King of Beasts, Book 2

Beast Duet #2

by Diana A. Hicks

From award-winning author Diana A. Hicks comes the enthralling conclusion to the King of Beasts duet.

Caterina Alfera
My Enemy
My Obsession
My Queen

I have left it all on the line for Caterina Alfera. She holds the keys to everything I have ever wanted. But would she do the unthinkable for me—the right thing?

If you like dark, steamy romance with a heavy dose of suspense and intense twists, then you’ll love Diana A. Hicks’s King of Beasts

Authors Note: King of Beasts is book two in the Beast Duet as part of the Crime Society World. It contains explicit scenes and bondage.

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Smut, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Enemies To Lovers

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2021

About the author

Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of contemporary romance that's sometimes dark, sometimes suspenseful, but always steamy. Her upcoming release, Empire of Ache & Ruin coming May 6, 2025!

When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.

Available now:
The Crime Society Series
Lost Raven (FREE)
King of Beasts, Book 1
Queen of Beasts, Book 2

Wolf's Lair (FREE)
Big Bad Wolf, Book 1
Big Bad Red, Book 2
Once Upon a Christmas (FREE)

Dark Beauty (FREE)
Wings of Ruin, Book 1
Wings of Silence, Book 2

Wicked Seduction, Book 1
Wicked Temptation, Book 2
Heartless Vow (FREE)

Steal My Heart Series
Entangle You
Unravel You
Ignite You
Release You

Cole Brothers Series
Unleash You
Defy You
Provoke You
Escape You
Escape My Love (FREE)

Cocky Hero Club
Irresistible Bastard


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Reviews

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 3 out of 5]

╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟹 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜, 𝚖𝚒𝚡𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜⊹
╰ ✦ •

the last 20-30% fmc was so annoying, I feel like their chemistry was lacking..


Overall story wasn’t bad though


rtc

[Cécile Smits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having finished the second part of this duet,having the answers i needed,and knowing where Rex and Caterina are now,i can finally take a relieved breath.
This really was a rollercoaster ride that kept me guessing throughout who wanted what,and at what cost.
The only times i could breathe easily was during the Kinbaku scenes,that were beautifully done.
And the aftercare Rex gave Caterina….
Just when i thought they were going in the right direction,when they confessed their feelings,and showed their trust in eachother,everything went to hell,though…..
Caterina refused to believe her father was as bad as Rex told her,but evidence was showing something else.
Could Rex be right about him,and what would happen if he was?
Caterina needed him to be wrong,but at what cost?
After walking into a trap one time too often,Rex is done with her and her family.
But he’ll be damned if he’s going to let her walk…..she wíll pay for her betrayal!


These two were supposed to be beyond the hate,to be able to talk things through.
But where Rex seemed “ blinded by lust”,as it was called,he seemed “blinded by anger” later on.
And he wasn’t listening to reason….
In fact,i didn’t feel he was acting like the intelligent mob boss he was before.
He didn’t think things through,he didn’t bother to check for facts.
And it nearly cost him everything……
Caterina was a little too naïve,even after hearing what her father really had been doing all those years.
Ok,he wás her father,but he was also he man that tried to get the man she loved killed….
He did get redeemed in the end,he did make things right,but still….all the unnecessary pain he’d caused could’ve been avoided.

All in all,it still was a story that i enjoyed.
And i might be tempted to read more in this series…..

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well now … that was delicious! The conclusion to Caterina and Rex’s journey was just as provocative and arousing than the beginning. I mean … wow!

This entire story was all kinds of twisty and intense. The passion flowed thru the story like a tsunami; it was in everything! Stories such as these should be exactly that, passionate, and Diana delivered in spades! I won’t lie and say this was a book without imperfections because honestly, there were too many times when I just wanted to slap either Caterina or Rex or both for their constant poor communication skills. It wasn’t so much that it made the story unrealistic but it annoyed me to no end and when I’m annoyed, I’m not enjoying so *shrug*

Overall, I enjoyed this duet with all its twist and mystery and suspense and sensual intensity. I have a boat load of questions still about The Society so that portion of the story is far from over so stay tuned …

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The finale to King of Beasts was wonderful and completely perfect.
Caterina and Rex balance between trust and doubt, lies and deception, hope and love. All the emotions encompasses the events and characters in this story.
The Society, which this tale is based on, are century old group that combines families and enforces their own laws and rules.
Great duet!

