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Hate Story #1
Beast: The Beginning
Once upon a time, I thought love was a fairytale.
I thought selling myself to a mafia boss was noble. So what if they called him the Beast? I grew up in rags, and he would lift me to riches. All I had to do was give him my soul.
He was punishing. Insatiable. Captivating. Nothing like I expected him to be. Each day my reality blurred, leaving me wondering if I was slave or princess.
The longer I stayed, the more I lost myself to him. Even after every cruelty the Beast visited upon me, I longed for his touch. Even after every savage word he spoke, I begged for his lips. I thought the worst thing he could take was my body. I was too naïve to guard my heart.
Once upon a time, I thought love was a fairytale.
Now I know better than to speak of happily ever afters.
Beast is the first book in the Hate Story duet. About what it means to fall in love with the person who has absolutely destroyed you, it contains disturbing and graphic situations that may be a trigger for some.
I thought selling myself to a mafia boss was noble. So what if they called him the Beast? I grew up in rags, and he would lift me to riches. All I had to do was give him my soul.
He was punishing. Insatiable. Captivating. Nothing like I expected him to be. Each day my reality blurred, leaving me wondering if I was slave or princess.
The longer I stayed, the more I lost myself to him. Even after every cruelty the Beast visited upon me, I longed for his touch. Even after every savage word he spoke, I begged for his lips. I thought the worst thing he could take was my body. I was too naïve to guard my heart.
Once upon a time, I thought love was a fairytale.
Now I know better than to speak of happily ever afters.
Beast is the first book in the Hate Story duet. About what it means to fall in love with the person who has absolutely destroyed you, it contains disturbing and graphic situations that may be a trigger for some.
570 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2017
1577 people are currently reading
3737 people want to read
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March 24, 2017
3 stars
Warning: Ranting ahead.
OK, let me make one thing very clear-
I did enjoy this book. Barely.
So, I don't know if this was me, or if this was this book (probably both in this case), but I couldn't pay attention to it. It took me forever to read it because I just couldn't concentrate.
The beginning was awesome. Just the thing that you need to build up the tension, and set the atmosphere. But if only things could hold on to that pace.
Very regrettably I have to say that it dramatically slowed down.
The pace of the story I mean.
Now to the actual story-
It begins with a 20 year old Francesca "Franky" Notte, trading herself for her father's life, to a mobster aptly named the Beast. She thought that what she was doing was a noble thing, saving someone she loved from death by doing everything she could, but instead she naively lands herself in a hell carefully dressed as heaven.
So.. yeah. It was a mafia story. And apparently this genre doesn't like me very much because WHY THE FUCK IS IT NOT AS DARK AS IT PROMISES?!?!
Sorry for yelling that part out, but seriously! Why do mafia men go soft the moment they see a pretty face? Surely that's not the reality right? Right?!
sighs
Ok ok. Let's not deviate again. I'll try. I can't make any promises though.
Beast or Anteros was the most feared man in the family. He was just as revered as a Boss and just as hated because he was not the right blood. He was an orphan the actual boss- Lucio Pavoni, had picked off the street and made into a "made man". That is what I think he was. It's never really mentioned very clearly though. He is ruthless, sadistic, impatient, blood-thirsty, and wants to be the Boss.
Until he isn't.
See what happens is that he sees Franky and then it's as if all those traits are gone out of the fucking window. Next thing we know he's playing house with her.
No I am not kidding you, he's really playing house with her. They are having nice chats, making out, having convenient dinners with friends, and generally wasting my time.
When the books starts with the female main character being raped by the male lead character, you set a certain standard. I only wish that Gebhard would have been able to hold it. Because after that, it was just like two hormonal teenagers playing tug of war. He did the deed already, so what was stopping him from taking her again?! His fucking honor? Surely not? It seemed like a very convenient thing for him to do- break her virginity so that she can't be sold off, and then never touch her again. Stupid.
I liked Franky though. Even if she was pretty naive, she was a quick study, and was actually smart! Gasp! I know I never say that, but really this time we did get a smart character. Her side of the story made complete sense. Tortured and taken against her will, she's welcome to hate him all she wants. It's the monologues I had a problem with. It did get quite repetitive.
Also let me just quickly address Sofia DeLuca's diary. It was like the how-to guide to the mafia lifestyle for Franky. I accept. But what I had a major problem with is how the author uses the diary for exposition. Why would Sofia write in her diary a story she already knew, unless she is writing a self-help book for some unfortunate girl that she knew would get it and read it like bible? Exactly, she wouldn't. It really got on my nerves how everything just fell on Franky's lap without her going out her way to do it.
And really, that reveal? Anyone with brains would have seen it ages ago.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't that bad. But it did frustrate me a bit. Especially with how much the author went out of their way to make it seem like a badass fairytale.
I wasn't very impressed. Nuh-uh.
The writing was good when it wasn't being repetitive and drony.
I think the story would have been better (because the plot was interesting) if it had been shortened a bit, getting rid of the unnecessary parts. There were a lot of them.
And that cliffhanger just when things were speeding up!
Fuck my life.
Warning: Ranting ahead.
OK, let me make one thing very clear-
I did enjoy this book. Barely.
So, I don't know if this was me, or if this was this book (probably both in this case), but I couldn't pay attention to it. It took me forever to read it because I just couldn't concentrate.
The beginning was awesome. Just the thing that you need to build up the tension, and set the atmosphere. But if only things could hold on to that pace.
Very regrettably I have to say that it dramatically slowed down.
The pace of the story I mean.
Now to the actual story-
It begins with a 20 year old Francesca "Franky" Notte, trading herself for her father's life, to a mobster aptly named the Beast. She thought that what she was doing was a noble thing, saving someone she loved from death by doing everything she could, but instead she naively lands herself in a hell carefully dressed as heaven.
So.. yeah. It was a mafia story. And apparently this genre doesn't like me very much because WHY THE FUCK IS IT NOT AS DARK AS IT PROMISES?!?!
Sorry for yelling that part out, but seriously! Why do mafia men go soft the moment they see a pretty face? Surely that's not the reality right? Right?!
sighs
Ok ok. Let's not deviate again. I'll try. I can't make any promises though.
Beast or Anteros was the most feared man in the family. He was just as revered as a Boss and just as hated because he was not the right blood. He was an orphan the actual boss- Lucio Pavoni, had picked off the street and made into a "made man". That is what I think he was. It's never really mentioned very clearly though. He is ruthless, sadistic, impatient, blood-thirsty, and wants to be the Boss.
Until he isn't.
See what happens is that he sees Franky and then it's as if all those traits are gone out of the fucking window. Next thing we know he's playing house with her.
No I am not kidding you, he's really playing house with her. They are having nice chats, making out, having convenient dinners with friends, and generally wasting my time.
When the books starts with the female main character being raped by the male lead character, you set a certain standard. I only wish that Gebhard would have been able to hold it. Because after that, it was just like two hormonal teenagers playing tug of war. He did the deed already, so what was stopping him from taking her again?! His fucking honor? Surely not? It seemed like a very convenient thing for him to do- break her virginity so that she can't be sold off, and then never touch her again. Stupid.
