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Beast

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I’m just a pawn in a game for Mexico's wealthiest, cruelest man.Following my abduction, I find myself in the opulent home of Gaston Marques, Mexico's most feared billionaire. He's dark, he's dangerous, and he's obsessed with possessing me. I detest him and resist him, but he doesn't care. He takes what he wants, and he wants me.

But then, something shifts. In this gilded cage, I see glimpses of a different side of Gaston amidst the darkness. And against all my better judgment, I find myself drawn to him, pulled in by his magnetism. Even as I push back, I can't deny his strange and powerful attraction.

When my friends devise a daring plan to rescue me, Gaston lets me go. But there’s a twist. He follows me. He's determined to win me over in my world, a place where he's the outsider, not me. I tell him it's impossible, that we could never be. But love, especially one as twisted and intoxicating as ours, doesn't play by the rules.

Beast is the fifth book in the Once Upon a Villain Series by Bianca Cole. This dark, billionaire mafia romance explores themes that may be disturbing to some readers. No cliffhanger and a happily-ever-after ending means this book can be read as a standalone.

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

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About the author

Bianca Cole

60 books633 followers
Author of dark romance and lover of anti-heros.

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5 stars
80 (47%)
4 stars
50 (29%)
3 stars
28 (16%)
2 stars
9 (5%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
1,768 reviews66 followers
May 22, 2024
Beast was a good read, & for the most part I really enjoyed it. I loved that it was cartel based, but I would’ve liked to have seen more cartel action. I really enjoyed Gaston’s character. He started out as cold, broody, & ruthless. He stayed away f/relationships, buying women when he needed them & never forming feelings or attachments, until Blake. I couldn’t get enough of his possessive, rough & dominant side, & every time he called her his little slut my toes curled! I loved seeing how he wanted Blake to want to stay w/him, as his Queen- not a prisoner. The moment he realized she was different & she became special to him, all bets were off for both of them.
I liked Blake’s character too, but when Gaston allowed her to go. But I did not like how her friends were so opinionated about Gaston. None of them had any right to judge or try to keep Blake f/Gaston. Then how Blake acted towards him, & didn’t stand up to her friends, it kinda left a sour taste in my mouth. Yes he bought her, but he never once forced her to do anything & he treated her damn good.
Next up is the couple I’ve been waiting for!!! Kali & Matias story in Wolf!
Profile Image for Dee.
4,465 reviews58 followers
May 31, 2024
Part of the Once Upon A Villain series each is a retailing of some sort and once you start you won’t want to put it down until the last page has been turned. Gaston sexy as all beast like most beast he is grumpy, dangerous on a good day, ruthless every day, can be dangerous runs from any type of relationship and swears he won’t be in one either, but fate has other plans for our beast. Blake a young college student living the normal college life until she was kidnapped along with her friends by the cartel and then her world changed not knowing where she was headed until the one, they call the beast arrives to hold them. Gaston is overprotective, possessive in more ways than one the magnetic pull between the two of them can’t be contained or ignored she is exactly what he needs, she is exactly what he needed they balance one another she gains her freedom but will her life ever go back to normal, with his enemy always lurking will she be safe, does she learn what’s important, and where are the two of them headed?
2,036 reviews12 followers
June 2, 2024
This is the 5th book in the Once Upon A Villain series featuring the page-turning dark and intriguing billionaire romance full of twists and turns between Gaston and Blake. Blake and her 3 friends are kidnapped while they are vacationing in Mexico and they end up being trained to be sold to wealthy men. Gaston who is Mexico's most feared billionaire buys Blake and she's brought to his opulent home where he's obsessed with possessing her. However Blake resists him because she hates him but as time goes by Blake starts seeing another side of Gaston besides the darkness. Blake finds herself drawn to him and we really see this other side of Gaston when he let's Blake go because he's going to try to win her heart by wooing her. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this page-turning dark and intriguing billionaire romance full of twists and turns to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa D.
1,040 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2024
First, you don't need to read all of the books prior to this to read this story. I wasn't sure how I was going to like it since it dealt with trafficking but the story flowed really well. Extremely steamy and dark in place. I was pleasantly surprised that Gaston wasn't unkind. I expected that from the description and yet this came down to two very stubborn people who met in a terrible way and loved each other anyway.

