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Victorian Decadence #4
Her Beast
The beast only wins the beauty’s heart in fairy tales. In real life, he destroys it…and her.
Malcom Barton is what the man who murdered his wife made him—a beast. Scarred and broken in mind, body, and spirit, he lives his life in the shadows.
Until he sees her.
Julia Harlow is the only light and warmth to shine into his cold, dead heart for years. Wild, spirited, and free, she’s…everything.
She’s also the daughter of the man who burned his life to the ground.
Kidnapping Julia and keeping her prisoner to his dark, deviant desires seems like the perfect way to destroy his enemy.
He never expected her to enjoy her captivity.
It’s not long before she makes him want things he thought he’d never have again. He wants her.
But if the cost of his much-deserved revenge is a happily ever after with Julia, is it a price he’s able to pay?
Her Beast is a full length historical romance with elements of BDSM, power exchange, and ménage. If you are easily triggered by violence or unconventional sexual situations you should not read this book.
Malcom Barton is what the man who murdered his wife made him—a beast. Scarred and broken in mind, body, and spirit, he lives his life in the shadows.
Until he sees her.
Julia Harlow is the only light and warmth to shine into his cold, dead heart for years. Wild, spirited, and free, she’s…everything.
She’s also the daughter of the man who burned his life to the ground.
Kidnapping Julia and keeping her prisoner to his dark, deviant desires seems like the perfect way to destroy his enemy.
He never expected her to enjoy her captivity.
It’s not long before she makes him want things he thought he’d never have again. He wants her.
But if the cost of his much-deserved revenge is a happily ever after with Julia, is it a price he’s able to pay?
Her Beast is a full length historical romance with elements of BDSM, power exchange, and ménage. If you are easily triggered by violence or unconventional sexual situations you should not read this book.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2022
445 people are currently reading
2682 people want to read
About the author
S.M. LaViolette
37 books622 followersWho is S.M. LaViolette?
S.M. (that’s short for Shantal Marie) writes super spicy historical romance and historical erotic romance. S.M. likes to write about heroes and heroines who don't fit the mold--that means heroes who aren't always dukes and heroines who aren't always virgins.
People have described S.M.'s style as dark, angsty, and dryly witty.
S.M. also writes historical romance under the pen name Minerva Spencer, and historical mystery under S.M. Goodwin.
S.M. has been a criminal prosecutor, college history teacher, B&B operator, dock worker, ice cream manufacturer, reader for the blind, motel maid, and bounty hunter.
Okay, so the part about being a bounty hunter is a lie.
S.M. does, however, know how to hypnotize a Dungeness crab, sew her own Regency Era clothing, knit a frog hat, juggle, rebuild a 1959 American Rambler, and gain control of Asia (and hold on to it) in the game of RISK.
S.M. (that’s short for Shantal Marie) writes super spicy historical romance and historical erotic romance. S.M. likes to write about heroes and heroines who don't fit the mold--that means heroes who aren't always dukes and heroines who aren't always virgins.
People have described S.M.'s style as dark, angsty, and dryly witty.
S.M. also writes historical romance under the pen name Minerva Spencer, and historical mystery under S.M. Goodwin.
S.M. has been a criminal prosecutor, college history teacher, B&B operator, dock worker, ice cream manufacturer, reader for the blind, motel maid, and bounty hunter.
Okay, so the part about being a bounty hunter is a lie.
S.M. does, however, know how to hypnotize a Dungeness crab, sew her own Regency Era clothing, knit a frog hat, juggle, rebuild a 1959 American Rambler, and gain control of Asia (and hold on to it) in the game of RISK.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 9, 2022
You know I am a HUGE fan of this author....but this is just not doing it for me. I just finished the book, and it had lots of background and little action. Even the smut is rather blah. I don't remember the main characters from the previous books. Beauty and the Beast are tropes that I enjoy. It has everything I should like in the plot and some great twist and turns. Looking forward to reading next book about Smith.
January 9, 2023
Thanks to @NatashaAllen for encouraging me to try out this book. I wasn't particularly bothered to read this one due to the risque nature of the book, but I've always enjoyed a good beauty and the beast retelling. This one is definitely that with a touch of 'The Phantom of the Opera'. There is a surprisingly tender love story underneath all the smut.
Malcolm was injured in a fire 15 years ago, which resulted in half of his body having burn scars. He also lost his wife and unborn child in that fire. He has worn a mask for the past 15 years to hide his scarring. He is now a wealthy man due to having multiple emporiums throughout the world (kinda reminds me of Rhys from Marrying Winterborne). He is after the man who caused the fire, and the heroine, Julia, is his daughter.
Malcolm was smitten with Julia from the first moment he laid eyes on her. He devised a plan to abduct Julia to hold her as a bargaining chip (and I guess Malcolm wanted to torture himself with Julia's proximity). It's no hardship for Julia as there is no love lost between herself and her father. Her father sold her in marriage to a duke to cover his investment losses. That was the only reason her father needed her. Julia capitulated to protect her twin brother.
