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Ever After #1
Beast
Wouldn't you give up everything for the one you love?
When Ellie's father is taken by a group of thugs planning to take his life in exchange for his debts, it’s no surprise she goes running straight into the beast’s lair. After all, Ellie Stevens has been her father’s keeper for as long as she can remember.
However, Ashland Titon isn’t a man of mercy. If you owe, you pay. End of story. His unrelenting control has built his empire, and he’s not going to give over that power now. But when Ellie charges into his life with her demands and possibilities of sweet surrender, her offer proves too tempting to pass up.
Yet there’s more at play here than just working off a debt. There are secrets buried in the shadows, and dangerous desires to be explored. While the two of them dance to an erotic beat, outside forces threaten Ashland's empire and Ellie must decide where her heart truly lies - and what she's truly willing to risk for love.
When Ellie's father is taken by a group of thugs planning to take his life in exchange for his debts, it’s no surprise she goes running straight into the beast’s lair. After all, Ellie Stevens has been her father’s keeper for as long as she can remember.
However, Ashland Titon isn’t a man of mercy. If you owe, you pay. End of story. His unrelenting control has built his empire, and he’s not going to give over that power now. But when Ellie charges into his life with her demands and possibilities of sweet surrender, her offer proves too tempting to pass up.
Yet there’s more at play here than just working off a debt. There are secrets buried in the shadows, and dangerous desires to be explored. While the two of them dance to an erotic beat, outside forces threaten Ashland's empire and Ellie must decide where her heart truly lies - and what she's truly willing to risk for love.
250 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2018
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March 2, 2018
MY REVIEW can also be found on my blog:
KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
BEAST: Is a full length stand alone romance novel by new to me author Measha Stone.
Arriving early morning to do her shift at the coffee shop her and her father own Ellie Stevens is filled with dread when she sees thugs demanding that he cough up the money owed today because Ellie Steven’s father is in debt due to another of his gambling habits to the sum of ‘One hundred and fifty thousand dollars’ to a mafia boss, Ashland Titon. Knowing he's unable to pay it he's dragged outside to an awaiting vehicle.
Later that day she does some background digging on the man Ashland Titon that is holding her father, newspaper clippings tie him to sex trafficking and loan sharking. She will do anything to see him, even if she sacrifices herself.
And that’s exactly what happened, like a lamb to the slaughter she bowled up to his establishment and demanded he let her father go and take her instead as payment to work in one of his many establishments he's known to run. He readily agrees to let her father go free as long as he seizes all communication with his daughter.
Don't think for one fucking second this has a happily ever after.
Because this is no fucking fairy tale.
Ash isn't too sure what to make of Ellie or what to really do with her, but the way she strode into his office demanding he do shit he wants to claim her as his. This goes beyond kinky, the floggings, his little plaything, all the lessons all made for one steamy assed read!!
You showed up here. And I accepted your offer, which means, you're mine. Everything about you, everything you think, everything you do, what you wear, what you eat, is all my business.
Wow what a crazy hot little number this one was, Beast exceeded all my expectations, I wouldn't pin this as a dark read but is loosely connected to an all time favourite fairy tale 'Beauty and the Beast' though an adult version. Once I started this I couldn't put it down, the flow of the story is seamless and the writing style is faultless, I loved these two characters, they were just perfect together..
February 28, 2018
~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~It's not often I get to sneak a non ARC book into my reading schedule but I just knew that I needed to give this one a read. It sounded like a book that would be RIGHT up my alley, and it WAS. It was very well written. The pace was perfect. The plot was engaging and kept me interested throughout. Lasy, it was all wrapped up in an OK ending. I would have liked to have seen an epilogue that gave us a peek at this couple in the future, but maybe there are more books coming and we will see them again in those.
~HERO~
ASH...I liked him. He was sexy. He was scarred. He was tortured. He was alpha. He knew his way around some discipline. He was pretty much all in with Ellie from the start. I would have liked to have seen maybe a bit more softness towards Ellie. Their sex scenes were all very strict and hard. So I found his sudden declaration that he loved her a bit hard to swallow. But overall he was a good hero.
~HEROINE~
ELLIE...I liked her just as much as Ash. She was sweet. Maybe a little naive and a little too accepting of everything Ash was doing to her straight out of the gate. But that didn't annoy me too much. She was an enjoyable heroine.
~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
There were a couple interesting secondary characters in this one. I am hoping that Peter gets his own book as he intrigued me a lot. Danny as well. Those two are really the only ones that play any significant role in the book.
~HEAT LEVEL~
High. The sex scenes in this one were smokin' hot and plentiful. A lot of Dom/sub interactions. Spanking. Belt use. That type of thing. The couple had good on page chemistry as well.
~ANGST LEVEL~
Low. I didn't find this one particularly angsty. There are a few bumps in the road (mostly near the end) but nothing over the top. There is no OW or OM drama either. Neither were virgins and the past sex life talk is kept to a minimum.
~IN THE END~
I enjoyed it a lot and I hope this author plans to write more books featuring these characters in the future. Therefore yours truly is going to give this one two solid thumbs up.
March 5, 2018
2.5*
I have mixed feelings on this one.
Ellie’s father is a compulsive gambler and he’s up to his eyes in debt he can’t pay. He owes money to The Beast, Ashland Titon and one day his men come and take him away. Ellie follows and offers herself as payment for her father’s debt.
“You have no idea what you’re offering me.” The warning sang clear in his tone.
“I’ll work off his debt. Take my life for his.”
So far so good although I’m not a massive fan of the martyr complex.
The problem is Ellie then refuses to eat and Ash walks in on her knotting bedsheets together to escape. And this was the start of my problems. Ash is supposed to be ruthless, she’s traded herself yet she’s trying to escape.
What does she think will happen if she did escape?
Do you think maybe Ash would go and collect her father again?
They’re not free to up and run even if they could since they own a coffee shop.
Ellie is naive to say to least. She doesn’t do as she’s instructed and puts herself and everyone else in danger.
This is also a bdsm book which I didn’t realise. Not that I have a problem with that it was just unexpected.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and it wasn’t all bad there’s a couple of little twists later on and I liked both Ash and Peter. Ellie was just a little too naive verging on stupid at times.
