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Monsters & Mayhem
Beautiful Adam
I can make Adam the biggest star the world has ever known. All I demand in return is a pound of flesh.
Pet projects have never been my thing, not really, but when I see this lovely creature, this beautiful, uncorrupted man, I just can’t resist. Adam is simply delicious. A twunky, twenty-something mound of malleable clay I will mold into the most exquisite masterpiece ever made.
He will be ruined.
He will be remade.
He will be perfect.
He just doesn’t know it yet.
I’d do anything to make it big in Hollywood.
Show my abs on the ‘gram? Sure. Post my personal life online for likes? Absolutely. Try every fad diet to keep this hot body tight? Hell yes.
But none of it is enough. Not until I meet Cassius Peacock.
Cassius has the best of everything—money, connections, wardrobe, class. He introduces me to a life I could only dream of and makes my every fantasy come true.
Without Cassius, I am nothing. But with him I am #BeautifulAdam.
BEAUTIFUL ADAM is an MM horror retelling of THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY as part of the collaboration MONSTERS & MAYHEM: An MM Horror Collection, adapting some of your favorite classic horror stories with an MM romance twist.
This book contains dark themes and content that may be upsetting to some readers, including body dysmorphia, disordered eating, fatphobia, dubious consent, consensual non-consent rape role-play, dollification, humiliation, predatory adult grooming, homicide, and graphic descriptions of mutilation, terror, and violence.
Pet projects have never been my thing, not really, but when I see this lovely creature, this beautiful, uncorrupted man, I just can’t resist. Adam is simply delicious. A twunky, twenty-something mound of malleable clay I will mold into the most exquisite masterpiece ever made.
He will be ruined.
He will be remade.
He will be perfect.
He just doesn’t know it yet.
I’d do anything to make it big in Hollywood.
Show my abs on the ‘gram? Sure. Post my personal life online for likes? Absolutely. Try every fad diet to keep this hot body tight? Hell yes.
But none of it is enough. Not until I meet Cassius Peacock.
Cassius has the best of everything—money, connections, wardrobe, class. He introduces me to a life I could only dream of and makes my every fantasy come true.
Without Cassius, I am nothing. But with him I am #BeautifulAdam.
BEAUTIFUL ADAM is an MM horror retelling of THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY as part of the collaboration MONSTERS & MAYHEM: An MM Horror Collection, adapting some of your favorite classic horror stories with an MM romance twist.
This book contains dark themes and content that may be upsetting to some readers, including body dysmorphia, disordered eating, fatphobia, dubious consent, consensual non-consent rape role-play, dollification, humiliation, predatory adult grooming, homicide, and graphic descriptions of mutilation, terror, and violence.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2022
74 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
About the author
Laura Lascarso
30 books501 followersMM+ AUTHOR | Romance so good it hurts
Laura Lascarso wants you to stay up way past your bedtime reading her stories. She aims to inspire more questions than answers in her fiction and believes in the power of storytelling to heal and transform a society.
When not writing, Laura can be found screaming “finish” on the soccer fields, rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender, and trying to convince politicians to act on climate change. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband and two kids. She loves hearing from readers, and she’d be delighted to hear from you.
Join her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/LaurasLounge
Sign up for her newsletter at www.lauralascarso.com
Laura Lascarso wants you to stay up way past your bedtime reading her stories. She aims to inspire more questions than answers in her fiction and believes in the power of storytelling to heal and transform a society.
When not writing, Laura can be found screaming “finish” on the soccer fields, rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender, and trying to convince politicians to act on climate change. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband and two kids. She loves hearing from readers, and she’d be delighted to hear from you.
Join her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/LaurasLounge
Sign up for her newsletter at www.lauralascarso.com
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February 11, 2025
|| 5.0 stars ||
Oh my, I genuinely loved this book. I am honestly obsessed with it. Perhaps not quite as obsessed as Cassius was with Adam, but still… I’m pretty goddamn obsessed.
This is a contemporary retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray and it was done incredibly well. It truly captured the idea of vanity and obsession, and these themes were consistently developed throughout. The writing was more than great.
The story focuses on a ditzy, easy-going, gullible beauty named Adam, who is trying to make it in Hollywood, and the influential man who becomes completely obsessed with him, named Cassius.
They get involved with each other, and a lot of questionable yet intriguing things start to happen within their relationship as well as with Cassius’ efforts to help Adam’s career along. Cassius is ruthless and cut-throat when it comes to making Adam happy and making him his: he is basically willing to do absolutely anything. And some of it is truly… intense.
Their characterization was also incredibly strong.
