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Beast of Bishop's Landing #1
Secret Beast
The beast hides a dark secret in his past…
Leo Morelli is known as the Beast of Bishop's Landing for his cruelty. He’ll get revenge on the Constantine family and make millions of dollars in the process. Even if it means using an old man who dreams up wild inventions.
The beauty will sacrifice everything for her family...
Haley Constantine will do anything to protect her father. Even trade her body for his life. The college student must spend thirty days with the ruthless billionaire. He’ll make her earn her freedom in degrading ways, but in the end he needs her to set him free.
SECRET BEAST is a new full-length novel from USA Today bestselling author Amelia Wilde about revenge, family secrets, and the redeeming power of love.
Leo Morelli is known as the Beast of Bishop's Landing for his cruelty. He’ll get revenge on the Constantine family and make millions of dollars in the process. Even if it means using an old man who dreams up wild inventions.
The beauty will sacrifice everything for her family...
Haley Constantine will do anything to protect her father. Even trade her body for his life. The college student must spend thirty days with the ruthless billionaire. He’ll make her earn her freedom in degrading ways, but in the end he needs her to set him free.
SECRET BEAST is a new full-length novel from USA Today bestselling author Amelia Wilde about revenge, family secrets, and the redeeming power of love.
350 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2021
1615 people are currently reading
10653 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Wilde
160 books3,531 followersAmelia Wilde is a USA TODAY and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside.
Amelia does not negotiate with targeted harassment campaigns, but she appreciates the valuable time spent thinking about her books.
Subscribe to Amelia’s private mailing list for updates, giveaways, and regular chats by heading to readerlinks.com/l/525541.
Follow her on Facebook at readerlinks.com/l/525539 for all the latest giveaways, announcements, and funny jokes.
Follow Amelia on Instagram for photographic goodness at readerlinks.com/l/525542!
Click the big yellow button and follow Amelia on Amazon for new release updates at readerlinks.com/l/525544.
Want to see Amelia live? Join her exclusive reader group! Consider this your personal invitation. Here’s where to go: readerlinks.com/l/525538!
Don’t forget BookBub! Follow Amelia at readerlinks.com/l/525543.
Amelia does not negotiate with targeted harassment campaigns, but she appreciates the valuable time spent thinking about her books.
Subscribe to Amelia’s private mailing list for updates, giveaways, and regular chats by heading to readerlinks.com/l/525541.
Follow her on Facebook at readerlinks.com/l/525539 for all the latest giveaways, announcements, and funny jokes.
Follow Amelia on Instagram for photographic goodness at readerlinks.com/l/525542!
Click the big yellow button and follow Amelia on Amazon for new release updates at readerlinks.com/l/525544.
Want to see Amelia live? Join her exclusive reader group! Consider this your personal invitation. Here’s where to go: readerlinks.com/l/525538!
Don’t forget BookBub! Follow Amelia at readerlinks.com/l/525543.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 708 reviews
April 12, 2021
*in my best Moira Rose voice* "Do you enjoy Beauty and the Beast retellings as much as I think you do? Then you will absolutely adore Amelia Wilde's book Secret Beast."
"Everyone in Bishop's Landing and probably all of New York City knows who Leo Morelli is. He's the Beast of Bishop's Landing. That's what everyone calls him. His older brother, Lucian, is evil in the way of all Morellis, but Leo is more unpredictable. More dangerous."
If you're familiar with the Midnight Dynasty collection, then you've likely met a handful of the characters featured in this book already. Leo's brother Lucian has his own trilogy beginning with Heartless by Jade West, Ronan is featured in Stolen Hearts by M O'Keefe, and the Constantines have been spaced out over many books as well, such as K Webster's Cinderella trilogy and Becker Gray's Hellfire Club books. I pieced all of this together after the fact, as this is the first book I've actually read within this world, and I found it completely fine to read as a stand alone series. That said, I'm terribly interested in continuing on with all the other books to fill in the back stories now that I'm invested!
As you likely deduced already, this is a BatB retelling, and one that stays closely on par with the original format. Haley Constantine is part of the "outcast" sect of Constantines, meaning they aren't materialistic snobs and prefer to do their own thing. When Haley's father makes a behind closed doors deal with Leo Morelli, the Constantines' sworn enemy, Haley offers herself as an alternative to her father being figuratively owned by Leo. What follows is a steamy, intense game of cat and mouse that somewhere over the course of the book blossoms into more.
I've read other reviews stating that Leo was an intriguing side character in previous books, and I have to admit he's one of the darker, harsher alphas I've read about. It takes a long time for him to come around in this book, but I loved the journey of watching him and Haley circle each other cautiously until they just couldn't fight it anymore. No spoilers here, but that ending? GAHHHHHH. Amelia Wilde sure knows how to write a bone crushing cliffy. I will eagerly be waiting for the next installment to release!
*Many thanks to Candi Kane PR for providing my review copy.
"Everyone in Bishop's Landing and probably all of New York City knows who Leo Morelli is. He's the Beast of Bishop's Landing. That's what everyone calls him. His older brother, Lucian, is evil in the way of all Morellis, but Leo is more unpredictable. More dangerous."
If you're familiar with the Midnight Dynasty collection, then you've likely met a handful of the characters featured in this book already. Leo's brother Lucian has his own trilogy beginning with Heartless by Jade West, Ronan is featured in Stolen Hearts by M O'Keefe, and the Constantines have been spaced out over many books as well, such as K Webster's Cinderella trilogy and Becker Gray's Hellfire Club books. I pieced all of this together after the fact, as this is the first book I've actually read within this world, and I found it completely fine to read as a stand alone series. That said, I'm terribly interested in continuing on with all the other books to fill in the back stories now that I'm invested!
As you likely deduced already, this is a BatB retelling, and one that stays closely on par with the original format. Haley Constantine is part of the "outcast" sect of Constantines, meaning they aren't materialistic snobs and prefer to do their own thing. When Haley's father makes a behind closed doors deal with Leo Morelli, the Constantines' sworn enemy, Haley offers herself as an alternative to her father being figuratively owned by Leo. What follows is a steamy, intense game of cat and mouse that somewhere over the course of the book blossoms into more.
I've read other reviews stating that Leo was an intriguing side character in previous books, and I have to admit he's one of the darker, harsher alphas I've read about. It takes a long time for him to come around in this book, but I loved the journey of watching him and Haley circle each other cautiously until they just couldn't fight it anymore. No spoilers here, but that ending? GAHHHHHH. Amelia Wilde sure knows how to write a bone crushing cliffy. I will eagerly be waiting for the next installment to release!
*Many thanks to Candi Kane PR for providing my review copy.
March 8, 2021
Five obscenely obsessed stars!
Dangerous
Breath-taking
Intense
Delicious
Vengeful
A dark and sensuous retelling of The Beauty and the Beast.
First of all, let me start this review by saying that since I discovered the Midnight Dynasty collection I’m very obsessed with the Constantines and Morellis feud. It is darker, more dangerous and twisted than the Capulets and Montagues feud. All the books in this collection is complex and flawless perfection that take my breath away! And Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde is not the exception.