I have mixed feelings on this one.
Ellie’s father is a compulsive gambler and he’s up to his eyes in debt he can’t pay. He owes money to The Beast, Ashland Titon and one day his men come and take him away. Ellie follows and offers herself as payment for her father’s debt.
“You have no idea what you’re offering me.” The warning sang clear in his tone.
“I’ll work off his debt. Take my life for his.”
So far so good although I’m not a massive fan of the martyr complex.
The problem is Ellie then refuses to eat and Ash walks in on her knotting bedsheets together to escape. And this was the start of my problems. Ash is supposed to be ruthless, she’s traded herself yet she’s trying to escape.
What does she think will happen if she did escape?
Do you think maybe Ash would go and collect her father again?
They’re not free to up and run even if they could since they own a coffee shop.
Ellie is naive to say to least. She doesn’t do as she’s instructed and puts herself and everyone else in danger.
This is also a bdsm book which I didn’t realise. Not that I have a problem with that it was just unexpected.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and it wasn’t all bad there’s a couple of little twists later on and I liked both Ash and Peter. Ellie was just a little too naive verging on stupid at times.
March 1, 2018
1.5 stars (just because it was kinda safe)
This is just based on my opinion so don't come at me with some shit such as "you don't understand how that lifestyle works" or some bullshit like that; maybe I don't understand bdsm, why bitch? Because I don't think being "punished" with every damn kind of stick there is until you are in tears, is a turn on (at least not for me).
I understand there are people who get turned on by pain or whatever, and I understand that "most" of the times, it is foreplay, but girl if there is some guy being like "you talked, you deserve to have your ass whipped until your damn cheeks are bleeding and you are in tears" or "you moved, I'm gonna humiliate you in front of everyone and I won't give a fuck about your dignity or self respect because I get pleasure from it so fuck your wishes and your decisions" then call me a damn prude bitch because I will be wearing a tattoo with that shit all over my body if it means I'm not a damn masochist or submissive bitch who can't even talk just because a man said so and gets turned on by seeing me like a damn puppet.
Now, I get the majority of books that are called "dark", have a bdsm element, I don't mind that, as long as the h gets some say on it and knows her limits. I've read dark shit and let me tell you, there are some books that are on the same category, but the characters ain't fucking every damn 2 pages. I'm not just talking about this book, I'm talking in general, so don't come and hate on me and misunderstand my point here.
This is the shit I can't deal with bdsm. Almost every book with this element make it seem that the only thing the h and the H have in common is sexual attraction. I know, I know, every romance/erotic book has that. But when there is no deeper connection other than that, and after some fucks and bjs, and humiliation, the H and the h are "in love with each other", well that just seems so fucking unlikely and imo, is not a turn on.
This is why I struggle with most bdsm books. There isn't real emotion, except when they are having sex. This usually contains some weak h trying to act "tough" but when she sees the H, all her "toughness" and "personality" go skidaddle (including her panties and self-everything). And it usually includes the H bragging how many women he's had, and how skilled he is, and how he's done the same shit he's doing to the h, with other women.
So this book includes almost everything I just mentioned, oh wait. It also includes the H fingering the h in front of her father after she offered herself to him as a payment because she didn't want her father harmed (knowing he owns sex clubs and shit), so when a h from some book goes like "I don't know what to expect", I'm like "bitch he owns sex clubs and he's well known for "dark shit", so the fuck you think you gonna do? Walk the damn dogs?". And it also comes the unnecessary mention of some other woman, who is not explained or mentioned again except for once, and that one time, is just to show you how the h "feels" something for the H, and what's that "something"... DING DING DING, yes, jealousy people, the h, after going through Stockholm syndrome, feels jealousy because the woman the H is walking with is "supposed" to be a fuck-buddy or a girlfriend, but why add this tho? If the author isn't gonna explain who the fuck is the other woman, then what's the purpose?
And what happens at the end? The H keeps his lifestyle and what does the h do? Submit to all of this because she is just so "in love" with him that she loves the same shit he does, why? Because the H told her some sad story about his past and this weak bitch feels bad for him so she excuses him for all the shit he's done to her and finds it normal.
Once again, I don't judge bdsm, I don't judge the people who write it or read it, I just don't enjoy it because of the things I mentioned. I hate when the h is weak; I hate when some man tells a woman what to do and she is wet the whole damn time and tries to act tough even tho she ain't, and I just hate when the H is such a damn cocky bastard who doesn't respect his woman and treats others better than her and humiliates her every chance he gets.
This is just based on my opinion so don't come at me with some shit such as "you don't understand how that lifestyle works" or some bullshit like that; maybe I don't understand bdsm, why bitch? Because I don't think being "punished" with every damn kind of stick there is until you are in tears, is a turn on (at least not for me).
I understand there are people who get turned on by pain or whatever, and I understand that "most" of the times, it is foreplay, but girl if there is some guy being like "you talked, you deserve to have your ass whipped until your damn cheeks are bleeding and you are in tears" or "you moved, I'm gonna humiliate you in front of everyone and I won't give a fuck about your dignity or self respect because I get pleasure from it so fuck your wishes and your decisions" then call me a damn prude bitch because I will be wearing a tattoo with that shit all over my body if it means I'm not a damn masochist or submissive bitch who can't even talk just because a man said so and gets turned on by seeing me like a damn puppet.
Now, I get the majority of books that are called "dark", have a bdsm element, I don't mind that, as long as the h gets some say on it and knows her limits. I've read dark shit and let me tell you, there are some books that are on the same category, but the characters ain't fucking every damn 2 pages. I'm not just talking about this book, I'm talking in general, so don't come and hate on me and misunderstand my point here.
This is the shit I can't deal with bdsm. Almost every book with this element make it seem that the only thing the h and the H have in common is sexual attraction. I know, I know, every romance/erotic book has that. But when there is no deeper connection other than that, and after some fucks and bjs, and humiliation, the H and the h are "in love with each other", well that just seems so fucking unlikely and imo, is not a turn on.