I liked Franky though. Even if she was pretty naive, she was a quick study, and was actually smart! Gasp! I know I never say that, but really this time we did get a smart character. Her side of the story made complete sense. Tortured and taken against her will, she's welcome to hate him all she wants. It's the monologues I had a problem with. It did get quite repetitive.
Also let me just quickly address Sofia DeLuca's diary. It was like the how-to guide to the mafia lifestyle for Franky. I accept. But what I had a major problem with is how the author uses the diary for exposition. Why would Sofia write in her diary a story she already knew, unless she is writing a self-help book for some unfortunate girl that she knew would get it and read it like bible? Exactly, she wouldn't. It really got on my nerves how everything just fell on Franky's lap without her going out her way to do it.
And really, that reveal? Anyone with brains would have seen it ages ago.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't that bad. But it did frustrate me a bit. Especially with how much the author went out of their way to make it seem like a badass fairytale.
I wasn't very impressed. Nuh-uh.
The writing was good when it wasn't being repetitive and drony.
I think the story would have been better (because the plot was interesting) if it had been shortened a bit, getting rid of the unnecessary parts. There were a lot of them.
And that cliffhanger just when things were speeding up!
Fuck my life.
August 22, 2021
I loved Beast: The Beginning (Hate Story, #1). From the minute I started reading This I was lost in another world, one of blood, hate and organised crime.
Where being bad was good and innocence is soon corrupted and lost forever.
So beast is about Frankie Notte and Anteros Drago a boss in the Pavoni family.
Frankie trades herself for her Papas life accompanying the beast to a fate unknown.
The Beast himself has every intention of selling Frankie to the Institute to be sold to the highest bidder.
But sometimes the best-laid plans can go awry, as is what happens here, leaving the beast with a slave that he's not quite sure what to do with.
Now, this was described as a dark read, and there is plenty of evidence of that darkness scattered throughout Beast, but behind closed doors, the Beast becomes increasingly fascinated with his new toy and there is at times a surprising gentleness to some of his interactions with Frankie.
He continues to try and keep up a front in front of his wolves as they start to lose confidence in their leader, questioning his actions towards an inconsequential Slave.
There is also a lot of secrets and intrigue running beneath the surface and rumours running amok concerning the Pavoni Princess, even Beast himself starts to listen and doubt what is real.
So dissecting our two main honchos here.
Anteros Drago/ Beast first, he's Ruthless, cruel, seemingly without mercy, he wants to break Frankie reducing her to nothing, he even initially tells her she is nothing.
His Black-heart is dark to the core, he lives for the job having spent years planning, with his wolves there rise to the top of the family from mere foot soldiers.
He appears to have no weaknesses. that is until Frankie slowly starts to thaw his ice-cold heart, not that you would major notice this as he's still a complete bastard to Frankie subjecting her to awful situations to teach her her place and generally playing mind games, belittling her at every turn while fighting his growing affections and deceiving himself regarding his feelings towards her.
Now Frankie herself, she is multi-faceted in regards to what she portrays outwardly.
Shes, not a worldly girl having been ill much of her teenage years, but From day one despite her apprehension, Frankie refuses to back down, sometimes even stupidly goading Beast, She grows so much in character throughout this story, seeming to get stronger with each new trial experienced, she also tries daily to fight her strange attraction towards the Beast that she swears she hates.
When we get the final satisfying reveal, setting us up for book two all players have been moved around into their new places almost like a chess match.
Or maybe even a new blood war.
You can see straight off that the next instalment is going to be very different in regards to changing tides.
So Really well done to the author I can't wait to get stuck into Beauty: The End (Hate Story, #2).
This may have been my first Mary Catherine Gebhard book, but definitely won't be my last.
It's been quite a while since I indulged myself in a good Dark romance and though this was not as dark as some I have read I found this a great addition to its genre.
So Give this a go if you like a good anti-hero romance, happy reading.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/ (less)
Where being bad was good and innocence is soon corrupted and lost forever.
So beast is about Frankie Notte and Anteros Drago a boss in the Pavoni family.
Frankie trades herself for her Papas life accompanying the beast to a fate unknown.
The Beast himself has every intention of selling Frankie to the Institute to be sold to the highest bidder.
But sometimes the best-laid plans can go awry, as is what happens here, leaving the beast with a slave that he's not quite sure what to do with.
Now, this was described as a dark read, and there is plenty of evidence of that darkness scattered throughout Beast, but behind closed doors, the Beast becomes increasingly fascinated with his new toy and there is at times a surprising gentleness to some of his interactions with Frankie.
He continues to try and keep up a front in front of his wolves as they start to lose confidence in their leader, questioning his actions towards an inconsequential Slave.
There is also a lot of secrets and intrigue running beneath the surface and rumours running amok concerning the Pavoni Princess, even Beast himself starts to listen and doubt what is real.
So dissecting our two main honchos here.
Anteros Drago/ Beast first, he's Ruthless, cruel, seemingly without mercy, he wants to break Frankie reducing her to nothing, he even initially tells her she is nothing.
His Black-heart is dark to the core, he lives for the job having spent years planning, with his wolves there rise to the top of the family from mere foot soldiers.
He appears to have no weaknesses. that is until Frankie slowly starts to thaw his ice-cold heart, not that you would major notice this as he's still a complete bastard to Frankie subjecting her to awful situations to teach her her place and generally playing mind games, belittling her at every turn while fighting his growing affections and deceiving himself regarding his feelings towards her.
Now Frankie herself, she is multi-faceted in regards to what she portrays outwardly.
Shes, not a worldly girl having been ill much of her teenage years, but From day one despite her apprehension, Frankie refuses to back down, sometimes even stupidly goading Beast, She grows so much in character throughout this story, seeming to get stronger with each new trial experienced, she also tries daily to fight her strange attraction towards the Beast that she swears she hates.
When we get the final satisfying reveal, setting us up for book two all players have been moved around into their new places almost like a chess match.
Or maybe even a new blood war.
You can see straight off that the next instalment is going to be very different in regards to changing tides.
So Really well done to the author I can't wait to get stuck into Beauty: The End (Hate Story, #2).
This may have been my first Mary Catherine Gebhard book, but definitely won't be my last.
It's been quite a while since I indulged myself in a good Dark romance and though this was not as dark as some I have read I found this a great addition to its genre.
So Give this a go if you like a good anti-hero romance, happy reading.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/ (less)
September 15, 2017
Let me start this off by saying that Beast is MINE!! The author created an insanely hot anti-hero and he could do no wrong in my eyes. He was perfection. Although I didn’t like how soft he got so quickly, I could appreciate that he found a kindred spirit in Frankie. As for Francesca/Frankie, I wavered between admiring her spunk, questioning her sanity, and wanting to give her the beatdown that she was eagerly asking for in every scene.
See… here’s where the author, these characters, and I differ. If I were Beast and Frankie were my slave, she’d be my freaking slave! No tender moments unless I wanted to give her a real mindfck. No coddling. No special treatment. I’d break her ass. Plain and simple. This girl thought she could come up in the place and talk and act any old way she liked? Her life was literally in Beast’s hands. And what did Beast do? Nada. I’m not feeling it. She was allowed to question and yell and disagree and argue way too much for my liking. This was supposed to be a dark mafia romance, right? I expected her to be tormented, desperate and broken. At least that’s how I’d have her. How else would you mold her into the person you wanted? I’m just saying.