I was very excited to read Amelia’s books for the first time and oh my god what a wonderful way to start my addiction to her writing. I devoured Secret Beast in one night! The eye bags under my eyes are witnesses and I don’t regret it because once I started reading it I couldn’t stop. I was in awe of its broken beauty, poetic prose, and captivating characters that owned my heart. I dare to say that this is the retelling of The Beauty and the Beast I’ve been waiting for. It is dark, intense, dirty, wicked, it has the most vengeful, ruthless and sickest Beast and it has a gentle and fierce Belle. It is also an exceptionally addictive story. There are references of the classic fairy tale mixed with a modern retelling that make Secret Beast a finer and a unique version that will leave readers aching for more.
The secrets,
The wounds,
The pain,
The constant suspense
And the redeeming power of love.
Secret Beast is decadent pleasure!
Leo Morelli is the Beast of Bishop's Landing, a bad guy among all bad guys. He is feared and he takes every opportunity to make the Constantines pay for their sins. Revenge flows in his veins. Pain feeds his thirst for revenge. But behind all the hatred and his hard exterior there is a wounded man. A dark secret in his past make him the man he is. He is unpredictable, more dangerous, and reckless. He enjoys making life hard for the Constantines and he has found his pray. He will make her pay for the sins of Caroline Constantine. It is natural for him to be at ease haunting people’s fears. A villain which pain is his constant companion.
Our heroine is Haley, a sweet and fierce young woman that will do everything to protect her family. Despite being a Constantine, she, her father and her brother are powerless and simple pawns. They are a burden for the powerful Constantines. That’s why they are an easy prey for predators like Leo Morelli. And when her father makes an overzealous misstep, Haley gives herself to the enemy in exchange for his freedom. She will pay the price of her father mistake.
Leo and Haley’s story had my heart racing. Their chemistry was amazing. They are on fire in all the dark, emotional and filthy ways. They were born enemies but fate made them lovers. When they open up and their hearts connect, things start to be chaotic. I’m definitely looking forward to book 2!
Dangerous
Breath-taking
Intense
Delicious
Vengeful
A dark and sensuous retelling of The Beauty and the Beast.
First of all, let me start this review by saying that since I discovered the Midnight Dynasty collection I’m very obsessed with the Constantines and Morellis feud. It is darker, more dangerous and twisted than the Capulets and Montagues feud. All the books in this collection is complex and flawless perfection that take my breath away! And Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde is not the exception.
I was very excited to read Amelia’s books for the first time and oh my god what a wonderful way to start my addiction to her writing. I devoured Secret Beast in one night! The eye bags under my eyes are witnesses and I don’t regret it because once I started reading it I couldn’t stop. I was in awe of its broken beauty, poetic prose, and captivating characters that owned my heart. I dare to say that this is the retelling of The Beauty and the Beast I’ve been waiting for. It is dark, intense, dirty, wicked, it has the most vengeful, ruthless and sickest Beast and it has a gentle and fierce Belle. It is also an exceptionally addictive story. There are references of the classic fairy tale mixed with a modern retelling that make Secret Beast a finer and a unique version that will leave readers aching for more.
The secrets,
The wounds,
The pain,
The constant suspense
And the redeeming power of love.
Secret Beast is decadent pleasure!
Leo Morelli is the Beast of Bishop's Landing, a bad guy among all bad guys. He is feared and he takes every opportunity to make the Constantines pay for their sins. Revenge flows in his veins. Pain feeds his thirst for revenge. But behind all the hatred and his hard exterior there is a wounded man. A dark secret in his past make him the man he is. He is unpredictable, more dangerous, and reckless. He enjoys making life hard for the Constantines and he has found his pray. He will make her pay for the sins of Caroline Constantine. It is natural for him to be at ease haunting people’s fears. A villain which pain is his constant companion.
Our heroine is Haley, a sweet and fierce young woman that will do everything to protect her family. Despite being a Constantine, she, her father and her brother are powerless and simple pawns. They are a burden for the powerful Constantines. That’s why they are an easy prey for predators like Leo Morelli. And when her father makes an overzealous misstep, Haley gives herself to the enemy in exchange for his freedom. She will pay the price of her father mistake.
Leo and Haley’s story had my heart racing. Their chemistry was amazing. They are on fire in all the dark, emotional and filthy ways. They were born enemies but fate made them lovers. When they open up and their hearts connect, things start to be chaotic. I’m definitely looking forward to book 2!
February 20, 2021
Secret Beast is the perfect Beuty and the Beast retelling!
İts dark, its dirty, it have the scary deathly yet wounded beast, it have the sweet and strong belle, it have huge library! And my oh my the savage and dirty thing Leo done to Haley in the library! 🔥🔥🔥Wohoo!
And İF you have meet Caroline Constantine before, you know she's a class A b*tch and yo learn what she did to Leo when he was just a child, this woman should be burn on stick! I love Leo more when he make Caroline pay even only a little bit of her death.
The ending of this book is killing me!
I need it yesterday already!
İts dark, its dirty, it have the scary deathly yet wounded beast, it have the sweet and strong belle, it have huge library! And my oh my the savage and dirty thing Leo done to Haley in the library! 🔥🔥🔥Wohoo!
And İF you have meet Caroline Constantine before, you know she's a class A b*tch and yo learn what she did to Leo when he was just a child, this woman should be burn on stick! I love Leo more when he make Caroline pay even only a little bit of her death.
The ending of this book is killing me!
I need it yesterday already!
February 21, 2021
Freaking hell, this book was amazing. The feud between the Morelli’s & Constantine will never go away. Leo is a character that you will never forget. He has a grudge with the Constantine’s that will never go away. He wants revenge and what better revenge then to take a Constantine. Leo & Haley are opposites but they work but can’t be together. After that ending I need the next book ASAP.
I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book
June 28, 2022
I don’t even know how anyone can like Leo?
I’m just wondering where his character development is???
I know this is a beauty and the beast retelling but he doesn’t change like the Beast does and Beauty aka Hailey is wayyyy too quick to trust him.
There’s also just a lot of smut and him saying “Cry” and it’s just not my thing to read about someone getting turned on by someone else crying.
The book is close to the original plot though of the beauty and the beast story but still everything is too fast with no chemistry.
I’m just wondering where his character development is???
I know this is a beauty and the beast retelling but he doesn’t change like the Beast does and Beauty aka Hailey is wayyyy too quick to trust him.
There’s also just a lot of smut and him saying “Cry” and it’s just not my thing to read about someone getting turned on by someone else crying.
The book is close to the original plot though of the beauty and the beast story but still everything is too fast with no chemistry.
Want to read
February 23, 2021SECRET BEAST IS AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE!! 🌹
“Do you not understand the terms of our contract?”
“I understand them.”
He keeps going as if I haven’t spoken. “The terms of our contract include complete access to your body, whenever I want it. And your uniform is at my discretion. I sent you something to wear this morning, and you’re here in this.” He pinches my shirt between his fingers.