This is why I struggle with most bdsm books. There isn't real emotion, except when they are having sex. This usually contains some weak h trying to act "tough" but when she sees the H, all her "toughness" and "personality" go skidaddle (including her panties and self-everything). And it usually includes the H bragging how many women he's had, and how skilled he is, and how he's done the same shit he's doing to the h, with other women.
So this book includes almost everything I just mentioned, oh wait. It also includes the H fingering the h in front of her father after she offered herself to him as a payment because she didn't want her father harmed (knowing he owns sex clubs and shit), so when a h from some book goes like "I don't know what to expect", I'm like "bitch he owns sex clubs and he's well known for "dark shit", so the fuck you think you gonna do? Walk the damn dogs?". And it also comes the unnecessary mention of some other woman, who is not explained or mentioned again except for once, and that one time, is just to show you how the h "feels" something for the H, and what's that "something"... DING DING DING, yes, jealousy people, the h, after going through Stockholm syndrome, feels jealousy because the woman the H is walking with is "supposed" to be a fuck-buddy or a girlfriend, but why add this tho? If the author isn't gonna explain who the fuck is the other woman, then what's the purpose?
And what happens at the end? The H keeps his lifestyle and what does the h do? Submit to all of this because she is just so "in love" with him that she loves the same shit he does, why? Because the H told her some sad story about his past and this weak bitch feels bad for him so she excuses him for all the shit he's done to her and finds it normal.
Once again, I don't judge bdsm, I don't judge the people who write it or read it, I just don't enjoy it because of the things I mentioned. I hate when the h is weak; I hate when some man tells a woman what to do and she is wet the whole damn time and tries to act tough even tho she ain't, and I just hate when the H is such a damn cocky bastard who doesn't respect his woman and treats others better than her and humiliates her every chance he gets.
March 16, 2018
4 Hot Hot Hot Stars
So I was in an erotica mood (don’t lie you get into them too) so I found this book one of the lists. I liked the cover and it has a loose Beauty and the Beast theme to it. Plus, it’s on Kindle Unlimited so why not?
Beast met my expectations and more. It’s a smutty book, but it’s a full length novel with a good storyline. It had everything I wanted in a cheesy romance novel. There’s a damsel, there’s a brute of a Hero and plenty of steam!
Ellie’s father owes money to Ash and Ash is going to kill Ellie’s father. Unless Ellie can get Ash to let her father go. Why doesn’t she just trade herself instead? And she does. Ahhh… the feels this one gave me. It’s a cute book with slightly dark undertones. Not dark, just a serious book.
Few things I loved about this book. The writing style! Most of the book is dialogue based and it was really fast and the pace was perfect. When you start the book, it’s like bam, we get into the heart of the story, no fillers in this one!
I love the tension and chemistry between Ash and Ellie. There’s not insta-love, just a lot of insta-lust and thank you please. Ash doesn’t know what he wants to do with Ellie, but he does know he wants her as his play thing. I liked that Ellie stands up to Ash and it provides great tension between the two of them.
My only problem is that the author doesn’t many of her books on Kindle Unlimited. Gah! Why? I’ll just have to wait for the next book in the series. But I think I found a new author to add to my smutty read list.
So I was in an erotica mood (don’t lie you get into them too) so I found this book one of the lists. I liked the cover and it has a loose Beauty and the Beast theme to it. Plus, it’s on Kindle Unlimited so why not?
Beast met my expectations and more. It’s a smutty book, but it’s a full length novel with a good storyline. It had everything I wanted in a cheesy romance novel. There’s a damsel, there’s a brute of a Hero and plenty of steam!
Ellie’s father owes money to Ash and Ash is going to kill Ellie’s father. Unless Ellie can get Ash to let her father go. Why doesn’t she just trade herself instead? And she does. Ahhh… the feels this one gave me. It’s a cute book with slightly dark undertones. Not dark, just a serious book.
Few things I loved about this book. The writing style! Most of the book is dialogue based and it was really fast and the pace was perfect. When you start the book, it’s like bam, we get into the heart of the story, no fillers in this one!
I love the tension and chemistry between Ash and Ellie. There’s not insta-love, just a lot of insta-lust and thank you please. Ash doesn’t know what he wants to do with Ellie, but he does know he wants her as his play thing. I liked that Ellie stands up to Ash and it provides great tension between the two of them.
My only problem is that the author doesn’t many of her books on Kindle Unlimited. Gah! Why? I’ll just have to wait for the next book in the series. But I think I found a new author to add to my smutty read list.
August 9, 2021
DNF
Beast is bad. The plot, the writing, the character development, the chemistry. Everything is bad.
Miss Stone is a new author for me. I was looking forward for this book since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite romance. But well... I am disappointed.
2 stars
Beast is bad. The plot, the writing, the character development, the chemistry. Everything is bad.
Miss Stone is a new author for me. I was looking forward for this book since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite romance. But well... I am disappointed.
2 stars
December 9, 2018
3.5 STARS!
I'm a total sucker for fairy tale re-tellings, especially if they're smutty. :D And I thought the author did a decent job here. Even though I've found this author's writing too violent for me in the past, that wasn't the case with this one. I'll definitely get to book 2 in the series sooner rather than later.
I'm a total sucker for fairy tale re-tellings, especially if they're smutty. :D And I thought the author did a decent job here. Even though I've found this author's writing too violent for me in the past, that wasn't the case with this one. I'll definitely get to book 2 in the series sooner rather than later.
February 14, 2021
3.5 stars
I don't read many fairy - tale retellings so I don't have much to base that on, but I did enjoy the story for the most part.
Ash and Ellie meet under the worse of circumstances. Ellie's father owns Ash a monetary debt, isn't able to pay it so sweet and selfless Ellie offers herself up as payment to said debt.
Ellie moves in to the mansion, but isn't really an employee of Ash's. She just is a woman who lives in his home. He wants her though... just for himself.
In doing he helps broaden her desires and shows her just how pleasurable PAIN and pleasure can be if done properly. He is gentle in the least and sometimes he is aggressive, but Ellie's body always enjoyed it. I wonder why he never offered her a way out, incase something went entirely too far. Essentially she was at his beck and call. Not really a prisoner, but she was for sure caged.
