He stuck the knife in the ground and stripped off his leathers. The tunic came off, revealing a long, lean, muscled torso, covered in tattoos. Snakes ran up and down his arms, his pecs and his shoulders. A skull blazed on his chest.
Then he was pushing apart my legs, settling between my thighs, leaning over me. He smelled of smoke, leather and musk. It was terrifying, like being at the mercy of … of an animal.
Falsely accused, Wynne is determined to clear her name. However, a trip to petition the Steward at Brighthelme turns disastrous when the Beasts, fearsome warriors from the frozen north, raze the city. When Wynne is carried away, she’s determined to regain her freedom but Rune, her captor, has other ideas.
Beast is set in Prydain, an imaginary place that combines Anglo-Saxon England with Medieval England, the Teutonic Kingdom and the Viking Age. This story contains dubious consent and graphic violence, however, it is a love story rather than a dark romance. It is a standalone novel; no cliff-hangers.
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This book is definitely a great read. There are some cautioned scenes, but you understand the different perspectives throughout the whole story. It was unfair for Wynne how she was treated because of how she was accused of something she never did and judged unfairly tremendously. However, Rune seen her for who she is with her sailor mouth and fighting spirit then to find ot the knowledge she had was what she could help their colony survive and fell in love and to protect her from any harm friend or foe no matter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Beast by AJ Adams is a wonderful story that I have loved reading very much. This is book number one a wonderful start to a brand new series and writen by a brand new author for me to read, I can not wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy, dark and paranormal roamnces in their books they read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
PussnBooks.net Reviewing the darkest erotic books we can find.
WYNNE – I loved Wynne! She was so sassy and funny. Very likeable, very quickly. Wynne has been wronged by her family. They accused her of being a whore and therefore not worthy to own her piece of land that she inherited from her mother.
In this land, women are second class citizens, and men rule everything…bastards.
So, when Wynne is accused of being a whore, and horribly punished for it, she sets out to clear her name. To do that she needs to go to the nearest town. She has the worst timing.
The town is under attack by Viking type men that the locals call Beasts. Buildings are on fire and woman are being horribly raped in the street. The townsmen were attempting to fight them back and failing miserably.
Seeing this, Wynne runs to hide but is eventually caught by Rune. And that’s when shit hits the fan. She fights tooth and nail and manages to do a fair bit of damage but is taken hostage anyway.
Throughout the story, Wynne is both hilarious and fierce. Loveable and innocent. She’s had a hard time in life so far and this is just the icing on the cake. She does not make life easy for her captors.
RUNE – Rune is the “Beast” ruler. In a fit of rage after his ship and men were attacked, he pretty much slaughtered the town. He and his men tore the place apart. Then he sees Wynne and is immediately taken by her spirit and fire.
Instead of basically raping her he tries to make it enjoyable for her…and succeeds. As the book goes on you realize that Rune isn’t quite the beast that the locals call him. He’s calm, intelligent, fair and strong.
I really liked Rune. He’s big (in all the ways that count) possessive and passionate. Also surprisingly patient. The man has many layers and is extremely yummy.
SEX SCENES – The sex scenes in this story were quite hot! I love it when an itty bitty slip of a girl can bring the towering monster to his knees. Especially when said girl is just learning all about sex and foreplay. It wasn’t too graphic and didn’t get me all sweaty but, it was very good anyway.
FINAL THOUGHTS – I know that it’s an odd mix to have both humour and dark romance in one story but A J Adams seems to have done that.
I love the little quirks of the characters and you really get sucked into the book. There are quite a few scenes where the girls are forced into sexual situations but like I said there are also some very amusing situations and outbursts.
Although I enjoyed this book it wasn’t quite what I was looking for. I usually prefer some angst and much darker story. If you are looking for something sexy and light-hearted (for the most part) then this is a great book.
THINGS WYNNE SAID THAT HAD ME GIGGLING
Then they all glared at me, like it was my fault we were here. “Good morning!” I get bolshie when I’m angry. “Whore,” Mina snapped. “Go lick Wotan’s hairy balls!” I ripped back. The Citizens screamed as one. “Wicked, wanton wretch!” “May Wotan hear and punish you!” “Ullr’s warty prick up your arse!” I yelled.