Malcolm has set a couple of plans to destroy the people who killed his wife and burnt him. The thing is, these plans will put Julia in the crossfire. Will their love survive this?
The tenderness would be on Malcolm's part. He didn't touch Julia until the 70% mark (which was surprising, and that was only because Julia instigated the whole thing). His reason was he didn't want to destroy her life more than he already did. He courted her (bought her gifts and clothes, took her out for dinner and skiing, etc). Julia is no virgin, but her experience has been lacklustre so far. She is sexually curious, and a man like Malcom is very compelling (dark, mysterious and a half-mask on his face, hence, the ode to the 'Phantom of the Opera'). She was brought up in a home lacking warmth and affection, so it's only natural that she gravitates towards Malcolm's kindness and affection.
I'm not going to comment much on the smut. The smut in the books in this series is so over the top, explicit, and a bit of a crazysauce. Oh, you'll also have to be okay with cheating. Having sexual relations with other people doesn't mean they don't love each other; it's just for the experience (okay??).
I do think the best part of this book is the characterization. Her plotlines can be crazy, but I have to give the author props for originality. A solid 3.5 stars, and I will continue reading her works.
Malcolm was injured in a fire 15 years ago, which resulted in half of his body having burn scars. He also lost his wife and unborn child in that fire. He has worn a mask for the past 15 years to hide his scarring. He is now a wealthy man due to having multiple emporiums throughout the world (kinda reminds me of Rhys from Marrying Winterborne). He is after the man who caused the fire, and the heroine, Julia, is his daughter.
Malcolm was smitten with Julia from the first moment he laid eyes on her. He devised a plan to abduct Julia to hold her as a bargaining chip (and I guess Malcolm wanted to torture himself with Julia's proximity). It's no hardship for Julia as there is no love lost between herself and her father. Her father sold her in marriage to a duke to cover his investment losses. That was the only reason her father needed her. Julia capitulated to protect her twin brother.
Malcolm has set a couple of plans to destroy the people who killed his wife and burnt him. The thing is, these plans will put Julia in the crossfire. Will their love survive this?
The tenderness would be on Malcolm's part. He didn't touch Julia until the 70% mark (which was surprising, and that was only because Julia instigated the whole thing). His reason was he didn't want to destroy her life more than he already did. He courted her (bought her gifts and clothes, took her out for dinner and skiing, etc). Julia is no virgin, but her experience has been lacklustre so far. She is sexually curious, and a man like Malcom is very compelling (dark, mysterious and a half-mask on his face, hence, the ode to the 'Phantom of the Opera'). She was brought up in a home lacking warmth and affection, so it's only natural that she gravitates towards Malcolm's kindness and affection.
I'm not going to comment much on the smut. The smut in the books in this series is so over the top, explicit, and a bit of a crazysauce. Oh, you'll also have to be okay with cheating. Having sexual relations with other people doesn't mean they don't love each other; it's just for the experience (okay??).
I do think the best part of this book is the characterization. Her plotlines can be crazy, but I have to give the author props for originality. A solid 3.5 stars, and I will continue reading her works.
January 13, 2023
OTT, gratuitous, unrealistic, sexual fanatic's that might be the horniest bunch of humans this side of the Mississippi...check.
Now, I went into this KNOWING that thus far anything S.M LaViolette writes is simply not my cup of tea. However, I'm a sucker and don't know when to stop bashing my head against a wall.
It's not really the smut that bothers me. It's graphic and almost comical, but since I don't consider myself the target demographic, I won't review how SML writes her sex scenes. (I know it's not for me, so it's not SML fault I don't like it).
I'm here to review how the plot and MCs feel like pawn shop purchases. They're used, tired and SML stories all seem to be the same with just a little repackaging- You might as well spend the money and go buy yourself a nice Robin Schone or Pam Rosenthalbook and skip the secondhand material. Nothing about these characters is redeeming, tender or likeable and literally all they do is bang each other- which is why it's hard for me to consider this a romance read. Also, SML doesn't do a good job of actually telling a story. Sure, she writes these sex scenes that has everyone drooling, but it comes at the cost of a good story. This one seemed to be patched up after the sex scenes were written.
Meh, I really need to stop trying to fit a round peg in a square hole and just move on with my life- clearly this authors work isn't for me.
Now, I went into this KNOWING that thus far anything S.M LaViolette writes is simply not my cup of tea. However, I'm a sucker and don't know when to stop bashing my head against a wall.
It's not really the smut that bothers me. It's graphic and almost comical, but since I don't consider myself the target demographic, I won't review how SML writes her sex scenes. (I know it's not for me, so it's not SML fault I don't like it).
I'm here to review how the plot and MCs feel like pawn shop purchases. They're used, tired and SML stories all seem to be the same with just a little repackaging- You might as well spend the money and go buy yourself a nice Robin Schone or Pam Rosenthalbook and skip the secondhand material. Nothing about these characters is redeeming, tender or likeable and literally all they do is bang each other- which is why it's hard for me to consider this a romance read. Also, SML doesn't do a good job of actually telling a story. Sure, she writes these sex scenes that has everyone drooling, but it comes at the cost of a good story. This one seemed to be patched up after the sex scenes were written.