The non-torture issue notwithstanding, I loved the fck out of this book. I’m about to start Beauty because I need to find out what the heck happens, but I have to say that I’m a big fan of this author’s writing. She held me captive with her characters, the plot, the loose morals of just about everyone, the sex, the suspense, the everything. I sure as heck was more of a captive than Frankie.
Release Date: March 14, 2017
Genre: Mafia Romance - Dark themes
POV: Heroine - 1st person/Hero - 3rd person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Book 1 of A Hate Story Duet
See… here’s where the author, these characters, and I differ. If I were Beast and Frankie were my slave, she’d be my freaking slave! No tender moments unless I wanted to give her a real mindfck. No coddling. No special treatment. I’d break her ass. Plain and simple. This girl thought she could come up in the place and talk and act any old way she liked? Her life was literally in Beast’s hands. And what did Beast do? Nada. I’m not feeling it. She was allowed to question and yell and disagree and argue way too much for my liking. This was supposed to be a dark mafia romance, right? I expected her to be tormented, desperate and broken. At least that’s how I’d have her. How else would you mold her into the person you wanted? I’m just saying.
The non-torture issue notwithstanding, I loved the fck out of this book. I’m about to start Beauty because I need to find out what the heck happens, but I have to say that I’m a big fan of this author’s writing. She held me captive with her characters, the plot, the loose morals of just about everyone, the sex, the suspense, the everything. I sure as heck was more of a captive than Frankie.
Release Date: March 14, 2017
Genre: Mafia Romance - Dark themes
POV: Heroine - 1st person/Hero - 3rd person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Book 1 of A Hate Story Duet
March 8, 2017
My mind is all twisty and bent from Beast and the emotional rollercoaster he took me on. I loved him. I hated him. Mostly I wanted to be in the same room with him and slap his chiseled cheeks. I read this on the plane, at my son's band recital, and while I waited to pick up kids at car line. I couldn't put it down!
Beast is deliciously dark, powerful, the setting evocative of the castle and library where Beast and Frankie spend most of their time. I can't wait for book 2 in the duet!!!!!!!!!!
FIVE STARS. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 2!
Beast is deliciously dark, powerful, the setting evocative of the castle and library where Beast and Frankie spend most of their time. I can't wait for book 2 in the duet!!!!!!!!!!
FIVE STARS. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 2!
December 8, 2018
Lovely, the “hero” rapes the heroine and is also a sex trafficker. Just what I want in a hero. I guess I also missed the part in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast when the beast rapes the heroine in front of his friends. And you guessed it, the heroine can’t control her quivering horny body around the “insanely hot millionaire mob boss.”
March 31, 2020
WHY DO AUTHORS NOT CLEAN THEIR CHARACTERS????
A BATH, A SHOWER, A QUICK WASH, A SPONGE BATH EVEN????
she's literally dragged from her home
put on a plane from New Jersey to New York
jerked, ripped, pushed around some more
told how worthless she is
installed in a posh bedroom in posh new accommodations
undergoes an internal vaginal exam aka virginity test (which took place in a posh new bed)
puts her jeans back on after exam
feels "icky"
notices how her sneakers are dirtying the fancy rug
goes gaga over rows of Versace and other designer dresses
goes gaga over stacks of Jimmy Choos, among other designer shoes
goes gaga over diamonds, rubies, sapphires
feels that "the harder problem would be deciding what to wear"
kits herself out in "vintage Dior", "gold satin Badgley Mischka peep toes" and a diamond pendant
all this in ONE DAY. She's struck senseless by all this but she can't wash her hands too???????? (Plus, Whooo gets into Versace with a filthy ass???) And no, she's not too traumatised by all the goings on to revel in the posh wardrobe, so WHY CANT SHE HAVE THE WHEREWITHALL TO WASH HER HANDS at the very least?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
now she's going to meet him for dinner
not a washed hand in sight... not a wiped face in sight...not a brushed hair...not even a swipe of water over virginity-tested vagina...
Seems like I was more exhausted after all the goings on, than the heroine, so maybe I missed the ablution part...
Even so, at this stage, like the hero, I'm also asking her: "Are you dumb?"
A BATH, A SHOWER, A QUICK WASH, A SPONGE BATH EVEN????
she's literally dragged from her home
put on a plane from New Jersey to New York
jerked, ripped, pushed around some more
told how worthless she is
installed in a posh bedroom in posh new accommodations
undergoes an internal vaginal exam aka virginity test (which took place in a posh new bed)
puts her jeans back on after exam
feels "icky"
notices how her sneakers are dirtying the fancy rug
goes gaga over rows of Versace and other designer dresses
goes gaga over stacks of Jimmy Choos, among other designer shoes
goes gaga over diamonds, rubies, sapphires
feels that "the harder problem would be deciding what to wear"
kits herself out in "vintage Dior", "gold satin Badgley Mischka peep toes" and a diamond pendant
all this in ONE DAY. She's struck senseless by all this but she can't wash her hands too???????? (Plus, Whooo gets into Versace with a filthy ass???) And no, she's not too traumatised by all the goings on to revel in the posh wardrobe, so WHY CANT SHE HAVE THE WHEREWITHALL TO WASH HER HANDS at the very least?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
now she's going to meet him for dinner
not a washed hand in sight... not a wiped face in sight...not a brushed hair...not even a swipe of water over virginity-tested vagina...
Seems like I was more exhausted after all the goings on, than the heroine, so maybe I missed the ablution part...
Even so, at this stage, like the hero, I'm also asking her: "Are you dumb?"
March 5, 2017
Beast was about a twenty year old girl who was innocent and naive thinking that her father would be safe against the mafia by trading herself for his debts. Unbeknownst to her that Beast was a man to be feared despite his handsome features and opulent lifestyle. Underneath the exterior was a man who was demented with tortuous tendencies. When Frankie traded her life, she hadn’t thought about what it would mean. Beast saw Frankie as nothing. He commanded parts of her, completely controlled them, yet wanted nothing to do with them. He’d taken things from her without her consent. "Beast wasn’t my lover. He was my enemy. This was not a love story, this was a hate story." Great quote.
Frankie's character lived in New Jersey with her father until Beast took her to his place in New York. Frankie depicted Beast as a scary man capable of abuse yet he showed restraint with Frankie. In the beginning, Frankie was indifferent towards the threats, using sarcasm to survive. Frankie from beginning until end was defiant with Beast never following rules. Their chemistry was thirst quenching. They had a push and pull dynamic. Frankie was an unexpected complication to Beast and his business dealings.
Beast played mind games with Frankie letting her believe she was safe when in reality she needed to remain fearful of him. He not only wanted her body but what was inside. Beast made sure Frankie felt fear, shame, and anger by his commands and behavior. Beast had an icy exterior that was rooted deeply into his soul. Beast instilled within Frankie that she was nothing but what he made her.
