Bought by the Beast

by Lexi Heart

Daisy
When my family gets deep into debt with the Russians, I sell the only thing I can to save my virginity. He may be able to take my body, but he will never have my heart. It’s only a week. One week in the bed of the city’s most notorious criminal. I can handle it. I have to. But I don’t count on his scorching sensuality, his surprising sweetness. His fierce protectiveness. I know he’s the last man in the world I should fall for, but his touch ignites something deep inside me. His dark, tormented soul calls to mine, draws me in, forces me to feel things I’ve never allowed myself to feel before…

Dmitry
Working as a hit man for the Russian Mafia, my life is nothing but an endless abyss of violence and solitude. My only goal is to keep my head down and do my job until I’ve repaid my debt and can get the hell out. I’m so close. Soon, I will be able to put this life of blood and death behind me. Until I see her. Daisy. Sweet. Innocent. With a core of hardened steel. Everything I’ve ever wanted, and everything I know I can never deserve. In a world full of darkness and cruelty, Daisy is like a ray of sunlight shining down into the pits of my personal hell. She is the light to my darkness, the innocence to my depravity. I will move heaven and earth to make her mine. And God help anyone who gets in my way.

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Audiobook, Romance, Mafia Romance

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2019

Reviews

[Allie Abernathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Book 1 of the Wicked Dynasty Series, Bought by the Beast, tells the tale of Dmitry and Daisy. The Beast and The Virgin. 
Lexi Heart had me hooked from the beginning, based on that alone, and throughout the book she did not disappoint!
Daisy and Dmitry have chemistry from the start and their first physical encounter is freaking explosively hot!!!
He is a dark, broody alpha, which I love! And, she is a good, hard working girl. Genuine and likeable.
The ending was satisfying and left off with a HEA.
It was well written and I enjoyed Lexi's style.
I'd easily recommend this book to anyone who wants something a little on the dark end, but still wants sweet with a HEA.
I will absolutely read the other books in the Wicked Dynasty Series when they come out!
5 stars!

[Katlyn Bolingbroke · Rating 4 out of 5]

other than a few typos it was an amazing story. Dmitry and daisy are a force to be reckoned with

[Bryckk Wilkes-DuBois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dmitry & Daisy: I Fell in Love with Them! -5 Stars

Dmitry is an Enforcer for the Bratva who is secretly smitten with a waitress in a diner. She is the light in his world of darkness, and he finds his peace by watching her sketch and paint. He is badly scarred and has dreams of Daisy being all his. He concocts a plan to trap Daisy by using her weakness for her family and forcing her to enter a Bratva auction to pay owed gambling debts to the Bratva or else, they will kill her family. Dmitry decides to "purchase" her for a week through the auction and keep her with him forever.

Daisy is forced to do with Dmitry and ends up falling in love, unknowingly with the very man who is is sold to, as he shows her a different side to himself which is kindness.

The whole idea of how these two come together was a reach, but it really worked for me. Although Daisy would be considered weak in a person's eyes by offering up her body to spare her family, she wasn't mindless and stupid. I thought she was the most responsible of her entire family. She was selfless. Even when it came to Dmitry.

Dmitry really won me over. Yeah, it blows how he got her. But he more than made up for it throughout the book when he seemed to care very deeply for her, and I can see how they both grew to love each other based on personal histories. One thing I'm glad was missing was the Bratva cruelty present in novels as such. It was refreshing. This love story was awesome, and I highly recommend it!

Happy Reading!

[Anna Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like fairytale retelling you should read this beauty and the beast retelling. It was really good.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/28/2023)! 🎁

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light in the darkness, tons of feels

Bought by the Beast by Lexi Heart is a well written dark mafia romance I found to have a very compelling plot and wonderful characters with emotional depth. Dmitry hooked me immediately, equally confident yet vulnerable through his constant negative self talk, yet extremely loyal and an alpha, possessive streak a mile wide, especially when it comes to Daisy. Daisy is Dmitry’s total opposite. She’s light and positive, sweet and genuine, fierce and protective. In all these ways and more she is his perfect compliment and saving grace in his very dark, dangerous and violent world.
I absolutely loved reading their story arc and how they develop, acknowledge and accept one another, ultimately fall in love.
Overall, this dark romance has a silver lining for all and a HEA is a guarantee. This is the first book I have read by this author and if I learn of another, I’ll be sure to give it a go too.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.

