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Dark Lies #2
Beautiful Monster
I thought I knew the truth.
I thought he was my savior.
I’d spent my entire life running from him, only to become trapped in his web.
He says I’ll become his wife, that I’ll provide him an heir.
I'll do both of those things, under one condition.
His father must die.
I thought he was my savior.
I’d spent my entire life running from him, only to become trapped in his web.
He says I’ll become his wife, that I’ll provide him an heir.
I'll do both of those things, under one condition.
His father must die.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2022
526 people are currently reading
1369 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Beck
237 books7,145 followersJ.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
September 29, 2023
Good and dark!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍
Character development: ☺️🤭😳😘
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Siân Guiliani - she was the daughter of a mafia family that was one of the most powerful in Italy. The Guiliani’s and Russo’s have been at war for a long time. Her mother brokered a deal for peace between the families. Though her father didn’t know about the agreement and planned to renege on the deal. The whole family was murdered by the Russo’s, but her father had sent her away first. Siân has been in hiding for many years, with her guardian. Though Christian has been one step behind her all the way.
The Hero: Christian Russo - He wanted Siân from the first time he saw her, and he knew she would one day be his. He let her escape the murder and was determined to find her one day and make her his. At one point he lost her for nearly five years but found her again as a graduate student at university. He played a long game to get her to trust him, all the while stalking her, scaring her and attacking her. Just when he nearly had her where he wanted her, she found out that he killed her ex-boyfriend and her best friend.
The Story: We find out at the beginning of this book, that not everything that went down all those years ago in Italy was as we had thought during the last book. It was actually Christian who killed Siân’s father and if it wasn’t for him, she would have died that day as well. He had been stalking her even then, when she was little, in hopes of gaining early entry into his father’s organization at the tender age of fourteen. Now Siân knows he was her stalker, and he has taken her with him to Italy.
Christian is certainly an antiHero in this story. He does a lot of terrible things, though I think that underneath it all he has some good qualities and motives. He can be very unlikable in how he treats Siân, but there are things behind it all that he keeps very close to his vest. I liked him at times and hated him at times. Siân was a decent character, she behaved how she should for the most part, though a few times she was stupid, like when she fought agains Christian in front of his father when he told her that he was keeping her safe from his father.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Anastasia Watley and Curt Bonnem. I don’t think I had heard either of these narrators before, but I quite liked them. Anastasia has a soft and intelligent sounding voice while Curt has a deep gravelly voice which is perfect for Christian. He speaks with an American accent but does a great job with all the Italian words.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍
Character development: ☺️🤭😳😘
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Siân Guiliani - she was the daughter of a mafia family that was one of the most powerful in Italy. The Guiliani’s and Russo’s have been at war for a long time. Her mother brokered a deal for peace between the families. Though her father didn’t know about the agreement and planned to renege on the deal. The whole family was murdered by the Russo’s, but her father had sent her away first. Siân has been in hiding for many years, with her guardian. Though Christian has been one step behind her all the way.
The Hero: Christian Russo - He wanted Siân from the first time he saw her, and he knew she would one day be his. He let her escape the murder and was determined to find her one day and make her his. At one point he lost her for nearly five years but found her again as a graduate student at university. He played a long game to get her to trust him, all the while stalking her, scaring her and attacking her. Just when he nearly had her where he wanted her, she found out that he killed her ex-boyfriend and her best friend.
The Story: We find out at the beginning of this book, that not everything that went down all those years ago in Italy was as we had thought during the last book. It was actually Christian who killed Siân’s father and if it wasn’t for him, she would have died that day as well. He had been stalking her even then, when she was little, in hopes of gaining early entry into his father’s organization at the tender age of fourteen. Now Siân knows he was her stalker, and he has taken her with him to Italy.
Christian is certainly an antiHero in this story. He does a lot of terrible things, though I think that underneath it all he has some good qualities and motives. He can be very unlikable in how he treats Siân, but there are things behind it all that he keeps very close to his vest. I liked him at times and hated him at times. Siân was a decent character, she behaved how she should for the most part, though a few times she was stupid, like when she fought agains Christian in front of his father when he told her that he was keeping her safe from his father.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Anastasia Watley and Curt Bonnem. I don’t think I had heard either of these narrators before, but I quite liked them. Anastasia has a soft and intelligent sounding voice while Curt has a deep gravelly voice which is perfect for Christian. He speaks with an American accent but does a great job with all the Italian words.