Loathing eventually turned into lust. They had really good chemistry and the sexy scenes were so HOT! Once the denial of falling for each other was set aside, they could really be free with each other. Ash more so. He was holding back so much from her, feelings wise.
I wish there was more an epilogue though. The ending was pretty abrupt for me. I like endings that are in a gift box tied up with a perfect bow lol.
I might move on to book 2 at some point. Was intrigued by Peter in this book and want to how to reacts around a woman he has feelings for.
I don't read many fairy - tale retellings so I don't have much to base that on, but I did enjoy the story for the most part.
Ash and Ellie meet under the worse of circumstances. Ellie's father owns Ash a monetary debt, isn't able to pay it so sweet and selfless Ellie offers herself up as payment to said debt.
Ellie moves in to the mansion, but isn't really an employee of Ash's. She just is a woman who lives in his home. He wants her though... just for himself.
In doing he helps broaden her desires and shows her just how pleasurable PAIN and pleasure can be if done properly. He is gentle in the least and sometimes he is aggressive, but Ellie's body always enjoyed it. I wonder why he never offered her a way out, incase something went entirely too far. Essentially she was at his beck and call. Not really a prisoner, but she was for sure caged.
Loathing eventually turned into lust. They had really good chemistry and the sexy scenes were so HOT! Once the denial of falling for each other was set aside, they could really be free with each other. Ash more so. He was holding back so much from her, feelings wise.
I wish there was more an epilogue though. The ending was pretty abrupt for me. I like endings that are in a gift box tied up with a perfect bow lol.
I might move on to book 2 at some point. Was intrigued by Peter in this book and want to how to reacts around a woman he has feelings for.
February 3, 2020
Jesus. This book included BDSM and last time I checked, it should almost always include a safe word. Not once have I seen the two characters discuss limits and it was just Ash punishing Ellie whenever he felt like she was wrong. Soon Ellie submitted to some eerily close to Stockholm syndrome and kept thinking it was her fault she made him mad and she needed to be humiliated and hurt for it. I was cringing the whole time whenever I read parts where she sobbed over the pain from the paddling. I just...No. Ash is an abusive sick character and I don't believe the love one bit because all they did was bicker and have sex to make up for it
January 2, 2019
I picked this up because it was marketed as a Beauty and the Beast retelling and I love those. Also it was discounted or free on Amazon at the time and between the title (which on Amazon includes A Dark Beauty and the Beast Retelling) and that cover it was way too tempting not to click on the buy button.
I went in blind not having a clue about the setting, I didn't even know if it's contemporary or some sort of fantasy. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that it features one of my favourite tropes -the girl paying her father/brother/boyfriend dept with her body. It's a guilty pleasure of mine but damn I love it and it took me an embarrassing amount of time to figure out why this particular scenario always appealed to me. But than again in my teen years I was not so prone to analyzing my psyche and finding the hidden connections. It was after I was in my mid twenties when I finally connected the love of this particular scenario with my favourite fairy tale.
If you're familiar with this trope you won't find any surprises. I won't go into trying to figure out if Ellie truly loves Ash by the end or it's just a form of Stockholm Syndrome. I choose to believe the truth is somewhere in the middle. I want to talk about Ash and why this wasn't as creepy cringey as most of these books usually are.
Most of the dark romance novels make me want to kill one of both main characters because while I might have some submissive tendencies myself I go into a rage over rape and most of the standard BS of the genre. After all I have my pride and most often than not when reading one of those books I end up thinking that I would kill myself rather than let that overconfident jerk order me around. Dammit I would do it just to deny him his fucking prize. But I digress. Ash coerced Ellie, there's no going around that fact. But she had a choice. In each moment she could walk away and let her worthless father reap what he sowed. In fact I was a bit annoyed when she kept forgetting that little fact and acted childish in the beginning. Ash didn't force her and if this was real world she would have ended up gang raped at best and gang raped and sold into slavery (possibly killed) at worst. He provided everything she needed except contact with her father. Which ended up to be for her own sake as he proved to be an even bigger piece of shit than I thought.
It was Ash's change in thinking that was most fascinating. I loved how much he struggled with accepting his own feelings. It was this slow realization that loving doesn't make you weak that really made this stand out for me. Yes, he was a jerk and his behavior frustrated me to no end at times but he has his own set of morals and he sticks to them. He provides a safe environment, frees her from the biggest stress factor - her father, his gambling and lies. What I liked from the start about Ash is that it was in his interest to simply take Ellie as a form of payment from her father as she would have been able to make him the money her old man owed him, one way or another. However, he had no intention of doing that and if she hadn't offered herself he would have simply ridden the world of one human waste of space.
I know it all sounds as if I'm rationalizing things and looking for a reason to like an asshole. However, I'm aware that he's not the good guy and that what he did was wrong. I'm just saying that he didn't abuse her when he could have and instead let her spread her wings in ways she never expected to be able. Some of the things he did are still a form of rape but she could have walked away. There would have been consequences but knowing what I know about her father I can't help but feel that either way she would have won.
There are elements of BDSM in this book. And those scenes were pretty hot and really graphic. I liked that there was a good balance between the sex and the plot, which isn't usually the case with a first in a series book.
I went in blind not having a clue about the setting, I didn't even know if it's contemporary or some sort of fantasy. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that it features one of my favourite tropes -the girl paying her father/brother/boyfriend dept with her body. It's a guilty pleasure of mine but damn I love it and it took me an embarrassing amount of time to figure out why this particular scenario always appealed to me. But than again in my teen years I was not so prone to analyzing my psyche and finding the hidden connections. It was after I was in my mid twenties when I finally connected the love of this particular scenario with my favourite fairy tale.
If you're familiar with this trope you won't find any surprises. I won't go into trying to figure out if Ellie truly loves Ash by the end or it's just a form of Stockholm Syndrome. I choose to believe the truth is somewhere in the middle. I want to talk about Ash and why this wasn't as creepy cringey as most of these books usually are.