The story was complex with layers of mafia heritage and political ties. Many characters were involved in the making of this dark mafia story. The chapters were written in the third person with each chapter switching between Frankie's perspective and Beast's perspective. I liked the switching of perspective, it gave me instant feedback on feelings, emotions and helped clarify what was happening inside their minds from one act/scene to another. These were complex characters with In-depth experience and knowledge about the family heritage. Sex was a huge factor in this story. Beast used any form of physical contact to control Frankie's body while trying to reach inside her soul.
Mary did a fantastic job of portraying the characters emotions in each scenario.
Mary surprised me with her poetic words. It was written well and I'm glad more is to come. I could easily read more about these characters. The way she drew out the characters history and opened up their inner secrets was enthralling. The transitions from one plot to another was quite entertaining. This was a dark mafia story about the Pavoni and De Luca lineage.
Frankie's character lived in New Jersey with her father until Beast took her to his place in New York. Frankie depicted Beast as a scary man capable of abuse yet he showed restraint with Frankie. In the beginning, Frankie was indifferent towards the threats, using sarcasm to survive. Frankie from beginning until end was defiant with Beast never following rules. Their chemistry was thirst quenching. They had a push and pull dynamic. Frankie was an unexpected complication to Beast and his business dealings.
Beast played mind games with Frankie letting her believe she was safe when in reality she needed to remain fearful of him. He not only wanted her body but what was inside. Beast made sure Frankie felt fear, shame, and anger by his commands and behavior. Beast had an icy exterior that was rooted deeply into his soul. Beast instilled within Frankie that she was nothing but what he made her.
The story was complex with layers of mafia heritage and political ties. Many characters were involved in the making of this dark mafia story. The chapters were written in the third person with each chapter switching between Frankie's perspective and Beast's perspective. I liked the switching of perspective, it gave me instant feedback on feelings, emotions and helped clarify what was happening inside their minds from one act/scene to another. These were complex characters with In-depth experience and knowledge about the family heritage. Sex was a huge factor in this story. Beast used any form of physical contact to control Frankie's body while trying to reach inside her soul.
Mary did a fantastic job of portraying the characters emotions in each scenario.
Mary surprised me with her poetic words. It was written well and I'm glad more is to come. I could easily read more about these characters. The way she drew out the characters history and opened up their inner secrets was enthralling. The transitions from one plot to another was quite entertaining. This was a dark mafia story about the Pavoni and De Luca lineage.
October 2, 2017
Beast .
He's Anteros Drago, a crime boss in the Pavoni family, and with his faithful entourage of 4 soldiers/enforcers, he's known by the name Beast, for his merciless, cruel and ruthless deals and actions.
Drugs. Sex trafficing. Executions. Politics. Extortions. Blackmail.
All that is handeled by Beast and one of the deals was a debt payment by a man called Notte, at the moment to collect the debt, enters Francesca „Frankie“ Notte, offering herself to pay off the debt of her father and save his life. And the impulse of survival kicks in as the words from Beast echoes in her head.
He meant to crush her, break her and sell her off to The Institute (the mediators of theirs that finish up the sex traffic deals.) BUT surprisingly, Frankie turned up to be a strong spirit within and a woman who knows of her strength and reselience inspite of her unfortunate rare diagnosis (Postural Tachycardia Syndrome), that has the symptoms of tiredness, unwillingness and depression, which she endured through her younghood…and Beast becomes fascinated and intrigued by her...
Just like anything that has any merrit, for it to work, it has to go both ways…
Any ploy is a two side blade and it cuts deep…
Besides this turmoil of emotional, physical interactions between Beast/Anteros and Frankie, a background substantial ploy unravels, as the long lived but dormant „legend“ of the rise of a long lost Pavoni princess comes to life once more, as the broken pieces of mystery come to form a mosaic of a well hidden secret…
Francesca „Frankie“ Notte is believed to be just that, a Pavoni princess and a direct threat to Beast and his position in the Pavoni mafia family. The pressure is high, the limits and boundaries between the desire, passion and political intrigues, strategical moves and dirty mafia deals will all blend in a gutural cluster…especially when allies who strongly believe in the fact that Francesca is in fact the long lost mafia princess, push the unraveling action into motion…
And now Francesca is at the crossroads, everything she's ever known about herself was a lie, and she's not sure what or whom to believe…she's in the cluster storm of her own…
and yet even though, Beast took her sacrifice and made her his, trying to mold her, break her and demolish her, and her inner being not only shattered along the process but instead it grew around his persona…
But for her to escape this doomed destiny she would have to play a role, the greatest role of her life…
The time is ticking, the tension is „knight-cutting“ dense and all bets are off…
Will Beast go against himself and deliver the final blow to perserve the position and everything that he build for himself, for her, because of her?!
Cause in the end…
The unraveling culmination and conclusion comes in the second installment Beauty (A Hate story, the end)
This was an interesting, dark, suspenseful story and I pretty much enjoyed it, apart from the interchanging segments past recollections/present actions were a bit awkwardly paced and therefore slowed the whole experience for me, but despite that, I'm very much eager to see how their story will end…
He oozed power and death and fear.
He's Anteros Drago, a crime boss in the Pavoni family, and with his faithful entourage of 4 soldiers/enforcers, he's known by the name Beast, for his merciless, cruel and ruthless deals and actions.
You killed a hundered men single-handed. You climbed from slave to soldier to Boss. And you brought us with you.
Drugs. Sex trafficing. Executions. Politics. Extortions. Blackmail.
All that is handeled by Beast and one of the deals was a debt payment by a man called Notte, at the moment to collect the debt, enters Francesca „Frankie“ Notte, offering herself to pay off the debt of her father and save his life. And the impulse of survival kicks in as the words from Beast echoes in her head.
Everything you were vanishes. Your emotions disappear. Your name becomes nothing more than a sound passing from my lips. You become nothing.
He meant to crush her, break her and sell her off to The Institute (the mediators of theirs that finish up the sex traffic deals.) BUT surprisingly, Frankie turned up to be a strong spirit within and a woman who knows of her strength and reselience inspite of her unfortunate rare diagnosis (Postural Tachycardia Syndrome), that has the symptoms of tiredness, unwillingness and depression, which she endured through her younghood…and Beast becomes fascinated and intrigued by her...
He understood now, though, that Frankie was not someone you could break with force. She was unique. To get her to break, he first had to get inside, to understand what made her tick. To make her submit, he had to do it from within.
Just like anything that has any merrit, for it to work, it has to go both ways…
Any ploy is a two side blade and it cuts deep…
Besides this turmoil of emotional, physical interactions between Beast/Anteros and Frankie, a background substantial ploy unravels, as the long lived but dormant „legend“ of the rise of a long lost Pavoni princess comes to life once more, as the broken pieces of mystery come to form a mosaic of a well hidden secret…
Francesca „Frankie“ Notte is believed to be just that, a Pavoni princess and a direct threat to Beast and his position in the Pavoni mafia family. The pressure is high, the limits and boundaries between the desire, passion and political intrigues, strategical moves and dirty mafia deals will all blend in a gutural cluster…especially when allies who strongly believe in the fact that Francesca is in fact the long lost mafia princess, push the unraveling action into motion…
And now Francesca is at the crossroads, everything she's ever known about herself was a lie, and she's not sure what or whom to believe…she's in the cluster storm of her own…
and yet even though, Beast took her sacrifice and made her his, trying to mold her, break her and demolish her, and her inner being not only shattered along the process but instead it grew around his persona…
I did not exist without him. He was my universe. I was Galileo staring at the sun, realizing I was nothing, and then the bastard blinded me. He was the sun, and I couldn't even close my eyes…
When I was alone with Beast, I changed. I became someone I wasn't, someone who begged and craved him.