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May 13, 2022
This is Christian and Sian’s conclusion and while I enjoyed the twists and turns and all the revelations, it fell a little flat for me. Book 1 ended on quite the cliffhanger and book 2 just didn’t have that punch for me.
Sian knows the game she’s involved in now and Christian refuses to let her go. The two of them have a fiery and kinky relationship and while I did enjoy their journey, I found myself bored as well. I think because I read the first book several weeks ago, I just couldn’t connect to the story and the characters anymore.
Overall, this may be more a “it’s me, not the book” situation.
Sian knows the game she’s involved in now and Christian refuses to let her go. The two of them have a fiery and kinky relationship and while I did enjoy their journey, I found myself bored as well. I think because I read the first book several weeks ago, I just couldn’t connect to the story and the characters anymore.
Overall, this may be more a “it’s me, not the book” situation.
May 8, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Enemies to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Beautiful Monster is the exciting conclusion to the Dark Lies Duet and what a conclusion it was! Tons of action and psychological games from beginning to end. The characters are just fantastic. Christian "violence is my love language" Russo 😂 😂 continues to be the antihero you never knew you needed, but would definitely be prison worthy in real life, lol. Every time you think Siân is making him more human, he just surprises the heck out of you with the depths of his depravity 🤷🏻♀️. It was fantastic to Siân's growth in the book. Ironically, everything Christian put her through only made it more likely she'd survive all their threats to the end. Despite all the action, I kind of felt like the second book was a tad light on storyline. Honestly, I do believe this could have been trimmed up a bit and combined with the first one for a fantastic read. Overall, both books together, definitely a 5 ⭐️ read for those of us who like our books well written with tons of action and our heroes with a side of psycho ❤️. Can't wait to see what these ladies have for us next!
Beautiful Monster is the second book in the Dark Lies Duet by JL Beck and Sade Rina. It MUST be read after A Perfect Villian. The story is told in first person, from dual perspective
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
Trope: Enemies to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Beautiful Monster is the exciting conclusion to the Dark Lies Duet and what a conclusion it was! Tons of action and psychological games from beginning to end. The characters are just fantastic. Christian "violence is my love language" Russo 😂 😂 continues to be the antihero you never knew you needed, but would definitely be prison worthy in real life, lol. Every time you think Siân is making him more human, he just surprises the heck out of you with the depths of his depravity 🤷🏻♀️. It was fantastic to Siân's growth in the book. Ironically, everything Christian put her through only made it more likely she'd survive all their threats to the end. Despite all the action, I kind of felt like the second book was a tad light on storyline. Honestly, I do believe this could have been trimmed up a bit and combined with the first one for a fantastic read. Overall, both books together, definitely a 5 ⭐️ read for those of us who like our books well written with tons of action and our heroes with a side of psycho ❤️. Can't wait to see what these ladies have for us next!
Beautiful Monster is the second book in the Dark Lies Duet by JL Beck and Sade Rina. It MUST be read after A Perfect Villian. The story is told in first person, from dual perspective
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
July 25, 2022
3.5 - not as good as book 1.
Loved Christian! Sian Sian...she's not the sharpest tool in the shed. 😬🤔 Thank goodness Christian has enough sense/brains for the both of them.👍 😁 Sex scenes got a tad boring/repetitive, I skimmed a couple chapters, cos I did start to get bored towards the end. Has an epilogue - 7mths later.
Loved Christian! Sian Sian...she's not the sharpest tool in the shed. 😬🤔 Thank goodness Christian has enough sense/brains for the both of them.👍 😁 Sex scenes got a tad boring/repetitive, I skimmed a couple chapters, cos I did start to get bored towards the end. Has an epilogue - 7mths later.
February 19, 2023
I feel like I have so much to say.... we'll see how this goes.
I am so disappointed with how this wrapped up. I actually should be well aware with Beck's style that often times, the FMC is never going to be on an equal power dynamic with the MMC. That's on me for continuing to read her stories. There was ONE moment that I saw a spark in Sian but it quickly fizzled into nothing. Everything else was to Christian's whim and so he ends up being the winner of it all.