“Mrs. Page said it was lunch.” I’m grasping. We both know it. “I didn’t think—”
“You didn’t think.” His tone cuts into me, barrels over me. “You’re not here to think, darling. You’re here to obey. Is it that you’d rather go home and let your father continue on with his contract?”
The words from the contract float back into my mind with terrible clarity.
“No.” My lungs freeze. I can’t get a full breath. “No, that isn’t what I want.”
Leo’s still watching me. “Strip,” he says.
The official Goodreads giveaway closes at midnight!!
ENTER HERE: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
“Do you not understand the terms of our contract?”
“I understand them.”
He keeps going as if I haven’t spoken. “The terms of our contract include complete access to your body, whenever I want it. And your uniform is at my discretion. I sent you something to wear this morning, and you’re here in this.” He pinches my shirt between his fingers.
“Mrs. Page said it was lunch.” I’m grasping. We both know it. “I didn’t think—”
“You didn’t think.” His tone cuts into me, barrels over me. “You’re not here to think, darling. You’re here to obey. Is it that you’d rather go home and let your father continue on with his contract?”
The words from the contract float back into my mind with terrible clarity.
“No.” My lungs freeze. I can’t get a full breath. “No, that isn’t what I want.”
Leo’s still watching me. “Strip,” he says.
The official Goodreads giveaway closes at midnight!!
ENTER HERE: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
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November 17, 2021
Revised rating: 3 stars, barely remembering anything about this book.
=====
Initial rating: 4 stars
I've been waiting for the story of Leo Morelli, the Beast of Bishop's Landing. The Midnight Dynasty World is expanding and being a fan of dark romance, I like it more and more.
Secret Beast is a dark Beauty and the Beast retelling. It follows the fairytale pretty closely and it ends in a pretty big cliffhanger.
Leo hates the Constantines and wants revenge. He lures Haley's inconspicuous dad into a trap and she makes a deal with the devil to try and save her dad's life's work. Haley is from the poor side of the family. She knows that making a deal with Leo is very dangerous but she is willing to make the sacrifice.
What starts with humiliation and cruelty turns into something more. This is a romance after all.
I liked the book's intensity and the tension build-up. And that cliffhanger... it definitely left me wanting more of this story.
***ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
=====
Initial rating: 4 stars
I've been waiting for the story of Leo Morelli, the Beast of Bishop's Landing. The Midnight Dynasty World is expanding and being a fan of dark romance, I like it more and more.
Secret Beast is a dark Beauty and the Beast retelling. It follows the fairytale pretty closely and it ends in a pretty big cliffhanger.
Leo hates the Constantines and wants revenge. He lures Haley's inconspicuous dad into a trap and she makes a deal with the devil to try and save her dad's life's work. Haley is from the poor side of the family. She knows that making a deal with Leo is very dangerous but she is willing to make the sacrifice.
What starts with humiliation and cruelty turns into something more. This is a romance after all.
I liked the book's intensity and the tension build-up. And that cliffhanger... it definitely left me wanting more of this story.
***ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
March 5, 2021
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Romance (Beauty & the Beast)
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 3/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY APPEALING
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Dark, Intense & Rich
Series: Trilogy (Book 1)
Pages: 298
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: No
STORY:
I have read so many retelling dark romance of Beauty and the Beast and this one for me would be in my top 5. Of course, it’s a trilogy, which means there will be 2 cliffhangers. The cliffhanger, it’s the waiting that kills me and still don’t like them 90% of the times.
With this retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I got dark and intense. I was sucked into the world of 2 feuding families who appear to be wealthy, Morelli and Constantine. Leo Morelli is known as the Beast of Bishop’s Landing and very much wealthy and feared. His whole bravado captures the beast with his attitude and physical aspect as well. He was intense and his treatment or more his words to Haley at times had me gasping. He loves her tears and pain and that should give you an idea of how he is. Haley has the name Constantine, but her side of the family is not well off. With her father entering to a deal with Leo, she goes and sacrifices herself for 30 days to help him out of the deal with Leo. Haley is very young and compliant towards Leo. With Leo being so dominant in nature it gave a good balance with Haley’s compliant nature with the dark aspect of this romance.
With Leo and Haley’s story, I felt engaged, didn’t feel bored or the need to skip through pages. This will not be for everyone, especially if you are not a fan of dark romance. Triggers will and may consist of the way Leo treats and talks to Haley. There was also a whipping scene that did not involve Haley but still can be a trigger for most.
CHEMISTRY:
As dark and intense as I found Leo to be, his chemistry sexually towards Haley was interesting. The build up of their sexual chemistry was to my liking and taste. With dark romance, comes dark sexual content whether it’s light or hardcore and I found it to be light. I have to say, the library scene, I loved it. That entire atmosphere was different for me.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS
I like Cash, Haley’s brother. Haley’s father, very timid. That’s why they look out for him the way they do. So far, no one has popped out to me that gets me excited apart from the main characters, as we are still in the beginning stages of this trilogy.
Overall, this dark retelling checks certain boxes for me that are to my preference and taste. I love my excitement while reading this story and the Beauty and the Beast concept never gets old to me.
**Triggers: whipping, treatment of heroine, etc....
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.
Style: Dark Romance (Beauty & the Beast)
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 3/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY APPEALING
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Dark, Intense & Rich
Series: Trilogy (Book 1)
Pages: 298
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: No
STORY:
I have read so many retelling dark romance of Beauty and the Beast and this one for me would be in my top 5. Of course, it’s a trilogy, which means there will be 2 cliffhangers. The cliffhanger, it’s the waiting that kills me and still don’t like them 90% of the times.
With this retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I got dark and intense. I was sucked into the world of 2 feuding families who appear to be wealthy, Morelli and Constantine. Leo Morelli is known as the Beast of Bishop’s Landing and very much wealthy and feared. His whole bravado captures the beast with his attitude and physical aspect as well. He was intense and his treatment or more his words to Haley at times had me gasping. He loves her tears and pain and that should give you an idea of how he is. Haley has the name Constantine, but her side of the family is not well off. With her father entering to a deal with Leo, she goes and sacrifices herself for 30 days to help him out of the deal with Leo. Haley is very young and compliant towards Leo. With Leo being so dominant in nature it gave a good balance with Haley’s compliant nature with the dark aspect of this romance.
With Leo and Haley’s story, I felt engaged, didn’t feel bored or the need to skip through pages. This will not be for everyone, especially if you are not a fan of dark romance. Triggers will and may consist of the way Leo treats and talks to Haley. There was also a whipping scene that did not involve Haley but still can be a trigger for most.
CHEMISTRY:
As dark and intense as I found Leo to be, his chemistry sexually towards Haley was interesting. The build up of their sexual chemistry was to my liking and taste. With dark romance, comes dark sexual content whether it’s light or hardcore and I found it to be light. I have to say, the library scene, I loved it. That entire atmosphere was different for me.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS
I like Cash, Haley’s brother. Haley’s father, very timid. That’s why they look out for him the way they do. So far, no one has popped out to me that gets me excited apart from the main characters, as we are still in the beginning stages of this trilogy.