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 4 out of 5]

While in the first book, Rex seemed to be a confident and strong man, albeit clearly in love with Caterina, here we get the completely smitten side of him. Because he’s blinded by his feelings, easy to manipulate because of them, most of the plot–and the dangers he faces–come from this weaker side. It was interesting to read. How the mighty has fallen on his knees for his princess.

Figuratively, at least. Because it’s still a kinky story, and the one really on her knees is Caterina. Though their intense encounters are fewer, they’re still meaningful. I really enjoyed the power shifts at play here. Submission and devotion aren’t a one way street.

Family is still an important part of the story. Rex and Caterina’s families are more interconnected than we were led to think. Secrets are uncovered too.

The mafia/mystery part is still a bit weak in the knees. Sure we have some violence, but the actions and reactions make little sense. They’re supposed to be mafia kingpins, and they make dumb decisions. And the shooting scenes are left unseen–which I found a bit frustrating.

More romance than mafia, more kinky than pure love, I still enjoyed Caterina and Rex, and their impossible love.

Quickie

- Series: King of beasts duet #2 (end of the duet)
- Hashtags: #mafia romance #erotica #BDSM #enemies to lovers #fairytale retelling #virgin
- Triggers: BDSM, mild violence and death
- Main couple: Caterina Alfera & Rex Valentino
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + what we learn about Caterina’s mother
- – still a bit weak with the mafia part

[Lisbeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Más de lo mismo.

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a bit upset (I have more colorful words but ... )
At Rex for not believing - for not listening - for tainting what should have been a special moment - something pure and beautiful
At Santino for not telling the whole truth
And a touch disappointed at Caterina
Maybe I am being petty but you should have turned that nob -
And Michael? I get it in so many ways I understand how tainted your world had become from your grief

This is the conclusion to Rex and Caterina's story but far from the end of the Society's
Hang on tight because nothing is at it seems
Not sure who I believe - even now that we are calm and seem to be regrouping
Can the king and queen take their rightful places and if they do can they align the families once again? Or has too much damage been wrought upon the Society?

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.1 stars

Great conclusion to the story. I'm glad the Society was explained more in this book because I'd struggled with that part of the story in the first book. Strong characters, suspense, and an interesting storyline made this enjoyable. Ill look more from this author in the future.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sometimes you have to ""Beastly"" things for the greater good and your future. This second part picks up where Book 1 ends. This story has fast paced action and suspense with all of the sweet hot moments I needed. Control is the name of the game but it is hard to achieve amongst chaos. Caterina is the pawn in both her father's and Rex's plans. Rex isn't sure who to trust but the tether to Caterina is unyielding. I really enjoyed this story.

“I never wanted anyone as much as I want you. Our union would benefit a lot of people, it would complete the contract between our families. But I don’t want any of it, if I don’t have your love too. I want you to want me.”~ Rex"

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the conclusion to Caterina and Rex’s duet. We get to see a softer side of Rex in this one cause of the way he feels about Caterina and she’s more open to Rex in this one and together they have a intense connection that they can’t deny no matter what.

[Rene Britz · Rating 2 out of 5]

spoiler alert

Book one was good and so was book two until it became unbelievable. Heroine can’t give up on saving her dad even though he has lied to her her whole life, tried to kill the man she loves more than once, used her as a pawn and collateral, betrayed her and almost got her killed numerous times.
Rex is led completely by his di&k and has so little strength of character that she can get him to do anything she wants. He is supposed to be the big bad beast, yet he won’t do what needs to be done because she doesn’t want him to. Between her idiotic refusal to see her dad as he really is, to oh no I love you too much to continue to be angry with you. The assumption that anything her father said is true but ohhhhh that’s not who he really is, he’s a good man. Please don’t hurt him. Heaven forbid she ever accept reality. How do you accept that the man who has tried to kill the man you love twice, also putting your life on the line is a good man? What about the other people killed because of her dad? To top it off, he has manipulated her from the beginning. Yeah, if my dad reneged on a contract, accepted my boyfriend’s paying medical bills, home care and then put hits out on him, I know I wouldn’t trust him or stand up for him.

[Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lacking

While I get Caterina’s pov to start, it becomes clear at a point that she is just ridiculously annoying. Her father has betrayed The Society aka The Mob, has tried to kill the man you claim to be in love with twice with intentions to keep trying, told how he’s sold you to get what he wanted, while lying your entire life, your mother found out and just stuck her head in the sand, and Caterina stays with the mentality that he’s a good man, he’s just “lost”
Rex is supposed to be the head of the mob, yet twice he’s caught out, thanks to traversing the world alone, like no mob boss would do, on top of failing to do what should be done because Caterina’s whining.
A rogue FBI agent who is Whodini, just disappears from a boat that’s in the middle of the sea, does it again from a surrounded, all the exits covered warehouse.
Ha to skim to make it through this thankfully last book, two was too many.

[book_fairy13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with Rex and Caterina!

The ending was perfect and heartbreaking at the same time.
The relationship between Rex and Caterina was beautiful, they love each other and want to be together. I loved seeing them grow as individuals and as a couple. Both of them want to be together, and for that, they need to open up to each other. They are learning to be more truthful, loyal and starting to trust each other.

I loved Caterina in this story, she is finally standing up for what she wants and is facing the truth. She wants her family to be safe and will do anything for it. She is much stronger than in the previous book and I am really proud of her.
Her character shows women in power get things done properly!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex Valentino is on a clock if he’s going to save his seat as the head of The Society, the combination of five mafia families that work together to keep peace and protect their own, and to save his life. There are hidden factors against him, and he has to figure out who is betraying him and who is working to try to protect him and save him. Will he figure it out in time? Will his obsession finally become a reality and will the woman that he has fallen for figure out her actual feelings in time for both of them to survive?

Caterina Alfera’s life is not what she has always thought it was and her father is not the man she thought he was. At twenty-four her whole life has been turned upside down and she has to find a way to balance the love of her father and the man that she has always avoided at all costs, only to figure out that she really does not hate the man.

I loved the conclusion to the King of Beasts Duet. The story is full of deception, families that will do their best to protect everyone they consider family, and the danger of the mafia and their battle with law enforcement. I loved the characters and the story. Catrina is a bit naïve, but she’s also a woman that has lost already and can’t think of losing anyone else that she loves, and this can put her life in danger as well as put others in danger. Her naivety is a dangerous thing for her in the life that she finds herself. I loved the book and give it a 5-star review. I want to pick up Massimo’s story, Lost Raven, and read it as well.

[Little monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we pick up right where we left off with Caterina and Rex, and boy do we get answers from the questions that were left from book one!!!!

We now see that Caterina is the pawn that everyone needs and wants in this game with the society and they all play to win!!!!!!!! But Cat belongs to one King only and that is Rex!!!! He won't let her go even though everyone tells him he's so consumed by Cat he can't see straight and he's putting not only her but himself in danger!!! We get to see how the society work and function a lot more in this book and how everything falls into place with Cat's father and why he's behaving the way he has been, and we find out some interesting information on how and why Rex and Cat are meant to be.

This couple are destined to be together no matter the cost and yes there is a section towards the end where I wanted to throttle Rex with how he treated Cat, and I for sure wanted Cat to grow some ruddy balls and stand up for her man and make him listen to her!!!!

All in all I couldn't fault this duet, mafia being the main plot line but of course with this undertone of Shibari/Kinbaku ( which again those scenes had me from the get go being a bunny myself ) I honestly hope we see more of Cat and Rex

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rex seems to be in something of a pickle. Caterina is back in the family’s fold. This book picks up where the last book left off. We get to see their connection develop and get stronger.

Besides the personal connection, we get to see more of a connection to the Society and everything that entails. It’s like there are two separate stories here and neither one overtakes the other. It was interesting to see how the author created a fine line between who may be the “good guys” and who may be the bad. One thing that was easy to see was the growing relationship between Rex and Caterina.

Rex could be so tender and commandeering around Caterina one minute and then the tough all business guy the next. At no time did I seem confused as to where the author was taking her story. She was also good at when to turn the heat up and knowing when to tone it down. One thing that swirls its way through the story is a mystery and our main characters are at the heart of it. That mystery is what made this a page-turner for me and what kept me riveted right until the end. But is the author done with the Society? Only time will tell.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Fictionlove_alwaysforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why should you read this book?🤔
👇🏻
It has those “hot” 4💫💫💫💫
•
👍🏻Author Diana has done an amazing job with the background of the story, the plot and storyline🤩 The book has yumm-licious characters! Swooooooonnnnn...😍😋

👍🏻 An amazing plot, seamlessly blended characters, it has a very unique and interesting storyline that keeps you panting for more! The story is well written and smooth in its transition from one plot to the next, maintaining the effect on the readers❤

👍🏻 Rex Valentino is the head to The Society, a 100 year old legacy. A traitor amidst them is out to destroy it all. After the execution of the Gallos, the third in line to the family, its now the Alferas who face the threat.
Caterina now learns the truth about the contract of her life, the ultimate prize, and realizes that all her life she has lived a lie.

