He’s a hot-head cage-fighter with no respect for the rules who’s come to the galactic fighting tournament with something to prove.
She’s a glamorous, shimmering trophy imprisoned in a glass cage who always follows orders.
According to the rules of the tournament, they are never supposed to meet. Or sneak away together. Or learn each other’s strengths and scars by the trail of illicit fingertips down their skin.
They are never supposed to defy the rules and become each other’s whole world.
But they do.
Except peril and betrayal lurk closer than they ever imagined and everything they care about—including their lives—is in danger of unraveling.
Because sometimes first love is filthy, wild, and messy.
But it can also be the beginning of something extraordinary.
Filthy Beginnings: A Dark Fated-Mates Romance Prequel is the prequel to Filthy Royal: A Dark Fated-Mates Romance, Book 4 in the Ruthless Warlords series.
It contains high-heat romance, action, and ends on a cliffhanger. The completion of Damien and Scarlett’s epic romance will occur in Filthy Royal. It is recommended you read the Ruthless Warlord books in order to obtain the greatest enjoyment.
Alison Aimes is a USA Today bestselling author of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Omegaverse Romance. Her books are on the steamy side and full of strong heroes, brave heroines, loads of action, and happy ever-afters. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two kids, her dog and a serious stash of chocolate.
(audiobook+ebook) Of course, the ending will make you crave for more, so even though you could read it as a standalone, you won’t be satisfied. No happy ending here. Not even a happy for now.
Scarlett and Damien meet in the most difficult circumstances. She’s a property, a prize in a game he participates in: a fighting tournament. There’s a lot of attraction right away because they’re fated mates. They know it, and they don’t fight it. They’re young–she’s a couple years older than him–and not fully who they’re meant to be yet. They just know that they’ll do anything to be together.
But it isn’t that simple. Intrigues, jealousy, manipulation… The author keeps enough mysteries that the book works really well as a prequel: it creates expectations.
I loved the characters. Damien is a young alpha searching for his place in his family. Scarlett has accepted that she isn’t more than a possession. But meeting each other, falling for each other, and becoming enemies in the end, is what puts them on their path to becoming who they really are. But that’s a story for the next book.
The narrators are back and are amazing, as usual.
Quickie
- Series: Ruthless warlords #4A (prequel to the next book) - Hashtags: #SF romance #omegaverse #aliens #fated mates #virgin - Triggers: lots of violence, abuse and death, mention of past extreme child abuse - Main couple: Scarlett & Damien Skolov - Hotness: 5/5 - Romance: 4/5 - + young cocky hero with a lot of heart, yes! - – fated mates means no need for seduction
I read and am voluntarily reviewing Alison Aimes contribution to the anthology, Filthy Beginnings, which is the story of Damian Skolov trying to win a seat on council for his family by winning a no holds barred fighting competition....but sees Scarlett, the Prize awarded the overall winner besides the cash...he knew she was his fated mate and would do anything in his power to make her his Prime Omega forever...400 fighters and her owners stand in his way...but you will need to read this story to see what transpires...beware, story isn't over yet...
This tempting taste left me wanting so much more. Drama, danger, emotion and steam make a rich an irresistible combination that pulled me in and had me fully engaged. Damien and Scarlett have amazing chemistry and boy do they send the sparks flying. Their chemistry is intense, sweet and hot. I cannot wait for more of their story. This is my freely posted frank review.
As a lover of this series I’ve been dying to read Damien’s story. While I know there will be a full length story of his life, this prequel makes me want it even more! My heart stopped beating so many times that I couldn’t put this down until every last word was read. Damien is the youngest male Skolov who wants to show his brothers he has grown up. But he needs to prove it by fighting in the rink. But when he sees who is the prize, he is instantly enamored and full of lust for Scarlett, the prize for winning. He wants no one else to touch her, but can he keep his hands to himself? The danger they both put themselves in made me stop breathing and pray for a happy ending.
Damien and Scarlett have such incredible chemistry you can feel their emotions jumping off the pages. They belong together in every sense of the word. But when outside forces threaten both of them, can they fight and persevere? Once I finished, I needed more! More Damien! More Scarlett! Now I’m dying for more of their story!