Overall, this dark retelling checks certain boxes for me that are to my preference and taste. I love my excitement while reading this story and the Beauty and the Beast concept never gets old to me.
**Triggers: whipping, treatment of heroine, etc....
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.
November 5, 2025
It’s boring, unfortunately!
January 8, 2022
4.25⭐️
HE TOOK HER VIRGINITY IN A PUBLIC LIBRARY ON TOP OF A PILE OF BOOKS <3 no i'm not fucking sorry about that opening line.
anyway i fucking loved LOVED this <3 its about time i got to leo's books. so fucking worth it.
ok so basically if y'all don't know i'm binging the midnight dynasty world (i made a shelve for the books in it) all part of the same two families that hate each other bla bla bla idk how to review things. basically this one bitch i hate FINALLY got beat up by leo <3 and i love it so much <3 yes i'm not okay leave me alone.
anyway leo is the perfect book boyfriend. i love him so so so so so much <3 he reminds me of christian grey, yes bc he likes to whip girls, see them cry, is tortured, and you get the point babes. he reads and wants to gift her her fav books <3
he started reading the book she did <3 anyway heart eyes for this man <3
“ He’s going to be the mark on my skin that never goes away.”
HE TOOK HER VIRGINITY IN A PUBLIC LIBRARY ON TOP OF A PILE OF BOOKS <3 no i'm not fucking sorry about that opening line.
anyway i fucking loved LOVED this <3 its about time i got to leo's books. so fucking worth it.
ok so basically if y'all don't know i'm binging the midnight dynasty world (i made a shelve for the books in it) all part of the same two families that hate each other bla bla bla idk how to review things. basically this one bitch i hate FINALLY got beat up by leo <3 and i love it so much <3 yes i'm not okay leave me alone.
anyway leo is the perfect book boyfriend. i love him so so so so so much <3 he reminds me of christian grey, yes bc he likes to whip girls, see them cry, is tortured, and you get the point babes. he reads and wants to gift her her fav books <3
he started reading the book she did <3 anyway heart eyes for this man <3
May 13, 2021
book one in a trilogy & it ends on a cliffhanger!!
random ramblings:
- the fact that I'm not curious about the next book should tell you everything there is to say about this book..
- why is Jane Eyre favorite book of these heroines..like always..lol
- writing & pace is excellent
- chemistry and steam level high
- felt more like Romeo & Juliett with their rival family feud than Beauty and the Beast retelling
- dear heroine ughhhh so idiotic at times
- beautiful cover
- dark themes with abuse so if that is a trigger for you stay away
- very insta love
random ramblings:
- the fact that I'm not curious about the next book should tell you everything there is to say about this book..
- why is Jane Eyre favorite book of these heroines..like always..lol
- writing & pace is excellent
- chemistry and steam level high
- felt more like Romeo & Juliett with their rival family feud than Beauty and the Beast retelling
- dear heroine ughhhh so idiotic at times
- beautiful cover
- dark themes with abuse so if that is a trigger for you stay away
- very insta love
January 24, 2024
Leo Morelli, brother of Lucian, aka the Beast of Bishop’s Landing, the least favourable among the Morelli's, he stands as a tall, dark-eyed figure resembling a model from a glossy magazine.
Driven by the enduring conflict with the Constantines, Leo is resolute in his quest to bring them to ruin. Crafting his revenge plan, Leo is not prepared when confronted with the price he is willing to pay.
Haley Constantine, just like the entire Constantine family, possesses blonde hair and blue eyes, yet all resemblance to the rest of the Constantines ends there. Together with her absent-minded inventor father and brother Cash, they are a source of embarrassment for Aunt Caroline. Their modest home, lack of affluence, and absence of household staff fail to align with the esteemed reputation associated with the Constantine name.
However, her father, driven by confidence in his upcoming groundbreaking invention and a need for financial support, secures it through Leo Morelli.
In an attempt to free her father from the binding contract with Leo, Hailey proposes an alternative deal, unaware of the potential cost it might exact from her.
With Secret Beast, the first book in the Beauty and the Beast trilogy, we embark on the tale of Haley Constantine, the beauty and Leo Morelli, the beast. The heartbreaking revelation of how Leo became the beast adds a poignant and interesting twist to the story, but sweet, innocent Haley gracefully and effortlessly embodies the role of Beauty.
The book flows impeccable. Every word, every sentence is skill fully designed, holding my rapt attention. A storyline unfolding smoothly, climaxing with a shocking cliffhanger.
Part of the Beauty and the Beast Series and must be read in order:
Welcome to the Midnight Dynasty... The warring Morelli and Constantine families have enough bad blood to fill an ocean, and their brand new stories will be told by your favorite dangerous romance authors.
May 4, 2021
this was fine. its your basic ‘beauty and the beast’ retelling with some steam. in fact, the ‘beauty and the beast’ storyline was a bit heavy handed compared to most retellings ive read.
but i didnt mind that. what lost me was the pacing. this book is soooo short that there was literally no time for leo and haley to actually develop the feelings they say they have. its a massive case of insta-love and im not sure i liked it with this story and characters.
but its an easy read and i love ‘beauty and the beast’ retellings, regardless of their faults, so im pretty sure i will be picking up the next book in the series, especially after of that cliffhanger.
↠ 3.5 stars
but i didnt mind that. what lost me was the pacing. this book is soooo short that there was literally no time for leo and haley to actually develop the feelings they say they have. its a massive case of insta-love and im not sure i liked it with this story and characters.
but its an easy read and i love ‘beauty and the beast’ retellings, regardless of their faults, so im pretty sure i will be picking up the next book in the series, especially after of that cliffhanger.
↠ 3.5 stars
April 12, 2022
Amelia Wilde - Secret Beast (Trilogy 1)
A Midnight Dynasty Collection
Secret Beast is beautiful new age retelling about enemies to lovers, blackmail, debt and seedy arrangements. I was captivated from the very start and hooked on every word. I need more of Leo and Haley. These two are delicious together. Their interaction, heat and chemistry was off the pages. I could read about this couple all day long!
Leo is the younger brother of Lucian. If you are familiar with the midnight dynasty you would know that as a fan I was a little apprehensive about Leos future role. But I can honestly say I had nothing to worry about. Amelia Wilde did an amazing job of portraying him as a hero and the villain we saw him as. She redeemed his character and even made him likeable. He is dark, dangerous and seductive. His mysterious demeanour intrigued me and pulled me in straight away. You may be familiar with him if you've read K. Websters Cinderella series. I loved reading his interaction with his sister Daphne. I swooned when he started reading her fantasy book. He's low key obsessed. His reputation as The Beast of Bishops Landing, his ruthlessness, dark attitude and sociopathic tendencies makes for one bad ass antihero. He is pure evil… but the good kind, of course.