Most of the dark romance novels make me want to kill one of both main characters because while I might have some submissive tendencies myself I go into a rage over rape and most of the standard BS of the genre. After all I have my pride and most often than not when reading one of those books I end up thinking that I would kill myself rather than let that overconfident jerk order me around. Dammit I would do it just to deny him his fucking prize. But I digress. Ash coerced Ellie, there's no going around that fact. But she had a choice. In each moment she could walk away and let her worthless father reap what he sowed. In fact I was a bit annoyed when she kept forgetting that little fact and acted childish in the beginning. Ash didn't force her and if this was real world she would have ended up gang raped at best and gang raped and sold into slavery (possibly killed) at worst. He provided everything she needed except contact with her father. Which ended up to be for her own sake as he proved to be an even bigger piece of shit than I thought.
It was Ash's change in thinking that was most fascinating. I loved how much he struggled with accepting his own feelings. It was this slow realization that loving doesn't make you weak that really made this stand out for me. Yes, he was a jerk and his behavior frustrated me to no end at times but he has his own set of morals and he sticks to them. He provides a safe environment, frees her from the biggest stress factor - her father, his gambling and lies. What I liked from the start about Ash is that it was in his interest to simply take Ellie as a form of payment from her father as she would have been able to make him the money her old man owed him, one way or another. However, he had no intention of doing that and if she hadn't offered herself he would have simply ridden the world of one human waste of space.
I know it all sounds as if I'm rationalizing things and looking for a reason to like an asshole. However, I'm aware that he's not the good guy and that what he did was wrong. I'm just saying that he didn't abuse her when he could have and instead let her spread her wings in ways she never expected to be able. Some of the things he did are still a form of rape but she could have walked away. There would have been consequences but knowing what I know about her father I can't help but feel that either way she would have won.
There are elements of BDSM in this book. And those scenes were pretty hot and really graphic. I liked that there was a good balance between the sex and the plot, which isn't usually the case with a first in a series book.
March 5, 2018
Beast is a tough read. I struggled to get through this rendition. I’ve read quite a few renditions of this classic and this is definitely my least favorite.
This story lacked pop and wow factor. The heroine played the ditzy heroine with zero pride to the hilt. She should have had some type of backbone dealing with Ash. He played her so well it became a chore to read the scenes. The sex scenes are decent. However, the scenes outside the bedroom are in desperate need of attention. The heroine should be developed more. Surely she can be more than a vessel for release. I’ve read Erotica hundreds of time and it can be written with purpose. I’m unable to understand why the heroine is portrayed so dismally.
This story needs quite a bit of work. My honest rating is 1.5 to 2 stars.
Disclaimer: This review is my personal opinion of this story. As usual my personal opinion should have ZERO influence on your experience with the story. With that being said, read, enjoy, and leave a review!
This story lacked pop and wow factor. The heroine played the ditzy heroine with zero pride to the hilt. She should have had some type of backbone dealing with Ash. He played her so well it became a chore to read the scenes. The sex scenes are decent. However, the scenes outside the bedroom are in desperate need of attention. The heroine should be developed more. Surely she can be more than a vessel for release. I’ve read Erotica hundreds of time and it can be written with purpose. I’m unable to understand why the heroine is portrayed so dismally.
This story needs quite a bit of work. My honest rating is 1.5 to 2 stars.
Disclaimer: This review is my personal opinion of this story. As usual my personal opinion should have ZERO influence on your experience with the story. With that being said, read, enjoy, and leave a review!
March 10, 2018
Beast is a well written, slightly Dark book which also have some BDSM flavor to it.
Because of gambling debt Beast is about to kill heroine Ellie’s father when she rushes in and offer herself to him. A life for another life. The story goes on from there. I didn’t like the first half of the book. Especially the intimate scenes and her punishment scenes. But from second half it became interesting and towards the end the twists and revelations were also interesting. I liked the hero’s jealousy and how his men became fond of her in the end. Beast was a total alpha. Heroine also had strength and she constantly disobeyed him and pushed him. Which was refreshing.The ending was good. And no OM/OW drama which I was grateful. As i said the book is well written so the problem is with me.
Because of gambling debt Beast is about to kill heroine Ellie’s father when she rushes in and offer herself to him. A life for another life. The story goes on from there. I didn’t like the first half of the book. Especially the intimate scenes and her punishment scenes. But from second half it became interesting and towards the end the twists and revelations were also interesting. I liked the hero’s jealousy and how his men became fond of her in the end. Beast was a total alpha. Heroine also had strength and she constantly disobeyed him and pushed him. Which was refreshing.The ending was good. And no OM/OW drama which I was grateful. As i said the book is well written so the problem is with me.
March 5, 2018
Beast is my first Measha Stone book, and I’ll certainly be back for more. Although this is not quite a full four-star rating, I was addicted and I need more.
Beauty and the Beast retellings are some of my favourites, and I especially love the trend of BDSM Beauty and the Beast stories. I should be bored of them by now, having read so many, and yet I continue to dive into every possible tale. It’s a drug, and I cannot get enough. Thus, it should come as no surprise to find out Beast was on my radar instantly.
It starts out the way every good Beauty and the Beast retelling starts out – with our leading lady putting herself on the line for someone she loves. We all know how it is going to start – hell, we all know how it is going to end – yet it is the story of how things play out that makes these books so interesting.
I’ll be honest, this is not my favourite story of the genre. I recently read one that blew my mind, though, so I may be slightly bias. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read. It had all you would expect from such a read, and I was sucked into the story.
Honestly, this one was so addictive. I was turning page after page, waiting for all the information to come together. Although some elements were a bit on the predictable side, there were some nice surprises thrown in to keep us on our toes. In fact, surprises thrown in at the end really gripped me – I wasn’t expecting things to play out in quite the way it did. The situation, sure, but not the specifics of how everything came together.
Without a doubt, fans of the genre should dive straight into this one.
Beauty and the Beast retellings are some of my favourites, and I especially love the trend of BDSM Beauty and the Beast stories. I should be bored of them by now, having read so many, and yet I continue to dive into every possible tale. It’s a drug, and I cannot get enough. Thus, it should come as no surprise to find out Beast was on my radar instantly.
