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Beautiful Beasts #1
Corin and the Courtier
Most people run from beasts, not to them…Aster didn’t put much thought into his escape. All he knew when he ran up that mountain—straight into the lair of a grumpy dragon knight with a huge grudge against his family—was that he couldn’t submit to an arranged marriage. It never occurred to him that a snowstorm would strand him there. Or that he’d give in to years of longing and beg for the monster’s forbidden touch. But it happened. All of it…Corin wasn’t trying to be a hero—especially not Aster’s hero. He couldn’t very well let him die, though. So he protected him. Which might have been considered noble…if he hadn’t also fallen into bed with him. Over and over again. But the cost of keeping Aster is far more than Corin’s willing to pay. Corin will eventually be forced to let him go—even if it destroys him.When Aster’s problems follow him up the mountain—literally—he realizes running is no longer an option. The only question now is whether Corin will fight for him, or burn their potential happily ever after to the ground…This spicy, steamy, M/M paranormal fantasy romance features a pair of star-crossed opposites, a little forced proximity (with only one bed), some silliness involving a lack of pants at unexpected moments, and plenty of dirty talk.This series does not contain mpreg. There’s a brief occurrence of self-destructive ideation in this book, but no action is taken. HEA guaranteed!
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2023
About the author
Eliot Grayson
32 books1,191 followersEliot's a lifelong Southern California girl, right down to the flip-flops and backyard garden. When she's not writing her next book, you can find her reading, drinking tea, or (more likely) catering to the demands of her kids and ancient, cranky cat.
Steamy books with delicious tension, heart-wrenching pining, and a hefty dose of action and adventure have always been her jam as a reader. Guess what she writes?
You can catch up with her on Facebook in her reader group, Eliot Grayson's Escape from Reality, or sign up for her newsletter at eliotgrayson.com.
Steamy books with delicious tension, heart-wrenching pining, and a hefty dose of action and adventure have always been her jam as a reader. Guess what she writes?
You can catch up with her on Facebook in her reader group, Eliot Grayson's Escape from Reality, or sign up for her newsletter at eliotgrayson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
August 24, 2023
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
Another great read from Eliot Grayson. This paranormal fantasy romance has everything and more - drama, great knotty spice, romance, and, most importantly, a broody dragon.
After loving the Mismatched Mates series I shouldn’t be surprised that this one also turned out to be amazing.
It could’ve used maybe a little more action, but it was otherwise an absolutely fun and intriguing story.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 3rd person, dual
Another great read from Eliot Grayson. This paranormal fantasy romance has everything and more - drama, great knotty spice, romance, and, most importantly, a broody dragon.
After loving the Mismatched Mates series I shouldn’t be surprised that this one also turned out to be amazing.
It could’ve used maybe a little more action, but it was otherwise an absolutely fun and intriguing story.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 3rd person, dual
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April 16, 2024Audio: 5 stars, I can't fault Greg B for narrating a book that can't hold my attention
Book: DNF @ 36%
This is the second book I have tried from Eliot Grayson, and for some reason I can't get in to their writing, it must be a me thing haha.
This book had a lot of talk about sex, and then Corin comparing Aster to his sister (who was Corin's ex fiancee). Idk it was weird and I couldn't connect with either character. Corin was a bit of an asshole, which sometimes works for me, but this wasn't one of those times. And Aster was too whiney, and I couldn't connect with him.
Overall, this was a lot of good ideas, but for me poor execution. I hope this doesn't get me into a slump.. but I feel it on the horizon if I don't find another good series/book!
Book: DNF @ 36%
This is the second book I have tried from Eliot Grayson, and for some reason I can't get in to their writing, it must be a me thing haha.
This book had a lot of talk about sex, and then Corin comparing Aster to his sister (who was Corin's ex fiancee). Idk it was weird and I couldn't connect with either character. Corin was a bit of an asshole, which sometimes works for me, but this wasn't one of those times. And Aster was too whiney, and I couldn't connect with him.
Overall, this was a lot of good ideas, but for me poor execution. I hope this doesn't get me into a slump.. but I feel it on the horizon if I don't find another good series/book!
September 19, 2023
3,5 stars
Entertaining, funny, sweet and hot.
Yes, the plot might get a teeny bit lost in all the pining and the copious amounts of sex on offer. Not that it isn’t hot – LOL. Dragons run hotter by default, and the power dynamics between Corin and Aster is very enjoyable.
Aster is maybe a little too ‘whiney’ and ‘helpless’ for my liking, and Corin is somewhat stubborn and illogical -but I enjoyed the heck out of them.
I don’t think the plot really works in the last 10%, but who I am to complain!?
I was thoroughly entertained and totally rooted for this couple.
Entertaining, funny, sweet and hot.
Yes, the plot might get a teeny bit lost in all the pining and the copious amounts of sex on offer. Not that it isn’t hot – LOL. Dragons run hotter by default, and the power dynamics between Corin and Aster is very enjoyable.
Aster is maybe a little too ‘whiney’ and ‘helpless’ for my liking, and Corin is somewhat stubborn and illogical -but I enjoyed the heck out of them.
I don’t think the plot really works in the last 10%, but who I am to complain!?
I was thoroughly entertained and totally rooted for this couple.
August 22, 2023
2.5/5 I seem to be in the minority here, but I had a lot of trouble with this book. Aster tells us that Corin is completely trustworthy and an amazing, honourable man. What I saw as a reader was someone who was incredibly rude, thoughtless, dismissive, and unsympathetic most of the time, as well as still toxically angry with his ex-fiancée, Aster’s sister. Even if Corin privately recognised he’d just done/said something awful, he almost never corrects himself verbally, leaving Aster with the first impression. Aster, meanwhile, is way younger, has been in love with Corin for years, doesn’t have a lot of self-esteem (as the “not pretty/charming” one of the family), and basically will do anything/accept anything to get to spend time with Corin. (Even when he thinks he might be a substitute for his sister.) This does not sound in any way healthy.