I don't like stories where FMCs end up loving the MMC because there's no other choice. It's basically obligatory to have the FMCs feel that way rather than making it such that the MMC actually deserves such affection.
There wasn't a redemption arc for Christian because it's supplanted by it being explained as it due to his upbringing and father. Sure, how does one even stand a chance as being a decent human being when he went through what he did. However, everything is a decision and I can't accept his actions towards Sian. It was a struggle to finish this book because of how heinous his actions were and don't even get me started on their HEA.
Overall, if you want a very dark, anti-hero read.. give this duet a go. I wouldn't consider this a romance though.
I am so disappointed with how this wrapped up. I actually should be well aware with Beck's style that often times, the FMC is never going to be on an equal power dynamic with the MMC. That's on me for continuing to read her stories. There was ONE moment that I saw a spark in Sian but it quickly fizzled into nothing. Everything else was to Christian's whim and so he ends up being the winner of it all.
I don't like stories where FMCs end up loving the MMC because there's no other choice. It's basically obligatory to have the FMCs feel that way rather than making it such that the MMC actually deserves such affection.
There wasn't a redemption arc for Christian because it's supplanted by it being explained as it due to his upbringing and father. Sure, how does one even stand a chance as being a decent human being when he went through what he did. However, everything is a decision and I can't accept his actions towards Sian. It was a struggle to finish this book because of how heinous his actions were and don't even get me started on their HEA.
Overall, if you want a very dark, anti-hero read.. give this duet a go. I wouldn't consider this a romance though.
August 11, 2022
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: rape, assault, murder, violence against women and children, child abuse, infidelity, child trafficking (mentioned briefly), stalker, SS possibility.
Yes the long-awaited part two is finally here, so read away!
And to refresh your memory, you can read my review of the first book (Perfect Villain) here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Now for the reasons why I've given this three stars, instead of the five that the first book had received.
For one thing - the FMC really did get on my nerves - in the last book - she was tolerable, still disliked, but tolerable. But this time the level of annoyance just increased with some of her dialogues and overall behaviour.
Secondly - I won't ever condone r**e, period. And it just seemed that most of the time, noncon scenes were more common than actual chemistry. I would've preferred actual chemistry even with the few noncon scenes honestly. Sigh. But they were still intriguing so eh.
Thirdly - the plot was all over. Randomly, villains I might not even have heard of show up at the most irrelevant points ever. An intro would've been nice. And the last minute plot twist - felt like it was some soap opera I was watching. What even was the point? Who knows.
3.5 point - Questionable behaviour - Seriously the characters always seemed to do something shady. I reference the MCs here. Like..was there no point of normalcy? I think not, I suppose. But I did sincerely wish sometimes that they'd act a bit normal. But I guess you don't always get what you want.
Regardless of the faults, I found the characters barely tolerable, and the side characters somewhat amusing/intriguing, and the plot to be slightly functional.
This is why no one should keep hopes on a sequel/or a part two. They do always destroy a momentum built up.
Also - Cruel Beast is up next, coming October 2022, yes it is connected to that plot twist at the end of this book. So you shall see indeed.
Trigger warnings: rape, assault, murder, violence against women and children, child abuse, infidelity, child trafficking (mentioned briefly), stalker, SS possibility.
Yes the long-awaited part two is finally here, so read away!
And to refresh your memory, you can read my review of the first book (Perfect Villain) here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Now for the reasons why I've given this three stars, instead of the five that the first book had received.
For one thing - the FMC really did get on my nerves - in the last book - she was tolerable, still disliked, but tolerable. But this time the level of annoyance just increased with some of her dialogues and overall behaviour.
Secondly - I won't ever condone r**e, period. And it just seemed that most of the time, noncon scenes were more common than actual chemistry. I would've preferred actual chemistry even with the few noncon scenes honestly. Sigh. But they were still intriguing so eh.
Thirdly - the plot was all over. Randomly, villains I might not even have heard of show up at the most irrelevant points ever. An intro would've been nice. And the last minute plot twist - felt like it was some soap opera I was watching. What even was the point? Who knows.
3.5 point - Questionable behaviour - Seriously the characters always seemed to do something shady. I reference the MCs here. Like..was there no point of normalcy? I think not, I suppose. But I did sincerely wish sometimes that they'd act a bit normal. But I guess you don't always get what you want.
