Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Beast

Rate this book
Aasim Daniels had a perfect life. Money, a family that he loved, a reputation that opened doors for him wherever he went, and a long-time girlfriend that he was intent on marrying. That all changed when an unforeseen betrayal and dark turn of events left him heartbroken and fighting for his life. Hell-bent on revenge, Aasim finds himself on a quest that leads him to new surroundings and right into the unexpected path of a curly-haired beauty he can’t seem to shake.After her ex-boyfriend Gabriel betrays her in the most unimaginable way, Reygan Haynes is done with love. Just when she’s convinced that she has it all together, a random encounter between her father and handsome yet scarred stranger flips her entire world upside down and threatens to destroy everything that she holds dear.Gabriel Brown wants what he wants when he wants, and doesn’t care how he gets it. Already on edge due to his crumbling position in the streets, Reygan's sudden disappearance causes him to completely unravel, as he'll stop at nothing to get her back. Not even murder.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2022

256 people are currently reading
359 people want to read

About the author

Skye Moon

52 books192 followers
Skye Moon is an avid reader, writer, and accomplished independent author. Having published her first creative work at a very young age, she always felt destined to land in the literary industry.

Hailing from the seven cities area of Virginia, Skye has an English and Hospitality degree beneath her belt. Some of her favorite authors include Christina C. Jones, Johanna Lindsey, Desiree Granger, Kresley Cole, and many more. Her downtime is often spent consuming paranormal, true crime, and fantasy shows, complete with her favorite snacks.

When picking up one of her books, know that you'll always get characters who are unapologetically black, relatable, well-developed, and feel like family. She'll always transport you to cities rich in African American culture that you won't want to leave.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

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

Community Reviews

5 stars
357 (55%)
4 stars
209 (32%)
3 stars
62 (9%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,191 reviews413 followers
June 18, 2024
Beast was a beautiful urban retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Reygan is just a simple girl, with simple needs, and leading a simple lifestyle. But, her psychotic azz ex won't catch a clue and give her any peace. While duckin' and dodgin' Gabe's crazy azz, Reygan realizes her daddy has gone missing. She searches high and she searches low until someone is kind enough to give her a clue. That clue leads he to the front door of Aasim Daniels. Aasim was...... whew! Aasim was every bad adjective you could think of. He was mean, rude, offensive, revolting, ornery, and callous. Oh, honey, I could go on and on about Aasim's bad behavior. Now, in his defense, Aasim was betrayed in the worse way by someone he loved and trusted. This betrayal changed him and turned into a cold hearted man fueled by revenge. So, he's pretty much closed himself off to anything other than work or family. When Reygan finds out Aasim has taken her daddy because, he's seen something he shouldn’t have, she volunteers as tribute and offers herself up as a willing hostage. I think we've all seen Beauty and the Beast at least once in our lifetime so, you can pretty much assume what happens at this point in the story. Now, this is a retelling so there are several twists and turns on the events that unfold. What I really loved about this book was Reygan and Aasim's relationship. The author really took her time to build a bond between these characters. It was hilarious watching this petite woman go toe to toe with this giant of a man and give as good as she got. I loved watching the friendship between Aasim and Reygan grow and blossom into love. I loved how Aasim's family just welcomed Reygan into the fold like she wasn't a kidnapped victim. They treated Reygan like she was already Aasim's boo and she was moving in for the Summer. I especially loved the bond between Aasim, Laurent, and Chaunce. They acted more like brothers than cousins. The ending was EVERYTHING! It was explosive and climatic. Beast was a phenomenal reimagining of a classic fairytale. It was romantic, whimsical, and sweet. The perfect urban take on a childhood classic.
Profile Image for LaToya Lee.
353 reviews
June 18, 2024
4.25 ⭐️

This was my first read by this author and my first urban retelling of a fairytale. I really enjoyed it! I could picture scenes from Beauty and the Beast as I was reading which was cool. I loved the added plot twists.
Profile Image for Antoinette (_literaryaura_).
442 reviews89 followers
March 24, 2024
Beauty and the Beast!