Adam’s narcissism coupled with his body-dysmorphia, eating disorder and self-image issues were poignant and very interesting. He is seen as dumb, but to me it seemed more like he just has blind-faith in Cassius to have his best interest at heart, and also like he simply doesn’t care about much of anything as long as he is praised, adored and complimented. He is such a unique and troublesome character.
Another incredibly unique but troublesome character is Cassius with his sociopathic and obsessive personality. He was written incredibly well and his general disregard for morality was awesome without ever becoming over-the-top. He felt real and I loved seeing his brain at work. His wit and sarcasm were top-notch as well.
So, yea, although neither of these two characters can be described as likable or good people, I absolutely loved reading about them. They were truly amazing characters.
Now, when it comes to the romance I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I was expecting to hate it at least a little, or maybe be irked by Cassius’ domination of Adam, but I did not feel any of that at all. Everything between them felt natural somehow, even though it was sick, depraved, controlling and all-consuming. The co-dependency felt adequately balanced between the two of them, and their relationship was just incredibly addictive to read about.
Cassius’ complete adoration, devotion and obsession for Adam had me thoroughly invested, and I couldn’t help but love the way he gave Adam all of his time, money, attention and affection. It was unconventional and insane, but it worked. I believed in their relationship enough for me to love each and every single thing about it, even when it included things that I would otherwise probably hate.
The plotline was also really good. It’s engaging, shocking, dark, intriguing, intense and absolutely never boring. I’m not going to go into it too much, but I definitely didn’t have any complaints on this front either.
Long story short, this story will not be for everyone, but I loved it. I am super happy I read it and I wish I could read a sequel about Adam and Cassius, because I am desperate to read more. I don’t think I’d ever get sick of their personalities or their dynamic.
'Monsters & Mayhem' series:
3. Death's Bloom - 1.0 star
4. Beautiful Adam - 5.0 stars
8. On Edge - 3.5 stars
Oh my, I genuinely loved this book. I am honestly obsessed with it. Perhaps not quite as obsessed as Cassius was with Adam, but still… I’m pretty goddamn obsessed.
This is a contemporary retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray and it was done incredibly well. It truly captured the idea of vanity and obsession, and these themes were consistently developed throughout. The writing was more than great.
The story focuses on a ditzy, easy-going, gullible beauty named Adam, who is trying to make it in Hollywood, and the influential man who becomes completely obsessed with him, named Cassius.
They get involved with each other, and a lot of questionable yet intriguing things start to happen within their relationship as well as with Cassius’ efforts to help Adam’s career along. Cassius is ruthless and cut-throat when it comes to making Adam happy and making him his: he is basically willing to do absolutely anything. And some of it is truly… intense.
Their characterization was also incredibly strong.
Adam’s narcissism coupled with his body-dysmorphia, eating disorder and self-image issues were poignant and very interesting. He is seen as dumb, but to me it seemed more like he just has blind-faith in Cassius to have his best interest at heart, and also like he simply doesn’t care about much of anything as long as he is praised, adored and complimented. He is such a unique and troublesome character.
Another incredibly unique but troublesome character is Cassius with his sociopathic and obsessive personality. He was written incredibly well and his general disregard for morality was awesome without ever becoming over-the-top. He felt real and I loved seeing his brain at work. His wit and sarcasm were top-notch as well.
So, yea, although neither of these two characters can be described as likable or good people, I absolutely loved reading about them. They were truly amazing characters.
Now, when it comes to the romance I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I was expecting to hate it at least a little, or maybe be irked by Cassius’ domination of Adam, but I did not feel any of that at all. Everything between them felt natural somehow, even though it was sick, depraved, controlling and all-consuming. The co-dependency felt adequately balanced between the two of them, and their relationship was just incredibly addictive to read about.
Cassius’ complete adoration, devotion and obsession for Adam had me thoroughly invested, and I couldn’t help but love the way he gave Adam all of his time, money, attention and affection. It was unconventional and insane, but it worked. I believed in their relationship enough for me to love each and every single thing about it, even when it included things that I would otherwise probably hate.
The plotline was also really good. It’s engaging, shocking, dark, intriguing, intense and absolutely never boring. I’m not going to go into it too much, but I definitely didn’t have any complaints on this front either.
Long story short, this story will not be for everyone, but I loved it. I am super happy I read it and I wish I could read a sequel about Adam and Cassius, because I am desperate to read more. I don’t think I’d ever get sick of their personalities or their dynamic.
'Monsters & Mayhem' series:
3. Death's Bloom - 1.0 star
4. Beautiful Adam - 5.0 stars
8. On Edge - 3.5 stars
September 24, 2022
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book***
Beautiful Adam has two of the most irredeemable, despicable characters I have ever read, which is a great testimony to the insane talent of this author to write such truly awful characters that you are not meant to like, but seeing their relationship with one another develop and grow into something completely unhealthy was quite a journey.