Regardless of the faults, I found the characters barely tolerable, and the side characters somewhat amusing/intriguing, and the plot to be slightly functional.
This is why no one should keep hopes on a sequel/or a part two. They do always destroy a momentum built up.
Also - Cruel Beast is up next, coming October 2022, yes it is connected to that plot twist at the end of this book. So you shall see indeed.
July 23, 2022
Now book 2 had me in a chokehold!
Character development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
I’m speechless 😶, this was not your cookie cutter dark mafia romance. There’s ups and downs, twists and turns.
Character development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
I’m speechless 😶, this was not your cookie cutter dark mafia romance. There’s ups and downs, twists and turns.
July 27, 2023
book 2
-2,5⭐️
Still pretty dark, but not as much as the first book.
It focuses more on Samuele’s cruelty and how he raised Christians, as well as the tension it causes on Siân.
Siân comes to terms with her feelings and the realities of her life. Siân finally fights back and wants the truth. Slowly she learns all of the past secrets about her family and his.
This does conclude Siân and Christians' storyline. The next book seems to start with a different family member. I usually burn through series, even if they are not my favorite. I always want to know what happened. I must decide if some scenes are too dark for me to continue the series.
-2,5⭐️
Still pretty dark, but not as much as the first book.
It focuses more on Samuele’s cruelty and how he raised Christians, as well as the tension it causes on Siân.
Siân comes to terms with her feelings and the realities of her life. Siân finally fights back and wants the truth. Slowly she learns all of the past secrets about her family and his.
This does conclude Siân and Christians' storyline. The next book seems to start with a different family member. I usually burn through series, even if they are not my favorite. I always want to know what happened. I must decide if some scenes are too dark for me to continue the series.
November 27, 2023
DNF.....just not for me!! Crazy storyline that I just didn't like!!
July 23, 2022
A great conclusion to this story. Sian finally stopped annoying me (much) and Christian really came into his own. Love when the psycho falls in love and softens for that one woman!
May 26, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 5/10
Overall Opinion :
Definitely loved this dark romance. I have been waiting for this book since the release of the last one. These authors keep me hooked with their suspense and mystery and I am here for it all!
This one had a few triggers , the storyline was good and so were the characters. I am a huge fan of dark mafia romance so this might be a good one time read for people like me .
Definitely recommending this book to you all , if dark romance and mafia romance are your tropes then surely goo for this one.
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May 7, 2022
4.5 stars
When the Villain Gets the Girl
Dreamy Christian made this story the enjoyable tale it was. No one could deny him his topolina, Siân, and he was willing to take matters in his own hands to claim her and keep her: kidnapping, blackmail, or unaliving suspect strangers. Christian was the crazy antihero I love to read in book, redeemable, even softening a tad, but still ruthless while Siân continued to push against him, almost to the point of annoyance. Still, her character develops from the clueless, naive persona to a stronger but still soft woman to Christian.
Lots of secrets revealed in this book 2, which immediately picked up from that cliffhanger and flowed at a medium pace. A fair amount a steam, and I found myself caught up in their whirlwind, dark courtship. Aside from a few key characters, this story heavily evolved around the couple. And that twist…did not expect it!
The Italian infused in this story would have be nice had it not in many, many cases been incorrect. It hurt. Why use a foreign language if you don’t know it, know how to write it? Those poor translations really detracted from the fluidity of the read, and really didn’t add any value since English version always followed.
Overall though an entertaining, mafia romance with an over-the-top, possessive antihero I will always consider a favorite. I wonder what their next book will bring.
When the Villain Gets the Girl
Dreamy Christian made this story the enjoyable tale it was. No one could deny him his topolina, Siân, and he was willing to take matters in his own hands to claim her and keep her: kidnapping, blackmail, or unaliving suspect strangers. Christian was the crazy antihero I love to read in book, redeemable, even softening a tad, but still ruthless while Siân continued to push against him, almost to the point of annoyance. Still, her character develops from the clueless, naive persona to a stronger but still soft woman to Christian.
Lots of secrets revealed in this book 2, which immediately picked up from that cliffhanger and flowed at a medium pace. A fair amount a steam, and I found myself caught up in their whirlwind, dark courtship. Aside from a few key characters, this story heavily evolved around the couple. And that twist…did not expect it!