Haley is the middle child. She is a cousin to the Constantine siblings, related by Winston’s uncle. Her family are not privileged like her cousins but still need to uphold the reputation of their namesake. Powerless and nothing but chess pieces to Caroline Constantine. With her father being preoccupied with work, she takes it upon herself to be responsible for her family. Haley offers herself up to be owned by Leo Morelli, the Constantines' sworn enemy, in order to repay the debt of going back on a behind closed doors deal he made with her father. She is out of options as danger is lurking around the corner. I loved that she was fierce and headstrong. And so much like Belle.
I loved reading this book and couldn’t put it down. Many scenes come to mind but my favourite scene had to be the library scene. This will definitely be the reason why I eventually read the classic, Jane Eyre. Such a great read. More revelations of the characters we've heard about. Lane, Cole, Caroline, Ronan. Would love to read more about Daphne. The icing on the cake had to be the special cameo, hands down. Fingers crossed he plays a part in this series.
From villain to antihero. I loved seeing both of these sides of Leo's character and getting a different perspective of the character he is, from a viewpoint of another author. I am blown away by the depth of these characters. I always thought Leo was a weasel in the Cinderella trilogy but I guess Ronan’s the true weasel. Don't think I can ever forgive him.
The story reminded me of fifty shades but a darker, sinful version. In a way it gave me nostalgic vibes of the books released in 2012, you know the If you liked fifty shades you will enjoy this' type of books. I’m still at the edge of my seat from how Secret Beast ended. It’s one of those scenes in a book that will linger in your brain and taunt you about it from time to time. Stating that I look forward to the second instalment is an understatement!
With every new book the midnight dynasty collects becomes more complex and exciting. This book gave us a better understanding of the multifaceted characters we have come across throughout the collection. We got a closer look at Caroline and her late husband’s past. We know she is every bit as ruthless and conniving as she was described throughout the collection so far. I am intrigued by the complexity of every character within the Constantine and Morelli families, and am interested to see more sides to them.
Willow Winters had her own version of this dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast in the Dark Fairy Tales anthology. Although brilliant, it was too short to have my fill of this fairy tale. I wish she could adapt Annabelle and Calum’s story to a full length novel one day. Having said that, Secret Beast has fast become one of my favourite Beauty and the Beast retelling.
Midnight Dynasty Collection: The following books are all within the Midnight Dynasty collection.
Dark Fairy Tales Anthology
King Midas by Skye Warren, Rumplestiltskin by Celia Aaron, Princess and the Pea by Sierra Simone, Little Red Riding Hood by Karina Halle, The Ugly Duckling by CJ Roberts, Beauty and the Beast by Willow Winters, Jack & the Beanstalk by Marley Valentine, King Thrushbeard by Cora Reilly, Swan Princess by Natasha Knight, Cinderella by Aleatha Romig, and Snow White by T.M. Frazier
Starcrossed Lovers Trilogy by Jade West (Lucian Morelli & Elaine Constantine)
Heartless
Soulless
Relentless
Cinderella Trilogy by K. Webster (Winston Constantine & Ash Elliot)
Stroke of Midnight
Prince Charming
The Glass Slipper
Hellfire Club Series by Becker Gray [All Standalones]
Wicked Idol (Keaton Constantine & Iris Briggs )
Callous Prince (Lennox Lincoln-Ward & Sloane Lauder)
Brutal Blueblood (Owen Montgomery & Tanith Bradford)
Ruined Sinner (Phineas Yates & Aurora Lincon-Ward)
Sweet Devil (Rhys Huntington & Serafina Van Doren)
Dark Hearts Trilogy by M. Okeefe (Ronan Byrne & Poppy Constantine)
Ruined (previously titled Stolen Hearts)
Broken (previously titled Broken Hearts)
Untamed
Beast of Bishop's Landing Trilogy by Amelia Wilde (Leo Morelli & Haley Constantine)
Secret Beast
Hidden Beauty
Fallen Rose
Standalone: Pam Goodwin - Lessons in Sin (Magnus Falke & Tinsley Constantine)
Dream Duet by Giana Darling (Tiernan McTiernan Morelli & Laney Belcante )
Dangerous Temptation
Beautiful Nightmare
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe Anthology
M. Robinson, Pam Godwin, Claire Contreras, Amelia Wilde, Skye Warren, Jenika Snow, Sam Mariano, Alta Hensley, Katee Robert, Maria Luis, Giana Darling, and Sam Mariano
The Collector Trilogy by Amelia Wilde (Emerson Leblanc & Daphne Morelli)
Dark Reign
Sweet Mercy
Last Resort
Deception Duet by K. Webster (Reverse Harem: Sully, Sparrow and Scout Mannford & Landry Croft)
Triple Threat
Death Wish
Wonderland Trilogy by Alta Hensley (Nick Hudson & Lyriope Bailey )
King of Spades
Queen of Hearts
Ace of Diamonds
Wedded Bliss Trilogy by Monica Murphy (Perry Constantine & Charlotte Lancaster)
The Reluctant Bride
The Ruthless Groom
The Reckless Union
TBC DUET by Skye Warren (Finn Hughes & Eva Morelli)
One for the Money
Two for the Show
Standalone: Skye Warren & Amelia Wilde - The Crash (Carter Morelli & June Porter)
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A Midnight Dynasty Collection
Secret Beast is beautiful new age retelling about enemies to lovers, blackmail, debt and seedy arrangements. I was captivated from the very start and hooked on every word. I need more of Leo and Haley. These two are delicious together. Their interaction, heat and chemistry was off the pages. I could read about this couple all day long!
“Do you not understand the terms of our contract?”
“I understand them.”
Leo is the younger brother of Lucian. If you are familiar with the midnight dynasty you would know that as a fan I was a little apprehensive about Leos future role. But I can honestly say I had nothing to worry about. Amelia Wilde did an amazing job of portraying him as a hero and the villain we saw him as. She redeemed his character and even made him likeable. He is dark, dangerous and seductive. His mysterious demeanour intrigued me and pulled me in straight away. You may be familiar with him if you've read K. Websters Cinderella series. I loved reading his interaction with his sister Daphne. I swooned when he started reading her fantasy book. He's low key obsessed. His reputation as The Beast of Bishops Landing, his ruthlessness, dark attitude and sociopathic tendencies makes for one bad ass antihero. He is pure evil… but the good kind, of course.
You’re not here to think, darling. You’re here to obey.
Haley is the middle child. She is a cousin to the Constantine siblings, related by Winston’s uncle. Her family are not privileged like her cousins but still need to uphold the reputation of their namesake. Powerless and nothing but chess pieces to Caroline Constantine. With her father being preoccupied with work, she takes it upon herself to be responsible for her family. Haley offers herself up to be owned by Leo Morelli, the Constantines' sworn enemy, in order to repay the debt of going back on a behind closed doors deal he made with her father. She is out of options as danger is lurking around the corner. I loved that she was fierce and headstrong. And so much like Belle.
I want to keep Haley here forever. I never want to coax her off my shoulder. I never want to leave this room. I never want the sun to rise.
I loved reading this book and couldn’t put it down. Many scenes come to mind but my favourite scene had to be the library scene. This will definitely be the reason why I eventually read the classic, Jane Eyre. Such a great read. More revelations of the characters we've heard about. Lane, Cole, Caroline, Ronan. Would love to read more about Daphne. The icing on the cake had to be the special cameo, hands down. Fingers crossed he plays a part in this series.