Cassius and Adam are two codependent people who make for one fascinating couple as they navigate throughout a chaotic life in L.A. This story was a great modern reimagining of Dorian Gray and I was so enthralled by the lengths of depravity both characters would go to, to achieve their end goal.
Overall Beautiful Adam is a great story filled with moments that both disturbing and fascinating. Such a wonderfully captivating read.
Beautiful Adam has two of the most irredeemable, despicable characters I have ever read, which is a great testimony to the insane talent of this author to write such truly awful characters that you are not meant to like, but seeing their relationship with one another develop and grow into something completely unhealthy was quite a journey.
Cassius and Adam are two codependent people who make for one fascinating couple as they navigate throughout a chaotic life in L.A. This story was a great modern reimagining of Dorian Gray and I was so enthralled by the lengths of depravity both characters would go to, to achieve their end goal.
Overall Beautiful Adam is a great story filled with moments that both disturbing and fascinating. Such a wonderfully captivating read.
November 25, 2023
Second time reading and second time dnfing. I feel the romance and relationship is very specific and not for everyone. Was extremely toxic and weird. Loads of sex but don't feel any connection between them as a couple. I think this either works great or don't work at all for readers. And unfortunately it wasn't my thing. But I have the last three books in the series on the way and I hope I like them more.
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I got 20 % and I just couldn't stand the characters at all, the plot and the laungage used was just not for me. I'm collecting all the books in the series and want to read them all. But for now this will be a dnf.
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I got 20 % and I just couldn't stand the characters at all, the plot and the laungage used was just not for me. I'm collecting all the books in the series and want to read them all. But for now this will be a dnf.
October 10, 2022
What a ride, indeed! Cue the evilest of my evil laughs. Where do I even start? There is just something about morally gray characters that tickle my fancy like no other. It's like being given permission not to care, which is so freeing when you're used to becoming emotionally invested in the relationships of fictional characters. Cassius and Adam were such flawed and ridiculous characters that I didn't give one flying flip about what they did to each other so long as it was entertaining, and that it very much was.
Cassius the sociopath. He liked a project - a beautiful canvas on which he could create a masterpiece. When he found Adam on Instagram, he knew he'd found his next piece of art. Cassius was good at reading people, which made it easy to manipulate them. He saw through Adam immediately and began giving him everything he wanted and needed to not only blossom, but to rely on him completely. He tinkered with Adam, fed his every vice and used his body in return. I thought he was the villain of the story, but...
Adam the narcissist. He liked himself - a reflection in the mirror that was his best friend and his worst enemy. He was obsessed with beauty and perfection, which led to both compulsive and impulsive behavior. Praise and attention were his oxygen. He was vain and petulant and whiny. He was also extremely gullible and needed constant guidance. In the beginning I thought he was the victim of the story, the person who should be protected at all costs, but...
These two men were perfect for each other and not in a "meant to be, drive off into the sunset" kind of way. More like a "no one else could have tolerated either of them for longer than a night" kind of way. They took toxic codependency to the level above the next level. It was mutual obsession and addiction with the word love tossed in to make everyone feel better about it. I didn't care if there was a HEA at the end of this book and laughed my head off when there was one. I felt downright giddy. I love books like this. For every ball of fluff I read, I want two of these. I seriously had so much fun reading this and would 100% read it again.
Definitely take the trigger warnings to heart when deciding if this book is right for you. While I wouldn't call this horror, there were definitely darker elements to it that might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Cassius the sociopath. He liked a project - a beautiful canvas on which he could create a masterpiece. When he found Adam on Instagram, he knew he'd found his next piece of art. Cassius was good at reading people, which made it easy to manipulate them. He saw through Adam immediately and began giving him everything he wanted and needed to not only blossom, but to rely on him completely. He tinkered with Adam, fed his every vice and used his body in return. I thought he was the villain of the story, but...
Adam the narcissist. He liked himself - a reflection in the mirror that was his best friend and his worst enemy. He was obsessed with beauty and perfection, which led to both compulsive and impulsive behavior. Praise and attention were his oxygen. He was vain and petulant and whiny. He was also extremely gullible and needed constant guidance. In the beginning I thought he was the victim of the story, the person who should be protected at all costs, but...
These two men were perfect for each other and not in a "meant to be, drive off into the sunset" kind of way. More like a "no one else could have tolerated either of them for longer than a night" kind of way. They took toxic codependency to the level above the next level. It was mutual obsession and addiction with the word love tossed in to make everyone feel better about it. I didn't care if there was a HEA at the end of this book and laughed my head off when there was one. I felt downright giddy. I love books like this. For every ball of fluff I read, I want two of these. I seriously had so much fun reading this and would 100% read it again.