It starts out the way every good Beauty and the Beast retelling starts out – with our leading lady putting herself on the line for someone she loves. We all know how it is going to start – hell, we all know how it is going to end – yet it is the story of how things play out that makes these books so interesting.
I’ll be honest, this is not my favourite story of the genre. I recently read one that blew my mind, though, so I may be slightly bias. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read. It had all you would expect from such a read, and I was sucked into the story.
Honestly, this one was so addictive. I was turning page after page, waiting for all the information to come together. Although some elements were a bit on the predictable side, there were some nice surprises thrown in to keep us on our toes. In fact, surprises thrown in at the end really gripped me – I wasn’t expecting things to play out in quite the way it did. The situation, sure, but not the specifics of how everything came together.
Without a doubt, fans of the genre should dive straight into this one.
July 7, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Measha Stone, I have gotten a taste of her work before in the BLACK LIGHT Anthologies but this is the first standalone and WOW what a one to start with. This book had everything I hope for in a darker read and the narration really pulled me into the story.
We start off with Ellie's father being beaten and taken away to be dealt with after borrowing money and not paying it back, you see Ellie's father has a bad gambling habit and she is constantly bailing him out only this time he might just pay with his life. But here's the kicker Ellie decides to go straight to the source "The Beast" and talk to Ashland Titon himself, after all he's the one her father owes the money too. Only he owes so much that Ellie has no choice but to sacrifice her life for her fathers, and boy oh boy do things get interesting from here.
You can read my full review along with an Author Q&A here - https://bit.ly/NBReviewBeast
**I OWN a Kindle copy of this book but I have voluntarily reviewed an Audiobook of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
We start off with Ellie's father being beaten and taken away to be dealt with after borrowing money and not paying it back, you see Ellie's father has a bad gambling habit and she is constantly bailing him out only this time he might just pay with his life. But here's the kicker Ellie decides to go straight to the source "The Beast" and talk to Ashland Titon himself, after all he's the one her father owes the money too. Only he owes so much that Ellie has no choice but to sacrifice her life for her fathers, and boy oh boy do things get interesting from here.
You can read my full review along with an Author Q&A here - https://bit.ly/NBReviewBeast
**I OWN a Kindle copy of this book but I have voluntarily reviewed an Audiobook of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
February 4, 2022
Style: Dark Romance
Story: 4/5
Sexual: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD (BDSM)
Enjoyment: 4/5
Series: Book 1
Most readers have their specific type of books that they enjoy. This would need to be your type to enjoy this particular book.
This was definitely a very dark telling of Beauty and the Beast, in the form of dominance BDSM. I was captivated by the story and the growing relationship between Ellie and Ash. Ellie is very defiant while Ash tries to gain dominance over her as this was really a tug of war pull and push. Not your typical romance, but that’s what makes it different.
Note that this is dark and maybe a trigger for some with degrading, beating and BDSM contents. As noted above, most readers have their specific type of books that they enjoy. This would need to be your type to enjoy this particular book. Doesn’t mean I condone it, but it’s no different from reading a fiction work of a killer/serial killer.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life, its definitely about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the stories you read. I hope this review was helpful.
Story: 4/5
Sexual: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD (BDSM)
Enjoyment: 4/5
Series: Book 1
Most readers have their specific type of books that they enjoy. This would need to be your type to enjoy this particular book.
This was definitely a very dark telling of Beauty and the Beast, in the form of dominance BDSM. I was captivated by the story and the growing relationship between Ellie and Ash. Ellie is very defiant while Ash tries to gain dominance over her as this was really a tug of war pull and push. Not your typical romance, but that’s what makes it different.
Note that this is dark and maybe a trigger for some with degrading, beating and BDSM contents. As noted above, most readers have their specific type of books that they enjoy. This would need to be your type to enjoy this particular book. Doesn’t mean I condone it, but it’s no different from reading a fiction work of a killer/serial killer.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life, its definitely about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the stories you read. I hope this review was helpful.
November 4, 2020
Who was the Beast?
3.5
Ellie may have been the beauty but she was really naive as to what was going on around her. She was mired in crap and seemed to be clueless about many things.
Ash was definitely the opposite. He controlled most of the things in his sphere. He has power, money and he exercised it with confidence. I enjoyed the hero so much because he was hard, ruthless but fair in his dealings. He was upfront but he wasn’t someone to be trifled with.
Ellie was a good match because she brought out more of his protective side. They were hot together but I wanted to know more about Ellie before Ash. This was a good take on the fairy tale and it was well done
3.5
Ellie may have been the beauty but she was really naive as to what was going on around her. She was mired in crap and seemed to be clueless about many things.
Ash was definitely the opposite. He controlled most of the things in his sphere. He has power, money and he exercised it with confidence. I enjoyed the hero so much because he was hard, ruthless but fair in his dealings. He was upfront but he wasn’t someone to be trifled with.
Ellie was a good match because she brought out more of his protective side. They were hot together but I wanted to know more about Ellie before Ash. This was a good take on the fairy tale and it was well done
February 8, 2021
3 Kinky Fairytale Stars
I do love dark twisted fairytale’s, (FT) but I also need either a little plot, or less than 200 pages if it’s only smut…. I know, I’m hard to please. Beast is an adult FT that follows Ashland Titon, a scarred crime boss, and Ellie Stevens a gal trying to save her dad. The book starts with her offering herself in place of her loser father.
There is a little bit going on with a rival gang, but the majority of the page-time is dedicated to sex. There’s a smidge of kink, (BDSM) but it’s mostly spanking. There’s also some captive/captor stuff, but she did volunteer to make the swap, so everything reads as consensual…except maybe some of the punishment spanking.
Bottom Line- It was ok, but not really where my head is at the moment. I finished, but won’t be continuing the series. (which is all on KU) I recommend to readers looking for a smutty re-telling with some kink. There’s no OW/OM drama. The writing is pretty good with a few grammar/info detail errors.
I do love dark twisted fairytale’s, (FT) but I also need either a little plot, or less than 200 pages if it’s only smut…. I know, I’m hard to please. Beast is an adult FT that follows Ashland Titon, a scarred crime boss, and Ellie Stevens a gal trying to save her dad. The book starts with her offering herself in place of her loser father.
