Owning Beauty

Beauty #2

by Stella Andrews

Hard. Dominant. Overbearing & Insufferable.
The man I agreed to marry.
My biggest mistake has a name.
Tobias Moretti. Tall, dark and dangerous and the head of the largest crime family this area has ever seen.
Brooding, mysterious and so hot he melts the resolve of any woman he meets.
Marry him and escape my hated past.
Play the trophy wife in public and then get on with my day - alone.
No other men and a life with everything I want - except love.
How can I miss what I never had in the first place?
At least I'd have my freedom - think again.
It turns out my freedom is the last thing I can have. Guarded by men in black suits and forbidden to go out alone.
A trapped bird in a cage filled with luxury.
Then it changes.
The terms of our contract have been re-written. He wants a wife in every sense of the word.
Yes, my biggest mistake wants it all. He wants to own my mind, body and soul and I don't get a say in the matter.

Tobias.

I like to own the best that money can buy.
I like to surround myself with beauty and Art.
I want the best and don't care how far I go to own it.
She's about to discover that I always go a step too far.
She gave up everything to be my wife but there is still one valuable asset she owns that causes the feral beast in me to growl.
Her innocence.
My world is a dark and dangerous place full of nightmares that never go away.
My beauty is about to wake up and discover the prince who rescued her from the tower is a beast in disguise and she will hear me roar as I claim the innocence of my virgin bride.
Yes, I can live without love but I can't live without that and nothing is going to stand in my way because what Tobias Moretti wants - he gets, over and over again.

From the Amazon top 100 bestselling Author Stella Andrews, a dark tale of love, lust and twisted happy ever afters. Full of heat and no holding back. Fast-paced and thrilling, delving into a world where the shadows claim your soul. One wild ride with a HEA guaranteed. Lock the door and put your feet up - you're going nowhere.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Marriage Of Convenience, Marriage

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2020

About the author

fb: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Authorste...

amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stella-Andrews...

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellaandre...

Reviews

[Jacqueline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Arranged marriages of convenience are my guilty pleasure so I was lapping this up initially but then it all moved way too fast and became ridiculous. Characters were declaring one thing with total certainty then changing their mind with complete conviction barely a page later. Shame as it could’ve been really good with a little more time spent developing the story and characters.

Complete story but part of a series. Available on ku.

[Kadijah_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really hated the way everyone treat Ana like she was dumb and I really hate how she always forgives everyone for treating her like sh*t but it was really great read and I loved that Ana and TOBIAS got their happy ever after

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melluvsbooks]

DNF @ 19% - this book is too convoluted. And once again, we’re told in the first chapter that the H has been panting after her for a while. And there goes the tension.

Oh… and wtf is happening with that tattoo on the cover??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Ivana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I stumbled upon this book thanks to a newsletter, I didn't really expect much. I just needed a break from the series I was reading at the time. Well, I'm more than glad I found and read this book. It was absolutely amazing. The characters of Tobias and Anastasia fit so perfectly together. They had their ups and downs but it was a good story that kept my attention all the way through. Now I have a new author to add to my ever growing list of good ones.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very short and disappointing read.

One-dimensional characters, Tobias and Ana.

Ugh!!!

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Dark , gritty and passionate. This is part of Stella’s world that she writes so well , be it Reapers or Mafia or a bit of both, she never disappoints.

We first meet Anastasia in Breaking Beauty, she’s Angels Sister, and was engaged to Sebastian.
Tobias is a strong and dark character and now he wants Ana, he’s always wanted her , he promises her a life with everything she could possibly desire, but never love .
He doesn’t possess the ability to love anymore, the reason becomes clear as you read.

This book fills you with hope one minute and devastating news the next , it a real helter-skelter of emotional turmoil both for the characters and the reader.

I can’t wait for more .
Though you can read this as standalone, it’s much better to start with Stella’s first book and work you way through, including and especially the Reaper books, they give you a much better background to all the characters involved in this world .