Will she overcome this feeling of betrayal?


Amidst treachery and gunshots, Book 2 continues with more action and finally ends the Duet with a bang!

👍🏻My recommendation: If you like dark, steamy romance with a heavy dose of suspense and intense twists, then you’ll love Diana A. Hicks’s King of Beasts🖤

#fromauthorstoreaders #customizeurcover #fictionlove_alwaysforever

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st reading: Decently well written prose, but there are plenty of sentence fragments, typos, misspellings, and missing words. The plot again is predictable for a mafia romance novel, but there are several subplots. The two main characters continue with their development from the first book, and a few secondary characters get more treatment.
As I mentioned in my review of the first book in this duology, I'm not keen on mafia romance novels. However, since I'd read the first book, I wanted to finish the story. The plot, as I said, was predictable; there's the inevitable third-act breakup, coupled with a redemptive arc for Caterina's father. Additional attention is paid to the character of Santino Burrati, as he's the MMC of the next duology in the overarching series.
I suppose this pair of novels is alright for what it is, but I just can't get overly excited about the subject matter, apart from the inclusion of kinbaku as a way for the two main characters to connect and to find their way back to each other after the breakup.
Now that I know these books are mafia-related, I will not be continuing with the series. However, if mafia romance is your thing, I think these books are probably worth your while.

[Marga Benavides · Rating 4 out of 5]

Se supone un Retelling de La Bella y la Bestia, pero yo que he leído hace poco otro, en este solo nos queda la idea la idea base de la personalidad de bella y bestia. Lo demás es todo una puesta en escena dentro de la mafia. 

Novela erótica, fantástica y de romance. Lectura intensa y con toque de bondage. 

Cuando tu mundo no es tal como crees e incluso aquellos en quienes confías te hacen dudar, toda tu vida se desmorona. Cuando además tienes una lucha interna entre cuerpo, corazón y mente, las complicaciones se multiplican por mil. 

Con una narrativa sencilla y ágil, se vuela entre las palabras y la excitación, pero también habrá que esquivar las balas y tomar decisiones difíciles. 

Sobre el Bondage hay mucho que decir y yo realmente tan solo puedo contaros un poco. Nos derrama información, nos habla de diferentes ataduras pero lo que deja muy claro es que son decisiones consensuadas, debe primar la confianza porque es una entrega y sumisión absoluta en la que hay vulnerabilidad. Y decidir la rendición para que otra persona decida por ti, dejarse llevar y mantenerse indefensa, lo veo complicado y un acto de valentía. Y de mucha mucha confianza.

[Hanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5 stars**
The second bk of King of Beasts shows the more vulnerable side of Rex when it comes to Caterina.
Rex has to make decisions and choices that will directly effect Caterina.
Decisions that could lead to her hating him.
Decisions that could lead to her having to choose between him and her father.
Caterina is caught in the middle of a cunning scheme in which she has no control.
She is a pawn in everyone’s plan to further their own interests.
While leaving her to pick up the pieces of their selfishness.
With all the chaos going on and the betrayals happening there starts to be a lack of communication and distrust between Rex and Caterina.
Leading to a big fallout.
Their passion and lust is still hot as ever.
But is their love strong enough to survive the damaging rift that is between them is a another beast entirely.

[Patricia Charlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book

This is book 2 in a duet so you must read book 1 to understand who the characters are and what has led them to this second book.
I have to say Rex is so sexy and gorgeous and we have known the type of man he is from day one.
Catarina turned out to be a good character but I wanted to shake her so many times for being so gullible when it came to her Dad, she knew who he was but chose to think of the man he was as her Dad and not a ruthless killer mobster.
I was hoping another wedding happened but seems not, can’t wait to see what Santino is going to be like in the next book considering how much flack he gave Rex for being in love and only thinking with his… you know what 😜
Good back story to their relationship and obviously being the Mob things are going to still be rocky in the next books.

[Elise Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm usually not into the Mafia types but this was great!