Definitely take the trigger warnings to heart when deciding if this book is right for you. While I wouldn't call this horror, there were definitely darker elements to it that might not be everyone's cup of tea.
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Read
October 8, 2022MM Romance
Retelling of Dorian Gray
No rating -Under 50% Read
DNF @ 30%. This is a case of me and not the book. I’m bored, hate all the characters and I refuse to torture myself with another book after the mess that was Outing The Quarterback earlier this week. So far this reminds me of a mix between Lisa Henry’s Naked Ambition and Daniel May’s Princess and since I was not a fan of either of those books, this one is a hard pass.
Retelling of Dorian Gray
No rating -Under 50% Read
DNF @ 30%. This is a case of me and not the book. I’m bored, hate all the characters and I refuse to torture myself with another book after the mess that was Outing The Quarterback earlier this week. So far this reminds me of a mix between Lisa Henry’s Naked Ambition and Daniel May’s Princess and since I was not a fan of either of those books, this one is a hard pass.
October 9, 2023
4.5 Stars
November 17, 2022
I’d expected something much darker, but this was actually kind of cute? At least for me and my skewed moral compass. 🤷♀️ Laura is amazing at writing obsessive, controlling bastards.
August 3, 2023
⭐️ 2.5 stars ⭐️
While this book had some good elements that I enjoyed, I was mostly confused and underwhelmed. It being a part of a horror series, I kept waiting for the actual horror and ended up being majorly disappointed.
Beautiful Adam is about an extremely toxic and unhealthy relationship, unredeemable and unlikable characters and no actual important plot line.
Adam and Cassius were problematic, vain and superficial, completely narcissistic, which, I guess, is the whole point of the book. I just didn’t vibe well with it. I’m all for evil characters remaining evil throughout, but these two were on another level.
Now buckle up for quite the list of content warnings.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Sociopath MC vs Himbo MC
- Drug use
- Fatphobia and body dismorphia
- Vers MCs
- Dub-con
- CNC play
- Dollification
- Smacking and spitting
- Degradation kink
- Group sex
- Knife play
- Murder
POV: 1st person, dual
While this book had some good elements that I enjoyed, I was mostly confused and underwhelmed. It being a part of a horror series, I kept waiting for the actual horror and ended up being majorly disappointed.
“I want to be young and beautiful forever.” “You are the flame, Adam,” he says, “burning so brightly. You’re all that anyone can see.”
Beautiful Adam is about an extremely toxic and unhealthy relationship, unredeemable and unlikable characters and no actual important plot line.
“I believe I have something in common with your teammates,” I confess. “What’s that?” “I also like to ruin pretty things.”
Adam and Cassius were problematic, vain and superficial, completely narcissistic, which, I guess, is the whole point of the book. I just didn’t vibe well with it. I’m all for evil characters remaining evil throughout, but these two were on another level.
Now buckle up for quite the list of content warnings.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Sociopath MC vs Himbo MC
- Drug use
- Fatphobia and body dismorphia
- Vers MCs
- Dub-con
- CNC play
- Dollification
- Smacking and spitting
- Degradation kink
- Group sex
- Knife play
- Murder
POV: 1st person, dual
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2022
3.5 stars
”Whatever, Cassius. You’re way nicer than you want to admit. All those names you call me when we’re having sex, what you’re really telling me is that you love me and need me and couldn’t stand to live without me.”
”That might be true,” he says reluctantly. “But you really are just a pretty cum dumpster most of the time.”
”Whatever, Cassius. You’re way nicer than you want to admit. All those names you call me when we’re having sex, what you’re really telling me is that you love me and need me and couldn’t stand to live without me.”
”That might be true,” he says reluctantly. “But you really are just a pretty cum dumpster most of the time.”
did-not-finish
February 6, 2024DNF @35%. I typically enjoy this author’s work, but I just couldn’t with this one. The dynamic between the MCs felt off and their relationship tried to go into too many directions at once.
September 13, 2022
4.5 stars
gods laura does it again. swear she's the only author i can read where the mcs have orgies and i don't wanna skip the scenes lol
gods laura does it again. swear she's the only author i can read where the mcs have orgies and i don't wanna skip the scenes lol
October 12, 2022
“I said, would you rather be young and beautiful with terrible morals, or a good but plain person?” I glance around the table, wondering what others have said before me.
“I’d give anything to be beautiful,” I confess.
“Anything?” he asks.