The first 55% of the book is the two of them alone in Corin’s remote castle together. It’s apparently only a night and one day. It felt longer. There’s a whole lot of Corin being rude and way more sex than I’m comfortable with given how much of that time Aster is exhausted, drunk, or unconscious. I think I’m supposed to dismiss some of Corin’s behaviour as culturally different because he’s a dragon, but I just couldn’t suspend disbelief. Consent is supposed to be enthusiastic and ongoing and can be revoked at any time. So when Aster has doubts during the act and Corin just says “yes, you can take it”, that disturbed me a lot, especially when it’s something Corin is enjoying and Aster isn’t. If you haven’t discussed it and someone says “no”, then no means no. (But of course Corin knows better and they both ultimately end up enjoying themselves, so it’s supposed to be okay.)
The last 45% of the book, it’s been declared open season on Aster, where any person in good standing with the king who beats Aster (not a good swordsman) in a fight gets to marry him and win a bunch of money. (I really hope the king knew Aster was with Corin when he executed this plan. It’s humiliating and creepy but ever so slightly better if he thinks Aster is somewhat protected.) Aster finally gets guilted into going off with someone to protect his family, and then it takes someone else’s machinations to finally get Corin to go after him.
I mean … I’m glad that Aster doesn’t get stuck with someone he doesn’t want? Corin has apparently learned that Aster is more important to him than his pride, so maybe he’s grown as a dragon. I liked the theory of Corin having extra dragon characteristics and Aster being unafraid of him and attracted where Belinda had been horrified. I just didn’t find enough moments where I really felt like they were clicking or it wasn’t clouded with consent issues on my end.
I have some vague hope that Corin and Aster will actually get to know one another properly in the future and they will build a foundation for the love that they have declared for one another. I really enjoyed the first book, but this one just didn’t work for me.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
The first 55% of the book is the two of them alone in Corin’s remote castle together. It’s apparently only a night and one day. It felt longer. There’s a whole lot of Corin being rude and way more sex than I’m comfortable with given how much of that time Aster is exhausted, drunk, or unconscious. I think I’m supposed to dismiss some of Corin’s behaviour as culturally different because he’s a dragon, but I just couldn’t suspend disbelief. Consent is supposed to be enthusiastic and ongoing and can be revoked at any time. So when Aster has doubts during the act and Corin just says “yes, you can take it”, that disturbed me a lot, especially when it’s something Corin is enjoying and Aster isn’t. If you haven’t discussed it and someone says “no”, then no means no. (But of course Corin knows better and they both ultimately end up enjoying themselves, so it’s supposed to be okay.)
The last 45% of the book, it’s been declared open season on Aster, where any person in good standing with the king who beats Aster (not a good swordsman) in a fight gets to marry him and win a bunch of money. (I really hope the king knew Aster was with Corin when he executed this plan. It’s humiliating and creepy but ever so slightly better if he thinks Aster is somewhat protected.) Aster finally gets guilted into going off with someone to protect his family, and then it takes someone else’s machinations to finally get Corin to go after him.
I mean … I’m glad that Aster doesn’t get stuck with someone he doesn’t want? Corin has apparently learned that Aster is more important to him than his pride, so maybe he’s grown as a dragon. I liked the theory of Corin having extra dragon characteristics and Aster being unafraid of him and attracted where Belinda had been horrified. I just didn’t find enough moments where I really felt like they were clicking or it wasn’t clouded with consent issues on my end.
I have some vague hope that Corin and Aster will actually get to know one another properly in the future and they will build a foundation for the love that they have declared for one another. I really enjoyed the first book, but this one just didn’t work for me.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2023
Based on most reviews I expected something sweet but this dude is just a dick?
July 16, 2024
Tropes: dragon/human, size difference, paranormal, forced proximity, forbidden romance
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: knotting, massive dragon cock
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: bad exes, cheating not between MCs, third act break up
Corin is 37. He is a dragon shifter and a knight who has fallen out of favor. He used to be engaged to Aster's sister Belinda 2 years ago, but she cheated on him spectacularly, f****** another guy in public and getting caught by tons of people. That torpedoed the engagement. He thought it was love. He was really betrayed. He lashed out at the guy who was a nobleman, scarring his face, and he ran to a remote home his family considered a shack to lick his wounds. He hasn't really been taking care of himself for the last 2 years. He's avoided people and he hasn't slept with anyone. He wasn't sleeping with Belinda either by the way, she was holding out to get him to marry her.
Aster is 23. He's Belinda's little brother. He was engaged to a guy, it was an arranged marriage his parents set up. He found out that the other guy has a lover and doesn't intend to be faithful to Aster, and that he's using him and is unkind. He runs. He runs straight to Corin! Aster and Corin are both nights and they interacted a little, Aster has always watched Corin from afar and respected him and crushed on him. He thinks Corin can help him. And he does.
Corin starts to return Aster's feelings. He finds him attractive because he has a type and both siblings are it. But unlike Belinda, Aster is a really good person and adorable and sweet and Aster respects him and thinks the world of him. So Corin develops serious feelings. They give in to the attraction between them and have some really kinky body breaking sex. But Aster is still being forced to marry, and he has to do it or else his family will be ruined financially. So there's the conflict there.
