Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Beast

Rate this book
CAMPBELL:

Love and secrets don’t mix, but I’m already in too deep.

Ever since the war, I’ve been too hardened to feel desire—until Brent appears. He gets my pulse up, and he’s twice as passionate as anyone I’ve ever met. He’s not trying to be my therapist, either; he’s taking me for the man I am, and that makes me want him even more.

It all feels too good to be true.

But my PTSD and night terrors make it difficult to have a love life. Who wants a boyfriend they can’t share a bed with? If I can’t even stay one night, I’ll never get what I most want: Brent’s body against mine, every night.

I don’t know if I can keep Brent safe and keep him close at the same time.

BRENT:

I’m falling for him, but I know he’s keeping a secret.

Campbell and I don’t just connect, we collide. I invite him to my place, but I’m stunned when he’s gone the next morning. He thinks his past makes him hard to love, but I’m not afraid of his demons—or his touch. Campbell’s a medic whose hands do more good than harm.

The problem? He doesn’t trust himself.

I want to change that, but I don’t know if I can get through to him. With any other guy I’d just move on—but not Campbell. The connection between us is too powerful to let go. I want a future with him; we just have to make it through our first night together.

If he fought through a war, I can fight through his past.

Note to readers: This is a standalone MM romance.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2020

350 people are currently reading
209 people want to read

About the author

Jason Collins

107 books530 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
172 (33%)
4 stars
168 (32%)
3 stars
115 (22%)
2 stars
49 (9%)
1 star
11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,503 reviews224 followers
January 15, 2020
Going to start out by saying that this may well be the best book I have read by this author and I have read a lot of his work. His characterization of Campbell and how he is and is not dealing with his PTSD and the nightmares it brings is breathtaking. As the book proceeds I felt like I was living it right along with with him. Brent is pretty amazing as well, he was easy to fall in love with, so sweet and caring. Campbell took a bit longer for me to fall for him. As Brent found out he was not easy to get to know and kept going hot and cold. Would it have been easier on the both of them if Campbell had just opened up and told Brent his situation, of course. But while I may not have agreed with Campbell's way of handling things, I totally understand why he chose to handle things the way he did. Now onto the love scenes... Each and every one felt genuine and was scorching hot, well written, oozing intense emotion and sexiness. The author once again brings his stellar writing skills prompting me to highlight 64 different outstanding passages throughout this book. Love it when and author's writing creates a film in my head to the point that I am seeing everything happen as I read it! Bravo! Another incredible story from one of my very favorite authors!
I received a free ARC copy of this book and have voluntarily chosen to review it.
Profile Image for Maria.
719 reviews38 followers
March 26, 2020
What did I expect? Well, I went with the cover and title to start. What can I say? I saw Beast and you can guess where my pea brain went. I chalk it up to being exhausted, that's easy enough.

The actual story has nothing to do with either, not even remotely close. That was a disappointment.

What we have is a man with severe PTSD who manages to land a job as an EMT. No kidding. Only in make believe.

He won't tell his hookup, then bootie call, then lover, then boyfriend, that he has PTSD. Somewhere I missed a memo. I do not think that PTSD is something that a person should feel ashamed of. No sickness is. Why all of the hiding and hot and cold behavior?

It was exhausting until the big reveal which was anticlimactic to say the least.

I started out exhausted and here I am again. Bullocks.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,244 reviews269 followers
January 20, 2020
Can Brent and Campbell make it work ?

Hot M/M sex, the tragedy of PTSD, and a deep love.
Brent and Campbell struggle with holding their relationship together. Campbell, 33, has severe nightmares and panic attacks, from his time as an Army Medic. Now he’s an EMT, working long hours but loving his job. He hides his reality from people.
Younger, vibrant, persistent Brent is a construction worker, who helps out at his friend’s club some nights. He and Campbell spot each other across the club room and meet. Their soul deep connection is strong, and Brent is afraid it can’t be real. Campbell feels it also, but continues to hurt Brent by sneaking out after great sexy times, and by not answering calls or texts. He doesn’t tell Brent his closely guarded secret shame. Will they be able to come together?
I thought Brent gave Campbell too many chances, but it’s because he’s fallen for the big, deeply mysterious man. Then Campbell has an episode on the job, that crashes down on his whole life.
A terrific epilogue. Love the cover.
Enjoy !