Meh, I really need to stop trying to fit a round peg in a square hole and just move on with my life- clearly this authors work isn't for me.
July 25, 2022
Malcolm Barton is scarred and broken in mind, body, and spirit, he lives his life in the shadows. Until he sees her. Julia Harlow is the only light and warmth to shine into his cold, dead heart for years. Wild, spirited, and free, she’s…everything. She’s also the daughter of the man who burned his life to the ground. Kidnapping Julia and keeping her prisoner to his dark, deviant desires seems like the perfect way to destroy his enemy. He never expected her to enjoy her captivity.
This is the fourth book in the series but each book can be read as a standalone. A very well written book which once started I found it hard to put down & finished it in the early hours. The characters have lovely depth & there was a mix of loveable, likeable & despicable characters. I loved Malcolm who had been badly burned fifteen years ago but whilst he rarely went out he’d built an empire with his premium department stores & I loved Julia who was feisty & knew her mind. The chemistry between the two was off the scale & I adored how their relationship grew & changed & how Malcolm came alive again. A story of finding justice but there are twists & turns I didn’t see coming. An engrossing, captivating, steamy read, which was also a lovely love story & included an enthralling mystery. Plus we found out a bit more about the enigmatic Smith
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the fourth book in the series but each book can be read as a standalone. A very well written book which once started I found it hard to put down & finished it in the early hours. The characters have lovely depth & there was a mix of loveable, likeable & despicable characters. I loved Malcolm who had been badly burned fifteen years ago but whilst he rarely went out he’d built an empire with his premium department stores & I loved Julia who was feisty & knew her mind. The chemistry between the two was off the scale & I adored how their relationship grew & changed & how Malcolm came alive again. A story of finding justice but there are twists & turns I didn’t see coming. An engrossing, captivating, steamy read, which was also a lovely love story & included an enthralling mystery. Plus we found out a bit more about the enigmatic Smith
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 1, 2022
This series always makes me aroused, uncomfortable, and intruiged... crazy intruiged.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
July 26, 2022
Malcolm Barton has a reason for revenge. A deliberate fire was set fifteen years ago to kill he and his wife. She did not survive. He lives with his horribly scared body, masked and covered from trying to save her. Part of his plan is to kidnap the daughter of one man who can give him answers. Julia Harlow may be a prisoner, but she can have anything wants. What price is her freedom? As Julia adjusts to her beautiful prison, she discovers more about the man who keeps her. She is fascinated by his sexual needs and her desire to participate and please him. No one said anything about falling in love. A complex plot with unexpected twists and turns, takes a
very dark path with explicit sex and violence. One to read without interruptions.
Heat level 5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
very dark path with explicit sex and violence. One to read without interruptions.
Heat level 5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
October 4, 2022
I forgot to review this when I read this in July so, no deep thoughts, but it was a good continuation of the series. It's lacking a little bit of the heat and the taboo aspects of the other books and it felt very long, but honest to God I haven't read anything remotely like this series and I'll keep reading it as long as LaViolette writes them.
January 24, 2023
A good story giving "Beauty and the Beast" vibes
Ever since he saw Julia, scarred Malcom can't help but think about the unanswered questions of his past. 15 years ago, his wife died in a fire that took two lives. After 15 years, it's time to find out who was responsible and make him pay for it.
I really liked the plot, but I felt that all the romance between the MCs was swallowed up by the undiscovered past. Or maybe the whole resolution was quite slow for me... I don't know.
Overall, it was a great book, with less sex than the rest but equally hardcore. It was impossible to remain indifferent to Malcom; he was affectionate and caring despite being the kidnapper. (Is it because it reminded me of Rhys, one of my favorite of LK's heroes?) Julia is a satisfying character, who, after having multiple orgasms, falls asleep easily. This made me roll my eyes a little bit, I'm not going to lie.
I really enjoy the author's writing and how she can captivate and involve us in the stories; I will certainly continue to read more of her books.
Ever since he saw Julia, scarred Malcom can't help but think about the unanswered questions of his past. 15 years ago, his wife died in a fire that took two lives. After 15 years, it's time to find out who was responsible and make him pay for it.
I really liked the plot, but I felt that all the romance between the MCs was swallowed up by the undiscovered past. Or maybe the whole resolution was quite slow for me... I don't know.
Overall, it was a great book, with less sex than the rest but equally hardcore. It was impossible to remain indifferent to Malcom; he was affectionate and caring despite being the kidnapper. (Is it because it reminded me of Rhys, one of my favorite of LK's heroes?) Julia is a satisfying character, who, after having multiple orgasms, falls asleep easily. This made me roll my eyes a little bit, I'm not going to lie.
I really enjoy the author's writing and how she can captivate and involve us in the stories; I will certainly continue to read more of her books.
March 31, 2023
Malcolm is married to Sukey and the two have an open relationship with their lover, Brian. One night a fire kills Sukey, leaves Malcolm disfigured, destroys his business, and Brian abandons him.