The Italian infused in this story would have be nice had it not in many, many cases been incorrect. It hurt. Why use a foreign language if you don’t know it, know how to write it? Those poor translations really detracted from the fluidity of the read, and really didn’t add any value since English version always followed.
Overall though an entertaining, mafia romance with an over-the-top, possessive antihero I will always consider a favorite. I wonder what their next book will bring.
July 15, 2023
alright. be serious. i went too close to the sun on this one. like this was bad. and i fell asleep through the last hour of then audiobook on 3 separate occasions and nothing could make me want to re-listen. it wasn't comprehendable, and i genuinely wanted them to break up and move away.
May 25, 2022
Enjoyed book 1, but not in this. The heroine irks me for the most part 😑
May 7, 2022
Beautiful Monsters - book 2 in the Dark Lies Duet and it follows on quickly from the 1st book. It's also an eye opener for Sian to the man (Christian) that she thought that she knew. Only now that he's shown his true colours in this book. Some of what Christian puts Sian through might upset some folks and I'll be honest I just wanted to slap him silly for some of the stunts he pulled. By the middle of this book I found Sian grew as a character and she was on an even footing with Christian. From then on I liked the dynamic much more. It was a brilliant read. It definitely keeps you on your toes and gripped from the first book
May 6, 2022
TWISTED Stalker Romance
An absolutely twisted and brilliant ending to this dark duet that demanded my attention with all the drool worthy hot chemistry and page turn twists and unnerving suspense. A dark duet I fully enjoyed reading.
An absolutely twisted and brilliant ending to this dark duet that demanded my attention with all the drool worthy hot chemistry and page turn twists and unnerving suspense. A dark duet I fully enjoyed reading.
May 7, 2022
A perfect conclusion to the Dark Lies duet! Beautiful Monster picks up right where Perfect Villain left off and kept the pace at an all high during many twists and turns along with secrets upon secrets. Christian kept stealing my heart along with Sian’s with all his psychotic reactions and his utterly protective and unapologetic possessive ways. They fight as hard as they fluck and it feels earth shattering (I am wishing on a star at the moment😂). Furthermore, the plot took on an unpredictable turn and surprised the heck out of me which made the story even more delicious. The duet is over but I think there is another book coming in the series that hopefully might involve a the certain surprise. Crossing my fingers🤞🏻❤️
May 4, 2022
Beautiful Monster is book 2 of the Dark Lies duet so be sure to read Perfect Villian first. Now, Christian and Sian are back! And they're back in a huge way! There's LOTS of secrets, twists and turns and soooooo many surprises. The chemistry between these is off the charts even when Sian doesn't want to admit it. These authors have outdone themselves AGAIN with Beautiful Monster. What a fantastic ending to this duet!
May 19, 2022
I just feel that if anyone doesn't like my review then too bad I still gave the novels both 3 stars when they didn't really deserve all of that.
I mean why would someone want to break another person to build them up to be a psycho. And then abandon all those plans when they decide they'd like to be softer. Nah, the plot was OK. The story was fine.
There was just something seriously missing about this series. The h was a bit of a joke to me. I mean no one can be that dense.
So yeah... Sorry.
I mean why would someone want to break another person to build them up to be a psycho. And then abandon all those plans when they decide they'd like to be softer. Nah, the plot was OK. The story was fine.
There was just something seriously missing about this series. The h was a bit of a joke to me. I mean no one can be that dense.
So yeah... Sorry.
May 5, 2022
The conclusion to Christian and Siân’s love story was action packed, spicy, and full of shocking family secrets.
Beautiful Monster is the second book in the Dark Lies Duet. It can not be read as a standalone. You must read Perfect Villain first. If you have known triggers, you should check trigger warnings. This book is dark.
Beautiful Monster picks up right where Perfect Villain left off. Siân has discovered Christain’s true identity. She is pissed off, confused, and a little scared. Christian is mostly annoyed that his father ruined his plans to earn Siân’s trust before telling her the truth. He will still do anything to keep her. At the start of the story, the two are returning back to Italy to start their new life together (according to Christian anyway because Siân is having none of it).
This story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. So much happens and the plot moves quickly. Not to mention all the plot twists and secrets that are exposed.