====
Profile Image for Doug Reyes.
186 reviews9 followers
August 22, 2020
Bummer.
These guys are unbelievable.
And I’m gonna be the asshole that rips on a character with PTSD... Campbell is really just a big baby, in a bad way. Geez take some responsibility for your actions and deal with your feelings.
And Brent, who is apparently so hot that everybody wants him, puts up with Campbell’s lack of communication? Brent wants a relationship and is just ok being a hook-up with a guy who can’t communicate?? He’s acting like a guy with no self esteem.
Whatever.

Wait! Make both characters unattractive and outta shape and suddenly the whole plot of second guessing and mind games makes sense. Huh.

The 2 stars are for the sex scenes. Scratch that, 1 star.
Profile Image for Tiaesha Jacobs.
90 reviews
January 18, 2020
Rinse, wash and repeat.

I am not sure what is with all the 5-star reviews. This story was a repeat of the same event. Boy A sleeps with another boy and can't stay the night, but boy A won't tell boy B why. DO that same action throughout the story and that's it!
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,897 reviews99 followers
January 18, 2020
3 and 1/2 stars. Too much inner monologue. Good story.
5,704 reviews39 followers
January 14, 2020
this was just amazing.. it was sexy and interesting.. it was fast paced.. and the emotions omg.. they were real and raw and didnt pull punches.. the issues the love everything was just wonderful. i loved it
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,005 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2020
Campbell has PTSD, but won't seek therapy, but will try to control it with medication. Meeting Brent at a club wasn't what he expected, but the guy was persistent, he had to give him that. Trying to hide why he can't have sleep over's and pulling Brent close and then pushing him away leads, Brent on merry chase of the heart, until he finally figures out what is wrong. Now he just has to help Campbell clue himself back together and be able to give freely the love he has in his heart for Brent. Will these two men be able to do it?
Profile Image for Nic.
949 reviews8 followers
March 21, 2020
Not beastly

I liked this story and I was feeling some emotions for Campbell and his struggles. Brent was great easy going, positive and totally into Campbell. The entire story was spent with Campbell trying to keep his secret for fear of what Brent would do or think. But once the cat is out the bag things were glossed over. There was a little discussion of therapy -considering how much of the book was spent on Campbell hiding and worrying I think the story would have been better to show how it was handled!
Profile Image for Kristy Maitz.
2,752 reviews
February 1, 2020
The title of the book is not consistent with the whole story plot or if it is I don't get it. Anyway story plot was pulling and we get a happy ending. It was a good reading material.
Profile Image for Elin.
938 reviews8 followers
January 27, 2020
I had such big hopes for this book, handling a relationship with someone that struggles with PTSD is a recipe for a good angst.
Instead it goes around in circles with Campbell going hot and cold and Brent running after him hurt and confused but still in love. And where I thought it was a book about two finding together and dealing with the troubles that plagued Campbell, it's not.
Brent finds out at the end of the book at random and the rest is glossed over. Except the one initial night, we never get to see if there is any struggles and it seems Campbell is fine after a week of therapy and sleeping next to Brent.

Love does not fix all, it doesn't take away years of anxiety and pain, there is a reason people struggle with it even when having loving family around them. This was a chance to show that side of things and it left me feeling disappointed rather than satisfied with the ending.

On a plus side, the sex was steamy.
Profile Image for Earlyn.
664 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2020
Trying

This started off with potential but it lost its way.
The MC's had a connection, however when Campbell started going hot and cold and Brent started to sound desperate the plot was !ost
Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,385 reviews156 followers
February 3, 2020

I admit, I'm a sucker for military guys - both active and civilian. I love to read about these guys overcoming or finding ways to deal and/or cope with their combat-related issues, including but not limited to, PTSD, and how their significant others do the same. So, I grabbed this story when I had the chance.