Years later he is a successful reclusive business man and sees a young women leaving his store. He asks for information about her. The young woman is Julia. Julia has been sent away from her home because she keeps getting caught having sex. She is betrothed to a man she hates and promises to be good so that her father keeps her brother safe.
Malcolm discovers a wholllllleeee lot about Julia’s life and kidnaps her in his quest for revenge.
This book could have been 100 pages shorter. The beginning and end were very interesting. But there was way too much in the middle.
Overall Book ⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Years later he is a successful reclusive business man and sees a young women leaving his store. He asks for information about her. The young woman is Julia. Julia has been sent away from her home because she keeps getting caught having sex. She is betrothed to a man she hates and promises to be good so that her father keeps her brother safe.
Malcolm discovers a wholllllleeee lot about Julia’s life and kidnaps her in his quest for revenge.
This book could have been 100 pages shorter. The beginning and end were very interesting. But there was way too much in the middle.
Overall Book ⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶
November 7, 2022
What a truly and utterly fantastic book! There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t love about it! Julia and Malcom are utterly made for one another!
.
The tragedy Malcolm experiences is so utterly heartbreaking! The pain both physically and mentally was palpable!
.
Once again as a reader you are brought to places any wouldn’t normally explore or think about. I have never read such open and exploratory sexuality or sexual desires before. It really has been eye opening. Especially as whilst I was reading I looked up certain historical facts that fully went with the actions of some of the characters.
.
This book is a mixture of Beauty and The Beast and Phantom of the Opera. There was so much that happened and the twist at the end was fantastic! You have drama, love, hurt, anguish, lots of 🌶🌶🌶🌶, pain and so much more! I will absolutely be reading this book again!
.
The tragedy Malcolm experiences is so utterly heartbreaking! The pain both physically and mentally was palpable!
.
Once again as a reader you are brought to places any wouldn’t normally explore or think about. I have never read such open and exploratory sexuality or sexual desires before. It really has been eye opening. Especially as whilst I was reading I looked up certain historical facts that fully went with the actions of some of the characters.
.
This book is a mixture of Beauty and The Beast and Phantom of the Opera. There was so much that happened and the twist at the end was fantastic! You have drama, love, hurt, anguish, lots of 🌶🌶🌶🌶, pain and so much more! I will absolutely be reading this book again!
July 22, 2022
I LOVED Malcom and Julia! The way that they overcome their self identified personality flaws and come together to embrace others is wonderful. The love that grows between these two are beautiful. I’m sure this book will not appeal to everyone, but for me, these two characters are beautiful.
I was consumed reading this book so I will now go through and reread it. I compare it to a great movie that once you’ve seen it through, you need to watch again to pick up on cues during the story. Fantastic writing and HOT scenes throughout!
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was consumed reading this book so I will now go through and reread it. I compare it to a great movie that once you’ve seen it through, you need to watch again to pick up on cues during the story. Fantastic writing and HOT scenes throughout!
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
dnf
July 27, 2022DNF
Uhh… I thought this was a beauty and the beast retelling.. not an mmf???
Uhh… I thought this was a beauty and the beast retelling.. not an mmf???
May 20, 2025
I have been reading Minerva Spencer/S.M. LaViolette since 2021 and have already read 22 of her books.
I love all the 50 Shades movies and the new 365 Days movies so this is right up my alley.
I really enjoyed reading Malcolm and Julia's story. It was reminiscent of a kinky Beauty and the Beast. So good. I loved these characters and their storyline.. It is definitely a love story. I know some won't think that and concentrate on the kinky sex but it is well written...just yummy.
I would definitely recommend! Can’t wait for the next one.
I love all the 50 Shades movies and the new 365 Days movies so this is right up my alley.
I really enjoyed reading Malcolm and Julia's story. It was reminiscent of a kinky Beauty and the Beast. So good. I loved these characters and their storyline.. It is definitely a love story. I know some won't think that and concentrate on the kinky sex but it is well written...just yummy.
I would definitely recommend! Can’t wait for the next one.
July 21, 2024
Wow, now that was a FANTASTIC read!!
Brilliant, I devoured it in one sitting, it was dark, smutty, dirty, twisted ( that was just the first chapter😉😂) and I loved every-single-word. Sooo very grateful I managed to snap this read up for an Astonishing .99!!
This book flowed beautifully, read beautifully, and was so easy to follow all the characters. So on point, so gripping, all the feels. Yes, a beauty and the beast scenario, but packed with so much punch, you couldn’t help but fall into Malcom & Julia’s story. It’s deep, it’s moving, you will be there with them, do yourself a favour if you love a dark, twisted, beautiful romance with a lovely HEA. Another author to add to my favourites. 😍 Gah I love it when I read an amazing book! Definitely one of my favourites this year!! Thank you for writing this story.
Brilliant, I devoured it in one sitting, it was dark, smutty, dirty, twisted ( that was just the first chapter😉😂) and I loved every-single-word. Sooo very grateful I managed to snap this read up for an Astonishing .99!!
