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A Dark Romance

She'll pay her family's debt one way or another...

Daphne’s beautiful, but she doesn’t know it.

A wallflower blossoming into the belle of the ball.

Years ago her father stole from me and it’s time for my revenge. I’m the monster in the darkness. The Minotaur in the labyrinth. The evil her father warned her about.

I’ll steal her away to my castle. Lock her in my tower. Make her mine in every way.

She’ll atone for her family’s sins... forever.
She’s Beauty, and I’m the Beast.

Note: This is a dark romance. It is the first in a trilogy.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2020

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Lee Savino

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5 stars
1,167 (40%)
4 stars
820 (28%)
3 stars
587 (20%)
2 stars
202 (6%)
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112 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
Profile Image for Brutally Honest.
495 reviews30 followers
February 13, 2020
I have to agree with another reviewer - the BDSM is annoying in this one. There's no consent, there's punishment for unexplained rules, and my biggest pet peeve - not being allowed to eat by yourself. 😂 Can you tell food is very important to me?

But another thing is the ending. A cliffhanger....? And lots of annoying lack of communication.... I don't know I'm just tired of that bs. And I hate it when there seems to be such strong trust between characters and then one of them just betrays that trust like it's nothing. If this book had a hea ending I might have forgiven the lane BDSM, but combined with the cliffhanger and spineless heroine... Yuck.

Edit: I feel like I need to elaborate. Our heroine is a Mary Sue type. She's apparently very pretty but doesn't know it, all the men who have any contact with her want her unless they're gay... She's supposedly a genius, that's what we're told anyway, but doesn't show it. At all. I hate it when authors write scientists that are not scientists at all and dumb as fuck. I can understand some social ineptitude, but not being able to figure out who leaves the roses at all? And not being able to recognise someone you basically worked and lived with until age 19? Sorry, you can take your "genius" label and shove it somewhere dark.
Profile Image for Bookadmirer.
367 reviews222 followers
July 24, 2020
Firstly, I don't like the cover. I don't know why I never found half naked men on cover interesting. I like cute covers and I don't know, maybe more visually pleasing covers (definitely, not oily half naked men).

Anyway, now the story was good. I kind of enjoyed it. I actually started it because I heard Cora and Marcus from Innocence make appearances. Although Marcus didn't make appearances but Cora did. It's the same universe. The main problem was the virginity check, that was very uncomfortable, and also Daphne was very naive which was completely unbelievable. I laughed at those scenes.

The story took a twist on the plot towards the end when Logan's identity is revealed. It ended with a cliffhanger. It's not a lengthy book which was a good thing.
Profile Image for Brittany.
3,332 reviews25 followers
January 30, 2020
I received this in exchange for an honest review. Warning this book is definitely not your Disney fairy tale story. This is a dark telling of Beauty and the Beast. If your not into BDSM it is definitely not for you. This a dark read I wasn't over the world about it because it broke one of the rules I have with BDSM. I really hate when punishments are given when rules aren't explained. It really drives me crazy. You can't have punishments for breaking rules if you don't know what the rules are. Other than that I guess the story was okay just not a fan of the BDSM.
Profile Image for Colleen.
839 reviews35 followers
February 12, 2020
While shelved as 'dnf skimmed', there was no skimming. I did a dead stop at the RAPE.

Let me be clear, the hero rapes the heroine.

Cheers
Profile Image for Di .
374 reviews10 followers
March 2, 2024
I could hardly put this down. I am ready for more but at the same time I am frustrated.
Profile Image for Emma Queen.
297 reviews12 followers
July 27, 2020
Why do I torture myself by reading low rated books.
A tip to anyone- read a few reviews before diving into books.
I hated this book. I literally was annoyed the first few pages. The biggest plot twist- I saw it coming. The romance was bland. The bdsm was unsavory. And the genius character- whom I have no idea what was called even tho I just finished the book- was stupid as fuck. Her character was anything but smart, and the guy? The beast? He was totally a beast, in a bad way.
First of all, in this book there is no such thing as consensual sex.
Second of all, he kidnaps her and mistreats her most of time.
Him checking if she had her virginity intact was just unimaginably uncomfortable and unrealistic.
I may have skipped a few pages and skimmed a lot after 60% into the book, BUT- he said that his “beastly face” was in fact like so because of her father and Adam or Aron (forgot his name) basically he is the irrelevant side character that was forcing himself on her the first few pages and the last few pages... how is that particularly their fault if you are being irresponsible in the lab just like you were like 70% through the book. He was literally breaking everything in his home built lab. But I don’t really care, if you want to blame them, do so I don’t fucking care, there was literally nothing about them that I cared about, and the main characters were not an exception.
I... I am so done with this book.
Profile Image for Melanie S.
1,812 reviews31 followers
February 8, 2020
DNF - extreme triggers