This story was a play off of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast. However IMO, Aasim was more of a black bear than a beast. He was a little rough around the edges but not really beasting in them streets the way I expected. Both Reygan and Aasim were coming off of bad relationships before they bumped into each other. A little soft kidnapping, enemies to lovers type energy with a side of Stockholm Syndrome made for a good read. I love a good enemies to lovers story and especially when the banter is top notch. Aasim and Reygan definitely delivered. I couldn’t stop cheesing 😬. Throw in Aasim’s cousins, Laurent (his girlfriend Adelaide) and Chaunce and we’re playing the dozens. I also enjoyed the sense of loyalty and camaraderie among the group. Skye Moon is a NTM author and I look forward to checking out more of her work.
Profile Image for Lindaisa.
543 reviews61 followers
January 10, 2021
One of my reading goals for 2021 is to read more books that are in the urban fantasy; paranormal fiction; paranormal romance; historical fiction genre—that ALSO feature Black characters. There are just not enough of those stories that exist, and if they are, I certainly haven't been able to find them.

Beast, which is an urban retelling of the Beauty and the Beast Tale, has been on my reading list for quite some time—even before I made this 2021 reading resolution. Not only was it perfect for this reading goal, but it was also the perfect book to kick off 2021 in general.

I
LOVED
THIS
BOOK!

Aasim Daniels had a perfect life. Money, a family that he loved, a reputation that opened doors for him wherever he went, and a long-time girlfriend that he was intent on marrying. That all changed when an unforeseen betrayal and dark turn of events left him heartbroken and fighting for his life. Hell-bent on revenge, Aasim finds himself on a quest that leads him to new surroundings and right into the unexpected path of a curly-haired beauty he can’t seem to shake.

After her ex-boyfriend Gabriel betrays her in the most unimaginable way, Reygan Haynes is done with love. Her only focus is putting the pieces of her shattered life back together and fighting with herself to resist the pull of Gabriel’s advances and demands of reconciliation. Just when she’s convinced that she has it all together, a random encounter between her father and a handsome yet scarred stranger flips her entire world upside down and threatens to destroy everything that she holds dear.

Unpopular opinion—Beauty and the Beast ain't all that. I watched it for the first time for a college assignment and I remember saying "why do so many people hype this movie up." But THIS retelling and the way Skye reinvented the characters to fit in today's world and in OUR world was amazing. You can very clearly and distinctly tell which characters in this book match up to those in the original tale but not in a cheesy or overbearing way. There aren't any candle holders or teacups that make Reygan's stay mansion not feel like she was being captive, but there was Chaunce, Laurent, and Adelaide. There wasn't an evil mob lead by Gaston to attached Beast, but there was Reygans ex, Gabriel, and his sidekick Lance, making moves that put both Reygan and Aasim's life in danger. The little correlation between the characters that were super subtle in some places, made it fun to read because of the callbacks to the fairytale, but the overall story still felt authentic and original.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book, is that Skye moon took her time to build a relationship between all of the characters. She didn't TELL me the story or TELL me that Aasmin and Reygan were falling in love. She used moments, shared experiences, and time, to SHOW me how the characters came to love one another. I loved watching the friendship between Aasim and Reygan grow and blossom—after they eventually got over their floating and hate for one another that is. I enjoyed getting to know Aasmin's family and background. I loved how the characters were all given a spotlight in the book and had their own personalities that all contributed to an amazing retelling. And it was just...PERFECT.

Beast is the first in an Urban Fairytale Series, and I just found out that the second book is actually written by another author...which concerns me. SO in the spirit of moving forward in earnest with my 2021 reading goal, I'm going to try it out!