Leave it to Laura Lascarso to create morally gray characters that also feel super realistic. The way LA’s artistic scenario’s debauchery is represented. Everything it’s justified to get famous. I strongly recommend reading the triggers before starting this book. Also, like I always say with this type of books, if you only like characters whose only bad thing was killing a mosquito I don’t think this would be a reading you’d enjoy. Especially because both MCs are pretty messed up in their own ways.
What happens when you leave a sociopath and a narcissist in the same room? It’d be a disaster but Cassius and Adam will prove you wrong. I mean, of course this won’t be the healthiest relationship out there. But no one can deny they are a powerful and sexy couple. They behave exactly how I imagine every person in Hollywood does after seeing documentaries about celebrities. The lack of concern from someone who was born in all this, like Cassius, and the progressive corruption in a newcomer, in Adam’s case.
A new Laura Lascarso book and a “The Picture of Dorian Gray” retelling in the same sentence was motive enough for me to be excited about this book. And it didn’t disappoint at all.
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
October 18, 2022
Codependency among the rich & the beautiful. I LOVED IT
One of my favorite dark romance tropes is the coming together of two characters, who have accepted who they are (they’re incredibly flawed in ways most would adamantly deny) in ways that work together & feed those typically forced down / denied desires. In this case we have Cassius, possessive, diagnosed sociopath millionaire, & (beautiful) Adam, incredibly naive up and coming actor/model & (unofficial) narcissist. By all accounts, these characters should have been annoying, infuriating, cringeworthy - but not only were they not, I actually found myself rooting for them!!!
Cassius prefers to remain behind the scenes, but always in control & focused on Adam’s career growth / potential, while Adam is more than happy to let someone lead him, as long as he’s loved & allowed to overall be his self-centered… well self lol. They’re flaws wrap around & feel the other in ways we know aren’t ideal nor healthy but YAY for dark fiction because these are the types of characters that get my brain going & considering the grey area between the black and white, rights and wrongs.
FRTC
One of my favorite dark romance tropes is the coming together of two characters, who have accepted who they are (they’re incredibly flawed in ways most would adamantly deny) in ways that work together & feed those typically forced down / denied desires. In this case we have Cassius, possessive, diagnosed sociopath millionaire, & (beautiful) Adam, incredibly naive up and coming actor/model & (unofficial) narcissist. By all accounts, these characters should have been annoying, infuriating, cringeworthy - but not only were they not, I actually found myself rooting for them!!!
Cassius prefers to remain behind the scenes, but always in control & focused on Adam’s career growth / potential, while Adam is more than happy to let someone lead him, as long as he’s loved & allowed to overall be his self-centered… well self lol. They’re flaws wrap around & feel the other in ways we know aren’t ideal nor healthy but YAY for dark fiction because these are the types of characters that get my brain going & considering the grey area between the black and white, rights and wrongs.
FRTC
October 8, 2022
Insanely insane
So Dorian Gray is one of my faves so I knew I’d be a bit critical of this BUT this book was so much more than I was expecting in the best of ways. The strong and biting dialogue of the narcissistic characters and the truly delicious plot made this very entertaining!
Cassius is a very self absorbed sociopath but fits like a well placed puzzle piece with the flaws of Adam the narcissist. Love seemed inevitable. The plot twist and turns will leave you guessing on how this could possibly turn out. Rest assured there is an HEA. After all of it, they definitely deserved one another.
So Dorian Gray is one of my faves so I knew I’d be a bit critical of this BUT this book was so much more than I was expecting in the best of ways. The strong and biting dialogue of the narcissistic characters and the truly delicious plot made this very entertaining!
Cassius is a very self absorbed sociopath but fits like a well placed puzzle piece with the flaws of Adam the narcissist. Love seemed inevitable. The plot twist and turns will leave you guessing on how this could possibly turn out. Rest assured there is an HEA. After all of it, they definitely deserved one another.
dropped
October 8, 2022DNF @ 25%
The first quarter of this book is just vapid Californians being extremely stereotypical. There is no plot moving, just not-sex and boring airheads. That’s not the kind of horror I want.
The first quarter of this book is just vapid Californians being extremely stereotypical. There is no plot moving, just not-sex and boring airheads. That’s not the kind of horror I want.
December 15, 2022
DNF @ 35%
- Mommy issues
- I have such bad vibes from Cassius, like serial killer
- Like a poor, lengthy version of Princess by Daniel May
- Everyone is so over dramatized
Not for me :(
- Mommy issues
- I have such bad vibes from Cassius, like serial killer
- Like a poor, lengthy version of Princess by Daniel May
- Everyone is so over dramatized
Not for me :(
October 7, 2022
This book. Is everything.
