Taming the Beast

The town keeps their distance from Dante calling him them beast. Rumors and Myths abound about the death of his wife, all painting him as a monster and using his power to get out of her murder.But if he is all evil why is his staff so devoted?

Beau a smaller, milder, kindhearted man, that runs the local mental counseling and community center, sees through the facade Dante has hidden behind. But can the beauty tame the beast?

Oh My! The romance-aholic took hold of me on this one. The little girl in me still loves the old classics and any chance to read a new take I am like gimme gimme! Andrew Grey spun his usual magic and created two fabulous characters ( and several more because Dante's servant Roberts melted my heart as well as the housekeeper and many others. But I could just imagine the big, brooding Dante and the smaller sweeter Beau! Though opposite,(another thing I like) they went together like a moth to a flame!. Beau wasn't without his scars as well.
SO if you like retold fairy tales, opposites attract, a fabulous romance and some hot man-love I highly highly recommend this.
Now add in Jack Wesley's wonderful narration and make it even better. now you can listen while you work and make a menial task go so much faster!

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
The cover is very busy and gives the eye many things to look at. Two bare-chested men stand closely, facing one another, while surrounded by flames. Lower down is a large... home? Font choices are strong. Synopsis sounds like it could be modeled after a Beauty and Beast-type fairy tale.

> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person

Guilt-ridden over his wife's death, Dante closed himself off from society. This fueled rumors and speculations, townsfolk began referring to him as "The Beast". His influence and power in the city did nothing to make them less fearful of him either. Beau was a recent transplant to town, taking over at the community center as the substance abuse counselor. He saw past Dante's facade, deeper than anyone's bothered to look. An event for the center brought them together, socially, but bonds beyond that were formed that night which neither expected. As they get closer, outside forces worked against them to bring them down.
This was a difficult one for me to get through, for some reason. I am normally able to read and enjoy Andrew Grey's work effortlessly. TAMING THE BEAST felt like a more laborious trek than an enjoyable journey. The characters were okay and while I enjoyed them as a couple, sometimes I was not fond of the individuals. Secondary cast was well-rounded. The plot was dynamic, but the flow felt a bit sluggish - a little less fluid than usual. There were several conflicts, internal and external. While the external conflicts were solved, no long-term outcomes were mentioned about those involved. The internal self-awareness moment was glossed over and rather anticlimactic. Predictability was low. The conclusion was solid and satisfying.
Overall, the story concept (loosely taken from a popular fairy tale) was enjoyable and I imagine other readers may like it better, but it just was not one of my favorites from this author.
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Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.05 ~ Stars: 4

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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐

Review by Jay @ Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter http://bit.ly/2zRSUF9

'Taming the Beast' by Andrew Grey is a powerful story of strength and perseverance. Sadness, joy, misunderstanding, suffering, and love are masterfully depicted amongst its pages. The guys are real, with painful histories, bearing scars to prove it.

Dante Bartholomew is known as the Beast of St. Giles. His scars are internal and he has closed himself off to the world. Because of his circumstances he believes himself to be the monster “beast” that most see him as. His history is all too familiar, born of prejudice and irrational fears. Once a vibrant and open man, tragedy shuts him down and he lets people believe what they want about him. Unbeknownst to most, Dante is an amazing, kind, giving man that just longs to love and be loved in return.

Beau Clarity is your average looking young man on the outside. However, under his clothing is the physical evidence of his past that fosters low self esteem issues for him. He runs the local mental health clinic focusing on supporting those impacted by substance abuse. Beau is one of the most generous and giving men you could meet. With his scars one would assume he would be the “beast” but that title is bestowed solely onto Dante.

These two men take an amazing journey. Together they break down each others walls of self doubt and fear, along the way finding beauty in each other.

Their progression is fraught with internal struggles as well as externally dealing with the invalid assumptions made by others. It is truly sad to see how the town and its inhabitants use and abuse Dante when in essence he makes their existence possible, bettering their lives.

Beau and Dante complement each other beautifully. Where one is weak the other is strong. They see beyond the surface into the depth and soul of each other where building a relationship is strongest. They support each other and help others to understand the true men they are, breaking down misconceptions.

Seeing each man through the eyes of the other is absolutely beautiful.

If you have followed my reviews you know that I am a huge fan of Andrew Grey’s work. His characters are real and you are drawn into the world that he creates. Taming the Beast is no exception.

You will feel Beau and Dante’s joy, misery, pain, happiness, and love. You will share their tears and laughter.

It won’t take long for you to connect with them, cheering and encouraging them to believe in each other.

Reviewed by Meredith for Diverse Reader

I really loved this story. Each book by this author gets better and better. The emotions that are written are felt deeply. There's secrets and stories that are perfectly executed by Andrew Grey. I wasn't annoyed trying to figure out what happened with these characters and that's a testiment to the author's experience.

Beau Clarity is a saving grace in this book. I loved the normal element to him. He isn't gorgeous, he is imperfect and just an average guy with a crooked nose, thin physique, literally the type of person people can relate to. But, he has amazing eyes and a heart of gold. He see's something in the Beast of St. Giles and he saves him.

Dante Bartholomew is, for lack of a better name, the Beast of St. Giles. A huge mystery surrounds him and the town is a cesspool of rumors and judgment. It didn't take me long to see that Dante isn't this monster they've made him out to be. He's actually an amazing man and yearns for love.

In a lot of ways the Beast is this town and what they've become. I felt like they took advantage of so much and just refused to understand Dante. If it wasn't for Beau I don't know anyone would see the kindness and love that pulsated through his veins.

This is a story that will surround you. From plot to character. You will not be able to run from the tears that are sure to fall and you will embrace both of these men and the lives they've lived.

I very much recommend this book.

Dante Bartholomew is a wealthy man who owns the major employer in St. Giles. He inherited the porcelain business from his father. Dante has many secrets, one of which is so serious it causes him to be alone, misunderstood, and feared despite his generosity to the town.
Beau Clarity is a counselor who runs a center that is meant to care for people who have mental and emotional problems. When Beau and Dante meet at a fundraiser there aren’t instant sparks but there is some attraction. Beau also has secrets, one in particular that is more of an embarrassment than anything else. Both men have to reveal their secrets to each other and the people who care about them before they can begin to heal and open up.
Because of these secrets these two gay men are isolated from a relationship that could bring both of them joy, and also vulnerable to building hate among some of the people in town. This hate could become fatal if left to fester. Before everything is revealed, police, lawyers, a few close friends, and a fire take place to nearly ruin everything the men have built. The secondary characters are absolutely critical to the story and beautifully developed.
This is a wonderful story that shows that everyone deserves a fairy tale ending. Absolutely delightful and mesmerizing. You won’t be able to put it down.