If retellings are your thing but you're also into Black Love, fun and funny characters, good writing, and great character development—I would definitely recommend checking this book out.
1,063 reviews8 followers
March 20, 2024
Beast

This was an interesting retelling of the fairytale The Beauty and the Beast. It kept my attention from beginning to end. Aasim and Reygan had an unconventional start, but eventually fell in love. This story was filled with plenty drama from start to finish. I’m not sure how I feel about Reygan and Aasim being together but it works for them. This was a good book that I would rate 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Mika Verrett.
230 reviews38 followers
March 12, 2023
Beast is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast and if you know me then you know Belle is my favorite princess, so, when I seen this book, I knew it was getting read immediately. And let’s just say Skye does not disappoint.

Reygan Haynes is done with love after her psychotic ex boyfriend, Gabriel betrays her in the most unimaginable way.

Aasim Daniels thought he had it all, money, a family, that he loved, a reputation at open doors for him, and a long time girlfriend, that he planned to marry. That all change win an unforeseen, betrayal and dark turn of events leaves him, heartbroken and fighting for his life.

With revenge on his mind, Aasim has track down the person he’s been looking for, but it unexpected witness distracts him from completing his mission. Frustrated that his target gets away, Aasim takes the witness as his prisoner.

Reygan has been looking for her missing father, and when she finally gets a clue that lands her right at Aasim front door. She wasn’t expecting for this encounter to turn her world upside down and threaten to destroy everything that she has ever known.

Gabriel Brown wants what he wants when he wants it and he does not care how he gets it. And Reygan is what he wants. Determined to get her back. He will stop at nothing until she is his again. Not even murder.

This was such a great retelling. I really enjoyed the hell out of this book. Also is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time. I love the dynamic between Aasim and his cousins, they reminded me of my family so much. Aasim family were the ish, the way they welcomed Reygan and treated her like family from day one was so dope.

Laurent is my favorite hands down!! This man is hilarious 🤣.

There’s also a part 2 novella that focuses on the cousin Chaunce. It’s a super cute easy read.
Profile Image for Nee.
308 reviews67 followers
March 26, 2024
🔥Reygan & Aasim🔥

I loved this urban fairytale! Reygan was the perfect match for Aasim. They both knew the feeling of losing a loved one and they both had hurt in their hearts caused by ex lovers. Reygan was such a light! She was everything Aasim needed to bring out the best man in himself that he’d lost long ago. She helped him become a better man and in returned he loved Reygan with everything in him & def didn’t play behind her!😩❤️ I loved how he loved Reygan and despite Aasim’s faults I loved how forgiving, understanding, loving, and fierce Reygan was towards Aasim. She wasn’t no pushover and she made sure Aasim knew it!🤣😂 Love is love! This was amazing story and I truly enjoyed reading this book! Y’all go read this one!😍😍❤️❤️❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Profile Image for Mary Mimi Brown.
114 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2023
First I’m not one to read books based on fairytale.. But when I saw it was Skye Moon I gave it a chance. And I’m so glad I did!! I absolutely love this book!! The way she put Beauty and Beast into a urban story she did it with perfection! I was craving for more. And banter she knows how to write some funny characters!
Profile Image for Tina.
957 reviews156 followers
April 2, 2023
5 ⭐😍💖🌶🔪

I really enjoyed this story; I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Trope: Black Love, Crime Family, close proximity, found family

Enjoyment: 5 ⭐

Character development: 4 ⭐

Emotional: 3 ⭐

Sweet: 3.5 ⭐

Romance: 3 ⭐

Heat\steam: 3.75 ⭐

Intrigue: 4 ⭐

Action: 3 ⭐

Violence,: 4⭐

Story\plot: 4 ⭐

World Building: 4⭐

Enjoy!!!

Profile Image for Onehellofalady.
180 reviews2 followers
December 23, 2024
Beast (Aasim) and Beautie (raygan). Now Aasim unfortunately took raygans father and she offed herself up instead. After fighting against each other they eventually fall for each other. I think kidnapping and falling for the kidnapper is becoming my new favorite trope. It took me a while to grasp the beauty and the beast storyline but I got it. I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed the banter
Profile Image for Bkdoll.
582 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed !

Great rendition of Beauty and the Beast , I loved it the characters were believable this had drama, love (finding love when you least expect it) and humor, freaking hilarious I'm loving these fairytales done Urban style.
Profile Image for Markita_Reads.
592 reviews25 followers
July 31, 2024
Huge fan of "Beauty and the Beast," and Skye Moon did a phenomenal job bringing those Beauty and the Beast vibes mixed with urban fiction! I was HOOKED. 😍 #BeautyAndTheBeast #SkyeMoon #UrbanFiction
Profile Image for Geri.
1,187 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2023
Eh, not what I was expecting

So yeah, this read right here was a lot more than I’d bargained for. It starts off at a birthday celebration for Aasim that quickly goes left very unexpectedly. Reygen minding her own business when she got caught up in some mess that she couldn’t avoid. In the process her life and those around her are impacted. I can’t say I liked this as strictly a romance, there were too many things going on that interfered with what I thought was the main story. In the end, I didn’t fall for this couple as I expected. Reygen seemed to be suffering from Stockholm Syndrome and Aasim for pretty much most of the book, was a straight butthole!
Profile Image for Tisha.
1,236 reviews
April 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m in the minority on this one. Considering this is my first fairytale re-telling, I went in apprehensive. And for the most part this was enjoyable and exceeded my expectations. And that’s only because I assumed it would be corny. Even though she clearly says it’s an urban fairytale. Either way I enjoyed it, but the ending messed me up. Most of the angst was about how they would work out. And then less than 10 pages it just magically does?! WTF! Her dad is such easily accepting of her return and her decision to be with him. I’m sorry the wrap up was too anticlimactic for me.
Profile Image for Ashia Reno.
168 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2023
This book was okay for me. I’ll give it a 3.5 stars because I didn’t hate it but I didn’t really feel anything while reading it. I felt like Reygan and Aasim didn’t really have any chemistry. It felt like to me that they settled for each other I don’t know maybe I have to let it sit or maybe re-read the book, but I do like some parts of the book but not enough to say which ones. I’ll read the second book but not anytime soon. Hopefully it’s better than this one.
1,412 reviews12 followers
December 8, 2020
Entertaining

Ms. Moon is great at bringing her characters to life. I found the characters in Beast to be very likable and funny. However, I thought the pace of the book was a little slow. All in all, it was a good read.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,549 reviews99 followers
June 21, 2020
Wow! This was so different from the other reads from this author, however, I loved it! I immediately liked the unity of family with Aasim, his cousins Ade and Sage. Aasim seemed to be such a good guy, who cared for and loved his family. I was saddened to find out he had been betrayed by someone so dear to him. That action changed him into a hardened man, seeking revenge. Reygan, a sweet girl, had just ended her toxic relationship, but her ex doesn't understand that it is over. Aasim and Reygan's being forced together due to interesting circumstances, was harsh, but you could tell it was going to be life changing. For Reygan to be such a petite woman, she was a spitfire, and did not take any mess from Aasim. She gave him hell at every turn. Aasim, was just mean as he felt his life spiraling out of control with all the events that had occurred. Their hateful jabs, and mean stares continued until they actually spent time together. The fireworks that happened between these two were explosive, although neither would admit to their feelings. The way Aasim's family took to Reygan to love and protect her was beautiful. Seeing the love flourish between Aasim and Reygan was amazing! Knowing that Reygan would have to go home and tie up loose ends was hard for them both, and they didn't know what would happen. I hated that Reygan's father had to worry so much about her. Gabriel was just a wack job! What was wrong with him anyway? Aasim and his cousins were right there to assist Reygan in her time of need, just like the family they were. Such a great read!
Profile Image for Cris Criss.
461 reviews4 followers
June 12, 2024
Perfect twist…

Beauty and the Beast is actually my favorite of all the fairytales, so naturally I was on a high to read this urban twist on the story.

I’m no author but I am an avid romance reader, so I give this review with the utmost respect for those who take the time to put these scenes to paper.

