Ellie came to me with a bargain. Her life for her father’s, but I didn’t build my empire by letting debts go unpaid. You owe me, you pay. End of story. But this girl didn’t just walk in shaking and begging for mercy- no, Ellie charged in demanding her father’s freedom.
I take her deal, adding my own conditions, of course. I’m not a good man. I’m a beast, and my hunger for her will be fed. I will … a good man. I’m a beast, and my hunger for her will be fed. I will possess her.
But there’s more at play here than just the love of a daughter, the possession of a beauty. Secrets that won’t stay buried. Dangerous desires needing to be explored.
Outside forces want in, want to take what’s mine. And when Ellie finds out the secrets of her own past, she’ll need to decide. What exactly is she willing to risk for love.
Starting a Measha Stone story pretty much means that any plans I might have had will take second seat to reading and “Beast” was no exception. When I opened the book, I started reading with the best of intentions to stop after my break was over and go back to my work project. Well, that didn’t happen and I immersed myself into a fabulous retelling of Beauty and the Beast, for adults. As someone who loves reworkings of fairy tales, I’m always intrigued as to what an author will come up with and Ms. Stone did not disappoint. The chemistry between Ash and Ellie was scintillating and I found myself becoming emotionally invested because, even the Beast deserves his happily ever after.
Ellie’s father is a gambler. He owes Ashland almost a quarter of a million dollars, with no way to repay. Ellie saves him by offering herself in his place. What an arrangement!!! Ash is large, strong, Alpha dominant and the head of an illegal group. Ellie is determined to save her father, no matter the arrangement. She is frightened, reticent, yet determined to persevere.
Ellie calls Ashland a Beast, yet she has no trouble evading his rules. Ellie is a worthy opponent. Her behavior elicits Ash’s determination to own her, protect her and overall WIN! Ashland demands and expects her obedience. When he is thwarted, stern consequences ensue. Watching Ash use BDSM techniques and equipment to teach Ellie who is in control, while she tries to avoid his power is extremely erotic. She came to him offering herself. That makes him the owner of her body, mind and soul. Will Ellie capitulate and agree to this? Will it be easy for her, or will she run?
Surprisingly, unexpected characters in this story were darker and twistier and downright uglier than I had anticipated. Also, conversely, much of Ashland’s inner musings and behavior toward Ellie, while still maintaining ultimate control, was unexpected. I loved the interplay of Ashland’s and Ellie’s dynamic personalities, and I highly recommend this book.
Every beauty needs a beast
The alpha males of the Annex are just what we needed to get us started on a new series. The author continues to give us those take charge men who do everything in their power to rule and protect the women who have stolen their hearts. This book features just that kind of couple and introduces us to so many tasty men who, we can only hope, will get their own stories and their own HEA. I think you will agree that this book is worth reading again and again, while we wait for the next book by the author.
What a great story I Loved Ellie her fierceness and strength because lets face it Ash was downright a little scary and seemed unpredictable giving Ellie no choice in the decisions she has to live with to save her father play by my rules and never say no. This was a hot sexy intense mafia type story and hold on tight and wait until you meet Ash because he will take you on a ride of your life. I loved the characters, the excitement of not knowing what is going to happen and who will back down first.
Ash is exactly that. He’s beast of a man that takes Ellie captive in place of the huge debt her gambling Dad owes him. But, what was meant to be a captive situation turns into more when Ash and Ellie get to know each other. What a beautiful, steamy, action filled intense story.
I love this book and all the Annex books, but Ash and Ellie are so special. Measha Stone does not try and whitewash Ash and yet he is still delectable. There is a sense of honor about Ash and Peter that draws the reader in and Ellie’s courage is amazing. The sex is hot, hot, hot and the love between them grows so beautifully. I am not sure the original Beauty and the Beast was as hot nor as exciting but it was the basis for this fantastic story.
Damn! This book is hot and sexy and leaves one hot and bothered in the best way! Hmm, love the d/s theme and the punishment that leaves her yearning for more. Twists and turns. Well worth the time
This is the best Beast meets Beauty story ever written! But like the main character states “This isn’t a fairy tale, and I’m not your Prince Charming.” – aaaahhhhhh!!!!! So great!