There is a little bit going on with a rival gang, but the majority of the page-time is dedicated to sex. There’s a smidge of kink, (BDSM) but it’s mostly spanking. There’s also some captive/captor stuff, but she did volunteer to make the swap, so everything reads as consensual…except maybe some of the punishment spanking.
Bottom Line- It was ok, but not really where my head is at the moment. I finished, but won’t be continuing the series. (which is all on KU) I recommend to readers looking for a smutty re-telling with some kink. There’s no OW/OM drama. The writing is pretty good with a few grammar/info detail errors.
December 29, 2018
A walk on the dark side…
When Ellie’s father gets into another financial jam, she is there to fix it yet again. Working off his debt though was going to take her on a journey of self-discovery and passion with the unlikeliest of men… Ash was a man who lived and worked on the wrong side, and he was comfortable with that. He was clear, mostly fair, and anyone who dealt with him knew his world was black and white. If you borrowed, you paid. One way or the other…
Uncomfortable doesn’t begin to describe how Ellie and Ash start out. One held all the cards and the other didn’t know how to play. Or did she? Ellie may not be worldly but she knew the score. When Ash laid it out for her, she surprisingly was open to everything he offered. And expected. The passion they found carried them through the betrayal to follow…
Passionate and on the dark side, this was my first read from this author and definitely not my last! ~Diane, 3.5 stars
When Ellie’s father gets into another financial jam, she is there to fix it yet again. Working off his debt though was going to take her on a journey of self-discovery and passion with the unlikeliest of men… Ash was a man who lived and worked on the wrong side, and he was comfortable with that. He was clear, mostly fair, and anyone who dealt with him knew his world was black and white. If you borrowed, you paid. One way or the other…
Uncomfortable doesn’t begin to describe how Ellie and Ash start out. One held all the cards and the other didn’t know how to play. Or did she? Ellie may not be worldly but she knew the score. When Ash laid it out for her, she surprisingly was open to everything he offered. And expected. The passion they found carried them through the betrayal to follow…
Passionate and on the dark side, this was my first read from this author and definitely not my last! ~Diane, 3.5 stars
March 17, 2018
Anyone who peruses my GR shelves can clearly see that I'm a fan of erotic stories. All sorts. And I have to say that a dirty, kinky, mafia themed, fairytale retelling makes me happier than a pig in slop. I've always sort of fancied myself as Belle, so the Beauty and the Beast story base set me on a very happy path. I had a lot of fun reading this book. This is my first time reading this authors work, and I will certainly be reading more in the future.
December 19, 2018
⭐¨) ¸.•⭐'¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`
❤~🌟~❤ 4.5 DARK AND DELICIOUSLY BEASTLY STARS! ❤~🌟~❤
No one touches what’s mine, Ellie. And, make no mistake, you are mine.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this dark Beauty and the Beast retelling by Measha Stone! This first stand-alone installment in her Ever After series hooked me from page one and I could not bear to put it down!!
Swooooon!!!! Ashland was the PERFECT beast! Big, broody, formidable and ferociously dominant, he left me all aquiver! And the way he commanded every room he entered, demanded complete obedience and masterfully wielded that flogger when his girl was naughty was panty melting hot! But beneath Ash’s cold, cruel, beastly exterior beat a heart that throbbed for his sweet and feisty Ellie!
And I adored this heroine just as much! Ellie gave as good as she got and I relished how she stood up to her beast yet also submitted so beautifully!
Ultimately, I loved the evolution of this dark fairytale and it had the perfect blend of breathtaking romance, blistering emotion, torrid bdsm interludes and pulse pounding suspense! And the HEA made me all warm and glowy inside!
This was my first book by the talented Measha Stone but will not be my last! I look forward to diving into Peter’s story next in TOWER!
(¸.•´ (¸.•`
❤~🌟~❤ 4.5 DARK AND DELICIOUSLY BEASTLY STARS! ❤~🌟~❤
No one touches what’s mine, Ellie. And, make no mistake, you are mine.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this dark Beauty and the Beast retelling by Measha Stone! This first stand-alone installment in her Ever After series hooked me from page one and I could not bear to put it down!!
Swooooon!!!! Ashland was the PERFECT beast! Big, broody, formidable and ferociously dominant, he left me all aquiver! And the way he commanded every room he entered, demanded complete obedience and masterfully wielded that flogger when his girl was naughty was panty melting hot! But beneath Ash’s cold, cruel, beastly exterior beat a heart that throbbed for his sweet and feisty Ellie!
And I adored this heroine just as much! Ellie gave as good as she got and I relished how she stood up to her beast yet also submitted so beautifully!
Ultimately, I loved the evolution of this dark fairytale and it had the perfect blend of breathtaking romance, blistering emotion, torrid bdsm interludes and pulse pounding suspense! And the HEA made me all warm and glowy inside!
This was my first book by the talented Measha Stone but will not be my last! I look forward to diving into Peter’s story next in TOWER!
May 5, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
1 - I'm glad I grabbed this book as a freebie
2 - "And they lived—mostly—happily ever after." That's how the book ends. Why MOSTLY? I have questions!!! 😅😱
3 - I'll continue, sometime, with the next book, I'll give the series one more chance, just one 😂
The MMC is something ... something else! I love morally grey heroes, but in this case, this character pissed me off so much. In the end, he did change his ways. And showed he loved her. But you know what, that was too little too late, in my opinion!! I still have some questions about that ow .. who was she, why was she at his arm, and why the hell was she mentioned only once in the story for her to never appear again?? I assume because she was nobody to him. Yep, for my sanity, I'll go with this assumption. 😅 I'm pretty sure once he met the FMC, he wasn't with other women, but it's not clearly stated, and that annoys me!
Now, this is a beauty and the beast retelling. And her father was a real pos in this version. He deserves a huge kick in the ass and maybe even more, not this ending. But I get it. In the end, she still cared about him, even after his betrayal. See, she's just too good, including for the MMC.