The play on this fairytale was topnotch. The main points were well thought out and perfectly aligned with the original. There were a few instances that had me scratching my head, and I did think the first spicy scene was corny as hell. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book. Aasim and Reygan were indeed the cutest to see them slowly fall for each other. Just tiptoeing around the fact that they liked the other. I couldn’t stand Gabriel, but I can’t stand Gaston in the original. I was hoping that Reygan would have a lil more roughness to her but she was so damn scary. She kept getting herself in messes. Had me sitting up in my bed screaming at my kindle. Her papa also made me angry but again…it aligned with the original. Because I wasn’t really feeling the spicy scenes I gave it a 4/5.
Profile Image for Beverly.
767 reviews8 followers
February 24, 2022
Uniquely Different

This is my first experience reading an Urban Fairytale and I wasn’t really sure how I was going to feel about this urban take
one one of my favorite fairytale,which has been recreated many different ways since the first Disney animation. As a women in her mid seventies I have to admit I enjoyed this Uniquely different interpretation of this fairy tale so much
More than I thought I would

Starting with the very first chapter There was never a dull moment. The characters were all well developed with a number of unforeseen twist and turns . I loved the way the the way the relationship between Reygan and Aasin , relationship slowly evolved from one of danger to an unexplainable love, in the myst of danger and intrigue.

The majority of my questions were answered by the end of the story. I would love to read more about Aasin’s cousin Chaunce And Reygan’s friend Carina. Even though they didn’t really encounter each in this book. I would love to read a book about each of them.

This is a good read
54 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2022
If it’s one thing that I love from my childhood, it’s Disney movies and Beauty and the Beast is my all-time favorite. So, when I saw that there was an urban romance version of Beauty and the Beast, I HAD to read it!

Aasim is living his dream life until someone in his circle betrays him and leaves him for dead. Aasim vows to never be in that position again, and focuses on himself, and getting revenge on those who wronged him. Unexpectedly, Aasim meets Reygan, and after a series of life-altering events, Reygan finds herself forced into Aasim’s life in order to save her father. Eventually, Aasim & Reygan find love, but happily ever after seems unattainable because of Reygan’s f*ck-boy of an ex, Gabriel.

This version of the story was EVERYTHING! I loved the way that the elements of the classic story were subtly incorporated. The yellow dress, the rose with the falling petals, the language of Love, and the library...ohh… the LIBRARY 💦😍

If you’re into unconventional fairytales, definitely read this one. 💕Absolutely recommend 🌹
Profile Image for T Divine’s Reading Corner.
169 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2024
📖: I love, loved LOVED how this book was interconnected to Power by Bella Jay, as I was reading about some of the Sultan TSE Characters, I was like this sounds so familiar, this world is everything! The crossover was phenomenally written and I enjoyed every bit of it! The street spin on Beauty & The Beast was my all time fave!

📚What If: you were minding your business one day and your ex vowed to stop at nothing to win you back despite his shady dealings and newborn infant, your dad went missing by the man that you haphazardly ran into in front of your job, you had a chance to save a life-would you, you traded places with your dad, you fell in love with your kidnapper-after all he isn't so bad once you start to know him, your world will never be the same? Would you risk it all to remain or would you leave and be captured by the one you never want to be with! RUN TO KU NOW, what are you waiting for!

📆 Dates Read: 7/28/2024 - 8/5/2024

📳Platform: KU

🤎Genre: Urban Retelling of Beauty & The Beast
Profile Image for Monique.
428 reviews17 followers
October 18, 2025
Beauty and the beast is my favorite classic Disney movie and this is hands down my favorite reimagining of it! I loved this book so much! The writing is excellent, the pacing is amazing, there was so much character development, the twists kept you on your toes, and the banter between ALL of the characters was so natural and had me cackling at times. And that ending! Whew!!! One thing I loved is that we were able to watch on page as Reygan & Aasim grew from enemies to friends to lovers in such an organic way. I always stan a couple who bicker like siblings/homies but you know they don’t play about each other lol. What also was special is that in reading the story you can tie back these characters with characters from the original but it still felt so fresh! Skye Moon is new to me but I’m an instant fan.
Profile Image for Quierra Chalar.
93 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2023
This was so good!