I quite liked the book. The characters were likeable. Corin was grumpy and antisocial and had no shame. People could stuff it and accept him. And Aster was so sweet and genuine and awkward. They were so thirsty for each other. And Corin just had all these thoughts about Aster, he just wanted to nuzzle and own him. There were also a lot of funny moments. It was a good book.
Some notable moments:
"But Aster’s little sighs as he settled into the water, the way his hand hung over the side, his faint smile as he tipped his head back…every sign of comfort and satisfaction, of ease and contentment, soothed something in Corin’s soul he hadn’t even known he possessed. Corin had made Aster happy, and that made Corin happy, and that was…fuck."
"Something warm and utterly unfamiliar bloomed in Corin’s chest, a heavy, almost painful sensation that drove him to—he had no idea what. Hold Aster even closer, crush him in his arms until he cried out, until they were one. Fuck him so deeply his insides would be hollowed out forever into the shape of Corin’s cock. Press the softest possible kiss to the smooth skin of his thigh."
"Aster would be leaving. He wouldn’t stay where Corin had put him. He’d be leaving, and doing so with some man who’d take him and fuck him and marry him and bloody well own him, and Corin wouldn’t have any right to tear that motherfucker’s head off of his shoulders and roast him alive and crack his skull between his massive jaws like a fucking walnut, possibly not in that order."
"“What?” Corin snapped. “I’m not allowed to propose in peace, Sir Gustave?” “Propose?” Sir Gustave’s voice rose to something like a screech. “You, sir, are before the king, and you’re not wearing any pants!""
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: knotting, massive dragon cock
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: bad exes, cheating not between MCs, third act break up
Corin is 37. He is a dragon shifter and a knight who has fallen out of favor. He used to be engaged to Aster's sister Belinda 2 years ago, but she cheated on him spectacularly, f****** another guy in public and getting caught by tons of people. That torpedoed the engagement. He thought it was love. He was really betrayed. He lashed out at the guy who was a nobleman, scarring his face, and he ran to a remote home his family considered a shack to lick his wounds. He hasn't really been taking care of himself for the last 2 years. He's avoided people and he hasn't slept with anyone. He wasn't sleeping with Belinda either by the way, she was holding out to get him to marry her.
Aster is 23. He's Belinda's little brother. He was engaged to a guy, it was an arranged marriage his parents set up. He found out that the other guy has a lover and doesn't intend to be faithful to Aster, and that he's using him and is unkind. He runs. He runs straight to Corin! Aster and Corin are both nights and they interacted a little, Aster has always watched Corin from afar and respected him and crushed on him. He thinks Corin can help him. And he does.
Corin starts to return Aster's feelings. He finds him attractive because he has a type and both siblings are it. But unlike Belinda, Aster is a really good person and adorable and sweet and Aster respects him and thinks the world of him. So Corin develops serious feelings. They give in to the attraction between them and have some really kinky body breaking sex. But Aster is still being forced to marry, and he has to do it or else his family will be ruined financially. So there's the conflict there.
I quite liked the book. The characters were likeable. Corin was grumpy and antisocial and had no shame. People could stuff it and accept him. And Aster was so sweet and genuine and awkward. They were so thirsty for each other. And Corin just had all these thoughts about Aster, he just wanted to nuzzle and own him. There were also a lot of funny moments. It was a good book.
Some notable moments:
"But Aster’s little sighs as he settled into the water, the way his hand hung over the side, his faint smile as he tipped his head back…every sign of comfort and satisfaction, of ease and contentment, soothed something in Corin’s soul he hadn’t even known he possessed. Corin had made Aster happy, and that made Corin happy, and that was…fuck."
"Something warm and utterly unfamiliar bloomed in Corin’s chest, a heavy, almost painful sensation that drove him to—he had no idea what. Hold Aster even closer, crush him in his arms until he cried out, until they were one. Fuck him so deeply his insides would be hollowed out forever into the shape of Corin’s cock. Press the softest possible kiss to the smooth skin of his thigh."
"Aster would be leaving. He wouldn’t stay where Corin had put him. He’d be leaving, and doing so with some man who’d take him and fuck him and marry him and bloody well own him, and Corin wouldn’t have any right to tear that motherfucker’s head off of his shoulders and roast him alive and crack his skull between his massive jaws like a fucking walnut, possibly not in that order."
"“What?” Corin snapped. “I’m not allowed to propose in peace, Sir Gustave?” “Propose?” Sir Gustave’s voice rose to something like a screech. “You, sir, are before the king, and you’re not wearing any pants!""
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2023
Omg, This book was amazing!! I haven’t read a fantastical plot set in a medieval like period in ages and I absolutely loved this one and could not put it down.
It was gripping, funny, angsty, scorching hot and so sweet … essentially everything I love in a romance. And the world building and lore overall was fantastic and interwoven so well into the story.
Expect:
* Dragon shifters (no mpreg)
* Knotting
* Bit of submission, pinch of brattyness and a dash of snark
* knights and honour
* magic and mysticism
* Forced proximity
* possesive MC
* Opposites attract
* Dirty talk
* Bi-sexual MC
* Teensy bit of pining
Corin is the definition of grumpy but full of valour and thrumming with the majesty his status gives him and he is smarting and hiding out after what went down with his fiancé. Aster in his gentle sweet innocence has been hurt and fears for his future so seeks protection and refuge from the last person who would probably want to give that to him after what his sister did to him. Corin definitely doesn’t want to extend any such refuge to Aster but a snowstorm has other plans and over a matter of days things flip on their head for these two. The author gives us these epic moments of tension where you’re just waiting for something to snap juxtaposed against tender moments so sweet all with so much chemistry sizzling between the MCs
I loved watching Corin struggle as he let down his guard as Aster thawed his heart and I love how Aster, who is just wrapped up in insecurities came into his own. Watching them both navigate their very real challenges to first acknowledging and then making their relationship work was fantastic. And that build up to the end as they part only to culminate in an HEA was amazing. I am still swooning from that ending.