[D.F. Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people, seemingly polar opposites, overcome a myriad of obstacles and find love along the way. Dimitry is an enforcer for the Russian mob, with a scarred visage and a tortured soul. Daisy is a sweet and innocent artist who longs for a better life and who, to protect her family, agrees to be auctioned off to strangers.

The story line is intense from the first page, and keeps that level of ferocity throughout. Alternating between the two main characters' points of view allows the reader to more fully immerse themselves into the fast-paced plot.

The single reason this did not get five stars from me is that as a reader, I prefer my romance scenes to be more, well, romantically phrased. This book had some very (in my opinion) coarse descriptions that for me personally undermined and cheapened the romance a bit. Still, overall, a very good read. I would buy and read more of Ms. Heart's work.

[Kendra Arnold-harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought by the Beast

I enjoyed this retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Dmitry the scarred up Russian mob enforcer. With the shattered past. Blaming himself. For the death's of his mother and sister. Then he sees Daisy and his world shifts and he sees her as the light to his darkness.
Daisy works hard to support her family but never really getting ahead. Getting no where to make her dreams become reality. Once again one of her mother's boyfriends puts the daily in danger because he borrowed money from the wrong people. Forcing Daisy to do what she has to to save her family from danger.
Dmitry is surprised at just strong the woman her admired from afar really is. She is not afraid of him and she doesn't back down when other people would have. Daisy wonders if she can really have future with Dmitry knowing what he does for "work".

I read this as a ARC for a honest review.

[Kathy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dmitry is a scarred, humongous beast of a man. As an enforcer for the mob, he doesn't seem to have a heart. He becomes infatuated by Daisy, a young innocent waitress, who takes care of everyone in her family. Dmitry wants her, and sets up a plan to have her. Daisy sells herself at an auction and Dmitry is the one who purchases her. Daisy should be terrified of Dmitry, but in his eyes she sees the pain he's had to endure. Although Dmitry wants her in his bed, he waits till Daisy makes the first move. In a short period of time, they begin to have a connection. Unfortunately Dmitry's mob connections come for Daisy, and he must protect her at all costs. Even if it breaks his heart. Great story that kept me enthralled! Hope there's another in the series!

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I unexpectedly really enjoyed this story.
I wasn't really certain I would at first, New Author,New Narrators,I was nervous to listen to it..But Wow it was really good.
The story completely captivated me and the Narrators Gregory Russell and Nikki Monroe were excellent I enjoyed listening to their voices as they portrayed the characters in this book...They did such a great job.
This is the retelling of Beauty and The Beast and we all love that story,I know I do...A story about a woman falling in love with the man inside the beast...And this is what Daisy does.
Daisy's hasn't got a good life she is practically a slave to her family..working in a diner to pay the bills while her step father and brother just get them into debt by gambling and borrowing money.Her mother is no better,she works but she enables her husband and sons behaviour.
Daisy though has ambitions to go to art school she loves to sketch..but her step father owes money to Ivan a russian mafia boss and she has to auction herself off to pay off the debt.
Dmitry is a scarred man after he was brutally best as a child, he works for Ivan as the Bratva enforcer,he has killed many people for Ivan and he finally wants to leave his position as the Enforcer.He has an obsession with Daisy watching her from afar he wants a better life a life were he could be the man Daisy could want.
The auction is his perfect opportunity for him to finally have Daisy for a week and convince her to stay with him...He has plans but those plans are skewed when Ivan's son Victor tries to ruin Dmitry's bidding.
So Dmitry makes a deal with Ivan that he will stay as his enforcer for 6 more months if he can have Daisy and so Daisy becomes Dmitry's for a week.
But he wants forever.
The chemistry between these two is electric and Daisy is enthralled by Dmitry she sees so much more to him than what is on the surface.
But she is in danger from her step father and brothers enemies as they rack up more debt,and then she discovers what Dmitry does for a living for Ivan..This is the only thing that makes Daisy doubt That being with Dmitry is the right thing to do.
Victor is a pain in the Ass too..
I loved the changes within both Daisy and Dmitry she becomes stronger and Dmitry shows her passion and love awakening the woman inside her.
Dmitry softens for Daisy but he is stuck with Ivan...Daisy shows him Love for the first time in his life she is unafraid of him and his appearance and that shocks the hell out of him.
I really enjoyed listening to this book it intrigued me through-out and I didn't know how it would end.Lexi Heart did an Amazing retelling of this fairytale and I loved Daisy and Dmitry.
A fantastic story.
5 Stars.