But for her to escape this doomed destiny she would have to play a role, the greatest role of her life…
Become whatever or whoever is needed, even if it is the antithesis of what you are now. Shed your skin and don another, so long as you survive, and remember this last thing: no matter what you do, no matter what happens, he is the one who set the fire that forced you to rebirth yourself.
The time is ticking, the tension is „knight-cutting“ dense and all bets are off…
Will Beast go against himself and deliver the final blow to perserve the position and everything that he build for himself, for her, because of her?!
Cause in the end…
Anteros realized then he was the slave, and always had been. A slave to his desire. A slave in his need. A slave in his love.
Mio cuore.
The unraveling culmination and conclusion comes in the second installment Beauty (A Hate story, the end)
This was an interesting, dark, suspenseful story and I pretty much enjoyed it, apart from the interchanging segments past recollections/present actions were a bit awkwardly paced and therefore slowed the whole experience for me, but despite that, I'm very much eager to see how their story will end…
March 6, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
This is my second book by this author so I was excited to receive this ARC because I received and read an ARC of Elastic Hearts and was blown away! So I jumped at the chance to read more of Ms. Gebhard's work. If I ever get caught up on ARC's I am going to start her Owned Series! This book is on the dark side, which I love! I pretty much read anything with the exception of Sci-Fi and Paranormal. And as much as I hate to admit it, the darker and more forbidden, the better! I love to read a book that keeps me wondering what is on the next page, the next chapter. And The Beast definitely did this for me! It's dark and it's a bit twisted, and both of those things are right up there with my favorites! I completely could feel a connection to both the H and the h! Without giving anything away, because I don't review books that way, I'd like to take and shake Gabby! I have very strong mixed feelings about here and definitely look forward to seeing if my suspicions about her are right. There are so many things that I want answers to so I am definitely going to be pondering over this book until I find out the conclusion. I really suck at cliffhangers so please, please don't make me suffer for too long!
This is my second book by this author so I was excited to receive this ARC because I received and read an ARC of Elastic Hearts and was blown away! So I jumped at the chance to read more of Ms. Gebhard's work. If I ever get caught up on ARC's I am going to start her Owned Series! This book is on the dark side, which I love! I pretty much read anything with the exception of Sci-Fi and Paranormal. And as much as I hate to admit it, the darker and more forbidden, the better! I love to read a book that keeps me wondering what is on the next page, the next chapter. And The Beast definitely did this for me! It's dark and it's a bit twisted, and both of those things are right up there with my favorites! I completely could feel a connection to both the H and the h! Without giving anything away, because I don't review books that way, I'd like to take and shake Gabby! I have very strong mixed feelings about here and definitely look forward to seeing if my suspicions about her are right. There are so many things that I want answers to so I am definitely going to be pondering over this book until I find out the conclusion. I really suck at cliffhangers so please, please don't make me suffer for too long!
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June 6, 2025FREE on Amazon today (9/23/2017)!
March 6, 2017
Beauty and the Beast meets the Italian Mob in a tale of survival, acceptance and love. ~ White Hot Reads
Complete Review Coming Soon
Complete Review Coming Soon
September 25, 2017
Mafia. Dark, cruel and easy to get lost in…
With a series title of Hate Story I should not be surprised that this romance is anything but hearts and flowers. The emotional truths it is going to mine though are worthy of any epic love story…
The Beast is calm, cold and without mercy. He doesn’t reveal what he is feeling as he doesn’t feel at all. Cruelty is his style and he wields it like a favourite weapon. I didn’t like him. I don’t believe I was supposed to like him but his character was compelling as he and his Beauty brought this modern fairytale to life.
“You’re not a prisoner…. You’re nothing.”
Frankie had delivered herself to a monster but laying down and becoming a victim was not her style. She was calm and cool, dealing with each cruelty and maneuver with surprising moves of her own. Both characters intrigued me by the way they kept themselves closed off – to themselves, to others – including the reader.
“Somehow I’d started to crave him; he’d become my drug.”
And then, they started to reveal – through revealing inner monologues and actions they couldn’t help – that this was, in fact, a love story. A twisted take on a traditional courtship (I laughed when I typed courtship, I really did) that kept me guessing from start to the cliffhanger finish.
I am totally hooked now and completely invested in how their story is going to play out. There are villains and allies and, honestly, at this point I’m not sure if I know who is who…. Which means I’m diving into The End right now! ~Diane, 4 Unsettled Stars
With a series title of Hate Story I should not be surprised that this romance is anything but hearts and flowers. The emotional truths it is going to mine though are worthy of any epic love story…
The Beast is calm, cold and without mercy. He doesn’t reveal what he is feeling as he doesn’t feel at all. Cruelty is his style and he wields it like a favourite weapon. I didn’t like him. I don’t believe I was supposed to like him but his character was compelling as he and his Beauty brought this modern fairytale to life.
“You’re not a prisoner…. You’re nothing.”
Frankie had delivered herself to a monster but laying down and becoming a victim was not her style. She was calm and cool, dealing with each cruelty and maneuver with surprising moves of her own. Both characters intrigued me by the way they kept themselves closed off – to themselves, to others – including the reader.
“Somehow I’d started to crave him; he’d become my drug.”
And then, they started to reveal – through revealing inner monologues and actions they couldn’t help – that this was, in fact, a love story. A twisted take on a traditional courtship (I laughed when I typed courtship, I really did) that kept me guessing from start to the cliffhanger finish.
I am totally hooked now and completely invested in how their story is going to play out. There are villains and allies and, honestly, at this point I’m not sure if I know who is who…. Which means I’m diving into The End right now! ~Diane, 4 Unsettled Stars
September 6, 2019
This was good...I like the way she wrote the female lead, I felt like I was there with her...I did like the male lead...It's a cliffy and I want to know about the boy/man with the golden curls (forgot name) I recommend for readers who like dark (not dark,dark) mafia:))
UP DATE SEPTEMBER 2017
Oh man just a good the second time around, excited for the second "Beauty" to come out at the end of the month. :))
UP DATE SEPTEMBER 2017
Oh man just a good the second time around, excited for the second "Beauty" to come out at the end of the month. :))
March 17, 2017
I tried, but even the Beauty and The Beast theme couldn't get me to the end of this. It had so much potential, but too much of nothing happening did me in. Maybe someone with more patience will have more luck. I just felt this hero was a little too wishy-washy for me, and the heroine is supposed to be smart, but lacks common sense. More sex might have helped push me past 50%.
March 5, 2017
Beast: A Hate Story, The Beginning by Mary Catherine Gebhard is the start of a new series.
