What do you think?
Rate this book
The Belgian Beast
Nothing is chance, there’s always a purpose.
A fighter with a stone exterior...
Marc Vandenberghe has made a name for himself, The Belgian Beast. This undefeated Mixed Martial Arts fighter is at the top of his game as he uses the pain of his past to fuel him but is still caged by it. He’s fought for everything in life but has never fully fought the voices that haunt him. On the outside he’s strong but weakness lingers, waiting to defeat him for good.
A dancer fighting to break free...
The child of Malian immigrants, Nina Sangare has never fully felt like she belonged. Through crippling anxiety and depression, the only thing she has to hold it all together is dance. With the voices of her past haunting her, she battles to silence them. She might seem meek to those on the outside but inside she’s the epitome of being strong through the storm.
Meeting at a train station in Brussels, nothing will ever be the same for the fighter and the dancer. In the heart of Europe, Marc and Nina must learn to fight through their pasts, but it’s much easier said than done.
TRIGGER WARNING
This book deals with strong themes such as clinical depression, and anxiety as well as self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
This novel has mature scenes for adult readers only.
A fighter with a stone exterior...
Marc Vandenberghe has made a name for himself, The Belgian Beast. This undefeated Mixed Martial Arts fighter is at the top of his game as he uses the pain of his past to fuel him but is still caged by it. He’s fought for everything in life but has never fully fought the voices that haunt him. On the outside he’s strong but weakness lingers, waiting to defeat him for good.
A dancer fighting to break free...
The child of Malian immigrants, Nina Sangare has never fully felt like she belonged. Through crippling anxiety and depression, the only thing she has to hold it all together is dance. With the voices of her past haunting her, she battles to silence them. She might seem meek to those on the outside but inside she’s the epitome of being strong through the storm.
Meeting at a train station in Brussels, nothing will ever be the same for the fighter and the dancer. In the heart of Europe, Marc and Nina must learn to fight through their pasts, but it’s much easier said than done.
TRIGGER WARNING
This book deals with strong themes such as clinical depression, and anxiety as well as self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
This novel has mature scenes for adult readers only.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2019
76 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Janae Keyes
33 books217 followersBorn and raised in the California Bay Area, Janae Keyes is an American mom, wife, and hopeless romantic living in Europe. She loves to explore various cultures coming together through the magic of love. Residing in a suburb of Brussels, Belgium, with her husband and daughter, Janae loves to share her passion for romance with others.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 22, 2019
This story had so much going for it — an original premise with two fascinating and diverse main characters. An MMA fighter and a dancer from very different walks of life who find an immediate attraction; but these two also have a lot of baggage that continuously gets in the way of a happy ever after.
I loved that whilst this is an MMA romance the storyline also focuses on family and the profound effect, both positive and negative, that kith and kin can have on a person’s mental health and well being, and on their future relationships.
At times I felt the writing wasn’t easy to read, and as a new to me author, I was unclear whether this was her usual style of writing or whether it was unique to this story. Either way, I did find myself losing focus on the story on occasions, which was a shame because overall it was a really great read.
The MCs have plenty of drama to contend with, and their journey together was not an easy one. But the epilogue, when it came, tied up all the loose ends and provided a satisfactory glimpse into the future. A really different and memorable read....I received an advanced copy of this book from the author.
I loved that whilst this is an MMA romance the storyline also focuses on family and the profound effect, both positive and negative, that kith and kin can have on a person’s mental health and well being, and on their future relationships.
At times I felt the writing wasn’t easy to read, and as a new to me author, I was unclear whether this was her usual style of writing or whether it was unique to this story. Either way, I did find myself losing focus on the story on occasions, which was a shame because overall it was a really great read.
The MCs have plenty of drama to contend with, and their journey together was not an easy one. But the epilogue, when it came, tied up all the loose ends and provided a satisfactory glimpse into the future. A really different and memorable read....I received an advanced copy of this book from the author.
November 28, 2019
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book but oh how I loved it. The characters were well written and their struggles and interactions made you root for them. You’re captivated from the first page until the end your rooting and your falling in love. I love when I read a book and the author grabs and makes you have all the feels. I’m a fan of Ms. Keyes and she did not disappoint. Lovely book.