Being a tavern slut’s daughter ensured I’d seen even the most perverted acts at least twice. It’s amazing what drunk men will do with their penises—even donkeys aren’t safe—but that particular thing had always disgusted me.
3.5 stars.
AMAZING! A fantastic, well written read. An intense storyline that holds your attention as you get caught up in the fierce twists and hot chemistry. Plenty of excitement and emotionally heartfelt. A thrilling must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wynne just wanted to have her name cleared and Nd given back her lands after being falsely accused, hair shorn and whipped.
Rune and his Beasts were double crossed by having their ship burned and then being attacked. So their strike of retribution was to burn, pillage, murder, rape and steal women and supplies.
Wynne got caught up in the middle and Rune claimed her. After many attempts to escape and attempts to help the other women that shunned her, she finally gave up.
Will Wynne give in to Rune? Will she finally be free? Will the others ever like her? Join this exciting journey as the Beasts take their booty to their makeshift home. Interesting and intriguing read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first time reading author and she was awesome! This book keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end wondering what will happen. I couldn’t read fast enough or stop reading. Her character, plot and word usage were off the charts. It takes place in medieval type of setting with Rune being the hero of his people. He has cunning intelligence bravery and id ferocious in battle. Wynne is a smart tough survivor, she’s also determined and prideful and compassionate. Wynne lived in a medieval village where the Beasts ( Rune is their leader ) raid killing most of the men and taking the women. Wynne is used to taking care of her self and try’s to find ways to escape and catches the attention of Rune. Rune keeps her for himself.There is drama and twists and turns, action, violence, defiance, non consensual and forced scenes along with some consensual scenes, compromises, contentment and a HEA! It’s a definite must read for any AJ Adams fa and I will definitely be reading more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book one in the A Prydain novel series and I see there are two more after this one that I will be reading. This is the first book by this Author that I have read. A well written story with a very good storyline. I enjoyed reading this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ONE TURBOCHARGED TREAT!!!
Tall, Dark and Delicious! Talk about spinning out of control. A whirlwind of circumstances and mishaps that keep you flipping page after page. One rollercoaster ride with a swirling myriad of emotions bursting to life flawlessly. One sizzling storyline and delectable plot weave this bad boy together beautifully. The characters were realistic with personalities and depth that draw you in. Sparks fly as suspense and intrigue ensues in epic proportions. The drama, action packed, heart pounding, hard hitting delight that force all the pieces together for one wild adventure. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive that it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Adams, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
Overview: One of the best books I’ve read in months! The story was unique, interesting and held my attention so well I finish it in one sitting because I could not put it down. A master of her craft, the author is a dream to read. I highly recommend this book. There are some trigger warnings listed, so do make sure to pay attention to those, but just know that this is an awesome story.
Concept: 5 Stars
The concept, I felt was very original and interesting. I was excited to read the book just from the description and was not disappointed on this account. Original, interesting and engaging. The world was unique, and I really appreciated how well crafted it was. Great concept.
Writing: 5 Stars
The writing was flawlessly done, I can’t find a single fault to mention. Everything was right here, AJ Adams is a born author, and it shows. Well paced, moved the story along at just the right speed, gave the important details while holding the appropriate information back to be given as perspective at a later time to hold interest and keep you guessing somewhat.
Character Development: 5 Stars
Again, the word flawless comes to mind. It’s just all done so well, you know exactly who each character is, and they never do something strange that goes against their character, you can practically hear what the Citizen girls are thinking about Wynne most of the time. Nothing more annoying than a character that breaks character, but you don’t find any of that here. Just well constructed characters that make sense in their world.
Hero: 5 Stars
Rune is a thoroughly well constructed and excellently written anti-hero. He’s a leader among his people but only because he is respected for his intelligence, cunning, bravery, quick action, decisiveness and ferociousness in battle. People think of them all as mindless, ignorant, savages but Rune quickly disproves that theory for anyone smart enough or aware enough to look a little closer. He’s one of the best anti-hero’s I’ve read in a long while, you’ll see what I mean when you read the book, I won’t post spoilers but you’ll get it if you read it.