Campbell has accepted PTSD is a part of his life, but he is ashamed of it and has no interest in subjecting anyone else to his nightmares. Therefore, he does not let anyone get close. He keeps to hookups where the chance of a sleepover is minimal, if non-existent. This works fairly well for him, aside from his lack of an actual social life, and putting aside the fact that he isn't actually doing anything to help himself other than taking meds. That is, until he meets Brent.

Brent helps his friend out by moonlighting as a doorman for said friend's club. He is immediately drawn to Campbell who doesn't look like the typical clubgoer. As it turns out, he is nothing like the typical guys Brent is used to meeting. Campbell is sweet, honest (mostly) and just generally seems like a nice guy. But Brent begins to question that as their hookup turns into a second and then a third, etc. and Campbell begins a habit of sneaking out before the sleepovers can occur. Clearly, Campbell is hiding something, and Brent doesn't put up with it for too long, although he does keep getting drawn back in.

One thing I struggle with in my stories is back and forth inner dialog. It tends to drag me down when characters repeat themselves about their issues with rehashing the same things. There was a little bit of this going on here with Campbell for a good bit of the story until he hits close to rock bottom. Thankfully, Brent pulled me up as he pushed once more and got to the bottom of things giving this a satisfying finish. It was a smooth reading story with some warm fuzzies and steamy sex rounded out with a nice epilogue. I've enjoyed other stories from this author and plan to keep him on my radar for future books.

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Profile Image for Julianne Macneil.
3,697 reviews28 followers
January 19, 2020
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Cameron and Brent. Cameron is a war vet and now works as an EMT and suffers from PTSD. Cameron has nightmares and thinks he will hurt someone if he gets into a relationship with them. One night his best friend makes him go to a club with him and he sees Brent from across the room. Brent sees Cameron and they have a connection from the start and he invites Cameron to go home with him. They have an amazing night, but Cameron won't stay the night. Cameron tells him it will only be the one night and he can't see him again, but Cameron returns to the club hoping to see Brent. They meet again and Brent tells Cameron he is ok with hooking up, but he can't help but to start to care for Cameron. Cameron likes Brent, but he thinks he is damaged due to his PTSD and won't confide in Brent. Brent has to decide if he can live with Cameron being hot and cold to him or if he has to walk away. I really liked this book, it is another great one from Jason. Cameron was so emotional and he felt he wasn't worth being with. Brent really cared for Cameron and wished they could be together. I love how i care for the characters Jason writes about, i felt connected to them and hate to see the book end.
Profile Image for Katheryne Tyra.
41 reviews
May 15, 2020
Didn’t like Campbell

Campbell was really hard to like, in my opinion. He was so hot and cold I wanted Brent to just leave him alone. Brent was also a bit pathetic. Throwing himself at someone who clearly stated over and over he didn’t want anything other then hook ups. Letting the guy treat him like crap was hard to read about. Like literally the whole book up until 89% was Brent chasing Campbell and Campbell taking turns being nice and being a dick. There wasn’t a whole lot of back story on either Mc. Just a little here and there. Parts of the story didn’t seem finished. Like Brent needing stitches in his hand. Never mentioned again and he was never in any pain. Just little things like that. It’s a shame too cause it could have been more interesting if the author had talked more about the PTSD and depression and self hatred. But again in true hea style something that defined the Mc through our the ENTIRE book and kept him from leading normal life and not treating people like crap was pretty much cured after a few weeks by the love of a good man and a little counseling that’s never discussed.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
January 14, 2020
Engaging and complex story with secrets, drama, angst and so much love.  Learning to accept PTSD as an illness of the mind, just like any illness of the body is really hard.  The military for many leaves deep scars and yet folks go into the service to become story. The dichotomy of being ill while being strong is challenging for many.  Campbell really needs help, but he cannot accept his need for a therapist  and this journey into a relationship with Brent will have him learning to understand and accepting himself.  

The story was well written and the story-line was compelling and moving.  You could identify with both men and understand their needs and desires.  Campbell and Brent are steamy, connected and have so much fun together.  I really enjoyed them.  My heart broke for the secrets and i so wanted the to communicate.  I loved Brent's patience and his level of commitment was extraordinary.  I also really felt for Campbell's emotional struggle.  

