Title: Big Bad Beast
Author: Shelly Laurenston
First published April 26, 2011
307 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780758231703 (ISBN10: 0758231709)
Rating: 4.37
Overview
In the world of demons, nothing is as it seems. Jesse James Dawson was once an ordinary guy, but after discovering his brother’s deal with a demon, he became a Champion – one who puts their own soul on the line to help others.
But when experienced Champions start losing their battles, Jesse realizes that the game has changed. With the stakes higher than ever, Jesse must navigate this new playing field and uncover the truth behind the sinister forces at work.
If he fails, his next battle may be his last. In A Devil in the Details by K.A. Stewart, the fine print can be deadly.
About the Author
Shelly Laurenston hails originally from Long Island, New York but has since come to embrace the West Coast lifestyle. This includes indulging in healthy food, soaking up the sun, and witnessing many guys walking around shirtless when they really shouldn’t be.
Aside from her own name, Shelly Laurenston is also known as G.A. Aiken, the author of the popular Dragon Kin series and a New York Times Bestseller. To learn more about the dangerously and arrogantly sexy dragons created by G.A. Aiken, visit her website at www.gaaiken.com.
Editoral Review
Big Bad Beast by Shelly Laurenston is a novel that falls under the Paranormal Romance genre. It was first published on April 26, 2011, and tells the story of a struggling female bodyguard named Dee-Ann Smith who becomes the target of a group of drug dealers.
Along the way, she also finds herself falling for the unlikely character of Ric Van Holtz, a werewolf who is infamous for his aggressive and dangerous behavior. Laurenston’s writing style is fast-paced and witty, with a touch of humor that will leave readers laughing out loud.
Despite being set in a fictional world of werewolves, dragons, and other mythical creatures, the author manages to keep the story grounded in reality. She explores themes such as love and loyalty, the value of family and friends, and the importance of self-acceptance.
The book’s plot is well-crafted, with a good balance between action, romance, and humor. The characters are well-developed, with their unique quirks and personalities that make them stand out.
Dee-Ann and Ric, in particular, make an unlikely and compelling couple, with their contrasting personalities and backgrounds. One of the strengths of the book is its witty dialogue, which is both entertaining and insightful.
Laurenston uses humor to comment on serious issues such as sexism, racism, and homophobia. By exposing the absurdity of these prejudices and stereotypes, she highlights the importance of diversity and acceptance.
Another strength of the book is its world-building. Laurenston creates a rich and complex universe filled with different species and factions, each with their own mythology, history, and culture.
This allows the reader to immerse themselves in a fantastical world, while still finding familiar themes and ideas. However, the book is not without its flaws.
The plot can be predictable at times, with some of the twists and turns feeling forced or contrived. Some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, with their motivations and backstories being glossed over.
Despite its flaws, Big Bad Beast is an entertaining and engaging read that will appeal to fans of the Paranormal Romance genre. It offers a fresh and unique take on the werewolf mythos, with a compelling romance and plenty of action and humor.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun and entertaining read with a strong romantic subplot. It would also appeal to fans of the Urban Fantasy genre.
I give Big Bad Beast a 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on its strong writing, well-developed characters, and engaging plot.