Antonio Notte has debts, big depts and as payment his daughter trades herself for his life.
Beast- Antero takes her Frankie- Francesca with him.
He trains her to be his slave.
Beast is a ruthless man, a monster.
There are rumors and murmurs about a Pavani princess fairytale.
This book left me speechless, literally.
There is carnage, human trafficking, bloodbath and a war in the mafia. And sex, scorching hot sex.
They have a love-hate relationship.
And this book ends in a major cliffie.
I liked this well written book.
4 Stars and Thank you Mary Catherine Gebhard.
Antonio Notte has debts, big depts and as payment his daughter trades herself for his life.
Beast- Antero takes her Frankie- Francesca with him.
He trains her to be his slave.
Beast is a ruthless man, a monster.
There are rumors and murmurs about a Pavani princess fairytale.
This book left me speechless, literally.
There is carnage, human trafficking, bloodbath and a war in the mafia. And sex, scorching hot sex.
They have a love-hate relationship.
And this book ends in a major cliffie.
I liked this well written book.
4 Stars and Thank you Mary Catherine Gebhard.
September 19, 2017
'Beast" Mary Cahterine Gebhard is the First Book in the "Hate Story". This is the story of Francesca "Franky" Notte and Beast/ Anteros.
Beast is a top mob guy who used to work on the street. Now he is suit and missing the streets a little and goes on one of his guys jobs. which leads him to Notte who owes him money. But when trying to physically get the money out of him his daughter Frankly comes forward to say take her instead of hurting or killing her father.
The Beast takes her and they set up house. The Beast starts off very upsetting with his actions but slowly gets somewhat tamed.
This does end with a story line that will continue in the next book called "Beauty".
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Beast is a top mob guy who used to work on the street. Now he is suit and missing the streets a little and goes on one of his guys jobs. which leads him to Notte who owes him money. But when trying to physically get the money out of him his daughter Frankly comes forward to say take her instead of hurting or killing her father.
The Beast takes her and they set up house. The Beast starts off very upsetting with his actions but slowly gets somewhat tamed.
This does end with a story line that will continue in the next book called "Beauty".
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
March 15, 2017
Really wish I wouldn't have preordered this one. I was excited when it showed up on my kindle this morning, but within 4% I knew it wasn't going to work out.
The problem is this book doesn't make any sense to me. It's difficult (and a little boring honestly) to read, and the heroine? Too stupid to live doesn't actually begin to cover it.
First, the beginning is really abrupt. I get throwing you into the action right out of the gate, but man. And then the heroine, after legit foisting herself onto this dude who didn't even want her, is such a bitch. TO HIM.
"Are you dumb?" Beast asked.
And I think the answer is a resounding "yes."
Her answer? "I'm not dumb, asshole!"
Pointlessly and RECKLESSLY feisty is not my bag.
Also if this SOB is gonna kill some poor stewardess for not serving him champagne first, I'm supposed to believe he's forgiving Frankie for how she talks to him already? No. Nope. He doesn't know this girl any more than I do right now, so come on.
Also there are passages like this:
"Francesca," I repeated. I could practically hear my inner voice sighing in defeat. People might think I was insane, talking to a man like him that way. [YES BITCH, BECAUSE YOU ARE. YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HIM, HE DIDN'T EVEN REALLY WANT YOU, WHY YOU GOTTA MAKE YOURSELF A PAIN IN HIS ASS ALREADY?] The thing is, right then you would be witnessing the swan song of my old self before I tumbled down into the darkness.
WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?
I took a screenshot and sent to my boyfriend to see if my brain is just on vacation or something, but he "oof"ed, so I'm going to say this is a really bad match. Won't be finishing this one. Sorry, Frankie. I really wanted Beast to shoot you in the face and then go kill your father just for making such an obnoxious child, since that's all that really makes sense at this point.
The problem is this book doesn't make any sense to me. It's difficult (and a little boring honestly) to read, and the heroine? Too stupid to live doesn't actually begin to cover it.
First, the beginning is really abrupt. I get throwing you into the action right out of the gate, but man. And then the heroine, after legit foisting herself onto this dude who didn't even want her, is such a bitch. TO HIM.
"Are you dumb?" Beast asked.
And I think the answer is a resounding "yes."
Her answer? "I'm not dumb, asshole!"
Pointlessly and RECKLESSLY feisty is not my bag.
Also if this SOB is gonna kill some poor stewardess for not serving him champagne first, I'm supposed to believe he's forgiving Frankie for how she talks to him already? No. Nope. He doesn't know this girl any more than I do right now, so come on.
Also there are passages like this:
"Francesca," I repeated. I could practically hear my inner voice sighing in defeat. People might think I was insane, talking to a man like him that way. [YES BITCH, BECAUSE YOU ARE. YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HIM, HE DIDN'T EVEN REALLY WANT YOU, WHY YOU GOTTA MAKE YOURSELF A PAIN IN HIS ASS ALREADY?] The thing is, right then you would be witnessing the swan song of my old self before I tumbled down into the darkness.
WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?
I took a screenshot and sent to my boyfriend to see if my brain is just on vacation or something, but he "oof"ed, so I'm going to say this is a really bad match. Won't be finishing this one. Sorry, Frankie. I really wanted Beast to shoot you in the face and then go kill your father just for making such an obnoxious child, since that's all that really makes sense at this point.
March 14, 2017
It is very possible I may have completely misunderstood the author's efforts in this story. I expected the big "wooooooooossssaaaaa" based on the teasers and blurbs.
Frankie and Beast are dysfunctional in it's highest form. The more dysfunctional the better! Frankie and Beasts' characters are fresh and engaging. However, the majority of their scenes are choppy and too much is left open for interpretation. As a reader, I worked entirely too hard to "guess" what happened because a chapter or scene ended abruptly. I needed MORE from both individually and as a couple in their scenes.
The story line is great and the characters are fresh but the delivery of the story is meh. All the ingredients are there for an epic read but a more developed recipe is needed.
I will support this author in the future. It is very possible this specific story is a miss for me and the next one could be the "woooooosssaaa". Please consider other reviews if you're on the fence regarding purchase.
3 stars
March 14, 2017
First off this is a large book but in order to explain all the emotions you need it. Frankie has just given herself in place of her father who is huddled in a ball one the floor to the Beast. The Beast is not like the fairytale this guy will kill you where you stand and have someone clean it up like you didn't exist. Frankie has been sick for most of her life and she never had friends or even a boyfriend so to give her life for her papa is not a loss. The Beast is supposed to do something with her kill her or sell her but he doesn't at least not right away and that may be the beginning of his end or Frankie's. This story is emotional, physiological, terrorizing with a little bit of tenderness. It also is different than anything I have read by Mary Catherine Gebhard but she does an awesome job of it. The author sent me this book for free at my request and I have chosen to review it.
March 8, 2017
I received an Arc of this book and decided I would go into it blind. To say that I got one hell of a shock is an understatement. I had preconceived notions about what the story would be from the title alone, but boy did I get it wrong.