This book flowed beautifully, read beautifully, and was so easy to follow all the characters. So on point, so gripping, all the feels. Yes, a beauty and the beast scenario, but packed with so much punch, you couldn’t help but fall into Malcom & Julia’s story. It’s deep, it’s moving, you will be there with them, do yourself a favour if you love a dark, twisted, beautiful romance with a lovely HEA. Another author to add to my favourites. 😍 Gah I love it when I read an amazing book! Definitely one of my favourites this year!! Thank you for writing this story.
January 6, 2025
Like Her Villain, I bought this off of a charity shop cause why not. I was trying to be suave with it in the counter cause i might read trashy books but i am doing it for charity 🫡 and the lady at the counter just gave me the good ol elevator eyes with the meanest stink eye???!! Lady why? 😭🤧 you’re selling the book and i bought it and at 1 quid more expensive than the other charity shop too!
Anyway, this book made me cry 🥺 yeah i know it is unrealistically horny and all the characters need to sit down with a therapist but it tugged at my heartstrings. I mean, aren’t we all a little beastly? Aren’t we all just waiting for a beauty that can accept us flaws and all? 😭🫶 cause brother i felt that and the characters are just so cute 🥺 if anyone comes and says that women only like the beauty and the beast trope because we have a saviour complex yall need to look at it from both povs dafarq
Anyway, this book made me cry 🥺 yeah i know it is unrealistically horny and all the characters need to sit down with a therapist but it tugged at my heartstrings. I mean, aren’t we all a little beastly? Aren’t we all just waiting for a beauty that can accept us flaws and all? 😭🫶 cause brother i felt that and the characters are just so cute 🥺 if anyone comes and says that women only like the beauty and the beast trope because we have a saviour complex yall need to look at it from both povs dafarq
March 25, 2023
Excellent writing. A historical erotic romance with bdsm. Quite a long book with a lot of detailed and steamy scenes. The actual romance though is slow burn. There are other love interests for both the H/h.
April 13, 2024
I like how the author puts together a solid plot along with the steamy scenes.
Read
August 6, 2024FREE today (July 31, 2024) on Amazon.
December 5, 2025
A solid 4 ⭐️ read. This book was so vastly different than The Valet it almost felt like a different author wrote it. Nonetheless it was a very entertaining read
October 19, 2022
DNF 23%
I got to 23% and skimmed. There is too much suspension of disbelief. It doesn't even try to be historically accurate. It's cringey and tropey. And, believe it or not, too much sex.
This really only deserves 1 star, but a lot of effort was put into developing the plot and characters.
I got to 23% and skimmed. There is too much suspension of disbelief. It doesn't even try to be historically accurate. It's cringey and tropey. And, believe it or not, too much sex.
This really only deserves 1 star, but a lot of effort was put into developing the plot and characters.
July 7, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by the author.
First have to say that I went into it fully knowing what I was getting into. Meaning, the mc’s have sex with others. So even though I’m not a huge fan of sharesies, can’t knock off stars for that.
I liked Malcom. I didn’t love him. He’s a touch- deprived sex addict, basically. And I did root for him to get an HEA. I mean if you have a high libido, get hurt and disfigured in a heartless society like Victorian England, you’re bound to go a little crazy, especially if you have the money to do so.
Smith- well, I don’t much care for him at this point, because I see his alignment as Chaotic Neutral. Not sure if he has a heart, though if he got his own book, I’m guessing he does to some degree. A wee bit sociopathic. But I don’t know much else from just this book.
Julia (Goolia)- ehhhhh so on the one hand she’s interesting because she’s way more assertive in her sexuality than most 20 year old women of the time. BUT. She’s 20. He’s 42. To her credit, she does doubt things a little bit because she can’t imagine what he see’s her. So that mollified me somewhat.
Also what mollified me somewhat was the throes of jealousy that each of them displayed over each other. Kind of twisted though, given that both are cucks for each other.
This book has aspects of BDSM, praise kink and humiliation kink. Not too much though towards the fmc. Which is more than say for some other authors.
The first chapter has the mmc being sucked off by a male lover. The second chapter has HIM sucking off another male lover.
These aren’t exactly gratuitous. They establish the relationships.
The spice is about 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️. The scenes were a little tactical in nature due to him refusing to get naked (due to embarrassment of his scars). The last big spice scene includes a total of 2 male prostitutes for her and a female lookalike prostitute for him (his prostitute looks like the fmc on purpose and yes the fmc has issues with that but not enough to deny him completely.) That scene was confusing. Was he watching in the cuck chair outside the one-way glass or inside the room somewhere? Not sure. Where the two male prostitutes twins? Actual twins? Yes. lol
The epilogue has her surprising him with the fact that she’s pregnant, which he has longed for a family of his own, so they are super happy. BUT…
When daddy has a dungeon room in the house, prostitutes sucking him under the desk while he works, how’s that gonna fit in the family? Mommy will take the place of the prostitute under the desk. Don’t be silly, darling.
The backstory was interesting but heavy. Overall it didn’t give the book too much angst, which I never like.
