REVIEW: 'Taming the Beast' by Andrew Grey
Title: Taming the Beast
Series: Tales from St. Giles #1
Author: Andrew Grey
Published: October 13, 2017
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond/Paul Richmond Studio
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Erotic Romance
Length: 200 Pages
Tags: Gay; M/M; Comfort/Hurt; Children; HEA; CW: Mental Illness, Substance Abuse; Standalone
About Taming the Beast
The suspicious death of Dante Bartholomew’s wife changed him, especially in the eyes of the residents of St. Giles. They no longer see a successful businessman… only a monster they believe was involved. Dante’s horrific reputation eclipses the truth to the point that he sees no choice but to isolate himself and his heart.
The plan backfires when he meets counselor Beau Clarity and the children he works with. Beau and the kids see beyond the beastly reputation to the beautiful soul inside Dante, and Dante’s cold heart begins to thaw as they slip past his defenses. The warmth and hope Beau brings to Dante’s life help him see his entire existence—his trials and sorrows—in a brighter light.
But Dante’s secrets could rip happiness from their grasp… especially since someone isn’t above hurting those Dante has grown to love in order to bring him down.
5 HEART READ
REVIEW:
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.
A copy of Taming the Beast was provided to Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, by RBTL Book Promotions, at no cost and with no expectations in return. We offer our fair and honest opinion on behalf of our readers.
Meet the Author
Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.
Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
For more from Andrew be sure and visit his website.
**** Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from RBTL Book Promotions and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I will leave my Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... My Opinions. 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". *****