From villain to antihero. I loved seeing both of these sides of Leo's character and getting a different perspective of the character he is, from a viewpoint of another author. I am blown away by the depth of these characters. I always thought Leo was a weasel in the Cinderella trilogy but I guess Ronan’s the true weasel. Don't think I can ever forgive him.
He hates me. He pleasured me. Leo is a Morelli and I’m a Constantine, and there can never be any kind of affection between us.
The story reminded me of fifty shades but a darker, sinful version. In a way it gave me nostalgic vibes of the books released in 2012, you know the If you liked fifty shades you will enjoy this' type of books. I’m still at the edge of my seat from how Secret Beast ended. It’s one of those scenes in a book that will linger in your brain and taunt you about it from time to time. Stating that I look forward to the second instalment is an understatement!
With every new book the midnight dynasty collects becomes more complex and exciting. This book gave us a better understanding of the multifaceted characters we have come across throughout the collection. We got a closer look at Caroline and her late husband’s past. We know she is every bit as ruthless and conniving as she was described throughout the collection so far. I am intrigued by the complexity of every character within the Constantine and Morelli families, and am interested to see more sides to them.
Willow Winters had her own version of this dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast in the Dark Fairy Tales anthology. Although brilliant, it was too short to have my fill of this fairy tale. I wish she could adapt Annabelle and Calum’s story to a full length novel one day. Having said that, Secret Beast has fast become one of my favourite Beauty and the Beast retelling.
Midnight Dynasty Collection: The following books are all within the Midnight Dynasty collection.
Dark Fairy Tales Anthology
King Midas by Skye Warren, Rumplestiltskin by Celia Aaron, Princess and the Pea by Sierra Simone, Little Red Riding Hood by Karina Halle, The Ugly Duckling by CJ Roberts, Beauty and the Beast by Willow Winters, Jack & the Beanstalk by Marley Valentine, King Thrushbeard by Cora Reilly, Swan Princess by Natasha Knight, Cinderella by Aleatha Romig, and Snow White by T.M. Frazier
Starcrossed Lovers Trilogy by Jade West (Lucian Morelli & Elaine Constantine)
Heartless
Soulless
Relentless
Cinderella Trilogy by K. Webster (Winston Constantine & Ash Elliot)
Stroke of Midnight
Prince Charming
The Glass Slipper
Hellfire Club Series by Becker Gray [All Standalones]
Wicked Idol (Keaton Constantine & Iris Briggs )
Callous Prince (Lennox Lincoln-Ward & Sloane Lauder)
Brutal Blueblood (Owen Montgomery & Tanith Bradford)
Ruined Sinner (Phineas Yates & Aurora Lincon-Ward)
Sweet Devil (Rhys Huntington & Serafina Van Doren)
Dark Hearts Trilogy by M. Okeefe (Ronan Byrne & Poppy Constantine)
Ruined (previously titled Stolen Hearts)
Broken (previously titled Broken Hearts)
Untamed
Beast of Bishop's Landing Trilogy by Amelia Wilde (Leo Morelli & Haley Constantine)
Secret Beast
Hidden Beauty
Fallen Rose
Standalone: Pam Goodwin - Lessons in Sin (Magnus Falke & Tinsley Constantine)
Dream Duet by Giana Darling (Tiernan McTiernan Morelli & Laney Belcante )
Dangerous Temptation
Beautiful Nightmare
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe Anthology
M. Robinson, Pam Godwin, Claire Contreras, Amelia Wilde, Skye Warren, Jenika Snow, Sam Mariano, Alta Hensley, Katee Robert, Maria Luis, Giana Darling, and Sam Mariano
The Collector Trilogy by Amelia Wilde (Emerson Leblanc & Daphne Morelli)
Dark Reign
Sweet Mercy
Last Resort
Deception Duet by K. Webster (Reverse Harem: Sully, Sparrow and Scout Mannford & Landry Croft)
Triple Threat
Death Wish
Wonderland Trilogy by Alta Hensley (Nick Hudson & Lyriope Bailey )
King of Spades
Queen of Hearts
Ace of Diamonds
Wedded Bliss Trilogy by Monica Murphy (Perry Constantine & Charlotte Lancaster)
The Reluctant Bride
The Ruthless Groom
The Reckless Union
TBC DUET by Skye Warren (Finn Hughes & Eva Morelli)
One for the Money
Two for the Show
Standalone: Skye Warren & Amelia Wilde - The Crash (Carter Morelli & June Porter)
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November 11, 2021
⭐️5 devastatingly tortured stars ⭐️
Are you ready to be ravished by the Beast of Bishop’s Landing? I certainly was! There’s no denying out of all the characters I have met so far in this world, Leo was the one my dark soul was attracted to. I’m glad to say this author did this complicated character justice. Leo’s story is deliciously dark, deliriously enthralling, I was instantly captivated by the beautiful writing of his tale, the story went by flawlessly and it was over before I was ready, lucky me I can dive into book two right away!
Leo is devastatingly handsome, it’s almost impossible to reconcile all this beauty to match such nickname, he’s called the beast within reason, he rules his kingdom with an iron fist, he breathes and lives his pain constantly every day, each snippet of life is a reminder of his suffering. It’s no mystery most of his hatred is directed to the Constantines, his main purpose is to destroy them, to make them pay for all their sins. No better opportunity could be seized when one of them falls right into his trap. Leo however, didn’t take into account one little fragile Constantine girl would try to save the day and the rest of her wretched family. Let the humiliation and breaking down begin.
The pain in her voice is what I wanted, anyway. There’s no point in playing games with the Constantines if they don’t hate it
Haley isn’t your typical Constantine silver spoon fed girl, she leads a normal, borderline poor, life, she enjoys her book, her literature studies. However, like every Constantine she has been educated and knows how evil the Morellis are. So she doesn’t understand how her gullible father could fall into one of their traps. At the hands of Leo Morelli, no least, they call him the beast for a reason. Haley has no other option then stepping in and sacrificing herself.
My skin is on fire with the need to know him, to wring the truth out of him, to come out of this with more than a sacrifice
If Leo is every shade of evil she expected, then why does she crave his darkness? Why does she enjoy the type of pain only he can inflict? And most importantly, how can she hope to survive his addictive touch?
I’ll give myself to Leo to save my dad but I want to take part of him too
Book one ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for book two, I’m totally enchanted by this tale.
February 5, 2023
Haley, from a rival but less powerful family, offers herself in exchange for saving her overly trusting and idealistic inventor father, who placed his creative livelihood in the hards of Leo Morelli. Leo, the "Beast of Bishop," has it out for the Constantine family for a wrong in his past, and uses Haley's naive father to make the family pay, payment that Haley will render.