I'm a huge fan of Laura Lascarso so I knew going into this that I would love this book. And I wasn't disappointed.
In true Laura Lascarso style, this book is filled with morally gray characters who are both sexy and fully-fleshed out. They feel real in the way that they navigate their worlds and make mistakes and fail and triumph. The relationship between Adam and Cassius is FRAUGHT with tension and angst. They're bad for each other but they also complete each other and in that way, they're nothing short of soul mates.
I wanted them to succeed, wanted to see them get their HEA even though they were often morally reprehensible and just plain naughty. But I loved them.
I loved the darkness of this book, the grittiness of the world, the way I just couldn't put this thing down. It's horror in a really modern setting, horror where humans are the monsters and the way they abuse and hurt each other is the really scary thing.
I'm obsessed with this book. It's easily one of my new favorites. It's a MUST read for fans of horror and spooky season and dark reads.
I'm a huge fan of Laura Lascarso so I knew going into this that I would love this book. And I wasn't disappointed.
In true Laura Lascarso style, this book is filled with morally gray characters who are both sexy and fully-fleshed out. They feel real in the way that they navigate their worlds and make mistakes and fail and triumph. The relationship between Adam and Cassius is FRAUGHT with tension and angst. They're bad for each other but they also complete each other and in that way, they're nothing short of soul mates.
I wanted them to succeed, wanted to see them get their HEA even though they were often morally reprehensible and just plain naughty. But I loved them.
I loved the darkness of this book, the grittiness of the world, the way I just couldn't put this thing down. It's horror in a really modern setting, horror where humans are the monsters and the way they abuse and hurt each other is the really scary thing.
I'm obsessed with this book. It's easily one of my new favorites. It's a MUST read for fans of horror and spooky season and dark reads.
September 7, 2022
I was nervous at first about this book because I truly do not like anything remotely "scary" but I absolutely fell in love with these characters.
Adam was so innocent (and maybe a little vain....) and Cassius was so rich and scheming. Poor, beautiful Adam never had a chance once Cassius set his sights on him.
There was nothing frightening about this story - just a lot of twists and turns and sexy mind games but what a ride to the very end!
Adam was so innocent (and maybe a little vain....) and Cassius was so rich and scheming. Poor, beautiful Adam never had a chance once Cassius set his sights on him.
There was nothing frightening about this story - just a lot of twists and turns and sexy mind games but what a ride to the very end!
December 11, 2022
What do you get when you have a sociopath and a narcissist as your main characters? One fucked up story.
The book had me at: on my knees for the Pirates’ baseball team. I mean…the book had me at hello 🥴
(iykyk)
Cassius and Adam are two very distinct characters. It was actually my most welcome thought while reading this. I loved that each POV was very different depending upon whose head you were currently in. A lot of authors tend to start blending the characters together and they sound similar, but not here. The MCs kept their distinction all the way to the end.
I honestly can’t say who is more fucked up in this book. Is it Cassius with his manipulative, lying, tortuous ways? Is it his need to absolutely wreck someone and see them from the inside out? Is it his need to basically r*pe Adam (see content warnings at beginning of book) and humiliate him at every turn?
Is it Adam with his selfishness and focus only on himself at all times? Is it his blind rage that lashes out in the most horrible moments? Is it his absolute endless self scrutiny and mutilation of his own body through lack of respect?
Who knows. They’re both horrid to themselves and each other in some very toxic showy behaviors, but they also just work.
They work, and they make a pair. Albeit, a crazy one, but still a pair nonetheless. They live out their dreams and nothing can stop them.
They have hot as hell sex, and they do almost everything and anything.
Enjoyed this Monsters & Mayhem book.
The book had me at: on my knees for the Pirates’ baseball team. I mean…the book had me at hello 🥴
(iykyk)
Cassius and Adam are two very distinct characters. It was actually my most welcome thought while reading this. I loved that each POV was very different depending upon whose head you were currently in. A lot of authors tend to start blending the characters together and they sound similar, but not here. The MCs kept their distinction all the way to the end.
I honestly can’t say who is more fucked up in this book. Is it Cassius with his manipulative, lying, tortuous ways? Is it his need to absolutely wreck someone and see them from the inside out? Is it his need to basically r*pe Adam (see content warnings at beginning of book) and humiliate him at every turn?
Is it Adam with his selfishness and focus only on himself at all times? Is it his blind rage that lashes out in the most horrible moments? Is it his absolute endless self scrutiny and mutilation of his own body through lack of respect?
Who knows. They’re both horrid to themselves and each other in some very toxic showy behaviors, but they also just work.
They work, and they make a pair. Albeit, a crazy one, but still a pair nonetheless. They live out their dreams and nothing can stop them.