I was fearful that a storyline like this wouldn’t work since some of the elements are well know. Honestly, Measha Stone captured every important detail and more.
Wow. What a wonderful beauty and the beast story. Ellie’s father gambling’s has caused her a lot of heart aches and a daughter should not have to go through. Ash is a beast but underneath he is a teddy bear. This story has a lot of action and sex and is an HEA. Enjoy
First off, let me say that I love to read Measha Stone’s books. They always entertain, written in a style that draws me into the story, making me want to find out what happens to her wonderful characters. She did not disappoint in Red, the newest addition to the Ever After series where we were introduced to both Ashton and Peter Titon (two more sigh worthy anti-heroes I absolutely adore) and where we now meet Erik Rawling, the Wolf, and Melinda, his Red-haired beauty.
Melinda is sold by her grandfather to Erik in order to pay off his debts, something she knew nothing about until Erik and his brothers come to collect her after her grandfather’s death. Grandma is helpless and cannot come to her aid. Erik is a hard man with plans for the future and selling Melinda is necessary to those plans. But Erik is trying to figure the best way around this dilemma, for both him and Melinda. However, there are darker forces than Erik at work in Melinda’s life, and she’s in more danger than she realizes. Poor Melinda is beset by trials and travails from all sides. Will she find her way out of this horrible situation or will she get caught up in a dangerous event beyond her or Erik’s control?
I really enjoyed this story. It took me out of my everyday world into the lives of the characters in Ever After, always an interesting place to be. Don’t miss out on this interesting and exciting read. Highly recommended.
BEAST
By: Measha Stone
Narrated by: Smokey St. Clair
Series: Ever After (Stone), Book 1
Every time I see a new book out with the premise of my favorite dark fairy tale, I grab it and give it a listen. This one by Measha Stone came highly recommended to me and it did not disappoint. From the opening scene until the very end, it had me drawn in. Ashland is the beast, and he definitely comes across as one. He is the ultimate dominant, alpha male and when Ellie is given to him in exchange for her father’s life, we get to see his personality come out. Ellie is not exactly the submissive woman at first. She gives as good as she gets, and Ash does not intimidate her. This Beast gives this Beauty some real love, and some real discipline, so if you do not like BDSM or domestic discipline, this book is not for you. It is written beautifully, very tasteful and gives a little twist to the original tale we are all used to.
Smokey St Clair gives us a performance worthy of the Beast. He has a great alpha inflection, and you know exactly where the Beast stands with his narration. He gives Ellie a good female voice, strong in her convictions and soft in the bedroom. He did a wonderful job.
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Surprisingly original and a good gripping story. Very enjoyable!
Great story author and book loved Michael and Layla as characters would highly recommend
Loved this book. A great storyline and ends well.
I liked the twisted beauty and the beast story line. The ending is shocking twist you won’t see coming. Definitely a page turner.
I enjoyed this book very much and Tower also by her.
Great way to adult a fairy tale!
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~~ 4.5 DARK AND DELICIOUSLY BEASTLY STARS! ~~
“No one touches what’s mine, Ellie. And, make no mistake, you are mine.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this dark Beauty and the Beast retelling by Measha Stone! This first stand-alone installment in her Ever After series hooked me from page one and I could not bear to put it down!!
Swooooon!!!! Ashland was the PERFECT beast! Big, broody, formidable and ferociously dominant, he left me all aquiver! And the way he commanded every room he entered, demanded complete obedience and masterfully wielded that flogger when his girl was naughty was panty melting hot! But beneath Ash’s cold, cruel, beastly exterior beat a heart that throbbed for his sweet and feisty Ellie!
And I adored this heroine just as much! Ellie gave as good as she got and I relished how she stood up to her beast yet also submitted so beautifully!
Ultimately, I loved the evolution of this dark fairytale and it had the perfect blend of breathtaking romance, blistering emotion, torrid bdsm interludes and pulse pounding suspense! And the HEA made me all warm and glowy inside!
This was my first book by the talented Measha Stone but will not be my last! I look forward to diving into Peter’s story next in TOWER!
Great book, great read!
Very relaxing and fun to read