[Svetlana Mathews · Rating 2 out of 5]

What can I say so far on this book? After reading all the reviews, I had very high hopes for it. To be honest, I’m a little disappointed. I haven’t finished reading the whole and I don’t know if I will. I had to pay to get this book, but at this point I don’t if that will matter. The story is naive. There are not many monologues between anyone. There are so many things that make me roll my eyes. For example Daisy mentioning (in her head as there are not many conversations) that the girls at the action told her how to give oral to a man, they told her what happened if a man is not satisfied. Apparently the girls were too relaxed to have that many conversations while waiting to be sold to be sex slaves. Another thing that made me roll my eyes is when Dmitry bought her art supplies, he left them in the kitchen in the bag. She came in in the morning to cook breakfast. Then when he was leaving he told her about the stuff in the kitchen. She goes back and sees the bag of supplies on the kitchen counter and the easel standing against the counter. Didn’t she see it when she was cooking breakfast? Also, after they had sex on the kitchen table he left her to go get ready. I’m assuming he took a shower and got dressed. Was she just sitting in the kitchen with the cum between her legs all the time he was getting ready? And then instead going and taking a shower she decides to go and paint. It’s just a lot of stuff that missing the details. Everything is happening so fast. She’s supposed to be this innocent, inexperienced girl but she was begging a man that bought her to have take her and craving him just after two days of meeting him. It just sounds so unrealistic. The description of her and her actions don’t add up.

Like I’ve said, I haven’t finish the book yet and I don’t if I will. I was expecting so much more from it and at this point I’m so far disappointed.

[Ash Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ ON AUDIBLE: This story is adorable. I really enjoyed it. I thoroughly loved Dimitri’s character, however, I couldn’t do the male narration. It’s not that it was bad, but almost that the mic was messing up or something. I even tried listening through multiple speakers/headsets and still his audio was awful. Also, Gregory’s voice is fairly monotone. So his acting only has so far to go. I really enjoyed the female narrator though, even her voice for Dimitri was really great. Her Russian accent was somewhat flawless, in my opinion.
As for the story, I really enjoyed it. Had it been for less audio issues, I probably would have rated this book five stars. It’s just a solid storyline, good back story, plenty of suspense, and I actually enjoyed the instant connection yet turmoil. Also, Daisy isn’t nearly as annoying as other female protagonist. None of that running away, bull. She tries her best to understand and resolve problems rather than running. I really appreciated that. Overall, it’s really good. I highlight recommend you check it out, if not on here, grab it on kindle or hardback. 🥰

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I loved the characters and the interactions but I would get frustrated by the lack of communication. Or rather the miscommunication.

Eventually (really didn't take that long) they worked things out, except for one major secret.

I enjoyed and laughed a little when I read kind of parallel aspects to Disney's beauty and the beast. This was definitely it's own story with some twists I didn't see, or guess.

The growth of the characters was well written and not rushed. I didn't feel the world was as well done. We know they're in the US, not in a made up town in an actual state but I couldn't figure out exactly where they were. I felt like I read one place then later read a different one. At that point in the story I didn't feel it was overly important. The same with the story timeline. An event happens and Daisy (main female) states "the past few weeks", with that same event, someone else stated the last month - which could be the same. But then a third person says either the other day or last week referring to that same event.

Otherwise it's a really enjoyable quick read.

[Lena Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great debut!! 3.5 stars!

The story was fast paced, written well and the world building was explanatory also. The author defintley has attention to detail in the way she explains the scenes and the imagery around the characters. The intimate scenes are extremely descriptive and enticing.

I found at times the story was contradicting in places and sometimes too pacified for what it is. Daisy comes from the wrong side of the block, paired with sweet innocence while she keeps her family afloat working long shifts while the rest of her family mooches off her. Daisy's mother was in and out of relationships with deadbeat guys, yet she is sometimes portrayed as stupid which I found counteractive at times.