Fans of hardcore BDSM, D/s and extreme power exchange may like this book. I couldn't stand the rage it provoked in me. Too much violence, non-consensual and coerced sexual activity. I quit after 10 chapters. I won't continue with the trilogy. ARC review.
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,069 reviews168 followers
January 27, 2020
Daphne and Logans story is so steamy and a wonderful sexy twist on this old fairy tale.
Looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Sonia.
1,136 reviews1,703 followers
February 14, 2021
4.5 stars for a modern Beauty and the Beast retelling

I love modern, adult retellings of fairy tales.

Beauty/Daphne is a scientist that’s been researching a cure for the illness that killed her mother years ago. She and her father have been trying to not only figure out the workings of the disease, but to also to find out how to eradicate it. Unfortunately, her father is now sick and Daphne is in charge/CEO of a lot of responsibilities concerning the labs, research, and patents. Beast (whose name we find out more than halfway through the book) is a huge man, set on seeking revenge for what Daphne’s father and his associate did to his face. He has money and has power but isn’t going out and about since he’s too concerned about what he looks like.

Daphne has dedicated her life to being a scientist. She forgets to eat, sleep or rest because of how consumed she is with her work. She finally decides to go to a ball, even though she’s not one to go out or dress up. She’s still a Virgin and considers herself sort of awkward. We meet her best friend and a man who she’s known for many years and considers him a good friend. He, however, sees her as more. As the night progresses, she decides to go to the maze in the yard and feels woozy. She received a rose that night telling her to meet outside in the maze- her future depended on it. Every year, on her birthday/mother’s death anniversary, she receives a rose. This was no different. She goes to the maze and faints just as the Beast makes an appearance.

When she wakes up, she’s locked in a tower, disoriented and confused. The Beast is there, but she’s missing her glasses and her phone. She can’t see him too clearly and something about him is familiar to her. He tells her everything that’s happened with the company, the patents that her dad sold, but she finds it hard to believe. He tells her that she can ask her father, but he expects her to come back. She asks her father and his reaction confirms that it’s true.

When she goes back to him, he’s ready for her. He finds out she’s still a Virgin and there are things about him that scare her. So she runs into the rose bush maze in the rain and gets cut up and sick. His demeanor with her changes after- there’s a soft side he was hiding and he nursed her back to health. As this part of the trilogy continues, things set him off. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read book 2.

This was a delicious read! The chemistry and connection between Beast and Daphne is palpable and explosive. I loved that they previously knew each other (although, her not figuring out who he was sooner was a little irritating- I understood why but still...).

This is my first book by these two authors but it’s definitely not my last. I can’t wait to continue the trilogy.
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,832 reviews70 followers
February 10, 2020
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I absolutely love this story. Lee and Stasia bring a twist to beauty and the beast that makes you not be able to put this book down. Beauty's Beast is a twisted, lovely, and sizzling story that I devoured. I can't wait till the next book is out!
951 reviews30 followers
February 11, 2020
The story itself is done well in this first novel. As the story unfolds and you understand why Logan is going to such great lengths to get his revenge by kidnapping Daphne by the last third of the book.

I tried connecting with Daphne's character but grew more and more frustrated with how naive she is and continues to be throughout the first novel. This character is a grown woman, extremely intelligent in her field of expertise, but greatly missing experience as a person and as a woman. Even after she discovers who is behind the mask and after he explains how he became scarred, her character is still pandering to daddy and Adam.