Also I am very curious about Sig and Jules.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Swoon: ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Humour: 🤣🤣🤣🤣
It was gripping, funny, angsty, scorching hot and so sweet … essentially everything I love in a romance. And the world building and lore overall was fantastic and interwoven so well into the story.
Expect:
* Dragon shifters (no mpreg)
* Knotting
* Bit of submission, pinch of brattyness and a dash of snark
* knights and honour
* magic and mysticism
* Forced proximity
* possesive MC
* Opposites attract
* Dirty talk
* Bi-sexual MC
* Teensy bit of pining
Corin is the definition of grumpy but full of valour and thrumming with the majesty his status gives him and he is smarting and hiding out after what went down with his fiancé. Aster in his gentle sweet innocence has been hurt and fears for his future so seeks protection and refuge from the last person who would probably want to give that to him after what his sister did to him. Corin definitely doesn’t want to extend any such refuge to Aster but a snowstorm has other plans and over a matter of days things flip on their head for these two. The author gives us these epic moments of tension where you’re just waiting for something to snap juxtaposed against tender moments so sweet all with so much chemistry sizzling between the MCs
I loved watching Corin struggle as he let down his guard as Aster thawed his heart and I love how Aster, who is just wrapped up in insecurities came into his own. Watching them both navigate their very real challenges to first acknowledging and then making their relationship work was fantastic. And that build up to the end as they part only to culminate in an HEA was amazing. I am still swooning from that ending.
Also I am very curious about Sig and Jules.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Swoon: ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Humour: 🤣🤣🤣🤣
August 22, 2023
Another fun dragon romance
It took me a bit longer to get into this book than with the first in the series but I still ended up really enjoying it.
Corin was a hard nut to crack but Aster was a sweetheart from the off and it was cute watching how the dragon had to fight off all his urges for revenge before he realised the young nobleman was a delight in his own right.
There's some possessive sex, some lustful sex, a delicious bit of sex in the heat of anger and passion, and the appearance of the ultimate shifter sex - some knotting.
After the usual dumb behaviour of two people who can't seem to just admit their feelings, a bit of devious court manipulation by the 'villain' of the piece and the timely delivery of a magical message via crow, all ends happily!
It took me a bit longer to get into this book than with the first in the series but I still ended up really enjoying it.
Corin was a hard nut to crack but Aster was a sweetheart from the off and it was cute watching how the dragon had to fight off all his urges for revenge before he realised the young nobleman was a delight in his own right.
There's some possessive sex, some lustful sex, a delicious bit of sex in the heat of anger and passion, and the appearance of the ultimate shifter sex - some knotting.
After the usual dumb behaviour of two people who can't seem to just admit their feelings, a bit of devious court manipulation by the 'villain' of the piece and the timely delivery of a magical message via crow, all ends happily!
August 17, 2023
Deven and the Dragon has been one of my absolute favourite Eliot Grayson books so I was ECSTATIC when I saw there was going to be a second book in the series. Corin and the Courtier can be read as a standalone, but both books are fantastic so definitely read them both. Just in whatever order you prefer.
Corin is a dragon who's been through a broken engagement and is a bit depressed, brooding in his tower when Aster, his ex-fiancée's brother shows up and asks for shelter. With a storm coming, good-guy and gallant hero Corin can't turn him away. As the two get to know each other, Corin begins to see Aster as more than just his ex's brother. When outside circumstances force Aster and Corin to be honest about how they feel for each other, will they fight to be together? Or will Corin decide he prefers his lonely solitude?
Eliot Greyson is a one-click author for me and she has really outdone herself with Corin and the Courtier.
Paranormal, fantasy, here be dragons and their intriguingly oversized anatomy (iykyk), forced proximity, dirty talk, and all the feels.
Rating: 5/5
Angst 3/5
Steam 4.5/5
ARC received from the author; this is my honest review.
Corin is a dragon who's been through a broken engagement and is a bit depressed, brooding in his tower when Aster, his ex-fiancée's brother shows up and asks for shelter. With a storm coming, good-guy and gallant hero Corin can't turn him away. As the two get to know each other, Corin begins to see Aster as more than just his ex's brother. When outside circumstances force Aster and Corin to be honest about how they feel for each other, will they fight to be together? Or will Corin decide he prefers his lonely solitude?
Eliot Greyson is a one-click author for me and she has really outdone herself with Corin and the Courtier.
Paranormal, fantasy, here be dragons and their intriguingly oversized anatomy (iykyk), forced proximity, dirty talk, and all the feels.
Rating: 5/5
Angst 3/5
Steam 4.5/5
ARC received from the author; this is my honest review.
August 18, 2023
This book... this WONDERFUL book has a bit of everything I love. It has humor, action, SMOKING-hot smexy times, swoony romance, size difference, *only one bed*, protectiveness, and just... just SO much to love. SO MUCH. It immediately went to my comfort read shelf.
This is the second in the series but it absolutely stands alone.
This is the second in the series but it absolutely stands alone.
September 14, 2023
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this but Corin was a dick and we didn’t quite get enough time of him not being a dick. Aster was lovely! They did have great chemistry and the sex was hoootttt.
As usual with Eliot Grayson’s books, there is some light dub-con. I’m not sure the author thinks so because there are no TWs but it’s there.
As usual with Eliot Grayson’s books, there is some light dub-con. I’m not sure the author thinks so because there are no TWs but it’s there.
April 18, 2024
Painfully dull.