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review


Sent from my iPhone

[Rose Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a continuation of Breaking Beauty, wherein Breaking Beauty it was about Angel, we did meet Anastasia, Angel's sister. In Breaking Beauty Ana was engaged to Sebastian, who was Angel's boyfriend. This story is about how Ana is finally able to be herself and is able to be loved for being herself. This story could easily be read as a standalone story, but you will want to read about Angel and her friends that are in this story too.

Anastasia has always been the dutiful daughter. She would do anything for her family. She was even engaged to her sister's ex-boyfriend for five years while her sister was MIA. She basically had to put her life on hold and appear to be in love with a man she didn't have feelings for. They never had a physical side to their relationship, which she got shot down from. So now when another man wants her to play the same role for him, be the fake fiance, then-wife of convenience, in name only. Of course, nobody besides his lawyer knows that it isn't real love until it changes. She went from her parents controlling everything about her to now her husband controlling everything. He keeps blowing hot and cold, she is getting dizzy from it. One minute he says that they are going on a honeymoon, then when she admits she is a virgin, he has to leave for a business trip. Then when he gets back, it is back to a honeymoon. Then, it is being kidnapped because she is the wife of mobster trying to go clean.

Tobias was born into a mob family. When his parents and many others of their family organization get murdered by his sister's lover, he is thrust into the position of power. He has been trying to separate the legitimate businesses from the not, but he HAS to get the SOB that murdered his parents and betrayed his sister's heart. This POS is the only one left from that massacre, but when he kidnaps both his sister and his wife, he has to end it right now! He has been watching Ana for many years. He could tell her engagement with Sebastian was fake, because he has gotten to know her from afar. When he proposed the fake engagement and marriage of convenience, he was hoping for more but he doesn't want to get attached until he cleans up the last bit of scum that threatens his family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as the first one and about to start the last. I would liked to see more of the Reapers but the next book sounds like it will be about them more.

Ana traded one prison for another. She signed a contract to be a wife in only name for the good of the public appearance. Before she could come and go but not now....The Devil is changing the rules as he goes on... what will she make of it??

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letting go of the pain of the past!
by sewsummore

Tobias, a wealthy underworld figure decides it is time for him to marry, and a marriage is arranged between Anastasia and himself. His marriage also brings with it significant voting shares to her family company. Tobias heart was torn apart over five years ago, and he vowed never to love again because love makes you weak. Anastasia had always done what was "expected" of her. She was not happy with the way her marriage began but slowly came to realize that the freedom she expected is just a dream, and she had exchanged one prison for another. Then the cold stranger she married starts to change, and she begins to find hope in her marriage. I found this story intriguing, the relationship between Tobias and Anastasia turning to love and overcoming the pain of the past. Sometimes it is a pain in our hearts that stops us from seeking a happier future, and when we realize that letting go of the pain makes room for the much more rewarding emotion of love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This was a really great read, she may be a little to innocent for her own good but i think that is what makes her able to adapt and accept the world around her.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tobias will never allow himself to love ever again. Anastasia has loved before, but she has never been loved. And it looks like because of her family she never will have the love she desires. But through their relationship Tobias and Anastasia find a balance that neither one of them thought they could achieve.
This book has it all, a great story line, wonderful characters, and a wonderful happily ever after for the main characters. In my opinion this was a beautifully polished book and now I want to go back and read Breaking Beauty and when it is released Broken Beauty. That being said this book can be read as a standalone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yolanda Glasgow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