They have hot as hell sex, and they do almost everything and anything.
Enjoyed this Monsters & Mayhem book.
October 13, 2022
This book is absolutely brilliant. While it is technically a romance, it reads more as a satire of vanity and fame, and as such, it is a hilarious dark comedy. In some ways it reminds me a bit of American Psycho. While nowhere near as violent or nihilistic, it similarly has the same approach to “rich people problems”- simultaneously mocking them and indulging them. The characters in both discuss the most superficial, absurd topics with the seriousness one would discuss war and disease, and I loved every moment of it. Cassius and Adam are terrific characters, and are both psychologically fascinating. They bring out the worst in each other in the best way. I would adore more stories of these two together, but even as a standalone this was great. Lascarso is 3 for 3 for me so far, and is quickly becoming a new favorite author.
dnf
October 12, 2022DNF after sample.
Adam seems possibly sweet but stupid. (He didn't understand something Cassius said and the only remotely difficult word in the paragraph was "plebian.") The words "hellz yeah" were written in the narration which just furthers the idiot vibe for me.
Cassius is a stereotypical rich, bitchy, bougie, shallow, vapid LA gay. The only depth I could detect was how snide and judgemental he is.
I'm all for dark books. Even with toxic relationships. But Cassius wasn't nearly likable enough to spend half the book in his head. And Adam was too stupid to be able to make suffering through Cassius' chapters worth while. (This is dual pov, alternating pov every chapter)
Small pet peeve: if Cassius has money (which I assume he does from what a bougie bitch he acts like) why isn't he driving something more impressive than a '66 Malibu? Nothing against the car, I like pony cars, but it doesn't really go with his "I'm so glamorous" uppity image. (also I kept wondering why the author was name dropping a $23k car until Adam asked what year it was.)
Adam seems possibly sweet but stupid. (He didn't understand something Cassius said and the only remotely difficult word in the paragraph was "plebian.") The words "hellz yeah" were written in the narration which just furthers the idiot vibe for me.
Cassius is a stereotypical rich, bitchy, bougie, shallow, vapid LA gay. The only depth I could detect was how snide and judgemental he is.
I'm all for dark books. Even with toxic relationships. But Cassius wasn't nearly likable enough to spend half the book in his head. And Adam was too stupid to be able to make suffering through Cassius' chapters worth while. (This is dual pov, alternating pov every chapter)
Small pet peeve: if Cassius has money (which I assume he does from what a bougie bitch he acts like) why isn't he driving something more impressive than a '66 Malibu? Nothing against the car, I like pony cars, but it doesn't really go with his "I'm so glamorous" uppity image. (also I kept wondering why the author was name dropping a $23k car until Adam asked what year it was.)
October 24, 2022
So twisted and SO good.
Honestly, my head is spinning. This was suuuuch a wild ride! Like, the toxicity of Cassius and Adam was so beautifully done that even though they were completely messed up, I was still hoping they’d end up together. I’m truly impressed by Laura Lascarso’s writing.
I always love an author who isn’t afraid to Go There, you know? And to do it in a way that never felt gratuitous is so very impressive.
This was gritty and amazing.
Honestly, my head is spinning. This was suuuuch a wild ride! Like, the toxicity of Cassius and Adam was so beautifully done that even though they were completely messed up, I was still hoping they’d end up together. I’m truly impressed by Laura Lascarso’s writing.
I always love an author who isn’t afraid to Go There, you know? And to do it in a way that never felt gratuitous is so very impressive.
This was gritty and amazing.
February 7, 2025
Feb 2025
Kindle edition
Read for a group challenge week 4. I already committed so pushed through despite wanting to DNF multiple times. I didn't like Adam. There wasn't much to him other than his vanity and what Cassius was doing to him. Cassius creeped me out with the control and manipulation. The whole thing was slow and insidious, despite both being blasé and seemingly light hearted and up for anything. Drugs, murder, insecurities, and some weird stuff involving the brother etc etc. Not for me, but another one down.
Kindle edition
Read for a group challenge week 4. I already committed so pushed through despite wanting to DNF multiple times. I didn't like Adam. There wasn't much to him other than his vanity and what Cassius was doing to him. Cassius creeped me out with the control and manipulation. The whole thing was slow and insidious, despite both being blasé and seemingly light hearted and up for anything. Drugs, murder, insecurities, and some weird stuff involving the brother etc etc. Not for me, but another one down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2022
A Narcissist and a Sociopath meet in the City of Angels..... terrible things are problem going to happen 🥴
Adam and Cassius were terrible together...the fed off each other's ugliest tendencies and their love was in no way clinically or logically advisable 🤭... it's probably a problem that I loved these two so much ..😚
Despite this , this was an amazing read. The story left me in a state of emotional confusion...am I mad , happy confused, slightly depraved that I loved these two crazy characters...who knows ...