Heroine: 5 Stars
Wynne is, like Rune, a perfectly constructed, interesting and well written heroine. Wynne is the consumate survivor, she’s survived things that a lesser person wouldn’t have, and she’s come out a stronger version of herself for it. She’s tough, but because of the fact that she was raised a slave and a fighter by her mother, she’s not like the rest of the Citizens, she’s different, and people are never happy about or kind to what they don’t understand and what isn’t like them, and Wynne is both of those things. She’s not like them because she isn’t willing to leave her fate into the hands of men, she’s slow to trust, and who could blame her. She’s prideful, determined and single minded in her focus to become a land owning Citizen because becoming a land owning Citizen means freedom, being the mistress of her own life, body and destiny and that’s just about the only thing that matters to a little girl who was born and grew up in a tavern/brothel where her mother was a slave ill used by her owner and his customers, and she was born into slavery and narrowly escaped with her virtue in tact despite her very young age while there. Her family betrayed her, she’s never met a man who didn’t betray her, so it makes sense that she’s a bit cynical and jaded. It makes sense that all she knows is going to bat for herself, because other than her mother she’s never had anyone stand up for her. Wynne is smart, cunning and she is a fighter, not a victim. That’s the problem, in a world full of women who have all forgotten how to be fighters and turned into victims. She refuses to tow the line in her everyday drudgery that has become her life and she refuses to tow the line in captivity too. She’s a really intriguing and complex character.
Secondary Characters: 5 Stars
I loved the secondary characters just as much as I loved the mains. They were varied and also in a lot of ways just as complex as the mains were. The author is an extremely good writer of complex and varied characters that interact together to create harmony and chaos in the most delicious to read ways. She’s absolutely excellent at this, because it makes a really, really fun read.
Plot: 5 Stars
I was going to give this a 4 star, and then I got 2/3 of the way into the book and questions I had started getting answered. Again, I’m not going into detail or posting spoilers, but suffice it to say that this book didn’t quite end up going in the direction that I had thought it was going to go in, and I didn’t think it was going in the obvious direction anyway, I was expecting some twists and turns, but not quite the ones we got. I love to be surprised in a world of tropes and obvious endings, it’s always a pleasure.
Cover Art: 3.5 Stars
I only give it a 3.5 because the background image behind the two people doesn’t exactly look like the description in the book, and it isn’t quite how I would have pictured it, but this is a very subjective thing when talking about images and the world you see in your head when you read the book. Plus I took points off because the woman does not have sheared red hair, or red hair at all, at least not on my monitor.
Chemistry: 5 Stars
Even when Wynne doesn’t want to feel the chemistry between them and tries to deny it to herself you can still feel it in the words and the scenes. The chemistry is strange because this is most assuredly an instance of rape as we define rape today. Although, I personally like to take into account the world the characters live in when I judge that kind of a triggering issue in a book, some people don’t and won’t like it, they’ll say it’s cringe worthy. I don’t think so, because it’s a societal and cultural norm in the time and world in which they live. It’s a wonder Wynne got through that world in the circumstances that she was born into and grew to the age she did with her virginity intact. Now while it’s regrettable the circumstances in which they find themselves and in which she loses her virginity I am inclined to take into consideration the culture and society that they both come from, in which rape is a daily occurrence and a normal fact of life in some place in that world, not a happy fact but a fact none the less . I can see how she sees Runes gentleness as a kindness to herself, because she’s not known much gentleness certainly from men and I can see how the other women accept it so easily without fighting because it was accepted if not acceptable and they thought only to survive to be rescued later. The chemistry is there between Wynne and Rune though, that much is undeniable. So, please keep in mind that there is rape in this story, if not of the main character than the secondary characters, and it’s often times violent, as rape tends to be, and even if you don’t consider it rape for Wynne it is most definitely dub con.
World Building: 5 Stars
The world that the author created wasn’t a pretty world, it wasn’t an easy world or one filled with happiness for all, but it was an interesting, complex, realistic world reminiscent of times long, long gone by mixed with a slight fantastical element to them. I can see hints of lots of periods in history, many different cultures, philosophies and ways of life in this world from my interest and research into history. I doubt that this is that far off from life in some of those cultures in some of those times, honestly. The world makes sense in itself and the people who inhabit it make sense in their world, their actions make sense in that world even though they don’t make sense in ours. That’s all you can ask when an author creates a world like this, that it feels real and true to itself. Really excellently done by the author.