OMG! FILTHY BEGINNINGS, by Alison Aimes, is the prelude to Alison's upcoming book, FILTHY ROYAL. The prelude and the upcoming book give us the hot and steamy romantic story of Damien Skolov and Scarlett. FILTHY BEGINNINGS takes us back to the time when the Skolovs were not rich and had fought their way into the underworld to survive. Damien is the younger, screw-up brother who wants desperately to help his family. In his youth and i experience , he sets out to do this by winning a seat on the council, never knowing he is doomed to fail in this before he even begins. He meets Scarlett, a prize to be awarded to the victor. Oh, there are red, hot flames! For those of us following the series, this book is a must-read. If you are new to the Skolov family, then read this and, by all means, go back to the first books to catch up while waiting for FILTHY ROYAL. AWESOME series!
Since I first started this series, Damien, is the one that caught my attention. I've been waiting so long to read about him. The younger Brother is my jam. He's cocky. Explosive. Hardheaded. Sensual. Dripping with sexiness. He's going to set you on fire in all the good ways. Filthy Beginnings, is everything I wanted and more. 5 Stars. Highly recommend.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting Damien’s story and, even though this is a prequel, it was highly satisfying to read knowing their story isn’t over! Like the other books in Alison Aimes’ Ruthless Warlords series, this story takes place in the gritty, brutal Anarcheim galaxy, far, far, away where Alphas rule and all the characters have a tortured past. We meet Scarlett who has been a slave to the consortium (an evil empire). As an omega “prize” for a gladiatorial-type tournament, we learn about both her limited existence and her awesome omega power. Her brother, a secondary character, also adds some familial depth to the story (and an unfortunate anchor to that life-despite both hoping for freedom). I liked that he wasn’t evil or dead. So many times, the heroines are alone or estranged from their family because… it’s tidier to write about… Alison Aimes takes no shortcuts! ;-) Poor Scarlett and Damien… these fated mates have explosive chemistry (phew! heat factor “Carolina Reaper,” folks!) And they face seemingly impossible circumstances. (“Love in a hopeless place” is playing in the back of my mind.) I was SO rooting for them while knowing, all the while, this was not going to end well (for now). I don’t want to spoil the story any more than I have, so I’ll leave it there and say that the writing is on-point and you won’t regret reading the series as a whole. In “Filthy Beginnings,” Scarlett and Damien are very young, so we know there will be personal growth by the time their full story is out. I cannot wait to find out what they’ve been up to!
A prequel to what promises to be an epic story!!!!! Loved it ❤❤❤ I have been looking forward to reading Damien's story by the very talented Alison Aimes, for a while now. Alison has graciously given us the opportunity to read this delightful prequel and all I can say is BRAVO!!! The story centers around the youngest brother of the Skolov Family, Damien, who in his own way is trying to prove that he can also contribute to the welfare of his family. His journey takes him to meet Scarlett, his fated-mate, who is trapped under a corrupt, evil regime. Sparks fly, your heart will break and hope will surge. If you are into dark, fated-mate stories then you will definitely enjoy reading this amazing prequel to "Filthy Royal", which hopefully will be coming out very soon. Filthy Royal is part of the Ruthless Warlords series, and if you haven't read the other books of the series, I would highly recommend you do so; even though I am fairly certain that Filthy Royal can be read as a standalone, judging by all the previous books of this series.
This is one of those novellas that are pretty crucial to read if you want to understand the following book. It shows how Damien and Scarlett met and what happened between them. It all plays directly into the next installment, so take the time to read this one.
I liked seeing a younger, more carefree Damien and his care for Scarlett was sweet. I wanted so badly for things to work out between them and was dreading how things would end. Luckily, you can go right into Filthy Royal to see what comes next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to the author for the copy.
Give me all the filth! Filthy Beginnings by Alison Aimes is the prequel and the start of Damien and Scarlett's scorching hot forbidden love story. These two were drawn to each other from the start, and while their love and affection for each other in this story was carnal and naive, I can only imagine where it will lead in Filthy Royal after that plot twist of an ending.
Stella Hunter and Jason Clarke perform this audiobook in duet narration. Both bring the heat and fire in their performances. Stella conveyed Scarlett's desperation and determination in her performance, and Jason delivered the deep alpha growly goodness we all know and love in his portrayal of arrogant Damien.
I can't wait to see how Damien and Scarlett collide again in Filthy Royal next!
Oh wow, I loved getting this early glimpse of Scarlett and Damian. Yes, she was his fated mate, but he controlled himself (kinda, lol) and we get to see their relationship develop. Unfortunately, Scarlett is in a horrible position of wanting to escape, hoping her brother could also escape, wanting Damien and not having any power. She does the only thing she can do to protect those she loves. Except now Damien hates her and has no idea of her sacrifices. Oh the story we'll get...can't wait.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving this honest, unbiased review.