They are both depraved, so I guess that’s at least equal. They both accept their sexual proclivities, which is healthy at least? They don’t take any ambiguity about their sex lives out on each other, but are very accepting.
I also thought the treatment of the prostitutes better than they usually are in these books I come across. They are portrayed as people of business, which they are. The main prostitute that Malcom uses that looks like Julia does NOT like him because she hates his scars. But he treats her well by paying her a lot and she gets to stay in lavish style at the mansion while under employment.
He really does worship the fmc, and she really does love him, so that’s why I give this three instead of two stars. Also, it’s well written. Just a few punctuation issues.
I would have given this book 5 stars if: Julia had been beautiful but not perfect-beautiful. If the spice wasn’t so copious and kind of tepid. (But I’m not into humiliation or praise kink, so that’s a personal preference and maybe made things seem a little transactional to me. It was difficult to remember if the mmc was with prostitutes or the fmc for a moment sometimes.) The sex was difficult to follow at times logistically.
Also, they fell for each other in a week, so if the mutual love had been a little better earned it would have added depth.
Will I read more books of the author? I wouldn’t be opposed to it. But I’m going to have to read reviews first so that I can prepare. If other books include the mc’s having sex with other people, I’ll skip those. I don’t want to yuk anyone’s yum. Just not my thing.
All in all an interesting take on the beauty and the beast trope.
First have to say that I went into it fully knowing what I was getting into. Meaning, the mc’s have sex with others. So even though I’m not a huge fan of sharesies, can’t knock off stars for that.
I liked Malcom. I didn’t love him. He’s a touch- deprived sex addict, basically. And I did root for him to get an HEA. I mean if you have a high libido, get hurt and disfigured in a heartless society like Victorian England, you’re bound to go a little crazy, especially if you have the money to do so.
Smith- well, I don’t much care for him at this point, because I see his alignment as Chaotic Neutral. Not sure if he has a heart, though if he got his own book, I’m guessing he does to some degree. A wee bit sociopathic. But I don’t know much else from just this book.
Julia (Goolia)- ehhhhh so on the one hand she’s interesting because she’s way more assertive in her sexuality than most 20 year old women of the time. BUT. She’s 20. He’s 42. To her credit, she does doubt things a little bit because she can’t imagine what he see’s her. So that mollified me somewhat.
Also what mollified me somewhat was the throes of jealousy that each of them displayed over each other. Kind of twisted though, given that both are cucks for each other.
This book has aspects of BDSM, praise kink and humiliation kink. Not too much though towards the fmc. Which is more than say for some other authors.
The first chapter has the mmc being sucked off by a male lover. The second chapter has HIM sucking off another male lover.
These aren’t exactly gratuitous. They establish the relationships.
The spice is about 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️. The scenes were a little tactical in nature due to him refusing to get naked (due to embarrassment of his scars). The last big spice scene includes a total of 2 male prostitutes for her and a female lookalike prostitute for him (his prostitute looks like the fmc on purpose and yes the fmc has issues with that but not enough to deny him completely.) That scene was confusing. Was he watching in the cuck chair outside the one-way glass or inside the room somewhere? Not sure. Where the two male prostitutes twins? Actual twins? Yes. lol
The epilogue has her surprising him with the fact that she’s pregnant, which he has longed for a family of his own, so they are super happy. BUT…
When daddy has a dungeon room in the house, prostitutes sucking him under the desk while he works, how’s that gonna fit in the family? Mommy will take the place of the prostitute under the desk. Don’t be silly, darling.
The backstory was interesting but heavy. Overall it didn’t give the book too much angst, which I never like.
They are both depraved, so I guess that’s at least equal. They both accept their sexual proclivities, which is healthy at least? They don’t take any ambiguity about their sex lives out on each other, but are very accepting.
I also thought the treatment of the prostitutes better than they usually are in these books I come across. They are portrayed as people of business, which they are. The main prostitute that Malcom uses that looks like Julia does NOT like him because she hates his scars. But he treats her well by paying her a lot and she gets to stay in lavish style at the mansion while under employment.
He really does worship the fmc, and she really does love him, so that’s why I give this three instead of two stars. Also, it’s well written. Just a few punctuation issues.
I would have given this book 5 stars if: Julia had been beautiful but not perfect-beautiful. If the spice wasn’t so copious and kind of tepid. (But I’m not into humiliation or praise kink, so that’s a personal preference and maybe made things seem a little transactional to me. It was difficult to remember if the mmc was with prostitutes or the fmc for a moment sometimes.) The sex was difficult to follow at times logistically.
Also, they fell for each other in a week, so if the mutual love had been a little better earned it would have added depth.
Will I read more books of the author? I wouldn’t be opposed to it. But I’m going to have to read reviews first so that I can prepare. If other books include the mc’s having sex with other people, I’ll skip those. I don’t want to yuk anyone’s yum. Just not my thing.