Dmitry is a stone cold killer, brutal and tortured with scars from the past. He didn't think he had a heart, but boy does he have a big one. He falls for her, and he would do anything to keep her safe.

I commend Lexi for taking the very scary step of publishing her first novel and I look forward to seeing what she has up her sleeve next.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an entertaining read and a great start to a new series called the Wicked Dynasty. Meet Daisy and Dimitri, both of them have found themselves indebted to the Russian Mafia. However, each one has to pay back their debt in different ways. Dimitri is repaying his debt as a hired gunman, his goal is to repay the debt as quickly as possible and keep his head down to stay out of any other trouble. Daisy is repaying a debt for her family, her sacrifice is her virginity and one week in his bed. She keeps telling herself that this is not a big deal, she's got this but does she really got this? Can she go through with this? Both of these characters are drawn to each other and neither one of them is looking for an actual relationship out of this. What happens when the feelings grow and take over? Will these this cost them both more? Can Daisy and Dimitri find a HEA?
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems.

[Sarah Berkowitz-Melton · Rating 2 out of 5]

How to say this…

Glass half full? I got this book as a “blind date with a book”, and if I hadn’t I would not have picked this up. If you go into this story, accepting it for what it is, it’s a quick, somewhat entertaining read.

Glass half empty? The pacing was way too fast for me. I think if the book had been drawn out more, with greater detail, it could have been a lot better. I wanted to get invested in the characters, but there was no time, and too few details to truly develop any emotional connection. The storyline was also a bit predictable. I had no trouble figuring out the “who done it” portion of the plot, long before it was revealed in the book.

Would I recommend this book? Perhaps, only if you’re looking for something with almost no depth and just want a fun, fast, predictable read, with some spice. Kinda like a mediocre blind date, it’s over in a flash and you never have to think about it again.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Dmitry and Daisy

Romance trope: mafia/stalker
Series: Wicked Dynasty
Length: 259 pages

Plot: Dmitry has been watching Daisy for quite a while now, watching and plotting. He has manipulated the situation so that Daisy has no choice but to offer herself as payment for her family's debt. But when she does and Dmitry takes hold of her, neither of them can control what happens next.

Commentary: A little bit of insta-love - well, insta-lust, at the very least. Some of it doesn't quite mesh - good girl, super naive and sheltered, but living where and how she does? Not talking to her family about, well, anything, apparently? Taking her mom's junkie boyfriend's word for it without any further thinking? It seems like the reality of her situation and the description of her character just don't match.

Next book in the series: Sold by the Siren: A Dark Romance

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just had a hard time buying into this book. The flow was ok, but the predictability was a hindrance to the story. I knew early on who the bad guy was & how this would play out. Daisy is so naïve, yet raised in a tough environment, with no coddling to help keep her naïve, which makes it hard to buy into her innocent & judgmental behavior, she was too black & white (with her thoughts & ideals), when she should have had a lot more gray. Dimitry is ok, but not believable as a Russian mob enforcer (other than the Russian names, it didn't even feel like it related to Russian mob). Both main characters were sort of flat. I needed more believability for this book to work. I definitely got the Beauty & the Beast vibe, and it was ok as a fairy tale reimagined, but to incorporate the mob world, it needed a lot more to it than there was to make that world building viable.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know what? This was pretty decent. For being under 300 pages, there was a plot that was built upon and characters that were pretty well fleshed out. This does have a vaguely Wattpad vibe. I don't means this in a derogatory way. And those of us that grew up on Wattpad will know what I mean. I really enjoyed this. It was just a smutty fun time. Dmitry was a bit annoying with his inner monologue about Daisy in the beginning. The thoughts, while very much simping over her, were also not so subtly misogynist.

This is also pretty much insta-love. I don't care what anyone tries to claim. You fall in love within a week, that's insta-love, baby. I didn't hate it. I did roll my eyes though.

There was some editing misses but honestly, I didn't care that much. This was just a fun time.