I'm surprised I finished it
I'm surprised I finished it
April 18, 2024
4.5 rounded up! I enjoyed almost everything about this chaotic ass couple and grumpy ass dragon, in particular. They were terrible communicators, which got a bit frustrating, but it all sorted out nicely in the end.
August 27, 2023
I loved this one all the way through to the last line. All the stars. Everything about it is wonderful and the end is perfect. Their disconnect, the disparate interpretations of each other's actions, the transformations toward the end, all of it. I look forward to rereading this one in a few years!
January 17, 2024
That was... a lot of smut and not much plot or romance. I can understand Aster's hero worship, but I don't see anything more than lust from Corin's side, especially considering they barely held a civil conversation throughout the entire book.
I liked Sig and Jules though. I hope he got his trumpet.
I liked Sig and Jules though. I hope he got his trumpet.
June 6, 2024
Easy read
I enjoyed the tale and liked both characters! There is a lot of sex but it was pretty hot :)
Corin was so stubborn though… lol
I enjoyed the tale and liked both characters! There is a lot of sex but it was pretty hot :)
Corin was so stubborn though… lol
February 14, 2024
I’ll give you the details so you won’t have to slog through this sorry excuse for a novel that Grayson betrayed me with.
✦ Aster runs away from his arranged marriage after he finds out his husband is planning to cheat on him and make him watch, straight into the arms of the half-man, half-dragon, all monster cock general, Corin, who broke off his engagement to Aster’s sister some time ago when Corin found her cheating with another man.
✦ There is a half-hearted (even less than that — quarter-hearted? one-sixteenth-hearted?) attempt from both sides to think rationally for about one or two paragraphs, and then it’s all smut where everyone lives in denial and nobody wants to be an adult for just two fucking seconds so they can make a plan, or think rationally, or fucking hell, even communicate.
✦ In the end these two numbskulls get together, and nobody deserves each other more than they do, because nobody else deserves to be saddled with their inanity.
Now on to what I really think.
Other books of Grayson’s that I’ve read were at least three-star and I could find something to like about them—the characters, the relationship, the humor. Or at least entertaining enough for 2-3 stars. This book not only betrayed me, it tortured me as I grimly and stoically slogged through it. I am four times the man either one of these moldy hot pockets are.
This book has next to no plot, so Grayson relied heavily on the characters to carry this book—and failed in that, because Corin and Aster are superb idiots. Not even lovable idiots, the kind who are amusingly stupid because they’re gone for each other. Instead they spend a majority of the book having sex and not confronting the reality of their situation and making plans for it.
Aster wants to be railed by a monster dick so something will at least fill the empty space where his brain is supposed to be. I can not stand this constantly dewy-eyed motherfucker. He supposedly took training as a knight, or is a knight, but he immediately turns into the most uwu fucker in the world. He’s worse than a teenager with acne who’s trying to be popular. When Corin points out things that he’s simply run away from, he’s immediately like “uwu!!! I’m so stupid!!!! How can anyone ever love me!!! I’m pathetic!!! Woe!!!”
Just page after page of, “I’m not beautiful, I’m not hot, nobody wants me” — I get it. Yeah, I fucking hate your guts too. But once his self-esteem issues were established, I was hoping for at least SOME alleviation. Or maybe don’t spell them out constantly because I ALREADY KNOW. That’s just extra clutter on the page when I’m already trying to finish this idiot book.
Corin isn’t much better either. Just like Aster, he also wallows in self-pity. “I’m so pathetic. I am but a BEAST, not a MAN, I don’t deserve a hot piece of ass, etc etc” stop your impotent internal whining and dragon up — talk, damn you. TALK!
It’s fine in the beginning when we are establishing backgrounds, whatever issues, but holy shit 70% into the book and I’m still having to deal with these two mofos’ bs. I hoped at by that time at least ONE of these idiotic MCs whose brains are so small they pissed them out would be able to summon the wherewithal to express their feelings.
But NO. They actually needed a side character, “Jules”, to get them to get over themselves. At that point I just wanted to kick them all in the balls, just really get in there and stomp their nutsacks just to express my frustration.
They’re both equally annoying and equally inept at communication, prioritization, planning, etc. Aster I could maybe understand because he seems like a dumb fuck (literally) whose privileged lifestyle allowed him to not participate in planning his life, but Corin supposedly was some kind of general or whatever. Really? How the fuck did this impulsive motherfucker get any kind of promotion?
✦ Aster runs away from his arranged marriage after he finds out his husband is planning to cheat on him and make him watch, straight into the arms of the half-man, half-dragon, all monster cock general, Corin, who broke off his engagement to Aster’s sister some time ago when Corin found her cheating with another man.
✦ There is a half-hearted (even less than that — quarter-hearted? one-sixteenth-hearted?) attempt from both sides to think rationally for about one or two paragraphs, and then it’s all smut where everyone lives in denial and nobody wants to be an adult for just two fucking seconds so they can make a plan, or think rationally, or fucking hell, even communicate.
✦ In the end these two numbskulls get together, and nobody deserves each other more than they do, because nobody else deserves to be saddled with their inanity.
Now on to what I really think.
Other books of Grayson’s that I’ve read were at least three-star and I could find something to like about them—the characters, the relationship, the humor. Or at least entertaining enough for 2-3 stars. This book not only betrayed me, it tortured me as I grimly and stoically slogged through it. I am four times the man either one of these moldy hot pockets are.
This book has next to no plot, so Grayson relied heavily on the characters to carry this book—and failed in that, because Corin and Aster are superb idiots. Not even lovable idiots, the kind who are amusingly stupid because they’re gone for each other. Instead they spend a majority of the book having sex and not confronting the reality of their situation and making plans for it.