Rating: Again, please be aware that there are multiple trigger warnings with this book. Rape, Dub con, Violence towards women, Slavery etc. This IS very much a dark romance, and if that is going to be an issue for you or could possibly trigger you do not purchase this book.
Overall: 5 Stars
I don’t usually give out 5 Star ratings, only to books that I really, really loved that I think have multiple levels to the story and that I believe are well written and complex in some way. This book checked all of those boxes for me. It dealt with a lot of complex issues, described life in a world in which we couldn’t even fathom living in and did so in a way that seemed realistic, gritty and messy, which is the way real life is and that’s a positive for me because I want my books to have some realism to them even in a world that is created and not exactly the one we live in. This book was so well done, so well written and was an really great read.
I received a free ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This author has created an intriguing & complex, dark & brutal romance set in a mythological world, where Anglo-Saxons & Vikings mingle. I will admit it certainly caught my attention & I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters are well-developed with unique, strong personalities and have realistic & believable emotional feelings & reactions, while going through various trials & tribulations. The story-line and plot is intriguing, well-thought out and written.
There is: a young woman (Wynne) is falsely accused & decides to make a journey to try & clear her name but is confronted by Invaders from the frozen north & is taken captive, her captor (Rune) with some devious plans in store for her, slavery, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, adventure, action, invasions, violence, conflict, death, defiance, brutality, female swapping, forced & non consensual scenes, escape attempts, insults, determination, confrontations, devious plans, compromises, manipulations, some consensual scenes, contentment & a happy conclusion.
I look forward to future books from this author with great anticipation & would recommend this dark romance to people who enjoy reading this genre.
It’s short,dark paranormal romance. It takes the place in the world between Beasts and others “clans”.
From primitive to log houses with plumbing and soft feathers bed. The latter is the Beast country.
When their ship was destroyed by merchants not willing to pay for goods this is how the war started.
The Beasts killed,raped,stoled everyone and everything on their way. This is how they earned their name.
Behind Beast actually is very advance and intelligent men. Their land was separated by ice and they have to establish new life.
Rune it their chief and he does his job very well.
Vynne, red haired beauty was robed from her land by family,being accused and lynch as whore, is taken by Runan as his mate,lover and wife. She is very smart and her great knowledge about land and farming brought her acceptance from other members of the Clan.
So,yes ,this book has some violence but also tenderness and love.
I did enjoy reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love dark romances and I also love fantasy but it’s not very often I find a dark romance fantasy that really hooks me and executes an interesting and well thought out plot. However, I thought this one was amazing and fit together a dark and entertaining story. It’s not without it’s triggers though, it has abuse, dub-con, and rape throughout the story as both main character issues and background character issues, but the author does warn her readers in the blurb before buying the story. In my opinion, the scenes were written in a way that were very dark but also extremely hot and steamy.
Wynne has had a rough time already trying to prove her innocence but then finds herself being taken captive by Rune, who is a brute of a beast. He’s not a nice man, just like none of the others that came with him are, or so she thought. She realizes soon enough how he could be so much more ruthless and demanding than what he really is but that still doesn’t stop her from trying to always escape to safety, but Rune is not giving her up that easily.
I lost sleep just because I was enjoying reading this story so much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wynne of the Vale has not had an easy life. The daughter of a slave she has seen much. She finally believes her luck has changed when she returns to her mother’s village – but it has not changed – and in trying to right wrongs she has suffered at the hands of her family she is captured by raiders called beasts…and that is just the beginning. The beast that claims her is Rune. As the story unfolds Wynne comes to see beasts as more than what they are rumored to be. She realizes that she must survive – no matter what. She wants freedom and her good name back and how she achieves this eventually is not the way she set out to do so.
I enjoyed the story, the unfolding personalities of the characters, the camaraderie of the beasts, the witty dialogue and the possibilities that were opened up toward the end of the story. This is a complete story in novella length but there is potential for a series if the author chooses to write one. With nine cities in Pyrdain, fighting and raiding between the cities, information to be shared and so much that can be explored I hope there will be more books to look forward to. That said – this is not a warm cozy romance but one that has some very dark moments for most of the characters – the book comes with disclaimers as it should BUT *I* thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thank you to the author for the Beta copy of this book to read and review.
4.5 Stars