I saw the telltale signs of chemistry and attraction, but the writing did not fully convey that message. The character and story development did not naturally build the tension, situations, and dialogue that would have made the two main characters' attraction authentic. Couple that with the Haley discovering herself immediately liking and being aroused by a D/s & BDSM relationship and it's even harder to reconcile. I actually liked the characters. I could sense Haley's altruism for others and feel her empathy for and attraction to Leo. Simultaneously I felt Leo's unwilling draw to Haley and the stirring of their future great love affair. There was some teaser steam, some spanking but no consummating sexy scenes for the majority of the book. This was a story of the heroine's vow to be and do anything the hero wanted -- a hero, mind you, that was a capo in the family business. This was this dichotomy between Leo's role, the things he threatened he was going to do, and the softness with what actually took place.
The pace of the book was steady -- neither a slow nor fast burn though I found myself advancing from time to time with no loss of story comprehension as the plot line was evident, predictable. Some supporting characters, but not many; they were more ancillary to the main characters' events. The book was not hindered by it though; and in fact, it was nice to have the focus on Haley and Leo and their budding romance.
I would characterize it as light with a little intrigue -- why was Leo the way he was, what was the dispute between the Constantines and Morelli -- with a bit of sexual situations. A book with potential, but hampered by the need for more fluidity, connectedness / development in the writing as well as steam. The story’s most endearing quality was this feeling, this undercurrent of romance and enduring affection that will spark interest in reading the next book in the series.
I saw the telltale signs of chemistry and attraction, but the writing did not fully convey that message. The character and story development did not naturally build the tension, situations, and dialogue that would have made the two main characters' attraction authentic. Couple that with the Haley discovering herself immediately liking and being aroused by a D/s & BDSM relationship and it's even harder to reconcile. I actually liked the characters. I could sense Haley's altruism for others and feel her empathy for and attraction to Leo. Simultaneously I felt Leo's unwilling draw to Haley and the stirring of their future great love affair. There was some teaser steam, some spanking but no consummating sexy scenes for the majority of the book. This was a story of the heroine's vow to be and do anything the hero wanted -- a hero, mind you, that was a capo in the family business. This was this dichotomy between Leo's role, the things he threatened he was going to do, and the softness with what actually took place.
The pace of the book was steady -- neither a slow nor fast burn though I found myself advancing from time to time with no loss of story comprehension as the plot line was evident, predictable. Some supporting characters, but not many; they were more ancillary to the main characters' events. The book was not hindered by it though; and in fact, it was nice to have the focus on Haley and Leo and their budding romance.
I would characterize it as light with a little intrigue -- why was Leo the way he was, what was the dispute between the Constantines and Morelli -- with a bit of sexual situations. A book with potential, but hampered by the need for more fluidity, connectedness / development in the writing as well as steam. The story’s most endearing quality was this feeling, this undercurrent of romance and enduring affection that will spark interest in reading the next book in the series.
April 20, 2022
Sex sex- cry- sex - choking- whipping - they are in love
The plot was ok but there was no depth in the relationship or the relationship development
The plot was ok but there was no depth in the relationship or the relationship development
November 6, 2021
This was a Fast paced up all night read. Loosely based on beauty and the beast…. Because you know Leo is a beautiful beast. If you’ve read any of Amelia Wides books I would say he is reminiscent of Hades from the Hades and Persephone series. He has alot of pain and he’s out for revenge. It ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared to buy the next book as soon as your finished with this one.
November 16, 2025
meh felt no chemistry between FMC and MMC
February 28, 2021
The Undesirable
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*
It's my first Amelia Wilde book! I've been seeing promos for her for a year now, and after reading a book by her, I can say I'm not disappointed! I really liked this retelling of beauty and the beast. The main characters had good chemistry with lots of teasing and angsty elements. I can't wait to see what happens next!
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February 5, 2022
A love story between Morelli and a poor Constantine cousin.
A beautiful Beauty and the Beast retelling.
And I started to love the Morelli boys 😊
March 24, 2021
WOW. I LOVED THIS.
I had met Leo Morelli in other books in the Midnight Dynasty universe so I was so very excited about his book. Leo is cruel, broody, cunning but hides a traumatic past.
Haley is not your usual Constantine. She is not spoiled or with an agenta. She just wants to save her father from Leo's claws. So she strikes a bargain with Leo.
First let me say, that the writing was PHENOMENAL. I was hooked from the first chapter and I loved how the author bought the two characters together.
The book is full of danger, steam and did I mention that it's HOT??
Leo is my new favorite antihero. His chemistry with Haley was off the charts!
The book is fast paced and ends on a huge cliffy!!! I cannot wait for the next book!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Stars
I had met Leo Morelli in other books in the Midnight Dynasty universe so I was so very excited about his book. Leo is cruel, broody, cunning but hides a traumatic past.
Haley is not your usual Constantine. She is not spoiled or with an agenta. She just wants to save her father from Leo's claws. So she strikes a bargain with Leo.
First let me say, that the writing was PHENOMENAL. I was hooked from the first chapter and I loved how the author bought the two characters together.
The book is full of danger, steam and did I mention that it's HOT??
Leo is my new favorite antihero. His chemistry with Haley was off the charts!
The book is fast paced and ends on a huge cliffy!!! I cannot wait for the next book!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Stars
May 14, 2021
DNF at about chapter 19. I just couldn't take anymore. I skimmed to the end only to discover a huge cliffhanger. I won't be reading the following 2 books of the trilogy.
I'm a huge beauty and the beast trope fan. I admit that while fully understanding some of the problematic issues with consent and agency when translated to the modern world. Some authors do a great job, others not so much. This didn't work for me to the point I was completely icked out by the consent issues at multiple points. Add to that some plot development issues, and I'm out.
I'm a huge beauty and the beast trope fan. I admit that while fully understanding some of the problematic issues with consent and agency when translated to the modern world. Some authors do a great job, others not so much. This didn't work for me to the point I was completely icked out by the consent issues at multiple points. Add to that some plot development issues, and I'm out.
January 6, 2024
-=- 4.25 stars -=-
My only complaint about this is that it wasn't longer- I loved it.
-=-
(I didn't know it was part of a trilogy I hate myself, I need to start checking these things out before I start a book 😭💀 but onto the next one)
"This is the meanest thing that anyone’s ever done to me. I never want it to stop."
My only complaint about this is that it wasn't longer- I loved it.
-=-
July 15, 2022
Better than could be expected for a smutty Beauty and the Beast retelling.
March 22, 2021
This is probably one of the best beauty and the beast modern retellings I have read in awhile. I think Hayley is going to bring Leo to his knees and I can't wait to find out. This is also my second reading by Amelia, and I'm really liking her writing. This Midnight Dynasty (world) series is great. I love this cover too. Excited for the next one!
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
January 31, 2022
The Beast of Bishop Landing lives up to his name unequivocally. He is feared and revered, no one looks at him wrong and gets away with it. He really is a beast.
Leo Morelli is ruthless when it comes to dealing with anyone but especially a Constantine. And Haley is no exception, as she offers herself up like a lamb to the slaughter.
This decades long war between the Morelli‘s and the Constantine’s is heating up again and the secrets are bursting at the seams, dying to be revealed.