Laura wrote an absolute thrilling read that was funny in a mind boggling🤯 , slightly depraved way and overally addictive.
Adam and Cassius were terrible together...the fed off each other's ugliest tendencies and their love was in no way clinically or logically advisable 🤭... it's probably a problem that I loved these two so much ..😚
Despite this , this was an amazing read. The story left me in a state of emotional confusion...am I mad , happy confused, slightly depraved that I loved these two crazy characters...who knows ...
Laura wrote an absolute thrilling read that was funny in a mind boggling🤯 , slightly depraved way and overally addictive.
October 14, 2022
I like The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. It's stood the test of time for beautiful writing and storytelling that doesn't age. Laura Lascarso does a very good job in this contemporary gay reimagining, Beautiful Adam. It has all the right bones from Wilde's book, a well paid homage, but there is quite a bit of nasty sex and derogatory words and behaviour in this version. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but it is mine. I was hooked and reeled in from the beginning.
Heed the trigger warnings.
Blog review -
Heed the trigger warnings.
Blog review -
October 18, 2022
They say love is blind. Well, if either Adam or Cassius were actually blind, perhaps they'd have avoided one another and the completely screwy relationship they enter....
This was quite the enjoyable read. Both main characters....man, you really should hate them. They're both quite despicable in their own unique ways. But, man was this entertaining! At some points you feel for Adam, then you kind of feel for Cassius, all the while thinking, 'Man, these two need help!'. It was interesting to read a book where you're both cheering for the characters to get it together and find love at the same time you're just screaming for them to leave each other because it's just so toxic, wanting to give them a hug when they seem sad or hurting or frustrated while also wondering if those feelings are sincere.
Definitely recommend it to those who enjoy something dark and twisted that leaves you wondering if there really was a HEA here or it was just....an ending?
This was quite the enjoyable read. Both main characters....man, you really should hate them. They're both quite despicable in their own unique ways. But, man was this entertaining! At some points you feel for Adam, then you kind of feel for Cassius, all the while thinking, 'Man, these two need help!'. It was interesting to read a book where you're both cheering for the characters to get it together and find love at the same time you're just screaming for them to leave each other because it's just so toxic, wanting to give them a hug when they seem sad or hurting or frustrated while also wondering if those feelings are sincere.
Definitely recommend it to those who enjoy something dark and twisted that leaves you wondering if there really was a HEA here or it was just....an ending?
February 19, 2025
I've never actually read dorian grey, but it inspired a pretty good book. We have these two messed up people who definitely fall into the grey area, but are perfect for each other. Putting aside all of their horrible actions, their relationship is actually kind of adorable. When it comes to a dark obsessive romance, the obsessed needs to be protective, caring, and must spoil their obsession for me to fully enjoy it. This one definitely fell into that category because I thought it was super cute how Cassius, who is a full on sociopath, is willing to meet any of Adam's demands. The ending was so cute when Adam starts making all of his demands, and Cassius just pops out with a proposal because he wants to care for Adam forever. Even though Adam is a narcissist, he's also kind of adorable when he demands things and for Cassius to cuddle him throughout the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2022
Wow holly mackerel that was wow just wow, I really enjoy reading dubious morally grey characters but this one takes the cake. A narcissist and a sociopath, who would have guessed they were perfect for each other!! Their unholy shenanigans made me grin and chortle wickedly to myself between sneaking reads at work and doing actual work (alas the real world of adulting kept butting in).
This author is wickedly talented at making us or at least me really liking these two irredeemable unscrupulous people and believe in their love for each other, well actually, toxic obsessive codependency, if you leave me, I’ll kill you or chain you in a basement relationship. They totally deserve each other and I don’t mind visiting them in the near future!! Hint hint author 😅.
This author is wickedly talented at making us or at least me really liking these two irredeemable unscrupulous people and believe in their love for each other, well actually, toxic obsessive codependency, if you leave me, I’ll kill you or chain you in a basement relationship. They totally deserve each other and I don’t mind visiting them in the near future!! Hint hint author 😅.
October 12, 2022
It says on the cover it’s a “horror retelling” and so I was in a mindset for that as I read. I never found the horror. This is dark erotica. Which is great but not what I was sold. Anyway, it’s a good story as are all the books I’ve tried by this author.
February 4, 2023
Captivating - I think more as a character study, with a lovely dark dry humour, than a romance. Highly recommend, but no idea how to rate. 3.5?
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