[Linda Lagrue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think there are enough words to say how much I loved this story. If I could, I would rate this book a ten star read. It is the first book of Lexi’s that I’ve read and I definitely will read more from this incredible author. “Bought by the Beast” is an intense, roller-coaster ride of non-stop action, along with danger, suspense, murder, intrigue, electrifying chemistry and heart-wrenching love. I couldn’t put this book down and read it one sitting. I fell in love with the characters and the outstandingly brilliant writing. If you love Mafia romance you must read this true masterpiece.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the dual narration of Gregory Russell and Nikki Monroe

Dmitri is a mafia enforcer, Ivan his boss found him when he was orphaned and damaged. Ivan paid for his hospital bills and brought him up as a son. Dmitri has made is life about repaying this debt.
Daisy is sassy, smart and a innocent. When Dmitri meet Daisy he hopes that she looks past his scary exterior. Wanting to win her trust and heart. But others have seem to have reasons to keep them apart. Can these two overcome what others want to stop. Daisy is a wonderful character and Dmitri is one hot alpha male.
Great characters, plenty of twists, great chemistry between the two characters and action.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. It was full of chemistry, suspense, action, and loyalty.
Daisy is a devoted daughter who will do anything to keep her family safe. Even if that means giving herself up to the Russian Mob.
Dmitry has been watching Daisy and waiting to make her his. There is just one problem, he is The Beast for the Russian Mob and doesn't think any women would want him if given the choice.
Full of action and having you questioning how it will turn around especially with the twist that are added.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! it had all the elements that draw you in and leave you breathless. I love DIMITRI he is the epitome of someone wanting to do the right thing but having to do bad things. Daisy is no push over. She is strong and has a brain and wit about her that make her Dimitris exact perfect partner. She is NOT your fly by night kind of girl. She is with him for the long haul. I love how the author developed these characters and the story itself was beyond phenomenal. It was one to put on my reread list in the future.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Daisy is the beauty with a steel backbone. She continues to work and hope that she can help her family even though they do everything they can to block her attempts. Dimitry is the beast with internal and external scars from the hard life he has been living but he is determined to do better for himself. Together they complete each other.

Loved the characters. They were well developed and believable. Great story line too with enough twists and turns to keep it moving. You’ll be rooting for this couple to get their HEA. (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC).

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it ❤️

First, I liked that Dmitry always wanted Daisy for more than temporary. Daisy and Dmitry are both very likable characters. It was awesome they both fell in love with each other. The storyline was very entertaining with the perfect about of romance and action. I throughly enjoyed their HEA getting away from the mob and expecting a baby. I don’t read books for real life outcomes; but the pleasing quality of knowing everything will all work out in the end. I rarely reread books; but this one I would read again. I highly recommend this book.

[Cassie Marks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit tough for me to listen to. The constant reminder of how Daisy was sold, was a slave for the week, is nothing but a slut, etc became incredibly tired. I get it, the whole point of the story is that the Daisy allowed herself to be auctioned off due to the meticulous planning of Dmitry. But it felt over the top for me. The sex scenes are well written, but overall I just couldn’t get over the “gosh, I’m just a sex slave, please everyone take every opportunity to let me know how worthless I am”

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book for a couple of months
I'm not much into the mob life, so I was reluctant to read it.
To my surprise, it turned out to be a really good book. Daisy is a no-body waitress
ends up on a sex auction block to pay off some family debt.. She falls in love with Dmitry who buys her and after some interesting turn of events, ( being around the mob makes life dangerous) Dmitry turns out to be her knight and shining armor.
This book does have some violence in it
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I would love to read more by.
Dmitry is a Russian mafia enforcer and he sees a woman, Daisy, who at first sight grasps his attention as no other woman has before. And he stalks her for 6 months while he devises a plan that she can't refuse.
The characters were well created and imagined. The story plot was interesting and captivating.
I will definitely be reading more books by Lexi!

[Chasity · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually my very first book to introduce me to the Dark Romance genre. It was a good intro into the genre and if I was rating and reviewing this after first reading it, I would have given it more stars. But after reading for a whole month now, this book pales in comparison to others. Though, I still liked it. The SPICE was almost the entire plot lol. It was just a basic mafia kind of plot.

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the read !

Very well written! Plot twist I wasnt expecting though I wasnt pleased with the story's structure and how Dmitry ended up with Daisy you eventually fall in love with both of them and forgive the circumstances. First book I've read from this author and I'll be reading more !