I fell in love with a character that I wanted to hate. If that's not testament to a pretty great storyteller, I don't know what is. Gebhard made me question my morals, and swear out loud on so many occasions. Her words constructed a whole world around me that I found myself lost in. The 'Beast' was truly loathsome and yet intoxicatingly addictive. The heroine, fragile but somehow strong. I can't wait for the next instalment.
I fell in love with a character that I wanted to hate. If that's not testament to a pretty great storyteller, I don't know what is. Gebhard made me question my morals, and swear out loud on so many occasions. Her words constructed a whole world around me that I found myself lost in. The 'Beast' was truly loathsome and yet intoxicatingly addictive. The heroine, fragile but somehow strong. I can't wait for the next instalment.
March 9, 2017
Holy shit! Please excuse the cursing, but I've just finished this book and I'm still reeling from the ending and the book as a whole! I don't know why I thought this book was a paranormal retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but it didn't take me long to realize this story wasn't paranormal and Beauty and the Beast might loosely apply. But it's still SO good!
Anyhow, I need to sleep and digest this book. I don't think I'm going to fall asleep quickly just because there is so much to think about! I will say this though, I can't believe I haven't read anything by Mary Catherine Gebhard before. Now that I have, I am super excited for her next book but also to read the books she's already released. I wonder what other treasures I've missed?
UPDATE:
Okay so I've slept on it and still woke up shaken. There is no real way to categorize this book. There are some key words I'd use to though to help describe it. Like-dark, anti-hero, mafia/organized crime, page-turner, gripping, and WOW! The book is told from dual points of view. It's done in a way that a lot is revealed while also keeping a lot hidden. Beast is just that, a beast. I have no idea when I stopped fearing and loathing him, to actually liking him, just like Frankie. And Frankie, I really liked her. She's just herself, but it's enough to change the trajectory of everyone's lives around her. She's even the catalyst for the changes Beast takes.
I won't give anything else away other than the fact that you need to be prepared to want more when the book ends. I was scrabbling in the middle of the night to find out when the next book comes out, and it'll be sometime this year, but it's definitely going to go to the top of my reading list when it comes out. 'Cause there are answers to questions I need!
Anyhow, I need to sleep and digest this book. I don't think I'm going to fall asleep quickly just because there is so much to think about! I will say this though, I can't believe I haven't read anything by Mary Catherine Gebhard before. Now that I have, I am super excited for her next book but also to read the books she's already released. I wonder what other treasures I've missed?
UPDATE:
Okay so I've slept on it and still woke up shaken. There is no real way to categorize this book. There are some key words I'd use to though to help describe it. Like-dark, anti-hero, mafia/organized crime, page-turner, gripping, and WOW! The book is told from dual points of view. It's done in a way that a lot is revealed while also keeping a lot hidden. Beast is just that, a beast. I have no idea when I stopped fearing and loathing him, to actually liking him, just like Frankie. And Frankie, I really liked her. She's just herself, but it's enough to change the trajectory of everyone's lives around her. She's even the catalyst for the changes Beast takes.
I won't give anything else away other than the fact that you need to be prepared to want more when the book ends. I was scrabbling in the middle of the night to find out when the next book comes out, and it'll be sometime this year, but it's definitely going to go to the top of my reading list when it comes out. 'Cause there are answers to questions I need!
March 14, 2017
Beast by Mary Catherine Gephard was a fantastic dark mafia fairytale - a great hybrid of "Beauty and the Beast" with a delicious dark mafia spin. This story was filled with dark passion, obsession, family betrayal and mystery. I absolutely adored beast and can't get enough of Beast and Frankie.
Forced to give up her freedom in exchange for her father's life, Francesca "Frankie" Notte feels she has no other choice but to do what she can to save her father. But the man she gives herself to - Anteros "Beast" Drago - is more Beast than man. With a ferocious temperament and an equally darkly seductive pull over Frankie, they both come to realize that their relationship is more than what they both thought and expected. But with political aspirations and machinations underway to become the next family Don, what happens when Beast realizes Frankie has become a weakness when strength, ruthlessness and dominance are what defines him. What will happen to the Beauty and the Beast?
While there were quite a few times where I got lost and was distracted by the poetic and somewhat lyrical style of writing, I was hooked on this story and I can not wait for book two. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
Forced to give up her freedom in exchange for her father's life, Francesca "Frankie" Notte feels she has no other choice but to do what she can to save her father. But the man she gives herself to - Anteros "Beast" Drago - is more Beast than man. With a ferocious temperament and an equally darkly seductive pull over Frankie, they both come to realize that their relationship is more than what they both thought and expected. But with political aspirations and machinations underway to become the next family Don, what happens when Beast realizes Frankie has become a weakness when strength, ruthlessness and dominance are what defines him. What will happen to the Beauty and the Beast?
While there were quite a few times where I got lost and was distracted by the poetic and somewhat lyrical style of writing, I was hooked on this story and I can not wait for book two. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
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January 23, 2020BEAST IS LIVE!! Totally free on KU!!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2mdSD75
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Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2mdSD75
Universal: myBook.to/beastahatestory
September 3, 2020
tw: rape, humiliation, sextrafikking...
ugh. just no. i dnf this at 14% because i hated the "hero" he was just awful, mafia boss who did what he wanted, whenever he wanted and rape was one of them. The "heroine" apperaently couldn`t control her horny body around him, even though it was rape... it was just awful. He handles her like a slave, like nothing has no empathy and dose whatever pleases him.. just nope.
ugh. just no. i dnf this at 14% because i hated the "hero" he was just awful, mafia boss who did what he wanted, whenever he wanted and rape was one of them. The "heroine" apperaently couldn`t control her horny body around him, even though it was rape... it was just awful. He handles her like a slave, like nothing has no empathy and dose whatever pleases him.. just nope.
March 9, 2017
First of all, Big G is one of my new favorite authors.
So, little back story. I don't read a lot of dark romance, but when the opportunity came up to read this one, with a title like Beast, how could I say no? Besides, it features La Famiglia, and what kind of mafia lover would I be if I didn't take a moment to appreciate my favorite genre?
Let me tell you, there's something quite addicting about this story. It sucks you in, slowly feeds you the details, and immerses you in a story so rich that it's hard differentiating between real life and the story within the pages. I love books like this.
Anteros was everything I could have possibly wanted in a hero.
Charming.
A little (a lot) dark.
And straight alpha.
Don't let me forget the heroine though because I loved her too. I thought she was an excellent combination of vulnerable and strong. She didn't just roll over and accept her fate. There were layers to her, and to her relationship with Anteros that made for a compelling and gripping read.
I loved them together. Hands down.
All in all, Beast is a novel that will break you in the best way possible. Not only will it test what you think you might know about La Famiglia, you'll be happier for it.
And that ending? That ending was P H E N O M E N A L.
Now, Big G, if you could slide the next book to me, that'd be great, thanks!
So, little back story. I don't read a lot of dark romance, but when the opportunity came up to read this one, with a title like Beast, how could I say no? Besides, it features La Famiglia, and what kind of mafia lover would I be if I didn't take a moment to appreciate my favorite genre?
Let me tell you, there's something quite addicting about this story. It sucks you in, slowly feeds you the details, and immerses you in a story so rich that it's hard differentiating between real life and the story within the pages. I love books like this.