November 7, 2019
This was a good book about 2 broken people meeting, falling in love and healing each other. Definitely a good read
November 25, 2019
Disappointed
I enjoyed the book until the drama with her family. The author lost me then. First the religious aspect. I felt that Nina was pushing her religious beliefs for her children. I’m glad Marc pushed back but not enough
in my opinion. Although he is a passive catholic, I feel their children should be exposed to both sides I. e go to church a few times a year like most Europeans do (Christmas, Easter, New Year, weddings, baptism etc.). Same thing for the names. She should be respectful of his culture too and realize that her children, unlike her are not first generation. They are Belgian and she should put them in a position where they feel like they are at home, not like she felt growing up. Her parents had the gall to get the police involved for suspected rape, her brother insulted Marc, calling him racist names there is no way I would have gone back to their home. I understand traditions and respect for your parents but respect goes both ways. Her grandmother is nice but they shouldn’t have set foot in her parents home until they apologized. I actually feel that’s it’s disrespectful of her, given how her family behaved to try to pursue a relationship with her parents ( by calling every day) and ask Marc to go there before anybody apologized to him. This situation could have ended his career before he was ready and tarnish his reputation. She wasn’t showing maturity and growth. In situations like this, however painful it is, you have to draw a line in the sand and demand respect. I know he basically blacked out in their home but she should have never put him in this position. And for her parents to dare pass judgment then again? Also I was uncomfortable with how racist her family was, even more so considering they were immigrants. Her family wanted him to adapt to them and not be open. I also didn’t like how the author suggested that MMA fighters were violent out of the ring and out of control. I don’t see why he had to retire. He could have just gone to therapy and that’s that. Basically he had to accept all of her but she just couldn’t do the same for him. How dare she tell him that their relationship had to remain a secret although she was pregnant? Completely disrespectful. Had it been the opposite she would have called him a racist and not put up with it. What did she expect to happen anyway? Was she planning to hide a child for years? I felt that their relationship was unbalanced. The whole he had to call his mother in law because his kid was crying was ridiculous . Why did they have to live close to her family instead of his, when his mother was so welcoming? And why didn’t he go to see his mother to sort out his kid? People deal with children with no family around all the time so this was crazy to me.
I enjoyed the book until the drama with her family. The author lost me then. First the religious aspect. I felt that Nina was pushing her religious beliefs for her children. I’m glad Marc pushed back but not enough
in my opinion. Although he is a passive catholic, I feel their children should be exposed to both sides I. e go to church a few times a year like most Europeans do (Christmas, Easter, New Year, weddings, baptism etc.). Same thing for the names. She should be respectful of his culture too and realize that her children, unlike her are not first generation. They are Belgian and she should put them in a position where they feel like they are at home, not like she felt growing up. Her parents had the gall to get the police involved for suspected rape, her brother insulted Marc, calling him racist names there is no way I would have gone back to their home. I understand traditions and respect for your parents but respect goes both ways. Her grandmother is nice but they shouldn’t have set foot in her parents home until they apologized. I actually feel that’s it’s disrespectful of her, given how her family behaved to try to pursue a relationship with her parents ( by calling every day) and ask Marc to go there before anybody apologized to him. This situation could have ended his career before he was ready and tarnish his reputation. She wasn’t showing maturity and growth. In situations like this, however painful it is, you have to draw a line in the sand and demand respect. I know he basically blacked out in their home but she should have never put him in this position. And for her parents to dare pass judgment then again? Also I was uncomfortable with how racist her family was, even more so considering they were immigrants. Her family wanted him to adapt to them and not be open. I also didn’t like how the author suggested that MMA fighters were violent out of the ring and out of control. I don’t see why he had to retire. He could have just gone to therapy and that’s that. Basically he had to accept all of her but she just couldn’t do the same for him. How dare she tell him that their relationship had to remain a secret although she was pregnant? Completely disrespectful. Had it been the opposite she would have called him a racist and not put up with it. What did she expect to happen anyway? Was she planning to hide a child for years? I felt that their relationship was unbalanced. The whole he had to call his mother in law because his kid was crying was ridiculous . Why did they have to live close to her family instead of his, when his mother was so welcoming? And why didn’t he go to see his mother to sort out his kid? People deal with children with no family around all the time so this was crazy to me.