I already had high expectations because Skye can write a damn book!

This is a beauty and the beast retelling that I ate up! It follows Reygan (the beauty) and Aasim (the beast). Reygan is just coming out of a breakup from Gabriel, who cheated on her, and trying to live her best life. Aasim was crossed by his ex girlfriend that he loved and is hell bent on his revenge for what she did. Everything goes for the worst when Reygan's dad happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I absolutely loved the dynamic, drama, and love within this story.

I really could not put this down! There is a novella right after this that follows Chaunce, Aasim's cousin. It's quick and just as good.
422 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2020
Soooooo GOOD!!!!

This was a fantastic reimagining of the Beauty and the Beast fable! It really felt like I was watching an action movie at times, the scenes were so vivid. Knowing the basic BATB storyline, it was still fun to watch these two get there. Aasim and Reygan's banter was fun to read, once they both let their guards down, they slid right on into feelings. I also really enjoyed Aasim's family, their playful bickering was entertaining. It was surprising having more than one villain, but it definitely kept me on my toes. I really enjoyed this urban fairytale and can't wait to read the next book in the series!
639 reviews5 followers
September 11, 2022
loved it

Love love loved it! Beauty and the beast is my absolute favorite princess movie and is on my favorite movies of all time list. I wondered how some of the scene would play out in an urban non animated way lol. And you did that! Nailed it. My favorite is the reimagined scene from when belle runs always and beast saves her life. Uhhhh I could go on and on about it lol. It would have been 5 stars however there a countable number of errors - grammatical, formatting, etc. They do not take away from the story just kind of interfere with the reading flow occasionally. Overall, it was very good! But I might be biased a little lol
Profile Image for Sharonda.
20 reviews
December 13, 2025
2.75 ⭐️

The Beast by Skye Moon started off with a bang 💥 literally. For a moment I was completely locked in. Unfortunately, as the story went on, I found myself increasingly disliking the male main character, and once that happens for me, it’s hard for me to stay invested.

There was also a storyline introduced early on that felt like it died halfway through the book. I kept waiting for it to resurface and when it didn’t, it left the middle feeling a bit hollow. That said, the villain was well done and one of the stronger aspects of the story, really hated that man🙄.

Overall it ended up being just okay for me.
Profile Image for stephanie Chery.
238 reviews9 followers
March 14, 2021
♥️ Beauty and the Beast ♥️

💫💫💫💫💫
This was my first time reading a book by this author but it won’t be my last. This story felt like Beauty and the Beast movie. I was glued from beginning to end. Aasim was mean, and cold in the beginning. I’m happy he turn out to be so loving , sweet and kind to the people he love. I 🥲💧when he told Reygan his story. I just want to give him a big hug. Definitely need more of Aasim and Reygan maybe a part 2 just saying Ms. Moon.
😁🥰😍♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Skye Moon wonderful job.
Profile Image for Tracy - loves to read .
1,013 reviews
April 26, 2021
Modern day beauty and the beast

This would’ve been Stockholm syndrome if she didn’t volunteer herself.

This was a cool twist on a classic. A lot of pain in Aasims past and he hasn’t fully worked through it but it has fueled the way that he conducts his business.
She is trying to get her life together after ending a relationship. She only has her father and a best friend in her life.
A series of events happens and things get out of hand. Rash decisions are made that have multiple repercussions.
There’s drama, revelations, revenge, danger and love.
Good read and retelling.
Profile Image for Takeah Latimore.
Author 3 books22 followers
June 11, 2022
Tale as old as time

This was such an adorable spin to a classic Disney tale. I enjoyed the friendship turned relationship that unfolded between Aaasim & Reygan. Often times when I read a book with the BATB “kidnapping turned lover” plot, it’s hard to feel the authenticity of the characters’ relationship because everything doesn’t blend well. Skye Moon did not have that issue at all. This was a good paced read with all the protective, swoon-worthy feels. I recommend adding it to your TBR.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.