Perhaps in book 2 she will evolve into a character that not only is a scientist but also a woman who gains insight and intelligence into the human psyche. I understand how important the lab and her work is to her but even after discovering what happened to Logan she still can't believe that daddy and Adam would do that to a person; even when it meant they earned his share of the business, his patent and millions of dollars by disposing of him in a horrible and despicable way. Daphne did try finding Logan after he up and disappeared one day, never to return; but never quite questioned what her father and Adam gained with Logan's convenient disappearance.

Perhaps it will come to light that daddy and Adam had nothing to do with what happened to Logan, but most heroine's would have made an effort to get to the bottom of his disappearance instead of just going on with "business as usual".
Profile Image for Brittany.
Author 8 books74 followers
March 23, 2020
I read this book for FREE on kindle! One of my favorite topics is fairytale retellings and when I heard of this I had to pick it up. Normally, I don't pick up books with a male's torso on the cover though. I never have a good relationship with these types of books. But I put my judgement aside and decided to give it a chance. The start of the book started off promising. Daphne was strong and independent which I love in a character. Bonus points, she was also very smart or so that's how she came off at first. That all changed once the Beast entered her life. Daphne finds out that her father along with her good friend Adam have been selling part of the business and research she has been working so hard at. Due to this, the Beast makes Daphne his, and he is in full control. This is where it goes down hill. At first, Daphne is determined to save the business and get away from the Beast. The Beast tells her that he'll take care of her and that she doesn't have to worry about anything. Then he goes into abusive mode by telling her this and then saying she basically can't do anything without his permission. His goal is to make Daphne submit to him. Daphne let's this asshole break her walls and even take her virginity when he doesn't even deserve to have it. She had to prove to him that she was a virgin??? No, no, no, she does not owe him that! Then Daphne finds out that this Beast is a longtime "friend" Logan. Some friend! Who in the hell does this shit to their friend? He even said that he loved her for a long time and she loves him as well. But Logan is no longer the same person and I feel that Daphne needs to accept that. Daphne has never been in a relationship due to her work taking up all of her time. Also, she is oblivious when a guy does like her. Logan being her first everything is actually really sad. He's not showing her what a relationship should be like. He doesn't even explain his rules until after she breaks one of them. Logan just punishes her and makes up a reason why. Daphne knows that this is all wrong and she shouldn't want to be with Logan at all. But of course she feels sorry for him and wants to change/save him. Blech! How about he stops pitying himself and saves his own ass? He's such a big strong man right? Amazon has this book as an Enemies to Lovers Dark Romance. I have to disagree. I see this more as a Bully type of book. I don't think it's romantic and these two are not lovers! Oh yes, it was so romantic when Logan grabbed Daphne's vagina in front of her mother's grave. I did finish the book since it was a short read. I will not be continuing the series though. Breaking down strong and independent women is not my cup of tea. This is a book about an abusive relationship really. Logan "I'm going to hurt you, but then I'll take you in my arms and comfort you". That is not ok!
Profile Image for B. Koe.
929 reviews11 followers
January 26, 2020
Sensuously dark and STEAMY, and astoundingly full of suspense, A TOTAL MUST-READ!!
BEAUTY’S BEAST is sensuously dark, erotic and breathtaking. It is also so full of action and suspense readers won’t be able to put it down! I know all of this because I just finished reading BEAUTY’S BEAST for the SECOND time! When two of your favorite Indie authors pair to write there nothing more exciting or anticipatory for a reader. With bated breath, I have been on pins and needles waiting for BEAUTY’S BEAST to be released! After reading BEAUTY’S BEAST I have to say the experience of reading this novel is totally worth the wait. The reading of BEAUTY’S BEAST exceeded my expectations and now leaves me struggling to find the words worthy of expressing the sheer emotion, elation and triumphant completion I am feeling after reading this most remarkable novel. The main characters of Daphne and Logan are so remarkably well-written, they seem as real as the members of my family passing through the room shaking their heads at how enthralled I am with what I am reading. I am reading BEAUTY’S BEAST by Stacia Black and Lee Savino, and no, I will not be sharing this book any time soon. It will be placed in the FAVORITES collection of my Kindle to be read and re-read to my heart’s content. BEAUTY’S BEAST is a wonderful standalone novel through CHAPTER 24! However, if the reader continues on to read CHAPTER 25 then this is a transition to more . . . and I am still unsure how I feel about that. Am I so petty and frustrated with the realization that this is an episodic series, or do I allow the elation that there is more to this story wash over me? While I contemplate that quandary let me say that I volunteered to read BEAUTY’S BEAST with much anticipation, and it is everything and more than I expected. Having read it more than once, I am now voluntarily rendering my honest 5+STAR recommendation wishing with every breath I could give BEAUTY’S BEAST more stars! It is for mature audiences as it describes scenes of an explicit sexual nature and includes aspects of sadomasochism. Beyond those scenes is a sensuous romance and a seductive mystery concerning the quest to treat the rare but fictional disease called “Battleman’s,” the control of a company called Belladonna, and the sale of many patents developed at/by Belladonna. The problem, Daphne doesn’t know who to trust, so as usual, she has to solve this problem by herself. I STRONGLY suggest that you purchase Your copy of BEAUTY’S BEAST today! Happy pages! 😉
165 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2020
This book was really intense. It took on a slightly darker side then how I normally would see these books, but really portrayed an interesting concept and vision.