Aster wants to be railed by a monster dick so something will at least fill the empty space where his brain is supposed to be. I can not stand this constantly dewy-eyed motherfucker. He supposedly took training as a knight, or is a knight, but he immediately turns into the most uwu fucker in the world. He’s worse than a teenager with acne who’s trying to be popular. When Corin points out things that he’s simply run away from, he’s immediately like “uwu!!! I’m so stupid!!!! How can anyone ever love me!!! I’m pathetic!!! Woe!!!”
Just page after page of, “I’m not beautiful, I’m not hot, nobody wants me” — I get it. Yeah, I fucking hate your guts too. But once his self-esteem issues were established, I was hoping for at least SOME alleviation. Or maybe don’t spell them out constantly because I ALREADY KNOW. That’s just extra clutter on the page when I’m already trying to finish this idiot book.
Corin isn’t much better either. Just like Aster, he also wallows in self-pity. “I’m so pathetic. I am but a BEAST, not a MAN, I don’t deserve a hot piece of ass, etc etc” stop your impotent internal whining and dragon up — talk, damn you. TALK!
It’s fine in the beginning when we are establishing backgrounds, whatever issues, but holy shit 70% into the book and I’m still having to deal with these two mofos’ bs. I hoped at by that time at least ONE of these idiotic MCs whose brains are so small they pissed them out would be able to summon the wherewithal to express their feelings.
But NO. They actually needed a side character, “Jules”, to get them to get over themselves. At that point I just wanted to kick them all in the balls, just really get in there and stomp their nutsacks just to express my frustration.
They’re both equally annoying and equally inept at communication, prioritization, planning, etc. Aster I could maybe understand because he seems like a dumb fuck (literally) whose privileged lifestyle allowed him to not participate in planning his life, but Corin supposedly was some kind of general or whatever. Really? How the fuck did this impulsive motherfucker get any kind of promotion?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2023
I enjoyed this one a lot! We could have had more hoarding, more fated matedness and less drama towards the end for me but I loved that we focused mainly exclusively on the couple and that I.e.
Some quotes only from one scene otherwise there would be too many
tags
- "I'm not good enough"
- why am I feeling possessive and giving him stuff out of my hoard?
- carrying
- only one bed (wouldn't want to make the chipmunks living in the chimney homeless now it's winter)
- 15 year age gap
- size difference
- redhead MC
NSFW infos:
- strict top/bottom dynamic
- quite a bit of coming untouched
- massive ridged slightly green and scaled dragon penis which when rubbed against a hole magically produces lubrication so it can be taken
- size gap and using one MC as a life size fleshlight
- fainting from being knotted and conscious MC keeps rocking while other one is unconscious
- walking around while knotted to get more comfortable
- no mpreg yet a lot of pleasure in knotting and pumping the MC full of cum
Some quotes only from one scene otherwise there would be too many
Fuck, he had to stop. Or he could stuff his knot even deeper, fuck Aster with it harder and harder until he woke fully erect and moaning helplessly, startled and disoriented and about to spend all over them both. (p. 129)
"You're full of my come. Dripping with it. I want to wait until my knot slips out and then fuck it right back into you." (p. 137)
Nothing in Aster's past had prepared him for being fucked up the ass with a dragon's knotted cock.
But even that paled in comparison to being winked at mischievously by Sir Corin, dragon knight, disheveled and flushed and unshaven, offering to personally fill and then heat Aster's bath with his flames after fucking him up the ass with his magnificent knotted cock. (p. 139)
"But Aster's little sighs as he settled into the water, the way his hand hung over the side, his faint smile as he tipped his head back...every sign of comfort and satisfaction, of ease and contentment, soothed something in Corin's soul he hadn't even known he possessed. Corin had made Aster happy, and that made Corin happy, and that was...fuck." (p. 142)
tags
- "I'm not good enough"
- why am I feeling possessive and giving him stuff out of my hoard?
- carrying
- only one bed (wouldn't want to make the chipmunks living in the chimney homeless now it's winter)
- 15 year age gap
- size difference
- redhead MC
NSFW infos:
- strict top/bottom dynamic
- quite a bit of coming untouched
- massive ridged slightly green and scaled dragon penis which when rubbed against a hole magically produces lubrication so it can be taken
- size gap and using one MC as a life size fleshlight
- fainting from being knotted and conscious MC keeps rocking while other one is unconscious
- walking around while knotted to get more comfortable
- no mpreg yet a lot of pleasure in knotting and pumping the MC full of cum
August 20, 2023
Corin lives in self imposed exile after being publicly humiliated by his betrothed. Aster shows up seeking refuge for a similar reason. Only problem is, he was his ex-brother-in-law, so Corin initially has strong feelings about granting Aster’s request.
Since Aster didn’t break off his engagement the right way, and his betrothed is a snake, the King releases a proclamation declaring it open season against Aster (for lack of a better term). Honestly, these are the parts I found most hilarious and the relationship between them seemed to bloom during this time as well.
Corin and Aster did eventually talk it out and express what they are feeling for each other (this interaction was honestly hilarious as well) although I wish Corin would have come to his realization on his own without outside interference.
I appreciated that there was little angst to this story and medium-high heat. I didn’t read the first one but didn’t feel like I really missed anything. I will be putting it on my list to read, however!
I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.
Since Aster didn’t break off his engagement the right way, and his betrothed is a snake, the King releases a proclamation declaring it open season against Aster (for lack of a better term). Honestly, these are the parts I found most hilarious and the relationship between them seemed to bloom during this time as well.
Corin and Aster did eventually talk it out and express what they are feeling for each other (this interaction was honestly hilarious as well) although I wish Corin would have come to his realization on his own without outside interference.