Well, if this doesn’t get you all riled up in anticipation of Damion Skolov's story, I don’t know what will!!
Any fan of the Ruthless Warlords series needs to read this prequel!!
Filthy Beginnings takes place prior to events in the other books in this series. It’s about a young Damien Skolov trying to help his family and prove to his brothers that he is a strong, capable, formidable grown Alpha by entering a fighting tournament. The prizes for winning are not only monetary but a beautiful Omega. Scarlett the consortium-owned omega and prize attraction for the tournament had grown up knowing her fate and though she longed for freedom she never put much stock into hoping for it, until Damien Skolov enters the arena and the first itch of the fared mates bond began to burn under her skin…
Just writing that has made me want to go read it again ASAP! As a fan of this series, this book certainly gave some insight on Damien and answers a lot of questions about the cause of his temperament. It also leaves you with so many more questions I’m so anxious for the answers to. It’s just freaking brilliant and maddening at the same time! Now I maintain that I’ve loved every single Skolov brother in this series, with Alexi being my top favorite. but I have been so pumped up about Damien, and if the prequel is any indication, Alexi just might have some competition for the top spot! I LOVED it!! Would definitely recommend snagging this read before reading Filthy Royal the 4th book in the Ruthless Warlords series
I was torn over whether I wanted to read this. I adore this author’s writing, I love this world and these characters but I LOATHE a cliffhanger - I hate waiting for a happy ending. But Damien and Scarlett were irresistible and I read the story. And it is beautiful and steamy and so very well done and I absolutely can’t wait for the rest of it to be released!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Filthy Beginnings, the prequel to Filthy Royal, which highlights the fast paced and, somewhat unusual, courtship that transpires between Damien and Scarlett.
Scarlett is Consortium property and is set as part of the winnings, a prize to be won, in the tournament of cage fighters entering a galactic fighting tournament. She's a beautiful dancer that shimmers colors and is kept in a glass cage. Her entire life has been under Consortium rule and her only hope is to be won by a fair and just fighter, which she knows is unlikely, or to escape. With odds stacked against her, she would still rather try to run than give up her life to a brute. That is until she meets Damien.
Enter Damien Skolov, a young fighter with nothing to his name and proving his worth through using his fists. Damien originally only entered the tournament to win the cash prize, but the moment he sees Scarlett he's sucked into her orbit and the mating heat hits both of them hard and fast. While he still wants the money, he also wants to win Scarlett and her freedom. He's young and impetuous, but he's also gentle and sweet when it comes to Scarlett. Yes, he also shows her how dirty he can be without jeopardizing her actual purity, and let me tell you, these two burn for one another.
Their quick time at the tournament blazes hot and fast and there is a lot that transpires due to the quickness of their time together, there is also a lot that happens that also tears them apart just as quickly. This beginning part of the story shapes their future and jump starts their destiny to how they meet again, but under very different circumstances. It's heartbreaking, but I LOVED how Alison set up this part of the story to continue on with the rest which will continue in Filthy Royal.
Filthy Beginnings, Ruthless Warlords #4A) by Alison Aimes Narration by Jason Clarke and Stella Hunter.
That prequel was just what I needed to hear while making a long drive to dinner at my friends home. It was a solo trip and I blasted it both ways.
This is the prequel to Damien Skolov’s story and it had my heart stopping at times and also had me virtually panting during all the sex scenes.
This series has hot alpha males beating on one another which were the spots that had my heart racing. Damien is out to prove himself to his family and the rink where other alphas battle it out is where he seeks his recognition.
He spots the omega Scarlett who is the prize and knows he has to have her. Their chemistry is off the charts yet they know it’s a battle to win the tournament and her but he’s going to prove he has it in him.
There’s so much here in this prequel that it seems to be the whole story but it’s just the start and I can’t wait to find out where they end up.
The parts where they sneak into getting together is what had me so worried that they would be found out. Where my heart stopped beating of worry for what might happen if they were discovered. Then had me squirming in my seat for all the hotness of these two main characters making out. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 put me out because I am on fire!
Then the ending had me tearing up and anxious to know what happened to both Damien and Scarlett because they certainly didn’t get their HEA yet!
I listened to this book in audio and these Omega universe books are full of tension and mystery. The audio brings the characters to full glory and I loved how they came to life with these actors portrayals of them. Soooo much better in audio. ♥️
A wonderful read a completely wonderful start to this amazing series that you will read in one sitting
Filthy Beginnings: Dark Fated Mates Prequel, this may be a Dark Fated Mates romance that I guarantee once you begin reading you will not be able to put the book down and I guarantee that you will be in a situation where you will read about main characters Damian and Scarlet who will Will go through hell and high water to overcome everything that is thrown at them.