Additionally, Siân and Christian are in a really complicated place. Christian wants her to just accept her fate, but a lot has happened in a short time. He is so domineering and uncompromising, which is very sexy in the bedroom, but not during discussions about their future. Siân can’t deny her chemistry with Christian even when she claims to hate him. This book is very spicy.
Siân really evolves in this book. There are so many secrets about her past and the people in her life that affect her deeply. She really goes through a lot in this book. However, it was really gratifying to watch her become stronger and start really standing up for herself.
I really hope the next book is about Enzo. Not sure who Enzo is? Guess you will have to read Beautiful Monster to find out!
Beautiful Monster is the second book in the Dark Lies Duet. It can not be read as a standalone. You must read Perfect Villain first. If you have known triggers, you should check trigger warnings. This book is dark.
Beautiful Monster picks up right where Perfect Villain left off. Siân has discovered Christain’s true identity. She is pissed off, confused, and a little scared. Christian is mostly annoyed that his father ruined his plans to earn Siân’s trust before telling her the truth. He will still do anything to keep her. At the start of the story, the two are returning back to Italy to start their new life together (according to Christian anyway because Siân is having none of it).
This story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. So much happens and the plot moves quickly. Not to mention all the plot twists and secrets that are exposed.
Additionally, Siân and Christian are in a really complicated place. Christian wants her to just accept her fate, but a lot has happened in a short time. He is so domineering and uncompromising, which is very sexy in the bedroom, but not during discussions about their future. Siân can’t deny her chemistry with Christian even when she claims to hate him. This book is very spicy.
Siân really evolves in this book. There are so many secrets about her past and the people in her life that affect her deeply. She really goes through a lot in this book. However, it was really gratifying to watch her become stronger and start really standing up for herself.
I really hope the next book is about Enzo. Not sure who Enzo is? Guess you will have to read Beautiful Monster to find out!
May 8, 2022
The Russo's and Giuliani's were two of Italy most ruthless mafia families and were bitter enemies.Then the families promise their young children Christian and Sian to marriage to form an alliance but not everyone knew about the deal. When Sian Guiliani's father discovers the betrayal by her mother he gives his life to save her. She had been in hiding for fifteen years with her nanny Cynthia since she was ten in the United States. Where they change their names every few years to try to keep hidden but Christian had been stalking and scaring her for years then he changes his game and worms his way into her life by pretending to be someone else. When things become complicated he decides it's time to take her back to Italy to become his wife and mother of his children there is only one problem his father Samuele order her death when the rest of her family was murder.
Her transition was anything but peaceful. There were threats to her life, every kind of abuse imaginable, degradation and threats. I thought see was really ignorant, naive and downright stupid when it came to her surroundings and safety. It drove me crazy with how lax a lazy she was even when there were red flags at every turn. I really despised him and his actions. Sure he seems to care for her but he has a creepy disturbing and dark way to show it. With that being said he seems to get better by the end of the story. There were definitely some unseen twist and turns that made their story even more intense.
I received a free ARC from the authors and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
4.5 🖤🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series Cruel Beast.
Her transition was anything but peaceful. There were threats to her life, every kind of abuse imaginable, degradation and threats. I thought see was really ignorant, naive and downright stupid when it came to her surroundings and safety. It drove me crazy with how lax a lazy she was even when there were red flags at every turn. I really despised him and his actions. Sure he seems to care for her but he has a creepy disturbing and dark way to show it. With that being said he seems to get better by the end of the story. There were definitely some unseen twist and turns that made their story even more intense.
I received a free ARC from the authors and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
4.5 🖤🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series Cruel Beast.
May 5, 2022
I freaking LOVE this duet!!!
Beautiful Monster is book 2 in the Dark Lies Duet. It's a dark romance.
This duet is everything!! Christian has no problem being the villain and oh boy is he a hot one!
Christian has Sian in his grasp now and won't stop until she is his wife and pregnant with his baby.
Sian doesn't listen to his demands and fights back against everything he says. When he touches her, she can't help but give in but she is upset he lied to her.
All Christian wants is Sian safe, giving and getting her pleasure, and making sure she becomes the Queen she was always meant to be. But, with all the secrets and lies between them, can they ever have a happy ever after?
This duet is everything i love about dark romance! Christian is happy to be the bad guy, Sian fights back, the spice is HOT and there are twists and turns you wont see coming!