The characters of Daphne and the Beast are definitely dynamic characters, that really get the reader motivated to understand them better. While you do eventually learn who the Beast is I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I feel like the character of Daphne is definitely a very relatable character as many people could see themselves as that. The dynamics between Daphne and the Beast are great as well as you can really feel that relationship.

The ending of this book definitely threw me and left me wanting to cry as I really wanted the next book. I definitely recommend this to someone who likes to read a slightly darker book and is prepared for a mess of cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Amarie Fernández.
Author 6 books134 followers
May 17, 2020
Escogí está novela por tratarse de un retellings de la Bella y la Bestia (obviamente) y llevado a novela romántica erótica 🧐🧐 Curiosidad extrema!
Pero me he sentido bastante decepcionada, desde el principio por la tradución... y no porque este en español latino "celular" "auto" "en línea" sino porque es muy literal como si hubiese usado el traductor de Google!!! Y con expresiones de cariño como "bebé" 😖 la lectura se me hizo incómoda y me sacaba de la historia.

Luego la historia no trataba solo del romance y sexo entre captor y capturada... pasó a BDSM, pero no me pareció que estuviese bien llevado, porque mucho consentimiento no había ahí.

El final es completamente abierto, lo que es la trama de la historia clásica de la Bella y la Bestia queda a medias, hay mucha obsesión y dependencias... y bueno, es una trilogía, no sé si continuaré con su lectura 💔
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,824 reviews1,432 followers
July 23, 2020
Style: Romance
Story: 2/5
Sexual:
Enjoyment: 2/5
Series: 1

Uummm...... not for me. Not sure what I just read. I tried to finish. The writing style did not speak to me. It’s almost hard for me to put in words.

I know authors works hard and I never want to take from someone’s hard work. It just wasn’t personally for me.

***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s definitely about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the stories you read. I hope this review was helpful.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,192 reviews35 followers
August 8, 2021
I love fairy-tale re-tellings, so naturally, I couldn't miss this kinkier version of Beauty and the Beast...It's Logan and Daphne's story. It was easy to read but I don't know, something didn't work for me. Additionally, this is the second book I'm reading by Stasia Black and in both of them, the hero is feeding the heroine, which doesn't work for me... The story ends in a CLIFFHANGER, in a predictable event, so I'm now debating if I'll go ahead and read the next book in the series or just let it be...
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,824 reviews1,432 followers
July 23, 2020


Style: Romance
Story: 2/5
Sexual:
Enjoyment: 2/5
Series: 1

Uummm...... not for me. Not sure what I just read. I tried to finish. The writing style did not speak to me. It’s almost hard for me to put in words.

I know authors works hard to, and I never want to take from sometimes hard work. It just wasn’t personally for me.

***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s definitely about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the stories you read. I hope this review was helpful.