I am concerned that it romanticizes the trafficking aspect though and that bothers me. Also that as a psych major, Blake didn't understand herself very well and had trouble working through what she wanted. I enjoyed the book and thought the ending was terrific. The author did a great job laying the foundation of the story (and the stories of the other girls) and kept you guessing as to what would happen next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,856 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2024
This is the 5th story in the Once Upon A Villain Series where Blake is sold to a dark possessive knight Gaston who expects to have a new slave but once their eyes meet he is taken by her and becomes more too quickly. Blake is a young college student who was taken in the previous story by the Cartel along with 3 of her friends. Gaston is a powerful man that operates in legal ways and has high expectations for Blake and she’s a woman who will push her boundaries, sometimes she enjoys the punishment and others show her more about herself then she thought possible. They both develop feelings for one another but hold back as Blake knows she’s a prisoner in a golden cage. When Blake finds herself free only to be taken by Gaston’s enemy their lives are turned upside down and along the way she discovers what’s most important in life, Love! I’m looking forward to the next story in this series…. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rose Belle.
827 reviews12 followers
November 26, 2024
I ended up reading this whole series because I wanted to read this book, but I decided to read them in order. I FINALLY got to this one, all excited and stuff. What do I find? An okayish book. It started out strong and about halfway through, it just lost all of its luster. I stopped caring about both characters. I wanted to move onto the next book. I almost DNFed it, but I decided to keep going. I guess I'm glad I did, but it definitely was not as strong as I wanted it to be.

It felt like the relationship fizzled out. One the romantic tension left, and they were pretty much a couple, there was nothing left to read. I mean, I know he had to "win" her over, but you already knew it was going to be an HEA. A lot of other people enjoyed this book, so maybe look over at their reviews as well before deciding. It wasn't my cup of tea, but I saw a lot of very positive ones as well. Just be aware: there are a TON of triggers with this one.
Profile Image for Carole.
1,447 reviews13 followers
May 30, 2024
Beast is a dark, really dark romance and touches on some sensitive subjects so any reader thinking about diving in should really heed the author’s trigger warnings.
MFC Blake was abducted along with her three friends while vacationing in Mexico and are now being trained to be sold to wealthy men.
Blake who is feisty ends up purchased by wealthy billionaire
Gaston Marques, just the kind of woman he was looking for.
Dark and dangerous he may be but after some time passes Blake is catching glimpses of what lies hidden beneath what he presents to others.
This story has many moments, twists, intrigue, and surprises that will elicit some OMG’s.
An Intense read that was written well, I did enjoy the story and how the tables were turned on one super alpha MMC by his “baby girl”.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,571 reviews28 followers
May 31, 2024
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Wow, this was such a fantastic book to read it grabbed me from the start, I just couldn't put the book down. The storyline exceeded my expectations, and the characters were really amazing. This was all about Gaston, and Blake, and her friends had fallen into the hands of the Cartel that trafficked and then sold women and children at auction. Gaston is a ruthless Billionaire business man that doesn't do emotions, as a CEO of his company, he bought land and that alone could start a war with the Cartel. The chemistry was burning hot, there was action, danger, violence, enemies, trauma, anger, kidnapping, trafficking, hatred, and lots more emotions could love happen after everything Blake has endued.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Danee.
3,647 reviews
May 31, 2024
I enjoyed this story. I have to say it is a dark, quite dark story and it may have triggers for some people. We follow Blake and Gaston. Blake is kidnapped with her friends during a holiday in Mexico, they are prepared for an auction and Blake is the one who fights back and won't take anything. And during the auction, Blake is chosen by Gaston and he comes home from a rude awakening. Because he's used to obedience and total control and domination, but Blake is a foil to that. It doesn't take long before sparks fly and Blake sees a different side of him than he shows to others. I can recommend this book if you like romantic books with a dark edge.

I received an Advance Reader sample of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
853 reviews6 followers
May 31, 2024
Raw, gritty decadence from beginning to end! Blake is inundated with mind numbing thoughts and emotions about her captor. Gaston is sex personified: dominant, dirty talking, and focused on making her belong to him. She is fiery, intelligent, and is submissive to his dark, twisted desires. Bianca Cole created a fascinating mixture of captivity vs free will that would be frustrating for most, but it’s complicated even more by this couple’s deep connection. The triggers should be noted: the story is disturbing on a psychological level. I love the idea of Gaston learning to love and if anyone could be the one I’d bet on Blake!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
4,706 reviews21 followers
June 1, 2024
When Blake, Alice, Luna, and Kali go to Mexico for college spring break, they never dreamed they would be kidnapped by human traffickers and held for sale. Alice and Taren's story was in the previous book and this is about Blake and Gaston. When Gaston buys Blake, all she can do is plan her eventual escape and saving her friends. But Gaston has become obsessed with her and will do anything to keep her safe, and win her heart and soul....even it he must set her free. The characters are compelling, the storyline well paced, full of sizzle, steam, action, drama, twist, and so much more. We need to know Kali & Luna's stories and I can't wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
1,844 reviews5 followers
October 6, 2024
Blake & Gaston’s story