I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review.   
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,179 reviews7 followers
January 14, 2020
I have to say, this is one of my new favorites from Jason Collins. He delivers an emotional read dealing with real issues and struggles. Man, did Campbell just break my freaking heart - he is such a good, sweet, caring man but because of his PTSD he thinks he is unlovable and that he doesn't deserve happiness. He thinks that pills and avoidance will get him through life. That is until he meets Brent, and what is supposed to be a one night stand turns into more. Campbell can't get him out of his head, and thank goodness for Brent's tenaciousness when it comes to Campbell.

These two are so wonderful together, they really bring out the best in each other and I loved seeing Campbell's humor and sweetness. I also really enjoyed the balance of angsty, hot and fun as well. A very well put together story with characters that went straight to my heart. And I have to say, the way this all came together, perfect! I loved how Brent fought for them, his commitment to Campbell and their relationship is exactly what Campbell needed. Beautiful and emotional and one I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Leslie Sanchez.
1,774 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2020
Campbell is suffering from PTSD and thinks it makes him weak. He takes tons of medication to help with the nightmares, anxiety attacks and sleeplessness. He has one close friend that knows everything and his last relationship ended when his partner became terrified of him. He also is afraid that he will never have a "normal" life full of love and a partner. Brent is outgoing and snarky. When he and Campbell first started hanging out I wasn't sure I was going to end up liking him. He however, saw something that kept him coming back and not backing down. PTSD is not easy to deal with, but not knowing what you're really dealing with is even worse. I loved how he was willing to do what it takes to help Campbell and just be with him. I have read a lot of books by this author, but this is by far the most compelling, heart wrenching, scary and realistic books I have read by him. This is a fantastic book. I requested an advanced reader copy and am under no obligation to leave this review.
Profile Image for Shelley Chastagner.
2,729 reviews38 followers
January 13, 2020
Hold onto your hats because this is a rollercoaster ride! Campbell has returned from nine years in the army as a medic. He’s very, very broken. Suffering from PTSD, Anxiety and a lot of depression he has one failed relationship as proof that he can’t be close to anyone. He doesn’t believe he deserves love or happiness. Brent feels drawn to Campbell and sees the great guy that exists underneath all his armor. He’s determined to hang on to the wonderful man Campbell is despite all the issues he encounters. I have to admit these two are a hot mess and I wanted to smack Campbell for his running hot and cold ever two minutes. I liked that when Brent figures out what is going on he doesn’t back down about getting Campbell to the help he needs. Campbell’s health and happiness are a priority. I loved that the book ends with such a lovely high in their relationship.
Profile Image for Cheryl_cajun .
1,213 reviews29 followers
January 13, 2020
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. PTSD was making
Campbell’s life impossible to have a normal relationship. Meeting a stranger in a club was a good idea in theory but reality was fast-setting in on how bad this could go. Fear is hard to overcome. Is Brent even willing to put up with his symptoms?
I just loved Brent’s line of never meeting a stranger when they first meet. Brent was all about the hook ups until he meets Capmbell there is just something magical that happens when they touch or look at each other for that matter but is he really ready to deal with the issues the other man has or is the magic between them something he can’t let go. A great read by Jason Collins just loved Brent and Campbell’s story.
Profile Image for Deirdre.
1,571 reviews16 followers
June 2, 2020
CONFUSED - that's how both major characters seemed and how I felt often, throughout so much of the book. This was a very emotional book full of angst.

I was a little mislead by the title and cover. I thought I'd be reading about this much bigger protective guy. But it seems the beast was a metaphor for something that was huge, powerful, and terrifying with a violent way of dealing with anyone that tried to establish control over it. Help to battle the beast was rejected - time and again.