I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Leo Morelli is ruthless when it comes to dealing with anyone but especially a Constantine. And Haley is no exception, as she offers herself up like a lamb to the slaughter.
This decades long war between the Morelli‘s and the Constantine’s is heating up again and the secrets are bursting at the seams, dying to be revealed.
I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
![Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572307419i%2F47676940._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 2, 2021
Haley Constantine and her family are kind of the black sheep of the Constantine Family in Bishop’s Landing. When he father makes a deal with the Beast of Bishop’s Landing she is now the one who has to fix it and protect her family.
Leo Morelli is a beast and he is ruthless. He will do anything he can to get revenge on the Constantine family, Haley and her father included. He offers a deal to Haley that will free her father from their contract. The deal? Haley is his for the next 30 days.
Leo is just one of those men you can’t help but love. He shows his ruthlessness to everyone, but there is much more to his story. There is a broken boy living inside the beast. I felt for him and I am DYING to know more of him. Haley is young, but she is protective and she is willing to playing Leo’s twisted games. These two have so much chemistry. I couldn’t get enough of the push and pull and the tension between them. There is just something addictive about their relationship.
From the start this story completely sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down. Plus with the cliffhanger handing I CANNOT wait to see where Leo and Haley’s story goes.
If you’re looking for a steamy, age gap, fairy tale retelling this is one to check out.
Leo Morelli is a beast and he is ruthless. He will do anything he can to get revenge on the Constantine family, Haley and her father included. He offers a deal to Haley that will free her father from their contract. The deal? Haley is his for the next 30 days.
Leo is just one of those men you can’t help but love. He shows his ruthlessness to everyone, but there is much more to his story. There is a broken boy living inside the beast. I felt for him and I am DYING to know more of him. Haley is young, but she is protective and she is willing to playing Leo’s twisted games. These two have so much chemistry. I couldn’t get enough of the push and pull and the tension between them. There is just something addictive about their relationship.
From the start this story completely sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down. Plus with the cliffhanger handing I CANNOT wait to see where Leo and Haley’s story goes.
If you’re looking for a steamy, age gap, fairy tale retelling this is one to check out.
February 20, 2021
Amelia Wilde took me deep inside the heart of a twisted alpha and a imperfect yet brilliant heroine in Secret Beast. This story was a minefield of complex emotions, dramatic power plays and all consuming passion.
Bishop's Landing is the place where the Constantines and Morellis battle it out everyday to claim the ultimate power. Corruption. Crimes. Money. Riches. Fame. It's been going on for generations and doesn't seem like stopping. Haley Constantine is one of the less fortunate Constantines. Her side of family is poor and neglected. She has to made a deal with the devil himself. Leo Morelli. To save her innocent father. But who will save her? Because she has just become a pawn in Leo's game of revenge.
Though you can start this story individually but I feel it's better to read the previous stories in Midnight Dynasty world because they have become related. You won't miss anything but the impact will be different. I have always thought Leo to be the destructive, enraged and dangerous kind. I never felt anything positive for him. Even in this story. He has captured Haley in his cage and he plans to ruin her thoroughly. He is manipulative. Ruthless. Arrogant. Cold hearted. And then the author peels his layers and exposes the raw, broken and hurting side. And now I cannot stop thinking how much I love this man. He tortured Haley. He broke her down. But he also protected her. From himself and the world. Haley forced herself in his dark heart and made him feel something besides the flames of pain engulfing him day and night. This girl is so brave. She did fight constantly against Leo's twisted tests. But this sweet and innocent girl has some filthy desires deep in her part. Certain primitive part of her called to Leo's dirty deviant ways and they are a match made in hell. That twist at the end felt like someone has stabbed me right in my heart and I couldn't breathe. The author captured the aching angst of their love so beautifully.
Amelia Wilde always evokes a storm of feels and steam in my heart with her wonderful writing. Secret Beast was sensual, dramatic and action packed. The angst ruined me beautifully.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Bishop's Landing is the place where the Constantines and Morellis battle it out everyday to claim the ultimate power. Corruption. Crimes. Money. Riches. Fame. It's been going on for generations and doesn't seem like stopping. Haley Constantine is one of the less fortunate Constantines. Her side of family is poor and neglected. She has to made a deal with the devil himself. Leo Morelli. To save her innocent father. But who will save her? Because she has just become a pawn in Leo's game of revenge.
Though you can start this story individually but I feel it's better to read the previous stories in Midnight Dynasty world because they have become related. You won't miss anything but the impact will be different. I have always thought Leo to be the destructive, enraged and dangerous kind. I never felt anything positive for him. Even in this story. He has captured Haley in his cage and he plans to ruin her thoroughly. He is manipulative. Ruthless. Arrogant. Cold hearted. And then the author peels his layers and exposes the raw, broken and hurting side. And now I cannot stop thinking how much I love this man. He tortured Haley. He broke her down. But he also protected her. From himself and the world. Haley forced herself in his dark heart and made him feel something besides the flames of pain engulfing him day and night. This girl is so brave. She did fight constantly against Leo's twisted tests. But this sweet and innocent girl has some filthy desires deep in her part. Certain primitive part of her called to Leo's dirty deviant ways and they are a match made in hell. That twist at the end felt like someone has stabbed me right in my heart and I couldn't breathe. The author captured the aching angst of their love so beautifully.
Amelia Wilde always evokes a storm of feels and steam in my heart with her wonderful writing. Secret Beast was sensual, dramatic and action packed. The angst ruined me beautifully.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
April 17, 2021
(3.8 Stars)
Haley Constantine’s family doesn’t live like the rest of the family name lives, flashing their wealth and connections. When she comes home from college she is worried for her father. He took a meeting with a Morelli...Leo Morelli aka the beast of bishop’s landing. The Constantine’s and Morelli’s do not get along. When Haley goes to find her dad and stop him, she gets into a little situation. Leo Morelli is ruthless and the head of the Morelli Family. When he sees his enemies daughter out, Leo knows it’s the time to strike. Can Haley survive in the hands of her enemy? This is an enemies to lovers, age gap, mafia romance that does end in a cliffhanger. Secret Beast is a modern day fairytale retelling and part of the Midnight Dynasty Collection. It took me a bit to get into as I felt I’ve read this retelling before but after that ending I want to see what happens! Told in dual POV
Haley Constantine’s family doesn’t live like the rest of the family name lives, flashing their wealth and connections. When she comes home from college she is worried for her father. He took a meeting with a Morelli...Leo Morelli aka the beast of bishop’s landing. The Constantine’s and Morelli’s do not get along. When Haley goes to find her dad and stop him, she gets into a little situation. Leo Morelli is ruthless and the head of the Morelli Family. When he sees his enemies daughter out, Leo knows it’s the time to strike. Can Haley survive in the hands of her enemy? This is an enemies to lovers, age gap, mafia romance that does end in a cliffhanger. Secret Beast is a modern day fairytale retelling and part of the Midnight Dynasty Collection. It took me a bit to get into as I felt I’ve read this retelling before but after that ending I want to see what happens! Told in dual POV
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