Review: Erin and Blake's story continues in a haze of lust, desperation, despair and hope.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 18, 2013
"He didn't fool himself about the ever present tinge of desperation, as if he needed to hurry, as if she'd slip through his fingers like sand in the wind. He had realistic expectations. He was ugly as sin. She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. It was only a matter of time before she never came back."Even though I read Touched by the Beast nearly two years ago, I still remember that story well. The memorability of it makes the book a great read, IMHO. Beneath the Beauty takes place roughly two weeks where the first book left off. Erin and Blake are enjoying their sexual and emotional relationship while navigating the waters of real life as it comes a knocking. Erin is in her last semester in college, and Blake is about to come out of his dark cave and rejoin the world. While there are definitely perks of being a professor on the same campus as Erin, there is also the potential danger of their relationship blowing up in their faces.We finally get to know the characters more in depth. Erin's history isn't carefree, but I have definitely changed my opinion of her from the first story, for the better. She's strong and has learned to deal with the mistakes of her past. Blake is a different story. While he's moved on from his past romantic relationship, it's his perception of himself that threatens to tear them apart. Well, that and a conniving female Professor who could ruin them both. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the path they're on. They may be a decade apart in age, but they can each learn something from one another so the character development is still ongoing. Obviously their story isn't over yet as there are two more books in the works. This one ends on a HFN (happy for now) note. If you don't like that, then wait for the series to be completed.Skye Warren's bio at the end of the novella says "Skye Warren writes unapologetic erotica, including power play or erotic pain and sometimes dubious consent. There's struggle in the sex. There's pain in the relationships. Her books are raw, sexual and perversely romantic." I agree completely. This story has all of that (except the dubious consent; just thought I'd mention that). It's not for everyone, but I can't get enough of her stories where the gauge goes from romantic to holy crap in a heartbeat. Get some tissues. You'll need them. I'm ready for book #3. I can handle it. I think.My rating: 4-4.5"Maybe the explosion had truly changed him, honed and sharpened him into something only useful for fighting--not living."Disclaimer: I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.