The Beast

I have enjoyed Ward's visits with the original Brothers as she has continued the BDB stories. The King gave us more time with Wrath and Beth and I knew when reading The Shadows the next book would have to be Rhage and Mary's book and it only made sense to me for it to be called The Beast. When Ward made the announcement at the Q&A session for The Shadows, everyone in the room went crazy. I loved Rhage and Mary's original story and couldn't wait to see where Ward took their story. I honestly loved all the page time we got with Rhage and Mary in The Beast. With the title The Beast you would assume this would be true, but in my opinion, until The Shadows, Ward has put so many story lines in each book, the main couple didn't always get enough page time. Ward really did a great job with focus on everything going on with Rhage and Mary and did a great job with it. I'll be honest and say I felt Rhage was suffering from PMS when I read the Shadows and was afraid we wouldn't get answers to why, but we did and Ward did a very respectful job in dealing with Rhage figuring out he wanted to be a dad. As Rhage and Mary can never have children in the traditional way, the only option for them in adoption, and I loved how Ward handled the situation. The fact that Rhage turns into a beast that eats everything in sight and Mary is human could totally be an issue. It was so sweet to watch Rhage and Mary figure out the right path for them. The fact that Bitty, a recently orphaned young, came into their lives right now was just perfect. I will say I adored how quickly Rhage and Bitty bonded and many of their scenes together made me laugh out loud. There was also plenty of romance and love making between Rhage and Mary. I swear he has a special love for the kitchen pantry and bathtubs. Both hot and laugh out loud funny love scenes with Rhage and Mary and I loved them both. We also had time with Layla, who was impatiently awaiting the birth of the twins. I was honestly worried about what Ward would do with the twins after everything that happened in The Shadows. She had promised at the Q&A they would both survive, but I still had concerns. However, while there was much drama surrounding the early birth of the twins, I was satisfied with the outcome and absolutely loved the names. I will say I am ready to see the Layla an Xcor issue to move forward and now that the babies are here, hopefully it will be addressed in the next book. I absolutely loved all the page time we got with the original brothers and Lassiter. Lassiter as always made me laugh out loud. The brothers all being together felt like it did when the series first started. I honestly feel like Lassiter is the humor the books needs, and do hope he eventually gets his own book, but the brothers spending time together, ins imperative to the series staying strong. My only issue with The Beast is the amount of time we had to spent with Assail. As I've heard Ward say over and over again how much she loves him, I know he will get page time in each book. However, I've come to dislike him more and more with each book. Some of his choices in The Beast made absolutely no sense to me. I really feel like with the amount to page time he received, Assail might just be the subject of the next BDB full-length book. Honestly this does not make me happy, as there are so many other characters I'd rather see get the focus of a book. Overall, I really enjoyed The Beast. We got plenty of time with the original brothers, and Ward did a great job with her focus on Rhage and Mary. As promised we saw Layla give birth, and it was everything I expected. I'm pretty happy with where Ward took the Brotherhood in The Beast and can't wait to see where she takes us in the next book.

“Life didn’t have to be perfect . . . for true love to exist in it.” That line sums up the entire book. Never in all of my time reading have I ever read a sentence so absolutely…right. THE BEAST is such an emotionally draining book that you’ll definitely need your tissues and you may need to take a few breaks in between reading. I certainly did. And that’s not a bad thing. Rhage and Mary are going through some very REAL problems that many people face. It was tough watching them go through their ups and downs, some bigger than the others. But their story was all the more beautiful because of them. I won’t give out details but I do want to reassure everyone that this won’t be like the end of THE SHADOWS. That’s all I’ll say! Lips sealed! And now on to the other characters in the story. Layla is very pregnant and still struggling with her feelings for Xcor. I hope this poor girl gets her HEA soon! She surely deserves one! There are a few scenes with Luchas, Qhuinn’s brother, as well. He and Layla spend time together while he heals and she is on strict bed rest. We don’t really see much of his character in this one and I’m hoping we will in the next book. But, his story may not be ready to tell yet and I’m totally cool with that. Xcor is in the book, but in the background of many scenes…you’ll have to read the book to find out why J And then there’s Assail. Cue the dreamy sighs! He is going through some stuff! Holy cow! He’s sexier than hell and every time he’s in a scene, he commands your attention, whether you want it or not. He’s dealing with some serious issues too, and many things come to a head in his storyline. His twin cousin’s Ehric and Evale get page time and we learn more about them and as well as some insight into the dynamics of their (Assail and the twins’) relationship. I can’t forget Vishous! He gets lots of page time and always has wicked insight into the Black Dagger Brotherhood warriors…as well as everyone else in the story. Lassiter is in the book as well, maybe a little less annoying this time but vital to the book. Saxton plays a very small role in the book, but he’s in a powerfully shocking scene! And Throe…I didn’t want to mention him but I have to. I hope he is staked and left out for the sun because he’s a lying, conniving, back-stabbing motherf**ker and he NEEDS to be put down! That is all. And of course, there is the sex. J.R. Ward gets DIRTY! There are a few scenes that are very graphic, but always welcome! There’s also a few Male/Male interactions. It’s not full-on like Blay and Qhuinn’s book but there are a few heated conversations where some boundaries are tested. And no, those scenes aren’t with Blay and Qhuinn. You’ll have to experience that surprise on your own! The only reason I mention it now is because I know some readers are uncomfortable about male/male scenes and I felt I need to mention it so readers are aware. While the scenes are brief, they are not greatly emphasized. There are SO many things that happen in the book. It’ll start slow but quickly picks up momentum. And then hold on to your socks! I think I say that with every BDB book because it’s true! It was amazing! Take your time and enjoy the book! There may be some things in there that you’ll wonder, “Why the hell is this in here?” Trust me, J.R. Ward ALWAYS has a reason for everything that goes into the story. Just be patient! I absolutely loved THE BEAST. I can’t say Rhage’s book, because so many other good (and bad) things happen that it’s not just about Rhage and Mary. All characters are involved and affected by several outcomes in the book. I recommend all J.R. Ward books, especially THE BEAST because it’s an exciting, dangerous, heart-stopping, heart-wrenching, humorous and tearful read that will bring you to your knees! ***My biggest thanks to the publisher for gifting me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***

So again the warden doesn't let me down and now I find myself now awaiting what comes next since she introduced a new person and Assail cleaning up his act.....oh the anticipation