This book is a dark mafia tale about a wealthy and powerful businessman Gaston who purchased a beautiful college woman from the Red Queen. Gaston is an Alpha Male in every way possible but he is not abusive in his caring of Blake. She pulled him in the moment he saw her. I did like that the author did not change the alphas in these two books that I have read. She held true to the storyline, plot, but let them have redeeming qualities towards their women. I believe that you really do have to read the book before this one so that you get the complete picture of what happened to four college students on spring break in Mexico. They were at the wrong place at the wrong time by the Navarro Cartel. Read On!
Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
1,837 reviews16 followers
May 30, 2024
Blake and her friends are kidnapped and being grooms for a slave auction to the wealthiest men as sex slaves. Blake is bought by Gaston Marques, Mexico's most feared billionaire. He's dark, he's dangerous. I love how he's all clod and uncaring, yet we see a softer side of him too. Poor Blake can't help falling for her captor, but her mind says it's all wrong, she's not free how can she have feeling for Gaston. Can he let her inside his heart? Can he allow himself to be vulnerable in his world where danger exists? Will he ever set her free to return his love of her own free will? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,713 reviews7 followers
June 1, 2024
Oh what a dark, twisted web Bianca weaves!
I feel horrible for Blake as she is captured with her 3 girlfriends while on vacation in Mexico which is further compounded by not having her meds to help handle it. Enter Gaston who purchases her to keep as his personal possession, but there is something about Blake that feels different from the start unlike his prior purchases. The two square off in a battle of the wills, though Gaston wants Blake to ask for it. Despite blazing interludes, when her friend comes to rescue her will Gaston let her go? Will Gaston win Blake’s heart? Will Gaston’s enemy get what he wants? You have to read to find out!
Profile Image for Judy.
281 reviews
June 1, 2024
Kidnapping ✔️
Trafficking ✔️
Instant connection ✔️
Dominant ✔️✔️
Erotic as all get out 🔥🔥
This story has it all as two people who shouldn’t fall in love, yet do. Blake is a spitfire that Gaston wants to own. He sorta does, but not in the way he wants. With a lot of patience, she finally caves to his way of things and falls in love.
Couples that shouldn’t have happened and shouldn’t work absolutely do.
I love the emotional connection to these characters and then continuation of each girls journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
498 reviews12 followers
June 6, 2024
Don't ask me why I liked this book so much.. because I have no idea.

I've read quite a few of Cole's books in the past and honestly - I'm mostly in it for the smut. The plots are really good but the smut is excellent.

This book is.. disturbing. Which is not surprising for Cole's work since most of the mmc's are questionable. But this one took it a little far, even for me. Despite that... I loved it. Again, I don't know why. Cole's just that good of a writer I guess.

Only lost a star because of how icky it made me feel. Mostly in the beginning when she was getting pleasure during her assault from someone that wasn't the mmc.
1,480 reviews9 followers
June 9, 2024
After reading the last book & the hell the girls were in this started off with Blake being sold off to Gaston.
He is a Billionaire with a dark side that leaves Blake in fear of the torture he will put her through, he's vicious & possessive.
We see sides to both these characters who are afraid of each other but for different reason leading to drama, dark, torment, mega steamy & emotional which will leave you unable to put it down.
Definitely recommend this book & can't wait to read Kali's story which I know is going to be a roller coaster.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
693 reviews3 followers
June 12, 2024

Definitely a must read from the start of the series but you get the gist of what has happened and why Blake and her 3 friends have landed in the hands of traffickers and how Blake ends up being bought by Gaston who is smitten with Blake from the get go.
Blake is a horny flake lol that's just how I see her she has ADHD and isn't on meds so her brain is going a mile a minute and any chance she gets she seeks that natural high.
The fact that Blake has everything at her fingertips with Gaston she still wants her freedom and when he gives her that he follows but you can't dodge every bad guy alone.
Great story and can't wait for Matias book
749 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2024
This book was marvelous, amazing, and just great. I could not read this book fast enough. I was drawn into this dark world that Bianca Cole has created and I did not want it to end. This book follows Blake and Gaston through their terrible beginnings to an extraordinary happily ever after. This book has action and steamy romance, I very much enjoyed the balance in this book. Cannot wait for the next book..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dee.
884 reviews
May 29, 2024
I enjoyed Gaston and Blake's book a lot. This series is giving a variety of stories about a group of friends. I loved how Gaston and Blake formed what felt like a real relationship, and I am happy they got their HEA. My reason for taking off a star may seem trivial, but the MMC name being Gaston bothered me. I understand using it in a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but the name is French, and Gaston is in the cartel; this would not be his name. It is also an awful name and having to read it 585 times was painful.
Profile Image for L KQ.
3,402 reviews13 followers
June 1, 2024
Sold to Gaston