He is known as a hot head and also a excellent cage fighter that will not take any rubbish from anyone and even though they should never have met they overcome everything and this meant that they might sneak away together and hopefully make a life together.
I guarantee that this will encourage you to read all of the other wonderful books in this series it is a simply rip roaring read full of action and adventure and subterfuge. I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read. I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
This was a wonderful prequel to Filthy Royal. Stella Hunter and Jason Clarke always blow me away with their performances. Especially Jason in this one as there were many men that he had to do the voices for and I never had one issue with being able to tell who was talking. Jason also does the villain voices so so well. Stella can bring the emotions into a story perfectly and I am always in awe of her.
Damien and Scarlett are definitely a forbidden love story. As she is being pushed into the direction of someone else but her heart belongs completely to Damien. Damien knows that he isn't the right man for her but the heart wants what the heart wants...and his is craving Scarlett. The pull that these two had for each other from the very beginning was palpable...you could feel it.
With the way this one ended, I am immediately diving into Filthy Royal. I need to know how these two are going to find their way.
Damien Skolov is a cage fighter entered in a galactic tournament. His older brothers are proven warriors, and Damien feels he needs to prove himself to his family and also anyone in the galaxy who has a problem with him. He has a singular goal to win the tournament for the money and honor it will bring him and his family. Then he sees Scarlett, the omega prize that will be given to the winner of this tournament. Charlotte is an obedient omega, and she follows all the rules that prevent her from cavorting with anyone other than the one who wins her in the tournament. When she and Damien see each other, there’s an instant chemistry between them. Ignoring all the rules, they sneak around to see each other. As they fall deeper for one another, they want nothing more than to be together. Until something happens to alter their plans and their lives.
Dark, sweet, and so vivid! This really didn’t feel like a prequel because it was so jam packed. I really have missed this universe. It’s been described in some of the other books how much the Skolov brothers had to overcome to earn their place in the Brotherhood, but this was much more visceral. Even though it’s just a few days, so much occurs. There is triumph and pain and loss, but hope and love blossom as well. This doesn’t end on a cliffhanger (thankfully), but we’re left feeling like there is so much more on the horizon. I plan to read the next few books to refresh my memory and get ready. I’m counting the days until Filthy Royal!
This book was so worth the read. I've been working my way through the dark faded mates romances. When I saw that this was a prequel to the fourth book as I got to the fourth book I didn't want to read it before reading this one. It made the main character so much more understanding. I was surprised at a prequel since the other ones told the past within the story but it was definitely worth the read and I think I will enjoy the fourth book even more now knowing what happens in this book.
How can a story so dark also prove to be so vivid? I wasn't sure if I liked this, but I kept being drawn deeper! Scarlett and Damien are the naive, star-crossed pair the reader cannot help but root for. Their existence in some far-off galaxy is brutal... until they find each other. There's passion, loyalty, ruthlessness, and betrayal in spades, and the ending provides questions without even a HFN!
Not my cup of tea, sorry. I didn't care about either character. I have some curiosity for the conclusion but not enough to pay anything for it. Found myself skimming which is a red flag for me. I am not fond of the alpha/omega as it has no romance just power and control. Thought this may have some sexy parts but no go.
What I liked most about this prequel was that it set up and made more dramatic the feelings of betrayal and the devastation of losing a friend. Damien and Scarlet's journey has barely started but already their feelings have developed and their hopes have been raised. The story will conclude in Fithly Royal.
Kinda boring. I skimmed a bunch. I guess knowing they were fated mates and wanted to be together was nice. And it did get somewhat interesting in the end since Scarlett agreed to whatever deal the mysterious new Alpha guy made with her. She let Damien go (I assume saving his life) but heartbroken for sure.
I am unable to find the story about the sister Anya which is book 5. In Amazon, I see book 4 and then book 6. What happened to book 5? Wanted to find out about the sisters and if Commander Finn and Anya get together. I am enjoying the stories about the brothers.
Good enough for 4 stars, but I loathe cliffhangers. I knew this was going to be one and read it anyway, but I still hate them and there is never a good reason for it. The story is good and the next book is out already which is the only reason it wasn't 1 star.
Prequel to Filthy Royal that was part of an anthology. I live for this series. It's super spicy, which I never complain about, especially when you have 2 amazing narrators voicing the MCs. Stella Hunter and Jason Clarke continue narrating this series.