November 24, 2019
OH MY EVER LOVIN' HELL! The awesome Janae Keys seriously went next level with her writing, and that's saying something because I was already positive she was perfect. The Belgian Beast has some big topics covered, like Black/White (obviously racism comes into play), and religion/culture, which blew my mind with the realistic feel. Marc is the Belgian Beast, top of the MMA food chain, as he's undefeated. He has some big past baggage he carries around, which helps perfect his craft, but also haunts him at the same time. He strikes up a friendship with Nina Sangare, a dancer who never felt like she fits in anywhere which brings on pain that I felt like it was my own. She also has a very dominant family dynamic which doesn't help anything to be honest. Not saying it's all bad, but not saying it's all good either. Their lives were changed forever when fate had them meeting, and it was an emotionally charged journey of ups & downs. There's some powerful, albeit very realistic anxiety and/or depression issues which turn into suicidal thoughts & self harm, making me want to just cry in a corner more than once. Both of these two beautifully flawed people must face their pasts in order to get a chance at an amazing future. And I really don't want to say more, as this is one of those stories that really should be gone into somewhat blindly to get the perfectly penned, emotional experience, so just one click on it, as you'll never be the same! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
November 22, 2019
This story crosses all the boarders-Love /Hate, Europe /Africa, Black/White, Religion/Culture and Racism/Abuse. This story was very well written and told. Meet Marc and Nina, brought together through the act of a robbery. Marc rescues Nina's hand bag from her robber and they form a friendship. The friendship leads them both to admit how they feel about each other and to look incontrovertibly at their lives. The friendship turns to love which Nina insists on hiding from her family. This makes Marc feel like he's her dirty little secret. Nina is struggling with her past demons and the dominance of her family and cultural traditions. March too has his own demons and family commitments to honour but wants their relationship out in the open. Will Nina publicly admit that she has met the love of her life and enjoy being with Marc? or will she give him up to please her family and religious beliefs? Great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2019
Marc and Nina’s story is well written, and they are both broken souls, but can they heal each other? This is an intriguing story which had me hooked throughout, and this talented author covers a series of sensitive topics, which may be triggers for some readers, so be aware! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
November 26, 2019
Main protagonists Marc and Nina both struggle in their own ways due to trauma from their pasts, each choosing different ways to deal with how they handle things. Marc uses his anger, fighting his way to the top of the MMA circle, known as the Belgian Beast he’s literally used all his anger to get there. Nina’s from an overbearing religious immigrant family who see her as being only worthy of becoming a good wife and mother, she walks around on eggshells trying to be the perfect daughter. This pair of wounded souls have to fight their inner demons in order to have a future with one another.
This was a well written book with plenty of family drama and action, keeping us reading captivated from start to finish, this was first book that I read from Janae Keyes but I guarantee you it won’t be the last.
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓷 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀.
This was a well written book with plenty of family drama and action, keeping us reading captivated from start to finish, this was first book that I read from Janae Keyes but I guarantee you it won’t be the last.
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓷 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀.
November 26, 2019
Love the storytelling
This is a great read!! Marc was a lonely man until Nina came into his life . They were good for each other.
This is a great read!! Marc was a lonely man until Nina came into his life . They were good for each other.
November 9, 2019
This was my first book by this author and will definitely not be the last. Beautifully written about two broken souls, Marc & Nina who find one another. Can they heal each other? I finished this book in one sitting.
November 23, 2019
Marc and Nina both had baggage, but they were destined to be together. An MMA fighter and a dancer, fighting to be together and dancing to their own tune to find their HEA. Family issues on both sides do not deter their love on this journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2019
Awed
This sorry checked many boxes for me I don't know where to begin. First you meet the beast and you are drawn but then the heroine steals the show. She is relatable even her story is so unique. The way they find each other and learn to hold onto each through everything, is a testament to love in the face of the struggle of over coming differences. It's a total must read.
This sorry checked many boxes for me I don't know where to begin. First you meet the beast and you are drawn but then the heroine steals the show. She is relatable even her story is so unique. The way they find each other and learn to hold onto each through everything, is a testament to love in the face of the struggle of over coming differences. It's a total must read.
November 27, 2019
Not your typical romance
Great read. The characters were so different from normal romance leads. I loved their stories and the deep connection they had from the beginning.
Great read. The characters were so different from normal romance leads. I loved their stories and the deep connection they had from the beginning.
Want to read
November 30, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/30/2019)! 🎁
November 22, 2019
I was so excited to read this book! Anything that Janae does, it is a must to read, and she did not disappoint. This story is amazing! I fell totally in love with the action, the love story, the pain. I cannot wait for Janae's next book!
November 27, 2019
I received this book as an ARC. This was my first book by Janae Keyes but it definitely won’t be my last. I loved that no matter what happened Marc always stood by Nina. There were times that Nina’s fear of rejection and abandonment put a strain on her relationship with Marc. Overall I really loved their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2019
Marc, the Belgian Beast, is an undefeated MMA fighter who uses past pain to push him to the top. Nina is a dancer who has never really felt like she fit anywhere. Two lost souls who meet and fight together for their HEA. This is a well written book with intriguing characters and a great storyline that takes on tough subjects. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
September 7, 2020
3.5 Stars!
I really enjoyed this book. It told a story that I feel like I know in real life, but I’ve never seen anyone tell in a romance. The premise is that Nina, a Malian-Belgian ballerina living with PTSD and anxiety, meets Marc, a Belgian MMA champion, when he rescues her from a robber. The two recognize the brokenness and childhood trauma in one another and strike up a friendship. But Nina’s strict Muslim upbringing and close ties to her Malian family makes any relationship between them seem almost impossible and Marc can’t understand why Nina seems ashamed of their love and what her endgame is.