Tobias was an a** throughout the book. His behavior gave me whiplash! I don’t feel as if the author really understood what an Alpha/Dominate male is. The way he spoke to Sophia and treated her and then was so devastated when she didn’t want to come home, oh please. And let’s not forget how he reacted when Anastasia told him how she felt and then less than 24 hours later he realizes he loves her too. And the epilogue was a joke! This author just glossed over so much information or dialogue that could have made this a good book. Not sure I would read another.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intriguing story of revenge and betrayal holds you hostage from start to finish. Tobias is a man who has constructed a plan to avenge the wrongs of his family. When he married Anastasia, he never planned for love but as these two-bond fate had overruled that decision and as the plot against his family continues, the very ones he seeks out strikes again. Will he be able to keep Anastasia and his sister safe from whats coming?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read many of the reviews of this book and unfortunately have a different opinion of what defines "a strong female character". I read this book because the author says she likes to write about alpha men and strong women. What a huge disappointment the character of Anastasia is. She was the most docile manipulated spineless female character which was a struggle for me to follow until the end of the novel. Her whole life is about doing what everyone wants her to do. She comes from a rich family, has been engaged to her sister's boyfriend as a ruse for five years and now marries a Mafia kingpin she knows nothing about because her horrible mother wants her to? Pathetic doesn't describe Anastasia. I know her character isn't a child but her actions are those of someone much younger than her assumed age. She goes into this contract without vetting her own desires and wishes; and is completely shocked and outraged when she is caged in Tobias's house and not allowed to go anywhere or do anything that he has not sanctioned. What did she expect? She doesn't have enough self-worth as a character/woman to hold much appeal.

Tobias is exactly what you would expect in his character. I like him much better than Anastasia. What you see is what you get. He's definitely has baggage and history but he makes no excuses for what he wants and always succeeds in getting what he wants. Somehow, he wants Anastasia and I can't figure out why. I don't see the attraction that he feels for her. Her character is annoying and childlike even though she has been raised with billions of dollars. She keeps talking about how beautiful his home and furnishing are like she was raised in poverty.

The story progresses and the characters grow closer because Anastasia is easily manipulated and starving for any attention she can get. A virgin looking to become a woman or so she says. This novel ends in an HEA. If you have read enough of these books a pattern transpires. Some end well and others end in suicide or death of a prior female character due to abuse or a hit on their life; or a life full of disappointment due to a forced business arrangement to make sure their family is protected or because of a hostile takeover of a business. Anastasia did not have to marry Tobias. She may cry and whine for the first half of the book but she has no one to thank but herself; her lack of self-esteem is very evident. She's a willing pawn, not a strong female character.

I gave it a three stars because I liked Tobias and his struggle with coming to grips with his feelings for Anastasia and because the story had it's moments.

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading this author

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the heroine was sweet and lovely and I ADORED the fact that she had saved herself for the right man instead of stupidly spreading her legs for losers to slime between them—that was my favorite part of the book. I loved also how dark and grim Tobias was, how he fought against loving Ana but there were a couple continuity issues that threw me for a loop. One second, he thinks he loves her and she’s going to be the center of his world and the next, he’s completely forgotten that and is telling her that he can’t love her. That bit probably needed an editor to catch

The one thing I didn’t like was the sister. I thought it was unnecessary and gross and repulsive that she was an MC STD-skank who exposes her husband to her depravity and betrayal of him. It was so unnecessary and I felt sorry for the guy. He definitely deserved better than some c()m dump std-trap and i thought the entire scene and bringing her into it was awkward and vile. It was really disgusting and disrespectful to the sister’s husband who is standing right there and is looking unhappy at seeing the men his gross used wife has slimed around with.

Other than the pustulant sister, I enjoyed the story. There was one scene with another woman where the hero almost cheats on the heroine, but he pushes her away when he realizes he only wants Ana.

[T Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I almost DNF'd this book*

*Do not choose this book for a first-time dark read*

HEA
Series, interconnected characters
*over 18 readers only *
Dark Mafia, arranged marriage
Offshoot of a Twisted Reapers MC, but they are involved

Trigger warnings
Toxic, hateful mother
Cheating
Murder
Kidnapping
R ape
Torture

Anastasia is Angel's sister from "Breaking Beauty," and most of that book will be spent hating this MFC. I would suggest reading it first to understand what happened. Honestly, you could go to the author's website and get a reading order list and just follow it. I've enjoyed most of her books, and the writing keeps the reader interested, IF you can handle the DARK issues. This one is just as dark, just in different ways.