All in all an interesting take on the beauty and the beast trope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2022
Malcom and Julia. This one is a very heavily voyeuristic book. He was burned and left with scars all over his body that made him look beastly (I’m think phantom of the opera but not just his face). Given the damage described it is surprising that he even lived through it. He kidnaps Julia in a scheme planned to destroy the people involved in the fire that not only burned him but killed his wife and unborn child. She is drawn to him and sees past the physical. She has been shunned by her family for her desires for pleasure (that she acted on a few times). They spend time with each other and she wants him but he keeps her at bay. His plan for retaliation coming together and Julia hears detail that he refused to tell her (he didn’t want her hurt). After finding out the details of his plan and seeing them play out, she wasn’t angry (she understood). She loves him and even when he tries to send her away she refuses to leave until he finally gives in. This story was very different in that the main story was him forgiving himself and realizing that he deserves happiness despite his external scars. So healing the internal ones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2023
Enthralling
Kept my attention the whole way through. Beauty and the Beast trope, with a 20+ year age gap (but in historical novels I guess that's not a big deal).
Julia is an unusual heroine who is inexperienced but by no means fainting; she's delightfully inquisitive and curious without being an instant expert. Mal is a great "beast" and plays the part well. The plot points were well paced and I never skipped ahead. That said, I feel like there were some missed opportunities with truly exploring the hidden passageways, and flirting with more voyeur moments, and acknowledging the continuing pain many burn victims live with (but I get wanting to preserve the romance at the expense of reality). I thought the way Julia developed her feelings and attraction for Mal, and the way she thought about him not revealing his damaged parts to her (while he shared with others) was touching and rang true.
Overall, although not my favorite of the series, it was extremely enjoyable.
Kept my attention the whole way through. Beauty and the Beast trope, with a 20+ year age gap (but in historical novels I guess that's not a big deal).
Julia is an unusual heroine who is inexperienced but by no means fainting; she's delightfully inquisitive and curious without being an instant expert. Mal is a great "beast" and plays the part well. The plot points were well paced and I never skipped ahead. That said, I feel like there were some missed opportunities with truly exploring the hidden passageways, and flirting with more voyeur moments, and acknowledging the continuing pain many burn victims live with (but I get wanting to preserve the romance at the expense of reality). I thought the way Julia developed her feelings and attraction for Mal, and the way she thought about him not revealing his damaged parts to her (while he shared with others) was touching and rang true.
Overall, although not my favorite of the series, it was extremely enjoyable.
March 31, 2023
I love Minerva Spencer's books and I have been wanting to read her darker Victorian Decadence series for some time. I knew it would be darker, more sensual with BDSM elements, so I was prepared; the graphic sex scenes were not the problem for me.
I just wasn't that invested in the Hero nor the heroine all that much. Malcolm Barton and Julia Harlow did not really make the cut for me, as a Beauty and the Beast retelling---they were rather forgettable. This does not detract from the author's great writing and in fact, the reason why I finished reading the novel was for the amazing prose which never disappoints! In fact, Mr. Smith and many of the side characters enriched the story more so than the two main characters; I don't know why but I didn't connect to either of them and that probably affected my overall impression of the story.
This is a very good book, and if you're a sucker for a beauty and the beast retelling as I am, you should read it. Just know that it's not a standout in this prolific writer's oeuvre of great historical romances.
I just wasn't that invested in the Hero nor the heroine all that much. Malcolm Barton and Julia Harlow did not really make the cut for me, as a Beauty and the Beast retelling---they were rather forgettable. This does not detract from the author's great writing and in fact, the reason why I finished reading the novel was for the amazing prose which never disappoints! In fact, Mr. Smith and many of the side characters enriched the story more so than the two main characters; I don't know why but I didn't connect to either of them and that probably affected my overall impression of the story.
This is a very good book, and if you're a sucker for a beauty and the beast retelling as I am, you should read it. Just know that it's not a standout in this prolific writer's oeuvre of great historical romances.
November 5, 2024
The hero reminded me of well-loved "heroes" by Lisa Kleypas such as Rhys Winterbourne or Harry Rutledge; he was a ruthless, manipulative and possessive red flag of a man, a self-made magnate inexplicably obsessed with a woman he only caught a glimpse of. However, I actually responded to Malcolm better, I think because the author went all in with his monomaniacal quest and generally the tone of the book, there was no unnecessary romanticizing (the vengeance plot ends in four deaths. Yikes). The heroine was also on a somewhat more level footing with the hero. Their relationship was actually surprisingly sweet and more of a slow-burn; while they didn't get physical until pretty late in the book, that was compensated by all manner of shenanigans with supporting characters. I doubt I'll complete the series, but this was OK, more romantic than I expected given the premise and just the right amount of bonkers.
March 23, 2025
I stopped reading around 37%.
I am a fan of erotica, also of BDSM (done well), and even some fantasy-style aggression (apply whatever meaning you like here!). However, i need some good writing to support all that smut. This book doesn't hit the mark for me.
I need some well-defined characters, not just a little background angst and a lot of cold dialogue. And frankly, the violent and abusive nature of the $ex acts are a turn-off for me. (Please forgive me for yucking up anyone's yum. No offense!) I know there's a whole genre for that kind of story. That stuff makes me hurt when I read it.