This book was really well written.. It's the continuation of the first and is about the brothers and the father's involvement with the society. Are they or aren't they traitors? Well read this and see! It's a bit of a puzzle but one reveal leads the reader nicely to the next reveal until we get the whole story... Although it gets tricky between Rex and his soon to be wife towards the end. However, issues are resolved and the HEA one wants is given. It's a definite love story and its roots go back a generation.. It gets a tad drawn out but nothing that took away from the book. The sex scenes are sizzling which is what I crave in dark romances... This book has it all folks so don't hesitate to read this series!

[Mindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will power

Ok let's set the record straight, I only read this to finish out the set. With that being said I have one very important question, does she not contain one once of will power? Seriously, he gives her one command & she crumbles?! It gets so old how she can't stand up to him. She sits there & says how much she "hates" him yet the minute he calls? She comes running. On top of all that there's still not a lot of information on the whole rope biding thing. It's a little strange to me that he does that & there's no sexual play. After, yes, but I don't get that. Once the ropes are off, just feel let down. Again I'm at a loss on if I should say I recommend this but I know I'm not continuing on so take that as you will. On to the next.

[Cindy Fong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you have to "Beastly" things for the greater good and your future. This second part picks up where Book 1 ends. This story has fast paced action and suspense with all of the sweet hot moments I needed. Control is the name of the game but it is hard to achieve amongst chaos. Caterina is the pawn in both her father's and Rex's plans. Rex isn't sure who to trust but the tether to Caterina is unyielding. I really enjoyed this story.

“I never wanted anyone as much as I want you. Our union would benefit a lot of people, it would complete the contract between our families. But I don’t want any of it, if I don’t have your love too. I want you to want me.”~ Rex

[Nicole Sargent Kunkel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The conclusion of this duet had a lot of characters and plots swirling together. Rex is still in control of the society. Caterina is still the women he loves. So many things happen, I was, at times, scratching my head. Caterina did so many stupid things, I really didn’t like her. I get her point of view, but come on. How many times can you play innocent and not speak up. Rex was the perfect hero, giving her the benefit of the doubt time and time again. By the end, I thought how can you do rope play when you can’t have trust with the other person.
The book does have a great plot with the society. There are lots of other families and characters that keep the story moving forward.

[Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader]

DNF @ 51%
After considering the first book to be mediocre, my gut told me not to bother with this one, but I won a free copy of the Audible audiobook, so I decided to give it a chance. The narration was PHENOMENAL; I discovered two amazing narrators I had never heard before but will definitely seek out again. However, the story…. The insta-love had me cringing (Caterina goes from absolutely hating Rex to being in love with him in the blink of an eye), unrealistic events (in one moment, Rex has zip ties around his wrists, yet a few minutes later he is stealing a gun from someone and shooting down his enemies???),
but most of all, the story was painfully predictable and boring.

[E. Molgaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

drama and love

Even though Caterina is hurt by Rex’s lie she can’t deny the love she has for him. So when they finally see each other for the first time since she left, they are once again unable to deny their love. The drama in this book continues as they find out who is trying to destroy the Society and the betrayal hits hard on Caterina and Rex. So hard that it destroys all the love and happiness that they were growing. But luckily not for too long.
There is a lot of drama in this duet between their relationship and the threat against the Society but I totally recommend it.

[Sharon A Shovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuation of Rex and Caterina...... Her brothers paid their dads debt and brought Caterina back to her brother’s house. It has been quite a few weeks since Rex and Caterina have seen each other. Both are going nuts! Caterina is still figuring out what is the truth. She knows she has feelings for Rex but what about her dad? She is so confused. Her brother wants her to go to a party and get out of the house. Should she or shouldn’t she? What if she sees Rex? What then? She gets to the party and after awhile you can guess who shows up. What should she say? Does he have feelings for her? Oh man, what to do, what to do?

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd and concluding part of this duet, which had Rex and Cat trying to find the balance between lies and deceit, and who can be trusted and who not. Cat is a pawn that the members want to control, while Rex is the “King” who is trying to save the families, but is the damage too deep? This is a complicated finale, which I struggled with to be honest, but this is just my opinion. This is a good story which is dark, steamy, and filled with suspense, twists, emotions, and is a steamy read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

King of Beasts book 2 is a fabulous conclusion to this fabulous duet. I love the fire and passion that is between Caterina and Rex. They set the pages on fire as this navigate the turbulent mafia world. I love how Caterina embraces Rex's love of ropes and gives him her trust and support through everything. I love all the ups and downs that Caterina and Rex face. This is an amazing mafia romance that I could not put down. You need to read this duet and meet Rex and Caterina while getting sucked into the mafia world today.