Anteros was everything I could have possibly wanted in a hero.
Charming.
A little (a lot) dark.
And straight alpha.
Don't let me forget the heroine though because I loved her too. I thought she was an excellent combination of vulnerable and strong. She didn't just roll over and accept her fate. There were layers to her, and to her relationship with Anteros that made for a compelling and gripping read.
I loved them together. Hands down.
All in all, Beast is a novel that will break you in the best way possible. Not only will it test what you think you might know about La Famiglia, you'll be happier for it.
And that ending? That ending was P H E N O M E N A L.
Now, Big G, if you could slide the next book to me, that'd be great, thanks!
March 12, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Author for an Honest Review***
Beast: A Hate Story, The Beginning by Mary Catherine Geghard is not your run of the mill love story. In fact it’s far from it!
I loved this book, I hated this book – it dragged out of me so many emotions that I wasn’t expecting and even when I didn’t think I could continue reading, I couldn’t put it down! It’s a dark story, one which features the deepest, darkest and shadiest dealings that comes with someone associated with the Mafia.
When Frankie offers her life to Beast, to settle her father’s debt, she never considered what her life would become. It was supposed to be a simple transaction, one that ensured the safety of her father’s life. I suppose you would read that and think it’s pretty straightforward. It’s not the first of those kinds of story lines to surface – but you would be wrong…….. very wrong.
There is nothing straightforward about Beast and Frankie’s story. There is a complexity to their characters that will force you to continue even if you don’t want to, just to know how it ends.
It’s not a book for everyone and at times had this girl frustrated, but I will be back for the next one.
You can count on that.
This is a four star read.
Beast: A Hate Story, The Beginning by Mary Catherine Geghard is not your run of the mill love story. In fact it’s far from it!
I loved this book, I hated this book – it dragged out of me so many emotions that I wasn’t expecting and even when I didn’t think I could continue reading, I couldn’t put it down! It’s a dark story, one which features the deepest, darkest and shadiest dealings that comes with someone associated with the Mafia.
When Frankie offers her life to Beast, to settle her father’s debt, she never considered what her life would become. It was supposed to be a simple transaction, one that ensured the safety of her father’s life. I suppose you would read that and think it’s pretty straightforward. It’s not the first of those kinds of story lines to surface – but you would be wrong…….. very wrong.
There is nothing straightforward about Beast and Frankie’s story. There is a complexity to their characters that will force you to continue even if you don’t want to, just to know how it ends.
It’s not a book for everyone and at times had this girl frustrated, but I will be back for the next one.
You can count on that.
This is a four star read.
March 14, 2017
Beast: A Hate Story, The beginning is the first book in The Hate Story Duet. It is a grown up fairytale of Beauty and the Beast set in a modern day mafia world. Frankie offers herself up as repayment for her father's debt and to save his life. Anteros, also known as Beast, accepts the deal but gets more than he had bargained for.
"She swallowed again and smacked his hand away. The Beast smiled, but only a fool would think it was anything other than chilling. The smile was lazy and crooked, his teeth pearly white. Something in that smile betrayed pure wickedness, an evil born and not begotten. “My life for his,” she repeated."
The writing was beautiful and the story was so engaging and pulled me right into this dark and evil world. The story seemed to drag along a bit in the middle with a little less to grab my attention, but wowed me with a cliffy that really left me hanging!!
3.5 Stars!
"She swallowed again and smacked his hand away. The Beast smiled, but only a fool would think it was anything other than chilling. The smile was lazy and crooked, his teeth pearly white. Something in that smile betrayed pure wickedness, an evil born and not begotten. “My life for his,” she repeated."
The writing was beautiful and the story was so engaging and pulled me right into this dark and evil world. The story seemed to drag along a bit in the middle with a little less to grab my attention, but wowed me with a cliffy that really left me hanging!!
3.5 Stars!
March 29, 2017
What a mind f#ck of a story. My head was spinning! Everytime I thought I knew what was going on NOPE I was wrong.
Italian mafia meets Beauty and the Beast. What a combo! it made for a very interesting and complicated story.
"Beast" was an inigma all of his own. I had whiplash keeping up with where his head was. But was completely fascinated by him.
Frankie was naive and innocent to his world but was pulled into it, No wait she was willingly taken captive. Gave herself to a monster!!
The saying a fine line between love and hate rang true throughout this book. I walked that line right with Frankie!
That ending OMG!
Where does this story go now? Talk about a game changer! We saw it coming but how is it going to play out? Wow!!!
Italian mafia meets Beauty and the Beast. What a combo! it made for a very interesting and complicated story.
"Beast" was an inigma all of his own. I had whiplash keeping up with where his head was. But was completely fascinated by him.
Frankie was naive and innocent to his world but was pulled into it, No wait she was willingly taken captive. Gave herself to a monster!!
The saying a fine line between love and hate rang true throughout this book. I walked that line right with Frankie!
That ending OMG!
Where does this story go now? Talk about a game changer! We saw it coming but how is it going to play out? Wow!!!
Read
March 14, 2017DNF
I got about halfway before I gave up.
I got about halfway before I gave up.
April 14, 2020
4✨
I found Beast: The Beginning on Kobo, originally, but I ended up buying both books on my Kindle as well. And man, was I glad that I did!
Anteros, or The Beast, as he is known to his friends and enemies alike, finds himself with Frankie after she sells herself to save her father's life. Newsflash: Her father or "Papa" as she refers to him, doesn't deserve it. He's a jerk. But Frankie is a white light in this dark world and The Beast makes her see that fairytales aren't real.
I loooooved Anteros and I don't really care what anyone says. He was a real jerk sometimes (okay, most of the time) but I mean... I liked it? And Frankie did too, so I guess I'm not alone. I love how Frankie digs her way into his heart but his feelings are a dangerous thing. His crew sees his affection for Frankie and Anteros knows - or he should know - that it will be used against him.
Gebhard's writing had me completely captivated and it was hard to put the book down. I actually enjoyed going from Frankie's POV to chapters about Anteros. Ultimately, I was super glad I picked this one up!
When he finished, he let go of me. I slumped to the floor, messy and crying. Violated. Satisfied. So, so satisfied. Before I had wondered if I was in heaven or hell. What a stupid question that was.
I found Beast: The Beginning on Kobo, originally, but I ended up buying both books on my Kindle as well. And man, was I glad that I did!
Anteros, or The Beast, as he is known to his friends and enemies alike, finds himself with Frankie after she sells herself to save her father's life. Newsflash: Her father or "Papa" as she refers to him, doesn't deserve it. He's a jerk. But Frankie is a white light in this dark world and The Beast makes her see that fairytales aren't real.
I loooooved Anteros and I don't really care what anyone says. He was a real jerk sometimes (okay, most of the time) but I mean... I liked it? And Frankie did too, so I guess I'm not alone. I love how Frankie digs her way into his heart but his feelings are a dangerous thing. His crew sees his affection for Frankie and Anteros knows - or he should know - that it will be used against him.
Gebhard's writing had me completely captivated and it was hard to put the book down. I actually enjoyed going from Frankie's POV to chapters about Anteros. Ultimately, I was super glad I picked this one up!
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