Does a person carrying all this baggage deserve love? Especially when he pushes away his salvation. Fear of hurting a loved one is such a powerful all encompassing emotion. But so is the fear of losing a loved. I almost stopped read couple times, but luckily I persisted to a satisfying conclusion.
1,548 reviews11 followers
January 13, 2020
This was such a great book. Very emotional, rough and at times hard to read. I must admit that I spent a good part of the book wanting to scream in frustration at Campbell, I mean, I understood his reticence and fear to let anyone get too close to him due to his past and his PTSD, but, seriously? Did he really need to treat poor sweet Brent like that? Running hot and cold and ultimately hurting him over and over again.
But this is also what kept me glued to the book, I just wanted to see what clever way would Brent finally find to get past Campbell's defenses, since clearly he wasn't going to give up on the man he wanted.
1,068 reviews6 followers
February 8, 2020
3.5 stars

I really liked the instant connection and attraction between Campbell and Brent and I enjoyed how they both were so into each other.
I didn't have anything against the PTSD part and I understood how Campbell couldn't say anything in the beginning. But I got a little annoyed along with Brent about the hot and cold act (and doing an experiment about the sleep over without telling Brent anything was really irresponsible).
It did feel like the book ended quite abruptly and the PTSD part just kind of faded out.
4 stars for the first part of the story and 3 starsfor the ending part.
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,111 reviews15 followers
February 19, 2020
A romance with vulnerability, challenges and a sweet romance Th a touches the soul- journey is all worth it!

Noah is a vibrant social butterfly that keeps happiness overflowing. Noah & his friend Dave work construction to give eccentric clients their dreams! Campbell was a EMT paramedic from his military paramedic experience. Both Campbell and Noah are people that are always giving to others & sacrificing what they deserve. It wonderful to see a couple building & giving to each other - no tear downs, no abuse just a living relationship! PTSD from military service is a issue dealt with and abuse from exs. V2, S2 a gay romance
More reviews @my2centsbooklover Thank you!
Profile Image for Blueleo.
505 reviews3 followers
February 1, 2020
Overcoming the night💞

It was okay👌It was a little back and forth. Some lines where cheesy or a bit to much, but overall it was a cute, sweet story. I don't think the title goes with the story. Brent is a young construction worker that meets Campbell in club. Campbell is an EMT and previous Medic soldier that suffers from PTSD including night terrors. He avoids relationship because he can't control his nightmares, but Brent is very persistent and is able to go get through Campbell.
Profile Image for D..
2,120 reviews14 followers
January 25, 2021
Campbell is struggling with PTSD. After the bad breakup with his ex who can't stand and understand his misery, he build his defense mechanism by won't let anyone near and attached to him. Then he met Brent. Brent is sunshine to Campbell's dark life but Campbell's hot and cold acts toward Brent eventually made him weary. Brent being persistent won't let Campbell go that easily without a fight.

Campbell just need someone who can understand and help him fighting his PTSD and in Brent he met what he needed.
571 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2020
Insta attraction

Campbell Hunter had some hard issues that he was trying to work through when his friend Karl dragged him to a club. Brent North was helping out his friend at this club. Wow! Insta love attraction.
I liked this story. It had relationship angst, over coming of issues, resolution of some hard held beliefs. Mostly, I liked Brent and Campbell.
I would definitely recommend this heartfelt story.
Profile Image for Claudia.
1,069 reviews7 followers
February 18, 2020
3.5

Damn it. OK. I was really, really enjoying this story but then it got so repetitive and Campbell kept blowing Brent off and pushing him away and Brent kept crawling back trying to demand an explanation and promptly forgetting once Campbell started being nice and sweet again. Having it happen once or twice would have been okay but that many chances?? I refuse to call Brent a doormat because I know his intentions were good, but man was it hard to read.
6 reviews
April 22, 2020
Enjoyable

This was an enjoyable love story and it did a good job expressing how people deal with PTSD both in their profession and their real life. I think for me it moved a bit too fast in my opinion with the love story. It felt rushed after Brent discovers the PTSD. Overall the end of the book killed my vibe. I love the love story as it developed, but it came off very rushed towards the end.
Profile Image for revieweswithracqs.
1,653 reviews9 followers
August 10, 2020
A slow release story line that includes Campbell and his PTSD that flares up during the nights when he is asleep. For this reason he is afraid to take dates back to his house and when he spends a night with Brent he does a disappearing act without leaving a note. This story line slowly creeps up on me and I really enjoyed the love and dedication that Brent has for Campbell to get him through his illness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.