I appreciated that there was little angst to this story and medium-high heat. I didn’t read the first one but didn’t feel like I really missed anything. I will be putting it on my list to read, however!
I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2023
3.5
I loved this take on a Dragon love story. I love the journey these to had to love each other. I loved the how they were both big strong knights but they could still be soft. Love how they had to get over themselves in order to really love each other. And how their love and relationship was hearts and flowers. Yet they still were sweet. The writing was good. The smexy was hawt. And yes it had what needed when comes to dragon or and shifter smexy times. There weren’t any great side characters. And I do wish there were diverse characters.
I loved this take on a Dragon love story. I love the journey these to had to love each other. I loved the how they were both big strong knights but they could still be soft. Love how they had to get over themselves in order to really love each other. And how their love and relationship was hearts and flowers. Yet they still were sweet. The writing was good. The smexy was hawt. And yes it had what needed when comes to dragon or and shifter smexy times. There weren’t any great side characters. And I do wish there were diverse characters.
August 30, 2023
2.5/5 Oooof. A rare miss for me- I usually love Eliot Grayson’s writing! Too much sex, not enough connection. Didn’t really understand why Aster loved Corin when he treated him like garbage most of the time. This contained the one trope I CANNOT stand… where one of the MCs isn’t physically attractive and the other MC spends a ton of time mentioning it/ talking about it but then gets to know them and then spends a bunch of time talking about how GORGEOUS and BEAUTIFUL they are- yuck. It’s overkill. Reminded me very much of feral by Alessandra hazard which is one of her only books I can’t stand and won’t reread. I’m disappointed with the misogyny in this book as well- Corin repeatedly calls asters sister a stupid slut, a whore, a bitch, etc. seems like if he is still that angry with her he still loves her. I love women and I can’t stand when MM authors assume we hate them so they make any female character an unbearable bitch. Eliot Grayson doesn’t usually do this so I felt let down. Would not recommend.
Read
September 3, 2023Dnf'd at 41%.
I guess I’m in the minority here. I really couldn’t connect with the characters.
Very little has happened apart from a lot of sex when Astor, a character with very low self esteem, is either drunk, exhausted or hungover. Corin doesn't seem the honorable knight we are told he is, and he has an unhealthy obsession with hating his ex-fiance.
Now I’m in a quandary whether to continue with this series. But I enjoyed book 1.
#dragon shifters
#fantasy
#knights
I guess I’m in the minority here. I really couldn’t connect with the characters.
Very little has happened apart from a lot of sex when Astor, a character with very low self esteem, is either drunk, exhausted or hungover. Corin doesn't seem the honorable knight we are told he is, and he has an unhealthy obsession with hating his ex-fiance.
Now I’m in a quandary whether to continue with this series. But I enjoyed book 1.
#dragon shifters
#fantasy
#knights
August 22, 2023
Within the first chapter I was like “oh, so this is going to hurt. I see.” And then it just got better… I loved the angst, the heat and the humor in this, just like all of my favorite Eliot Grayson books. It always gets me when one of the MC’s sees themselves as ugly… and the slow change from the other MC as well. Just *chefs kiss* perfect heartache level.
August 17, 2023
Good Forced Proximity Story
I always love a good forced proximity story and this is a good one with the one bed scenario and everything. I enjoyed reading it.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I always love a good forced proximity story and this is a good one with the one bed scenario and everything. I enjoyed reading it.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
April 15, 2024
honestly…while reading it i was having fun ( although i cringed more than a few times ) but after finishing it and thinking for a minute…corin was a walking red flag and ive been known to love me a good dark romance / morally grey character but this dude was so unlikable
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 21, 2024DNF at 18%
Gray cells killer :(
The hero is a damsel in distress, literally swooning and with tear-filled eyes within hours of meeting the other MC. I can't find it in myself to go on reading this
Gray cells killer :(
The hero is a damsel in distress, literally swooning and with tear-filled eyes within hours of meeting the other MC. I can't find it in myself to go on reading this
June 1, 2024
This is pretty much just straight porn. Well written porn I'll give it that, but there's no plot, no motives or conflict, and very shallow characters. Nothing to really make it stand out.
March 20, 2024
Nice fantasy writing and interesting characters, world, and general overall tone.
There is a solid sense of time and place that is different from our world, I mean, dragons, knights, swords, an annoying announcing trumpet.
All of the good things I look for in an Eliot Grayson book were here, including knotting, great prose, humour, some gravitas and some self-deprecation, and Grayson's books are always well edited.
There is a solid sense of time and place that is different from our world, I mean, dragons, knights, swords, an annoying announcing trumpet.
All of the good things I look for in an Eliot Grayson book were here, including knotting, great prose, humour, some gravitas and some self-deprecation, and Grayson's books are always well edited.
August 25, 2023
liked half the couple, couldn’t finish
Rating: 2🌈
A DNF at 44%
I read the books out of order which was a very good idea because otherwise I’d never have read the far superior Deven and the Dragon. This isn’t that lovely adult fairy tale.
Instead of finding someone as sympathetic and honest as Fioric, his cousin apparently, the reader finds this dragon knight bully, Corin. He’s so unpleasant to read, that even at 30%, the reader is wondering when he’s going to stop wallowing in his pitiful self imposed martyrdom and get over himself.
Why has he hidden himself away? Because his sworn bride cheated on him. In public. Granted that’s humiliating. But does he go on about how he loves or loved her? No. It’s all about her beauty and his ruined status. So immediately, the reader isn’t exactly falling down on his side. It gets immeasurably worse when the bride’s wonderful, wounded younger brother arrives and, you guessed it, gets bullied,, and in scenes close to sexual assault, mistreated incredibly badly.