JL Beck and S Rena are AMAZING together and I hope they write more books together!
Beautiful Monster is book 2 in the Dark Lies Duet. It's a dark romance.
This duet is everything!! Christian has no problem being the villain and oh boy is he a hot one!
Christian has Sian in his grasp now and won't stop until she is his wife and pregnant with his baby.
Sian doesn't listen to his demands and fights back against everything he says. When he touches her, she can't help but give in but she is upset he lied to her.
All Christian wants is Sian safe, giving and getting her pleasure, and making sure she becomes the Queen she was always meant to be. But, with all the secrets and lies between them, can they ever have a happy ever after?
This duet is everything i love about dark romance! Christian is happy to be the bad guy, Sian fights back, the spice is HOT and there are twists and turns you wont see coming!
JL Beck and S Rena are AMAZING together and I hope they write more books together!
May 17, 2022
This was a good ending to the duet but it was so repetitive. Both of the MC's overthink the same things again and again. Christian at least seems to get a little personal, humanizing, growth. Sian just stagnates through the whole book.
I was really expecting more of a chase kink because that was really what got Christian off. He loved the hunt and the suspense of the pounce. But the nature of the plot didn't really allow for those types of games once Sian was in danger.
I felt like, yet again, Sian had little to no personality, actually very little chance to have a personality because all she could do was get along and go along. So, despite the implication that she would grow into her "power" as a queen, I saw little evidence that she did that or that she would actually be given the chance to do that.
I did like the pregnancy test scene. It was unusual in that the male MC lead the way - I found that very intimate for the two of them.
I was really expecting more of a chase kink because that was really what got Christian off. He loved the hunt and the suspense of the pounce. But the nature of the plot didn't really allow for those types of games once Sian was in danger.
I felt like, yet again, Sian had little to no personality, actually very little chance to have a personality because all she could do was get along and go along. So, despite the implication that she would grow into her "power" as a queen, I saw little evidence that she did that or that she would actually be given the chance to do that.
I did like the pregnancy test scene. It was unusual in that the male MC lead the way - I found that very intimate for the two of them.
December 20, 2024
Okay, this one definitely did have some things coming I didn’t see. It is more angsty than the previous book. The spice is great in this book!! Although I found myself not liking the MMC as much in this book, which did impact my overall enjoyment of the book. I didn’t consume it the way I did book 1 unfortunately because of it.
This Contemporary Romance is book 2 in the Dark Lies Series. This book does have mafia themes, and darker influences. Please make sure to check all trigger warnings before reading this book. The romance in this book is a pre established relationship from the previous book, but still packed full of angst. The book is very spicy with very descriptive spicy scenes, and language. The book moves at a steady paces as Sian learns the truth, and depth of Christians deception. As Sian struggles to adjust to her new forced reality, her life is in danger. Trusting Christian might be the only way to stay safe. This wonderful book wraps up this couple’s story before heading onto the next couple in this series. This is an exciting, and emotional ending to their possible forever.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This Contemporary Romance is book 2 in the Dark Lies Series. This book does have mafia themes, and darker influences. Please make sure to check all trigger warnings before reading this book. The romance in this book is a pre established relationship from the previous book, but still packed full of angst. The book is very spicy with very descriptive spicy scenes, and language. The book moves at a steady paces as Sian learns the truth, and depth of Christians deception. As Sian struggles to adjust to her new forced reality, her life is in danger. Trusting Christian might be the only way to stay safe. This wonderful book wraps up this couple’s story before heading onto the next couple in this series. This is an exciting, and emotional ending to their possible forever.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 6, 2022
4.5 Stars—Woah, what a wild ride! There was one surprise I suspected and two absolute shocks. I love when a mafia book can shock me. I feel like so many become repetitive or predictable and this was a suspense through and through.
Now that Siân realizes that Christian isn’t who he said he was, it’s time for her to learn about her Italian mafia past— and future. Christian becomes the full version of his alpha, aggressive personality and I like him more this way. He’s a true mafia leader. Siân grows on you as the book progresses, while I don’t fault her for her, obvious, hang ups on being kidnapped. She kept being fine, then mad, then fine, then mad. It was too wishy washy.