Profile Image for Ali.
346 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2023
If you are looking for a quick spicy bdsm beauty and the beast, this is it. Beware, there are 3 books in the series, and you're gonna want book 2 almost right away.
1,116 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2020
Daphne is a 26 year old scientist who is working on a cure for what killed her mother...she doesn't know that the lab she works in and the patents she is working with are owned by another and that time is almost up for the payment...There is a foundation of evil at the center of Olympus where she slaves away looking for a cure, with Adam, her supposedly perfect suitor set to merge with his company, Armand an ally or maybe not...her father who made millions in beauty creams, and then the man introduced as the Beast, Logan. Logan knew and worked with Daphne's family. Daphne knows there is something familiar about him, but can't put her finger on it...but you will need to read this first part of the story to see what happens and if the Beast curses all...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
4,704 reviews21 followers
February 10, 2020
When Lee Savino and Stasia Black get together to write a book or two, dark magic happens. This duet (yes, it ends in a cliffy) will absolutely engulf you from start to finish. It's premise is kind of like a Beauty & The Beast meets Phantom of the Opera mash-up. Daphne is a 26 year old virgin, to everything. She thought her forever was her father's "apprentice" Logan who disappeared from her life suddenly and with no explanation. Although he's been watching her the entire time, but finally makes his move. Beast (Logan) wants revenge, but everything he thought he knew about Daphne is wrong. His inner struggle is what makes him human and so compelling. These two characters are well written, the book is well aced with great twists and turns. The only negative is I have to wait for book 2! Great start.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
1,473 reviews12 followers
February 3, 2020
I LOVED THIS BOOK: steamy, romantic, poignant, D/s, innocence lost but love found
Where to begin? This is a duet, with this being the first story and BEAUTY AND THE THORNS to follow. Beauty and the Beast is my all-time favorite fairy tale and these authors have kept to the main theme adding in all the Savino/Black contemporary elements which make it more…
Daphne is a 26yo scientist, never been kissed and constantly working in her own lab, Belladonna. Every year at her birthday which sadly coincides with her mother’s funeral, someone mysteriously leaves her a beautiful and fragrant red rose. After just receiving this year’s rose, she begrudgingly scurries off to the Ball being held that night. Even more mysterious and alarming things happen at the Ball. When she is lured into the labyrinth in the dark, she finds more than she expected and the one person she did not.
Wow! Just WOW. This was an amazing book. We meet several male characters: Adam who is her too-perfect “friend,” Armand another friend who is flashy and gay and lastly “The Beast” whose identity we find out with little surprise. Actually, I was hoping it was him. Beautifully told and deliciously naughty explicit scenes will keep readers enthralled. I can’t wait to read the next book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and it comes highly recommended.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,421 reviews18 followers
January 2, 2021
Stunning story filled with revenge, love and extreme hotness!! Beast and Daphne are the modern age rendition of the classic Beauty and the Beast. Though their tale has more betrayal and intrigue making it a page turner. But be warned... the cliffhanger is epic!
Profile Image for Crystal.
2,184 reviews62 followers
October 11, 2020
I am sucker for fairy tale retellings, especially if they are dark. So naturally Beauty's Beast was on my tbr as soon as I saw it. I have the ebook, but listened to the audio book. Unfortunately I feel like that lessened my experience a little bit. Not because the narrators were bad, they weren't, in fact, they were great for their characters. However, it did reinforce how naive Daphne is. Had I been reading the book, my mind could have adjusted her a bit, but with the audio there was no escaping it and that naivety got on my nerves. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I'm honestly not sure if I was engaged enough to continue the series.
1,031 reviews
March 30, 2020
It was so amazing to revisit New Olympus, and to read the romance story between Daphne and Beast. It's a dark read, which makes this story all the better to be devoured. I love the dual POV, and the mixing of present and past to weave such an amazing story. I look forward to reading more of this series, and the journey that Daphne and Luke must take to find their HEA (I'm crossing my fingers but know that Lee Savino and Stasia Black will definitely deliver!)
Profile Image for Cristina.
49 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2022
Es un libro que se lee rápido, me dejo enganchada desde el principio, no podía dejar de leer.
Pero primero que nada, QUE LE PASA A DAPHNE, es un síndrome de Estocolmo a todo su resplandor, no porque sea grande y musculoso puedes dejar que te haga todo eso. DESPIERTA QUERIDA.!!
Pero en fin, le doy ⭐⭐⭐⭐ porque no pude soltarlo, necesitaba seguir leyendo aunque fuera en contra de mis principios.
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