This is an interesting book to rate because it’s not quite own voices (even though the author is black), but the author manages to capture the lived experiences of an African Muslim immigrant to Europe in the wake of increasing radicalization and discrimination and xenophobia against black Africans and Muslim Africans in European countries like Belgium. I think the author did a fantastic job of showcasing that discordance that many African immigrant children born in the second country feel with their parents and also with their peers in their new countries. I loved the exploration of mental health issues that might ensue from the pressure of not fitting in anywhere and also feeling fear of failing cultural expectations. I loved that Nina’s family were ultimately good people even though they were unconsciously toxic with the pressures and expectations on her. This book is trigger warning galore for severe anxiety and depression, child abuse, addiction, domestic violence, difficult family relationships especially as an immigrant... I could tell that the author lacked a bit of patience and understanding with Nina’s fear of letting her parents down but I appreciated this book and the story it told. I think this book does a lot around discussing mental health issues faced by young African first generationers (who are often raised in cultures that don’t recognize or acknowledge mental struggles or illness) and destigmatizes getting treatment- but I wish it had shown a bit more the getting help parts as opposed to making it seem sometimes like romantic love fixes everything. Ultimately, I enjoyed this and had a lot of thoughts and emotional responses to reading this. There are quite a few proofing issues- missing words, homophone issues in the Kindle version I read. However, this was so interesting and engaging and well-written that it wasn’t a major issue for my reading experience. I just think this book deserves a cleaner finishing. Highly recommend.
I really enjoyed this book. It told a story that I feel like I know in real life, but I’ve never seen anyone tell in a romance. The premise is that Nina, a Malian-Belgian ballerina living with PTSD and anxiety, meets Marc, a Belgian MMA champion, when he rescues her from a robber. The two recognize the brokenness and childhood trauma in one another and strike up a friendship. But Nina’s strict Muslim upbringing and close ties to her Malian family makes any relationship between them seem almost impossible and Marc can’t understand why Nina seems ashamed of their love and what her endgame is.
This is an interesting book to rate because it’s not quite own voices (even though the author is black), but the author manages to capture the lived experiences of an African Muslim immigrant to Europe in the wake of increasing radicalization and discrimination and xenophobia against black Africans and Muslim Africans in European countries like Belgium. I think the author did a fantastic job of showcasing that discordance that many African immigrant children born in the second country feel with their parents and also with their peers in their new countries. I loved the exploration of mental health issues that might ensue from the pressure of not fitting in anywhere and also feeling fear of failing cultural expectations. I loved that Nina’s family were ultimately good people even though they were unconsciously toxic with the pressures and expectations on her. This book is trigger warning galore for severe anxiety and depression, child abuse, addiction, domestic violence, difficult family relationships especially as an immigrant... I could tell that the author lacked a bit of patience and understanding with Nina’s fear of letting her parents down but I appreciated this book and the story it told. I think this book does a lot around discussing mental health issues faced by young African first generationers (who are often raised in cultures that don’t recognize or acknowledge mental struggles or illness) and destigmatizes getting treatment- but I wish it had shown a bit more the getting help parts as opposed to making it seem sometimes like romantic love fixes everything. Ultimately, I enjoyed this and had a lot of thoughts and emotional responses to reading this. There are quite a few proofing issues- missing words, homophone issues in the Kindle version I read. However, this was so interesting and engaging and well-written that it wasn’t a major issue for my reading experience. I just think this book deserves a cleaner finishing. Highly recommend.
December 4, 2019
This was good, but unfortunately this should have been a story of education, but it was more of a story of where only one sided mattered and not the other...
Unfortunately this truly deserved a 3 1/2 but because of all of the grammatical errors and how selfish and childish the story was to the point I almost quit from reading this through, but I pushed and prevail.
Nina was so getting on my nerves with all of this secrets and all. Yes I understand there are circumstances regarding religion and how you were raised that will have you parents cast you away, but my goodness had you had put on your big girl panties earlier, all of this unnecessary problems for Marc would have never happened. She acted selfish, childish and just gullible. You were lucky that Marc was willing to take it all for the sake of loving you no matter what which you didn't do it until it was too late. He surely didn't had to go to prison for any of this stuff that you could have prevented.