Blake and her friends were kidnapped while on vacation and then trafficked by the cartel. She ends up being sold to Gaston who is grumpy as much as he is handsome. While he was expecting immediate obedience her feisty and stubborn behavior tends to get in the way of their possible future together. Their steamy interactions felt like they were burning off the pages and the plot was suspenseful as well as exciting to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jaime Yates.
758 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2024
Beast is the fifth book in the Once Upon a Villain Series by Bianca Cole. This dark, billionaire mafia romance explores themes that may be disturbing to some readers. No cliffhanger and a happily-ever-after ending means this book can be read as a standalone. Beast is Gaston and Blake's story. I love the emotional connection to these characters and then continuation of each girls journey. I loved the storyline in this book and how Bianca Cole redeemed our MMC, it was brilliant! Definitely one of my favorite in the series and definitely recommend reading this book.
1,541 reviews9 followers
June 7, 2024
Gaston and Blake. What a story. The synopsis had me. This series is to be read sooo good. The charecters from the other books make an appearrance as well. This is well written with great world and charecter building. Loved how he was able to captivate her in his world of take what you want and then let her go to wuin her back. The story has passion, danger, darkly twisted romantic, and gosh just couldnt quit reading cant wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.1k reviews41 followers
June 9, 2024
Not a fairy-tale

Beast is the fifth book in the Once Upon A Villain series and it is not a fairy-tale but it does have a fairy-tale ending. This is an OTT story about Blake and Gaston. Things are twisted, darker, has some potential triggers, a few things that were a bit off-putting to me, and characters that are flawed, have many layers and a few twists that you can sort of see coming but not sure if they will be there or not. Overall it was a entertaining read and a good addition to the series.
7,251 reviews47 followers
May 23, 2024
When Blake becomes captive to cartel boss Gaston, he craves her like no other and she sees his not the beast she had feared. But when he leta ago after her friends plan her escape he can't be without her and decides he'll face her in her world, but to what outcome? Well written steamy, twist in the beauty and the beast tale, engaging, captive, possesive, cartel romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
3,129 reviews62 followers
May 23, 2024
Blake and her friends end up in a bad situation while vacationing in Mexico. At the hands of Ileana, Blake winds up being purchased by Gaston which may or may not be a completely bad thing. Blake learns alot herself while being held captive. This story has a great plot, great characters and is easily engaging. It does have lots of sensitive topics so if triggers are an issue, check the trigger warnings before you start reading.
1,495 reviews
May 30, 2024
Blake and her friends were kidnapped while vacationing in Mexico. Now she is being sold. Gaston prefers to treat relationships like business arrangements, but something about Blake is different. He is immediately drawn to her and will do anything to have her.

This is a great book. I enjoyed reading it. The characters were relatable and the story line was well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
579 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2024
Wow! This was one hotter than heck romance guaranteed to get you squirming in your seat and blushing! I will say it is a Dark romance with trigger warnings so make sure to check those out.
I loved the storyline in this book and how Bianca Cole redeemed our MMC, it was brilliant! I will be catching up on this series for sure.
Fantastic Read!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kandiemarie.
1,704 reviews3 followers
June 4, 2024
This is the fifth installment in the Once Upon A Villain series. Beast is Gaston and Blake's story. This page turner is hot and intense. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Definitely one of my favorite in the series and definitely recommend reading this book. I look forward to reading more from Cole.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,543 reviews55 followers
June 7, 2024
A darker version of Beauty and the Beast with this 5th book in The Once Upon a Villian series. This book being Blake's story kicking off with her & her 3 friends being kidnapped by a Cartel. Blake was being sold to Gaston to be used as he saw fit. Only for things between them to grow and change as Blake got drawn into Gaston's dark world. This was a good read and a great addition to this series with all of the twists & turns. As well as two characters I liked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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