Tobias Moretti is Mafia. Most people fear him, and his future wife will do his bidding. She just doesn't know the full extent of his intentions yet. Nor does she know for just how long he has watched and wanted her.

The scene where he teaches her "lesson 2" fits his personality, told from her PoV, making it almost an uncomfortable read. There are other things in the book that may be harder to read.

According to "Breaking Beauty," Anastasia isn't a v-card member. But in this book, she says she is. It's confusing.

This series needs to be read in order. You don't have to read the Twisted Reapers series first, but it does help.

[Irene Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Another great read by this author and closely related to the Twisted Reaper series, Anastasia is the sister of Angel a former Twisted Reaper whore who came back to her family and has regained a close relationship with her sister their mother is not a nice person and arranges a marriage between Ana and Tobias Moretti local Mafia Don. Ana sees it as an escape from her controlling mother but is maybe just handing control from one to another. Their story starts from the day of the wedding and theirs is a story of light coming from the darkness and of love blossoming from the depths. We are left with warmth as Tobias and Ana find themselves but also with a cliffhanger of what happens next to Sophia Tobias sister who suffered emotional damage when kidnapped and was rescued by the Twisted Reapers and decided to stay with them to heal and be helped in the way only the Reapers can I look forward to Sophias story.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright. Felt very rushed at the end.

This was an alright read to me. I did feel like the ending was rushed, just to get the book over with.

The FMC was so innocent and naive. She remained sweet and innocent throughout the whole book, regardless of what happened. It was as if she didn't have any character flaws. I would have liked to see more backbone from her. The MMC was supposed to be this tough, angry, cold hearted Mafia man. I didn't see that. To me, he was more of a tough business man who did some bad things in life because of circumstances. A title of "Billionaire Arranged Marriage Romance" may have been a better fit.

I did like the book. It just needed some editing, more character build up to fit the description of the main characters, a little more drama, and definitely more darkness. When I read a title with that word in it, I'm expecting dark, cold hearted attitude/personality, and a devil may care persona.

[Chalice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Ana and Tobias! It was so sweet to watch him fall in love with her. The push-pull was obvious from the beginning - I knew he was going to take a few cycles before he could accept that he loved her, but that gave her time to become a little more confident in herself. I hated that so many people who were supposed to take care of her let her down, and having Tobias in her corner was everything.
My one tiny complaint was that the author used the phrase "You see,..." as an introductory element in sentences several times - there were two separate instances where she used the phrase in two successive sentences (like Ana said "so you see," and then in the next sentence used it again - the double use happened twice). It's a small thing but it pulled me out of the story briefly.
Now I can't wait to read Sofia's story :)

[CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loving this series! Anastasia was desperate for love and had played the dutiful daughter role for years as she was manipulated and controlled by first her father, and then her mother.
I loved that Tobias had secrets of his own when it came to the contractual marriage that was set up by Anastasia’s amoral mother.
If you like obsessive intensely dark alpha heroes,Tobias is it.
No cheating, intensely focused on Anastasia, and possessively protective of her attention and time, Tobias had to navigate between his dark business dealings and his obsession with his bride.
Full of drama, suspense, betrayal and retribution. Can’t wait to read the next in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

One word sums up this story - Dire! One star is more than it deserves, but it appears I have to give it something.

All I can say is thank god I didn't spend good money on this and that it was an Amazon Prime Freebie, as time is the only thing I have wasted hoping to god that it it improved - It didn't and thats time I'm never getting back. From the poorly written, one dimensional characters. The diabolical barely there plot which reads as though it was written by a teenager, complete with holes the size of the grand canyon. I cannot actually believe this drivel has been published. The only positive thing I can say about it is it was ridiculously short so I didn't waste too much time on it.