1 - I'm glad I grabbed this book as a freebie
2 - "And they lived—mostly—happily ever after." That's how the book ends. Why MOSTLY? I have questions!!! 😅😱
3 - I'll continue, sometime, with the next book, I'll give the series one more chance, just one 😂
The MMC is something ... something else! I love morally grey heroes, but in this case, this character pissed me off so much. In the end, he did change his ways. And showed he loved her. But you know what, that was too little too late, in my opinion!! I still have some questions about that ow .. who was she, why was she at his arm, and why the hell was she mentioned only once in the story for her to never appear again?? I assume because she was nobody to him. Yep, for my sanity, I'll go with this assumption. 😅 I'm pretty sure once he met the FMC, he wasn't with other women, but it's not clearly stated, and that annoys me!
Now, this is a beauty and the beast retelling. And her father was a real pos in this version. He deserves a huge kick in the ass and maybe even more, not this ending. But I get it. In the end, she still cared about him, even after his betrayal. See, she's just too good, including for the MMC.
February 22, 2018
Anyone who knows me knows that Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairytale ever. I love all the twists and turns and variations of the story. Beast by Measha Stone was a hot and sexy mafia twist and I could not get enough. I though Ash and Ellie were sexy and intense. I really enjoyed this story.
When Ellie Steven's father is in debt to mafia boss Ashland Titon, she decides to sacrifice her own freedom and pay off the debt in her father's place. However with one look at Ellie, Ash is hooked and decides to play all the erotic games with his new toy. But as they spend more time with one another, lines get crossed, emotions get involved and Ellie and Ash must figure out where their hearts lie as outside forces threaten them both.
I enjoyed this book alot. I found Ashland to be sexy and his dominant games hot AF. I loved that Ellie wasn't what he expected and her strength and sass were a great match for him and his games. All in all, this was a great read and I look forward to more from this author in the future. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
When Ellie Steven's father is in debt to mafia boss Ashland Titon, she decides to sacrifice her own freedom and pay off the debt in her father's place. However with one look at Ellie, Ash is hooked and decides to play all the erotic games with his new toy. But as they spend more time with one another, lines get crossed, emotions get involved and Ellie and Ash must figure out where their hearts lie as outside forces threaten them both.
I enjoyed this book alot. I found Ashland to be sexy and his dominant games hot AF. I loved that Ellie wasn't what he expected and her strength and sass were a great match for him and his games. All in all, this was a great read and I look forward to more from this author in the future. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
October 17, 2018
This is the first book in the Ever After series by Measha Stone and it’s a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast. Ashland Titon is a local club owner and loan shark and he doesn’t tolerate people being late on their payments. Ellie takes classes at the local college and she also works at the cafe her deceased mother opened years ago. The cafe was her mom’s dream and because of her dad’s gambling addiction they’d almost lost it. Now she finds out her dad owes Ash Titon $250,000 which even if they sold the cafe and everything they own they still wouldn’t have enough to pay the debt. Knowing her dad will likely be killed by Ash, she offers herself in place of her dad. Ash accepts her offer and it doesn’t take him long to figure out he’ll never let her go.
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October 21, 2018
This is my first Measha Stone story and I have to say I really really enjoyed it. She retells Beauty and the Beast in an interesting and very sexual way.
When Ellie goes to save her father from his gambling debt and gives herself up to protect him she has little idea on what she really is getting into.
Ash is the man her father owes a lot of money to. Everyone knows he is into bad things. Ellie expects that she will be put into his Annex, but is surprised when he chooses to keep her for himself. What Ash puts her through is a mental and sexual game that she is not ready for and in the end neither is he.
I really liked Ellie and Ash does redeem himself at the end. Good book.
March 3, 2018
BEAST by Measha Stone is the story of Ellie Stevens and Ashland Titon.
Ellie father has issue with money and gambling and has borrowed money from men before but this time he has taken from Ash and not paid it back. So Ash's men take him and Ellie goes to find Ash to get him back. When Ash won't give her father back she tells him to take her instead...which he does. Ellie knows her father is weak and she is the stronger one and thinks she can work his debit off in Ash's clubs but there is something about Ellie that Ash can't get past.
Exciting Dark Romance...loved it!
Ellie father has issue with money and gambling and has borrowed money from men before but this time he has taken from Ash and not paid it back. So Ash's men take him and Ellie goes to find Ash to get him back. When Ash won't give her father back she tells him to take her instead...which he does. Ellie knows her father is weak and she is the stronger one and thinks she can work his debit off in Ash's clubs but there is something about Ellie that Ash can't get past.
Exciting Dark Romance...loved it!
October 27, 2018
DNF: Ignore the high ratings. This book is trash.
I was too disgusted and disturbed by this book to even finish it. It was pure garbage. I find abuse and misogyny a deal breaker when it comes to romance and that's why I'm giving it a low rating. I wish I could give it no stars but then it wouldn't let me rate it. I didn't finish this book because I found the "hero's" character very repulsive. He's just a glorified pimp.
I was too disgusted and disturbed by this book to even finish it. It was pure garbage. I find abuse and misogyny a deal breaker when it comes to romance and that's why I'm giving it a low rating. I wish I could give it no stars but then it wouldn't let me rate it. I didn't finish this book because I found the "hero's" character very repulsive. He's just a glorified pimp.
March 15, 2019
SEX,SEX, and more SEX....
...and a story thrown in too.
I have read Fifty Shades series, but otherwise I am new to this genre. I have no idea what is standard for this lifestyle, and what felt like similar tactics.
I am happy this is a stand alone. The Author did a decent job with our main characters. I do cry foul with how Ellie became Ash's property when he claims all women are there of their own volition.
...and a story thrown in too.
I have read Fifty Shades series, but otherwise I am new to this genre. I have no idea what is standard for this lifestyle, and what felt like similar tactics.
I am happy this is a stand alone. The Author did a decent job with our main characters. I do cry foul with how Ellie became Ash's property when he claims all women are there of their own volition.
March 7, 2018
Measha Stone has done it again with her latest dark romance! This retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale was all that you expect from Measha. Great characters and plenty of steamy scenes, I finished this book in one sitting. Can't wait for more from this author, maybe a story for Peter?
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