I’m caught wondering where the fairy tale charm and lovely characterizations that were the hallmarks of the first book went. Not here.
The one nice aspect of the story (and any rating) is Aster, the younger brother of the bride who has cheated on Corin publicly before their wedding. He’s run away from a horrible arranged marriage, hoping that the one being he’s crushed on for years will take him in and understand his situation.
That’s a lovely element. Too bad it’s paired up with a thug in dragon form. One who swings between meanly berating someone so desperately in need of saving so much so that even as a reader I’m absolutely appalled, then wanting to have revenge sex with him (consensual or not) then thinking maybe Aster’s not so bad, when the poor guy is weeping in despair.
All in the storyline space of 24 hours. They then actually have drunken sex with no attempt at a relationship.
I checked how far I’d continued into the book. 44 percent.
I tried. Honestly. But there’s nothing to like about Corin for me. And I find these days that I’m not going to continue on reading storylines that have little to engage me or characters that I can’t connect with. Like this one.
I’m so happy I skipped to the second book because if I’d started here I’d have never picked it up. There’s a lesson there somewhere.
What is fabulous? That cover. Both covers. Rich and eye catching.
No recommendations.
Beautiful Beasts:
- [x] Corin and the Courtier #1
- [x] Deven and the Dragon #2
Rating: 2🌈
A DNF at 44%
I read the books out of order which was a very good idea because otherwise I’d never have read the far superior Deven and the Dragon. This isn’t that lovely adult fairy tale.
Instead of finding someone as sympathetic and honest as Fioric, his cousin apparently, the reader finds this dragon knight bully, Corin. He’s so unpleasant to read, that even at 30%, the reader is wondering when he’s going to stop wallowing in his pitiful self imposed martyrdom and get over himself.
Why has he hidden himself away? Because his sworn bride cheated on him. In public. Granted that’s humiliating. But does he go on about how he loves or loved her? No. It’s all about her beauty and his ruined status. So immediately, the reader isn’t exactly falling down on his side. It gets immeasurably worse when the bride’s wonderful, wounded younger brother arrives and, you guessed it, gets bullied,, and in scenes close to sexual assault, mistreated incredibly badly.
I’m caught wondering where the fairy tale charm and lovely characterizations that were the hallmarks of the first book went. Not here.
The one nice aspect of the story (and any rating) is Aster, the younger brother of the bride who has cheated on Corin publicly before their wedding. He’s run away from a horrible arranged marriage, hoping that the one being he’s crushed on for years will take him in and understand his situation.
That’s a lovely element. Too bad it’s paired up with a thug in dragon form. One who swings between meanly berating someone so desperately in need of saving so much so that even as a reader I’m absolutely appalled, then wanting to have revenge sex with him (consensual or not) then thinking maybe Aster’s not so bad, when the poor guy is weeping in despair.
All in the storyline space of 24 hours. They then actually have drunken sex with no attempt at a relationship.
I checked how far I’d continued into the book. 44 percent.
I tried. Honestly. But there’s nothing to like about Corin for me. And I find these days that I’m not going to continue on reading storylines that have little to engage me or characters that I can’t connect with. Like this one.
I’m so happy I skipped to the second book because if I’d started here I’d have never picked it up. There’s a lesson there somewhere.
What is fabulous? That cover. Both covers. Rich and eye catching.
No recommendations.
Beautiful Beasts:
- [x] Corin and the Courtier #1
- [x] Deven and the Dragon #2
May 21, 2024
i‘m literally so annoyed that i didn’t dnf. the dragon character had two modes: animalistic fucking with his very very big dragon cock and hurr durr self pitying „i am a beast i am a MONSTER“
the moronic simpering love interest was no better. all he did was begging to be fucked, being unable to communicate properly, then assuming wrongdoing followed by running away. he was so unlikable it was BAD. i couldnt keep wtf-ing because he kept getting dumber and dumber, creating problems by literally not thinking and them running away from the consequences, causing more problems for everyone around him.
and of course we got the clichee „split“ caused by the moron being moronic and who solved it and brought them back together? some guy that was in the book for like 3 minutes.
and then the moron had the gall to play victim because the „dragon let him go“ like bro wtf? u take off on a whim bc u decided to marry the dragons only friend after meeting him for a mili second for „convenience“??? and u make it clear u will follow tru with it and that u want dragon to u go?? and then AFTER he married dragon and had a borderline personality split fuck went all „u dont want me, u only married me because u thought id kill myself poor me uwu“ like jesus fuck seek a therapist
also the sexual topics were not my kinda tea. the knotting was ridiculous and so was the dubious content when he kept fucking him after he passed out
the moronic simpering love interest was no better. all he did was begging to be fucked, being unable to communicate properly, then assuming wrongdoing followed by running away. he was so unlikable it was BAD. i couldnt keep wtf-ing because he kept getting dumber and dumber, creating problems by literally not thinking and them running away from the consequences, causing more problems for everyone around him.
and of course we got the clichee „split“ caused by the moron being moronic and who solved it and brought them back together? some guy that was in the book for like 3 minutes.
and then the moron had the gall to play victim because the „dragon let him go“ like bro wtf? u take off on a whim bc u decided to marry the dragons only friend after meeting him for a mili second for „convenience“??? and u make it clear u will follow tru with it and that u want dragon to u go?? and then AFTER he married dragon and had a borderline personality split fuck went all „u dont want me, u only married me because u thought id kill myself poor me uwu“ like jesus fuck seek a therapist
also the sexual topics were not my kinda tea. the knotting was ridiculous and so was the dubious content when he kept fucking him after he passed out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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