I love Alexa Riley's books!
They thought Annabella being sent to him was a mistake by the agency but it was planned by the one who killed his parents in a car accident and where he got his scars from. But Griffin killed him to save Annabella and got his revenge for what the man did to him and to his parents.
And like what we love in a fairy tale story, they got their happy ever after. An epilogue, 16years after they first met. It was a short but sweet epilogue.
It's safe to read and very light.
I love Alexa Riley's books!
January 20, 2015
This is a really quick short story. It's an ideal steamy story before bed:)
Annabella finds herself on Griffins doorstep soon after she finds herself alone in the world. A misunderstanding on Griffins part leads them to breaking down some walls. This story is like a beauty and the beast story.
This is fiction so I'm not complaining about parts being a little far fetched. It's why I read fiction:)
Looking forward to reading more by this author.
Annabella finds herself on Griffins doorstep soon after she finds herself alone in the world. A misunderstanding on Griffins part leads them to breaking down some walls. This story is like a beauty and the beast story.
This is fiction so I'm not complaining about parts being a little far fetched. It's why I read fiction:)
Looking forward to reading more by this author.
October 12, 2015
A nice short smut-fest about a mail order bride with a huge dose of insta-love and the beauty and the beast troupe mixed in. I was totally in the mood for some light, mindless erotic short stories and Alexa Riley delivered. I will be sure to check her out again when the mood strikes. :-)
August 2, 2016
3.5 Stars!
Review coming soon
Review coming soon
April 10, 2018
Mueroooooo con los libros de esta mujer ❤️❤️❤️
Me encantan, y si encima el protagonista tiene cicatrices: MI PROTOTIPO!
Estas historias son una droga que no puedes dejar nunca!
Me encantan, y si encima el protagonista tiene cicatrices: MI PROTOTIPO!
Estas historias son una droga que no puedes dejar nunca!
September 29, 2024
(DNF) This was absolutely awful; I do not recommend this to safety readers or anyone else, for that matter. Way too many mentions of the Hero using an escort service and he's VERY rough with her during her first time. That was awful to read, and there was no coming back from that in my eyes. This was not AT ALL what I expected from Alexa Riley.
January 16, 2015
Insta-love
Alpha, possessive male
Virgin heroine
And a little raunchy...
"Turn around and place your pussy on my face, Bella. You know how much I love to start my day with the breakfast of champions."
All wrapped up in a sort of beauty and the beast story.
Annabella, meant to be a virgin mail order bride was "accidentally sent" to Griffin. Griffin believes she is one of his usual whores but quickly finds out that she is not and is not willing to give her up when he realizes the mistake.
They both have experienced loss and are after having someone to love and bring them out of their darkness.
Owning the Beast is a quick, dirty, with a little suspense. Alexa Riley manages packs a punch in this story and I look forward to reading more from her.
Alpha, possessive male
Virgin heroine
And a little raunchy...
"Turn around and place your pussy on my face, Bella. You know how much I love to start my day with the breakfast of champions."
All wrapped up in a sort of beauty and the beast story.
Annabella, meant to be a virgin mail order bride was "accidentally sent" to Griffin. Griffin believes she is one of his usual whores but quickly finds out that she is not and is not willing to give her up when he realizes the mistake.
They both have experienced loss and are after having someone to love and bring them out of their darkness.
Owning the Beast is a quick, dirty, with a little suspense. Alexa Riley manages packs a punch in this story and I look forward to reading more from her.
November 6, 2018
Está bien, así que quizás se estén preguntando por qué le di 4 estrellas a esta trama que es de esas historias de "amor" obscenas, sucias y poco realistas. Bueno... mantuve una gran sonrisa en mi cara cuando leí esta historia. (Y ocasionalmente una cara torcida por disgusto en alguna parte... pero eso es irrelevante.) Alexa Rile da exactamente lo que promete. ¿No se supone que estas estrellas muestran a las personas en Goodreads cuánto disfrutamos de los libros que leemos?
May 18, 2015
WOW what did I just read?????? Not worth the effort.
October 7, 2015
3.5 stars!
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