Those surprises I mentioned, HOLY MOLY. I can’t say anything but let me tell you, that ending is worth the wait.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Now that Siân realizes that Christian isn’t who he said he was, it’s time for her to learn about her Italian mafia past— and future. Christian becomes the full version of his alpha, aggressive personality and I like him more this way. He’s a true mafia leader. Siân grows on you as the book progresses, while I don’t fault her for her, obvious, hang ups on being kidnapped. She kept being fine, then mad, then fine, then mad. It was too wishy washy.
Those surprises I mentioned, HOLY MOLY. I can’t say anything but let me tell you, that ending is worth the wait.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2022
Beautiful Monster lives up to its name
I am so glad that I decided to read Beautiful Monster (the sequel to Perfect Villain). In this book we see the next instalment of Christian and Siân. Siân is a trying to get away from Christian and Christian is dealing with his family and Siân as well. There are plenty of twists and turns and a few unexpected elements. This book contains elements some may find daunting such as stalking, violence, murder, kidnapping and chemistry between the main characters. We also catch up with the history of some secondary characters such as Cynthia and Christian's father who has his own issues with Christian and Siân. Can't wait for the next book by these authors to find out what they have instore.
I am so glad that I decided to read Beautiful Monster (the sequel to Perfect Villain). In this book we see the next instalment of Christian and Siân. Siân is a trying to get away from Christian and Christian is dealing with his family and Siân as well. There are plenty of twists and turns and a few unexpected elements. This book contains elements some may find daunting such as stalking, violence, murder, kidnapping and chemistry between the main characters. We also catch up with the history of some secondary characters such as Cynthia and Christian's father who has his own issues with Christian and Siân. Can't wait for the next book by these authors to find out what they have instore.
May 6, 2022
Fateful Nights
The prologue focused on Christian, a bit after the age of fourteen, when he bared witness to the downfall of the Giuliani's. The deceit, lies and betrayal run thick not only between the families, but between him and his father.
To the present, where Christian finally took what he had claimed that fateful night, Sian. Christian's character is definitely the anti-hero of their dark romance storyline. But, when the hunter becomes the hunted, surprising twists and even darker chanced pasts come to light.
Cruel Beast is next in the series, wondering who the villain (anti-hero?) is going to be after this installment 🤔
The prologue focused on Christian, a bit after the age of fourteen, when he bared witness to the downfall of the Giuliani's. The deceit, lies and betrayal run thick not only between the families, but between him and his father.
To the present, where Christian finally took what he had claimed that fateful night, Sian. Christian's character is definitely the anti-hero of their dark romance storyline. But, when the hunter becomes the hunted, surprising twists and even darker chanced pasts come to light.
Cruel Beast is next in the series, wondering who the villain (anti-hero?) is going to be after this installment 🤔
March 30, 2025
Still not a fan of Sian. I just don't get her, nor do I think she'd actually survive in the mafia world. A lot of Christian's growth didn't feel sustainable nor realistic either. This is such a dark story that i wasnt sure how this would get to an HEA, but honestly ...it just came out of nowhere. Nothing is resolved in any real sustainable way. As a reader I'm just expected to believe that they resolved their issues and chose to move forward? Idk. It wasnt a bad story, it just didn't make a lot of sense in the terms of these two fitting and working it out. I would give her other books a shot though because it was entertaining in the level of Fd upness.
May 6, 2022
BEAUTIFUL MONSTER by JL Beck and S. Rena is book Two in the Dark Lies Duet. This continues the story of Siân Giuliani and Christian Russo. This book does need to have the first book Perfect Villain read first before starting this one. Beautiful Monster picks us up where we had left off in the Perfect Villain with Siân learning who Christian really is and isn't taking it well. Christian is of course not letting her go and is out to fight her from trying to leave him. This was such a exciting read. I am a huge fan of these two authors so this was a must read for me.
May 6, 2022
What twists and turns Christian and Sian have this time around. So many secrets, family drama, it’s emotional and you will keep turning the pages until the end. Sian is defiant, and despises CHristian with her being, but her body betrays her at every turn. Christian is domineering, dark and broken, but with Sian by his side he can do anything. He is not her knight in shining armor, he’s a monster and wants to keep her and never let her go, what he’s soon to realize is that Sian will fight him every step of the way. Great read, this duet was amazing. Loved it.
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