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dfram's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
the romance in dark mafia romance was lacking, imo. when there WAS romance, it was not disappointing though! i liked the character development in all the main characters. the plot twist was unexpected and kind of came out of nowhere? i didn’t hate it but i also won’t be reading it again or recommending it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Kidnapping, Stalking, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Vomit, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
booklovinmamas's review against another edition
3.5
Full Review posted at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog
Beautiful Monster is the second book in J.L. Beck and S. Rena’s Dark Lies Duet. This is the continuation and final book of Siân and Christian’s story. If you have not read Perfect Villain, I recommend you do it before reading this book or even reading my review of the second book. This duet made me realize that I may need a therapist after reading these two books, especially after liking the MMC more than the FMC in these two books.
Overall, I give the second book in Christian and Siân’s story 3.5-stars. It had more mafia elements, such as dealing with a controlling a-hole mafia boss (Christian’s father) who is beyond saveable and needs to be put down after everything that came to light in this book. I was not too fond of his character one bit. The only issue I had was I did not like the FMC. She was still that naive character in the first book that drove me batty. I preferred reading Christian’s POV more than hers in the book. Now, don’t get me wrong, Christian’s behavior in this book was over the top in this book. He needed a chill pill at times, but learning his background a little more and who raised him made me understand his character better.
I did like the ending of this book because it involved some twists and turns I was not expecting. There was one secret that was revealed that I picked up on from the first book that was finally made known in this book, and it involved the FMC. No spoilers from me; just be prepared for lots of secrets to be revealed in the second book of the duet.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you enjoy a Dark Mafia Romance that has a MMC determined to marry the FMC after so many years stalking and protecting her in his own sadistic way.
Beautiful Monster is the second book in J.L. Beck and S. Rena’s Dark Lies Duet. This is the continuation and final book of Siân and Christian’s story. If you have not read Perfect Villain, I recommend you do it before reading this book or even reading my review of the second book. This duet made me realize that I may need a therapist after reading these two books, especially after liking the MMC more than the FMC in these two books.
Overall, I give the second book in Christian and Siân’s story 3.5-stars. It had more mafia elements, such as dealing with a controlling a-hole mafia boss (Christian’s father) who is beyond saveable and needs to be put down after everything that came to light in this book. I was not too fond of his character one bit. The only issue I had was I did not like the FMC. She was still that naive character in the first book that drove me batty. I preferred reading Christian’s POV more than hers in the book. Now, don’t get me wrong, Christian’s behavior in this book was over the top in this book. He needed a chill pill at times, but learning his background a little more and who raised him made me understand his character better.
I did like the ending of this book because it involved some twists and turns I was not expecting. There was one secret that was revealed that I picked up on from the first book that was finally made known in this book, and it involved the FMC. No spoilers from me; just be prepared for lots of secrets to be revealed in the second book of the duet.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you enjoy a Dark Mafia Romance that has a MMC determined to marry the FMC after so many years stalking and protecting her in his own sadistic way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Assault on FMC. Narcissistic and Sadist MMC. Attempted Murder. Murder/Violence. Mention of Suicide. Abduction/Kidnapping. Choking/Strangulation.