Marc, bae all the way. Nothing negative to say about him except that he is a protector and when he is pushed to its limit he will go hard to protect his love. Beautiful inside and out, acceptance and all he tried to show Nina how on her side he is. Beautiful, just beautiful...
I understand where the author was going with this story, but it needed to be in equal way. If Marc is to learn about Islam, there should have been a time where Nina will show her learning about his religion just in case the children would prefer walk in this path. Also just as he was very understanding of her demons and all, she needed to stand by her man and sanctioned or disowned her brother for the filth he was saying which was a trigger for his demons. But she just say that she understand him and that's that, but Marc had to be the one going to prison and have a tarnish record, why? Why was hers more important than his. Then he is a celebrity as well, or at least he has a good job, good money, but this was not even spoken about regarding her family because Marc had to be the one to conform, and on this was where I couldn't rate this any higher. This was almost a selfish, childish story where only one side mattered...
Unfortunately this truly deserved a 3 1/2 but because of all of the grammatical errors and how selfish and childish the story was to the point I almost quit from reading this through, but I pushed and prevail.
Nina was so getting on my nerves with all of this secrets and all. Yes I understand there are circumstances regarding religion and how you were raised that will have you parents cast you away, but my goodness had you had put on your big girl panties earlier, all of this unnecessary problems for Marc would have never happened. She acted selfish, childish and just gullible. You were lucky that Marc was willing to take it all for the sake of loving you no matter what which you didn't do it until it was too late. He surely didn't had to go to prison for any of this stuff that you could have prevented.
Marc, bae all the way. Nothing negative to say about him except that he is a protector and when he is pushed to its limit he will go hard to protect his love. Beautiful inside and out, acceptance and all he tried to show Nina how on her side he is. Beautiful, just beautiful...
I understand where the author was going with this story, but it needed to be in equal way. If Marc is to learn about Islam, there should have been a time where Nina will show her learning about his religion just in case the children would prefer walk in this path. Also just as he was very understanding of her demons and all, she needed to stand by her man and sanctioned or disowned her brother for the filth he was saying which was a trigger for his demons. But she just say that she understand him and that's that, but Marc had to be the one going to prison and have a tarnish record, why? Why was hers more important than his. Then he is a celebrity as well, or at least he has a good job, good money, but this was not even spoken about regarding her family because Marc had to be the one to conform, and on this was where I couldn't rate this any higher. This was almost a selfish, childish story where only one side mattered...
December 16, 2019
Beauty and the Beast story
Marc and Nina have both had a horrible past but the past keeps coming back to haunt them. Marc has a temper that really shows the beast inside which he is unable to keep at bay all the time. Nina is just going through the motions and struggling to keep herself and her family happy. What can you do when you find someone that helps you be happy but goes against your family values? Is family who you should forward to making happy and not just yourself? Read this book to find story about black woman trying find her way and be religious and she meets a man that brings out the best in her.
Marc and Nina have both had a horrible past but the past keeps coming back to haunt them. Marc has a temper that really shows the beast inside which he is unable to keep at bay all the time. Nina is just going through the motions and struggling to keep herself and her family happy. What can you do when you find someone that helps you be happy but goes against your family values? Is family who you should forward to making happy and not just yourself? Read this book to find story about black woman trying find her way and be religious and she meets a man that brings out the best in her.
December 10, 2019
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Janae Keyes had me on edge with this one.
She showed love conquers all no matter what
you go through, faith ,love a good woman and
a good man will bring you happiness and peace.
This is Marc and Nina's story. Well done Author Keyes.
Janae Keyes had me on edge with this one.
She showed love conquers all no matter what
you go through, faith ,love a good woman and
a good man will bring you happiness and peace.
This is Marc and Nina's story. Well done Author Keyes.
December 11, 2019
an amazing Story of overcoming your past, making your dreams come true and following your heart. Marc and Nina have both had their fair share of hardships can they find a way to let the past go? Wonderful book.
December 16, 2019
Keep up the amazing work
The Belgian Beast is a blessing book I ever wanted and read. This book is my favorite from Janae Keyes, she sus her thing. I love it
The Belgian Beast is a blessing book I ever wanted and read. This book is my favorite from Janae Keyes, she sus her thing. I love it
dnf
February 17, 2020Felt like instalove and I just can’t deal with sexual guilt bc of religion in my romance. But that’s purely a personal preference.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews