Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance Heat Level: 3 Word Count: 30, 000 ISBN: 978-0-3695-1425-7 Editor: Lisa Petrocelli Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

His Beauty, Her Beast by Sam Crescent

Heat Level 3
$3.99
SKU 978-0-3695-1425-7
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Maeve

At sixteen, I learned my fate.
On my twenty-first birthday, I wouldn't be celebrating—I'd be handed over as payment for my parents' sins.
I fought. I rebelled. I tried to escape.
None of it mattered.
Now I belong to him.
And my life is no longer my own.

Draven

I never wanted the deal.
But the moment I saw her, I knew one thing—she was mine.
I won't break her. I won't hurt her.
I'll protect her.
Earn her trust.
Make her choose me ... even if she has no choice at all.
But someone wants her dead.
And if her own family would rather see her buried than delivered to me…
What aren't they telling me?
Because I'm already too far gone.
Maeve is mine.
And I'm not letting her go.

 

Excerpt:

“I’m about to call for lunch,” he said, stopping when he caught sight of me. “Care to join me?”

“Sure.”

I’m trying to act casual. I’m wearing a simple white summer dress, with straps wide enough to cover my bra straps, but it only falls to my knees.

Draven walked into his office, holding the door open for me, and I walked past him and to one of the sofas. He has two, on either side of a coffee table. Near the main window sits his desk.

“How are you?” Draven asked.

It’s nice to know his name. “I’m good.”

Draven sits down opposite me, and I can’t help but watch him. His gaze is on me as well.

“How old are you?” I asked.

“Thirty-five.”

“Wow,” I said.

“Does my age bother you?”

“No.” I happened to like the fact he was older. Not that I had been around a lot of men my own age, but I had seen a lot of movies to know they were not exactly mature. Draven looked mature.

“How is your neck?” he asked.

“Fine.”

His sleeves are rolled up, showing off his thick, heavily inked arms.

“Did you like getting tattoos?” I asked.

He sat back and looked at me. “Did you?”

I couldn’t help but smile. “I asked you first.”

“And seeing as I am the oldest, you will answer me.”

“Yes, I did. They hurt, but then a needle digging into your flesh is going to hurt.”

He chuckled. “I rather like the pain. After a while, I didn’t feel it.”

“That was the same for me.”

I don’t want to talk about ink, or pain.

“Maeve, come here,” he said.

In that moment, I was like a moth to a flame. I walk around the coffee table and stand right in front of him.

At first, Draven doesn’t move or make a sound, but then he takes hold of my hand. He strokes his finger across my inner wrist, and it felt so good, I didn’t want it to stop.

“Tell me what is going on in that mind of yours,” he said.

“Nothing.”

“You think I don’t see the interest in your eyes, Maeve?” he asked. “Do you think I didn’t notice you were looking at me from your bedroom window, or that last night you wriggled against my dick because you felt how hard I was getting?”

I thought I had been subtle, but I felt him pressing against me, and I had enjoyed it.

The moment he tugged on my wrist, I didn’t fight and instead fell against him. Draven is a man in charge and knows what he wants. He moves my knees into position so that I straddle him.

“Is this what you want?” he asked, both his hands at my hips as he held me in place.

I feel the hard ridge of his cock, even through his pants.

“Yes.”

I don’t fight him, and I’m not afraid. Draven has already proven he doesn’t want to hurt me, so I place my hands on his shoulders and stare into his eyes, refusing to look away. He has intense brown eyes. I had a feeling they were probably scary to look at, especially if he was staring at an enemy. I was not his enemy.

I’d never been this bold with a man. I had learned to fight, and I had gone dancing. I rebelled in the hope of changing my fate, but nothing was going to help me. My fate had been sealed long before I was even born.

I was going to belong to Draven Adams. From the age of sixteen, I’d been so pissed about that. I hadn’t even known his name, nor who he was, just that I was going to be owned by a man. I would mean nothing. I would be nothing, and there was no way I would be able to change that.

Now, I am so happy to be owned by him. I know it is crazy and fucking stupid. All this time, I should have been looking for a way to escape, but why? I am happy. I know there were probably many people that had been in my position who were dead now. I was lucky. Draven had no intention of killing me. I didn’t know exactly what he was going to do to me, but I also didn’t care.

Cupping his face, I feel bold, like I am tired of holding back. For a long time, I have wanted to scream and keep it in place, and now I close that small distance between us and kiss him. I kiss my captor, and I don’t let go.

I love the feel of his lips against mine, and one of the hands on my hips slides up and grips the back of my neck. I hesitate, expecting the fear to come flooding back, but he’s holding the back of my neck, and the other hand is gripping my hip tightly. There is no mistaking what is going on right now. Draven is touching me. I want his hands all over me, touching me, exploring me.

There is a knock at the door, and I pull away.

“Fuck off,” Draven said, growling the words.

“That’s not very nice,” I said.

“I’m not a very nice man.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to argue with him, but all too soon, Draven has his hands on my waist, and he’s spun me around so that my back is to him.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 22 ratings)
leave a review
5/5
His Beauty, Her Beast by Sam Crescent
Written by LyndsayL on 6th May 2026

Maeve has had a hard life she has been raised knowing she is just the means to an end for her family. She is to be sold when she turns 21. Draven has known about Maeve for a long time and has looked into everything about her. He is the one collecting the debt, but without anyone knowing he has slowly become obsessed with this woman who has done everything she can to rebel against her family to try and stop the possibility of her being sold. This was so well-written. I loved the development of the relationship between these two. The surprise that Sam writes into the story makes it even better. The chemistry was spicy. This was such a good book. This is a must read!!

5/5
Another great book
Written by DBG69 on 6th May 2026

I have read multiple books by Sam Crescent. I have enjoyed every single one and this one is no different. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. In fact, I didn't put it down until I reached the end. A definite page turner. I recommend grabbing something to drink and sitting down to enjoy this book.

5/5
Captivating
Written by JeniT on 6th May 2026

Sam Crescent has a talent for turning a morally grey villain into the most wonderful man for the woman he loves. This story is the perfect example of that. Draven was forced to honor a deal his late father made and accept Maeve as payment for her family’s betrayal. Maeve is nothing like her family and fearful for her future. This is a beauty and the beast inspired retelling with more murder and spice but the HEA is way better.

5/5
Not a beast
Written by Bookbunny on 6th May 2026

Maeve found out that her parents were using her to pay a debt. Draven has been watching Maeve for a while. There was no way any man was going to touch her. She was his. But there are men trying to encroach on his area. That wasn’t going to happen. And the Taylor family is an evil that needs to be wiped from the earth. I loved that Draven didn’t push Maeve into anything. He let their relationship develop slowly. Maeve had to want to be with him. Maeve was a tough cookie. She rebelled when she found out about her fate and never cowered. The Taylors were no good from the start. They deserved their fate. Draven made Maeve feel like a queen. He gave her the two things she never had, safety and love. But there was more going on and a nice twist. Draven defiantly saved Maeve.

5/5
Dark
Written by Ali80 on 6th May 2026

His Beauty, Her Beast by Sam Crescent is a dark, emotionally charged romance that pulls you in from the start. The story leans into that beauty-and-the-beast dynamic with intensity, giving you a hero who’s rough, guarded, and deeply complex beneath the surface. The heroine brings strength and compassion, slowly breaking through his walls in a way that feels genuine and earned. Their chemistry is powerful—full of tension, passion, and raw emotion. It’s gritty, steamy, and layered with heart, making it a compelling read for anyone who loves darker romance with a strong emotional core.

5/5
Loved this retelling!!!
Written by Brooke T on 6th May 2026

OMG!!! This book was amazing!!! I couldn’t put it down. I love a good dark mafia romance, and this one added the Beaty and the Beast retelling!! It was perfect the dark, broody and gruff MMC and the feisty and stubborn FMC. I thought the storyline was original, page-turning and was filled with suspense, drama, angst and spice. My heart broke and swooned throughout this book and I might have ghost-pumped a few times for both characters. The characters were written perfectly for each other. I loved their chemistry, it was intense and undeniable. I thought this book was well paced and had the perfect amount of plot and spice. I can’t wait to see what comes next from my favorite author Sam Crescent!!!

5/5
Love it!
Written by Diana A on 6th May 2026

This book was great. We have that mafia romance plus suspense, and of course spice. Love the nature of the relationship and how they fall for each other.

4/5
Loved this
Written by JRush on 6th May 2026

What a great short read this was. With the premise of a daughter raised to be given away, and the twists and turns that follow. All leading to a beautiful ending for the couple. I read this on one sitting.

4/5
Maeve + Draven
Written by MellaM on 6th May 2026

Maeve learns her fate is to be a bride in an arranged marriage to Draven. I loved her quiet (and not so quiet) rebellions. They allowed her to experience life, to the extent possible, on her own terms. Draven is also bound, but it was never a secret. Draven has the ability to opt out it seems, but he doesn't want to. It's possession/love on sight for him. Draven encourages Maeve's independence and handles her awful family. Maeve learns what love can mean for her life. A great read with lessons beyond your mafia story.

5/5
So good
Written by Ssirren on 27th Apr 2026

Draven you’re the man! Maeve was to be sold off in an arranged marriage because of her families debts. Maeve didn’t want this at all. She tried to get out of it. Draven was to be her husband. But he wasn’t happy about the arrangement. He didn’t want to own her. He wanted to care and love her. These two had my heart. She was fierce and he was amazing. This was so hot, so good. I devoured this one.

5/5
Perfect Chaos
Written by DariaB on 27th Apr 2026

Perfect Chaos Situational darkness. Awesome characters. She naive yet full of sass. He's a baddie that's soft on animals. He isn't mafia and she is a paid debt. Omg! Her family though. There's lessons out that some just cant/dont learn. A second chance and still dont know how to get some act right. With eyes and ears every where, the Beast gets to know things and plans are set in motion. Just the right amount of everything, danger, a lil bit of angst, chemistry and heat.