Shocking as it may be, you can write a lot of seriously nasty $ex along with some real 3D people who have real emotions.
Without the real characters and emotion, it's just porn. Nothing wrong with that, but it's just not what I wanted to read.
I am a fan of erotica, also of BDSM (done well), and even some fantasy-style aggression (apply whatever meaning you like here!). However, i need some good writing to support all that smut. This book doesn't hit the mark for me.
I need some well-defined characters, not just a little background angst and a lot of cold dialogue. And frankly, the violent and abusive nature of the $ex acts are a turn-off for me. (Please forgive me for yucking up anyone's yum. No offense!) I know there's a whole genre for that kind of story. That stuff makes me hurt when I read it.
Shocking as it may be, you can write a lot of seriously nasty $ex along with some real 3D people who have real emotions.
Without the real characters and emotion, it's just porn. Nothing wrong with that, but it's just not what I wanted to read.
July 27, 2022
I'd give this 6 stars but GR won't let me.
I LOVE JULIA! Finally we get a heroine who is WAY hornier than the hero. Well, maybe... but it's hard to say because Malcolm is pretty horny. And a serious deviant. And waaaaaaay sexy.
I adored this pair. Usually I like one of the leads better than the other, but these two were both so awesome.
There are some great twists and turns in this book and I didn't get any sleep last night.
And the sexy parts. Oh. My. God.
As usual with this author there is a LOT going on, but then I like to read romance that makes me think, so I loved it. If you are looking for a light and fluffy read, this ain't it.
I loved seeing more of Smith. I need more, tho'.
I LOVE JULIA! Finally we get a heroine who is WAY hornier than the hero. Well, maybe... but it's hard to say because Malcolm is pretty horny. And a serious deviant. And waaaaaaay sexy.
I adored this pair. Usually I like one of the leads better than the other, but these two were both so awesome.
There are some great twists and turns in this book and I didn't get any sleep last night.
And the sexy parts. Oh. My. God.
As usual with this author there is a LOT going on, but then I like to read romance that makes me think, so I loved it. If you are looking for a light and fluffy read, this ain't it.
I loved seeing more of Smith. I need more, tho'.
May 13, 2023
HER BEAST by S.M. LaViolette, book 5 of the Victorian Decadence Series
An erotic beauty and the beast tale! Malcom Barton is scarred and broken in mind, body, and spirit and lives in the shadows until he sees Julia Harlow, the only light and warmth to shine into his cold, dead heart. She’s wild, spirited, and free, she’s…everything he is not.
Woo! HER BEAST is an intense tale about revenge with elements of BDSM, power exchange, non-con, dub-con, and ménage. So intriguing, so fascinating with a handful of secondary characters so wicked that this reader was cheering Malcom on in his quest to destroy his enemies. Once again S.M. LaViolette’s talented writing grabs readers’ attention from the first page to the last page.
An erotic beauty and the beast tale! Malcom Barton is scarred and broken in mind, body, and spirit and lives in the shadows until he sees Julia Harlow, the only light and warmth to shine into his cold, dead heart. She’s wild, spirited, and free, she’s…everything he is not.
Woo! HER BEAST is an intense tale about revenge with elements of BDSM, power exchange, non-con, dub-con, and ménage. So intriguing, so fascinating with a handful of secondary characters so wicked that this reader was cheering Malcom on in his quest to destroy his enemies. Once again S.M. LaViolette’s talented writing grabs readers’ attention from the first page to the last page.
August 17, 2022
Her Beast: A sinfully steamy beauty and the beast story! (Victorian Decadence Series)
S.M. LaViolette
This is a historical romance
Malcom Barton had a wonderful life and was living the way him and his wife desired.
Julia Harlow her life wasn't all that great growing up with her family so when she gets kidnapped she doesn't want to leave she doesn't try to escape either, she decides to look around in her new surroundings and the things she finds as she explores keeps you turning the pages just to see what she find next.
This is a great story along with the stories before this one and I can't wait for Smiths story.
I highly recommend this book
S.M. LaViolette
This is a historical romance
Malcom Barton had a wonderful life and was living the way him and his wife desired.
Julia Harlow her life wasn't all that great growing up with her family so when she gets kidnapped she doesn't want to leave she doesn't try to escape either, she decides to look around in her new surroundings and the things she finds as she explores keeps you turning the pages just to see what she find next.
This is a great story along with the stories before this one and I can't wait for Smiths story.
I highly recommend this book
August 25, 2022
Wow! I have read all of this series and this is my favorite. The beast is really a beast of a man and I felt so sorry for him. I cried. Yep, big fat tears. Is revenge worth it? Malcolm is so bent on it but Julia and her understanding pulls him back to reality. Malcolm and Julia’s love story is so fantastic. It melted my heart. I could go on and on about how much I loved it but you get the gist. If you want a story that is truly a beauty and the beast story, read this. If you don’t like the sexy parts, skip over them because the base story is just so heartwrenching. I read this as part of KU.
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