[DENICE · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE HURTS IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review

Tobias Moretti is a mafia kingpin who wants to go legitimate. He has fallen for Anastasia Johnson, a billionaire heiress. He wants her and does everything in his power to get her. She is more to him than he wants her to be. He is still dealing with a horrendous event in his past and sworn off love. He has one final person to deal with before he can rest. His sister is kidnapped and all hell breaks loose. He admits to Ana that he loves her and everything seems to fall into place. A HEA that Tobias thought he could never have.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia may look like she is just a beautiful face, but she has the spine and the mind of a warrior. The opening scene is brilliant, with her requesting Tobias' presence. I enjoyed how feelings crossed lines, and lives became intertwined.
Angel and the Twisted Reapers relationship is strong, and the love and acceptance that comes from both sides can't help but make you smile. Big burly men who look like they would rather kill you than talk are the best friends and their women the most caring. With so much intrigue and mystery swirling through this story, you want to read more.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is dark, twisted, gritty, hot and passionate with twists and turns you won't see coming. This works as a standalone but you'll probably want to read Breaking Beauty where she is first introduced. Ana is looking for freedom and expects her marriage in name only to be what she is looking for. But Tobias isn't letting loose and she finds she's more caged than before. Tobias wants everything from her but doesn't offer love. Can Ana find an HEA? The characters are off the wall realistic. Tobias is dark and demanding and has an even darker past. Ana has always done her duty but this is above and beyond. Fast paced read with hidden secrets and brimming with lust and passion.

[Katy Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sono stata un po' abbondante con le stelline perché alla fine mi è piaciuto anche se ha qualche pecca.
I protagonisti, Tobias e Anastasia, mi sono piaciuti molto, così come i personaggi secondari. Ho apprezzato pure lo stile di scrittura e la qualità dei dialoghi. Bello anche come l'autrice sia riuscita a caratterizzare bene entrambi i protagonisti, soprattutto Tobias che ho trovato particolarmente interessante.
Detto questo, la storia d'amore è un po' claudicante perché viene in parte messa in ombra da quel che accade a Sophia, la sorella di Tobias; un po' frettolosa anche la parte finale.
Nel complesso, tuttavia, i pregi hanno superato i difetti.

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia has been used by her family her whole life and doing whatever is dictated to please them. One day she is obliged to marry Tobias, a mafia kingpin trying to change his business dealings. Can this marriage in name only be more for her? Can Tobias put his past to rest once and for all? This story is full of drama, suspense, twist and turns that will keep you riveted on the edge of your seat and the characters chemistry is off the charts. I honestly volunteered to review this amazing story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C 10 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bibolar H and doormat h

The alpha male had a serious case of bipolar disorder
One minute he acted one way and the next flew into a rage.
The h was a doormat with no spine she let everybody walk all over her
He cheated on het a day after their marriage sorry cant forgive that
What happens she smiles and forgives him
He promises one thing does the other, hurts her she forgives him.
No sorry bipolar male all.over the place
Cant forgive the cheating or I would have given the book a higher rating

[Honey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Struggled

Struggled with wanting to finish this book. I've really enjoyed her other books. Tobias is horrible. Nothing in this book makes him a good character. First, I loathe cheaters. Especially when they're married. He was married less than a week and he ran away from his new, young bride and cheats on her. It's a forced marriage and she's a doormat. She finds out he cheats but quickly gets over it? Yeah, no thank you. This book is not even close to being as good as the others!

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a fast read and sometimes the characters seem to have whiplash emotions.
Anastasia hates Tobias. Then she wants him and thinks she might be in love. Then she’s angry at him and hates him. Same with Tobias, only he’s conscious of his extreme mood swings.
I guess it’s an ok story, though I can tell this is a connected story. Whatever happened for Anastasia’s older sister before and then the Reapers MC guys.

Not a bad story but also not great. Needed more development to be a good story.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia signs a contract to enter into a marriage with mob leader Tobias Moretti. Tobias is used to controlling everything in his power and seeks to control his new wife too. Having suffered badly losing family members in the past he tries to fight his obsession for Ana. Some great twists and turns in this story including a reconnection with former characters in the Twisted Reapers MC. Grim ending for one of the characters towards the end but so justified. Read an ARC for an honest review.