5/5
Loved it!!
Written by Kimberly R on 27th Apr 2026

This book was amazing. I really loved it. I loved Maeve and Draven. They were incredible characters. I absolutely recommend this book.

5/5
perfect
Written by laura.lovesreading on 27th Apr 2026

"His Beauty, Her Beast" will take you into a world full of betrayal, desire, danger, passion, twists and turns, drama, action, love, chemistry, heat and suspense. I was in love with this story since page one. Draven is morally grey, loves dogs and is so easy to fall in love with. Maeve is so lovable, her actions were totally reliable, her resilience and strength admirable and I was soo happy that she found a happy, loving home.

5/5
Incredible read.
Written by Mary S on 27th Apr 2026

Draven and Maven story was an incredible read. The things Maven went through and still being this sweet woman was a strength that not so many women could have. Draven was one tough guy that he had to do to survive in his dark world. I love the protective he was with Maven. Their story was great to read and seeing how they got their happy ever after.

5/5
Maeve and Draven
Written by LBing on 27th Apr 2026

This was another wonderful read set in a dark world by this author. Draven has to collect a debt his father made 21 years ago and that debt is Maeve. She's been slated by her family as the payment for an old debt and no matter the rebellion, there's no out for her. Imagine her shock when Draven sets her up in his beautiful home with no restrictions other than to not leave his property. Everything has been provided for her. She's quite thrilled to not be ended, or hurt, and finds herself quite curious about her 'owner'. I absolutely love how Draven gave her time to acclimate to his home and self, left some mystery to keep her curious and gave her all truths and choices she needed to be happy. Expect to get caught up in the action, drama, danger, betrayal, twists and hot romance as these two work their way to a fab and steamy HEA. Good fun!

4/5
DRAVEN MAEVE
Written by Gkp2460 on 27th Apr 2026

Maeve and Draven have a very different beginning. As payment for a debt, Draven had much more mind for Maeve the first time he saw her. Their story is very dramatic and angsty with lots of surprises. It's a short fast-paced story when time and limited but you need a good read.

4/5
Maeve and Draven
Written by POmoto on 27th Apr 2026

It was a really cute story. The beginning was a little rough but the story quickly found it's rhythm. Maeve's life has been bargained away before birth and now that she was 21, it was time for Draven to collect the debt. Maeve was a pretty strong character and Draven was really sweet to her. For a relatively short story, it plot amd characters were well developed.

5/5
Draven and Maeve
Written by Maleficent on 27th Apr 2026

Maeve learned her fate at sixteen, she was payment for a transgression her parents made. She was considered an outsider in her family, never participating with her siblings, until the day she is handed over to him. Draven never had any intention to complete the deal his father left behind. The more he came to know Maeve he wanted nothing more than to protect her, he has not intention of setting her free. This is a steamy read, there are more secrets then they know that are about to come to light.

5/5
His Beauty, Her Beast
Written by Karen99 on 27th Apr 2026

Heart-Felt Read An emotional sizzling read I could not put down. Draven never wanted to claim the trade but he would to keep her safe in this slow build to love romance with lots of action, twists, deception and engaging read. Loved the ending, a perfect ending to a wonderful read.

5/5
<3
Written by JustMe83 on 27th Apr 2026

Loved them so much. I loved that she stayed who she was and didn't let this change her and I loved that he loved her just the way she was. So good!!!

5/5
A Debt Paid
Written by De'Anna on 27th Apr 2026

Short but addictive slightly different so hang on you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Maeve learned at 16 her only that before she was born she was payment for a debt deal between her parents, a man she never met so she decides to live her life in the worst or best way depending on how you see it cut her beautiful hair, plenty of tattoos all over her body in hopes it will make her soon to be husband not want her and not knowing him or realizing it only makes him want her more. Draven sexy as all get out soon to be man collecting a debt one that he loves the personality, the feistiness, something that keeps him on his toes, and he can’t wait until she is his girl to show her what care really is away from parents who didn’t really show her the care she needed. The magnetic pull was there but her family put a hit out on her and that brings out the overprotective side of him to keep her safe but where are they headed, will he be able to protect her from her family, will her family leave her alone finally, and has she found happiness with her man somewhere along the way?

5/5
Dark, Passionate & Completely Captivating
Written by K Ramirez on 27th Apr 2026

I was completely drawn into His Beauty, Her Beast from the very beginning. This story delivers a powerful mix of intensity, emotion, and undeniable chemistry that makes it hard to put down. The contrast between the characters is what truly makes this book shine. The “beast” is intense, dominant, and layered with complexity, while the heroine brings a quiet strength and vulnerability that balances him perfectly. Their connection is raw and emotional, creating a romance that feels both turbulent and deeply compelling. What stood out to me most was the darker tone—it added depth and kept the story feeling unpredictable and gripping. The author did a great job blending passion with emotional tension, making every interaction feel meaningful. If you enjoy darker romances with strong, complex characters and an intense emotional pull, this book is definitely worth reading.

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